Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-04-07

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: Establishing a common federal state in Cyprus is possible in spite of the differences in religion, language and race

[02] The Turkish Foreign Ministry threatens foreign companies which will carry out hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities in Cyprus' EEZ

[03] Turkes alleges that if President Anastasiades had a "nicotine crisis" on 16 February he should undergo a therapy

[04] More statements by Serdar Denktas on the "citizenship" issue

[05] More reactions on the "citizenship issue"

[06] The occupation regime "granted" the "TRNC's citizenship" to seven more persons

[07] In total 3,854 voters in the occupation regime cast their vote in the first day of voting for the Turkish referendum

[08] Latest polls regarding the Turkish referendum

[09] Erdogan: "Europe is a rotten continent, center of Nazism"

[10] Ankara launches new national energy policy

[11] Ex-lawmakers, including former leaders, to launch 'No' campaign

[12] Police crack-down on lawyers' sit-in for arrested daily Cumhuriyet colleagues at Istanbul courthouse

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: Establishing a common federal state in Cyprus is possible in spite of the differences in religion, language and race

Addressing a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul under the title "Mankind at a crossroad", Akinci expressed the view that Cyprus has also reached a "crossroad" and that the "ongoing for 50 years Cyprus talks" could reach a result this time if both sides show the same will and effort. "In case the direction of the solution is not chosen, we must foresee from now that we will enter into a new road", he alleged.

Noting that the solution in Cyprus is a formula by which everybody will benefit, Akinci argued that the Turkish Cypriot side is working with faith for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on political equality.

(I/Ts.)

[02] The Turkish Foreign Ministry threatens foreign companies which will carry out hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities in Cyprus' EEZ

"The Greek Cypriot Administration, in total disregard of the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, has signed exploration and exploitation contracts with some international hydrocarbon companies and consortiums on the 5th and 6th of April. We find it as worrying as it is unacceptable that the Greek Cypriot side persists in acting as though it were the sole owner of the Island and continues with its unilateral activities, particularly in a period when they should be displaying strong political will towards establishing a new partnership with the Turkish Cypriot people.

We fully agree with the points made concerning this issue in yesterday's statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and we share the justified concerns and outrage felt by the Turkish Cypriot side.

It will be recalled that in the past, we have also repeatedly drawn attention to the problematic nature of activities carried out by hydrocarbon companies in maritime areas over which the Turkish Cypriots have rights. Furthermore, a significant segment of one of the relevant areas, namely block number 6, falls within Turkey's continental shelf. Foreign companies shall never, under any conditions, be permitted to carry out unauthorized hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities in our maritime jurisdiction areas.

Companies cooperating with the Greek Cypriot Administration on its unilateral hydrocarbon activities are disregarding the will of the Turkish Cypriots, the Island's other founding people. This stance will also be taken into consideration when evaluating their future involvement in joint energy projects with Turkey. On the other hand, it should be kept in mind that following a settlement, the sides constituting the new state will jointly assess the validity of agreements signed with the Greek Cypriot Administration in the field of energy.

Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side desire a negotiated settlement on the Island of Cyprus. The only way to utilize the Island's natural resources prior to a comprehensive settlement, on the other hand, would be through arrangements for the joint exploitation of the resources with the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side and the fair sharing of potential revenues.

We reiterate our call on the Greek Cypriot side to take into consideration the inalienable rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, their future political partners, on the Island's natural resources, and to cease any unilateral activities that could lead to a failure of the efforts aiming towards a comprehensive solution.

We strongly emphasize that Turkey will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its rights and interests in its continental shelf as well as the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

[03] Turkes alleges that if President Anastasiades had a "nicotine crisis" on 16 February he should undergo a therapy

Turkes argued that both sides should pay attention to each other's sensitivities and proposals and claimed: "That is, if he slammed the door and went out, was this door slammed by the air, was it slammed by his hand, did this happen due to a 'nicotine crisis' as he said? He should explain this. If it is a nicotine crisis, he should undergo a therapy. If it was slammed by the air, we should know this".

Arguing that President Anastasiades slammed the door in the face of Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami, Turkes alleged: "This, in their person, was slammed in the face of the Turkish Cypriot people".

Asked whether an agreement acceptable by both sides could come up from the negotiations which will resume on 11 April, Turkes said that reference is made to an independent bi-zonal, bi-communal state in Cyprus formed by two equal federal states and argued that the island's unification with Greece is not something which is discussed with the Greek Cypriot side. According to Turkes, if the Cyprus problem will be solved this year, more serious and more realistic behaviors are necessary.

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (07.04.17) refers to the issue under the title "Hard reaction by Turkes against Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades".

(I/Ts.)

[04] More statements by Serdar Denktas on the "citizenship" issue

Speaking in a televised program broadcast by Genc TV yesterday, Denktas described the "citizenship issue" as a sensitive one, and asked for this issue not to be utilized.

Referring to the "citizenships" which were illegally granted by the so-called government, Denktas said: "What does it mean that the citizenships provided are affecting the will-power? I do not agree with this position and I also strongly react to this. We have nothing to be ashamed for. If there is a price to be paid, I am ready to pay for it. [?]. I will not abstain from my statements and I am not ashamed. And also, I am surprised from the reactions. The continuous otherization of these people separates us. This is a shame of humanity. [?]. From the citizenship granted by the council of ministers, children who were born and grew up in this country, who are above 18 years old, were benefited", Serdar alleged.

(AK)

[05] More reactions on the "citizenship issue"

In statements on this issue, the chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit, stressed the need for the "government" to announce to whom and under which conditions and reasons has "granted" "citizenships".

Pointing out that the "policy" of the so-called government during the recent years to "arbitrarily grant citizenships" has been intensified, Ozyigit described this situation as "unfair and negative" and stressed the need for the "amendment of the law which provides to the politicians the authorities to grant citizenships".

Also, on the same issue, the deputy chairman of the "administration board" of the Communal Liberation Party (TKP), Mehmet Davulcu, called the "government" to listen to the demands and proposals of the "non-governmental organizations", accusing the "government" of following practices which are against the "people's interest".

Moreover, the chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan, stated that by "granting citizenships", the so-called UBP-DP government aims to eradicate the Turkish Cypriot community. Izcan described also the statements made by Serdar Denktas on the "citizenship issue" as unacceptable and added that the UBP-DP coalition "government" acts under the instructions of the Justice and Development party (AKP) government in Turkey which attacks the Turkish Cypriot community's identity and existence.

Izcan stressed also the need for the "amendment of the citizenship law" and said that even though the "citizenship chapter" has closed in the negotiation process, "if new thousands of citizenships come to the table, a new crisis will be created", said Izcan.

(AK)

[06] The occupation regime "granted" the "TRNC's citizenship" to seven more persons

According to the paper, the so-called council of ministers in its last meeting has decided to "grant" the "TRNC's citizenship" to seven more persons, which are the following:

Mehmet Bayraktar, born in Turkey in 1977

Nurettin Sizmaz, born in Sirvan, Turkey in 1984

Adem Turpcu, born in Turkey in 1980

Yusuf Irman, born in Hatay in 1983

Musa Besli, born in Antakya, Turkey in 1970,

Berk Yilmaz, born in occupied Lefkosia in 1994

Mehmet Aydin, born in Turkey in 1967.

(AK)

[07] In total 3,854 voters in the occupation regime cast their vote in the first day of voting for the Turkish referendum

Meanwhile, according to data given by Turkey's Supreme Election Board (YSK), the total number of voters abroad who cast their vote until today in 12 different countries has reached to 751, 459.

(AK)

[08] Latest polls regarding the Turkish referendum

The opinion poll was conducted by Gezici between 1-2 of April, in 24 provinces of Turkey.

Gezici's new opinion poll will be conducted between 8-9 of April and the results will be known on April 13.

In addition, Turkish news portal T24 (05.04.17) reported that Hakan Bayrakci, the chairman of SONAR polling company, said the ''no'' vote was ahead in the polls they carried out ahead of the referendum to be held on 16 April and added, ''ballot results may be recounted several times.''

Participating in the ''Core of Matter'' program on Turkish TGRT television channel, Hakan Bayrakci and Murat Sari, the owners of Konsensus Research Company, announced the results of their latest opinion polls. Sari said their latest poll showed the ''no'' vote to be 51% while the percentage of the ''yes'' vote was 49%.

Bayrakci stressed that ''the number of undecided voters was high and that a certain section of the population was reluctant to voice its choice.

[09] Erdogan: "Europe is a rotten continent, center of Nazism"

"Europe has reached such a point. It's finished; wasted away. But it will pay for it dearly, very dearly. All [the values] they have been defending for centuries have collapsed. I am clear on this. In the eyes of billions of people, Europe today is no longer the center of democracy, human rights and freedoms but it is one of oppression, violence and Nazism," Erdogan said at a rally in the western province of Bal?kesir on April 6.

He further claimed that Europe is a rotten continent: "Racist parties are twisting European leaders and governments around their fingers. Europe has nothing to tell us or the world."

Erdogan criticized European countries for allowing rallies organized by supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) while prohibiting Turkish Ministers from entering those countries.

Erdogan also slammed Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal K?l?cdaroglu over the latter's accusation that the failed July 15, 2016, putsch attempt was allowed to occur by the government, saying K?l?cdaroglu only followed what alleged coup leader Fethullah Gulen said.

In addition, the paper reports that Erdogan said he welcomed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump considering military action in Syria, as he voiced the country's readiness to support if required.

"I thank Trump (for his remarks) but it should not remain unfulfilled. If an action will really be put forward, we are ready to do our part," Erdogan told in an interview with private broadcaster Kanal 7.

The Turkish President also said it was sad that Russian President Vladimir Putin doubted the Syrian regime's responsibility in the April 4 attack in Syria's Idlib province which killed scores of people.

[10] Ankara launches new national energy policy

He vowed that Turkey would focus its energy diversification efforts on local resources as part of a detailed plan that includes ambitious targets to decrease the country's dependence on foreign resources in energy and boost Turkey's capabilities in energy production and electricity infrastructure.

Turkey will conduct seismic studies for oil and gas drilling activities, he said, noting that exploration would occur in two areas in the Black Sea and two in the Mediterranean.

"We will open two wells for each in these seas with a drilling ship on an annual basis. We plan to buy this ship over the year. This will be a first for Turkey," he said.

Albayrak also said Turkey would produce a complete geophysical map of its territory to acquire a full picture of its natural resources.

"We aim to complete the map by 2018," he said.

"We will invest heavily in local coal reserves as the latest findings regarding Turkey's coal reserves have showed that Turkey's reserves are better than had previously been suggested," he said, adding that the latest green technologies would be used in the field of electricity production from coal reserves.

Improving Turkey's indigenous energy production and R&D capacity is crucial for the new plan, said Albayrak, noting that the strategy would blaze a trail in nuclear and renewable energy.

"One of my personal ambitions was to create a national solar energy tender, and we did this. Our next step is to set up a national wind tender," he said, adding that discussions have been held with significant global wind energy companies to obtain their input in order to revise strategies before holding the wind tender before the end of summer.

The Turkish-Korean Kalyon-Hanwha consortium won a tender bid on March 20 for the construction of Turkey's biggest solar power plant, which will be built in the central Anatolian province of Konya's Karap?nar district for $1.3 billion.

Turkey plans to supply most of its energy needs from domestic resources and held its first auction for renewable energy resources for 1,000 megawatts of installed capacity along with a production factory for photovoltaic equipment.

The tender requested that locally produced equipment be used and stipulated that local engineers should constitute 80% of the personnel on the project.

Turkey has already begun its strategy to boost the country's domestic energy resources, including coal and renewables, and capacities from these are set to further grow in the share of the country's total energy mix.

According to the ministry's 2015-2019 Strategic Plan, the country is aiming for 32,000 megawatts of production capacity in hydro power, 10,000 megawatts in wind, 3,000 megawatts in solar, 1,000 megawatts in geothermal and 700 megawatts in biomass.

The government also plans to make investments of around 30 billion Turkish Liras to improve electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure in the next five years. More than half of the figure is expected to come from the private sector.

Albayrak also said the country's oil storage capacity would be increased to 5 million tons in the near future.

The country's aim is to increase its gas storage capacity to 20% of the country's entire consumption.

[11] Ex-lawmakers, including former leaders, to launch 'No' campaign

Led by four former Parliament Speakers - Husamettin Cindoruk, Kaya Erdem, Hikmet Cetin and Omer Izgi - and consisting of former MPs, Senators, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and party leaders, the group will launch its campaign in the coming days through a press conference.

Cindoruk, as the oldest member of the group, will act as the spokesperson of the initiative, former MP Gonul Saray told daily Hurriyet on April 6.

"[Former Parliament Speakers] are leading the initiative to protect Parliament because they are formerly Speakers of Parliament," Cindoruk said.

The initiative, under the title "550 Deputies," posted its first messages on social media, where a number of them published campaign messages with one-minute videos.

"Not standing aside while Parliament - which is the greatest power of the democratic Parliamentary system ? is made dysfunctional is a requirement of the oath we have taken. If 'Yes' vote wins, our country will be dragged into a fight for survival. For the first time in the history of the Republic, we are presenting this initiative of many different lawmakers to the discretion to our public. There is benevolence in 'No,'" the first statement read.

The politicians who have been at the post of ministry have posted the first messages from a special "550 Deputies" Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/550millet

[12] Police crackdown on lawyers' sit-in for arrested daily Cumhuriyet colleagues at Istanbul courthouse

A group of lawyers carrying banners reading "Freedom to Defense" gathered at the atrium of the courthouse at 11 a.m. to stage a sit-in for lawyers Ak?n Atalay, Bulent Utku and Mustafa Kemal Gungor, who are under arrest as a part of the investigation into critical daily newspaper Cumhuriyet. Their sit-in was also supported by Kurdish-issue focused Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputies Celal Dogan, Filiz Kerestecioglu and Garo Paylan.

Security officers at the courthouse initially called on the lawyers to continue their protest, which was planned to continue until 1 p.m., outside the court. After the lawyers refused to relocate their sit-in, riot police intervened and a brawl erupted between security forces and lawyers.

A number of lawyers and police officers were reportedly injured during the intervention.

The lawyers were forced to leave the courthouse following the intervention but they managed to reenter the building several times to continue their protest, prompting another intervention.

Eight lawyers were detained in the police intervention, Dogan News Agency has reported.

The indictment into daily Cumhuriyet columnists and executives was completed on April 4, with charges including "membership of an armed terrorist organization" and "helping an armed terrorist organization while not being a member."

Prosecutors are seeking between 9.5 and 29 years in jail for Utku and Gungor, who are also both board members of the Cumhuriyet Association, along with caricaturist Musa Kart, Hakan Karasinir and Hikmet Aslan Cetinkaya on charges of "helping an armed terrorist organization while not being a member" and "abusing trust."

Atalay, who is also the CEO of the daily, is accused on the same charges as Utku and Gungor, with the prosecutor demanding between 11.5 and 43 years in jail for him, along with Mehmet Orhan Erinc and Onder Celik.

(CS/ AM)

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