"One day before yesterday's meeting on the Cyprus negotiations we talked with Mr Akinci. They said that there was an agreement on the issue of the road map which could be followed. The joint declaration of 11 February 2014 is a framework of this negotiation. Six main chapters exist. Two of them concern security and one the territory. These will be evaluated in the very end at the five-party conference. During the yesterday's meeting we could not have a result because of Greek Cypriot sector's strange proposals. It does not even want to talk on the open issues in the four chapters. It says let us complete the conference, let us solve the guarantees and the territory issues. The gentleman will feel relieved from the very first day and they will do some good on the issues of the rotating presidency and the administration, they say. The Turkish side has of course rejected these absurd ideas. The Greek Cypriot side goes towards elections. Populism started to come forward. Even though Anastasiades wants a solution, he started submitting such strange proposals. While going towards the elections, he slipped towards a populist point. We are closely watching but the Greek Cypriot side has started delaying again".

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (18.05.17, online, http://www.brtk.net/cavusoglu-eide-ve-nami-ile-telefonda-gorustu/) cites information published by Anatolia news agency and broadcasts that Cavusoglu held telephone conversations last night with Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami and UNSG's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide. Cavusoglu discussed with Nami and Eide the situation after the meeting held between the two community leaders yesterday.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The Cyprus negotiations are on the verge of collapse, according to the Turkish Cypriot press

Under the title "The negotiating table is about to be dissolved", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (18.05.17) reports that the sides left the table without determining a date for a new meeting within the framework of the negotiations.

Under the title "Relations were cut off", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (18.05.17) alleges that the pre-conditions put by President Anastasiades were a bomb to the negotiating table. According to the paper, these pre-conditions are: 1) The territory and the map should be discussed first during the Geneva conference, 2) After the territory and the map the issue of guarantees and security should be discussed and 3) After completely solving these issues, the other four issues could be discussed. The paper writes that Akinci's proposals are: 1) Return to Geneva without conditions, 2) Discussion of the issue in the form of a package and 3) Postponement of the drilling to be conducted in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone in July.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper's (18.05.17) editor-in-chief Rasih Resat argues that the sides now are developing and implementing a strategy, by which they will not seem as the side which caused the collapse of the negotiations, opposes to the solution and delays the process. "This derives from the fact that both sides have realized that a federal solution will no more be possible from this process", he claims adding that the body language of Akinci and the language his used during his press conference yesterday showed that he expects nothing from this negotiating table now.

Other front page titles are the following:

Kibris Postasi: Geneva is far away, non-solution is close

Yeni Duzen: They beat the air

Afrika: They were not able to agree

Demokrat Bakis: Even Akinci revolted

Vatan: Each side's proposals were rejected

Ortam: We are waiting!

Datay: Proposals crisis

Star Kibris: Unpleasant finale

(I/Ts.)

[04] Atun met with the CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the private sector

According to a statement issued by his "ministry", Atun held a meeting yesterday with Khaled M Al-Aboodi the CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the private sector. The two men discussed how the programs of the bank can apply to small businesses in the breakaway regime and how the "TRNC" can absorb funding from the bank.

In addition, illegal Bayrak television (18.05.17) broadcast that Atun participated in a gala dinner hosted by the Minister of Economy of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan. In the dinner also participated Saudi Arabia Treasury Minister Ahmet Alkholifen, Treasury Minister of Tunisia Mohammed Abdelket and the Deputy Minister of Economy of Turkey Mehmet Simsek.

(CS)

[05] Twenty more persons "obtained" the "TRNC citizenship"

The paper reports that with a "decision" of the "council of ministers" in a meeting dated May 9, 20 new "TRNC citizenships" were "granted". The decision came into force when it was published in the "official gazette" on 12-16 May, 2017.

The paper publishes the following names of those who "obtained" the "TRNC citizenship":

Mehmet Emin Taskiran, born in Hizan, 1975

Erdal Aydindag, born in Bakirkoy, 1987

Mahmut Erlale, born in Araban, 1968

Ugur Kiroglu, born in Sisli, 1989

Muhammet Ali Ucar, born in Kumlu, 1991

Fahriye Ipek, born in Altinozlu, 1995

Nigara Seyliyeva, born in Turkmenistan, 1984

Tenzi Sarikaya, born in Saimbeyli, 1956

Mehmet Boztas, born in Gaziantep, 1983

Uygar Varanir, born in Antakya, 1983

Fatih Cakir, born in Istanbul, 1977

Mehmet Koca, born in Kahramanmaras, 1979

Senay Ozgumus, born in Findikli, 1978

Esmehan Sahin, born in Midyat, 1992

Omer Sahin, born in Midyat, 1990

Nazente Ada, born in Suhut, 1968

Adem Safak, born in Kirikhan, 1981

Ismet Sonmez, born in Velingrad, 1974

Ahmet Nizipliolgu, born in Iskenderun,1985

Mustafa Tezel, born in Istanbul, 1964

(DPs)

[06] Caglar and Ozcenk to "represent" the occupation regime in PACE meetings

The committee meeting will take place in Milan, Italy between May 18-19.

According to a statement issued by the "assembly", after completing their contacts in Milan, Caglar and Ozcenk will proceed to Paris in order to attend the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) Committee on Science, Education and Media which is to take place on May 22-23.

Caglar and Ozcenk will return to the occupation regime on May 24.

(AK)

[07] The "KTSO" represented the occupation regime in a fair in Lebanon

According to a statement issued by the "KTSO", more than 450 companies from 25 different countries attended the fair. The occupation regime was represented in the fair by 5 "local" companies. The fair will be opened until tomorrow May 19.

(AK)

[08] Fourteen building plots from occupied Kazafani village were "given" to illegal Keryneia university

According to Yeni Duzen, this was a "decision" of the "council of ministers" dated 7 of February, 2017.

(CS)

[09] More reactions on the "agreement" with Turkey in the field of securing labour force

According to the paper, "article 4" of the "agreement", which consists of 13 "articles", says that the employers could directly apply to the Labour Office of another country or to private offices for securing labour force.

"Turkish Cypriot public servant trade union", (KTAMS) criticized the new "agreement" noting that it is turning the "laws" of the breakaway regime into grotesque.

The New Cyprus party (YKP) stated that the "agreement" is creating a lot of serious issues for the workers and noted that the "labour laws" must be in accordance with European laws.

Feminist Workshop (FEMA) stated that this new agreement which is against the interests of the workers is a step towards assimilation with Turkey.

Finally, the United Cyprus Party (BKP) also criticized the "agreement" noting that it will reduce the quality of the services provided.

(CS)

[10] Ertugruloglu to brief foreign students on the Cyprus problem

The conference is co-organized by the so-called foreign ministry and the so-called ministry of national education and culture.

(AK)

[11] Erdogan said certain ties with the US will strengthen despite temporary setbacks

Erdogan told reporters that it was important for him to hear Trump's remarks pointing to his determination to fully cooperate with Turkey. When asked about Trump as a person, Erdogan said: "As you know, Trump does not have a background in diplomacy. He is a businessman, and consequently seems like a practical person. He had a determined stance. He is a straightforward person who says what he thinks."

"I invited him and his family to Turkey. He said he would be glad to come, but, of course, there is no definite date yet."

When asked about Trump's attitude toward FETO, the group that carried out last year's deadly coup attempt on July 15, Erdogan said: "Trump seems different from [Former President Barack] Obama. It is obvious that he has certain question marks about them. We agreed to keep in touch through a secure line, as well as allowing officials from both sides to discuss the FETO issue, in the future."

Erdogan also said he had asked from the U.S. administration to order the FBI to establish a special investigation committee to analyse FETO activities. (…) When asked about the U.S. side's response, Erdogan said: "They took note."

The two sides showed determination to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, Erdogan said.

The President said that the U.S. administration had made up its mind on how to free Raqqa from Daesh. (…) Turkey has furiously condemned the U.S. decision, arguing that supporting a terrorist group to fight another was a mistaken strategy. The U.S. has argued that the PKK, which it admits is a terrorist group, is completely different from the YPG, which evidence fails to corroborate.

"What we are telling them is this: We cannot be a party to such a policy. We cannot support you. We find cooperation with a terrorist group to free Raqqa wrong," Erdogan said.

"We openly told them that any attack by the YPG on Turkey will immediately trigger a response as per Turkey's rules of engagement and no one will be consulted prior to our action."

Turkey's counterterrorism efforts in the Syrian cities of Jarablus, al-Rai and al-Bab against Daesh demonstrated its effectiveness, argued Erdogan. "We told them to ignore terrorist groups and join us to combat terrorism. Unfortunately, they failed to agree."

The U.S. continued to assure Turkey that the weapons given to the YPG will not be used against Turkey, said Erdogan. "However, we all saw what happened in Afghanistan and Iraq. We would not want the repeat of such negative developments."

Erdogan said Turkey will do its utmost to fight terrorist groups both within the country and abroad. "We will never allow the creation of a corridor. If any threat arises from that region, we will immediately take action."

If the assurances are proven false, Turkey will take the necessary steps to establish security, Erdogan said. "However, it would not be right to comment on what kind of steps we may take as yet."

When asked about President Vladimir Putin's comment that Russia would continue to work with Kurds in northern Syria but will not give them weapons, Erdogan said: "The matter is not working with Kurds or not. What's important is not to cooperate with terrorist groups. We tell our counterparts that they are giving these terrorists arms. We provide proof; show them the photos of missiles. They still deny it. And we will continue to present them with evidence."

[12] Cavusoglu's interview on NTV

Cavusoglu highlighted that the President's recent visit to the U.S. has been very productive and signalled it will change the future of relations between the two countries.

The Foreign Minister noted that the U.S. officials in Syria, who were assigned during the Obama administration, could pose threats to relations between the two countries. He noted that Turkey told the Trump administration that such officials from the Obama-administration could damage bilateral ties, without mentioning any names.

"The new U.S. administration is more sincere than the previous one," Cavusoglu said, adding that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed Turkey's stance in a clear and determined manner.

"We reached some agreements-in-principle regarding issues in which the two countries diverge" Cavusoglu said.

The Foreign Minister also noted the U.S. assured that the weapons handed to YPG will only be used during the Raqqa operation, and not against Turkey. "We told them that the YPG participates in the Raqqa operation not to liberate the city from Daesh, but with the goal to declare an independent state in the future" Cavusoglu said, and added that the U.S. responded by saying that they will not allow an attempt to destroy Syria's territorial integrity.

Cavusoglu said that the U.S. did not oppose when Turkish officials told them that Turkey may strike YPG in Syria, in line with rules of engagement.

Meanwhile, Cavusoglu also touched upon the recent debate about Incirlik airbase, and said: "If they want to leave, that is up to them. We are not going to beg. They were the ones who wanted to come and we helped them. If they want to go, we would say 'Goodbye'".

[13] Commentary: "Turkey-US relations under the weight of Gulen"

"There was an unpleasant surprise waiting for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Washington before he stepped into the White House to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. The Washington Post, one of the U.S.'s most prestigious newspapers, had published an op-ed by guest writer Fethullah Gulen titled, 'The Turkey I no longer know'.

If you read this article without knowing how the Gulen movement secretly structured itself within the Turkish society over at least the last 10 years, you could be moved by what he wrote. You would get the impression of a devoted democrat who was even committed to a kind of moderate secularism.

(…)

The overall situation reflects of the mentality that has long been fixed within a portion of decision-makers in the U.S. and among certain opinion leaders, which overlooks the activities of the Gulen movement in Turkey that cross the constitutional line.

A number of factors play a role in this view. The first factor is a basic lack of knowledge of the issues. Some insist on not accepting the reality that Gulenist groups infiltrated state institutions and formed parallel networks in every unit of the state, despite plenty of proof.

The second factor is that the Gulen movement, especially over the past 20 years, has taken advantage of loopholes in the U.S. system and has been able to effectively penetrate into this system. Certain think tanks have been funded in order to support the movement. By making legal donations to various election campaigns, a strong support platform has been created in the U.S. Congress. Even today the representatives of the Gulen movement in the U.S. have a considerable influence on the American media.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has not been able to curb this influence through propaganda wars in the U.S. (…)

The legal aspect of the matter makes it worse. Just as the U.S. side fails to understand Turkey's sentiments concerning the Gulen movement dossier, the Turkish side also does not understand the procedures of the U.S. law system when it comes to Gulen. If Gulen's extradition was within President Trump's jurisdiction, it would have been easy for a pragmatic, transactional person like Trump to put Gulen on a U.S. jet and hand him over to the Turkish authorities at Esenboga Airport.

(…)

Unless a solution is found to this problem, it seems like the Gulen factor will continue to place a heavy weight on Turkish-American relations for a long time."

[14] Erdogan in US calls for more investments in Turkey

Among the potential investors who Erdogan met were top representatives of the Abraaj Group, Cargill, CDPQ, Coca Cola, Dow Chemical, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), GE Aviation, Glaxo Smith Kline, Lockheed Martin, PepsiCo, Raytheon International, Uber, the American Turkish Council and the American Chamber of Commerce.

ISPAT President Arda Ermut said the President's clarification on Turkish government's strategies for international investors was very significant.

"We showed Turkey's support for international investors at the highest level thanks to this meeting, and we saw great interest in Turkey and President Erdogan. The support he showed to international investors had a big impact," Ermut was quoted as saying in the statement.

This investors' meeting in which Turkey's economic reforms, Turkish-U.S. trade, the possibility of technology investments and international funds to enhance investments were discussed follows on from two previously meetings held in the U.S. in September and March of 2016, Ermut explained.

"We saw the trust that international investors have in Turkey's investment climate, its political stability and future vision especially in the new period after the April 16 referendum," Ermut concluded.

Erdogan visited the U.S. between May 15 and 16 to hold a number of meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, investors and opinion leaders of the country.

[15] Two Turkish ex-generals are seeking asylum in Germany

A total of five Turkish citizens, among them two high-ranking former officers, applied for asylum upon their arrival at Frankfurt International Airport on Friday, mass-circulation daily Bild reported.

They travelled from Greece to Germany, according to the paper.

At a press conference, German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer declined to comment on the reports, but reiterated that the government has no political influence on the assessment of asylum applications. "Decisions are taken by the relevant immigration authority, and if required by the independent courts," he added.

Since the coup attempt last July, more than 420 Turkish citizens who hold diplomatic or service passports have sought asylum in Germany, according to the diplomats, who spoke to Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity.

This includes a few dozen soldiers, several diplomats, and others officials, but most were their family members.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim sharply criticized Germany on Tuesday for not returning coup suspects to Turkey, and turning a blind eye to the activities of Gulenists in Germany. "It's time now for Germany to decide", he said during a meeting with lawmakers in Ankara.

"If it wants to enhance relations with Turkey and further strengthen historical friendship ties, then it should move towards the Republic of Turkey, not towards FETO or separatists," he stressed.

[16] HDP urges European court to act on arrested Deputies in Turkey

"For the last 194 days, six million voters and who they elected are waiting for justice," HDP spokesperson Osman Baydemir said, referring to the imprisonment of the lawmakers of the Kurdish issue-focused party, the third largest political party in Turkey in terms of votes received in the most recent general election.

"Internal justice has been exhausted. There is no way other than the ECHR. We're shouting out to the ECHR: Justice that comes late is not justice. A decision should be taken urgently," Baydemir added.

The HDP on Feb. 20 filed an application at the ECHR regarding the continued arrest of its co-leaders, Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag. The HDP committee stated in the application that there is no way other than to apply to the ECHR, as Turkey's Constitutional Court is not carrying out any examination.

"For the last two years, all rights and freedoms in Turkey, which are under protection of European Convention on Human Rights, are under a heavy attack. One of the most concrete indicators of this is that HDP co-chairs and lawmakers are not in Parliament," Baydemir said on May 16, speaking on behalf of the HDP delegation.

[17] Turkish businessmen are holding contacts in Israel

According to the paper, the Turkish delegation met yesterday with the Israeili Economy Minister Eli Kohen within the framework of the reception given by the Turkish Ambassador in Israel Kemal Oken.

Speaking during the reception, Kohen underlined the importance they pay to the further development of trade and economic ties between the two countries. Stating that the current trade volume between the two countries is around 4 billion dollars, Kohen stated that their aim is to reach 10 billion dollars in five years.

Also speaking, Israeli Economy Minister Kohen expressed happiness over the normalization of ties between the two counties and reassured that the ties of Israel and Turkey will be further enhanced in the future.

(AK)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(DPs / AM)

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