Eide has reportedly told Akinci that the Greek Cypriot side insists on the pre-conditions it allegedly put forward for going to Geneva. Akinci replied to Eide that they do not accept these "pre-conditions".

Afterwards Akinci held a scheduled meeting during which, responding to a question, alleged that President Anastasiades insists on his 'pre-conditions" and that it is not possible for them to accept these.

According to the journalist, it has not been clarified yet whether Eide will continue the shuttle diplomacy at the point we have reached.

Further, Kibris Postasi (26.05.17, online, http://www.kibrispostasi.com/akinci-rum-tarafinin-on-sart-israri-resmi-tutumlari-olarak-b) reports that Akinci stated this morning that "today it was conveyed to us that the official stance of the Greek Cypriot side is the insistence on the pre-conditions of Mr Greek Cypriot leader" and that "we are not in the position of accepting pre-conditions".

He claimed: "Mr Anastasiades has clearly conveyed to us today that he will not change this stance. He had clarified this stance in a speech he delivered last night. However, today it was conveyed to us that the official stance of the Greek Cypriot side is the insistence on the pre-conditions [?] Mr Greek Cypriot leader is unfortunately continuing his stance outside all the agreements reached until today. What he wants is to completely putting aside the principle that 'all issues will independently discussed with each other', which is included in the 11 February 2014 agreement and finish first the chapter of security-guarantees and if this happens then to take out of the safe the maps we had locked there and end the territory as well. And then we will see the remaining chapters, he says. Such negotiating mentality is not possible".

Replying to a question during one of his meetings this morning, Akinci alleged: "We are faithful to the agreement that all issues will be discussed interdependently and we are ready to go to Geneva to discuss all issues and stay there working until a result is produced. We definitely do not approve of a negotiating process with pre-conditions. [?] Mr Anastasiades' pre-conditioned negotiations stance is mainly contrary to the declaration of the conference announced on 12 January with the signature of all sides and all the agreements. At this point of course Mr Eide's efforts gave no result because Mr Anastasiades continues his stance".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eide: Things became more difficult when we went in depth

Eide noted that when they go in depth things become more difficult, but the good news is that both leaders are determined to find a solution to the problem and wish to carry the discussion to Geneva. Arguing that it is for the first time in history that both leaders are determined to go to a conference for solving all issues, Eide added that he is doing whatever he can for this to be understood in the best manner and for having the conference held.

Asked to comment on a statement reportedly made by Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides as regards an "Eide proposal", Eide said that he is trying to find a common ground by listening to the positions of the leaders and that if the Press wants it can call this "a proposal", but an independent proposal by the UN is out of the question. Noting that his initiative concerns the methodology to be followed in order to determine whether a conference will be held in Geneva in June and not the substance, Eide argued that both leaders know that the failure of the process will have dramatic consequences and no one wants the process to end, but the distance which should be covered is long.

Replying to a question, Eide noted that the leaders agreed that the issue of security and guarantees is a necessary part of an overall negotiation and added that the issue here is not only the foreign troops and the guarantees but at the same time for all "peoples" and individuals to feel secure now and in the future from every way. He also argued that some ideas have been put on the table and that these ideas were accepted but in spite of this there is no agreement on these. He added:

"This is exactly why Geneva is needed. These issues could be discussed only in Geneva, because they concern Turkey, Britain and Greece as well as the EU due to its special role".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Erdogan and Tusk discussed the Cyprus problem

Tusk in a tweet following the meeting said: "We discussed the need to cooperate. I put the question of human rights in the centre of our discussion with Erdogan".

It was reported that the Cyprus problem was also discussed and it was stated that finding a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem is important.

Meanwhile, the paper reports that the EU believes that the "easiest way" to accelerate and carry onward the relations with Turkey is the solution of the Cyprus problem.

(DPs)

[04] Milliyet paper argues that the Greek Cypriot side proposed that the Turkish Cypriot side to stop or set quota to imports from Turkey after the Cyprus settlement

Citing paper's information, Karahasan claimed that in a possible Cyprus settlement, the Greek Cypriot administration (translator's note: as he refers to the Cyprus government), who wants the implementation of the acquis communautaire in North Cyprus the next day, asked to put an end to the imports that Turkish Cypriots do with Turkey or to impose a quota. Besides, the Greek Cypriot side want the 4:1 ratio to apply for the Greek and Turkish workers, who will come to the island.

The paper reports that Turkey is the main trading partner of "North Cyprus" imports. Turkey exports annually to "TRNC" approximately to 1.2 billion TL, mainly food.

According to diplomatic sources, when the "economy" chapter was discussed, the Greek Cypriot side asked an opening that the Turkish Cypriot side will not accept. The Greek Cypriot side set a condition in order to limit the imports with Turkey after the Cyprus settlement. The Turkish Cypriot side approached the issue as follows: "It is out of question for such situation. We get from Turkey our single and main imports". It was reported that the Greek Cypriot committee, responding to the thoughts of the Turkish Cypriot side that their economy will be damaged, insisted on the conditions by saying "If the imports are necessary, then do it on a need basis. We should impose a quota".

The paper further reports that the "Greek Cypriot administration" besides the steps on imports wants also to impose limitations on the workers from Turkey. According to this, for every Turkish worker in "North Cyprus", there will be four Greek workers in the "South Cyprus". In case that those four Greek workers will not come, then there will not be permission for and Turkish worker to come to the island. At the negotiating table, it has been agreed the ratio 4:1 for the Greek and Turkish citizens.

A diplomatic source speaking to the paper, said: "After the Cyprus settlement, the imports will be done as the Greek Cypriots want from Turkey and even from the EU, however regarding the Turkish citizens, then it will be quota or obstacles. In such case, very serious problems are expected for the Turkish Cypriot businessmen. This is an approach that includes a serious problem for the Turkish Cypriots. Because, the imports of North Cyprus from Turkey are 90%".

(DPs)

[05] Columnist: Lifting the Treaty of Guarantee will cut off Turkey's "organic bond" with Cyprus

"Nikos Anastasiades says: 'Come and let us solve the matters of security-guarantees and territory and then go to Geneva and stay there until reaching a final result'.

Anastasiades can decide by himself on the security and guarantees or on the territory issue. Greece is only 'briefed'. The Greek Cypriot community has the capability and the power to decide very easily, very freely on this issue. However, the security and guarantees is a trouble mainly for Turkey. Turkey is a country which has an organic bond with Cyprus only through the Treaty of Guarantee. Lifting this treaty will cut off Turkey's existing official, legal or organic bond with Cyprus. Moreover, Turkey has no problem called 'Cyprus' now. The world also has no such problem. In brief, Anastasiades put forward two conditions that he calls 'innocent', because he knows this. Mustafa Akinci has no chance, authority to be able to respond alone to this or by convening all the government and the assembly. The Turkish Cypriot side is not as independent from the 'motherland' as the Greek Cypriot side. That is? That is, there is no solution!"

(I/Ts.)

[06] Survey shows that the Turkish Cypriots are disappointed by the "government's performance"

According to the results of the survey, the persons living in the breakaway regime appeared not to be happy regarding the "performance" of the "government'" as well as with the "health system". The grade the Turkish Cypriots give to the "government" is 4,99 out of 10 and the paper notes that "the government stays at the same class". The persons participated in the survey also expressed worry about the levels of organized crime and human trafficking, the protection of the environment and economic prosperity.

Speaking to the paper, CIMRS's director Mine Yucel stated that the survey's results reflect the anxieties of the "people" in the issues of social politics and the bad "performance" of the "government".

(CS)

[07] Ozersay: "The matter is not whether the two leaders will go to Geneva or not"

Ozersay expressed the view that the matter is not whether the two leaders will go to Geneva or not, but the matter is that Anastasiades's priority now is whether he would be re-elected at the forthcoming elections to take place in the "south", as he described the Republic of Cyprus. "It seems that he [the President] wants to prolong the process. The concern of Anastasiades is not the solution, but to achieve the continuation of the current stage of the talks until the day that the drillings will be launched", Ozersay claimed.

(AK)

[08] "A Denktas' University to be established in a military zone area" near the Agios Dometios area

According to the paper, the 200 donum plot of land is located in the occupied Agios Dometios area, [Kermia: as the Turkish Cypriot's call the area] and although it is included in a "military zone", the "council of ministers" "decided" to be removed from this framework.

The paper writes that Rauf Denktas confirmed to the paper this development and stated that the works for the "establishment of the university already started".

Also, the paper writes that the first "campus of the "university" will be located in the "within the walls area" in the occupied part of Lefkosia. The "rector" of the "Rauf Denktas' University" will be the former "chairman" of the "higher education planning, evaluation, accreditation and coordination council ("YODAK"), Dr. Hasan Ali Bicak. The "university" will be ready to accept students as of next September. The "university" has already received a "preliminary conditional approval" for its "establishment" by "YODAK" and after "receiving the final approval", it will lay the foundation for the establishment of a new "campus" in the occupied Kermia area.

Meanwhile, commenting on the issue, the "undersecretary" of the so-called ministry of interior, Gurkan Kara, alleged that Denktas will not "establish a university" in the area but "sport facilities center".

Speaking to the paper, Kara claimed further that the "sport facilities center" will not be included in a "military zone area".

In a separate statement, the "security forces command", said to the paper that the "issue of the withdrawal of troop units" from the area is not in the agenda.

(?)

(AK)

[09] Turkish President met with EU leaders

Erdogan held a closed-door meeting with Tusk and Juncker which was to focus on current Turkey-EU relations.

The three leaders agreed that the refugee deal between Turkey and the EU signed in March 2016 must be fully implemented. They also discussed Turkey-EU relations and counterterrorism. Tusk also highlighted the need for cooperation while emphasizing disagreements over human rights.

Erdogan did not comment on the meeting but presidential sources said all three emphasized the need to realize a March 2016 migrant deal.

Later, the Turkish leader met European Parliament President Antonio Tajani. Earlier on Thursday, Erdogan had met French President Emmanuel Macron. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also joined the closed-door-meeting, which lasted 45 minutes.

According to the presidential sources, Syria, Iraq and regional issues were discussed during the meeting. Cooperation in the fight against all kinds of terrorist groups, including Daesh and the PKK, was highlighted.

At another meeting on the margins of the NATO summit, Erdogan told French President Macron that he would "rapidly" look into the case of jailed French photojournalist Mathias Depardon, according to Macron's office.

According to the press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Depardon, who has been held in Turkey for over two weeks, has begun a hunger strike.

The Turkish President also held meetings with world leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Theresa May, as well as top EU officials ahead of the summit.

[10] Turkish daily explains positive outcome of Erdogan's discussions with EU leaders in Brussels

Murat Yetkin under the title: "EU keeps channels open to Erdogan, focuses on rights":

"The nightmare scenario did not happen. The ties between Turkey and the European Union were not severed as a result of President Tayyip Erdogan's discussions in Brussels on May 25 at the NATO summit there.

Not only did the EU's top officials choose not to break off political relations with Turkey, but so did the leaders of three influential European countries, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, despite their harsh criticism of Erdogan and the situation regarding rights and freedoms.

Despite the public pressure in their respective countries to isolate Turkey because of the criticisms over judicial independence and media freedom, especially after the July 15, 2016 foiled military coup and the resultant state of emergency, EU leaders seemingly decided to try to improve relations through dialogue.

The problems are still there. Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, said on his Twitter account after meeting Erdogan and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker that they "discussed the need to cooperate." "I put the question of human rights at the center of our discussions with" Erdogan, he added.

There seemed to be a similar mood in Erdogan's talks with Emmanuel Macron of France, Angela Merkel of Germany and Theresa May of Britain: The problems are still there but the ties will not be cut; instead, there will be an effort to improve ties for the benefit of both Turkey and the EU.

According to Turkish presidential sources, the talks were conducted in a "positive atmosphere," while Erdogan also asked EU leaders to keep their promises to Turkey, especially due to the migration deal of 2016. Before departing for Brussels, Erdogan listed them as the provision of visa flexibilities to Turkish citizens in the Schengen zone, support for Turkey in handling the burden of nearly 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey and the opening of new accession chapters.

Actually, opening accession chapters 23 and 24 on the judiciary and freedoms could provide a win-win opportunity for all. For Turkey, it would be a sign that there is an improvement in relations with EU; for the EU, it would offer leverage to discuss those critical matters with the Turkish government and for the Turkish people, it could help improve the quality of democracy and rights in the country. The problem is that both chapters are blocked by the Greek Cypriot government.

Additional details might help provide a deeper analysis, but the first impression suggests that European leaders have said what they wanted to say to Erdogan in person and that the meetings themselves provided a test for Erdogan that showed there is still room to maneuver to reanimate relations with the West after all those ? ongoing ? arguments with EU governments regarding the anti-terror fight and the situation of rights in Turkey.

That mood may have positive reflections in both Turkish foreign policy and domestic politics. For example, if Erdogan's assessment of the situation is also positive, we could assume that the reinstitution of the death penalty issue will be shelved, while an evaluation of the complaints on mass detentions and dismissals from public jobs could also be accelerated, since an improvement in relations with the EU is impossible without a corresponding improvement in rights and freedoms.

[11] Opposition blasts Erdogan in row over release of Istanbul Mayor's son-in-law

"It is neither reasonable nor logical to say that the ruling party was held responsible [for the release] while defending Kavurmac?. To reveal the political links of FETO is the primary duty of the political authority," Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli posted on his official Twitter account on May 25.

He was tweeting after Erdogan accused the opposition of "smearing" the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

"Mr. President, as you know, law and justice should be implemented equally to everybody. Set Kavurmac? aside and look at the country instead," Bahceli added.

On May 24 Erdogan blasted Bahceli for his criticisms, slamming what he described as a "smear campaign."

The MHP and the AKP both campaigned in favor of the constitutional amendment paving the way for an executive presidential system, which was narrowly approved in the referendum on April 16

Meanwhile, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal K?l?cdaroglu has argued that the release of Kavurmac? is "politically motivated."

"There is not any independence of the judiciary in Turkey. While there are nearly 159 journalists in prison, arrested on made-up justifications, we cannot accept the release of one person and for that to be overlooked. The release of this person has entirely taken place under the expectations and instructions of the political authority," K?l?cdaroglu stated.

Kavurmac? was arrested as part of an operation against the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON), which was affiliated with FETO, before being released by the Istanbul Fifth Criminal Court of Peace on the grounds that prison conditions were having a negative effect on his health. Kavurmac? was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2005.

[12] Former editor of Turkish news magazine arrested trying to flee to Greece

Murat Capan, the editor-in-chief of Nokta magazine that was shut down in the aftermath of last year's coup attempt over links to the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), accused by Ankara of orchestrating the foiled coup, was handed down an imprisonment of 22 years and six months by Istanbul's 14th High Criminal Court.

The same court also convicted the magazine's executive, Cevheri Guven, of the same charge, giving him the same sentence.

Border guards arrested Capan along with four FETO suspects including a retired police chief, a former university lecturer and two expelled teachers, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

[13] Kiev's Ambassador in Ankara: Turkey 'key' partner of Ukraine in Black Sea

"Today, Turkey is our key partner in the Black Sea region and supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Sybiha said in the capital Ankara during an international conference entitled "25 Years of Turkey-Ukraine Relations".

Sybiha said 2017 is a "very symbolic" year as it marks a quarter-century of bilateral diplomatic relations. "The current atmosphere of bilateral relations between our countries is very positive," he said. Sybiha said political dialogue between Kiev and Ankara has reached an "unprecedented" level.

"Since the establishment of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Turkey back in 2011, both countries have gone a long way in their efforts to implement an ambitious bilateral agenda," he added.

Sybiha said the two countries are developing "close" relations in several fields, including nuclear energy, defense, and military cooperation.

He told how Ukraine and Turkey have made joint efforts to end the occupation of Crimea and protect the rights of Ukrainian citizens, including Crimean Tatars.

Addressing the conference, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz said Ukraine has "always" been a valuable partner of Ankara.

"Turkish-Ukrainian relations are not confined to 25 years. Turkey and Ukraine share a common history, geography, and culture," Yildiz said.

Yildiz said Turkey will continue to help find a peaceful solution to the situation in Ukraine based on its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.

He added that Crimea and the Crimean Tatars will remain a "key" topic for Turkey, saying: "We did not and we will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea."

Mesut Ozcan, acting chairman of the Center of Strategic Research, said Turkey and Ukraine enjoy "very good" political, economic, and cultural ties.

"One of the important connecting factors between Turkey and Ukraine is the Crimean Tatars," he said.

[14] Resignations in the CTP continue

According to the paper, issuing a written statement, they explained that the reason of their resignation is the failure of the party to find solution to the chronic problems experienced in the "country". They also announced that they will submit today their resignations to the party's chairman Tufan Erhurman.

(AK)

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(CS / AM)

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