Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-06-08

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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 to inform the Turkish Cypriot parties about the Cyprus problem

[02] Turkish Cypriot political parties on the Cyprus problem

[03] Turkish Deputy Minister: "If the Cyprus problem is solved important steps in Turkey's EU accession process could be taken"

[04] 29 more persons "obtained" the "TRNC citizenship"

[05] BKP protested yesterday against the "granting of the TRNC's citizenship"

[06] KTOS reacted to the "amendment law for the religious affairs"

[07] Self-styled minister of public works due to Ankara to discuss the construction of the Lapithos –Karavas road

[08] Turkish Parliament ratifies Qatar military deals

[09] Turkish EU Minister: Migration must be handled humanely

[10] Ankara extends Vienna envoy's term as relations return to normal

[11] Iranian FM: Turkey and Iran need close discussions amid 'worrying' developments in region

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci to inform the Turkish Cypriot parties about the Cyprus problem

According to the paper, Akinci will inform the parties about the results of the meeting with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the steps that will be taken in the future regarding the Cyprus procedure.

(CS)

[02] Turkish Cypriot political parties on the Cyprus problem

In statements to the paper, Tufan Erhurman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that in case there is a deadlock in Geneva the sides should agree on measures which will prevent tension on the island in July. Noting that the Geneva Conference should be considered as a window of opportunity, Erhurman argued that the issues on which agreement has not been reached and the extent to which the sides could be flexible are known and added that it would not be wrong to say that the leaders could achieve a result in Geneva if they exhibit determination, courage and a result-oriented approach. He continued:

"If the same problem will continue, the second best alternative could be the following: Important progress will be achieved in Geneva on the issues on which agreement has not been reached yet. Agreement will be reached on measures which will prevent any tension on the island in July and the negotiations will be paused in peace. In this probability, very few issues will be left for the period after the elections in the south and a peaceful bridge will be built through confidence building measures in the period between the date on which the pause will start and the resumption date. Our preference is of course to realize the first probability and to reach a federal solution. […]"

The leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), Cemal Ozyigit said that they expect a result, a solution in Geneva and argued that what is important is everyone, including the guarantor powers, to be prepared well and exhibit will.

The general secretary of the Democratic Party (DP), Afet Ozcafer said that she expects nothing from Geneva. Arguing that reference is always made to "a last chance, last opportunity", Ozcafer alleged that the Turkish Cypriots have no hope and that these meetings could be prolonged as long as the Greek Cypriot side continues to see the Turkish Cypriots as minority.

Oguzhan Hasipoglu, responsible of "foreign relations" of the National Unity Party (UBP), claimed that the Geneva Conference [in January] had completely failed and the Turkish Cypriot side lost its bargaining power, because it had submitted a map on the territory issue. "I am expecting a deadlock again. In case of a deadlock what will happen? Will the UN declare that the process has collapsed? This is important. […]"

Meanwhile, Kudret Ozersay, chairman of the People's Party (HP), has argued that the important thing is not to go to Geneva but what we will do there. In statements to a television station, Ozersay alleged that at a first glance it seems that the so-called pre-conditions allegedly put forward by President Anastasiades to go to Geneva have been watered down or lifted but the Greek Cypriot side still possesses some "instruments" for not going to Geneva, something which is still possible.

Finally, in a written statement Erhan Arikli, chairman of the Turkish settlers' Revival Party (YDP), has described as positive the convention of the '2nd Geneva Conference' on Cyprus and alleged that in case a negative result comes out from this conference, the new agenda should be a "velvet separation". He claimed that the conference should not be open-ended and that a positive or negative result should be taken.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkish Deputy Minister: "If the Cyprus problem is solved important steps in Turkey's EU accession process could be taken"

Meanwhile, responding to a question during the same meeting, deputy undersecretary at the Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bonzay referred to Cyprus and argued: "It is out of the question for us making concessions here. Negotiations are being continued at the moment. It seems that they will be intensified in July".

(I/Ts.)

[04] 29 more persons "obtained" the "TRNC citizenship"

The names of those who "obtained" the "TRNC citizenship" as were published in the "official gazette" on June 5, 2017, are the following:

Halil Atlar, born in Reyhanli, on 10.09.1972

Tayfun Balikci, born in Malatya, on 25.03.1969

Abdurrahman Ucar, born in Reyhanli, on 26.12.1975

Hayro Eger, born in Reyhanli, on 15.01.1965

Yahya Cemiloglu, born in Reyhanli, on 25.03.1983

Erdal Ozdil, born in Goksun, on 01.05.1974

Samil Turan, born in Reyhanli, on 15.01.1977

Adil Amirjanov, born in Azerbaycan, on 02.10.1949

Mustafa Yapar, born in Reyhanli, on 26.05.1978

Huseyin Palta, born in Halfeti, on 05.07.1981

Kemal Sumerkan, born in Goreli, on 27.01.1975

Abdussemat Guler, born in Altinozu, on 15.07.1978

Memduh Turkmen, born in Altinozu, on 03.04.1970

Ziya Faik Yasaturk, born in Karsiyaka, on 21.03.1952

Oktay Sarioglu, born in Cal, on 30.08.1960

Ahmet Erbas, born in Yerkoy, on 08.02.1966

Mehmet Ezer, born in Reyhanli, on 29.07.1993

Caner Palta, born in Iskenderun, on 20.06.1982

Nuh Yondem, born in Istanbul, on 04.091963

Mehmet Guner, born in Antakya, on 10.04.1998

Halis Demirel, born in Zara, on 25.09.1984

Ahmet Bulut, born in Kagizman, on 10.01.1973

Huseyin Akinci, born in Nusaybin, on 04.04.1994

Nedim Ucar, born in Reyhanli, on 01.12.1980

Dogan Tuzun, born in Aksaray, on 23.03.1981

Huseyin Ozan, born in Reyhanli, on 05.10.1976

Mehmet Kocabasoglu, born in Goksun, on 01.02.1961

Seyhmus Hakan Yagci, born in Mardin, on 01.06.1973

Mustafa Sekban, born in Antakya, on 23.05.1989

(DPs)

[05] BKP protested yesterday against the "granting of the TRNC's citizenship"

The protests took place under the slogans: "We will protect our identity and existence", "Stop the granting of citizenship", "We do not accept becoming a minority".

Speaking during the protest, Izzet Izcan, chairman of the BKP stressed that the AKP government has given instructions for "the TRNC's citizenship to be granted to 27.000 people". He further underlined that the aim of the so-called coalition government "is to increase the Turkish voters from 105 thousands to 130 thousands by granting the citizenship to another 25-30 thousands, so that to gain an advantage to the forthcoming elections. This policy aims to dispel the Turkish Cypriot community, this is assimilation. This is a part of the integration policy which will eradicate the Turkish Cypriot community's existence, identity and future".

Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, Izcan recalled that even though the number provided by the "president" concerning the Turkish Cypriot "citizens" was 220 thousands, this figure with the "granting of citizenship" will be increased to 250 thousands, something, as he said that will sabotage the negotiations.

(AK)

[06] KTOS reacted to the "amendment law for the religious affairs"

Pointing out that in the last 15 years the Turkish Cypriot community had no chance to recover from the reactionary facilities which derive from the secular life model, Mavis recalled that they will continue their struggle against those who are exerting efforts to put religious pressure on the community. "The religious communities, the religious movements and the associations with enormous economic activities make propaganda", Mavis said, adding that they violate "people's personal lives".

(AK)

[07] Self-styled minister of public works due to Ankara to discuss the construction of the Lapithos –Karavas road

The paper writes that the issues of the road's construction have been discussed for 6 years now and Durust with his "delegation" will hold meetings with the Turkish Minister of Transport, Maritime and Communication Ahmet Arslan in Ankara with the sole purpose of discussing the implementation of the road project.

(CS)

[08] Turkish Parliament ratifies Qatar military deals

The votes came just days after five Arab countries cut ties with Qatar.

The deal on deploying troops on Qatari soil to improve the country's army and boost military cooperation was signed in April 2016, in the Gulf country's capital Doha.

Under the bill, the armies of the two countries will also be able to carry out joint exercises. The move aims to contribute to regional and world peace.

In addition, the Turkish gendarmerie will be able to train Qatar's gendarmerie forces under a deal between the two countries' Interior Ministries signed in December 2015.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 07.06.17) reported that Turkish exporters are ready to meet demand for food and water from Qatar, the head of Turkey's main exporting trade body told Reuters on June 7, allowing the Gulf state to stave off possible shortages after its biggest suppliers cut ties.

Mehmet Buyukeksi, chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), told Reuters that exporters stood ready to fill the gap after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia cut trade ties with Qatar.

A government official in Qatar earlier told Reuters Doha was talking to Iran and Turkey about securing food and water supplies. "We are in talks with Turkey and Iran and other countries," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject, adding that the supplies would be brought in through Qatar Airways cargo flights.

The official said there were enough grain supplies in the market of Qatar to last four weeks and that the government also had large strategic food reserves in Doha.

[09] Turkish EU Minister: Migration must be handled humanely

"Migration is not a burden on humanity, it should be considered an opportunity to show our own humanity," Celik told a joint press conference in Ankara with European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.

Celik said that prohibiting migration or deporting refugees in today's world was not humane. He criticized some countries' moves to build border walls and wire fences in order to keep "oppressed people behind wire fences by using the power of weapons". He stressed the need to establish a bridge between the civilized world and oppressed people.

Stylianides, for his part, applauded Turkey's "extraordinary efforts and firm stance" on the migration issue. "EU continues to see Turkey as a strategic partner," he added.

On the same issue, Stylianides, speaking to Anadolu Agency, said that €811 million ($909 million) of funding had already been dispersed and the vast majority of an EU €3-billion commitment had been allocated.

"Once the €3 billion is used in full, and provided commitments under the EU-Turkey statement are met, we will consider the mobilization of additional funding for the facility," he said.

He said implementation of the agreement would bring benefits to EU citizens, Turkish host communities and refugees. "Our priority must be in making sure that activities are effectively taking place on the ground", Stylianides said.

He also stressed that beyond the specific refugee agreement "a broader dialogue" should continue between the EU and Turkey to deal with challenges.

"The EU and Turkey must continue and strengthen their cooperation on this front because there is no alternative way to tackle this unprecedented crisis," he said.

[10] Ankara extends Vienna envoy's term as relations return to normal

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at the time that Turkey was withdrawing its Ambassador to Austria, stating that the envoy was called back to Ankara "for consultations and to revise relations." Ankara's decision had come after Austrian authorities banned Turkish citizens from holding a rally against the July 15, 2016 coup attempt in the country while allowing a pro-PKK march to take place. Another positive development in bilateral relations between the two countries took place on Tuesday night at the iftar dinner held by President Erdogan at the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) headquarters in Ankara. Austrian Ambassador to Ankara Wolfer was hosted at Erdogan's table.

The two countries are now expected to forge better ties in the wake of positive steps taken from Ankara. Ankara and Vienna had previously exchanged harsh words and ultimatums over several issues and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern has been a staunch anti-Turkey figure. He called for an EU-wide ban on election campaign appearances by Turkish politicians during the April 16 referendum campaigning period in Turkey. Kern in August 2016 also called accession talks with Turkey a "diplomatic fiction" and said he wanted the EU leaders to reconsider their approach with regards to Ankara.

[11] Iranian FM: Turkey and Iran need close discussions amid 'worrying' developments in region

"There are concerning developments in the region for us. We need to have a close exchange of ideas with Turkey regarding these incidents," Zarif told reporters in Ankara before meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Zarif offered condolences for those who lost their lives in twin attacks in Tehran on June 7, which was claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). "This attack will further strengthen our people's stance against terrorism," he said, adding that Iranians and the country's security forces will stay strong in the face of such attacks.

Turkey and Qatar have improved their bilateral relations in recent years, including accelerated economic ties, which allowed the former to open a military base on Qatari territories.

Iran issued a neutral statement on the crisis, urging Qatar and its neighbours to resolve their differences "through political and peaceful methods and dialogue between the parties."

Riyadh also accused Doha of supporting Iran-backed "terrorist activities" in Saudi Arabia's Shiite-dominated area of Qatif, as well as in Bahrain, both of which have seen Shiite unrest in recent years.

Qatar has consistently denied any support for extremists or Iran.

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(DPs / AM)

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