Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-07-19

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci's address for the 1974 Turkish invasion to Cyprus

[02] Turkish side's road map was discussed and no decision was taken at Cavusoglu's presence; "Consultations" will continue

[03] Cavusoglu: There will be different processes in Cyprus from now on

[04] Turkish Cypriot columnist argues that there is no Plan B on Cyprus

[05] Yildirim blamed the Greek Cypriot side for the failure of the Cyprus talks in Crans Montana

[06] Turkey's EU Minister: "Exclusion of Turkish troops in Cyprus off the table"

[07] Foreign officials are illegally visiting the breakaway regime for the July 20 invasion to Cyprus "celebrations"

[08] Denktas announced that his party withdrew its support to the 11th of February 2014 Joint Declaration

[09] Arikli argued that Turkey for a long time now has been working on plan B

[10] Forty four more "citizenships" "granted" by the breakaway regime

[11] Quran courses taking place in the occupied part of Lefkosia

[12] KTOEOS criticized the "Turkish ambassador" to the breakaway regime

[13] The occupation regime's GDP increased by 3,6% in 2016

[14] Turkish PM announces cabinet reshuffle

[15] President Erdogan to visit Gulf region on July 23 and 24

[16] Yildirim warns Juncker on 'threatening statements'

[17] Germany to get involved in arrested journalist Deniz Yucel's case at ECHR

[18] Turkish Education Ministry reveals new curriculum: Evolution out, 'jihad' in

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci's address for the 1974 Turkish invasion to Cyprus

In a live televised address to mark the launch of "celebrations" marking the 43rd anniversary of the 20th of July Turkish invasion to Cyprus, Akinci alleged that Turkey had prevented the island's union with Greece by exercising its rights stemming from the 1960 agreements.

He claimed that the foundations of a bi-zonal, bi-communal settlement on the basis of two constituent states had been laid with the 20th of July "peace operation" (editor's note: as he refers to the Turkish invasion to Cyprus).

"It was because of the 20th of July that the framework for a possible settlement was drawn in the 1977-79 High Level Agreements", he argued.

Touching upon the Cyprus negotiations process, Akinci said that unfortunately all efforts to reach a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal settlement had failed. He said that for the first time in the history of the negotiations maps had been exchanged and a 5 party conference took place.

Akinci argued that attempts by the Greek Cypriot side to portray the convening of a 5 party conference as its success were far from the truth as this had been possible only with the efforts of the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey.

"More importantly we showed the necessary flexibility, we expressed our readiness to amend the existing treaties and waited for the Greek Cypriot side to distance itself from its position of 'zero troops zero guarantees' and to come to a reasonable starting point. Unfortunately the Greek Cypriot side did not abandon its position", he added.

Akinci claimed that the constructive efforts of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side at Crans-Montana was observed and witnessed by all attending parties and observers. "We have no responsibility in the failure to reach an outcome despite our strong desire for a solution" he claimed.

Akinci argued that the Turkish Cypriot side sought the security and freedom of not only the Turkish Cypriots but the Greek Cypriots as well. "We could not accept the removal of our only source of security when the bitter experiences of the past are still so fresh and without living and seeing what will happen. There is nothing in this that is in line with good will and sincerity" he said, alleging that the Greek Cypriot side's reluctance to accept rotational presidency and active participation in decision making was proof of this.

"The Greek Cypriot side which has been in control of the state since 1964 is having difficultly sharing this with us. It is finding it difficult to come to terms with the very basic essence and principle of a settlement", he claimed.

Akinci further claimed that in the remaining issues, the Greek Cypriot side came to the table with proposals that would make things difficult for the Turkish Cypriots and which would shake the Turkish Cypriot economy.

"The Greek Cypriots refused to understand that the uncertainty of the property regime they proposed would create and would become an important reason for a possible settlement plan to be rejected in a future referendum."

Akinci also accused the Greek Cypriot side of provoking EU officials regarding the issue of equal status of Turkish and Greek nationals in the event of a settlement through a campaign of lies.

Reminding of the statements made by the Greek Cypriot leadership following Crans-Montana for the need for Turkish Cypriots 'to cut their umbilical cord from Turkey', Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriot side did not need to prove its readiness to reach a settlement.

"You will do everything in your power to prevent any foreign contact and to ensure that we continue our lives under embargoes through the fear that the status of the Turkish Cypriots might be upgraded. Then you will tell us to 'cut our umbilical cord' with Turkey which is our only open channel to the world… What kind of a mentality is this?, he asked, adding that the Greek Cypriot side's refusal to bring to life certain confidence building measures was the biggest proof of this.

Akinci concluded his speech by alleging that the "TRNC" will continue to improve and develop itself domestically while continuing its responsibility towards building a peaceful future on this island.

[02] Turkish side's road map was discussed and no decision was taken at Cavusoglu's presence; "Consultations" will continue

The paper writes that the meetings held yesterday were the first within the framework of the efforts of the Turkish side to determine a new road map, that no decision was taken and that the stance of the Turkish side was not determined. The participants in the meetings expressed their views and the climate was positive, notes the paper adding that agreement was achieved on the issue of the continuation of the communication and the consultations between officials from Turkey and the "TRNC" with the aim of determining their road map. The paper was told that the Turkish side will continue its efforts to take positive steps by preserving its "prudence". No statement was issued after the meetings.

Under the title "What is going on?" Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (19.07.17) reports that the steps to be taken against the "unilateral activities" on the natural gas issue carried out in the sea area south of Cyprus and the road to be followed by the Turkish side in the forthcoming process were discussed during the dinner.

Under the title "There is no single voice", Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (19.07.17) reports that during the meetings Cavusoglu expressed the view that the Cyprus negotiations cannot continue within the framework of the UN parameters. Pointing out to the "intransigent stance" of the Greek Cypriots and Greece, Cavusoglu argued that no rush decisions should be taken. A reliable source, told the paper that Akinci expressed the view that during the recent conference it had clearly been seen that the actual intention of the Greek Cypriots is not a [solution] within the UN parameters. The CTP and TDP opposition parties said that the negotiations should not be interrupted, while the "ruling" UBP and DP parties expressed the view that the negotiations were interrupted, a solution within the framework of the UN parameters is not possible and the "TRNC" should determine its own road map.

Finally, Turkish daily Milliyet newspaper (19.07.17, online) refers to the issue under the title "No rush decision will be taken in Cyprus" and reports that during the meeting it was decided that "no hasty steps" should be taken during the "new process". Citing reliable information, the paper writes that the view that the UN parameters failed prevailed during the meeting and that continuation of the meetings within the forthcoming days was decided. Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot side will continue discussing their new road map during the illegal visit expected by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim tonight within the framework of the 43rd anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. It was noted that a meeting on Cyprus presided by President Erdogan could also be held. The paper recalls that Erdogan had alleged that a big opportunity was lost for a solution in Cyprus and that the UN parameters should not continue.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Cavusoglu: There will be different processes in Cyprus from now on

Referring to the EU's role, Cavusoglu claimed: "The EU countries should not hide behind the Cyprus problem anymore. After the 2004 referendum, the EU has not kept its promise. Now the embargoes and limitations on the TRNC should be lifted the soonest. This is not humane. In this era you accept as a member a side in a way it did not deserve and you keep the other side under pressure. You implement inhuman sanctions. This is not correct".

Referring to the Cyprus Conference in Crans Montana, Cavusoglu alleged that the beginning of the drilling for natural gas in Cyprus' EEZ showed the real intentions of the Greek Cypriots and Greece during the conference. He claimed that the plan of the Greek and Greek Cypriot side was to allegedly prolong the process until 12 July, force Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side to take a step [against the drilling] and leave the table showing as pretext this step. He argued that the Turkish side saw this plan and alleged that the process in Crans Montana collapsed because of the Greek Cypriot side.

Noting that the UNSG decided that the Cyprus Conference could not continue in that manner, Cavusoglu argued: "That is, there is no political will here. Now, since the Turkish side has [also] rights and they also say this, why you do not focus on the solution and you carry out unilateral activities? However, they are used to this. During the 2004 referendum they rejected the Annan Plan. Their big brothers rewarded them, [and] they accepted them immediately to the EU. […]"

Alleging that Turkey wants the solution of the Cyprus problem for peace in Cyprus and the stability in Eastern Mediterranean, Cavusoglu argued that the parameters of the process and the Turkish side's red lines are known and added:

"Who, which countries in the EU were hiding behind the Cyprus problem, I would very much like to see their real face. However, there will be other processes in Cyprus now. This process cannot continue like this for a lifetime. […] Since we came to power we were a step ahead from everyone for the solution and did not hesitate. We took political risks. However, if the one side does not want, you should see what to do. Allah willing, I will go to the TRNC and we will hold consultations with the officials here. We will meet with the esteemed president, the speaker of the assembly and the parties. We will consult, discuss and decide what kind of a road map we will determine".

Noting that Turkey will exert effort to advance its relations with the EU within the forthcoming process, Cavusoglu said that the Cyprus problem has always been an obstacle for them and alleged: "However, in Crans Montana it was clearly seen who wants a solution and who does not want a solution. Both the UNSG and the EU clearly saw this. The EU countries should not hide behind the Cyprus problem anymore. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Cypriot columnist argues that there is no Plan B on Cyprus

The columnist writes in his article that the Turkish side has neither Plan B nor it wishes to become a province of Turkey. In addition, he argues that Turkey does not want to turn the "TRNC" as one of its provinces. "Accept it or not, Cyprus is EU soil", he writes.

"America, England, France and Israel are conducting research for oil and natural gas here. Turkey wants this gas to pass via its own soil, which is its natural right and we all agree on this. For what kind of Plan B are you talking about while all these conditions are on the table?", writes the columnist, adding that nothing will happen regarding the "province issue". "The oil research will not stop but soon war tension will rise in the Mediterranean. Turkey w?ll make harassments, perhaps on July 20 there will be a FIR violation, Turkish ships will pass near the oil drilling platform, and will create fear with their air and some people will go and say to Turkey 'ok, you are here as well and you have a say'. After all, if Turkey does not make this provocation, it will have no weight left. More provocation will take on. The Mediterranean will be heated but not burned", he writes adding that Greek Cypriots should be ready for more provocations.

Altiner goes on and says that in the end the natural gas or the oil in the Mediterranean will be distributed to the world via Turkey, whatever somebody want this or not. "This is Turkey's will and will be realized willy- nilly. Now a not important Greek Cypriot side is taking a stance against huge Turkey and here, within a month the Greek Cypriots will come down. After this everything will go on its way", he writes.

"This is how 2017 will pass and after February 2018, that is after the presidential elections of the Greek Cypriots side the negotiation table will be set up. Will there be a solution? Well, this is another issue. But Turkey will continue to make the Greek Cypriots feeling its power and its slap on the back of their neck and with this fear the solution table will be set up again", he writes.

(CS)

[05] Yildirim blamed the Greek Cypriot side for the failure of the Cyprus talks in Crans Montana

Addressing the collapse of the Cyprus talks last week in Switzerland, Yildirim blamed the impasse on the Greek Cypriot side's uncompromising, unilateral attitude. "The Greek side sending a ship amid at drilling in the eastern Mediterranean Sea dynamited the solution while the talks were continuing in Switzerland. This revealed Greeks' insincere attitude towards a solution", he alleged and further claimed: "Our government will use our rights to the utmost based on international laws against this lawless, unilateral attitude".

[06] Turkey's EU Minister: "Exclusion of Turkish troops in Cyprus off the table"

Speaking at a news conference in Brussels on the side-lines of the Turkey-EU Joint Consultative Committee meeting, Celik highlighted that Turkey has always had a determined stance to find a permanent solution to the Cyprus issue.

"The proposal excluding the presence of Turkish troops on the island is off the table," Celik claimed, alleging that past experience shows Turkish troops need to be on the island for the security of the island as a whole. He further claimed that holding negotiations with an attitude categorically excluding Turkish troops on the island was out of question.

Regarding Turkey's EU accession, Celik said that the bloc needs to review its stance regarding the country's membership.

"The EU should comprehend the reasons behind Turkey's anti-terror fight amid a difficult period in the region, ensure visa-free travel and support and speed up its accession process," Celik said, as he highlighted the necessity for providing Turkey with an assurance regarding the issue. He reminded that both sides have reached an agreement on proceeding with the readmission deal and visa-free travel, noting that visa liberation has been granted to many countries who are not even part of the enlargement.

"Visa liberalization is a necessity that will also produce positive results regarding the business sphere and will psychologically calm both sides down," Celik added.

The EU Minister noted that 16 chapters have been open for negotiations, while 14 chapters are blocked as a result of the EU Council's and the Greek Cypriot administration's (as he refers to the Cyprus government) politicized motives.

"We expect EU member states to discard the Greek Cypriot administration's perspective as soon as possible," Celik alleged, adding that the bloc is also responsible for proceeding with Turkey's accession process.

The EU has been criticized by Turkey for making heavy weather of the visa liberalization against Ankara. Ankara argues that, despite threats posed by several terror groups against Turkey's national security, Brussels' insistence that Turkey revise its terror laws is politically motivated.

On the same issue, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (18.07.17), Celik, speaking at the 36th Turkey-EU Joint Advisory Committee in Brussels on Tuesday, has reiterated that his country wants to be a full member of the European Union and will not be open to any other offer apart from that one.

Celik argued that Turkey is ready to open EU chapters 23 and 24 about the judiciary and fundamental rights as well as justice and freedoms. He said it was "double standard" to criticize Turkey without opening these EU chapters.

Speaking to reporters later in the day at the Turkey's EU permanent representation in Brussels, Celik said that during the meeting, the Cyprus issue was also discussed and alleged: "Certainly, Turkey is on the side of solution. Although the Turkish side has shown a positive approach [during the talks in Switzerland], this last solution chance has been missed".

Celik also claimed that Turkey would support an equal and a sovereign state on the island. "A proposal that calls for Turkish troops to not be on the island at the start of negotiations is out of the question", he alleged.

Celik said that he expects Turkey-EU relations to intensify in the coming days, adding: "Next week, we will have a high-level dialogue here. We will come with our Foreign Minister", he said, adding they would meet EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes Hahn.

[07] Foreign officials are illegally visiting the breakaway regime for the July 20 invasion to Cyprus "celebrations"

The paper also reports that the self-styled foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu met with a delegation from Uganda that is illegally visiting the breakaway regime for the celebration of the July 20 invasion to Cyprus. The delegation consists of the Speaker of the Uganda assembly Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Ambassador of Uganda to Ankara Kasujja Moses Kalule Kagodo, three Uganda Deputies and other officials. Ertugruloglu informed the members of the delegation about the latest developments of the Cyprus problem.

In addition, Kibris reports that Ertugruloglu met with more Deputies and journalists who are in the breakaway regime for the celebration of the July 20 invasion to Cyprus and informed them about the Cyprus negotiations.

Journalists from Serbia, United Arab Emirates, India, Italy, Qatar, Spain, Canada, Azerbaijan and Lebanon were among the delegation that Ertugruloglu saw. Officials from Azerbaijan, FYROM, Georgia, Slovakia, Madagascar, Pakistan and the UK were among the Deputies.

Replying to a question regarding the future of the "TRNC" Ertugruloglu alleged that the efforts for reaching a solution within the good mission of the UN which have been going on for 50 years have been finished last week in Switzerland. He also claimed that there are two "states" in Cyprus and that after this development the future in the island will be constructed on the "good neighboring relations between these two states". He also claimed that if there will be talks in the future they will take place between these two "states".

(CS)

[08] Denktas announced that his party withdrew its support to the 11th of February 2014 Joint Declaration

Speaking at a press conference at DP headquarters, Denktas said that the Joint Declaration, which had been signed between former Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades on the 11th of February 2014, was null and void and no longer binding for the DP.

"The negotiations process which was carried out within the framework of the 11th of February 2014 Joint Declaration is over for us. We are withdrawing our support to this document", he added.

Noting that he would be presenting his party's proposals on the next steps to be taken in written form to Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Denktas said: "The aim is for all the political parties and the president (Akinci) to work together to complete and implement these proposals"

Commenting on claims that the "TRNC" could become the 82nd province of Turkey, Denktas alleged that it is out of the question for them to approve the dissolution of the "TRNC" or to accept such a thing.

Replied to a question regarding the fenced off town of Varosha, Denktas said that the opening of the town to its owners under the Turkish administration is a part of proposal package that was submitted by himself in 2003. He expressed his satisfaction that this proposal now has more supporters than before, claiming: "Taking the correct steps, we can carry these to the point we want. Even if it is a unilateral step, it is a very important step".

(DPs)

[09] Arikli argued that Turkey for a long time now has been working on plan B

Arikli also claimed that the first step is the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha to its legal owners in a special status under Turkish administration and UN observation. He added that this opening will revive the "TRNC economy".

(DPs)

[10] Forty four more "citizenships" "granted" by the breakaway regime

The "council of ministers" took the decision according to "article 9, paragraph (1), clause (c) of the citizenship law No. 25/1993" with the condition that their criminal record, their safety report and their medical certificate is positive.

The names of those "obtained" the "TRNC citizenship" are published in the paper.

(DPs)

[11] Quran courses taking place in the occupied part of Lefkosia

According to the paper, the courses, which have started on July 3 and will continue for a month, are conducted by imams and teachers who came from Turkey.

The paper, which publishes pictures with young girls with covered heads attending the classes, writes that commenting on the issue, the head of "religious affairs department" of the breakaway regime Talip Atalay, stated that these are not "Quran courses" but a summer school for children.

(CS)

[12] KTOEOS criticized the "Turkish ambassador" to the breakaway regime

The union criticized the "Turkish ambassador" to the breakaway regime Derya Kanbay, who following a statement by the "prime ministry" that there is no FETO (the terrorist Gulen organization) in the breakaway regime, said that various organizations that are involved with FETO are organized in the occupied area of the island.

Criticizing Kanbay for his paternalistic manner, KTOEOS stated that the "Turkish ambassador" must realize that with fear and intimidation things cannot go on and that KTOEOS will continue its struggle against the political and religious assimilation of the Turkish Cypriots.

(CS)

[13] The occupation regime's GDP increased by 3,6% in 2016

Because of the devaluation of the TL against the US dollar, the regime's GDP in US dollars increased only by 2,5%. While it was 3,744.9 million dollars in 2015, it reached 3,839.3 million dollars in 2016. Per capita income increased by 1,3% in 2016 compared to 2015 reaching 13.902 dollars (from 13.721 dollars).

In the "DPO's" medium term program which includes the 2017-2019 period, the target is a real growth of 5% in 2017 and 2018 and 5,5% in 2019.

(I/Ts.)

[14] Turkish PM announces cabinet reshuffle

In the reshuffle Bekir Bozdag, Mehmet Simsek, Bekir Bozdag, Fikri Is?k, Recep Akdag and Hakan Cavusoglu were named as Deputy Prime Ministers.

The new list of Ministers includes:

Justice Minister: Abdulhamit Gul, replacing Bekir Bozdag

Family Minister: Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya

EU Minister: Omer Celik

Foreign Minister: Mevlut Cavusoglu

Interior Minister: Suleyman Soylu

Defence Minister: Nurettin Canikli, replacing Fikri Is?k

Economy Minister: Nihat Zeybekci

Finance Minister: Naci Agbal

Culture Minister: Numan Kurtulmus, replacing Nabi Avc?

Sports Minister: Osman Ask?n Bak, replacing Cagatay K?l?c

Labour Minister: Julide Sar?eroglu, replacing Mehmet Muezzinoglu

Health Minister: Ahmet Demircan, replacing Recep Akdag

Education Minister: Ismet Y?lmaz

Forestry Minister: Veysel Eroglu

Energy Minister: Berat Albayrak

[15] President Erdogan to visit Gulf region on July 23 and 24

Turkey will "continue its active and constructive role to find a solution to the nonsense crisis that was escalated by Gulf countries targeting Qatar," Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m said in a parliament group meeting on July 18, adding that Erdogan was set to visit the Gulf countries to address the issue.

Erdogan's visit comes after Qatar rejected to implement a 13-article list of demands from Saudi-led Arab powers to end isolation of the oil rich Gulf country. One of the demands is the immediate shut down of the Turkish military base in Qatar. Both Qatar and Turkey rejected the call, underlining the need to establish dialogue for peaceful resolution to the problem.

[16] Yildirim warns Juncker on 'threatening statements'

The EU is making "confusing statements", accused Y?ld?r?m while addressing his party's parliamentary group on July 18. "Those threatening us to close the EU doors to Turkey should know that the EU needs Turkey more than Turkey needs the EU," Y?ld?r?m said. Those who are responsible should refrain from these kinds of statements that can harm channels of dialogue, he added.

The European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker urged Turkey to uphold democratic values if it hopes to join the European Union on July 16, a year after the failed coup. Juncker's comments came a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave a speech to Parliament on the anniversary of the attempted coup, following mass rallies in Ankara and Istanbul.

"Whoever wants to join the European Union is joining a union of values," Juncker wrote in an op-ed for German weekly Bild Sonntag. "Europe's hand remains outstretched" but it expects that "Turkey too should clearly show its European colours and emphatically take basic European values to heart", he added.

In his speech, Erdogan had vowed to sign any bill lawmakers pass on reintroducing the death penalty.

In his article, Juncker warned in particular against the detention of journalists without trial including Deniz Yucel of German daily Die Welt. This was "in no way compatible with a union of human rights, press freedom and the rule of law," he said.

[17] Germany to get involved in arrested journalist Deniz Yucel's case at ECHR

The broadcaster based its report on an interview the newspaper Die Welt conducted with the German Justice Minister and the Chancellery Minister.

Yucel, who holds both German and Turkish citizenship, was arrested on Feb. 27 on charges of propaganda in support of a terrorist organization and inciting public violence, after first being detained on Feb. 14.

Yucel, a journalist for the German newspaper Die Welt, faces up to 10.5 years in jail if convicted.

German Chancellery head Peter Altmaier said in an interview with Die Welt that Turkish prosecutors had still not prepared an indictment over Yucel's charges. As such a handling of the case is against the principles of a state of law, the German federal government will support the complaint filed to the ECHR by the lawyer of Deniz Yucel, Altmaier said.

German Justice Minister Heiko Maas told die Welt that Germany will not leave any legal procedure untried in the case of Yucel. This is why the German government will also present a declaration before the ECHR and put its position very clear, Maas said.

Maas also called on the Turkish judiciary to present an indictment to them in the Yucel case, which lists the allegations against the journalist. So far, the German officials have only heard allegations that try "to defame Yucel as a terrorist", Maas told Die Welt.

Maas also noted that Yucel's solitary confinement should be lifted, as the first step in the rule of law was to provide "humane imprisonment conditions."

[18] Turkish Education Ministry reveals new curriculum: Evolution out, 'jihad' in

The new curriculum will be put into execution for first, fifth, and ninth graders starting from this year, and it will extend to other classes in the 2018-2019 academic year. Accordingly, a total of 176 class curricula have been renewed.

"Jihad is an element in our religion; it is in our religion… The duty of the Education Ministry is to teach every concept deservedly, in a correct way. It is also our job to correct things that are wrongly perceived, seen or taught," Y?lmaz announced at a press meeting in the Turkish capital Ankara.

"In this manner, in the lessons on Islamic law and basic religion sciences, there will be [the concept of] jihad," he said.

Speaking about the controversial decision to exclude evolution, Y?lmaz said it was not included in the national curriculum "because it is above the students' level and not directly relevant."

Information on last year's failed coup attempt will also be included in the curriculum. "When the subject of winning democracy is covered in social sciences classes, we will want the July 15 National Unity Day to be covered, too," Y?lmaz said.

"In Turkish language classes, when topics on the national struggle led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk [founder of modern Turkey] are being discussed, July 15 [2016 coup attempt] will also be touched on," the Minister noted.

Y?lmaz said the new curriculum will also include topics on the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The chairman of a Teachers' Union described the changes as a huge step in the wrong direction for Turkey's schools and an attempt to avoid raising "generations who ask questions."

"The new policies that ban the teaching of evolution and requiring all schools to have a prayer room, these actions destroy the principle of secularism and the scientific principles of education," said Mehmet Bal?k, chairman of the Union of Education and Science Workers (Egitim-Is).

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(DPs / AM)

Copyright (C) 2017 Press and Information Office, All rights reserved.

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article