Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-08-29

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

CONTENTS

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akdag met with Akinci; Akinci: "Either the Greek Cypriots should accept power sharing with us or we should discuss the conditions of living side by side under two different roofs"

[02] Akdag met with Ozgurgun, Siber and Serdar Denktas

[03] Seventeen illegal universities are operating in the breakaway regime

[04] Six-day Bayram holiday in the occupied area of Cyprus

[05] Ozyigit stated that he will be candidate for his party's election assembly

[06] GAU will participate in the Magna Charta Conference in Hungary

[07] Erdogan: "Two-state solution the only way to establish peace in Middle East"

[08] Main opposition CHP leader criticizes AKP leader

[09] Russian Ambassador to Turkey: "$100 billion trade with Turkey is attainable"

[10] AK Party to open 10 new party offices abroad

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akdag met with Akinci; Akinci: "Either the Greek Cypriots should accept power sharing with us or we should discuss the conditions of living side by side under two different roofs"

Alleging that Turkey's desire is to see a partnership solution in Cyprus, Akdag claimed also that "supporting and pursuing a partnership settlement has always been our path and we shall continue on that path in the period ahead".

Akdag stated further that during the period of 1974 his father was a Deputy in Turkey's National Assembly which decided for the "peace operation" in Cyprus, as he called the Turkish invasion, adding that although he was only fourteen years old back then, he is fully knowledge of the details of the events which took place in the island.

Referring to the recent reforms which took place in Turkey on the health sector, Akdag claimed that these reforms could constitute an example for the "TRNC".

Also speaking, Akinci, claimed that the "TRNC, although is not recognized diplomatically, was an entity with all its bodies and institutions. There is a state here", Akinci argued, calling the Greek Cypriot side to accept this.

"It has become clear that endless negotiations without deadlines will take us nowhere. It is now a time of reflections. They (the Greek Cypriots) will either come to terms with sharing political power with us or they will find themselves discussing with us the conditions of living side by side under two different roofs", Akinci further alleged.

"The opening ended talks yield no result. With the same mentality, same methods, you will end up at the same place, you cannot end up at a different place. We have been saying these for years now. Now is a period of thinking. Now, the Greek Cypriots, the UN and us should make their evaluations and we should find a healthier path and method to follow", Akinci further said.

Referring to the forthcoming elections to take place in the Republic of Cyprus on February 2018, Akinci expressed the wish that it will be a "period of confrontation" for the Greek Cypriots where they should decide what they want in this island.

(AK)

[02] Akdag met with Ozgurgun, Siber and Serdar Denktas

Within the framework of his contacts, Akdag attended also meetings with "rectors of universities", representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry as well as several NGOs.

During his meeting with so-called prime minister Ozgurgun, Akdag claimed that they are ready to work together with the "TRNC" in order to serve the "Turkish Cypriot people's interest", to cover their needs in all sectors such as "education, transportation, health, water, energy", to improve the "people's lives", so that they will leave in prosperity.

On the Cyprus problem, Akdag stated that the UN and the international community should say to "south Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus: "this issue cannot continue like this, you should correct your mistake.

On his turn, Ozgurgun thanked Turkey for its support and cooperation and claimed that the "atmosphere of peace and stability" in Turkey is of the benefit not only of the Turkish Cypriots and the "TRNC", but also of "south Cyprus" and the whole region.

Alleging that it came out clearly from the outcome of the Cyprus negotiation talks in Switzerland that the Greek Cypriot side is not willing for a solution on the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun added: "Their real aim is the unification of Cyprus with Greece. This was proven with the recent decision received from their Parliament".

Ozgurgun went on and argued that the negotiation talks for a federal solution on the basis of the UN parameters were ended, alleging that there is no possibility for the talks to be carried out on the basis of those parameters. "Those responsible for what will happen right after are the Greek Cypriot side and Greece. Since the positive actions and the openings made by the Turkish Cypriot side had not found a response, the TRNC and Turkey will determine their own road map and it is impossible to negotiate under these parameters", Ozgurgun alleged.

Meanwhile, speaking during the meeting with the "speaker" of the so-called assembly, Akdag stated that Turkey will continue to be by the side of the Turkish Cypriot "people", adding that it will continue "using its rights as a guarantor country" on the island.

Siber on her part alleged that the "TRNC" is an "existing entity with its democracy, executive and judiciary that deserves the world's recognition and respect".

She further claimed that it is the Turkish Cypriots' duty to better explain themselves to the world from this point onwards and added that joint projects with Turkey to raise the prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots will continue.

Also, Serdar Denktas for his part, stated, inter alia, that during his meeting with Akdag they held a short evaluation regarding the "economy of the TRNC". He added that he is very optimistic from Akdag's positions.

(AK)

[03] Seventeen illegal universities are operating in the breakaway regime

According to the paper, two new "universities", the Bahcesehir K?br?s Un?versitesi and the Ark?n Universitesi of Creative Arts are the new addition to the list adding that the Ayd?n Uluslararas? Universitesi, has also applied for operating permission.

Reporting on the same issue, Halkin Sesi (29.08.17) also expresses its worries over the increased number of "universities" established in the occupied area of Cyprus and citing information writes that twenty more universities from Turkey applied for operating permission to the "ministry of education".

(CS)

[04] Six-day Bayram holiday in the occupied area of Cyprus

The "government" has also declared Thursday an "official holiday" giving "public sector employees" a 6 day uninterrupted break.

All "public offices" and "services", for the exception of essential services will remain closed until the 5th of September.

Pilgrims from the "TRNC" will also be visiting the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca on Tuesday, the 5th of September.

"Bayrak Radio Television's news desk will also be closed during the 6 day holiday".

[05] Ozyigit stated that he will be candidate for his party's election assembly

He made these statements in an interview he gave to the paper, where he said that he is not afraid of the competition over the party's leadership.

(CS)

[06] GAU will participate in the Magna Charta Conference in Hungary

The conference will take place between 30-31 August in Hungary's Pecs University.

(CS)

[07] Erdogan: "Two-state solution the only way to establish peace in Middle East"

Speaking at a press conference with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara, Erdogan said: "Establishing an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem along the lines of 1967 is crucial for stability in the region".

In an interview held later in the day with private broadcaster NTV's Oguz Haksever, Erdogan urged Netanyahu to respect the holy lands. "Netanyahu should put aside his views and respect the multifaith nature of the Al-Aqsa mosque," he added.

Erdogan said Turkey does not want the holy city of Jerusalem to experience conflict and bloodshed. A two state solution is also the international community's responsibility to the Palestinian nation, he said adding that Turkey is ready to offer support for initiating a peace process.

"Resolving the issue and establishing peace does not only serve Palestinians but also Israelis. As we witnessed during events, rising tension is no good for either side," Erdogan said.

[08] Main opposition CHP leader criticizes AKP leader

"This social consensus is very important. If we say civil authority and civil administration, then we consider civilians as people, institutions which are purified from oppression … We have to approach and evaluate a new kind of politics," he added.

The justice congress led by the main opposition party continued on its third day at Canakkale. During ongoing panels and workshops, participants of thousands discussed "justice issues" in Turkey.

"If we are discussing justice for a country's future, that means there is no democracy there," said K?l?cdaroglu, criticizing the country's current state of justice. "If there were a democracy, there would be no need to discuss justice. We see there is no justice, no democracy," he added.

Criticizing also ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for "surrendering to his own ego and ignoring his own base", K?l?cdaroglu said: "Erdogan is devaluating his own party but no one can speak out of fear". "He can criticize; humiliate the Ministers and his own base, because he regards them as his own political prisoners", he noted.

"There is nothing more wrong than a political party leader discrediting his own organization, telling them 'you are unskilful, tired and unable to do anything,'" he said.

As the system change stipulated by the constitutional amendment will take effect after the 2019 presidential and parliamentary elections, political parties have accelerated their efforts in their campaigns.

"We have a roadmap in our minds for 2019. We are trying to implement it step by step," K?l?cdaroglu said, adding he was content about the justice march.

[09] Russian Ambassador to Turkey: "$100 billion trade with Turkey is attainable"

Speaking in Ankara on Aug. 28 after attending the 86th Izmir International Fair, where Russia attended as a partner country, Alexei Yerkhov hailed Turkey as a "crucial" trade partner for Moscow in a wide range of areas including the construction sector.

"There are very serious and important investment activities for Ankara and Moscow in our states that are not limited to only the construction sector," Yerkhov said.

"Russia's biggest companies have been investing in the Turkish economy for a long time while Turkish companies are operating very successfully in the Russian market."

Yerkhov said that bilateral trade between Turkey and Russia started with shuttle trade in the 1990's, but now the sphere of cooperation has expanded to the extent now that huge infrastructure projects are being implemented, including the Turkish Stream natural gas project and Turkey's first nuclear plant - the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.

The trade volume reached a record high in 2010 with $34 billion, a time when political parties first voiced the target of $100 billion, according to the Russian Ambassador.

"However it is important to note that our trade volume recently decreased extensively for known reasons as well as due to market conditions. It dropped around 50% compared to levels seen seven or eight years ago.

"Despite this, the target to increase the mutual trade volume up to $100 billion is a demanding but attainable goal," he said.

Yerkhov underlined that both the business world and regional governors are working hard to reach this goal, adding that an important example to this effort is evident in the Alabuga Free Trade Zone in the Republic of Tatarstan in which Turkish firms actively operate.

In reaching the trade volume target, the cooperation and synergy between Turkey and Russia is a key, Yerkhov said, adding that the recent agreement between Iranian private company Ghadir Exploration and Production Company, the Russian state company JSC Zarubezhneft and Turkish Unit International to develop oil and natural gas fields in Iran is a good example of this kind of cooperation. "JSC Zarubezhneft is a very serious and successful company with extensive experience especially abroad. This trilateral agreement is a good example and indicator of cooperation between our countries," he said.

The Russian Ambassador also invited Turkish entrepreneurs to avail of a new Russian electronic payment system, branded "Mir," which means "peace" or "world" in Russian.

Russia started to distribute its first electronic payment cards in June, which are independent from international payment systems such as Visa Inc. and MasterCard Inc.

"I am sure that the Turkish business world would like to integrate this system which now works only with the local rubble currency," he said.

[10] AK Party to open 10 new party offices abroad

The AK Party opened its first representative office in Brussels in 2015, and plans to open additional representative offices in the U.S. as well as in European countries. The second representative office is planned to open in Germany which has a large population of Turkish nationals.

The offices are expected to be essential in enhancing relations between the AK Party and Turkish expatriates and will play an active role in preventing the promotion of Gulenist Terrorist Group (FETO) campaigns against Turkey. The offices will be responsible for the organizations abroad. Meanwhile, intraparty sources said that the AK Party is currently working to determine the proper candidates to be assigned to the representative offices. Party officials plan to nominate people who have a high reputation in the countries they will represent. They will also nominate people who can effectively convey Turkey's point of view accurately. The AK Party works carefully to prevent FETO-affiliated people from being nominated through infiltration. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs / ICh)

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