Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-09-18

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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] Akinci: We want neither to be a minority of a Greek Cypriot state nor to be the 82nd province of Turkey

[02] Akinci will meet with the UNSG on 23 September

[03] Akinci had separate meetings with Mueller and Spehar

[04] Akinci: "Maybe TRNC is not recognized, but it is a fact and a reality"

[05] Ertugruloglu is in New York; he reiterated that "TRNC" should go its own way

[06] Afrika refers to insults against Akinci and the Turkish Cypriots by a pro-Erdogan Turkish newspaper

[07] Nami: There is no prerequisite for "continuing negotiations" for the continuation of the Bi-Communal European Union AD-HOC Committee

[08] Ozersay visited Turkish Cypriots who live in London and commented on the "distribution of the TRNC citizenship"

[09] Malaria cases in the breakaway regime

[10] Thirty more "citizenships" were "granted" by the "occupation regime"

[11] Fourteen Syria migrants were "arrested" offshore the occupied Akanthou village

[12] "Loans and bank deposits" increased in the occupied area of Cyprus

[13] Akpinar will carry out contacts in New York as representative of the "Association of Diplomats"

[14] Busy diplomatic schedule awaits Erdogan at UN summit

[15] Ankara accuses Barzani of 'dissolving Iraq'

[16] Turkey begins military exercise on Iraqi border a week before the Kurdish referendum

[17] Ankara summons German Ambassador over pro-PKK rally in Cologne

[18] New head of Turkey's religious affairs directorate named as Ali Erbas

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: We want neither to be a minority of a Greek Cypriot state nor to be the 82nd province of Turkey

He made these statements speaking during the opening ceremony of the "Judicial Year" in the breakaway regime.

Ak?nc? also said that the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots must continue to exist together in peace and harmony in these lands in every case.

"We cannot change the geography. The Turkish Cypriot people do not intend to be a minority of a Greek Cypriot state. Besides this, there is no desire to be the 82nd province of Turkey, "said Ak?nc?.

In this case, he said there are only two options left: " A structure based in sharing under a common roof without dominating each other in equality, security and freedom; or the creation and legalization of the conditions for living under two separate roofs side by side. In both cases, there is no doubt that compromise will be necessary ".

(CS)

[02] Akinci will meet with the UNSG on 23 September

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akinci had separate meetings with Mueller and Spehar

Akinci's special advisor for diplomacy and EU affairs Erhan Ercin as well as his special advisor for political affairs and history Meltem Onurkan Samani were also present at the meeting which took place at his office.

No statement was issued before or after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar visited on Friday Akinci.

The latest developments on the Cyprus Issue as well as Akinci's upcoming visit to New York next week was discussed during the meeting.

In a short statement to reporters after the meeting, Spehar said that she had held a good meeting with Akinci

Touching upon the meetings the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will be holding with the two leaders separately, Spehar said that the UN Secretary General would like to hear about the ideas of the leaders regarding the possible resumption of the Cyprus negotiations process.

[04] Akinci: "Maybe TRNC is not recognized, but it is a fact and a reality"

Akinci also reiterated the importance of living together in peace and prosperity on the island. "We should find a way for this and we should do this in a peaceful framework", he noted and referred to the wars and pains experienced in the past.

Pointing to the need for finding the ways for building a peaceful future in this geography, Akinci said: "I desire from the bottom of my heart for the relations between Turkey and Greece to further develop. I want the wars and pains in our region, the Middle East to come to an end. I seriously hope that peace can be achieved in Syria. I wish that the pains of people who suffer in Iraq and other countries in the region will end. I want the region to turn to an area of cooperation. There is a basis for this."

Underlining the need for making efforts for this to be realised, he claimed that the Turkish Cypriots had already made these efforts and added: "The former leaders and I had made efforts for peace to be achieved".

He argued that the Turkish Cypriots were ready to share a future with the Greek Cypriots in equality, freedom and security. "However, there are some things which you cannot disclaim. First your equality, second your freedom and third your security. We are ready to share a future in equality, freedom and security. We will continue to exist. There is an electoral period in South Cyprus. I want this period to be a reflection period for them. What do they want?", Akinci said.

"Could they accept to live in peace in a structure which will be a single roof formed by the existence of two equal founding states? Could they accept a Turkish Cypriot to be the President of the whole island? If they can then they should openly reveal this. If they cannot then we know what we will do. If we cannot live under the same roof then we will find the ways for living in peace under two different roofs. We already have that roof. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the name of it. Maybe it is not recognized but still it is a fact and a reality. It cannot be ignored. We were ready to make the TRNC a founding state which is equal to theirs. We worked hard for this however it didn't happen", he added.

Reminding that he will be leaving for New York on Tuesday and that he will be coming together with the UN Secretary General there, Akinci alleged: "We will talk frankly with the UN Chief. He himself witnessed what had happened in Crans-Montana. The whole world witnessed how constructive the TRNC and Turkey were. Therefore, we will be going to New York in a comfort of doing everything for peace".

Stressing that they will be visiting New York with confidence, Akinci said that the Greek Cypriots should decide on what they really want. "We will see the outcomes of this in the coming months. There is one thing we should never neglect. We should further develop the TRNC with its democracy and economy every single day", Akinci added.

He also expressed the need for taking the necessary steps that will further improve the "country". "We should not neglect these efforts. Furthermore, we will continue to do whatever necessary in the diplomatic arena", Akinci concluded.

[05] Ertugruloglu is in New York; he reiterated that "TRNC" should go its own way

As part of his contacts in New York, Ertugruloglu will attend the annual Coordination Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He will also attend and address the Council of Ministers meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Ertugruloglu will also hold meetings with the Foreign Ministers of some OIC and ECO countries.

Later, Ertugruloglu will move on to Washington where he will come together with some US officials and representatives of think-tanks and media groups.

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak (online, 16.09.17) broadcast that Ertugruloglu has alleged that the Turkish Cypriot "people" were not faced with the choice of continuing the Cyprus negotiations process following the collapse of the process in Crans Montana, Switzerland.

Speaking at a briefing on energy and security for members of the Centre for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies based in Turkey, Ertugruloglu claimed that it was out of the question for the talks to resume from where they were left off after the 50 year negotiation process ended in failure at Crans-Montana.

He further alleged that it was not a conference but the 50 year old negotiation process which had come to an end at Crans Montana.

Claiming that any negotiations to be conducted from now should and could only be held between two states, Ertugruloglu argued that contrary to the past, any new process would be have to subject to a timetable or deadlines.

"Turkish Cypriots are fed up from this atmosphere of uncertainty as a result of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem. They no longer want to live like this, wasting their time in uncertainty" he stressed.

Stating that it was high time the "TRNC" went its own way, Ertugruloglu said that it was important and necessary to establish a common political policy in the "country".

He alleged that resuming talks from where they left off would only leave Turkish Cypriots at the mercy of the Greek Cypriot side.

Ertugruloglu also said that all the "TRNC" had to evaluate all options about its future with Turkey.

[06] Afrika refers to insults against Akinci and the Turkish Cypriots by a pro-Erdogan Turkish newspaper

Commenting on the issue, columnist Ali Osman in Afrika (18.09.17) reports that the Turkish Cypriots are used to such insults and notes:

"[…] I think that in his speech Akinci said nothing outside the wishes of Ankara. Because he is not the Akinci he used to be. And he also does not say what he will say without taking permission. He referred to the 'Property Compensation Commission' regarding the properties left by the Greek Cypriots. Of course he left it incomplete. All title deeds of the Greek Cypriot properties which are paid here are sent to Ankara as 'property of Turkey'. Is this a sacrifice? Akinci referred to the Turkish Cypriots' own resources and Turkey's contributions. What are our own resources? The income obtained from selling the properties here to foreigners. The money obtained from taxes and funds. Actually this is how these issues are going on, but Akinci stressed this. […] He expressed his uneasiness saying that efforts are exerted to put emphasis on formulas that exclude Turkey on the issue of energy resources. Why did Akit newspaper describe as 'crows' the Turkish Cypriots and Akinci, who made so pro-motherland statements? Because he said that 'we do not want to become either a minority in a unitary state or Turkey's 82nd province'. Actually Akinci wants a separate Turkish state, and what they call as federal solution is a fairytale. What is wanted is a separate state. The disappointment of promoting a separate state within the forthcoming days will be added to the disappointment created by the dreams built at Crans Montana. Akinci says that the TRNC is a reality. However, what is the TRNC? It is a structure established on the Greek Cypriot properties during the period of Kenan Evren's fascist junta and described as pirate in the world and called as 'Turkey's subordinate administration' in the European courts. It is a non-recognized formation. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[07] Nami: There is no prerequisite for "continuing negotiations" for the continuation of the Bi-Communal European Union AD-HOC Committee

According to Kibris, the Republic of Cyprus held contacts aiming to cancel the contacts and the program of the European Union AD-HOC Committee which is related to the harmonization of the Turkish Cypriots with the EU acquis. Kibris argues that "Greek Cypriot officials" wrote letters to the EU saying that since the negotiations have stopped they see no need for the works of the Committee and caused the cancellation of the teams that were to visit the island.

Commenting on the issue, Ozdil Nami, the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, stated that there is no prerequisite for "continuing negotiations" for the continuation of the Committee's work in the mandate of the AD HOC Committee, formed by the work of both sides under a UN framework and a joint decision. Nami pointed out that this reason was revealed by the Greek Cypriot side: "We talked with the Commission. We have stated that these attitudes of the Greek Cypriots are unacceptable and that these works should continue as planned. They said they would make the necessary contacts and come back to us. As of today, nothing like that happened", he said adding that preventing the harmonization procedure is a wrong step to make.

"The Greek Cypriot side should contribute to the framework we agree on, not to block these efforts. […] For this reason we call on the European Commission not to prevent the aim of the Turkish Cypriots to reach EU standards and to use their influence on the Greek Cypriot side," Nami said.

(CS)

[08] Ozersay visited Turkish Cypriots who live in London and commented on the "distribution of the TRNC citizenship"

During his contacts Ozersay claimed that the Turkish Cypriots who live in the UK are part of the Turkish Cypriot "people" adding that their needs and sensitivities must be taken into consideration.

Ozersay criticized the "distribution of the TRNC citizenship" the purpose of which is to gather "votes" for the "elections", as he stated.

(CS)

[09] Malaria cases in the breakaway regime

The outbreaks occurred in the last week of August and were diagnosed after the three tourists returned to England in the first week of September.

The so-called ministry stated that it is closely following the issue and is in continuous cooperation with the two international organizations.

(CS)

[10] Thirty more "citizenships" were "granted" by the "occupation regime"

According to the paper, the "decision" was published in the "official gazette" of the occupation regime dated September 14.

(AK)

[11] Fourteen Syria migrants were "arrested" offshore the occupied Akanthou village

According to the paper, the 14 migrants who were travelling with a boat were transferred to the "port" of occupied Keryneia by the "coast guard forces". The "police" continue the investigation after the arrest.

(AK)

[12] "Loans and bank deposits" increased in the occupied area of Cyprus

Also, the overdue receivables during the second quarter of 2017 reached to 830,3 million TL, showing a 0,51 points decrease, if compared with the same period last year.

(AK)

[13] Akpinar will carry out contacts in New York as representative of the "Association of Diplomats"

According to a press release by "GAU", Akpinar, as representative of the "association of diplomats", which is a consultancy non-governmental organization, in line with the UN, will be present in meetings that top institutions of many countries under the auspices of UNGS Guterres will participate.

Akpinar will also carry out meetings with leaders of civil organizations. He added that in the summit of the "Association of Diplomats", which will be held in October in the occupied area of Cyprus, the latest developments in Cyprus and in the world will be evaluated.

[14] Busy diplomatic schedule awaits Erdogan at UN summit

Tight security measures were put in place by U.S security forces around the hotel for the duration of Erdogan's visit, which comes after a brawl between Erdogan's security guards and PKK terrorist group sympathizers in front of the Turkish embassy in Washington during the Turkish President's last trip to the U.S. in May.

Accompanied by Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, EU Minister Omer Celik and Energy Minister Berat Albayrak, Erdogan briefly met with Turks waiting for him in front of the hotel.

In addition to the diplomatic meetings, Erdogan will also be attending to the ground-breaking ceremony of the Turkish House, the main Turkish community centre in the U.S., which is located in Manhattan, right across from the United Nations Headquarters.

On the same issue, Erdogan will be engaging in high diplomatic traffic regarding key issues such as the upcoming planned referendum of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Rohingya Muslims' crisis in Myanmar. The President will also hold meetings on the sidelines of the summit with several world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters in Istanbul ahead of his departure, Erdogan said that during his speech at the General Assembly tomorrow, he will touch on major issues that pose a threat to Turkey's security, including the crisis in Syria and Iraq and the ongoing counterterrorism operations.

Erdogan also emphasized that a group meeting will be held during the U.N. General Assembly regarding the plight of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

President Erdogan is also expected to hold a meeting on the sidelines of the summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, U.N. General Secretary Antonio Guterres, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, Pakistani President Shahid Khaqan, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Moldova Prime Minister Pavel Filip and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, as well as representatives from the Muslim and Jewish communities.

A trilateral meeting is also planned between Turkey, France and Italy, where the parties will discuss the process for Turkey's accession to the EU, migrant issues and defence industry projects.

The President emphasized that his meeting with U.S. President Trump is of particular importance, saying: "I pay special attention to the meeting with Mr. Trump. This meeting comes at a critical time in terms of regional developments".

[15] Ankara accuses Barzani of 'dissolving Iraq'

"If you opt for the disintegration of Iraq, we will not tell you 'OK, go ahead.' We have told them many times. We have told them in our bilateral talks," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on Sept. 17 before departing for New York to attend the U.N. General Assembly.

With just a week left until the referendum, Ankara has hardened its stance against the planned vote in recent days, linking the issue to Turkey's national security.

"I have sent my [National Intelligence Organization] MIT Undersecretary [Hakan Fidan] to Erbil. I told them that they are making a mistake. You continue to resist after we have discussed this issue with you so many times," Erdogan said.

He strongly criticized Barzani by recalling Turkey's support and aid for the KRG in recent years. "You knock on our doors when you face difficulty and receive all kinds of support from us, but when it comes to disintegrating Iraq you go your own way," Erdogan added.

His statement came after Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m said Turkey regards the referendum as a national security issue and will act accordingly. Erdogan and Y?ld?r?m had held an announced meeting on Sept. 16.

The President reiterated Ankara's decision to move the date of the biannual National Security Council (MGK) from Sept. 27 to Sept. 22, adding that a cabinet meeting will follow the top security meeting on the same day. "This issue will be discussed in detail at the MGK. The cabinet will take necessary decisions upon the advisory suggestions of the MGK. Turkey will therefore reveal its decisive position on this issue," he said.

Underlining that Ankara and Baghdad have similar positions regarding the referendum, stipulating the "indivisible integrity" of Iraq, Erdogan recalled that he would be meeting Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi in New York to discuss the situation. "This issue will also be on my agenda during my meeting with [U.S. President Donald] Trump. I particularly want this to be known," he said.

Despite reactions from both inside Iraq and the international community, KRG President Barzani defied all criticisms, vowing to go ahead with the referendum on Sept. 25 as planned.

[16] Turkey begins military exercise on Iraqi border a week before the Kurdish referendum

The exercise will take place between Silopi and Habur provinces of Turkey where Habur border gate is also situated. The army said the exercise is part of Turkey's anti-terror fight operations being operated in the border region.

The move came after Turkey harshened its opposition against KRG's referendum bid.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (17.09.17) reported that Turkey has amassed 80 tracked military vehicles, including tanks as part of its military reinforcements along its southern border with Syria, according to a military source Sunday.

The military vehicles were brought to the border line near southern Hatay province's Iskenderun district.

The new deployment is part of a fresh reinforcement for troops already stationed there, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

On Saturday, the army also dispatched a number of heavy equipment, first aid trucks and military vehicles to the same district.

Another convoy of armoured vehicles was heading towards Hatay's Rehyanli district along the Syrian border, the source added.

[17] Ankara summons German Ambassador over pro-PKK rally in Cologne

According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Martin Erdmann was called over the previous day's rally during which about 3,000 pro-PKK demonstrators gathered at Deutzer Werft Square as part of a so-called international Kurdish festival.

"We condemn the fact that permission was granted to organize an event by the PKK terrorist organization affiliated entities … in Cologne, Germany, and that terrorist propaganda was allowed," read the statement.

It said that their strong reaction with regard to the event had been expressed to the German Ambassador.

The statement also criticized the German authorities' lack of action regarding the messages that were read aloud during the demonstration, which praised the organization and its leaders.

[18] New head of Turkey's religious affairs directorate named as Ali Erbas

Erbas had been serving as rector of Yalova University and will replace Mehmet Gormez who retired from the post in July after serving in the office, Turkey's highest religious position, from November 2010. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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