Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-09-22

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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 reiterates the allegation that a new method and mentality is needed in the Cyprus negotiations

[02] Reactions to "citizenships" granted by the occupation regime continue; five more "citizenships" were announced yesterday

[03] "Ministry of labour" stated that there are 98 thousand insured persons in the breakaway regime and 45% of which are foreigners

[04] Ataoglu said that monetary incentives are offered for every tourist arriving from "South"

[05] Atun says that they will distribute 12 million TL within the framework of the "6th Financial Aid Partial Donation Programs"

[06] A person was arrested by the so-called police for owning two books related to PKK

[07] "Now is the time for strategy in Cyprus"

[08] Erdogan and Trump discussed S-400 missile deal and KRG referendum in a "positive" meeting

[09] Turkey, Iran and Iraq considered joint measures against KRG referendum

[10] Turkey to hold key security meets on measures against Iraqi Kurdish independence

[11] Erdogan: "Turkey will deploy troops in Syria's Idlib"

[12] Turkey changes date of week marking birthday of Prophet Muhammad

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci reiterates the allegation that a new method and mentality is needed in the Cyprus negotiations

Addressing the Presidium of the Socialist International in New York upon an invitation by the President of the Socialist International George Papandreou, Akinci claimed that the presidential elections in the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus in 2018 "do not give the opportunity for the creation of such a climate [for negotiations] now. He further alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side has always been trying to positively contribute with honesty and political determination during the process for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem, but it could not see the same stance by its interlocutors. The Turkish Cypriot leader claimed that the possibility of success in the negotiations for the first time after many years, has been wasted again because of the Greek Cypriot stance.

Referring to the framework set by the UNSG Antonio Guterres at the Crans Montana Conference on Cyprus, Akinci alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side's proposals were within this framework, but their interlocutors did not remain "faithful" to this. He argued that the Turkish Cypriot side wishes to have harmonic and productive relations with the world and its neighbors, but in order for this to happen some "incomprehensible and artificial obstacles", allegedly raised before the Turkish Cypriot community should be lifted.

Akinci claimed that the main reason for not reaching a comprehensive agreement on the Cyprus problem, in spite of the important progress that was achieved, is the fact that the Greek Cypriot side is allegedly not ready for equality and a fair sharing of the political power. He argued that this had been expressed in the UNSG's report in 2004 after the Turkish Cypriots accepted the Annan Plan and the Greek Cypriots rejected it.

After the Presidium, Akinci held a meeting with Papandreou. They agreed that they should be in contact from now on.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Reactions to "citizenships" granted by the occupation regime continue; five more "citizenships" were announced yesterday

The paper writes that Izzet Izcan, chairman of the United Cyprus party (BKP), said that they reject the policy of integration [of the occupied area of Cyprus to Tukey] which is based on the increase of population. In a written statement issued yesterday, Izcan argued that the policy regarding the population implemented by the National Unity Party (UBP) – Democratic Party (DP) self-styled coalition government and the pervious "governments" under the direction of Ankara, causes problems in everyday life, education, health and work life and at the same time leads to an increase of criminality. "The population and citizenship policy implemented under the control of the AKP government ignores the existence and the will of the Turkish Cypriots", he noted.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (22.09.17) reports that except for those who "normally" obtain the "right" of being granted "citizenship" or those who are granted "citizenship" upon "ministerial approval", the current UBP-DP self-styled government granted "exceptional" or "obligatory citizenship" to 940 persons within 1,5 year, without announcing any reason for this.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (22.09.17) reports that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) decided to take the issue to "justice".

The paper writes also that Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), issued a written statement yesterday arguing that the "government" does not grant "citizenship" to persons who have been born and live in the "country" for decades and reveals its true intentions by granting "citizenship" to a person who came to the island just yesterday.

Moreover, Erhan Arikli, chairman of the Revival Party (YDP) [of the Turkish settlers], claimed that granting "citizenship" to a woman, who is a personal friend of the "prime minister" within 24 hours, is disrespectful to thousands of persons who have the "right" to obtain "citizenship" but they have not been granted it yet.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (22.09.17) reports that Sener Elcil, general secretary of the teachers' trade union (KTOS), called on the "government" to give explanations on the issue of granting "citizenship" to Sennur Gulbudak, who had visited the occupied area of Cyprus having a "tourist visa". In a written statement, Elcil criticized the systematic distribution of "citizenship" and the employment practices which aim at changing the "demographic structure of the country".

(I/Ts.)

[03] "Ministry of labour" stated that there are 98 thousand insured persons in the breakaway regime and 45% of which are foreigners

Saner stated that 45% of them are foreigners.

(CS)

[04] Ataoglu said that monetary incentives are offered for every tourist arriving from "South"

Commenting on the incident regarding Israeli tourists, who were prevented from entering Cyprus through Larnaca airport, Ataoglu argued that some of the Israeli tourists returned, adding: "We ensured by making arrangements with their travel agent that they will come to our 'country' through Turkey".

Ataoglu explained that there is a price difference when an Israel tourist flies to Larnaca and when he/she flies through Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus. A tourist through Larnaca airport needs 140 dollars, a tourist through Turkey with touch down system needs 240 dollars. Ataoglu further said that they told them "It does not matter where you come from, just come", adding that they also give incentives to agents 20 euro for every tourist coming from the "South".

(DPs)

[05] Atun says that they will distribute 12 million TL within the framework of the "6th Financial Aid Partial Donation Programs"

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Atun noted that 4 million TL will be granted for "agricultural and rural development", 3 million TL for "developing the potential of tourism" and 5 million TL for "increasing competitiveness".

He recalled that since 2011, 53 million TL had been donated for 336 projects and that the "Structural Reform Program of the TRNC's Economy" had been signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime within the period 2010-2012. Noting that the target is for the regime to be able to stand on its own feet, Atun added that in parallel to financial aid, Turkey offers also expertise and technical knowledge.

(I/Ts.)

[06] A person was arrested by the so-called police for owning two books related to PKK

The books are: "Youth Manifesto of the Revolutionist who loves his country" and "The 4th of April Day that changed the time".

Criticizing Algun's arrest, Afrika writes that the breakaway regime is blindly following Turkey's trail and is forbidding books, while no political parties or any organization is reacting against these methods. The paper also writes that while they (the Turkish Cypriots) are members of the EU, there are books in the breakaway regime that are "against the law", but are not forbidden in the EU, and calls on the "authorities" to declare the "forbidden books".

[07] "Now is the time for strategy in Cyprus"

"The TRNC Economy and Energy Minister Sunat Atun shared with us yesterday that the number of tourists which 10-15 years ago were 350 thousands, now reached 1.5 million. […] In the TRNC, which has a population of 300 thousand, the number of Turkish and foreign students studying at 16 higher education institutions reached 98 thousand or nearly one third of the population", Alkin writes, noting that thanks to the financial and technical contribution of the Republic of Turkey, the restructuring strategy of the "TRNC" economy started to be quite successful.

[…] "In terms of tourism, it is an important necessity for the Republic of Turkey and the TRNC to form a common strategy, especially taking into consideration the intense interest of China, the Asian market in the Mediterranean and the Aegean. Thanks to successful steps towards restructuring the economy, the TRNC is aiming for messaures that will positively contribute to the Republic 's regional playmaker power. As minister Atun said, TRNC is aware that it is time to open up the continent by developing a global vision.

A TRNC that will effectively reposition itself in the global economy by effectively utilizing its resources. If the Greek Cypriot Administration (TR. Note: the Republic of Cyprus) can open 6 visa and tourism promotion offices in China, then it is time for similar strategies for the TRNC", he writes.

(CS)

[08] Erdogan and Trump discussed S-400 missile deal and KRG referendum in a "positive" meeting

Erdogan said that the meeting, which lasted roughly 50 minutes "was "positive" and the two leaders focused on Turkey's S-400 missile deal with Russia and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG)'s independence referendum in northern Iraq.

The statement released by the Turkish presidency said that Erdogan and Trump reiterated their opposition against the KRG referendum, stating that the move would have serious consequences for the region's stability.

Ahead of a meeting, Trump said Turkey and the United States were the "closest as they have ever been". Erdogan responded to Trump's words, saying that he is a "dear friend".

"I would like to thank my dear friend Donald for hosting us here today. We will conduct discussions on our bilateral relations and regional developments," he added.

Speaking during a press conference ahead of the meeting, the US President praised the Turkish President for "running a very difficult part of the world" and "getting high marks". "It is a great honour for me to introduce to you Turkey's President Erdogan, he has become a friend of mine", he said.

After the completion of his official visit in the U.S., where he attended the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Erdogan was set to return to Turkey late Thursday.

[09] Turkey, Iran and Iraq considered joint measures against KRG referendum

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Jaferi came together on the side-lines of the U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York late on Sept 20. "We, as the Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Iran and Iraq evaluated developments in our region at a trilateral meeting," stated Cavusoglu via his Twitter account after the meeting.

The three Ministers issued a joint communique after the meeting to express their joint opposition to the KRG's referendum.

The Ministers registered their unequivocal opposition to the referendum and decided to urge the leadership of the KRG to refrain from holding the referendum more forcibly, also stressing that the referendum will not be beneficial for the Kurds and KRG.

[10] Turkey to hold key security meets on measures against Iraqi Kurdish independence

The National Security Council (MGK) will meet under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately after his return from the United States where he attended United Nations General-Assembly meetings and held bilateral meetings with world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.

The MGK was supposed to meet on Sept. 27 but has been brought forward to Sept. 22 in order to allow Turkey's top civilian and military officials to consider actions to be taken against the KRG's referendum.

In a statement in New York, Erdogan said the sanctions Turkey will impose will not be "ordinary" but did not give details. He also informed that the Cabinet will convene on the same day in order to register advisory decisions of the MGK as the official rules.

Along with Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m, deputy prime ministers, Defence and Foreign Ministers as well as Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, all force commanders and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head Hakan Fidan will join the MGK meeting.

Meanwhile, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (22.09.17), the Parliament will hold an extraordinary session on Saturday to debate the extension of Turkish military's operation in northern Iraq and Syria, according to the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party's parliamentary group deputy chairman.

The Deputies would either debate the extension of the same motion or they would bring a new motion enabling the Turkish army to conduct a cross-border operation in northern Iraq and Syria.

The opposition Nationalist Movement Party's (MHP) parliamentary deputy group chairman told Anadolu Agency that his party will support the motion. "The MHP will vote Yes to the motion with all its Deputies", Erkan Akcay said, adding that this would be a strong voice form the parliament against the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG)'s agenda to hold a referendum on independence.

[11] Erdogan: "Turkey will deploy troops in Syria's Idlib"

The "de-escalation" zones, agreed by Turkey, Russia and Iran, would be further discussed in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his trip to Ankara next week, Erdogan said in an interview with Reuters while he was in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly.

"The de-escalation zone agreement was a promising idea ... under which Russians are maintaining security outside Idlib and Turkey will maintain the security inside Idlib region," Erdogan said. "The task is not easy ... With Putin we will discuss additional steps needed to be taken in order to eradicate terrorists once and for all to restore peace".

Erdogan said that Turkey was considering counter-measures, including imposing sanctions, against Kurdish northern Iraq over the planned referendum. Turkey has brought forward a Cabinet meeting and National Security Council session to Sept. 22 over the referendum, Erdogan said. He said that Parliament would also convene for an extraordinary meeting on Sept.23. "Without any further delay we are going to discuss what kind of sanctions should be imposed and when the sanctions will be imposed," he said without elaborating on what they might be.

Erdogan also said the United States should extradite U.S.-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, widely believed to have orchestrated last year's failed coup attempt.

Erdogan also warned Washington that a decision to arm YPG militia fighting ISIL in Syria could end up hurting Washington and its allies. Ankara views the YPG as the Syrian extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

"Turkey and the United States are strategic partners ... Washington should not harbour terrorists and they should be extradited to Turkey ... Also arming and supporting YPG can harm the United States and its friends," Erdogan said.

[12] Turkey changes date of week marking birthday of Prophet Muhammad

"Events and activities to better understand the Prophet's construction of a culture, which began with his migration [from Mecca to Medina], will take place inside and outside Turkey, on Mawlid," said Erbas on Sept. 21. [Mawlid is a holy night to observe the birthday of Muhammad, which is celebrated in the third month of the Islamic calendar.] The Holy Birth Week was being celebrated in the second week of April since 2008.

With the latest change, Turkey will mark the prophet's life according to a Hijri calendar, instead of the Gregorian calendar.

Erbas was appointed as the country's top religious authority on Sept. 18, replacing Mehmet Gormez, who stepped aside. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs /MK)

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