Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-11-07

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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] Kibris Postasi: Negotiations for confederation or a two-state solution in Cyprus will start, alleges a foreign diplomat

[02] A "resolution proposal" replying to a resolution of the Cyprus House of Representatives will be discussed as urgent

[03] Atun spoke exclusively to Anadolu: "The TRNC will become a country that will take its place in the energy balances"

[04] Turkish settler Bertan Zaroglu was found guilty of insulting Dogus Derya through his Facebook account

[05] Cakici: "Turkey is still responsible for the appointment of the director of the TRNC's central bank"

[06] The occupation regime continues the illegal "distribution" of "rural plots of land"

[07] The "date of the early elections" has been unanimously "approved" yesterday by the responsible "committee"

[08] YKP will not participate in the upcoming "early elections"

[09] The biggest problem of the community in the occupied area of Cyprus is the traffic, according to Target survey

[10] Putin and Erdogan to meet for second time in two months

[11] Turkey and US ended mutual visa stoppage on 'limited basis'

[12] Mustafa Tuna is elected new Ankara Mayor

[13] CHP leader to address CoE forum in Strasbourg

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Kibris Postasi: Negotiations for confederation or a two-state solution in Cyprus will start, alleges a foreign diplomat

According to the same circles, in spite of the fact that some "allege" that the negotiating process will continue from the point it has remained, especially in case President Anastasiades is re-elected, the position for a bi-communal bi-zonal federation based on political equality will be substituted by a position which will be closer to confederation or the two-state solution, regardless of the result of the presidential elections in the government controlled area or the "parliamentary elections" in the occupied area of the island.

The visit of President Erdogan to Greece might determine the "new shape" of the "new process", alleges the foreign diplomat claiming: "The solution process is Cypriot-owned of course, but the improved relations between Turkey and Greece and the energy interests in the area will bring the Greek Cypriot side closer to positions which it would not come close in the past to the solution of the Cyprus problem. And this will bring the solution of confederation to the table, which both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side could support more".

The foreign diplomat, who serves in Cyprus and wished to remain anonymous, alleged also the following: "It makes no difference whether it will be Anastasiades or Papadopoulos or Malas. Whoever becomes President, after the collapse in Crans Montana the conditions will change in favor of the Turkish side and this will mean that the position for a federation will slide towards the confederal solution. Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side will be stronger".

Asked to comment on the influence of the results of the "elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus on the negotiating process, the same diplomat replied the following: "Of course we accept that the Turkish Cypriot side has a weight in the negotiating process. However, you also have to accept that the essential weight is in Turkey. Everyone is satisfied with the stance of the leader of the Turkish Cypriot side Mr Mustafa Akinci. However, Turkey's weight is indisputable. The improvement of the relations between Turkey and Greece is much more influential than the results of the early general elections in the north. We do not think that the result of the parliamentary elections in northern Cyprus will seriously influence the negotiating process. However, we are watching them closely, of course".

(I/Ts.)

[02] A "resolution proposal" replying to a resolution of the Cyprus House of Representatives will be discussed as urgent

Addressing the meeting yesterday, Tufan Erhurman, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) said that once more no consultations among the "parliamentary groups" were held on the "proposal" and referred to "lack of seriousness" [on behalf of the "government"]. Replying to Erhurman, Oguz said that they had held a meeting with Sibel Siber, "speaker of the assembly", and that the text which they submitted is a joint one. CTP "deputies" and Erhurman strongly reacted to this statement noting that this was not a joint text. They pointed out that, in order for a text to be a joint one, the "parliamentary groups" of the parties should sit and prepare this text together.

Referring to the same issue, Siber said that as "speaker of the assembly" she prepared a "draft-proposal" which she submitted to the "parliamentary groups" adding that after the preparation of the text, she met with the heads of the "groups" and that everyone expressed a positive view for the text. Commenting on the issue, Oguz argued that they did not discuss the issue with the CTP "deputies" because last week they had not accepted to sign the text. He recalled that they had submitted the issue two weeks ago to the "plenary assembly" asking for its urgent discussion and added that now they will submit it to voting.

In his statements, Zeki Celer, self-styled deputy with the Social Democracy Party (TDP), argued that the UBP has brought this issue onto the agenda because it has no other issue to carry out its propaganda. He argued that what they should have done was to pint out to the House of Representatives to read Article 182 of the 1960 Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, as this would have had much bigger influence.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (07.11.17) reports that Mehmet Cakici, self-styled independent deputy, said that he has participated in a meeting upon an invitation by Siber and that he did not sign the text because he wanted to evaluate it. He alleged that the Greek Cypriots consider federation as their biggest concession and that the demand for abolishing federation is not acceptable.

Finally, Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), the "minor coalition partner", alleged that the "proposal" did not come up without any reason and added that it has been prepared as a reply to a decision taken by the Cyprus House of Representatives. He noted that Siber submitted a joint text, which the DP accepted and the UBP said it was positive, but the CTP submitted no proposal regarding points which it wanted to be changed. He recalled that his party's view regarding federation is known and added that they had not submitted earlier such a proposal to the "assembly" because they had to consult with Turkey, the UN and all the interested parties. He alleged that now a response, a reaction should be given to the "Greek Cypriot parliament".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Atun spoke exclusively to Anadolu: "The TRNC will become a country that will take its place in the energy balances"

"The TRNC will become a country which will take its place in the energy balances which are remodeling at the moment. Our Motherland Turkey, a rising political power in the region, accepts the existence of the TRNC in any of its new energy projects and considers the TRNC as a solution partner especially in the field of energy", Atun alleged in exclusive statements to Anadolu Agency, adding that the "discussions regarding the new political model to be implemented in Cyprus continues".

Claiming that there are several political models in the world regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem, Atun further alleged the following: "The models of Monaco, Taiwan and Gibraltar are models that could be appeared as solution models in the political sphere. I was 12 years old when I learned about the Taiwan model. Years later, I have learned that there is no state recognizing Taiwan but the whole world accepted its existence. It is also a country which carries out trade with the whole world", Atun argued.

Claiming that Taiwan has developed trade ties internationally due to the low cost of production in the country. "By this means, Taiwan has taken its place in the global political scene with its own name and model. […] In the same manner, the TRNC as well could become a country that could take its place in the global political scene like Taiwan", Atun further alleged.

He went on claiming that they will not continue expecting the Greek Cypriot side to proceed to the negotiating table for reaching to a solution on the Cyprus problem, adding that they will continue discussing about new models in Cyprus.

Claiming that they are ready to cooperate with the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called the Republic of Cyprus in any energy projects to be implemented by Turkey and the "TRNC", he also alleged the following: "The time has come to put into force the plan B without abandoning the goal of a settlement but not remaining tied to the negotiating table. However, we will never make concessions on our ties with motherland Turkey. The TRNC is among Turkey's interests and since then it will remain to be among its interests. Thus, whatever it will be the new model to be discussed; it will definitely not be a model weakening our unity but a model strengthening our unity".

(AK)

[04] Turkish settler Bertan Zaroglu was found guilty of insulting Dogus Derya through his Facebook account

After the announcement of the decision, Derya said that she fully believes in justice and added that she will give the money from the compensation to the organizations which struggle for women's and children's rights.

The paper republishes an article published on 17 December 2014 by Sener Levent, Afrika's editor-in-chief, who explained then that Derya was insulted by Zaroglu because addressing the "assembly" she said: "The Turkish Cypriots are not the only ones who lost in Cyprus. The Greek Cypriots, Armenians and Maronites lost as well. They have been kicked out of their houses, they have been deprived from their properties, they have been raped. For the first time, the church has set free abortion in 1974. There were so many Greek Cypriot women who were raped".

Zaroglu replied to Derya through his Facebook account saying: "Asking for forgiveness from the friends in my page… My Dogus, my baby, I understand your agony, but be a little bit different. We are tired of suffering the pain of your stress. Take it a little bit inside you, so that it does not hit your tongue!!!"

(I/Ts.)

[05] Cakici: "Turkey is still responsible for the appointment of the director of the TRNC's central bank"

Speaking during the meeting of the "assembly", the "independent deputy" Mehmet Cakici claimed that several "regulations" will be made with the "approved bill", adding, however that still the "appointment" of the "director" of the "TRNC's Central Bank" is coming from Turkey. Alleging that no steps were taken towards the civilization and democratization of the "country", Cakici expressed strong criticism to the "government" for this issue.

(AK)

[06] The occupation regime continues the illegal "distribution" of "rural plots of land"

Speaking during the ceremony, Ozgurgun claimed that from the first days of its "formation" the "government" pays importance to the "youth" and alleged that providing help to "youth" means contributing to the "future of the country". "When the state provides help to youth, the future of the TRNC would be brighter", Ozgurgun further claimed.

(AK)

[07] The "date of the early elections" has been unanimously "approved" yesterday by the responsible "committee"

The "date of the early elections" will be discussed in the "meeting" of the "assembly" on November 13.

(AK)

[08] YKP will not participate in the upcoming "early elections"

(DPs)

[09] The biggest problem of the community in the occupied area of Cyprus is the traffic, according to Target survey

In the question "which is the most important problem of the TRNC now?", the 17.2% answered the traffic problem, as the most important problem of the "TRNC", the 14.8% said the economy and the 11% the injustice. The following table shows the respond in all problems: (Translator's note: it is remarkable that the Cyprus problem was not given as a choice to the respondents)

Problem: %

Traffic 17.2

Economy 14.8

Injustice 11

Corruption/ Bribery 10.9

Education 8.1

The non-recognition of the "TRNC" 7.5

Drugs 6.5

Environment 5.4

Municipal services 4.1

Bureaucracy 4.1

Health 3.4

Gambling 2.3

Beside theses 2.1

Town planning 1.3

Prostitution 0.6

Violence to Women 0.5

I don't know/ I don't reply 0.3

(DPs)

[10] Putin and Erdogan to meet for second time in two months

Erdogan and Putin had come together in Ankara late on Sept. 28 to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations in their fifth in-person meeting this year.

The two leaders frequently speak by phone, with the latest one on Oct. 29 during which they discussed bilateral relations including cooperation on energy projects and efforts to find a political solution in Syria.

Russia recently initiated a peace congress scheduled for Nov. 18 to reach a political settlement for the war-torn country, but it was postponed after Turkey protested against the invitation of the Syrian Kurdish side. "Russia told us that the meeting has now been postponed and that the PYD [Kurdish Democratic Union Party] will not be invited," Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin had told private broadcaster NTV in an interview.

Erdogan will depart to Kuwait from Russia on Nov. 14. The President is also expected to visit Greece and France in the upcoming months.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Yeni Safak newspaper (07.11.17) reports that the meeting between Erdogan and Putin will address Turkey's possible Afrin operation, the de-escalation zone established in Idlib in Syria and the recent situation regarding the S-400 defence system.

[11] Turkey and US ended mutual visa stoppage on 'limited basis'

"Turkey will resume processing visa applications of U.S. citizens at its diplomatic and consular missions in the USA on a 'limited basis'," the Embassy said in a statement, easing a nearly month-long visa logjam and bilateral row.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. Embassy in Turkey announced visa applications were being processed on a limited basis at its diplomatic missions in Turkey.

The U.S. had claimed the decision to resume visa services came after Turkey's assurance that no additional local employees of the U.S. mission would be investigated, detained or arrested for "performing their official duties."

In response to the U.S.'s claim, however, the Turkish Embassy in Washington said no foreign mission personnel have been subjected to a legal investigation for performing their official duties. "The personnel in question employed by the U.S. has been the subject of a judicial process not because of his official duties but due to very serious charges against him," it said in a statement, referring to Metin Topuz.

The move comes on the eve of a four-day visit to the U.S. by Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim during which he is set to meet U.S. Vice President Mike Pence at the White House.

[12] Mustafa Tuna is elected new Ankara Mayor

Tuna received 104 out of 136 votes in the council voting to decide the successor of Gokcek, who held the post for 23 years before resigning on Oct. 28. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) did not nominate any candidate.

60-year-old Tuna served as the Mayor of Sincan since 2009 and a Deputy from Ankara between 2002 and 2007.

A civil engineer by profession, Tuna is known for his work on water treatment.

In a landmark speech this summer, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that there was "metal fatigue" within the AK Party and took up the task of rejuvenating it ahead of three crucial elections in 2019: local elections, parliamentary elections and presidential elections.

[13] CHP leader to address CoE forum in Strasbourg

The CHP leader will pay a visit to Strasbourg between Nov. 7 and 9, during which he will address a panel called "Is populism a problem?" on Nov. 8.

"Kilicdaroglu's speech will reflect a global perspective on populism and its destructive effects on law, democracy and mutual living conditions," CHP Deputy Leader Ozturk Yilmaz said on Nov. 6.

In his one-day visit to Strasbourg, Kilicdaroglu is also scheduled to hold a meeting with CoE Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland and Venice Commission Secretary General Gianni Buquicchio.

Yilmaz stated Kilicdaroglu will touch upon issues concerning Turkey's relations with the CoE at his meeting with Jagland. He also stated that during the meeting with Buquicchio, Kilicdaroglu will convey the CHP's concerns regarding Turkey's relations with the EU and its recent cases in the European Court of Human Rights.

Kilicdaroglu will reportedly voice the CHP's concerns over the suspension of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in Turkey based on the 15th article of the ECHR, which states that states "may take measures derogating from its obligations" in times of war or other public emergencies.

He will also reportedly convey the CHP's reports on the regulation of the state of emergency in Turkey, which has been extended five times following the July 2016 coup attempt, and has led to the imprisonment of journalists and politicians and human rights violations.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

https://www.pio.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio2013.nsf/All/EDB254ABD6F3EAE1C225816F00425E83?OpenDocument

(DPs / AM)

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