Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-12-27

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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] Ozgurgun alleges that the UBP will "spoil many games" regarding the Cyprus problem by coming out very strong from the "elections"

[02] Erhurman's interview prior to the "early elections"

[03] Ozersay opposes to Turkey's interference in the "elections"

[04] Arikli alleges that "foreign powers" want a "coalition" between CTP, HP and TDP

[05] Ertugruloglu on UN's Jerusalem Resolution and the Cyprus problem

[06] Ertugruloglu asks the "vote" of the settlers who have recently been granted "citizenship"

[07] TDP filed an application for an investigation for the bank accounts and assets of Ozgurgun

[08] A Christmas event in the occupied town of Keryneia was cancelled at the last minute

[09] CHP head slams Greek Defense Minister, vows to take back 18 islands 'occupied by Greece' in 2019

[10] Yildirim sheds light on the new emergency decree

[11] Kilicdaroglu reacted over the recent decree law in Turkey; Reactions and worries in Cyprus

[12] Turkish Parliament adopts 2018 budget

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozgurgun alleges that the UBP will "spoil many games" regarding the Cyprus problem by coming out very strong from the "elections"

"By coming out very strong from the ballot box we will spoil many games played regarding the Cyprus problem. Let us see well the point where efforts are being exerted for the Cyprus problem to be cooked. There are elections in both sides. We must be aware before what they want to do after February. Therefore we must come out from the ballot box very strong".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Erhurman's interview prior to the "early elections"

Erhurman argued that they do not want to establish a "government" with someone that will prevent them to implement their plans, their programme. He reiterated that he does not want personally to form a "coalition government" with the National Unity Party (UBP) or the Democratic Party (CTP), adding that he prefers a leftist coalition.

Asked to comment on the bank accounts of the current "prime minister" Huseyin Ozgurgun, Erhurman reminded that they, as CTP, opened an investigation in the "parliament" regarding the contracts of the occupied airport of Tymbou (Ercan), adding that according to this data of investigations, there are very serious allegations. He explained that these allegations are being supported with the bank receipts. There are also allegations on some other issues too, like the bribery regarding the "citizenships". Erhurman further argued that this issue should not be seen as an "election topic", and be forgotten afterwards, adding that Ozgurgun has to give an explanation not only due to the legal issue, but also due to the democracy.

Referring to the debates for the opening of a new theology school in the occupied area of Cyprus, Erhurman said that in their election campaign programme, the religious lessons will be elective. He further said that there is not any need in the "country" to open a new theology school or college.

Referring to the issue of "granting citizenships", Erhurman said that CTP was also in power with both UBP and DP, and during this period, only 4 thousand people "obtained" the "TRNC citizenship", while in the last 20 months, 12 thousand persons "obtained" the "TRNC citizenship". He added that CTP only "granted exceptional citizenship" to 50 persons, while the UBP-DP "coalition government granted the exceptional citizenship" to 2 thousand persons.

(DPs)

[03] Ozersay opposes to Turkey's interference in the "elections"

"I do not approve, I do not consider correct and I oppose to Turkey directly or indirectly interfering regarding the elections in Cyprus. This happened in the past. Some statements made during Irsen Kucuk's period, in spite of the fact that they knew that they were actions which would direct, influence politics before the elections, were an indirect interference. […] Such a phenomenon happened until today. However, for the moment, I do not observe that there is a specific support [to anyone]. I think, however, that actually some statements made by institutions which could be a public authority, aim to indirectly influence the elections. In this sense, the relations between Turkey and the TRNC are not healthy. […]"

Replying to a question, Ozersay denied the allegations that his party was a "project" of Turkish former Foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu and argued that they take their power only from their "people". He alleged that HP will come out first from the "elections" and that the National Unity Party (UBP) and the Democratic Party (DP) will not be in "power" after 7 January.

Asked about his view on the issue of the existing theological college, a new theological college or a new theological lyceum, Ozersay said that the principle of secularism is important for them and expressed the view that there is no need for a new theological college or lyceum. Noting that it is said that there is lack of schools in the occupied area, Ozersay wondered why the "state" does not open new schools with EVKAF religious foundation and gives "permit" and land to a foreign foundation to build a school. This raises questions and it is nor right, he argued.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Arikli alleges that "foreign powers" want a "coalition" between CTP, HP and TDP

"Unfortunately, a new process will begin during which we will continue from the point we remained to give concessions. During this period, the foreign powers wish a Republican Turkish Party (CTP)- People's Party (HP)-Social Democracy Party (TDP) concessions government. In the statements they make all three parties send their compliments beyond the Atlantic and to the EU by saying that they are ready for such a coalition. Therefore, the YDP is the only party which will spoil this game".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ertugruloglu on UN's Jerusalem Resolution and the Cyprus problem

In an interview to the Turkish state-run Anatolian News Agency, Ertugruloglu stated that Washington needed to review and reverse its decision which drew strong condemnation and reaction from the international community.

Reminding that the Organization for Islamic Cooperation had also strongly criticized the decision at a recent emergency summit hosted by Turkey, Ertugruloglu alleged that the same Muslim countries which remained insensitive towards the struggle for freedom in Cyprus are displaying a similar stance on Jerusalem.

Alleging that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had acted as torch bearer for the world's reaction to the decision he further stated that the fact that the Resolution was adopted with an overwhelming majority was important and meaningful.

He said that the next step to be taken by the international community was to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. "What is befitting of us is to make a stand against this injustice, to voice this view within the international community and to demand an end to this injustice" he said.

Ertugruloglu also claimed that the Islamic World, in the event prospects for a partnership in Cyprus emerge in the future, should support the notion that this partnership should be between two "states" and not two communities.

"It is time that the international community should recognize that a partnership based on political equality is not attainable as long as one of the two communities is recognized as the representative of the state and the other as a minority. A new page should be turned in Cyprus" he further alleged.

Meanwhile, in exclusive statements to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (26.12.17) Ertugruloglu called all those who are trying to create expectations to the Turkish Cypriots that the Greek Cypriots support an agreement based on the equality with them to give up from doing this, claiming that he wants to send this message not only to the political parties but also to the "president" [Translator's note: meaning Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci]. "This is a message I would like to send not only to the political parties but also to Mr. President. Mr. President should realize and accept that the solution passed from the acceptance of the TRNC state", Ertugruloglu claimed.

Commenting on statements supporting that right after the "elections" the negotiation talks will re-launch, Ertugruloglu alleged that the process has collapsed in Crans Montana and called on everyone to realize this.

(AK)

[06] Ertugruloglu asks the "vote" of the settlers who have recently been granted "citizenship"

In the same message Ertugruloglu recalled that he is number 9 in National Unity Party's list in the occupied part of Nicosia during the forthcoming "elections". The paper argues that Ertugruloglu's "election" is in danger and notes that "he gave them citizenship and now asks their vote".

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (27.12.17) reports that in statements to the paper Ertugruloglu claimed that questioning this SMS was "strange" and that he did not ask from these persons to "vote" for him or for his party.

(I/Ts.)

[07] TDP filed an application for an investigation for the bank accounts and assets of Ozgurgun

(DPs)

[08] A Christmas event in the occupied town of Keryneia was cancelled at the last minute

According to the paper, the Christmas event of the Protestant Turks Association in a lyceum's room was cancelled in the last minute despite the fact that the room was remunerated.

The paper stressed that it is another way of oppression to the non-Muslim communities in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(DPs)

[09] CHP head slams Greek Defense Minister, vows to take back 18 islands 'occupied by Greece' in 2019

"The Greek Defense Minister says: 'Come and get it.' I will come and take all of those islands back. Why am I saying this? They said 'Come and get it' for Cyprus back in the day. What did Ecevit (former Prime Minister) did? He went there and took it back," K?licdaroglu said while speaking at a party event in the northwestern province of Kocaeli.

The debate over the Aegean islands sparked when the CHP leader criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on December 11 over his failure to raise the issue of "18 occupied islands" during his visit to the country.

"Why did not you talk about 18 occupied islands? Article 12 and Article 18 of the Lausanne Treaty were clearly violated. There are 13,000 military units and nearly 5,000 Greek troops on the islands," Kilicdaroglu alleged.

[10] Yildirim sheds light on the new emergency decree

"The regulation is aimed at protecting the citizens who ran to the streets, laid down their lives [for Turkey] to prevent the attempted coup and events right after it," Yildirim told reporters at Esenboga Airport in Ankara ahead of an official visit to Saudi Arabia. "The issue is loud and clear. Nobody should create distractions," he added.

Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said on Monday that the decree applies to the night of the defeated coup and the following morning to ensure that legal action is not taken against people who went out of their houses to protect the country.

Sunday's decree was misinterpreted by some social media users as a law that would allow civilians to engage in violence.

[11] Kilicdaroglu reacted over the recent decree law in Turkey; Reactions and worries in Cyprus

"The main responsibility of ignoring the Parliament and the Constitution lies with the members of the Constitutional Court," K?l?cdaroglu said on Dec. 25.

His comments came after the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) issued two more state of emergency decrees on December 24, bringing about extensive regulations such as changing the configuration of top judicial bodies, closing regulatory authorities, transferring Vak?fbank's shares to the Treasury and granting immunity to civilians who took part in thwarting the July 15, 2016, coup attempt.

Kilicdaroglu said that the decree laws should be limited to state of emergency measures only, arguing that the decrees disregard the Parliament's authority.

"It is the Parliamentary Speaker who should have raised concerns about this. But he is staying silent. Because he owes his seat to the palace," he said, referring the presidential palace.

He criticized the decree for changing the configuration of the State of Council and the Supreme Court. "They are steps taking over the judiciary. They are making it with the methods used by the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization [FETO]," he said, arguing that FETO had infiltrated state institutions with the same methods.

"They are trying to make the judiciary the backyard of the ruling party. Because they are building a legal system that would protect them," he said, adding that it reminded him of the Sept. 12, 1980, coup d'etat in Turkey.

"The only difference is that they do not have epaulets," he added.

Saying that the decree annexes law on the state of emergency procedures by exempting from criminal accountability civilians who fought against the July 15, 2016, coup attempt on the night and the following "incidents of terror," K?l?gdaroglu warned there could be future lynch incidents.

"On the night of July 15, unranked soldiers of the military were lynched. What was their fault? They were only obeying the order," he said.

He stated further that he brought up the issue at a Parliament discussion and the government officials had agreed to investigate the "lynch incidents."

"They did not keep their promises, and now they are giving immunity to the perpetrators of that lynch. In other words, they are giving amnesty. And this is against the Constitution," he said, adding that the authority to grant amnesty to criminals is under Parliament's jurisdiction.

"For such amnesty, there should be qualified majority voting in Parliament. They are granting amnesty with a statutory decree," he said.

He also stated that the regulation creates a legal loophole in which "people were announced as terrorist without any judicial decision."

"If somebody kills those people on grounds that they were terrorists, will that person be exempt from liability?" he asked.

"If that is the case, then it will mean that the state will be transferring its security to underground organizations. You cannot surrender the state's security to a backyard structure. It not unreasonable, it is even worse than that," Kilicdaroglu added.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (26.12.17) reported that the decree issued by Turkish President Erdogan, is not a decree aiming to punish a citizen or someone saying "I have killed someone because he was a supporter of FETO", but on the contrary, it is a decree aiming to clean up all Erdogan's opponents.

The paper support also that with this decree, Erdogan provides to civilian people with police authorities something that also Hitler did in 1930. After this decree, there is no life safety in Turkey any more, adds the paper, pointing out that they as Turkish Cypriots will also be affected by the decree. The paper condemns also Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the political parties for not warning the "people" about the decree.

(AK)

[12] Turkish Parliament adopts 2018 budget

The 2018 budget, approved by Parliament late on December 22 after a 12-day marathon session, introduces changes in tax regulations, such as tax increases for companies and motor vehicles, to help pay for increased security.

Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman announced the budget, backed by 305 lawmakers, while 124 voted against it in the 550-seat chamber.

In 2017, Turkey's budget is expected to show a deficit of 61.7 billion liras, more than twice the 2016 budget deficit of around 30 billion liras.

Turkey's 2018 budget also projects a tax income of 599.4 billion liras, up 15% from estimates for 2017, and a 5.8 billion lira primary surplus.

Next year's budget deficit to gross domestic product ratio is expected to be 1.9%.

Around 85 billion liras ($22.2 billion) are earmarked for public investment, with nearly 30% to be spent on transportation. 10& of investment will be directed to the health care sector, while agriculture will receive 12%.

In October, Finance Minister Naci Agbal said that the government would increase defense and security spending significantly in 2018.

"Specifically, we will devote an additional 18 billion liras [$5 billion] for defense modernization in 2018," he said.

The government has said additional defense spending is urgently needed to modernize the military, the second-largest in the NATO alliance, and to meet the costs of domestic and foreign security operations.

Turkey's economy has rebounded from a downturn that followed an attempted coup last year, helped by a series of government stimulus measures. The GDP grew 11.1% year-on-year in the third quarter, its fastest expansion in six years, according to official data.

Ankara is targeting a growth of 5.5% for 2017. It hopes to carry through to 2020, according to a medium-term economic program announced in September.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(AK / AM)

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