Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-02-16

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Columnist: "Those who do not know Erdogan first get disappointed and then harmed". 1

[02] From "university student" Zaroglu became a "TRNC citizen"; YDP increases tension. 2

[03] Massive lawsuits against the Republic of Cyprus. 3

[04] Akinci met with the French Ambassador to Cyprus. 4

[05] The "ruling" on the attack against Afrika will be announced on February 21. 5

[06] The "Paragliding Accuracy World Cup" was launched in occupied Keryneia. 5

[07] A cooperation protocol between the KTTO and the "Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce UK". 5

[08] FM Cavusoglu: Turkey, US have 'come to terms' to normalize bilateral relations. 6

[09] Erdogan conveys Turkey's regional priorities to Tillerson in meeting. 7

[10] Turkey, Germany vow to improve strained ties. 8

[11] Council of Europe warns Turkey of flood of appeals to ECHR over state of emergency measures. 10

[12] Turkish-German journalist Deniz Yucel released from jail: Report. 11

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Columnist: "Those who do not know Erdogan first get disappointed and then harmed"

"[…] The international circles from which Anastasiades was hoping for help, were not risen up and did not send their warships saying to Erdogan 'get away from there'. Even Italy, the owner of the gas exploration team, was very afraid and said 'I cannot wait for you any more'. Thus, the 'Europe will beat Turkey for us and we will take our rights' theory, which Anastasiades had overtaken from Papadopoulos, collapsed. Actually, this had collapsed during Papadopoulos period and Anastasiades tried to foolishly continue.

Becoming a member of the European Union was the national policy of the Greek Cypriot side. The theory was the following: 'We cannot cope with Turkey of the 80 million people with our 800 thousand persons. Let us take the support of Europe with the 350 million-population and make Turkey kneel down'. […] However, this 'theory of them' collapsed. Europe never took the position of conflict with Turkey for the Greek Cypriots. The number of those saying that 'Turkey cannot become an EU member' increased, but this also passed by. Because Erdogan staked all his money on one gamble. […] Erdogan has since a long time drawn his way by saying 'if EU cannot happen, the Shanghai 5 will'.

If Anastasiades does not abandon the obstinacy that 'I will carry out drillings where and when I want', many things will happen to him. My humble advice is for him to refrain from getting Erdogan angry. He is not bluffing when he says 'our warships are in the area'. If Anastasiades proceeds, he might give the 'bring it down' order. […] This article is a humble warning to Anastasiades and his team in order for them to see reason. You cannot enjoy the benefits of this gas without the Turkish Cypriots…"

(I/Ts.)

[02] From "university student" Zaroglu became a "TRNC citizen"; YDP increases tension

The columnist reports also that Zaroglu is not even registered in the "social securities" and made no contribution to the above-mentioned fund until today. Sources told Mutluyakali that Zaroglu was "the prince" of former Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. The columnist wonders what will happen with Zaroglu's file when the "citizenship" files are examined by the new "government".

Meanwhile, writing in his column in Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (16.02.18), Levent Ozadam reports that the YDP is following the policy of increasing tension in the occupied area in order to secure more votes in case of possible "early elections". Noting that in spite of the fact that there is no "official statement" by the party, it is said that soon the YDP will organize a so-called "march for justice" in the occupied part of Nicosia and then it will hold a rally and launch a hunger strike.

"Timing is very meaningful", he says noting that all these will happen to support the suspects in the Afrika newspaper case and points out that the date on which the decision of this case will be announced was known. "The name of this will not be march of justice, but march for leading the country into dangerous waters", argues Ozadam and writes:

"After the general elections, the following view started to be expressed: In case of new early elections, the YDP will double its votes and will be represented much stronger in the assembly. There are people who even think that they will establish a two-party coalition with the National Unity Party (UBP). […] Dear Arikli I am sorry, but if this march will take place, it will take place to influence justice. […] Do you know what will happen then? If people attempt to hold a march after every court, justice will be totally abolished. […] Lack of trust will bring quarrel and noise. […] The country will come upside down and the YDP will be responsible for this! […]"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Massive lawsuits against the Republic of Cyprus

KTOS and KTOEOS had jointly organized the meeting last night under the name: "Problems in granting the Republic of Cyprus citizenship". The gathering took place at the Ataturk cultural centre with the participation of a huge number of people. The participants were briefed from a Greek Cypriot lawyer about the regulations of the law regarding the granting of the Republic of Cyprus citizenship.

Speaking during the meeting, Sener Elcil, general secretary of KTOS trade union, claimed that there are thousands of applications submitted in the "south" from persons who want to obtain the Republic of Cyprus' citizenship, however, nobody has received a response yet. "It is for this reason that we decided to come to a common struggle against this unjust treatment. […]", Elcil stated, inter alia, underlining that this issue is an issue which it would had been discussed by the politicians.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (16.02.18) under the front-page title: "Massive applications, massive lawsuits", reports that thousands of people showed their interest last night about the massive lawsuits which are planned to be submitted against the Republic of Cyprus from the children of mixed marriages who are unable to obtain citizenship. The paper adds that in the first stage, KTOS will sent massive applications to the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus and afterwards it will launch massive legal procedures and submit lawsuits.

On the same issue, Murat Hakki, the lawyer which will undertake the legal procedures against the Republic stated to the paper that if necessary they are ready to file a legal action at the European Court of Human Rights (EChR).

(AK)

[04] Akinci met with the French Ambassador to Cyprus

(DPs)

[05] The "ruling" on the attack against Afrika will be announced on February 21

As the paper writes, the "ruling" on the case will be announced on February 21. "The public is waiting with great interest the ruling", the paper notes.

(CS)

[06] The "Paragliding Accuracy World Cup" was launched in occupied Keryneia

The "cup" is co-organized by the "TRNC air sports federation" and the "Turkish Cypriot alternatives sports association". So-called minister of finance Serdar Denktas and the so-called minister of tourism Fikri Ataoglu attended also the inauguration ceremony.

The first part of the "cup", out of the six parts, which is taking place now in the occupied area of Cyprus is very important according to the paper concerning the "score history" for attending the world cup. The other part of the "cup" will take place in the following dates: on May 4 in Kazakhstan, on July 13 in Indonesia, on October 5 in Canada, on November 2 in Nepal and on December 14 in Albania.

Meanwhile, in statements during the "inauguration ceremony", Erhurman claimed that "the idea that there are no borders in art and sports is eventually enlivened in our country". He further expressed his pleasure over the "organization of this important cup in the TRNC", alleging that with the organization of such events in the "TRNC", they are making openings in the world and also they promote their "country and people". He further claimed the following: "If we increase the number of these events, we know that there will be no obstacle in front of in the recognition of our country and our people".

(AK)

[07] A cooperation protocol between the KTTO and the "Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce UK"

According to the protocol, the cooperation between the two chambers will be maximized, the dialogue between the chambers will be increased, their members will come together to establish economic and social relations, and the volume of business that the chamber members will work together will be increased.

The protocol signed by Turgay Deniz, Chairman of KTTO and Muhammet Yasarata, Chairman of UK KTTO, envisions that the sides will inform each other for investment and trade opportunities, will evaluate the cooperation opportunities and the UK KTTO will support the products produced in the occupied area of Cyprus in the UK market.

In addition, according to the protocol, seminars, fairs and company activity promotions will be organized together. The KTTO will also help the Turkish Cypriots residing in the UK regarding with the problems as purchase real estate in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Speaking at the protocol signing ceremony, Deniz said that when the protocol is implemented then it will be beneficial for both Chambers. Noting that they do business under the principle of "win-win", he added that this protocol is a great success.

Yasarata, for his part, as businessmen in the UK, they constantly travel to the "TRNC" and they try so the "TRNC" becomes better from every point of view. Noting that the lobbying activities in London are continuing, he claimed that the Turkish Cypriots in Britain have become a great power and these persons will start working with the KTTO on issues like how they could establish a communication network between them and how they could aligned themselves with the KTTO.

Furthermore, Yasarata noted that there is a lack of promotion marketing regarding the "TRNC" in Britain and by saying that they should promote the "TRNC" in Britain; he expressed the view that this is a duty that falls to the politicians in the "TRNC".

(DPs)

[08] FM Cavusoglu: Turkey, US have 'come to terms' to normalize bilateral relations

"We have come to terms to normalize our relations,"

Cavusoglu said Turkey and the U.S. have decided to "establish mechanisms" to tackle issues between the two countries.

Accordingly, the first meeting in line with this mechanism will be held in March, he added.

Meanwhile, Tillerson said the U.S. reaffirmed their deep and important relationship with Turkey.

The U.S. and Turkey share the same objectives in Syria, Tillerson said, referring to the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), forming secure and stable zones, and achieving an independent and unified Syria.

Tillerson said the U.S. recognized Turkey's legitimate right to secure its borders, adding that weapons provided to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) would be limited, mission specific and provided on incremental basis to achieve military objectives only.

Tillerson also urged Turkey to release a pastor and other U.S. citizens currently jailed in Turkey.

Responding to a question during a press conference, Tillerson said the two sides have "clarified [their] objectives" and reached a consensus.

"We have to be sure the [Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units] YPG will withdraw to the east of the Euphrates. The YPG has to leave Manbij first. This is a U.S. promise to Turkey," he said.

Cavusoglu also said U.S. promises to Turkey in 2016 "have not been fulfilled."

[09] Erdogan conveys Turkey's regional priorities to Tillerson in meeting

According to a Turkish presidential source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, Erdogan and Tillerson also exchanged views on the fight against terrorism.

During their meeting at the presidential complex, Erdogan "clearly" told Tillerson about Turkey's priorities and expectations from the U.S. on bilateral ties and regional developments, the source added.

Meanwhile, Tillerson and Erdogan had a "productive, open conversation" about a mutually beneficial way to improve U.S.-Turkey relations, a State Department spokesman travelling with Tillerson said.

The meeting, which was closed to the media, started at 7:40 p.m. and lasted for three hours and 15 minutes.

Tillerson is expected to meet his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Feb. 16 to discuss bilateral relations, particularly the U.S. support for the People's Protection Units (YPG), and international developments.

The meeting is expected to be followed by a joint news conference.

In addition, Turkish Hurréyet Daily News (16.02.18 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-never-supplied-heavy-arms-to-ypg-so-has-nothing-to-take-back-tillerson-127407) reports that Tillerson said on Feb. 15 that the United States has "never given heavy arms" to the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and there is therefore "nothing to take back."

"We have never given heavy arms to the YPG so there is none to take back," Tillerson said in Beirut, hours before meeting with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara.

On the other hand, Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli said his U.S. counterpart Jim Mattis told him on the same day that the U.S. was working on plans to take back weapons supplied to the YPG, speaking at the end of a NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels.

[10] Turkey, Germany vow to improve strained ties