Noting that serious problems were being experienced as a result of a practice launched by the British Aviation officials on "Ercan"-London flights to disembark passengers from the plane in Istanbul for a second security check, Ozersay argued that the same practice observed by the Pegasus Airlines on London-"Ercan" flights was causing another victimization of passengers.

He said based on his contacts with Pegasus Airlines officials yesterday, a positive development will take place on the issue within a few days and at least on London-"Ercan" flights, the passengers will no longer be disembarked from the plane and pass through security checks in Turkey.

In his statement, Ozersay also thanked Turkish officials and Pegasus Airlines officials. "Now it's time to take steps for lifting the meaningless practice demanded by the British government on Ercan-London flights", he said adding that they will do their best for the lifting of this practice.

[02] "A letter from Arikli to Cavusoglu"

Arikli explained that he gave a letter to Cavusoglu during the meeting with representatives of political parties in the "parliament", adding that in the letter he explains his views and proposals.

In the letter, Arikli reiterated the views of his party that the talks on federation have lost their meaning and "two-state solution" or "confederation" proposals should be on the agenda, adding that Turkey's guarantees are "sine qua non" for them.

Referring to the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha, Arikli said that in the letter "they proposed that one of the steps that the TRNC unilaterally could do is the opening of the fenced-off town of Varosha for use by its former owners under Turkish administration".

(DPs)

[03] The Ravelin Bastion in occupied Famagusta is locked

The paper further reports that many tourists, who are visiting the old city of occupied Famagusta, cannot enter the Ravelin Bastion, adding that this has caused reaction.

Okan Dagli, member of Famagusta Initiative, speaking to the paper, made a call to the "department of antiquities" to keep open to visitors the Ravelin Bastion, the Mantinegro Bastion and the Othello Tower, which are considered the most important monuments of the old city of Famagusta.

(DPs)

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan evaluates Syria situation ahead of Putin meeting in South Africa

"Developments in Syria, whether in Tal Rifaat or Manbij, are not going as desired. The only places [in Syria] that are going in the desired direction are Afrin, Jarablus and al-Bab," Erdogan said on July 25, speaking at a news conference in the capital Ankara prior to his visit to Johannesburg where he will attend the BRICS summit.

The Turkish President said events in Idlib, held by Syrian rebels, and Daraa, currently under a heavy offensive by the Syrian regime, will also be addressed during his meeting with Putin.

"The issue about Daraa is problematic. We will put this issue on our agenda again. There is also the issue of Idlib, which we will discuss, because in these places anything can happen at any time," he said.

"What we want is that the Syrian people will be protected from these attacks and particularly the brutal attacks of some organizations in the region," he said.

The Kremlin said Erdogan was due to meet Putin on July 26 on the sidelines of the annual BRICS summit.

[02] IYI Party leader Aksener quits despite strong support

"My decision not to be nominated as chair in the next convention is firm," Aksener said on her Twitter account on July 25. "IYI Party needs to continue under a new management."

Aksener had first announced her decision during a weekend party meeting after strong criticisms over her performance in the June 24 presidential elections. She had announced to convene an extraordinary convention in August, stressing that she won't run for leadership.

But prominent politicians of the party said the only candidate they support for leadership would be Aksener, suggesting that she will be presented as their nominee with signatures from every party member.

Dozens of party members have pressed Aksener on changing her mind, while a number of them have pitched tents in front of her house in Ankara to show support.

Aksener gained 7.3% of the votes in the presidential elections, only 2% less than her own party in the parliamentary polls. She was elected as the head of IYI Party late 2017.

[03] Turkey's parliament ratifies paid military service law

It was backed by lawmakers of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

The law enables Turkish citizens to complete their military service in just 21 days instead of 5.5 or 12 months if they are university graduates and pay an amount of money to the government through bank accounts.

According to the law, citizens born on or before Jan. 1, 1994 will be required to complete just 21 days of military service if they pay 15,000 Turkish liras ($3,141).

The law will be forwarded to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for approval and will later be published in the official gazette.

The Turkish Parliament will be on summer recess until Oct. 1.

(CS/AM)

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