Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-08-01

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

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Afrika criticized the "government" for not showing support regarding the case opened against it by Turkey and re-publishes the article that created the tension

[02] Different views between Akansoy and Oguz on Turkey's guarantees on Cyprus

[03] Turkish Deputy says that Turkey takes orders from no-one as regards its actions in Cyprus

[04] License for a new casino in occupied Keryneia is granted by the "council of ministers"

[05] Chairman of Limak Holding in the occupied area of Cyprus for the opening of his new hotel

[06] Gizem Alpman, the new "TRNC representative" in Geneva

[07] Havadis: "We spent a fortune to cigarettes and alcohol"

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan says US's threatening language will not benefit anyone

[02] Turkey to retaliate against any US sanctions over terror-linked pastor Brunson's case

[03] Turkish court rejects US pastor Brunson's appeal against house arrest

[04] Top US Commander to visit Turkey amid strained relations

[05] Erdogan briefs MHP leader on tension with the US over Brunson case

[06] TPAO has rented two helicopters for its explorations in the Mediterranean

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Afrika criticized the "government" for not showing support regarding the case opened against it by Turkey and re-publishes the article that created the tension

Under the title: "Red card to Ankara in Cyprus", Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (01.08.18) reports that the case opened against the paper created a fire (of support) in Europe and in the "south" (the Republic of Cyprus) and adds that the news regarding the case were transmitted in mass media; at the same time the European Parliament Deputy Mavrides brought the issue in EU Commission's agenda.

The paper notes that despite the support the paper receives from the Turkish Cypriot community, the silence of the "government" and the "president", is notable.

Afrika also publishes a statement made by the United Cyprus Party which noted that it stands by the paper and rejects all the fascist attacks against it.

Sener Levent, the editor in chief of Afrika re-publishes the article for which Turkey issued a case against him and against Afrika. The article, with the title: "Zorba the Cypriot" goes as follows:

" [?] From which hell have you come to my country that smells lemon and jasmine? How did you come here? Go away, leave. You will leave. This little island has seen many kings and sultans. You will leave too. You will leave the way you arrived here. You will take your slogans that Allah is great and your cursing and you will leave.

[?] If you are Turkish, I am not Turkish. If you are patriots, then I am a traitor. [..] I have established an illegal organization with jasmine, lemons, clove pinks and eucalyptus. Neither EOKA nor TMT. We are armed head to toe. Flowers are our weapons. And this pen of mine does not understand words. Even I cannot tell it what to writes and you think your stones, you screaming that Allah is great and your sultan can tell it what to write? You are the enemies. You are enemies of everything that is nice and beautiful and right. You are enemies of the Greek because he is Greek, enemies of the Kurd because he is Kurd, enemies of the Armenian because he is Armenian, enemies of the Alevi because he is Alevi. And enemies of every Christian because he is not Muslim,. You are our enemies. [?[ Enemies of those who say that they are "Turkish Cypriots and not Turkish". You say, "If you do not like it go live in the south". You are not even comical, but still you make me l augh [..] You stupid. . Does my country have north and south? The whole country is mine, north and south equally. The east and the west. I can live wherever I want.

[?] Whatever you do you will not be able to fly faster that a dove. I wish I could love you but you are not lovable.

From which hell have you come to my country that smells lemon and jasmine? How did you come here? Go away, leave. You will leave. You will leave the way you came here".

[02] Different views between Akansoy and Oguz on Turkey's guarantees on Cyprus

Under the title "The conditions have changed", Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (01.08.18) reports that Asim Akansoy, "deputy" with the Republican Turkish Party, announced that Turkey does not have the right of unilateral intervention in the Guterres' framework, which his party supports it.

Akansoy, who was participating yesterday in a programme at Turkish Cypriot private channel Diyalog TV, explained that it is unacceptable a country, which is an EU member to give the right of unilateral intervention and added that in the Guterres' framework a new security regime will be established and within this new regime, no country has a right of unilateral intervention. "The state will be member of the EU", he noted.

Akansoy further said that they, as a political party, also think that the need for a new security regime is necessary.

Referring to the renewal of UNFICYP's mandate on Cyprus, Akansoy argued that they should be more careful what they are saying in such sensitive period and asked: "We are all against the status quo, but are we ready if tomorrow UNFICYP withdraws? (?) If the Turkish Cypriots get out from the federal solution umbrella, then we will have damages." He added that the Cyprus talks should resume as soon as possible and the role of the UN should also be discussed.

On the other hand, Dursun Oguz, general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), who was in another programme of Diyalog TV, reacted to Akansoy's statements on Turkey's guarantees rights. Oguz said: "Such an agreement will not pass. As a politician, I am also against it. Our people will never give up Turkey's guarantees and security".

(DPs)

[03] Turkish Deputy says that Turkey takes orders from no-one as regards its actions in Cyprus

Illegal Bayrak (01.08.18 http://www.brtk.net/yilmaz-turkiye-kimseden-izin-almaz/ )reports that Ozturk Yilmaz, Turkish Deputy with the Republican People's Party (CHP) speaking at the Turkish Assembly said that Turkey, as the guarantor of the rights and the benefits of the "TRNC people" takes ordes from no-one as regards its actions in Cyprus.

He was commenting on recent statements made by foreign Ambassadors to Cyprus who were speaking during a conference in which were also criticized by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yilmaz said that the statements made by the Turkish Foreign Ministry were not enough and added that concrete steps should be made as regards the Cyprus problem. "Comprehensive negotiation theatre is over", he said adding that returning at the negotiation table means making more concessions.

He went on adding that efforts should be exerted for the recognition of the "TRNC".

(CS)

[04] License for a new casino in occupied Keryneia is granted by the "council of ministers"

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (01.08.18) reports that the "council of ministers" has granted a license for the establishment of a new casino in the village Kalograia of occupied Keryneia. The paper notes that this decision is against a "2009 law" according to which no license for new casino in Keryneia would be granted since there are a lot of casinos already in the town.

However, the "government" gave the green line for a new casino after an application was made by Wintersun Investments. As the paper writes, the license of the casino, which was published in the "official gazette", is part of the creation of a new 5-star hotel in occupied Keryneia.

(CS)

[05] Chairman of Limak Holding in the occupied area of Cyprus for the opening of his new hotel

Under the title "We succeeded to build a worthy hotel for Cyprus and we are proud of it", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (01.08.18) reports that Nihat Ozdemir, Chairman of Board of Directors of Limak Holding has come to the occupied area of Cyprus for the opening of Limak Cyprus Deluxe hotel, an investment of over 200 million dollars, in the occupied area of Vokolida.

The Limak Holding has total eight hotels and Limak Cyprus Deluxe hotel is the first investment outside of Turkey. He added that they have already started an investment of a new hotel in Skopje.

(DPs)

[06] Gizem Alpman, the new "TRNC representative" in Geneva

According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (31.07.18, http://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRISHABERLERI/n258895-cumhurbaskani-akinci-cenevre-temsilcisi-alpmani-kabul-etti-3), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met with the newly appointed representative of the breakaway regime in Geneva, Gizem Alpman.

[07] Havadis: "We spent a fortune to cigarettes and alcohol"

Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (01.08.18) reports that according to data received by the "department of trade" regarding the imports of cigarettes and alcohol in the breakaway regime between 2001-2017, around 608 million dollars were spent for these items in the period mentioned.

According to the data, imports of cigarettes in 2001 were 12 million dollars, but they rose up to 22,5 million dollars in 2017. In addition imports on alcohol drinks were 1,9 million dollars in 2001 and rose up to 40 million dollars in 2017.

(CS)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan says US's threatening language will not benefit anyone

According to Turkish daily Yeni Safak newspaper (01.08.18, https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/erdogan-says-uss-threatening-language-will-not-benefit-anyone-3437733), the threatening language of the United States will not benefit anyone, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, as relations between the NATO allies soured over the case of a U.S. pastor jailed in Turkey on terrorism charges.

Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Erdogan said Turkey would not make compromises regarding the independence of the judiciary, and added that the remarks of the "evangelist, zionist mentality" in the United States were unacceptable.

He also said his Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, would hold talks with U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on the side-lines of an ASEAN meeting in Singapore.

[02] Turkey to retaliate against any US sanctions over terror-linked pastor Brunson's case

Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (31.07.18, https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2018/07/31/turkey-to-retaliate-against-any-us-sanctions-over-terror-linked-pastor-brunsons-case) reports that presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Tuesday after a cabinet meeting in Ankara that Turkey will not accept any threats regarding the ongoing legal procedures of jailed U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson and will retaliate against any U.S. sanctions over his trial.

Despite the warning against sanctions, Kal?n said Turkey expects the two countries to resolve their differences through diplomacy. (?)

The Turkish government has repeatedly told Washington that Brunson's case is being handled by the courts and the government cannot intervene. (?)

Regarding cooperation with the United States on F-35 fighter jets, the presidential spokesman underlined that it was "a multinational project". "Turkey will take legal action if any measures are taken to prevent the delivery", he added, saying that Turkey has alternatives and is "not a country that can be easily dispensed with".

The Turkish defence industry has been playing an active role in the production of the fifth generation F-35 fighter jets and the first two jets of the 30 approved were delivered to Turkish officials last month. Apart from Turkey, the U.S., U.K., Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Norway and Denmark are also present as participant members of the F-35 fighter jet program. (?)

Kalin also announced that the new government's action plan for the first 100 days in office will be revealed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday. "The strategic plan for the 2019-2023 period will be finalized by the end of November", he added.

Kalin said Turkey's determined fight against terrorism and foreign policy issues were also discussed during the cabinet meeting.

[03] Turkish court rejects US pastor Brunson's appeal against house arrest

According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (31.07.18, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-court-rejects-us-pastor-brunsons-appeal-against-house-arrest-135252), a court in Turkey's western province of Izmir rejected an appeal on July 31 for U.S. Christian pastor Andrew Brunson to be released from house arrest during his trial on terrorism charges, state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.

The Izmir Second Heavy Penalty Court said in its ruling that the "strong criminal suspicions" against the suspect had not changed their nature. "Although the suspect has been released from the jail he was imprisoned, this does not mean there has been a change in the evidence against him," the court said.

The appeal was filed by Brunson's lawyer, Ismail Cem Halavurt. Brunson's next hearing as part of the trial is scheduled for Oct. 12.

[04] Top US Commander to visit Turkey amid strained relations

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (31.07.18, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/top-us-commander-to-visit-turkey-amid-strained-relations-135239) reports that General Curtis Scaparrotti, head of U.S. European Command and NATO's supreme allied commander, is set to pay a visit to Ankara on Aug. 1 amid heightened tension between Turkey and the U.S.

The General will discuss the situation in northern Syria, state-run Anadolu Agency quoted Turkish officials as saying. The meeting is expected to focus on developments regarding the presence of the People's Protection Units (YPG) in the region and a roadmap on the Syrian city of Manbij.

The visit comes amid strained relations between Turkey and the U.S. over a host of issues. Relations plunged further after U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence threatened sanctions on Turkey if pastor Andrew Brunson, who was placed under house arrest on July 25 after nearly two years behind bars on terror charges, is not freed. (?)

Scaparrotti will also visit the Incirlik Air Base in the southern province of Adana. The Commander will then visit the Aegean province of Izmir, where Brunson is under house arrest. (?)

[05] Erdogan briefs MHP leader on tension with the US over Brunson case

According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (31.07.18, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-briefs-mhp-leader-on-tension-with-the-us-over-brunson-case-135242), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 31 met Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli at his presidential complex. The meeting came after a National Security Council meeting on July 30.

The tete-a-tete meeting of the two also came ahead of a cabinet meeting on July 31. The request for the meeting came from Erdogan.

Erdogan briefed Bahceli about recent tension between Turkey and the U.S. over the case of pastor Andrew Brunson and processes regarding the fight against the Fetullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), according to presidential sources.

Erdogan thanked Bahceli for the support he lent over strained relations between Turkey and the U.S., sources said.

The two exchanged their views on the struggle against FETO after the lifting of the state of emergency. The issue of ongoing military operations of the Turkish military was also on the agenda of the meeting. (?)

[06] TPAO has rented two helicopters for its explorations in the Mediterranean

According to Turkish daily Hurriyet newspaper (31.07.18, http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/tpaodan-akdenizde-helikopter-hamlesi-40913946), the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), which conducts explorations in the Mediterranean, has rented two helicopters for two years. TPAO, which will also do drilling in the area, will use the helicopters for first aid and personnel transport. The helicopters will start flying from August.

The paper also reports that work carried out by TPAO in this period is also of a great importance.

(DPs)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(DPs/ AM)

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