Evaluating the latest developments on a TV program, Denktas argued that nothing will happen on the Cyprus issue as long as the Greek Cypriot side did not change its stance. "I'm not in support of the idea of resuming talks until the Greek Cypriot side makes its intentions clear. However should the negotiations resume we need to ask the question as to what the fate of the Turkish Cypriots will become if that process too fails" he said adding that the UN should be responsible in determining that. Denktas also pointed out that it is important for the uncertainty on the Cyprus problem to end.

Also touching upon relations with Turkey, Denktas said that the delay in receiving an appointment with Ankara was due to transition to the new system in Turkey and the busy program of Turkish officials.

Pointing out that this is normal; Denktas criticized the opposition for attempting to create the impression that there are other reasons for the delay. "It doesn't matter who is in government in Turkey or the TRNC, relations between the two countries will always be good and will continue", he added.

Also commenting on the "state budget", Denktas said that currently the biggest problem being experienced is paying agricultural subsidies. He pointed out that an unexpected drought and the battle against disease in livestock had led to delays in payments.

Denktas further explained that intense efforts were underway to minimize the impact of the economic crisis on the public.

Stressing that there was a need to change the system regarding the minimum wage, Denktas said that he had discussed the matter and he is in full agreement with the self-styled minister of labour and social security to establish a system where the minimum wage would change according to the different economic sectors.

[06] CTP visited the crossing point of Deryneia

Ali Koruk, "4th infantry regiment commander", briefed them on the ongoing works. He explained that the asphalting works on the buffer zone have been finished; the project will go out to tender in August and only control points have remained to be placed. He concluded by saying that when these works finish then it will be opened.

Speaking to the press on behalf of the group, Akansoy noted that work to open the crossing points in Deriyneia and Apliki are continuing. He added that the opening of them is important for small businesses as much as it is for both communities. He further said: "If Deryneia crossing point was open during this period, then tourists would flow from north to south. It would have been very good for this economic crisis. At least, the merchants and the residents of Famagusta would have felt relieved".

Noting that the necessary inspections were made at the Deryneia crossing point, he said they will share their evaluations with the Turkish Cypriot leader and the "government".

Announcing that they will also visit the Apliki crossing point on Friday, Akansoy said their aim is to accelerate the initiatives towards the opening of the crossing points.

(DPs)

[07] Turkey's Diyanet called Muslim believers to pray against the loss of the value of the TL

According to the paper, this campaign evoke strong reactions in social media since there were persons who considered the account fake, while, some others claimed that the account was not fake and started praying.

(AK)

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan to visit Germany late September

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will greet Erdogan with military honors, German news agency DPA reported, citing the German Presidency.

During his two-day stay, Erdogan will also meet Chancellor Angela Merkel, according to DPA.

Late July, Steinmeier's office confirmed that Berlin had extended an official invitation to Erdogan for a state visit without giving a date.

Erdogan made his last official visit to Berlin in February 2014.

[02] Turkey sends delegation to US to discuss crisis

Officials from Turkey's Justice, Finance and Foreign Ministries make up the nine-member delegation going to Washington, according to diplomatic sources who asked to remain anonymous. The meeting is expected to take place on Aug. 8.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had a phone conversation, private broadcaster CNN Turk reported.

Turkey and the U.S. are currently experiencing rocky relations after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu and Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul over the continued detention of Brunson, who faces terrorism charges in Turkey.

It was earlier reported that Turkey and the U.S. reached a preliminary agreement on some issues after the crisis. According to sources speaking to daily Hurriyet, the agreement covers "certain subjects" and a Turkish delegation is scheduled to visit Washington DC in the coming days to "precede" the talks.

(…)

[03] AKP: "Foreign exchange markets will calm down sooner or later"

He made his statement on Twitter on Aug. 7, one day after the Turkish Lira fell some 5.5% against the dollar, its biggest single day drop in nearly 10 years, after the Donald Trump administration said it was reviewing Turkey's duty free access to U.S. markets, a move that could affect $1.7 billion of Turkish exports.

"Turkey is a country with political stability and solid future goals. Some recent fluctuations in financial markets, which cannot be explained through any economic foundations, will calm down sooner or later," he said.

"The government's rational policies, budget discipline, reform programs and moral values help Turkey get over this temporary period", Y?lmaz also noted.

He also added that the government will maintain sustainable growth by decreasing the country's current account deficit and strengthening its structure against any speculations through financial diversification.

The lira gained nearly 2% on Aug. 7 to 5.26 against the dollar after broadcaster CNN Turk said that Turkish officials would go to Washington to discuss strained relations in two days. The lira was 5.28 per dollar late in the afternoon of Aug. 7.

(…)At the meantime, the United States Embassy in Ankara emphasized friendship with Turkey despite ongoing tensions.

"The United States continues to be a firm friend and ally of Turkey despite current tensions. Our countries have a vibrant economic relation," the Embassy said in a tweet on Aug. 7.

[04] Umit Yalc?n appointed as Turkey's Envoy to London

Yalc?n will replace Ambassador Abdurrahman Bilgic, who has served as Turkey's Envoy to the United Kingdom since 2014.

With the new governance system coming into force, the position of Undersecretaries and Deputy Undersecretaries within the entire bureaucratic system has been abolished. It has been replaced by the position of Deputy Ministers.

On Aug. 7, former Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry Sedat Onal, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the European Union Faruk Kaymakc?, and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's advisor Yavuz Selim K?ran have been appointed as Deputy Ministers.

Umit Yalc?n had served as Undersecretary since 2016.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(AK/ AM)

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