Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-08-27

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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

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] A Turkish Cypriot "association" wonders why the "decision" for the return of the Maronites in their villages in the occupied area of Cyprus has not been implemented yet

[02] Ozcinar speaks about their plans for the "development" of occupied Morfou

[03] Sucuoglu accuses the Greek Cypriot side of having "excessive demands" on the Cyprus problem

[04] BBP leader: "Greece does not deserve an olive branch but to be beaten by a branch"

[05] "Prickly pear trees victim of the occupation"

[06] The foreign students in the occupied area of Cyprus will have to take a "student permit"

[07] Businessmen say that a new increase in the price of electricity would be a disaster

[08] The foreign trade deficit in the occupied area of Cyprus in first four months of 2018 is 551 million dollars

[09] "Plundering has spoiled us"

[10] Ayia Paraskevi Church in occupied Famagusta is neglected

[B] Turkish Press

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Erdogan: The issue is about Turkey, not me

[02] Deepening Turkey-Russia relations gain new dimension

[03] US delivers new Chinook helicopters to Turkey despite F-35 problem

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] A Turkish Cypriot "association" wonders why the "decision" for the return of the Maronites in their villages in the occupied area of Cyprus has not been implemented yet

The "association" underlined that the "implementation of this decision" will bring a lot of benefits to the "country", taking into consideration that the "TRNC" is not recognized. The "association" alleges further that this "implementation" would mean that the "rule of law is valid in a non-recognized country", adding that this will reinforce the Turkish side in its struggle to become "accepted" in the international community.

The "association" claims further that the "implementation of the decision" for the return of Maronites to their villages in the occupied area of Cyprus would constitute also another important step towards the direction of being included in the "international law", especially after the establishment of the "immovable property commission", which is the most important decision taken by the international community with a surplus value for the Turks.

The "association" calls the so-called government not to delay further to "implement this decision" and claims that everyone should realize that any further delay of the "implementation of this decision" would prove that they do not have the ability to be "self-administrated" and that the fascist and prohibitive circles in both sides of the island are in full cooperation.

(AK)

[02] Ozcinar speaks about their plans for the "development" of occupied Morfou

Ozcinar argued that they have plans for the development of occupied Morfou and alleged that they are carrying out a study by evaluating the students' profile in order to build an area for the students. "Our aim is to carry out a study, examine the profile of the students and cover their needs", Ozcinar said, adding that new residences for youth will be also built. He also added that among their goals is the completion of an open market in occupied Morfou and of a new park called "city park".

Ozcinar added further that although they do not confront any difficulties in the field of "construction and zoning plans", discipline is necessary in every new construction.

Pointing out that especially the occupied Kapouti area is a speedy developing area, Ozcinar stressed the need for the "construction laws" to be implemented there.

(AK)

[03] Sucuoglu accuses the Greek Cypriot side of having "excessive demands" on the Cyprus problem

Issuing a written statement, Sucuoglu evaluated the developments on the Cyprus problem and accused the Greek Cypriot side of following a "hostile stance". Alleging that the Turkish Cypriots are determined not to accept their rights to be seized, he argued that the main aim of the Greek Cypriots is the lifting of "Turkey's unilateral right of independence" and Turkey's active and effective guarantees.

"If the Greek Cypriots consider that with armament, buying new helicopters and collecting allies against Turkey, they will force Turkey to withdraw from his rights, then they are disillusioned", Sucuoglu alleged.

(AK)

[04] BBP leader: "Greece does not deserve an olive branch but to be beaten by a branch"

Destici, who was speaking in Eskisehir after the Friday prayer, stated that Greece is doing harm to Turkey, is supporting PKK and FETO members, is saying that Cyprus is under occupation and violates Turkey's right in the Aegean; still Turkey continues to offer an olive branch. "This has to stop and Turkey should give an answer", he claimed, adding that Turkey should give an answer to Greece taking into consideration the continuing works in Cyprus and the violations of its territorial waters in the Aegean.

(CS)

[05] "Prickly pear trees victim of the occupation"

However, the occupation army does not give permission for three years now for applying medicine to the trees in order for the disease to be put under control. Citing information Afrika writes that the situation is quite serious and the Republic of Cyprus will apply to the UN in order for measures to be taken on the issue.

(CS)

[06] The foreign students in the occupied area of Cyprus will have to take a "student permit"

Baybars argued that one of the issues that have been complains for years now is the registration of the students in the occupied area of Cyprus and added: "We are working together with the ministry of national education, the ministry of labour and social security, the ministry of health, and the police immigration department. We are establishing a system that will go into effect after September 30, 2018". She explained that this system will be integrated with the systems of "ministry of health, ministry of education and the police immigration department", adding that when a foreigner arrives in the occupied area of Cyprus under the status of student will be registered in the arrival, and at the university then the student will have to take health control at the "ministry of health" and will also have to take student permit at the "ministry of interior". Baybars believes that with this method they will be able to reduce the number of illegal students.

(DPs)

[07] Businessmen say that a new increase in the price of electricity would be a disaster

Turgay Deniz, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, told the paper that the increase in the price of electricity will negatively influence everybody and argued that this increase should be made gradually. He expressed the view that it would not be easy to recover from this loss and added that both businesses and the people have no strength to endure any more. "Anyway we use the most expensive electricity in the world", he claimed.

Moreover, Fethi Ozbogac, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot hoteliers' union, said that they are facing a "terrifying" cost of electricity and that their problems have reached a critical stage. He argued that what they should actually do is to focus on tourism, which is allegedly the only way to deal with the devaluation of the Turkish lira and the purchase of fuel with foreign currency.

Finally, Ugur Ergun, chairman of the "young businessmen association", said that it is very difficult for them to accept a new increase in the price of electricity, but it is not very difficult to see that this increase will not be the last one. He argued that in a "country" which has so highly expensive electricity you can neither produce nor achieve a success in various business fields.

(I/Ts.)

[08] The foreign trade deficit in the occupied area of Cyprus in first four months of 2018 is 551 million dollars

According to data by the "economy ministry's trade department", the foreign trade deficit increased by 21, 01% compared to last year's same period, which was 455 million 463 thousand dollars. The exports had an increase of 10, 95%, from 366 thousand 556 dollars last year (Jan-Apr 2017) to 48 million 114 thousand dollars this year (Jan-Apr 2018). The imports at the same period had an increase of 20,14%, from 498.8 million dollars in first four months of 2017 to 599.3 million dollars.

(DPs)

[09] "Plundering has spoiled us"

"In the past, the Turkish Cypriots had passed through very difficult days but we have always supported each other. After 1974 plundering has spoiled the community. Those, who had no right to take a property, took a property. People who had borrowed two shillings from me and could not pay me back took lots of properties after 1974 and became rich", said Ozler in an interview with Yeni Duzen describing as wrong the decision to use the Turkish lira instead of the Cyprus lira.

Referring to his personal experience, he said that after the 1974 invasion, the house and cinema which he had abandoned in 1963 in occupied Omorfita remained in a military zone. "We still cannot go to our property", he noted adding that they were told that their property would be returned but this did not happen.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Ayia Paraskevi Church in occupied Famagusta is neglected

The paper noted that the yard of the neglected church, which is dated on the 16th century and is one of the oldest churches in occupied Famagusta was cleaned from garbage after a campaign took place some time ago. According to KIBRIS Greek Cypriot archaeologist Andreas Foulias reacted against the condition of the Church and stressed the need of its restoration in the framework of the works of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.

(CS)

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: The issue is about Turkey, not me

"Do not forget, Anatolia is a wall and if this wall collapses, there will no longer be a Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Balkans or Caucasus," Erdogan said in the southeastern province of Mus, warning that such an event would lead to the collapse of surrounding regions. "If we show even a small sign of weakness, you will see they will come onto us like hooded crows. Some unwary people among us think this is an issue about me. No, their issue is Turkey. The issue is Islam," he said.

"The issue is not the AKP [Justice and Development Party], it is Turkey; it is Islam, which they have symbolized in the name of our nation. Those who know the West know being a Turk means being a Muslim. Turkey means all Muslims' hope. We are the only country and nation who has direct contact with the West but is still able to protect its identity and freedom. This is why oppressed societies care so much about Turkey that they have a place for us in their hearts and prayers," Erdogan also said.

Erdogan made the comments during a ceremony to mark the 947th anniversary of the Battle of Manzikert (Malazgirt in Turkish), in which the Seljuk Turks claimed victory over the Byzantine Empire in 1071. The battle on Aug. 26, 1071 saw Seljuk Turks led by Sultan Alparslan defeat a Byzantine army and lead the way for the Turks to dominate Anatolia.

During his speech on Aug. 26, Erdogan marked the historic battle and called on the Turkish youth. "We have shown the entire world what kind of a nation we are. Young people! Protect this legacy born in the past, moving forward into the future," he said.

On Aug. 25, Erdogan had also released a message marking the anniversary of the historic battle. "Defying a host of attacks from inside and out, our people have clung to this soil for almost 1,000 years thanks to the soul of Manzikert."

Turkey's biggest safeguard is the "determination of our people to protect their independence, their motherland and their future," even in the face of economic attacks, Erdogan had added.

"As you know, above all, we will be 'one.' We will be great, alive and brothers. It is all together that we will be Turkey, and do not forget this: One nation, one flag, one homeland and state. They will not be able to divide us, break us up, and if we are 'one,' great and alive, with the help of God, we will walk toward [the goals of] 2023, 2053 and 2071 in very different ways," Erdogan said on Aug. 26.

The ceremony at the historic battle site in the Manzikert district also saw the participation of Parliament Speaker Binali Y?ld?r?m and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli.

[02] Deepening Turkey-Russia relations gain new dimension

The Russian President also praised the Russian and Turkish efforts in Syria, saying that a solution was closer to the input of Iran, the European Union, the U.N. and the U.S.

In an effort to restore calm in the region and improve the humanitarian situation in war-torn Syria, the three guarantor states Turkey, Iran and Russia, launched the Astana process on Jan. 23, 2017, establishing de-escalation zones.

In the meeting, Putin was joined by Foreign Minister Lavrov, Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu and his special representative on Syria Alexander Lavrentiev.

Before meeting Putin, Cavusoglu met Lavrov earlier in the day, while Akar and Fidan met with Shoygu. Fidan and Akar were also in Moscow last week where they met Russian officials and the Defence Minister. (…)

During the recent meeting, Lavrov announced that Russia and Turkey have agreed to establish a mechanism to restore a visa-free regime between the two countries. "Russia is ready to lift visa restrictions for the Turkish holders of special and service passports as well as for drivers engaged in cargo transportation between the two countries," Lavrov told reporters after his meeting with Cavusoglu.

Cavusoglu conveyed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's greetings to Putin, saying that the Turkish President was eager to host him in Istanbul in the near future. (…) Putin also mentioned the regular contacts with Erdogan.

During the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa in July, Russian media reported that Putin requested Erdogan to allow the import of Russian meat. Soon after the meeting, the first batch of meat from Russia was delivered to Turkey.

Cavusoglu stressed that bilateral ties with Russia were important for the region's security and stability. "The contacts between the two head of states [Erdogan and Putin] are very important for the security, welfare and stability of the region, as well as for the two countries," he said.

Calling Russia a "strategic partner," the Turkish Foreign Minister underlined the importance of further developing bilateral ties with Russia. "We will both improve bilateral relations between the two countries for [providing] stability and economic development in the region and we will boost our cooperation on regional matters," he added.

He further said, without giving any particular name, that some countries and individuals were jealous of Turkey and Russia's close cooperation and friendship.

[03] US delivers new Chinook helicopters to Turkey despite F-35 problem

The Presidency of the Defence Industry announced that the first of five helicopters, part of the second delivery of Chinooks, entered the inventory of the Turkish Military on Saturday.

The initial agreement with Boeing, an American multinational corporation, on the purchase of 11 CH-47 helicopters in 2011 first delivered six helicopters in 2016. (…)

Still, the F-35 Joint Program Office announced on Aug. 16 that it would continue to execute current program plans with all partners, including Turkey, and to abide by any future policy guidelines. (…)

Each CH-47 helicopter has two rotors and two motors, each having 4,800 horsepower. With a range that can increase to 1,100 km with the help of the fuel tanks, the helicopters can fly safely even at conditions of zero visibility.

The helicopters, which can carry 10 tons, can be used in war operations and operations with humanitarian and civil aims.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(DPs/ AM)

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