Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-10-04

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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] Akinci: "We want a result oriented negotiations process that is strategic and has a time frame"

[02] Ozersay: "We demanded the removal of the UN camp in Famagusta"

[03] Ozgurgun proposes that a new road map for Cyprus talks should be drawn

[04] Tatar: ""Velvet separation should come to the table"

[05] Atun in Ankara prior to upcoming UBP elections for a new leader

[06] The Left Movement in the occupied area of Cyprus calls for the immediate opening of Deryneia crossing point and the removal of the military position from the area

[07] The Society of European Journalist has opened a liaison office in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] Olive festival to take place in occupied Keryneia with the participation of municipalities from Germany and Romania

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Columnist assesses Turkish Cypriots' options on the Cyprus problem and calls on Akinci to tell the truth

[02] Turkey and the Netherlands agree to turn 'new page' in ties

[03] Turkish President Erdogan blasts 'global smear campaign'

[04] Turkish Parliament ratifies motion to extend mandate for troops in Iraq and Syria

[05] Albayrak: "Turkey to announce measures against inflation next week"

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Akinci: "We want a result oriented negotiations process that is strategic and has a time frame"

According to illegal Bayrak television (04.10.18, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=akinci-erhurman-meet), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, in a statement to the press after his routine weekly meeting with self-styled prime minister Tufan Erhurman after his return from New York, said that they discussed the contacts that he had carried out in New York and with the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.

Akinci noted: "I conveyed to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres the Turkish Cypriot side's stance on the Cyprus issue and that as the Turkish Cypriot side we want a solution to be found to the Cyprus problem. We don't want the continuation of the status quo. We want to be a part of the new Cyprus that will emerge once a solution is reached. We want to establish a better future in peace".

He argued that in order for this to take place, a result oriented negotiations process must be held. "We want a result oriented negotiations process that is strategic and has a time frame", Akinci claimed.

Noting that the UN Secretary General's temporary adviser to Cyprus Jane Holl Lute is about to complete her report on Cyprus and present it on the 15th of October, Akinci said that on the 30th of October this report will be discussed at the UN General Assembly.

"Our stance on the Cyprus issue is clear. During all of my contacts with foreign officials I clearly put forward the Turkish Cypriot side's views and stance on the Cyprus issue", Akinci said and added that the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres needed to adopt a more active role on the Cyprus issue.

He also said that once the UN Secretary General has formed his own view on the Cyprus issue he will convey his views with the two sides on the island.

Referring to the issue of the Derinya and Apliki crossing points, Akinci said that this issue was not discussed in New York but that it is on the agenda in Cyprus and therefore felt the need to make a statement on the subject.

"The Turkish Cypriot side had displayed its political stance on this issue three years ago and is continuing to carry out efforts for the opening of the border crossings", Akinci claimed and added that they had discussed this issue extensively with Erhurman.

"Is the hold up for the opening of the border crossings due to real problems or ones originating due to the Greek Cypriot side?" asked Akinci and said that he will be taking up this topic with "government officials". He further argued that although the Derinya and Apliki crossing points are two separate gates they wanted them to be opened simultaneously and therefore the necessary political will needed to be adopted by both sides on the island for this to be realised. "I believe that we will be able to open these crossings very soon", Akinci claimed.

[02] Ozersay: "We demanded the removal of the UN camp in Famagusta"

Illegal Bayrak (04.10.18 http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=un-camp-in-gazimagusa ) broadcast that "deputy prime minister and foreign minister" Kudret Ozersay stated that they demanded the removal of the UN Camp located near the illegal "Eastern Mediterranean University" in occupied Famagusta, during the time they visited New York for the UN General Assembly.

In a statement on his social media account, Ozersay said: "We conveyed to the UN officials our reasons that as a result of the increase in the number of residences, we do not find the use of this military camp appropriate which is in the midst of a residential area."

He also said that following the removal of the camp, the region could be used for "public interest" and could be turned into a green field or a park.

Ozersay also said that they also conveyed to the UN officials that they would provide a new area for the military camp. "If this can be achieved it will be a relief for Famagusta", Ozersay added.

Reporting further on the issue, Bayrak (04.10.18 http://www.brtk.net/gazimagusadaki-bm-kampinin-bulundugu-yerden-kaldirilmasini-talep-ettik/ ) broadcast that Ozersay made a statement to illegal TAK saying that they made an official demand for the removal of the UN military camp, which is known as Camp General Stefanik, during meetings they had with UN high level officials in New York.

[03] Ozgurgun proposes that a new road map for Cyprus talks should be drawn

According to Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (04.10.18), Huseyin Ozgurgun, leader of the opposition political party National Unity Party (UBP), proposed to draw a new road map for the Cyprus problem.

Speaking in a programme at Turkish Cypriot private channel Genc TV, Ozgurgun argued that the long process of the Cyprus talks, which had reached to point of an agreement in Crans Montana, was collapsed due to the manoeuvre of the Greek Cypriot-Greek duo. He further claimed that the position, as it is presented by the Greek Cypriot side, to enter the negotiation with preconditions is not valid. He argued that it is not possible to enter again open-ended negotiations without a timetable. Ozgurgun concluded by alleging that it is clear that the Greek Cypriots do not accept an agreement in which the Turkish Cypriots are considered equal, adding that according to this a new road map should be drawn.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (04.10.18) reports that Ozgurgun reiterated recently that he will not be active in politics after 2020.

(DPs)

[04] Tatar: ""Velvet separation should come to the table"

Turkish Cypriot daily K?br?s (04.10.18) reports that Ersin Tatar, "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) said that the preservation of the "TRNC" is among his main aims.

Tatar who is also a candidate for the leadership of UBP at the forthcoming election congress of the party, which will take place in 27-28 of October, said that the Cyprus problem is a priority for UBP adding that "the continuation and the exaltation of the TRNC is the party's historical duty".

"We support an agreement. However this agreement must definitely include the two founding states with political equality, the two peoples of the island and bi-zonallity. The continuation of Turkey's effective and de facto guarantees, making the agreement to be a part of primary EU law, the solution of the property issue in a way that will not lead to the collapse of the social-economical structure of the Turkish Cypriots, are fundamental issues for us", he said adding that in case a new negotiation procedure starts, it should be of a "close ended" and should give results in a short time.

"No one has the right to waste the time of the Turkish Cypriot people", he said adding that the current concessive stance of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci creates problems and makes the Turkish Cypriots worry about their future.

"If a solution cannot be reached with the Greek Cypriot side, the two sides must bring to the table the velvet separation that has started being discussed even in the Greek Cypriot side", he stated.

(CS)

[05] Atun in Ankara prior to upcoming UBP elections for a new leader

Under the title "Sunat Atun met with Berat Albayrak in Ankara", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (04.10.18) reports that Sunat Atun, "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) and candidate for the UBP leadership, shared at his social media account his contacts in Turkey and his meeting with Turkey's Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak.

Atun posted his photo with Albayrak and wrote: "I visited Ankara today to hold various contacts. I met with my dear friend and new Minister of Treasury and Finance of our motherland Turkey Berat Albayrak. (?)"

(DPs)

[06] The Left Movement in the occupied area of Cyprus calls for the immediate opening of Deryneia crossing point and the removal of the military position from the area

Turkish daily Afrika newspaper (04.10.18) reports that the "Left Movement" in the occupied area of Cyprus, in a written statement has called on for the immediate removal of the military position which is located in the occupied area of Deryneia, stressing the need for the new crossing point in Deryneia to open the soonest possible.

The "Left Movement" described as "unacceptable" the insistence on the continuation of the existence of the military positions in the area, which as it said for years now has been posing obstacles for the opening of the crossing point.

In statements on behalf of the "Movement", Bulent Ufak Bulli has called on Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and so-called prime minister Tufan Erhurman to state whether they have the willpower to open the Deryneia crossing point.

Bulli underlined further that what matters is the opening of the new crossing point, the ending of the division of the island, and the reunification of Cyprus. He added that they will continue their struggle towards the direction of a United Federal Cyprus.

(AK)

[07] The Society of European Journalist has opened a liaison office in the occupied area of Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (04.10.18) reports that the Society of European Journalists, which is based in Berlin, Germany, has opened an agency of communication in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

According to the paper, the aim of the agency of communication is to contribute to the integration process between the Turkish journalists active in the "TRNC" and the EU. In this framework, the office of the Society of European Journalists will organize as of next year, several briefing meetings with the participation of European journalists.

At the same time, the office of the Society of European Journalists in the occupied area of Cyprus will provide all workers and journalists in the "TRNC" with a journalist identity card which will be valid in all EU countries.

(AK)

[08] Olive festival to take place in occupied Keryneia with the participation of municipalities from Germany and Romania

According to illegal Bayrak television (03.10.18-http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=olive-festival-begins-on-friday) the 17th olive festival which is being organised by the "municipality" of occupied Keryneia, is being held between the 5th and 9th of October.

The "mayor" of occupied Keryneia, Nidai Gungoedu held a press conference to announce the activities that will take place within the framework of the olive festival.

He said that, in line with the festival, a variety of seminars will be held on how to protect olive trees and raise awareness on the importance of the olive tree to our country.

He also drew attention to the fact that up until now over 1000 olive tree saplings have been planted.

Explaining that municipalities from Turkey, Germany and Romania will be taking part in the festival, Gungordu said that the festival will turn into a celebration with international dimensions.

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Columnist assesses Turkish Cypriots' options on the Cyprus problem and calls on Akinci to tell the truth

Writing in Turkish T24 online newspaper(03.10.18, http://t24.com.tr/yazarlar/metin-munir/kibrisli-turkun-secenekleri,20541), Turkish Cypriot columnist Metin Munir reports that the Turkish Cypriots are confused on the issue of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. Under the title "The options of the Turkish Cypriots", Munir argues that the Turkish Cypriots have two options: The one is the continuation of the current situation by saying "I am satisfied with it" and "I agree to continue like this" and the other is saying: "I do not agree with this situation, I want the island to be united in a federal structure and to live in an E U country and I am ready to take risks for this".

Arguing that the most important risks are the security risk and the economic risk, Munir says that the first one concerns the question as to whether the Turkish Cypriots will be attacked by the extreme right-wing Greek Cypriots, in case Turkey stops guaranteeing the status quo in Cyprus and the Turkish troops withdraw. The second one, he notes, is related to problems which will be created in the Turkish Cypriot economy by the competition with the Greek Cypriots, who are more advanced than the Turkish Cypriots in every field. He adds, inter alia, the following:

"[?] Actually, if we were able to establish a well-functioning state mechanism and a successful economy in the one third of the island donated to us by Turkey, it would not be necessary to ask these questions. We would live comfortably and in tranquility in the place that belonged to us. However, this is not the question. The TRNC is not a state. It is a weak and rotten administration, which imitates a state. Those who came to power after the Turkish army landed on the island exerted their energy for passing on themselves and their friends the most liked properties left behind by the Greek Cypriots. They also wasted the money extravagantly sent by Turkey until recently. They left us behind in the race of civilization and prosperity with the Greek Cypriots, if it could be said that such a race exists. [?]

Let us not deceive ourselves. If we do not agree with the Greek Cypriots and do not enter under a federal structure, what is waiting for us is being degraded to the level of one of the underdeveloped cities of Turkey.

I am saying that the choice is yours. I am saying this but I know what the view of the majority is. Let us agree with the Greek Cypriots, but they should accept whatever we want. They should not ask for their land back. The army and the guarantees should stay, the money from Turkey should continue coming, let us also eat and the food which will come from the EU. That is, as my late father used to say: Let both the dog be satiated and the bread intact. It would be very wonderful. However, there is no such a world".

Writing in T24 today (04.10.18, http://t24.com.tr/yazarlar/metin-munir/halka-dogrulari-soyleyin-sayin-akinci,20542), Munir calls on Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to tell the truth to the people, adding that Akinci "was still not able to comprehend that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is related to the essence and not the method". Arguing that the negotiations in Switzerland between Akinci and President Anastasiades failed because the positions of the sides were "miles apart from each other", Munir says that this does not derive from the fact that the negotiations were open-ended, had no time limit and were not focused on the result. He claims that the views of the sides are still far away from each other, because neither of them made the slightest concession from the stance they defended for years.

He notes, inter alia, the following:

"[?] The Greek Cypriots want the lifting of the guarantees and the withdrawal of the entire Turkish army from the island with the solution or within a short period after the solution. They will never accept the opposite. Moreover, they will never say yes to Turks having the right of veto in all important committees including the Council of Ministers. If your stance on these issues does not change Mr President, there is no need for you to sit at the table.

The problem is not only this. In the previous negotiations, you could not reach a full agreement with the Greek Cypriots on absolutely no important issue. While there were innumerous issues waiting to be concluded, you continuously pumped the perception to the people that the solution is close. Now, you continue doing the same. [?] Stop deceiving the people Mr Akinci and instead of desperately trying, admit that you will not be able to solve the problem in these conditions. And please do not burden the blame for the failure of the previous negotiations on the Greek Cypriots, 'who do not accept to share power and prosperity with the Turkish Cypriots in a federal partnership', just like you always do. It became boring. Examine yourself by saying 'I wonder if there was a little blame in our side as well'. Think a little. If you were in Anastasiades' sh oes, would you accept the demands you submit? Perhaps, what you should say to the people is that there will be no solution without a radical change in the stance, that it is impossible to have a radical change of stance and that our life will continue as it is today. This may not be pleasant, but it is sincere. Who knows, the person who will sit there after you ? perhaps Kudret Ozersay - will be proved to be more skillful and creative than you and lead the Turkish Cypriots elsewhere. It has become evident that we can reach nowhere with you".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkey and the Netherlands agree to turn 'new page' in ties

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (03.10.18-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-netherlands-agree-to-turn-new-page-in-ties-137502) reported that Turkey and the Netherlands have agreed to leave a two-year long bilateral dispute behind by turning a "new page" in ties and by intensifying cooperation in the field of economy and intelligence sharing, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries have confirmed during the Dutch top diplomat's visit to the Turkish capital.

"As we have agreed, we have decided to leave all these [troubles] behind and to look at the future," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a joint press conference with his Dutch counterpart Stef Blok on Oct. 3 in Ankara.

"Hereafter, we want to develop our ties [with the Netherlands] by focusing on a joint positive agenda," Cavusoglu said, adding that both countries have drawn lessons from the two-year long break in ties.

(?)

Cavusoglu recalled that Turkey had launched a new effort for improving its ties with Europe and the European Union and that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent trip to Germany was part of this campaign. "We now want to revive our relations with Europe and the EU. We have this commitment and we have received a similar approach from the EU and Europe. This must continue," he said.

On a question, Cavusoglu denied that neither Erdogan nor himself had likened the Dutch people to Nazis but compared some actions of the previous Dutch government with acts of the Nazi era.

For his part, Blok also underlined the importance of bilateral ties between the two countries, stressing that they would focus on the positive agenda set by the two top diplomats.

Praising the role that Turkey and Cavusoglu have been playing to avoid a fresh humanitarian crisis stemming from the Idlib province of Syria as well as its generosity in hosting more than 3.5 million Syrian refugees on its soil, Blok underlined that a major security crisis could be averted thanks to the efforts of Turkey.

On a question about Turkey's efforts to revive long stalled accession talks, Blok confirmed that the negotiations for Turkey's full membership had been suspended at a certain point. "We have to observe improvements in many fields, such as the rule of law and democracy. Turkey has to take steps on these to revive the accession process," Blok said, recalling that there were many criteria to be fulfilled regarding this process.

On economy, despite current difficulties, Turkey still offers a lot of opportunities for foreign investors as it has shown in the last decade, Blok said, adding that a joint economic council would soon meet to discuss ways to increase bilateral trade with Turkey.

[03] Turkish President Erdogan blasts 'global smear campaign'

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (03.10.18-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/president-erdogan-vows-democracy-not-possible-with-media-137491) reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the Turkish academics to lend support to his government's efforts to fight what he called an "international smear campaign" by foreign media and academic circles against Turkey amid an economic turbulence and the fight against "multiple terror organizations."

"There is so much inaccurate information against us in Western media. We need to work to correct this. We need the support of our academics in what I call a national campaign against all of it," Erdogan said in a speech he made to mark the beginning of the new academic year in Ankara on Oct. 3.

"They can back this struggle by explaining the truth about our country on their own merits," Erdogan added.

Erdogan also said that democracy is not possible with the media, arguing that even the most powerful countries in today's world are being ruled by the media as his latest trips to the United States and Germany have shown. "I have seen that these giant countries are being governed by the media and not by their leaders. Because whenever I spoke with them they were saying, 'Our media says this, our media writes that.' And I told them, 'Just forget the media, tell me what your people say,'" he said.

(?)

In the past, the Turkish media had run Turkey claiming itself as the fourth power, but what the government cares about is the people themselves, Erdogan added. "What is important for us is how our people judge us. Democracy is empowered by the people. There is democracy if there are people. Democracy is not possible with the media," he said.

"And it is not possible for a politician to pursue sound politics if he or she is afraid of the media," Erdogan added.

[04] Turkish Parliament ratifies motion to extend mandate for troops in Iraq and Syria

Turkish daily Sabah (03.10.18-https://www.dailysabah.com/legislation/2018/10/03/turkish-parliament-ratifies-motion-to-extend-mandate-for-troops-in-iraq-and-syria) reported that the Turkish Parliament ratified on Wednesday a motion to extend the state's authority to launch cross-border military operations in northern Iraq and Syria for another year.

The motion, which was submitted by the Turkish Cabinet, had previously allowed the Turkish military to carry out cross-border operations from Oct. 31, 2017 until Oct. 30, 2018. It was last extended on Sept. 23, 2017.

The decree, renewed annually since 2014, allows Turkey to send troops over its southern border if developments in Iraq and Syria pose threat to Turkey's national security. It also allows foreign forces to use Turkish airbases and Turkish territory against the same threats.

The motion stated that Turkey attaches great importance to the protection of Iraq's territorial integrity, national unity and stability. "However, the existence of the PKK and Daesh in Iraq, poses a direct threat to regional peace, stability and the security of our country," it added referring to terrorist groups in the region.

(?)

[05] Albayrak: "Turkey to announce measures against inflation next week"

Turkish daily Yeni Safak (03.10.18-https://www.yenisafak.com/en/economy/turkey-to-announce-measures-against-inflation-next-week-finmin-3462553) reported that the Turkey's Finance Minister Berat Albayrak, said that the Turkish inflation would converge toward government targets in the last quarter of the year.

Turkey will announce measures to be taken in the fight against inflation next week, Albayrak said on Wednesday, after data showed that annual consumer price inflation jumped to nearly 25% in September.

Albayrak said that discussions on steps to fight inflation would begin tomorrow. He further added that the Turkish inflation would converge toward government targets in the last quarter of the year.

"We left the worst behind, September was the worst month for inflation expectations," Albayrak said.

Albayrak added that concrete results of measures taken by the government would be seen in October data and the worst is now behind Turkey in terms of inflation.

Turkey's annual inflation reached 24.52% in September, the country's statistical authority revealed on Wednesday. The figure in the month was up from 17.90% in August, Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) reported. On a yearly basis, the biggest price hike was in furnishing and household equipment in September -- up at 37.28% -- and in transportation at 36.61%.

According to TurkStat, inflation was 30.6% in "miscellaneous goods and services", 27.7% in food and non-alcoholic beverages, and 21.8% in housing prices.

On a monthly basis, the consumer prices rose by 6.30% in September, as the highest monthly increase was 11.4% in furnishing and household equipment. Among the main expenditure groups, the lowest monthly increase was in alcoholic beverages and tobacco with a 0.07% rise, it added.

TurkStat said further that none of the main expenditure groups in September saw monthly decrease. "In September 2018, within average prices of 407 items in the index, average prices of 50 items remained unchanged while average prices of 339 items increased and average prices of 18 items decreased".

According to the country's new economic program, announced on Sept. 20, the inflation target for this year is 20.8%, 15.9% for next year, 9.8% for 2020, and 6% for 2021.

(?)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(AK/ AM)

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