Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-10-08

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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] Ozersay: "Unofficial dialogue between the sides has started"

[02] Akinci says meeting with Anastasiades possible

[03] There is no will to open the Deryneia and Apliki crossing points

[04] A Turkish Cypriot column?st writes: Let's select the Vice President (of the Republic of Cyprus)

[05] Denktas on economy and trade unions

[06] Ulucay to attend the 3rd meeting of MSEAP in Antalya

[07] Erhurman predicts that 2019 will be a very difficult year for the occupation regime's economy

[08] Tourists from India in the occupation regime for several events

[09] The cost of living for September in the occupied area of Cyprus is 6.20%

[10] Anadolu Jet flights will begin a flight from and to the occupied area of Cyprus

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: "Turkey will not let its sovereign rights be made a matter of negotiation"

[02] Erdogan: Turkey has closed the IMF chapter for good

[03] Albayrak says budget discipline to be upheld 'without compromise'

[04] Erdogan: No amnesty can be issued merely to empty prisons

[05] Turkey detains 137 for suspected links to PKK

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Ozersay: "Unofficial dialogue between the sides has started"

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper(07-08.10.18) writes that Kurdet Ozersay, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has argued that an unofficial dialogue has started between the sides on the Cyprus problem. In an interview published in the paper yesterday and today, Ozersay claimed that the Turkish Cypriots should not panic because no direct contact between them and Greece could take place and added that they should act "constructively and quickly".

"What we need is not to watch being sad and worried, but to take the right step at the right time", he argued claiming that they will not remain outside the process as long as they act in this manner. He added the following: "In my view, the process of an unofficial dialogue has started and it is continuing right now. It seems that this unofficial process, in which not only the guarantors but we have also participated in New York, will continue".

Asked whether unofficial contacts between the two community leaders should be expected, Ozersay replied: "There was a telephone conversation in New York. I think that this dialogue is needed from the point of view of the sincere examination, even though nothing will be done in relation to this. In any case, the above-mentioned contacts will take place in relation to the opening of the gates".

Asked to comment on the fact that Turkish officials met with him but not with Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci in New York, Ozersay recalled that both President Erdogan and Foreign Minister Cavusoglu had many times visited the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and met with Akinci prior to crucial stages of the Cyprus talks. He argued that dealing with such things harms the Turkish Cypriot side's unity and weakens them and added that he had briefed Akinci regarding his contacts with the Turkish officials in New York.

Referring to the demand regarding the removal of the UN Peace Keeping Force's (UNFICYP) camp from occupied Famagusta, Ozersay said that before they submitted this demand, they had launched initiatives for removing some camps of the Turkish occupation army and the so-called security forces from some cities, because if some military units remained within cities due to the expansion of the inhabited areas and the above-mentioned places are not important from the point of view of military strategy, "the approach which should be exhibited in the 21st century is their relocation elsewhere". "I believe that important developments will take place during the forthcoming period regarding other military areas as well", he said arguing that these military areas should open for public use.

Ozersay noted that after he became "minister" he took some steps for the removal of the UNFICYP's camp from occupied Famagusta and submitted an official demand in New York explaining the reasons for which they ask this. "If the reply from the UN is negative, the issue will not close there", he argued and alleged: "I am saying this without hesitating, because the place is not a buffer zone, but it is a camp in the country of the TRNC and we are not obliged to give them that place".

Asked to comment on a recent statement he had made regarding a possible confederal solution in Cyprus, he said that he had been asked to express his views on the issue of federation, confederation and two states and added that he was not the one who used these terms. "The issue is not how you will name the solution which will be found", he argued adding that the important thing is the political equality and the decision making mechanism in a possible partnership. "[?] Federation is a model which is based on sharing and needs a culture of sharing. There is an experience of federal partnership in our political history, but it failed. [?] I am not saying it because I like it, it is a reality. [?] I have not brought confederation or anything else onto the agenda. I said let us talk without putting names and stick on the meanings. [?]"

Replying to a question regarding the opening of the crossing point in Deryneia and the removal of the Turkish army from the area, Ozersay alleged that excuses started from the Greek Cypriot side when the opening of the crossing point came closer and that this coincided with the opposition expressed by some Greek Cypriots to the opening of the barricade. He claimed that no agreement had been achieved for the removal of the Turkish military cabin from the area and added that he visited the area to examine the issue on the spot, because they want to open this crossing point. He alleged: "At the crossing point, there is an observation point on the second floor of the building. The building is empty. It is not a military installation. We are considering of using this building as an office for the customs, for the police. During the on the spot examination that we conducted, we saw that at the same distance with the crossing point in t he Greek Cypriot side and in the same manner there is a building, which is a camouflaged military building on which more armed soldiers and an observation point exist. We shared this with the UN and explained the situation. We went and showed them on the spot. We told them with all our good will that if there is a worry we will take it into consideration. [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci says meeting with Anastasiades possible

According to illegal Bayrak television (08.10.18, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=akinci-says-meeting-with-anastasiades-possible), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has said that it is possible for him to come together with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades in the coming days for a social meeting. "I shall meet with him after arranging the time and grounds for the meeting", he added.

Speaking to the "BRT" at a festival in occupied Louroudjina yesterday, Akinci reminded that the Greek Cypriot leader had called him via telephone when in New York to thank him for a present he had sent him for his birthday. "He wanted to thank me after receiving my present. This is the real reason for our telephone conversation. I wished him a happy birthday and he called to thank me", Akinci noted. He further argued that the possibility of coming together for a social gathering had come up during their telephone conversation.

Akinci also said: "I did not give him a negative reply. But let me add this. Our meetings are not perceived as just a meeting of two persons. There are several things that require caution when the two leaders meet. The first is my position regarding where we stand today is very clear. I do not want any new dialogue to be perceived as a continuation of the old negotiations process. As I have said before that process is over. Therefore it is not my desire to lead to the impression that the old process is continuing from where it left off. Secondly I would not wish to give people false hopes where there are no grounds for such hope. In other words if there is not a positive situation I would not like to raise the hopes of the people as if there is a reason to do so".

Akinci also said that it will eventually be necessary to meet with the Greek Cypriot leader to discuss and iron out any minor obstacles, if any are left, for the opening of the Deryneia and Apliki crossing points. "I've said that it will be necessary to meet to discuss these issues and determine an opening date", Akinci added.

Meanwhile, Akinci will hold separate meetings this week with the UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar, the "coalition government partners" and the opposition parties.

Akinci will be meeting with the UN Special Representative at 11am tomorrow and the leaders of the "4 party coalition government" at 2pm. On Wednesday, Akinci will meet the leaders of the opposition parties in "parliament" at 10am.

Preparations to open the Deryneia and Apliki crossing points are expected to dominate the agenda of tomorrow's meeting with the UN Special Representative.

[03] There is no will to open the Deryneia and Apliki crossing points

Under the title "Is there really a wish for opening Deryneia and Apliki?" columnist Ali Baturay writes, inter alia, the following in Turkish Cypriot daily K?br?s newspaper(07.10.18):

"One of our readers called the other day and said 'somehow I do not understand what the state and government officials say on the issue of the Deryneia Gate and the Apliki Gate'. [?]

Actually he understood very well what was said. Then he explained to me what he wanted to say. 'They talk a lot but they say nothing', he said. As the reader pointed out, what it is said regarding the gates, which have come onto the agenda many times, does not satisfy and convince the community anymore. For years many targets had been set for these gates, especially for the Deryneia Gate, but none of these targets could be achieved. Every time different excuses were submitted. Afterwards they indirectly started saying something, that is, not saying a definite date. Saying a date was causing trouble to the one who said it, because these dates were not realized. [?] It is as if a secret power does not want the opening of these gates.

In fact, the thought that there is an obstacle which cannot be overcome exists in our citizens. According to some, the governments of Turkey do not want this, according to some, the army does not allow it, according to some, both of them [do not want it], according to some, because of the above allegations, the TRNC officials do not want to cause a headache for themselves, according to some, the administrators of Turkey and the TRNC see the gates as part of the comprehensive solution, just like Varosha, but cannot say this because they are afraid of the reactions. The allegations are many. As long as the gates do not open, these allegations will continue.

There are even smaller allegations. Some say that the gates could not open because we do not have enough policemen and civilian migration officers and do not have the capacity to hire. Of course, our officials accuse the Greek Cypriot administration on this issue and note that they [the gates] were not open because the Greek Cypriots do not want. As for the Greek Cypriots, they say exactly the opposite. They note that they are ready and that there is no problem in that side.

Moreover, when we see that the Greek Cypriots completed their obligations for the opening of the gates before us, we do not know what to think. We are confused. Among all these allegations, we cannot decide who tells the truth, who wants and who does not want.

Even though we understand absolutely nothing, we can understand that there is a 'lack of will' for the opening of these gates. The opening of these gates is not wanted. Let ours [our officials] keep accusing the Greek Cypriots, but they also do not want. Neither the previous administrators wanted nor these administrators want.

Is this not an unjust accusation? Am I not behaving shamefully? [?] Even though I am behaving shamefully, I will say it. There is something like 'wanting' and 'really wanting'. You say 'I want', do absolutely nothing. You say 'I want', you exert superhuman efforts, [?] you succeed.

The current one is a passive wanting, in my view. You will say: 'Do not be unjust, look, tenders have been invited, everything is prepared, why do you say this?' I wonder, is it possible that these preparations have been made to reduce the reactions and distract the attention of those who want this? Do not call me paranoic, these thoughts belong to many persons, not only to me.

For example, some statements made last week by some circles in Famagusta and the government meaning that 'the gates are opening' and even their visit there, gave hope to many people. What has pushed them to do this? [?] Actually, the words of the government during that visit meaning that 'it is the turn for the will of the leaders' was almost the code of saying that this issue will not be realized. This joyful condition of the government is not in harmony at all with the pessimistic condition of the president who returned from the US. I could not see this light from the president. No one in the community could take it. In contrary to the government, it was as if he said that 'this job will not happen'. Believe me, the words that 'we have shown our will in the past, we will also show it, our efforts will continue', are not exciting at all.

It was understood that the president [?] was very depressed. His body language is giving the message that 'there could be no negotiations with the Greek Cypriots and especially with Anastasiades'. I am taking the message that as if the gates cannot open because he lost his hopes and nothing will happen with Anastasiades. Not only me, many people are taking these messages. [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[04] A Turkish Cypriot column?st writes: Let's select the Vice President (of the Republic of Cyprus)

Under the title "Let's select the Vice President", columnist Sami Ozuslu, writes the following article in Yeni Duzen (08.10.18):

"The Republic of Cyprus and Turkey are building relationships at every level. With the exception of opening an embassy, there are any kinds of relations and they continue by increasing them. [?] Deputies from the Cyprus Assembly participated in the Asian Parliamentary Assembly Meetings in Izmir. [?] the previous week the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan shook the hand of President Anastasiades ? in the hall of the UN General Assembly in a manner that anyone could see. The Turkish Republic Presidency offered the photo to the media. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu also said that foreign states and oil companies can hear him saying clearly: "We are talking with the Greek Cypriots state". The two states that do not 'recognize each other' are in a 'familiar' state.

The main victim of the Cyprus problem is the Turkish Cypriots, and it is clear that the gas in the Mediterranean is about to be shared in the absence of the Turkish Cypriots, among our "partners ?n the island" and our "motherland".

Furthermore, the status quo does not change in Cyprus. That is the British Bases will also remain. The international status of the Greek Cypriots as their sole legal existence of the island will continue as well. The domination of Turkey in the north will also continue. A whole "win-win" situation. They will continue to win. The only "loser" will be the Turkish Cypriots.

President Akinci has finally reacted against Turkey's behavior. He gave the clear message to Mevlut Cavusoglu [?] that the Turkish Cypriots are pushed and left out from the progress regard?ng the future of the island. [?]. But what can the Turkish Cypriots do under these circumstances? Should we sit down and wait? Consent to our fate and wait to what is going to happen to us? Or ignore all these things [?] and play the 'three monkeys'? "What can we do", I hear you say. What can it come from the hands of this weird society? Ankara does not decide (for) everything? Was permission given for any initiative? Pessimist thought has dominated the society as always. So we're stuck in our place, we're just waiting ...

However, the situation may not be that bad.

There is a significant power that the Turkish Cypriots have in hand that nobody is aware of. And it comes from the Republic of Cyprus. Completely legal. Trusted by international agreements. Accepted by everyone, even the guarantors. Certified by the UN Security Council. Both the individual rights. And communal rights. Everybody is listening to this. [?]One of the two official languages is Turkish ... The chairs in the House of Representatives as well. And the Communal Assembly. There is the condition that three ministers must be Turkish Cypriots.

In the Courts, the Court of Auditors, in Attorney Generalship; the presidency and the deputy presidency had to be shared between the two communities.

And there is the condition the Vice President to be a Turkish Cypriot.

Actually, how come the Turkish Cypriots between 1963-1974o despite having abandoned all the other competent authority, they did not abandoned the Vice Presidency?

Ten years after Dr Fazil Kucuk has left the Republic, that is in 1973, why did Rauf Denktas, maintained that office as the sole candidate, after that very controversial and interventionist election process? And today is a critical question: Now, what happens if that authority is filled again? I wonder what.

(CS)

[05] Denktas on economy and trade unions

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (08.10.18) reports that Serdar Denktas, self-styled minister of finance, argued that the approach of some circles "let's find solution to be freed" by turning the economic crisis into an opportunity is extremely wrong.

In an interview to "Turkish Cypriot news agency" (TAK), Denktas said: "Now we have to take some measures. Every day, it is necessary to think those who mock the state, who attack the state they also take advantage of the state. If you underestimate so much the state, then you must give up taking advantage of the state. Or the state should stop giving you benefits. We really have to discuss this seriously". He argued that it is not in the power of a newspaper's owner to frustrate or curse the views of a person, adding that for this reason, they have to some measures for these matters.

Furthermore, Denktas argued that they face with unions that own the status quo and there are also some NGOs and trade unions that do not want to change anything. He claimed that this structure is not a sustainable structure. He said that the period where the state paid salary of social welfare to all sectors like in communist countries should be ended.

Referring to the economic crisis, Denktas noted that since June they have made extraordinary efforts to manage the economic crisis and that each "ministry" is working on issues that fall upon it. Noting that there are many criticisms voiced about the money asked from Turkey, Denktas argued that the system in Turkey has also changed and the technical committee regarding the Cyprus affairs has been determined recently again. He added that Turkey should know that it is the place to make plan and strategy and not just for spending money.

(DPs)

[06] Ulucay to attend the 3rd meeting of MSEAP in Antalya

According to illegal Bayrak television (08.10.18, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=ulucay-attending-eurasian-summit-in-antalya), Teberruken Ulucay, self-styled assembly's speaker of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, is attending the 3rd Meeting of the Speakers of Eurasian Countries' Parliaments (MSEAP) taking place in Antalya, Turkey between the 8-11 of October. Ulucay is expected to hold a series of contacts within the framework of the meeting.

Parliamentarians from more than 40 countries and representatives of several international organizations will participate in the event organized under the umbrella of TURKPA, the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic Speaking Countries.

The meeting will be held under the theme "Economic Cooperation, Environment and Sustainable Development in Eurasia".

[07] Erhurman predicts that 2019 will be a very difficult year for the occupation regime's economy

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (06.10.18) reported that so-called prime minister Tufan Erhurman in statements in a televised program broadcast by illegal BRT, evaluated the economic developments in the occupied area of Cyprus and stated that 2019 will be a very difficult year and thus they cannot speak about a balanced budget.

Claiming that they are expecting for "hot money" to come from Turkey, Erhurman said that the economic developments in Turkey will have a serious reflection on their economic situation in 2019.

Erhurman went on saying that while they are preparing for the 2018 budget, their prediction is that the "annual inflation rate" will reach 10%. He, however, added that the realization rate is expected to be 40.5%, something that would lead to a remarkable increase on the cost of living for January 2019. "It is for this reason that 2019 will be a difficult year", Erhurman added.

Erhurman added further that the "ministry of finance" does not expect serious difficulties on the 2018 budget. The serious difficulties will arise in the 2019 budget due to the system change in Turkey, explained Erhurman.

Referring to the "hot money" they are expecting from Turkey, Erhurman alleged that 464 million TL will be expected to be allocated from Turkey to the "TRNC" for infrastructure projects. He argued that 160 million TL out of this amount were blocked.

Erhurman also alleged that the preparations with Turkey for the "economic protocol between Turkey-TRNC for 2019-2021" are ongoing.

(AK)

[08] Tourists from India in the occupation regime for several events

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (07.10.18) reported that within the framework of the efforts exerted by the occupation regime to attract tourists from India, the first group of tourists from India have started arriving in the occupied area of Cyprus.

According to the paper, a group of 500 Indian tourists have visited the occupation regime last month in order to attend a wedding ceremony. Moreover, 1,500 Indian tourists arrived in the "TRNC" the day before yesterday in order to attend the annual meeting of the Lupin pharmaceutical company, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in India. The annual meeting of the company took place at the Elexus hotel in occupied Keryneia.

(AK)

[09] The cost of living for September in the occupied area of Cyprus is 6.20%

According to illegal Bayrak television (06.10.18, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=cost-of-living-2), the "State Planning Organization" ("DPO") has announced the cost of living in the occupied area of Cyprus for the month of September as 6.20%.

According to a press release by "DPO", the 2018 month of September inflation rate compared to the previous month is 6.20%.

Compared to the month of December last year the rate has gone up by 31.99% and compared to the same month in 2017 the rate has gone up by 37.23%.

The three products where the highest price hikes have taken place are lettuce with an 85.61% increase, cabbage increased by 83.94% and primary school books increased by 83.50%.

[10] Anadolu Jet flights will begin a flight from and to the occupied area of Cyprus

According to illegal Bayrak television (06.10.18, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=anadolu-jet-flights), Anadolu Jet which operates under the Turkish Airlines will begin a flight to and from the occupied area of Cyprus within the coming days.

Fikri Ataoglu, self-styled minister of tourism and environment, announced during a television programme that in the coming days Anadolu Jet will start operating a route that will begin and end in the "TRNC". He added that efforts are being made to increase flights to and front the occupied area of Cyprus in order to bring airplane ticket prices down during the economic crisis that is being experienced.

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: "Turkey will not let its sovereign rights be made a matter of negotiation"

According to Turkey's presidency official website (07.10.18, https://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/news/542/98968/-turkey-will-never-abandon-its-national-development-initiative-), Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at a mass opening ceremony in K?z?lcahamam, Ankara, said: "Never will Turkey abandon its national projects or its national development initiative. We will not allow any threat or blackmail to stand between us and our goals for 2023."

Noting that Turkey will never give in to attempts aimed at encircling it by means of terror and economic sabotages, President Erdogan said: "Turkey will not allow the formation of a terror corridor along its southern borders. Nor will it ever back down on its rights in the Aegean or Mediterranean seas. Turkey will not let its sovereign rights in political or economic areas be made a matter of negotiation". (?)

Stressing determination to fully end the terror issue in Turkey, Erdogan stated: "We have achieved great success in the fight against terror over the past three years after having cleared the FETO traitors from our security and intelligence units. Supported by our UAVs and armed UAVs, our security forces and village guards give no respite to terrorists" and he added: "We will not allow those, who are at the beck and call of the terror barons in Qandil instead of being a servant of our nation. We will resolutely continue our struggle until we eradicate the terrorist organization's remnants from everywhere."

[02] Erdogan: Turkey has closed the IMF chapter for good

According to Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (08.10.18, https://www.dailysabah.com/economy/2018/10/08/president-erdogan-turkey-has-closed-imf-chapter-for-good), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that Turkey has come a long way from needing an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan or related technical assistance. "Turkey's economic indicators are at a very good level compared to other countries", Erdogan said in his concluding speech at the Justice and Development Party (AK Party)'s 27th Consultation and Assessment Meeting in Ankara yesterday, adding that Turkey has closed the IMF chapter for good. The President slammed the remarks from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) after it was announced that Turkey will receive consultancy services from the international consultancy firm McKinsey. (?)

Erdogan argued that Turkey had recovered greatly from one the largest economic attacks in Turkish history and had put a stop to the fluctuation in exchange rates in just under two months. He claimed that Turkey underwent major reforms and radical changes in a short period to tackle difficulties. (?)

Noting that it was not possible to explain this sudden and sharp increase in exchange rates within the economic context, Erdogan said Turkey was not avoiding taking responsibility but only assessing the situation.

Regarding 'opportunists' making astronomical price hikes using forex (foreign exchange) rates to their advantage, President Erdogan warned that necessary fines would be imposed on them within free market rules. "We will not abandon our people to the mercy of opportunists," he said.

[03] Albayrak says budget discipline to be upheld 'without compromise'

According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (07.10.18, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkish-economy-is-stabilizing-finance-minister/1274956), Turkey's Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak, speaking on the current economic state and future policy at the ruling AKP's consultation meeting in Ankara on Sunday, claimed that the Turkish economy was in the process of stabilizing.

Emphasizing Turkey's relatively low public (28%) and household (16%) debt-to-GDP ratios -- both roughly half the developing country average -- Albayrak said that the country was better off than global averages. "Budget discipline, which has been one of the greatest economic successes in 16 years of AK Party governments, will be strictly upheld in the coming period without compromise," he added.

Albayrak also discussed the government's measures against speculative attacks on Turkey's economy in the past two months, including the 25% foreign exchange limit on Turkish banks' swap transactions, revision of the stoppage rates on deposit accounts, steps to strengthen the lira as well as ameliorative measures for banks. He noted the country's success in lowering its credit risk (CDS) spread by 550 basis points through effective economic policy and strong coordination with stakeholders.

Saying the Turkish economy had entered the process of "balancing", Albayrak referred to the country's falling current account deficit and rising net exports.

On future policy, he stated that increasing exports, lowering the current account deficit, and facilitating production of technology would be prioritized. Albayrak also said a strong anti-inflation program would be revealed.

[04] Erdogan: No amnesty can be issued merely to empty prisons

According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (07.10.18, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/no-amnesty-just-to-empty-prisons-erdogan-137617), the Justice Ministry is working on whether or not to grant a partial amnesty for some prisoners in response to the Nationalist Movement Party's (MHP) law drafted to that end, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, vowing not to take any step that would hurt the people's conscience.

"They say 'prisons are now overcrowded'. No offense, but no amnesty can be issued merely to empty prisons," Erdogan said on Oct. 7 in the K?z?lcahamam province of Ankara, where his Justice and Development Party (AKP) held a weekend camp.

The AKP's main political ally, the MHP, submitted a draft law seeking amnesty for some prisoners to the parliamentary speaker's office, with party officials saying a total of 162,989 prisoners would "benefit" from the amnesty.

Crimes committed before May 19 will be subject to a one-off five-year conditional reduction of sentences, MHP officials said, adding that those who committed crimes against the state, along with those convicted of terrorism, sexual abuse and murder would not benefit from the bill.

Erdogan informed that the Justice Ministry is working on this issue, underlining that the AKP's criteria on issues like pardoning prisoners has always been and will always be the people's conscience.

"There were so many amnesty laws in the past with an objective to an extent that political gains could be made. We cannot think this way. We have given our instructions to our Justice Minister in accordance with the AKP's criteria on these issues," Erdogan said. "Justice cannot be provided by acts in haste. It can be provided through laws," he added, repeating that no such move could be taken on the grounds that the prisons are overcrowded.

Speaking to reporters, Erdogan informed he could hold a meeting with MHP leader Devlet Bahceli after his return from Hungary later this week if the Justice Ministry could conclude its work on the amnesty. (?)

[05] Turkey detains 137 for suspected links to PKK

According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (07.10.18, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-detains-137-for-suspected-links-to-pkk-137603), the Turkish authorities have detained 137 people in a country-wide operation over two days aimed at the outlawed PKK, state-run Anadolu Agency said on Oct. 6.

The operation across 13 provinces was carried out to prevent possible attacks on the fourth anniversary of the Kobane protests that killed and wounded dozens of people across the country, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. (?)

In a television address on Oct. 6, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that "at least 800 terrorists will be forced to pay" for the attack.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(DPs/ AM)

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