Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-10-11

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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] Akinci briefed the opposition parties in the occupied area of Cyprus on his contacts in New York

[02] Erhurman on the debate of a "loose federation"

[03] Izcan supports that the ruling AKP in Turkey is behind the efforts exerted to sideline Akinci from the negotiation process

[04] CTP organized a conference under the title "Why a Federal State?"

[05] "If the Turkish Cypriot leader is sidelined"

[06] "Ombudswoman" Dizdarli participated in a conference in Brussels

[B] Turkish Press

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Erdogan: We must all obey court rulings

[02] Erdogan calls on African countries to trade, do business using local currencies

[03] Cavusoglu to meet Iraqi President, KRG officials, Turkmens

[04] Erdogan announces Turkey's new investment program

[05] Turkish and Pakistani air forces hold joint exercise

[06] Nine parties to be represented in Parliament

[07] 722 suspects arrested over FETO link over past year

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Akinci briefed the opposition parties in the occupied area of Cyprus on his contacts in New York

In statements after the meeting, the general secretary of UBP, Dursun Oguz stated that they were briefed in detail from Akinci about his contacts in New York and added that they will hold a meeting with the party's organs in order to inform them. Oguz pointed out that they will be expecting the UN Secretary General's special envoy on Cyprus Jane Holl to submit to Antonio Guterres her report on the outcome of her talks on October 15, adding that afterwards they will hold a more detailed exchange of views. He further said that they will be watching closely the developments since Akinci told them that he will meet with President Anastasiades.

Oguz stated further that the open-ended talks are for them a red-line. "A specific process together with its chapters is necessary", Oguz said, supporting the view that the Turkish Cypriots do not have the luxury to wait for another 40-50 years, something which the other parties also agree with.

Moreover, speaking after the meeting, the chairman of YDP, Erhan Arikli, stated that they were informed by Akinci about the developments on the current stage, alleging that the principle of reciprocity is very important for them. "One would wish that the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu would also meet with Akinci after his meeting with Anastasiades, in order to tell him first hand the issues being discussed", Arikli said, alleging that "if the principle of reciprocity and the sensitive balances are disrupted, we will lose a lot". He went on saying that its being a long time ago that the Greek Cypriot side wanted to discuss directly with Turkey, adding that it is necessary not to prepare the basis for this to happen. "We share and agree with the sensitivities of President Akinci on this issue. We hope that this stance would change and the principle of reciprocity at the talks from now on would be safeguarded", Arikli added.

(AK)

[02] Erhurman on the debate of a "loose federation"

In his statement, Erhurman noted: "There is no problem if the discussions, which have begun leading by esteemed Anastasiades regarding the Cyprus issue, on 'a federation with strong winds and not centre', are carried out in good faith. This discussion does not change the formula we propose, before, to reach a solution with a new and correct method, with a clear process, which is result-oriented and not open-ended. This need is quickly resolved with a number of deductions, which the two sides will agree, under the chapter of powers. But do not forget the stage reached in Crans-Montana, if there was a bad intention to protect the status quo by extending the time in the process, we will not be part of such game".

(DPs)

[03] Izcan supports that the ruling AKP in Turkey is behind the efforts exerted to sideline Akinci from the negotiation process

Izcan added further that "foreign minister" Kudret Ozersay has no authority to participate at the negotiation talks on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot community and supported that "Ozersay's appearance at the scene is a part of the new strategy that the AKP government follows".

"While the AKP government in Turkey is exerting efforts to step out from the UN's process and to prepare the 'two state solution' as the basis of the negotiation talks, it seems that they had assigned foreign minister Ozersay to carry out this project", Izcan said, reiterating that they would not accept Akinci and the Turkish Cypriot community to be sidelined from the process.

(AK)

[04] CTP organized a conference under the title "Why a Federal State?"

In his opening speech, Erdogan Sorakin, CTP's general secretary, said that the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem have been held for 50 years on the basis of a federal state. Sorakin noted that even though different models came onto the agenda during the process, these models have not been accepted by the international community. He said that all UN Resolutions constitute the foundations of the federation and that the CTP does not think that other ways of finding a solution exist. He noted that similar conferences will be organized by the CTP within the forthcoming days.

In his speech, Kizilyurek said that the concept of federation means unification of power and establishes a unity without eliminating your autonomous existence. He noted that 40% of the world's population lives in federal states and added that these states should be examined as single national or multinational.

Referring to the federal model which will possibly be implemented in the case of Cyprus, Kizilyurek said that there will be a federal government and federal administrations in the federal state, that is, "having as starting point the principle of autonomy, the ethnic groups will administrate themselves, but at the same time they will participate in the federal organs because they will have a say in the entire country".

Noting that one federal unit cannot dominate over the other because they will be taking their powers from the Federal Constitution, Kizilyurek recalled that the federal solution model had been put onto the table for the first time by Turkey in 1955 and alleged that Turkey has not abandoned it since then, because the nature of a federal state considers the two units as equal and if such a state is established the possibility of enosis [unification] with Greece will cease to exist.

Referring to the current developments, he alleged: "UNSG Guterres said sit and agree on the six chapters. Not even one meeting was held. Something else than the Guterres Framework was discussed. Today the loose federation is discussed on TV stations in the Greek Cypriot side. A cacophony is taking place. Some sides are heading towards a collaboration to get rid of it [Translator's note: The Guterres Framework], because they do not accept [some] articles in the document. This is the way by which the unofficial meetings should be read. No one should be mistaken, the current process is nothing else than maneuvers to bury the Guterres Framework in the ground. This is condemning the communities to the status quo. They are pursuing opportunistic, maximalist targets. The only thing to be done against this is to stop remaining spectators before these events and be contented with words only. The time has come to struggle in a c ommon front in the south and the north […]"

(I/Ts.)

[05] "If the Turkish Cypriot leader is sidelined"

"[…] The saddening thing is that Turkey, perhaps a little bit compulsorily, recognizes in all platforms the Republic of Cyprus, for which it says 'I do not recognize it'. While the situation is this, the very great majority in Turkey does not want the Turkish Cypriots to establish a common state with the Greek Cypriots and criticizes and condemns those who want this. And the administrators of Turkey strongly criticize the Greek Cypriots and say that no solution could be achieved with them. Yes, the Greek Cypriot administrations or the Greek Cypriot fanatics are not obstacles easy to overcome, but every time you get angry the easiness of 'asking for the end of the solution efforts', 'threatening to get away from the UN parameters', 'referring to other ways' should not exist. Behold, look at the point which we have reached. They are doing themselves all the things which they do not consider that the Turkish Cypriots are worthy of doing. They even talk with Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades.

If the president, whom the Turkish Cypriots have elected with 60% of the votes, will not carry out the negotiations and the Turkish Foreign Ministry will undertake this as well, why should we elect deputies in the parliament, why should we establish a government, why should we elect a president of the republic? There was anyway the allegation that the officials from Turkey administrate the governments. If now they carry out the negotiating duty of the president of the republic, then woe are we. Then, let no one talk to us about the existence of an independent state here, about organs of this state etc. Let no one be offended when from the outside world they call us 'Turkey's subordinate administration'.

We can sense the disappointment, the bitterness of president Mustafa Akinci. Even though he is making statements which modify the climate saying 'I was informed, let it not continue', the situation is really very disappointing. Sidelining the president of the republic and meeting with Anastasiades, means actually rejection of the Turkish Cypriot community. Certainly, the happiest of all is Anastasiades, who has been given an opportunity which Greek Cypriot leaders were seeking and could not find for years. If Turkey continues meeting directly with the Greek Cypriots, will the Greek Cypriot leader take into consideration the Turkish Cypriot leader again? Will a dialogue be able to be established between them? […] If the president of the republic, who is the only Turkish Cypriot administrator recognized internationally, becomes only for the show, what will be left for us? If Turkey carries out the negotiations as well, where the Turkish Cypriots will b e in this film? If Turkey will have consultations with the Republic of Cyprus, let it have. It anyway has in many fields, but steps which will turn the Turkish Cypriots into walk-ons, a small and insignificant detail must be avoided. It is really very insulting for it to ignore this community so much and to think that it can administrate it and dress it in any manner it wants. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[06] "Ombudswoman" Dizdarli participated in a conference in Brussels

Dizdarli, in a post at her social media account, noted that the conference was hosted by the Office of the Federal Ombudsman and took place at the Belgian Senate. She added that Ombudspersons from 45 countries participated in the conference and there were also representatives and specialists from the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights.

Noting that the Ombudspersons, who participated in the conference made a short speech introducing themselves and their departments within the Senate, Dizdarli added that she found the opportunity to share with the participants the work of the "office of the Ombudsman in her country", the "law 38/1996", the formation of the "office" and the necessary information regarding their aims and the type of their applications.

Dizdarli further said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Reynders attended also the gala dinner, which was held at the Egmont Place. She concluded by saying that during her stay in Brussels she met with the representative of the breakaway regime in Brussels Damla Guclu and informed her regarding her contacts during the conference.

(DPs)

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: We must all obey court rulings

Erdogan's remarks came after he was asked about the case of Brunson, who is under house arrest after spending more than a year in prison in the Aegean province of Izmir and is on trial over charges of terrorism. (…) The next hearing of the trial will be held on Oct. 12. (…)

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (11.10.18, https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2018/10/11/turkey-investigating-all-dimensions-of-saudi-journalists-case-erdogan-says) reports that Erdogan told members of the Turkish press accompanying him during his two-day visit to Hungary that Turkish authorities are investigating the case of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in all its dimensions. "We are investigating the issue with all its dimensions. This is an incident that has occurred in our country. It is not possible for us to remain silent on this because this is not an ordinary incident," Erdogan added. (…)

Responding to Saudi claims that the cameras were not functioning on Oct. 2, Erdogan said this was not a logical explanation. "Is it possible not to have camera systems at a Consulate or an Embassy? Is it possible that camera systems didn't exist at the Saudi Arabia Consulate, where the incident took place? They can even catch a bird or a mosquito with the advanced systems they have," the President said. Erdogan had previously said that Saudi officials "cannot escape responsibility by simply saying that he left." (…)

Erdogan added that Turkey has asked Saudi officials to allow Turkish authorities to investigate the incident at the Consulate premises and steps have been taken within the framework of the Vienna Convention, since the Saudis have given permission to a Turkish investigation team to enter the Consulate. "It is not right to draw conclusions based on guesses, however we are concerned. We see that the United States also has the same concerns," Erdogan also said, commenting on the remarks made by Washington on the case. (…)

The agreement reached with the U.S. over Manbij province in northern Syria has not completely ended, however, it is moving slower than expected, Erdogan said, regarding the deal reached with Washington for the withdrawal of the People's Protection Units (YPG), the PKK terrorist organization's Syria affiliate. "There is a delay over the Manbij deal. The joint training is beginning. The process over who will administer Manbij in the post-YPG era is also continuing," Erdogan said. He added that the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis have said that concrete steps will be taken in the coming days.

Erdogan also discussed the stakes of main opposition party Republican People's Party (CHP) in Is Bank. He said they would be transferred to the Treasury with a regulation that would be imposed in the future.

[02] Erdogan calls on African countries to trade, do business using local currencies

"I am calling on all my African friends: let's work together with local currencies. Let's save our countries from the pressure of the exchange rate. In 2017, our trade with the continent rocketed to $20.6 billion. We will have a diplomatic mission in every African nation," Erdogan said. (…)

"We have tried to extend our cooperation across a broad spectrum, ranging from military cooperation to student scholarships. In a period when activities by terror groups like Daesh and Boko Haram are increasing, we have organized meetings," he added.

"While many countries sheltered putschists, the African Union has always demonstrated a stance supportive of democracy and law," Erdogan said, referring to Africa's extradition of terrorists of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), which organized a coup that was foiled in Turkey on July 15, 2016. (…) "As the violence and oppression of the Israeli administration targeting Jerusalem increased, the greatest reactions came from Turkey and African countries," he added.

"Contrary to common belief, the burden of the world's wars, clashes and migration rests not with Western states but with developing and third world countries," Erdogan further said.

[03] Cavusoglu to meet Iraqi President, KRG officials, Turkmens

During his two-day official visit, Cavusoglu is expected to meet Iraqi President Barham Salih, the Foreign Ministry statement said yesterday. The Minister is also expected to meet a number of Iraqi political leaders and representatives of the Turkmens community, and hold high-level meetings in Erbil.

It is expected that relations between Ankara and Erbil, which were strained following the independence referendum last year in Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), will gain a new momentum through this visit. Cavusoglu will also warn the KRG administration against the PKK, since the Turkmens are uncomfortable with the terrorist organization's activities in the region. (…)

During the visit, Turkey-Iraq relations in all aspects are expected to be discussed, including bilateral cooperation opportunities. The reconstruction of Iraq, particularly the latest situation of Ovakoy border gate that is planned to be built in northern Iraq will be discussed, the statement added.

The operations of the Turkish military in northern Iraq will also be one of the main subjects of the meeting, since it will be highlighted that they are being conducted against the PKK terrorist organization and Turkey is respectful to the territorial integrity of Iraq. (…)

[04] Erdogan announces Turkey's new investment program

In the mandate, Erdogan said: "Turkey to implement new economic program to preserve macroeconomic stability, raise production, welfare."

Turkey's priorities are to preserve price stability while reducing inflation and to further strengthen fiscal discipline, he added.

Underscoring that Turkey's main target is to save on public expenditures and to decrease inflation; the Erdogan's mandate further noted that "new projects will not be included in the 2019 Investment Program except for the compulsory cases within the scope of savings measures."

Erdogan said that increase of domestic savings, reduction of current accounts deficit; strengthening of public fiscal balance and maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability are among the main priorities of Turkey in order to achieve balanced and sustainable growth in the economy.

Within this scope, the main principle of the investment program will be efficient use of resources allocated to public investments in a way that will add maximum possible contribution to the policies in the forthcoming period.

"Projects which do not directly serve the urgent needs of our citizens and do not directly serve the added value increase in the economy will not be offered," Erdogan said in the mandate.

Priority will be given to ongoing projects that will be completed at the shortest possible time, he added.

[05] Turkish and Pakistani air forces hold joint exercise

Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan also took part in the ongoing exercise at the base, the statement by the PAF said. Khan flew an exercise training mission in a fighter aircraft, it said. (…)

The ongoing exercise is part of strong bilateral ties that Ankara and Islamabad have developed in recent years, especially in defence and security fields.

Pakistan is set to receive 30 T129 Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopters (ATAK) from Turkey under a deal finalized in July this year. The Turkish-made helicopters -- a new generation, tandem, two-seat, twin-engine -- specifically designed for attack and reconnaissance will be delivered gradually in five years.

Ankara is, meanwhile, buying MFI-17 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft from Pakistan besides upgrading three Pakistani submarines and jointly building a fleet tanker, according to the local media.

In July this year, Ankara won a multibillion-dollar tender to supply four corvettes to the Pakistani Navy -- a deal dubbed as the highest export for Turkey's defence industry in the history by the then Defence Minister Nurettin Canikli. (…)

[06] Nine parties to be represented in Parliament

On Wednesday, two lawmakers from the People's Democratic Party (HDP) jumped ship to the Turkish Workers Party (TIP). The lawmaker from the southern Hatay province Baris Atay Mengulluoglu and Istanbul lawmaker Erkan Bas will now represent the TIP.

In the 600-seat Parliament, the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party -- which formed an alliance with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) -- has 290 seats. The MHP now has 50 lawmakers, while the Good (IYI) Party has 40. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has 144 lawmakers, while the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has 65. Other seats belong to minor parties, including the Felicity Party with 2 seats, the Grand Unity Party with one seat, and the Democrat Party with one seat.

[07] 722 suspects arrested over FETO link over past year

Prosecutors determined that suspected FETO members of the army and their civilian seniors -so-called "imams"- communicated via land lines or pay phones.

For the investigation, since Nov. 29, 2017, prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for 989 soldiers, including 159 still wanted by the Turkish authorities. Among the arrested 523 were soldiers who are suspected members of FETO, according to the data.

Under the penitence law, a total of 307 soldiers who are reportedly FETO members were released on judicial control.

A total of 199 civilian suspects who reportedly led these soldiers were remanded in custody under the investigation. (…)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(DPs/ AM)

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