Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-10-25

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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] Nami: "No one should test Turkey and TRNC's determined stance in the Mediterranean"

[02] Akinci held contacts with Duncan, the Czech Ambassador and a "delegation" from CTP

[03] Syrian refugees are carried by air to the occupied area of Cyprus from Lebanon through Turkey

[04] Akar: No project in the area can succeed without the participation of Turkey and the "TRNC"

[05] Statement by Erhurman after a routine weekly meeting with Akinci

[06] BKP makes a call to the pro-solution supporters to act jointly

[07] Gezici predicts that Tatar and Ozgurgun will be in the second round for the leadership of UBP

[08] The "Independent Road organization" criticizes strongly the involvement of Turkey towards the Erdogan's caricature "case" against Afrika

[09] IEMF' central committee meeting took place at the occupied area of Cyprus

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Turkey says Russian S-400 missile systems installation to begin on October 2019

[02] Cavusoglu: "Turkey wants exemption from US sanctions on Iran"

[03] Crown Prince Mohammad says Khashoggi killing will not 'drive a wedge' between Saudi Arabia and Turkey

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Nami: "No one should test Turkey and TRNC's determined stance in the Mediterranean"

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (25.10.18) reports that Ozdil Nami, self-styled minister of economy and energy, in an interview to Demiroren news agency (DHA), said: "The natural gas should be the reason for reconciliation and not conflict. It must pave the way for energy cooperation. Peace should open the way for solidarity. We are ready for this."

Noting that the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa seismic research vessel will continue its activities, Nami claimed: "The Greek Cypriot side had to stop its harassment due to determined stance. After this the appropriate response will be given. No one should try to test this".

Nami further argued that the case of harassment occurred while he was meeting with Turkey's Energy and Natural Sources Minister Fatih Donmez in Izmir, adding: "Holding immediately a joint press conference, we declared that Turkey and the TRNC have the same views on the energy issue. Turkey and the TRNC will have a close cooperation and will respond with joint stance. We evaluated in depth the issues of natural gas and energy with Donmez".

Alleging that they have never wanted to create a crisis on the issue of energy in Cyprus, Nami argued that their continuously calls to the Greek Cypriot administration, as he refers to the Cyprus government, for cooperation have been unreciprocated. Claiming that the tension on the island has been raised due to the unilateral steps taken by the Greek Cypriots, Nami argued that the tension is not the development that they desire.

Nami, who called on the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades to discuss together the energy issue, said: "Let's turn energy into cooperation, not tension. All parties will benefit from this. This cooperation will have a positive impact on the efforts for solution. A committee may be established under the umbrella of the United Nations. Other formats can by created by the leaders. The resources belong to Cyprus, belong to both communities."

Claiming that the Greek Cypriots, who are hiding behind the "recognition curtain", are trying to take unilateral steps, Nami added that the Greek Cypriots are supported by Greece on these policies. He further argued: "Unfortunately, the international companies become the tools. We hope that the recent events have shown to all concerned sides the message how much Turkey is in place. The Turkish side has so far demonstrated how determined is to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people. This determination will continue."

Nami further argued: "We invite the Greek Cypriots to act rationally. There are agreements signed between Turkey and the TRNC. Steps within this framework will continue to be taken. The tension does not make us happy."

Referring to the transfer of electricity from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus, Nami said: "We have to reduce definitely the energy costs in the TRNC. We need to maintain stability in energy supply. The cooperation with Turkey in our future projects will be an important factor."

(DPs)

[02] Akinci held contacts with Duncan, the Czech Ambassador and a "delegation" from CTP

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (25.10.18) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci held a 25-minutes phone conversation with the British Minister of State for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan. During the discussion, Akinci and Duncan exchanged views on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem while Akinci conveyed to Duncan the Turkish Cypriot side's worries over the issue of protecting their rights related with the British Bases which are under the sovereignty of the UK, during the UK's Brexit process.

Moreover, the same paper reports that Akinci met yesterday with "deputies" of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) which established "a working group on the Cyprus problem". The "working group" is consisting of "deputies" Asim Akansoy, Dogus Derya, Armagan Candan, Fikri Toros and Sila Usar Incirli. In a statement, the "delegation" said that the meeting is the first of a series of contacts, with the aim to exchange views on the current stage of the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (24.10.18-http://www.brtk.net/akinci-cek-buyukelcisini-kabul-etti/), reported that Akinci met yesterday at the "presidential office" with the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Cyprus, Helena Bambasova. No statements were made before or after the meeting.

(AK)

[03] Syrian refugees are carried by air to the occupied area of Cyprus from Lebanon through Turkey

Under the front-page banner title "Inflow of Syrians to the island", Turkish Cypriot daily Halk?n Sesi newspaper (25.10.18) reports that Syrian refugees, who abandoned their country to save their lives from the war, "are rushing in crowds to Cyprus" with a project allegedly supported by the UN. The hundreds of Syrians who are recently coming to the illegal Tymbou airport have reportedly become a problem both for the "authorities" of the occupation regime and the Republic of Cyprus, notes the paper adding that the Syrian refugees come to the occupied area of Cyprus from Beirut through Adana and as soon as they arrive in the occupied area apply for asylum in the Republic of Cyprus.

Alarm was given in the occupied area of the island the night before yesterday, as a group of 60 Syrian refugees arrived at the illegal Tymbou airport and placed in a space enough for only 15 persons. The occupation regime's "authorities" got into action because of the lack of space to host these persons at the illegal airport and the risk of contiguous diseases. The "authorities" asked for the help of the "civil defense", which prepared its installations at occupied Agios Amvrosios village to host the Syrian refugees. The transfer of tens of refugees to occupied Agios Amvrosios caused concern among the inhabitants of the area, notes the paper, arguing that the only option is to send back the refugees through the same route [Adana-Beirut] because the Republic of Cyprus has allegedly decided not to accept applications for asylum from persons who arrive in the island in this manner, the occupation regime cannot accept refugees and Turkey does not accept refugees coming through this route.

Inhabitants of occupied Agios Amvrosios village said that, according to information they acquired, a group of 27 Syrian refugees arrived the night before yesterday to the occupied area of Cyprus with an airplane of [Turkish] Pegasus airlines and settled in occupied Agios Amvrosios. According to the same source, 60 more persons will be coming today. "Is the aim to increase the country's population or the current government is taking orders from above?" wondered the above-mentioned inhabitants of occupied Agios Amvrosios village, who said that the continuous transfer of population from Syria to the occupied area of Cyprus is "unacceptable". They argued: "There is anyway a lot of population in the country. We need European citizens of high quality and not population from Syria".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily K?br?s newspaper (25.10.18) reports that 27 Syrian refugees, including 14 children, who have come to the occupied of Cyprus from Lebanon through Turkey, were first settled at occupied Agios Amvrosios and then crossed over to the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus through the Ledra Palace barricade.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Akar: No project in the area can succeed without the participation of Turkey and the "TRNC"

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (25.10.18) reports that the Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar stated that no project in the area can succeed without the participation of Turkey and the "TRNC". He made these statements speaking to Ankara Anatolia news agency where he also said that Turkey wants everyone to know that it will protect until the end the rights of Turkey and of the "TRNC".

Referring to the issue of the extension of Greece's Territorial waters and the decision taken by the Turkish Assembly on June 8, 1995 that this is a casus belli, Akar said that Turkey does not wish to bring the issue back into the agenda. "However we want for one more time to stress that we support this decision. In case any other decision is taken against Turkey's rights the necessary measures will be taken", he stated.

(CS)

[05] Statement by Erhurman after a routine weekly meeting with Akinci

According to illegal Bayrak television (25.10.18-http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=akinci-erhurman-hold-routine-weekly-meeting 2/4), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and so-called prime minister Tufan Erhurman met this morning as part of their routine weekly meeting.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Erhurman said that their meeting had focused on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem as well as the opening of the Deryneia and Apl?ki crossing points.

Reminding that Ak?nc? will be meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades tomorrow, Erhurman said that they had exchanged views on what will be discussed during that meeting.

Regarding the prospects of restarting the negotiations process, he pointed out that the UN Secretary General in his report had made it abundantly clear that any new process had to be well structured before talks could start and that the time for endless or open-ended negotiations was over.

Erhurman added that the Greek Cypriot leader's proposal regarding a 'loose federation' had sparked an interesting debate. "The Turkish Cypriot side's position on this issue has been very clear for a very long time. This was clearly seen in the UN Secretary General's report which made it very clear that a new process had to be well structured" he said.

Erhurman further stated that the Turkish Cypriot side had concerns over the Greek Cypriot leader's intentions regarding his proposal for a 'loose federation'.

"We don't know whether Anastasiades intends to create a new discussion or whether he is playing for time. The Turkish Cypriot side's position is clear and we expect the Greek Cypriot side to adopt a similar stance" Erhurman added.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side did not have a problem with the notion of a 'loose federation or a federation' in which more powers reside with the constituent states, Erhurman said that he did not believe that this was something that could prolong the negotiations process if such a proposal was brought to the table.

"What is important is to find out where Anastasiades stands on this issue. Ak?nc? will find the opportunity to ask him what his position is when they meet tomorrow", Erhurman added.

[06] BKP makes a call to the pro-solution supporters to act jointly

According to Turkish Cypriot daily Haberator newspaper (25.10.18), Salih Sonustun, general secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), said that the half-century's long non-solution, unresolved negotiation process disrupt the faith and desire of the United Federal Cyprus in both communities and called the pro-solution supporters to act jointly.

In a written statement, Sonustun stressed that a solution in which the Cypriots will not be the determiners, it will be a solution for the interests of those who had created the Cyprus problem. He further said that the duty is on the pro-solution supporters to act together, to take steps to bring the communities closer and create political pressure for solution to the leaders of the communities.

Noting that the existence and the identity of the Turkish Cypriot community has been eroded and that many are emigrating due to political, social and economic reasons, Sonustun argued that in an environment where the political power cannot be used, the Greek Cypriot community will not be able to find another Turkish Cypriot community to make peace.

(DPs)

[07] Gezici predicts that Tatar and Ozgurgun will be in the second round for the leadership of UBP

Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (25.10.18) publishes the result of the latest opinion poll of Turkish research company Gezici, which was conducted on October 1-16 among 2,064 UBP members with the method of phone interview, on the upcoming elections for the leadership of the National Unity Party (UBP).

According to the results, the candidates Ersin Tatar and Huseyin Ozgurgun will contest for the second round, and it predicts that Ozgurgun will win with 53,8% compared to 46,2%.

The results of the first round are as follows: Ersin Tatar 33.8%, Huseyin Ozgurgun 33.1%, Faiz Sucuoglu 17.8% and Sunat Atun 15.3%.

In statements to the press, Murat Gezici, the owner of Gezici company, said that the margin of error is ?3,7%, adding that for this reason anyone from the two candidates in the second round may win.

The paper also reports that the candidate Sunat Atun criticized the results of the opinion poll and called UBP members not to respect the results of the survey.

Meanwhile, columnist Metin Munir, under the title "UBP needs Tatar and to be cleaned", writes that the National Unity Party, the oldest and largest party in the "TRNC", needs to be cleaned, renewed and rejuvenated. He further said that the UBP should mature and erase the image that it is a party of bribery and corruption, which distributes money and Greek Cypriot properties to its friends. For this reason, Munir believes that the most suitable leader among the four candidates is Ersin Tatar, a 58 year-old politician and "deputy". Tatar has a clean name and experience in both politics and business. He also studied economics and finance in Cambridge, one of the world's top universities.

(DPs)

[08] The "Independent Road organization" criticizes strongly the involvement of Turkey towards the Erdogan's caricature "case" against Afrika

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (25.10.18) reports that the Independent Road (Bagimsiz Yolu) organization issued a statement regarding the "trial" opened against Afrika after the paper published a caricature about the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

The organization criticized strongly the "attorney general" of the breakaway regime for opening a case against the paper after the demand of a "foreign country" (Turkey).

"The interference of another country into our internal affairs and to freedom of expression cannot be accepted. Our newspapers and our thoughts cannot be silenced with stones, sticks or court cases", the organization noted.

It also referred to the accusation against the paper, according to which the publication of the caricature led to the damage of the friendship and peace between the two "countries" (Turkey and the breakaway regime), noting that it was not the paper's action to led to this development. According to the organization this is the result of the actions of "foreign officials" who after showing as targets the Turkish Cypriot newspapers an encouraging the aggressions against them now they open "trial cases" against the papers.

Independent Road notes that the organization is against any suppression against the freedom of the speech and expression and expressed its strong support towards Afrika.

(CS)

[09] IEMF' central committee meeting took place at the occupied area of Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (25.10.18) reports that the 46th Central Committee Meeting of the International Eurasian Metal Workers Federation (IEMF) took place at the Acapulco Hotel in occupied Keryneia.

According to the paper, representatives of trade unions from 21 different countries attended the meeting. The occupation regime was represented at the meeting by the chairman of Hur-Is, Ahmet Caluda, the chairman of Kamu-Is, Ahmet Serdaroglu, the chairman of Bay-Sen, Salih Sakkali and the chairman of BASS, Ali Ertekin.

Turkey was represented at the meeting by the general secretary of Turk-Is, Pevrul Kavlak.

(AK)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Turkey says Russian S-400 missile systems installation to begin on October 2019

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (25.10.18-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-says-russian-s-400-systems-installation-to-begin-october-2019-138251) reports that the installation of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in Turkey will begin in October 2019, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has said.

Turkey's purchase of the S-400 systems, which are not compatible with NATO defences, has unnerved the United States and NATO member countries, which are already wary of Russia's presence in the Middle East.

Akar said that selected personnel would be sent to Russia to receive training and return to work in Turkey.

The United States has warned Turkey that going through with the purchase of S-400s could result in Washington imposing sanctions and halting other existing procurements, but Ankara has pressed on with the deal.

Turkey has said that its Western allies, namely the United States, have failed to cooperate with it in its efforts to boost its defence capabilities, and that Ankara has had to look outside of NATO to meet its needs.

While pursuing the S-400 project, President Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey's ties with NATO remain strong, and Ankara has sought to secure defence deals with other countries as well.

[02] Cavusoglu: "Turkey wants exemption from US sanctions on Iran"

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (24.10.18-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-wants-exemption-from-us-sanctions-on-iran-fm-138218) reported that Turkey has conveyed to the U.S. that its sanctions on Iran that will come into effect on Nov. 4 are "unilateral," the Turkish Foreign Minister said on Oct. 24.

Speaking exclusively to Anadolu Agency, Mevlut Cavusoglu said the U.S. is implementing sanctions on Iran "unilaterally", adding that Japan, Asia, the EU countries and Turkey are against it.

In May, U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 landmark nuclear deal between Iran and the P5 1 group of nations - the five Permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany.

Trump began to reinstate U.S. sanctions on Tehran in August, with sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector set to retake effect on Nov. 4.

The sanctions are expected to impact Iranian oil exports, which provide Tehran with the revenue needed to finance its national budget.

European Union countries along with Turkey have condemned Trump's action, vowing to find ways to bypass the re-imposed sanctions. "We have conveyed (to the U.S.) our necessary demands to get exemption on this issue," Cavusoglu stressed.

He further said that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had previously mentioned that Turkey is taking natural gas from Russia and Iran and if it does not have more options, the country would have to continue taking gas from those two countries.

He said the U.S. took a decision, but it affects everyone. "You can take a decision, but why do you want to punish other companies and countries? It is not a decision of the UN Security Council," Cavusoglu said, adding that Turkey has already told the U.S. that the latter's decisions are unilateral and when the countries do not comply with it, the credibility of the U.S. will be harmed.

"Therefore, before taking steps on these issues, you have to consult especially with the countries of the region. You have to consult with the countries doing trade with Iran," Cavusoglu added.

[03] Crown Prince Mohammad says Khashoggi killing will not 'drive a wedge' between Saudi Arabia and Turkey

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily news (24.10.18-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-erdogan-saudi-crown-prince-hold-phone-call-on-khashoggi-case-138236) reported that Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince has called the killing of Jamal Khashoggi a "heinous crime that cannot be justified," vowing that it will not "drive a wedge" between the kingdom and Turkey.

"Those behind this crime will be held accountable... in the end justice will prevail," Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman said at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, adding that Saudi Arabia will cooperate with the Turkish authorities.

The statement came after Prince Mohammad held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Oct. 24 about the killing of Khashoggi, a Turkish presidential source said.

The source added that the Saudi Prince had requested the conversation and the two discussed steps that need to be taken for the investigation.

(?)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(AK/AM)

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