Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-12-14

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Cavusoglu met with Lute

[02] "Tatar: We do not believe in a federal based solution in Cyprus anymore"

[03] Discussion on the Cyprus problem continues in the "assembly"

[04] The economic organizations platform calls on the so-called government to amend the Famagusta "decree"

[05] Columnist mocks the recent statements of the Turkish Sports Minister that the "embargoes" would be lifted

[06] Three more trade unions in the occupied area of Cyprus to back KTOS' protests and strikes next week

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: "Turkey has already signed an agreement for buying a second sea drilling vessel"

[02] Turkish military conducts airstrikes in northern Iraq

[03] Over 14,000 Free Syrian army soldiers waits Turkey's order to launch Euphrates operation

[04] Turkish prosecutors issue detention warrants for suspects over Gulen links

---

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Cavusoglu met with Lute

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (14.12.18) reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held a meeting with the United Nations Secretary General's temporary envoy Jane Holl Lute in Ankara.

Cavusoglu posted in his twitter account (https://twitter.com/MevlutCavusoglu) the following:

"Stressed at our meeting with Ms. Jane Holl Lute, the official assigned by the UN Secretary-General that only a healthy dialogue where everybody talks to one another will make a settlement possible in #Cyprus."

In addition, the paper further reports that Lute is coming to Cyprus on Sunday where she will meet with President Nicos Anastasiades. She will also meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on Monday.

(CS)

[02] "Tatar: We do not believe in a federal based solution in Cyprus anymore"

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (14.12.18) reports that the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) Ersin Tatar stated that it is certain that the Turkish Cypriots will not accept the kind of solution that the Greek Cypriots want and called on the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci not to waste the time of the Turkish Cypriots.

Speaking to "Canal T" Television program, Tatar said that they do not believe in a federal based solution in Cyprus anymore adding that this issue was closed in Crans Montana. He also said that this was also manifested by the Turkish foreign Ministry.

Tatar criticized Akinci of insisting to sit at the negotiation table and to discuss on federation, despite the opinion of the "assembly, the people and Turkey", as he stated. "The Cyprus problem cannot be solved this way", he stated adding that following Akinci's election as "president", "parliament elections" took place in the breakaway regime and there is now a new political will (on the Cyprus problem).

Tatar claimed that when even the Greek Cypriot leader discusses about a two state solution behind closed doors, Akinci insists to discuss nothing else but federation. Tatar called on the Turkish Cypriot leader not to waste anyone's time and to put in the agenda alternatives for solution together with the Greek Cypriots. "This is what we suggest and demand", he stated.

He also said that if a step should be taken on the resumption of negotiations Ak?nc? should explain to them what kind of a change has been made in the Greek Cypriot attitude. "The intention of the Greek side is not to agree with us. This was revealed in Crans Montana. Their intention is to give us some rights under a state close to the unitary state. We cannot accept this. It is obvious that Turkey's Foreign Minister Cavusoglu said this after Crans Montana. In fact, Ak?nc? has said that he can no longer go to a federal settlement because of the Greek Cypriots' intransigence, but for some reason he still wants to make another try although Greek Cypriot's attitude has never changed. We do not accept it. We do not accept the Guterres Framework. No matter what anyone says", he stated.

(CS)

[03] Discussion on the Cyprus problem continues in the "assembly"

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (14.12.18) reports that self-styled prime minister Tufan Erhurman, speaking at the "budget" of the so-called ministry of foreign affairs in the breakaway regime's "assembly" yesterday, referred also to the Cyprus problem. He clarified that he would talk as a leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and not as a "prime minister", because the "coalition government" did not have a common policy on this issue.

Noting that the National Unity Party (UBP) used to declare in 2009 a confederation solution and later in 2014 a two-state solution, Erhurman added that the UBP had never felt the principles of federation. Even though the UBP had this view, Erhurman also said that they had established a "coalition government" with the UBP in the past, and the reason of its collapse was not the Cyprus problem.

Referring to the developments that occurred in Crans Montana, Erhurman claimed that the Greek Cypriot side was acting reluctantly and that Anastasiades was just playing with time, adding that after this a negotiation process should be a process that would have an ending. He further argued that the Turkish Cypriot side had an alternative offer on the gas issue, either the natural gas researches to be halted or a fund with the Turkish Cypriots to be established.

On the same issue, Huseyin Angolemli, "deputy" with the Social Democratic Party (TDP), defending the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, stressed that Akinci wants one more chance for the Turkish Cypriots and made a call to the community to be united and act reasonable.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (14.12.18, http://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRISHABERLERI/n270962-candan-disisleri-bakanligina-yapilan-atamalar-memnuniyet-ver) reports that Armagan Candan, "deputy" with the CTP, speaking also at the "assembly", expressed his satisfaction that the "ministry of foreign affairs" has been strengthened by 16 new diplomats.

Candan further said that the fact that the "law" regarding the aid sent to the enclaved Greek Cypriots in the occupied area of Karpasia was lifted by the "ministry" was important. He also argued that the support of opening the Maronites villages in the occupied area of Cyprus would be followed by economic openings, adding that it would be a good step for them.

Referring also to the works that they did during the meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Candan argued that the works, which were carried out there, are very important from the point of view that the voice of the Turkish Cypriot "people" was being heard.

Commenting on the arrival of the UN Secretary-General's Envoy Jane Holl Lute in Cyprus on Sunday, Candan noted that the meetings with the two leaders are important and it means that the efforts of a road map have entered a very important period. He concluded by saying that they, as CTP, would like to see Lute's efforts to be successful and the Turkish Cypriots to take the place they deserve in the world.

The paper (14.12.18, http://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRISHABERLERI/n270953-toros-dis-temsilciliklerin-varligi-onemli-brukseldeki-temsil) also reports Fikri Toros, also "deputy" with the CTP, explained that when he was in office in the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) he used to do a coordination work with the "representation offices" of the breakaway regime abroad, especially with their "representative office" in Brussels. He added that the budget for this office is not enough. He added that their "representative offices" abroad should be increased and strengthened, stressing the importance of Turkey's contribution to this.

(DPs)

[04] The economic organizations platform calls on the so-called government to amend the Famagusta "decree"

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (14.12.18) reports that the "economic organizations platform", called on the "government to amend the "decree" for occupied Famagusta area.

The platform which consists of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, the "Turkish Cypriot chamber of industry", the "shopkeepers and crafts chamber", "the Turkish Cypriot contractors' union" and the "Turkish Cypriot hoteliers union", called on the "government" to change straightaway the "decree" on order for the prosperity of the persons living in the area and the businessmen to be safeguarded.

Reporting on the issue, Yeni Duzen (14.12.18) writes that Aysegul Baybars, self-styled interior minister, stated speaking to illegal Bayrak that the "decree" will be in effect and will not be withdrawn.

[05] Columnist mocks the recent statements of the Turkish Sports Minister that the "embargoes" would be lifted

Columnist Sami Ozuslu, writing in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (14.12.18), under the title "The embargoes are being lifted!", reports that Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Muharrem Kasapoglu, during his recent visit to the occupied area of Cyprus, said: "We are prepared to provide support to the federations and clubs. We will also continue our efforts to overcome the sporting embargoes imposed against TRNC sportsmen within the international arena". The Turkish Minister further said that they would reiterate their call to the international sport community and to their "TRNC brothers" to lift the "embargoes" imposed on the "TRCN". Columnist stresses that the important thing is not what the Minister said but what he did not tell.

Ozuslu writes: "Turkish Sports Minister came, made his statements and left. But in the end, zero plus zero is zero. Kasapoglu's statements did not make any one happy. Because on the issue of the 'embargo', Turkey is not sincere; not just on the sports sector, but in any platform that 'recognition' is needed, Turkey does not care? I don't know how many times I have said this but I will ask it again: Why does not 'brother' Azerbaijan or any other friend of Turkey invite the TRNC President to Baku? Why does not an Azeri plane fly directly to Ercan [occupied airport of Tymbou]? Why cannot a single or a charter flight be made from Ercan to Baku? If Turkey had an intention to do it, let it starts from its brothers to free TRNC from embargoes. So, as always, it was just a fairy-tale!"

Ozuslu further argued: "It is not a secret or confidential anymore? The Coordination office, which cannot be enacted to the courts, is actually on duty. As if there is no state department on the fields of youth, sports and culture, the Coordination Office, which belongs to Turkey, has the mechanism of 'giving money' and carrying out 'projects'. Of course, it has contacts with the relevant departments, and it is like the 'one who pays the piper calls the tune', so he funds projects like the Canakkale camp".

Ozuslu concluded by saying: "Minister Kasapoglu comes to the TRNC and says 'More youth centres' would be made? Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said: 'There will be a [Islamic social] complex in every district. Former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said: 'Whatever happens in Turkey, it will happen in the TRNC too'. Ankara knows what it wants."

(DPs)

[06] Three more trade unions in the occupied area of Cyprus to back KTOS' protests and strikes next week

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis newspaper (14.12.18) reports that after the Turkish Cypriot Teacher's Trade Union (KTOS) announced yesterday that it will launch protests, including strikes, next week against "government's mismanagement" on the issues of population transfer, deposit interests, and salaries, the representatives of other trade unions in the occupied area of Cyprus expressed their support to KTOS' decision and called on the Turkish Cypriot "people" to take to the streets.

Speaking to the paper, the chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot workers' trade union federation" (TURK-SEN) Arslan Bicakli accused the so-called four-party coalition government of not serving the interests of the working class. Stating that the "government" failed to meet the expectations of the "people" and especially the poor ones, Bicakli stressed the need for the people to take to the streets and show their resistance.

Also, in a separate statement, the chairman of TEL-SEN Tamay Soysan accused the so-called government of leading the "country" to chaos and disaster, supporting that the "country is in a distorted situation".

Also, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.12.18) reports that chairman of the Turkish Cypriot worker's in the press union, (BASIN-SEN) Ali Kismir expressed the trade union's support to KTOS' next week protests and strikes and called on the Turkish Cypriot community to continue its struggle for its existence.

(AK)

---

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: "Turkey has already signed an agreement for buying a second sea drilling vessel"

According to the official website of the Turkish Presidency(13.12.18-https://www.tccb.gov.tr/haberler/410/100089/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-ikinci-100-gunluk-icraat-programi-ni-acikladi), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in statements yesterday while presenting the second 100-day action plan of his executive presidential term, referred, inter alia to the oil exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, recalling that the new drilling vessel which Turkey has bought for its drilling activities in the Mediterranean sea is on the way. "Regarding the hydrocarbon drilling activities in the Eastern Med iterranean, the drilling works were launched as we have already signed an agreement for purchasing a second sea drilling vessel which will conduct hydrocarbon exploration activities in the deep-sea and in the shallow sea", Erdogan said.

He went to say that in the following period, among Turkey's priorities is to finish by the end of 2019 the TurkStream project, while in parallel, as he said, Turkey will continue the collection of three-dimension seismic data in the framework of hydrocarbon research activities in the Mediterranean in a field covering 3,100 square Km.

Erdogan explained that they will start the construction of a part of TurkStream Natural Gas Pipeline project in Turkish territories and will finish it by the end of 2019. "TurkStream is an export gas pipeline set to cross beneath the Black Sea from Russia to Turkey and also further extend to Turkey's borders with neighbouring countries. Visa exemption talks with Russia will also be accelerated", Erdogan said.

Moreover, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (13.12.18-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-vows-steps-worth-4-5-bln-for-next-100-days-139703) reported that Erdogan said that 454 projects worth nearly $4.5 billion will be completed as part of his second 100-day action plan.

"The government was projecting a 43 billion Turkish Lira budget for the 400 actions in plan, but spent 37.3 billion on the actions that were finalized," Erdogan said. He further announced that the Turkey Development Fund would boost private capital investments and generate alternative funding for high technology investments.

"The Financial Stability and Development Committee will be established to strengthen financial stability and develop the finance sector", he noted.

He added that Turkey was also in efforts to use local currencies in trade with 12 countries.

"The Foreign Ministry will start new initiatives abroad to target the financing of supporters of the PKK and Fetullah Gulen", Erdogan further said.

The second 100-day action plan also included transport projects to be announced for the productions, and the tender announcements of Kanal Istanbul and the Grand Istanbul Tunnel projects will be published during this period.

Eight additional historical mosques and social complexes will be restored as part of the next 100-day program. Erdogan also noted that Turkey will sign an agreement for the Ak?nc? project, a high-altitude long-endurance unmanned armed aircraft.

Erdogan announced that the government will introduce new measures on the 35-km strip of the Turkish-Iranian frontier including border lighting, CCTV coverage, and security sensors. A 1.6 million-square-meter area ? now unusable due to mines and unexploded ordnance ? will be cleared, he noted.

He also announced that the government will launch a program and open centres to reduce obesity rates in the country.

The first 100-day action plan reached a 97% realization performance rate despite problems with relevant institutions, he said, adding that the government completed 340 out of 400 items laid out in the plan.

The first 100-day action plan, revealed on Aug. 3, included more than 1,000 projects.

"The government was projecting a 43 billion Turkish Lira budget for the 400 actions in plan, but spent 37.3 billion for the actions that were finalized", Erdogan stated.

[02] Turkish military conducts airstrikes in northern Iraq

Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.12.2018-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/turkish-military-conducts-airstrikes-in-northern-iraq/1338190) reported that the Turkish Armed Forces on Thursday conducted airstrikes against "hotbeds of terrorism" in northern Iraq's Sinjar and Mount Karacak regions, which terrorists have been using as their bases, a statement said.

According to the statement by the Turkish Defense Ministry, the air operation was conducted to "neutralize" PKK/KCK/PYD/YPG and other terrorist elements.

"The operation targeted housing facilities, shelters, caves, tunnels, and storage units used by terrorists that threaten our country, nation, and border security," it said.

In the planning and implementation stages of the operation, the statement said, Turkey exercised due caution to prevent civilian casualties and damage to civilian property, and to protect the environment.

Fahrettin Altun, Communications Director of the Turkish Presidency, said in a Twitter post that a successful air operation targeted Sinjar and Mount Karacak, which are among the "important" centers of terror elements. "This operation dealt a blow to terror and it was a message to terror supporters," he added.

[03] Over 14,000 Free Syrian army soldiers waits Turkey's order to launch Euphrates operation

Turkish daily Yeni Safak (13.12.18- https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/14000-strong-fsa-army-ready-for-turkeys-euphrates-op-3469107) reported that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) ordered the Free Syrian Army (FSA) three days ago to prepare 14,000 troops for an operation targeting the east of Syria's Euphrates River, according to information obtained by Yeni Safak daily. The FSA was told to prepare armaments and equipment for the operation.

"Turkey will launch an operation in the east of the Euphrates in a few days to liberate the region from the PKK terrorist organization" , President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday.

"It is time to realize our decision to wipe out terror groups east of the Euphrates," Erdogan said.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Yeni Safak (14.12.18- https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/those-closest-to-saudis-crown-prince-had-an-active-role-in-the-khashoggi-murder-erdogan-3469192) reports that Erdogan said at a conference in Istanbul today that Turkey will enter Syria's Manbij even if the US doesn't remove YPG terrorists.

"Turkish forces will enter the Syrian town of Manbij if the United States does not remove the YPG terror group from the area", said Erdogan, after Ankara said this week it would launch a new operation to target the fighters.

He said that Turkey was determined to bring peace to the area east of the Euphrates river in Syria.

[04] Turkish prosecutors issue detention warrants for suspects over Gulen links

According to the Turkish website (13.12.18-https://www.turkishminute.com/2018/12/13/turkish-prosecutors-issue-43-detention-warrants-over-gulen-links/), forty-three detention warrants were issued on Thursday as part of a post-coup crackdown targeting followers of the Gulen movement.

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on Thursday issued detention warrants for 32 people including 12 members of the Turkish Naval Forces on accusations of Gulen links, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

The police detained 30 of those being sought in raids.

Meanwhile in a separate investigation the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued detention warrants for 11 people over alleged ties to the Gulen movement.

The prosecutor accused them of using ByLock, a smartphone application that Turkish officials allege the movement had been using for communication.

Seven of them were detained.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet (14.12.18-14.12.18-http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-savunma-sanayi-sirketlerinde-calisan-48-kisi-hakkinda-gozalti-karari-41051834) reports that Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued an arrest warrant against forty eight employees of Turkey's largest defence companies ASELSAN and HAVELSAN, TUSAS, TUBITAK and other defence organizations over suspected links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

Twenty four are currently employed by ASELSAN, which produces military equipment including radios and electronic systems and seventeen are workers in the private sector, the prosecutor's offices said in a statement.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(EHj/AM)

---

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article