Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-01-21

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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] Open conflict between Akinci and Ozersay on the federal solution

[02] Ozersay: "I cannot accept the Turkish Cypriots remaining outside international law" ? "The federation model is not realistic"

[03] Turkey's Energy Minister says they will get the results of their first drilling in Mediterranean in March

[04] Ak?nc? replied to criticism on "Turkish and TRNC's flags"

[05] Aksoy on the Cyprus problem

[06] Reactions to professor Kizilyurek's candidature in the EP elections

[07] The Left Movement describes Ozersay's policies on the Cyprus issue as an updated version of Denktas' separatist policies

[08] Conscientious objector Karapasaoglu released

[09] CMIRS' survey shows that hope in the political parties is lost

[10] The investments of Net Holding tourism group in the occupied area of Cyprus have reached one billion dollars

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Akar: "Turkey will not allow any fait accompli in the Eastern Mediterranean"

[02] Erdogan held a phone conversation with Trump; "Turkey is ready to take over security in Manbij"

[03] Akar: "Manbij op to start at right time"

[04] Soylu: "Over a half-million security personnel to be on duty on March 31 local polls"; Over 53,000 Syrians to vote in Turkey's elections

[05] Turkish columnist supports that Yildirim will finally resign from the position of the Speaker of the Assembly ahead of the forthcoming March local elections

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Open conflict between Akinci and Ozersay on the federal solution

Under the title "If we cannot share it, someone else will share it", Turkish Cypriot newspaper K?br?s (21.01.19)reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci replied to statements made recently by Kudret Ozersay, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, who had alleged that at the point we have come we should try the idea of a "partnership based on cooperation instead of a federation" and added that he disagreed with Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci, who insisted on this issue.

Sharing his views on his social media account, Akinci noted that time which passes served only the permanent division of the island and added that "if we cannot share the island and its blessings between us, others will share them".

Akinci reiterated the allegation that the biggest obstacle for not finding a federal solution in Cyprus was what he called "the Greek Cypriot leadership's mentality which insists on not sharing the island's power and wealth" and added that they should struggle against this mentality without faltering and by keeping a clear and firm stance remaining committed to the UN parameters and the agreements of the past, taking the support of third parties.

Noting that he was forced to publicly respond to Ozersay because the latter had publicly expressed his disagreement on the issue of federation, Akinci said:

"He says that I insisted on a model based on sharing (federation), but what should be tried should be a model based on cooperation and that his view was different than my own on this issue. Surely, he does not and cannot claim that I oppose cooperation, because I am the one who realized the first cooperation project after 1974 (the canalization). Afterwards the city planning including both sides of Nicosia came. And now, if the Greek Cypriot side had not put obstacles, the operation of the cell phones in both sides and the permanent connection of the electricity networks would be new fields of cooperation. [?]

Will we remain limited to this? Will we stop defending what is just, what is reasonable for peace? Will we say to the adviser appointed by UNSG Guterres that 'federal solution ended, we discuss only the model of cooperation between two states? [?]

With this message, I want to address the Greek Cypriot community as well. If we cannot share fairly this island and its blessings, others will share it!'"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozersay: "I cannot accept the Turkish Cypriots remaining outside international law" ? "The federation model is not realistic"

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Vatan (20.01.19)reported that speaking to Turkish DHA news agency after meeting academicians and politicians in Istanbul Kultur Universitesi (Istanbul Cultural University), Kudret Ozersay, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus,has referred to the "Eastern Mediterranean Natural gas Forum" held last week in Egypt with the participation of seven countries and alleged: "No agreement could exist in the Eastern Mediterranean without the participation and the consent of the TRNC and Turkey. The area could turn into an area of needless disputes and tensions in which stability is harmed".

Drawing attention to the importance of cooperation on the natural gas issue for securing stability and peace in the area, Ozersay alleged: "The important thing here is not the possibility of a conflict. When we see from the companies' point of view, more important [than this] are the economic sanctions which they will face, the economic losses which they will suffer or the situation of responsibility. Not only third countries but international companies as well should now force the Greek Cypriot side to sit at the table and agree with the Turkish Cypriots on the natural gas issue. This is important for stability, peace in the area and the creation of inter-dependence".

Referring to the policy which Turkey and the occupation regime will implement in the area, Ozersay alleged that this policy would not be leading to skirmish, but to the target of solving problems. He claimed the following: "This, however, should in absolutely no way be seen and read as abandoning of our rights and interests. During the forthcoming period we have the vision of defending and promoting our interests both in the Eastern Mediterranean and in international platforms implementing an active diplomacy. In addition, as TRNC we want to become a part of the international community in the struggle against terrorism, money laundering and similar issues".

Ozersay further argued that he would not accept the "TRNC" to remain outside international law and claimed: "The TRNC is not a black hole. It does not wish to be a black hole. There is a modern Turkish Cypriot people who share the values of the international community. Therefore, I cannot accept for us to be left outside international law".

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot newspaper Detay (21.01.19), in statements to CNN-Turk television, Ozersay reiterated the allegation that the model of federation was not a "realistic" one for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem. "We should develop a partnership based on cooperation with the Greek Cypriots", he reiterated alleging that "in practice two separate states" existed on the island and that "these states could develop a partnership based on cooperation without needing to recognize each other".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkey's Energy Minister says they will get the results of their first drilling in Mediterranean in March

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (21.01.19) reports that Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez, in statements regarding the drilling, which is continuing, off the coast of Antalya, said that their target depth is 5 thousand 500-6 thousand meters from sea level. He added that they are proceeding in accordance with the work program and hopefully in March they will get the results of their first drilling.

Speaking to the press during a visit at AKP's headquarters in Malatya, Donmez argued that their aim and their intention are to have results from the first drilling. However, he added: "Even, if we don't, we will continue with the next drilling without hesitation. The Eastern Mediterranean is a region with high potentials on hydrocarbon resources. For approximately 6-7 years, our seismic research vessels have been carrying out serious work and we have obtained a lot of data. First, we need to process and analyse those data one by one and later we need to detect and drill at the highest potential place. There is one thing, I always say, with these seismic surveys, in a sense; we are taking MRI of the ground. The drilling is like taking a biopsy. We will go, and we will see, if there is something hopefully, we will get it. Now the technology is developing. We hope we find in the first wells natural gas or oil."

Donmez further claimed: "As far as Cyprus is concerned, there is something we have said it from the beginning. We will not give our consent to seize the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people in the island and to present it with a fait accompli. As a matter of fact, Turkey Petrolleum is doing seismic research in areas licensed by the TRNC [the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus]. Probably, we may do in the near future our first drilling in that area too [maritime region of Cyprus]. Particularly, we have warned the Greek Cypriot side on this occasion. We have the right to drill and do whatever research we want in our own territorial waters and in our exclusive economic zones. We have no eye on anyone's property and sources. We will not allow anyone to violate the rights and interests neither of Turkey nor of the Turkish community who lives in the North Cyprus. We are in favour of a fair share".

(DPs)

[04] Ak?nc? replied to criticism on "Turkish and TRNC's flags"

Illegal Bayrak television (19.01.19- http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=visits-paid-to-president-akinci) reported that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met separately on Friday with the French Ambassador to Cyprus Rene Troccaz and the Chairman of the Association for Social Reform (OPEK) which operates in "south Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is called.

According to the "presidency's press bureau" the sensitivities of the Turkish Cypriot side, particularly on the issue of political equality was discussed during the meetings.

Meanwhile, Ak?nc? also issued a statement in response to criticism made against him regarding the "absence of the TRNC and the Turkish flags during some of his meetings.

In a written statement yesterday, Akinci said that the habit of conducting cheap politics using the "flag" still continued.

He pointed out that the Turkish and "TRNC flags" were also not displayed during visits paid to him by the UN Secretary General's Special Representative Elizabeth Spehar or the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy, Jane Holl Lute.

"This is not a new situation. This has been the practice even before my term in office. We have our flags flying on mast in front of the Presidency building which greets all those who come to visit this office. Then there are the removable flags we have indoors. They are removed or placed according to the character or nature of the meeting. As an ongoing practice dating before my term we do not impose symbols during visits of foreign dignitaries. We prefer to convey our views to those who come and visit us", Akinci stated.

He further pointed out that the "presidency is the only place that foreign statesmen or representatives could visit despite the obstacles by the Greek Cypriots". Akinci added also that "in order to offer the same treatment to the representatives of the few Greek Cypriot organizations that showed the courage to visit the TRNC presidency despite the pressures not to do so, it was the right thing to do".

"Even if this was not done on their request", said Akinci, supporting that those who chose to use this issue as an excuse to attack him and his "administration" were doing so intentionally. "This is why I chose to issue a public statement on the matter" he added.

[05] Aksoy on the Cyprus problem

According to illegal Bayrak television (19.01.19-http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=turkish-fm-spokesman-on-cyprus-issue) the Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hami Aksoy alleged that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem was due to the Greek Cypriot side's refusal to share political power with the Turkish Cypriot side.

Aksoy stated that they expressed this view at every opportunity they found.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ankara, Aksoy reminded that the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had received the UN Secretary General's Specia Envoy, Jane Holl Lute twice.

"The Foreign Minister told Ms Lute that the Cyprus problem can only be solved with a settlement that takes the realities on the island as a basis and which includes achievable goals. We do not intend to start negotiations for the sake of holding talks. We do not want to waste another 50 years talking", added Aksoy.

[06] Reactions to professor Kizilyurek's candidature in the EP elections

Under the title "Reaction to AKEL", Turkish Cypriot newspaper Gunes (21.01.19)reports that Ersin Tatar, chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP), has alleged that the fact that "communist AKEL party" included Turkish Cypriot professor Niyazi Kizilyurek in its candidates for the European Parliament (EP) elections did not change what it call "the reality of the fact that the Greek Cypriot side usurps the two seats of the Turkish Cypriot people in the EP". In his statement, Tatar also alleged that the Turkish Cypriots have the right to hold separate elections for the EP. "If Kizilyurek became a candidate to create the image that the rights of the Turkish Cypriots are allegedly respected, this is not possible", he claimed alleging that those who usurp the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people" could not mock them.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot newspaper K?br?s (21.01.19)reports that commenting on the same issue on his social media account, Asim Akansoy, "deputy" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), argued that it would not be correct to relate Kizilyurek's candidature with "the Turkish Cypriots' right of having two seats in the EP". "Yes, we have the right for two separate seats as community and we are defending this until the end", he claimed and added that Kizilyurek's candidature was "very appropriate". "He will work seriously for a fair and lasting solution in Cyprus", he argued and wondered what the Turkish Cypriot "assembly" and the political parties had done or what strategy they had on the issue of the two seats in the EP. "How can we obtain this right for two seats with the statements regarding confederation and two separate states", he wondered.

(I/Ts.)

[07] The Left Movement describes Ozersay's policies on the Cyprus issue as an updated version of Denktas' separatist policies

According to Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (21.01.19), the Left Movement (Sol Hareket) criticized the latest statements of Kudret Ozersay, "deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs", by saying: "The efforts of Ozersay to update the separatist and status quo policies by ignoring the agreed federal solution and the pro-solution will of the Turkish Cypriots are unacceptable".

In a written statement, Abdullah Korkmazhan said that Ozersay's policy that they should try a model based on cooperation and start removing from the agenda the sharing based model referring to the federal solution, is not a new policy. He added that this is an updated version of Denktas' separatist policies, who brought the community face to face with communal annihilation by imprisoning it to the non-solution.

Korkmazhan further argues that the Turkish Cypriot community has authorized Mustafa Akinci with its aim to reach a federal solution, adding that the efforts to turn a blind eye to Akinci and to by-pass him are unacceptable and at the same time disrespectful to the society's will.

(DPs)

[08] Conscientious objector Karapasaoglu released

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (19.01.19) reports that conscientious objector Halil Karapasaoglu won his appeal against his 20-day sentence for refusing to pay a 2,000 TL fine for failing to do his one-day "refresher" military service and was freed from prison, after the penalty was reduced to three from twenty days.

According to the paper: "The military court in Lefkosia reduced the sentence imposed earlier this month because an amendment to the military law to allow for conscientious objection to military service was currently in discussion by deputies on Friday."

Speaking outside the prison after his release on Friday evening, Karapasaoglu called it a "disgusting place" and a "shame of this country".

Fellow conscientious objector and New Cyprus Party (YKP) General Secretary Murat Kanatl? said the decision was "important for Halil's freedom" and added: "The legal proceedings need to continue. The legislation has reached an important stage. Our aim after this is for the law to be discussed by the committee on January 30".

Mr Karapasaoglu's lawyer Oncel Polili said: "This is an important step in the development of rights and freedoms. Now the duty lies with the parliament".

(DPs)

[09] CMIRS' survey shows that hope in the political parties is lost

Under the title "The community has also lost hope in the political parties", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (20.01.19) published a survey conducted by the centre for migration, identity and rights studies, CMIRS, in December 2018.

According to the results of the survey, 41.5% of the respondents said that they would not go to the polls in a possible election and 16.78% said that they were undecided.

The survey "December 2018" asked the same question of the participants: "Which party would you vote if the general elections were held next Sunday?" and compared to the results of the ten surveys conducted in the last three years, the results of the December 2018 survey showed a different picture. There were no serious changes in the vote distribution of the parties compared to the September survey, but the serious increase of the uncertain votes or those who will not vote, shows that the public has also lost hope in the political parties.

The following table shows the results on which party the respondents would have voted if the general elections were held next Sunday in the ten surveys:

Parties	July2016	October2016	January2017	April2017	July2017	October2017	February2018	June2018	Sept2018	Dec2018
UBP	17.73	19.9	30.69	18.3	18.5	19.01	12.93	19.7	16.4	16.78
CTP	10.4	8.15	9.95	11.4	12.65	15.89	8.62	19.0	10	10.2
TDP	4.02	3.84	2.49	1.7	5.39	4.43	2.72	5.3	2.4	1.36
HP	6.86	10.31	11.19	10.9	14.05	8.85	12.02	4.3	2.8	2.95
DP	1.65	2.4	3.48	1.4	2.34	3.39	2.72	1.5	1.8	1.59
YDP	-	-	-	-	-	0.26	0.23	-	0.8	1.36
YKP	0.47	0.24	1.24	-	0.47	0.52	-	-	0.2	-
BKP	-	-	0.5	-	0.23	0.78	0.68	-	0.4	0.23
KSP	0.47	0.48	-	0.2	0.23	-	0.23	-	-	0.23
TKP-YG	-	-	1.49	2.4	0.47	1.82	2.04	0.3	0.2	0.68
Mixedvotes	8.27	7.91	3.48	10.2	7.96	7.29	13.83	19	10.4	6.12
Undecided	9.69	20.62	8.46	16.9	13.82	17.19	20.41	11.4	14.6	16.78
No vote	40.43	26.14	27.11	25.9	23.89	20.57	23.58	19.2	29.6	41.5
No answer	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	9.4

(DPs)

[10] The investments of Net Holding tourism group in the occupied area of Cyprus have reached one billion dollars

Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog (20.01.19) publishes an interview with Hande Tibuk, general coordinator of Net Holding, one of the largest tourism groups in the occupied area of Cyprus. She explained to the paper that Net Holding has already six hotels and five casinos in the occupied area of Cyprus, adding that with their growth in 2018, the number of foreign tourists has increased too. She also said that they promote "TRNC" in international tournaments and they focus on bringing tourists from China in 2019.

Tibuk further said that within twenty years, they have made one billion dollar investments in the "TRNC". She also explained that they also organize the "Texas Hold'em" tour ten times a year in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(DPs)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Akar: "Turkey will not allow any fait accompli in the Eastern Mediterranean"

According to DHA news agency (20.01.19- https://www.dha.com.tr/politika/bakan-akardan-zeytin-dali-harekati-mesaji-zamani-geldiginde-operasyonlar-yapilacak/haber-1621802) Turkey's Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, issuing a written statement after a visit he paid to Hatay on the occasion of the 1st anniversary form the Olive Branch Operation in Syria, referred, inter alia, to a dispute over the oil exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, claiming that Turkey wished "peace, stability, good-neighborhood and cooperation to prevail in the sea in the 462 thousand square km island which is called Blue island. Besides this, we are determined not to make concessions and to protect our rights and interests deriving from international law. Turkey's TSK [Turkey's Armed Forces] watches closely the developments in the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean and in Cyprus and takes all necessary measures. Turkey will not allow for any steps to be taken without including it and will also not allow for any fait accompli in the region", Akar said.

[02] Erdogan held a phone conversation with Trump; "Turkey is ready to take over security in Manbij"

Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.01.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/erdogan-turkey-ready-to-take-over-security-in-manbij/1370063) reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a phone conversation with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump late Sunday thatTurkey is ready to take over the security in Syria's Manbij without delay.

A statement from the Turkish Presidency said that Erdogan and Trump agreed to take joint measures to clear Daesh's remnants in Syria and prevent the group's resurgence.

Erdogan said that Turkey will not allow PKK and its Syrian affiliate PYD/YPG to destabilize northeastern Syria.

The two leaders also discussed the bilateral relations, as well as the latest developments in Syria.

Erdogan expressed his condolences to Trump over American staff who lost their lives in last week's terrorist attack in Manbij, adding that it was a provocation to influence the U.S. decision to withdraw from Syria.

"President Trump spoke with President Erdogan of Turkey today on a number of important bilateral issues. President Erdogan expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of American lives in Manbij, Syria this week," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

"President Trump underscored the importance of defeating terrorist elements that remain in Syria. The two leaders agreed to continue to pursue a negotiated solution for northeast Syria that achieves our respective security concerns. They also discussed their mutual interest in expanding the trade relationship between the United States and Turkey,". Sanders said.

[03] Akar: "Manbij op to start at right time"

Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.01.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/manbij-op-to-start-at-right-time-turkish-defense-chief/1369931) reported that Turkey's Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Sunday that Turkey's counter-terrorist operation in Manbij, Syria will start at the right time.

"The current Syrian problem areas are Manbij and east of the Euphrates; our plans, preparations and logistics are completed. The operations in Manbij and east of the Euphrates will start when the right time comes," said Akar in Hatay, southern Turkey, marking the first anniversary of the start of Turkey's Operation Olive Branch.

Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Guler and other commanders accompanied Akar on a visit to a commando team involved in the counter-terrorist operation.

"We have no problems with our Kurdish brothers or Arab brothers in Syria and Iraq. Our only targets are the terrorist Daesh and PKK/YPG," added Akar.

[04] Soylu: "Over a half-million security personnel to be on duty on March 31 local polls"; Over 53,000 Syrians to vote in Turkey's elections

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (20.01.19-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-plans-tight-security-for-march-31-local-polls-140644) reported that Turkey will take extra safety measures for the March 31 local elections, with over a half-million security personnel on duty on Election Day.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told an election safety summit on Jan. 20 that 553,000 security staff - including the coast guard - will be on duty to ensure safety.

Soylu said that Turkey had assigned 6,680 additional security personnel in 11 provinces and 12 districts to "guard against any threats by the PKK to people's right to vote."

"Helicopters and drones will help security forces as part of security measures", he added.

"It is the Interior Ministry's responsibility to make sure every citizen can vote freely. As part of this, we see election safety falling into three categories: election rallies, voting, and ballot counting," Soylu said.

He said also that during the campaign season, Turkey will take additional measures against threats by terrorist groups. "So especially during the campaign season, we should be on the alert for possible PKK activity," Soylu added.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the European Union.

Local elections are set to be held across Turkey on March 31, 2019.

Campaigning will end on the evening of March 30, a day before the election.

The local polls follow Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections of June 2018.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (19.01.19-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/over-53-000-syrians-to-vote-in-turkeys-elections-minister-140617) reported that Soylu has stated on January 19 that at least 53,000 Syrians will be able to vote in Turkey's local elections to be held on March 31.

Soylu said that 53,099 Syrians, who acquired Turkish citizenship, will be able to vote in the local elections.

[05] Turkish columnist supports that Yildirim will finally resign from the position of the Speaker of the Assembly ahead of the forthcoming March local elections

In a commentary in Turkish daily newspaper Aydinlik (21.01.19) under the title: "Binali Yildirim to resign", columnist Ismet Ozcelik reports on the recent dispute and controversial views expressed in Turkey over Turkish Parliamentary Speaker, Binali Yildirim's mayoral candidacy for Istanbul and writes that according to legal experts, it is not possible for Yildirim to be the AKP Istanbul candidate and at the same time to hold the position of the Speaker of the Turkish National Assembly, since, it is contrary to the Constitution.

The columnist supports that this issue became an issue of dispute inside the AKP circles and after Erdogan said that "it is not necessary to resign" everyone was kept silent. However, the reactions inside the party continued and those who support that Yildirim should resign increased.

Invoking information from reliable resources, Ozcelik supports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a secret meeting with Yildirim the previous days during which Erdogan was convinced that Yildirim should resign. "This would be the process from now on: The assembly will be closed for holidays until February 5. On February 5, the Assembly will open and the name of Torba Yasa will come to the agenda. Yildirim will submit his resignation prior to the submission of the candidate lists to Turkey's Higher Election Board (YSK). After Yildirim will submit his official candidancy, he would not be Speaker as well. And the quarrel and dispute will come to an end. This is the plan", Ozcelik, supported.

(AK)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(AK/EH)

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