Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-05-21

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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] UBP and HP almost agreed on the new "government"

[02] Occupation regime to file an "appeal" against the acquittal of Afrika newspaper's journalists

[03] Turkey's second drillship is being maintained for the drilling

[04] Naval vessels participating in the Sea Wolf 2019 military exercise have been docked in the occupied ports of Cyprus

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan calls on Turkic Council to obtain an observer status to the occupation regime

[02] Turkish and Russian Defense Ministers discuss Idlib

[03] Turkish and Greek Defense officials to meet over Aegean disputes this week

[04] Oktay meets Ukraine's newly elected President

[05] Cavusoglu says Turkey opposes foreign intervention in Venezuela, holds talks in Guatemala

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] UBP and HP almost agreed on the new "government"

Turkish Cypriot newspaper K?br?s (21.05.19) reports that the efforts for establishing a new "government" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus are intensively continuing between the National Unity Party (UBP) and the People's Party (HP). The sides made "more positive statements" yesterday on this issue, notes the paper, adding that especially UBP implied that no obstacle has remained for the establishment of the new "coalition government".

UBP chairman, Ersin Tatar said that he assumed that on Wednesday they would "come to the stage of establishing" the new "government". He noted that the sides were close to agreement and that there was no problem on the issue of sharing the "ministries". "Anyway the three ministries which they have will belong to them and the seven ministries will belong to UBP"", he said.

Moreover, HP chairman Kudret Ozersay said yesterday that the process was going on and they were trying to reach a result, "if this is possible, as necessitated by our social responsibility". "I cannot say now whether this will happen or not", he added.

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Havadis (21.05.19) reports that Tatar and Ozersay met yesterday and agreed on the principles, after an exchange of letters between the two parties on this issue. Noting that UBP will have seven "ministries" and HP three, the paper writes that the agreement between the party leaders will be discussed today at a meeting between delegations from the two parties. The delegations will give the final shape to the agreement that will be discussed tonight at the competent organs of the parties, which will have the final say.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Occupation regime to file an "appeal" against the acquittal of Afrika newspaper's journalists

Turkish Cypriot newspaper K?br?s (21.05.19) reports that the "attorney general" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is filing an "appeal" against the acquittal of Afrika newspaper's editor and director Sener Levent and Ali Osman respectively asking for their conviction.

According to the paper, the "lawsuit" against Afrika had been filed for publishing a caricature/ collage, which was considered an insult to Turkish President Erdogan and an effort to deteriorate the relations between Turkey and the breakaway regime. K?br?swrites also that the above-mentioned caricature caused an attack against Afrika [on 22 January 2018].

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkey's second drillship is being maintained for the drilling

Under the title "Final preparations on the second vessel which will drill in the Mediterranean", Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli (21.05.19) reports that the Deepsea Metro-1 drillship, which belongs to Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) has been docked in Colakoglu port for maintenance.

The Deepsea Metro-1 drillship, which was bought for 262,5 million dollars by Turkey within the framework of Turkey's National Energy policy in order to increase its exploration and drilling activities in the Mediterranean, arrived in Yalova two months ago to be maintained for the drilling activities.

According to the paper, the drillship is capable of drilling up to a depth of 10 thousand feet (3048 meters) in the Mediterranean.

(DPs)

[04] Naval vessels participating in the Sea Wolf 2019 military exercise have been docked in the occupied ports of Cyprus

According to illegal Bayrak television (21.05.19, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=sea-wolf-2019), the naval vessels which participated in the Sea Wolf 2019 military exercise have been open for public visits.

According to a press release by the "Security Forces Command, the naval vessels which participated in the Sea Wolf 2019 military exercise are open to visitors today, tomorrow and on Thursday. TCG Tufan (P-333), TCG Karayel (P-349) assault boats and TCG Beykoz (F-503) corvette will be open to visits at the Gazimagusa port [editor's note: occupied port of Famagusta] and the TCG Karpaz (P-1213) Tuzla class patrol boat at the Girne port [editor's note: occupied port of Keryneia]".

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan calls on Turkic Council to obtain an observer status to the occupation regime

Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.05.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkeys-president-hosts-head-of-turkic-council/1483087) reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday hosted Baghdad Amreyev, the newly-appointed secretary-general of the Turkic Council, wishing him success in his new role.

The Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, also known as the Turkic Council, was established in 2009 as an international intergovernmental organization, with the aim of promoting comprehensive cooperation among Turkic speaking states.

Its four founding member states are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.

According to presidential sources, Erdogan expressed his desire for Istanbul to continue as the center of the Council and the protection of the current structure during the meeting.

Erdogan also lent his support to initiatives of the council to obtain an observatory status in the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

He also sought support of member countries in giving an observer status to the "TRNC" in the council ahead of its 7th annual summit in Azerbaijan.

"By this summit, we hope to see Uzbekistan as a council member as well. We also think President of Turkmenistan [Gurbanguly] Berdimuhammadov could be invited as a guest of honor," said Erdogan.

Erdogan said he shares the vision of Nursultan Nazarbayev, former President of Kazakhstan, to reform the Council and proposed that Nazarbayev, the "wise man of the Turkic world" should become the honorary President of the Council.

Sources said the proposal was widely welcomed by other member countries.

Erdogan added that Turkey is in favor of Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TurkPA) continuing its activities as an independent international organization with headquarters in Ankara.

He also said it is important to keep International Organization of Turkic Culture's (TURKSOY) special status and member structure.

[02] Turkish and Russian Defense Ministers discuss Idlib

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (20.05.19-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-and-russian-defense-ministers-discuss-idlib-143568) reported that the Defense Ministers of Turkey and Russia continue discussions on coordination in the latest developments in opposition-held Idlib and measures to ease tension in the northwestern Syrian province.

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on May 20, following the first meeting of the Turkish-Russian joint working group on the Idlib issue held in Ankara last week.

They discussed "regional security issues, especially the latest developments in Syria's Idlib province and measures to be taken to reduce the tension in the area, within the scope of the Sochi agreement," the Defense Ministry stated on its Twitter account.

Akar and Shoigu have intensified their diplomatic engagement since last week after a phone conversation between the Presidents of the two countries on May 13 during which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed Turkey's concerns on increasing the Russian-backed Syrian regime's assault in Idlib.

Turkey is worried about a possible refugee influx to its border in the north of Syria. Ankara also warns Russia that its two observation points in southern Idlib, observation points named as nine and ten, are facing security risks due to regime attacks in the nearby region.

(…)

[03] Turkish and Greek Defense officials to meet over Aegean disputes this week

Turkish Daily Sabah (20.05.19-https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/05/20/turkish-greek-defense-officials-to-meet-over-aegean-disputes-this-week) reported that Turkish and Greek Defense officials are set to hold talks over issues related to the Aegean Sea in Athens this week, according to a statement from Turkish Defense Ministry on Monday.

"The Technical meeting between the delegations of the Turkish and Greek Ministries of National Defense, to enhance the cooperation especially in Confidence Building Measures and Code of Conduct in the Aegean Sea, will be held in Athens on 20-25 May 2019," the statement said.

(…)Turkey and Greece have several disputes in the Aegean Sea, including the extent of territorial waters, airspace and continental shelf.

[04] Oktay meets Ukraine's newly elected President

Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.05.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkish-vice-president-meets-ukraines-new-leader/1483071) reported that Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay met with Ukraine's newly elected President Volodymyr Zelensky in a closed-door meeting on Monday in Kiev.

The two countries reached a consensus on signing a Turkey-Ukraine free trade agreement for achieving a trade target of $10 billion.

Oktay also expressed Turkey's concern regarding the annexation of Crimea.

(…)The meeting came after the inauguration ceremony of Zelensky at the Parliament building in Kiev, which was attended by Heads of State, Presidents of Parliament and Ministers from various countries.

Oktay also said on Twitter that during his visit to Ukraine he met with Romania's Deputy Prime Minister Ana Birchall with whom they exchanged views on the meeting of the Turkey-Romania Joint Economic Committee planned to be held this year.

Meanwhile, Oktay received Gagauz Turks, Ahiska Turks and Crimean Tatars living in Ukraine at Turkey's Embassy in Kiev. In the meeting, Oktay stressed that Turkey's support will continue.

Additionally, he met with representatives of Turkish civil society and business residing in Ukraine.

On Turkey's commitment to increase its trade volume with Ukraine, Oktay said that the trade volume between the two countries is around $6 billion. Turkey aims to increase it to $10 billion.

(…)

[05] Cavusoglu says Turkey opposes foreign intervention in Venezuela, holds talks in Guatemala

Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.05.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkey-opposes-foreign-intervention-in-venezuela/1483118) reports that Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that Turkey opposes foreign interventions including coup attempts in Venezuela.

Speaking on Turkey's position on the Venezuelan crisis in a panel, Cavusoglu said: "We are against foreign intervention, resorting to undemocratic means, including coup attempts, imposing unilateral sanctions to replace legitimate governments."

The panel was held in Mexico City by COMEXI think tank where the top Turkish diplomat met with his Mexican counterpart Marcelo Ebrard and Senate President Marti Batres Guadarrama.

Highlighting the importance of sovereignty and non-intervention in internal affairs, he said: "We are concerned over attempts to undermine the constitutional order and sovereignty of Venezuela.These attempts not only threaten stability, peace and security of Venezuela but also create a dangerous precedent and put the whole region in danger," he added.

A disaster in Venezuela would have "extremely grave" consequences for the whole region, he noted.

Describing terrorism as a global threat and an enemy of humanity, he said: "Turkey has always underlined that we can defeat terrorism only by international cooperation and with a sincere and comprehensive approach."

(…)Speaking on Turkey's role in humanitarian diplomacy, he stressed that according to the ratio of official humanitarian assistance to national income, Turkey is the most generous donor.

"Turkey is the largest host country with 4.2 million people taking refuge," he said.

Underlining the importance of developing ties with all regions in the world, he said: "Turkish diplomatic outreach, which is the fifth largest diplomatic network in the world, has grown immensely, currently totaling 242 missions."

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.05.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkish-foreign-minister-on-two-day-visit-to-guatemala/1483154) reported that Cavusoglu was received on Monday by the Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales in the capital of Guatemala City.

Guatemalan Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel and Turkey's Ambassador Suleyman Gokce also attended a meeting held at the National Palace of Culture, according to government's official social media.

Earlier that day, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced that Cavusoglu would pay a two-day-visit to Guatemala.

Cavusoglu is scheduled to meet his Guatemalan counterpart on the first day of the visit, the statement said.

The Ministers are expected to discuss "all aspects" of bilateral relations, as well as exchange views on regional developments.

Cavusoglu will also participate in the Third Political Forum of the Council of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and the Central American Integration System (SICA) regional group Tuesday.

He will also hold bilateral talks with his counterparts from SICA member states on the margins of the forum, the statement added.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(AK/EH)

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