Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-07-29

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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] Burcu on the UNSC report

[02] Ozersay made statements on Varosha

[03] Tatar responded to criticism over the "signing of the interim economic and financial agreement between Turkey and the TRNC"

[04] So-called minister of health on the West Nile virus: "All precautionary measures were taken; No need to worry"

[05] Ustel inspected the Ledra Street crossing point

[06] Ustel held contacts with Indian tourist agents

[B] Turkish Press

[01] The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the extension of the UNFICYP mandate

[02] Erdogan: 'Turkey turns to other options if US refuses to sell F-35'

[03] Turkey eyes to sign free trade agreement with Thailand

[04] Turkish official: Trade with Russia should reach $100B

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Burcu on the UNSC report

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (8.07.19) reports that Baris Burcu, "spokesman" of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, in a written statement, evaluated the UN Security Council Resolution, extending the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping in Cyprus, alleging that this does not reflect fully the realities concerning the solution process, so that for the two sides to be treated equally.

Describing the reports as "unfair" for the Turkish Cypriot side, Burcu alleged that "in spite of the injustice against the Turkish Cypriot side which has always shown a constructive and sincere stance", the UNSC's Resolution points out strongly to the importance of the political equality.

Burcu, however, expressed satisfaction over the references made in the report, which justify as he claimed, the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side on the issue of the political equality and effective participation to decision making, which the Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci strongly supported.

He further welcomed the reference made in the report on the issue of the Confidence Building Measures and the cooperation between the two sides. Burcu alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side would continue to work in a constructive manner and goodwill in order to contribute to the efforts for undertaking more CBMs and also to the efforts aiming to reach a fair solution on the Cyprus problem based on the political equality of the two sides.

Burcu, however, described as unacceptable the fact that the Turkish Cypriot side is continued to be ignored and the UNSC based on the Resolution 186, dated on March 8, 1865 considers the "Greek Cypriot administration" as the only legal government in the island.

(AK)

[02] Ozersay made statements on Varosha

Illegal Bayrak (29.07.19 https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=ozersay-issues-a-statement 2/4) reports that self-styled foreign minister Kudret Ozersay made evaluations on the issue of the fenced off Varosha and natural gas.

Ozersay said the natural gas issue had revealed a more important and urgent situation than the 50 year long inconclusive negotiations.

"If the international actors want to help they should take an initiative on the natural gas issue and make the Greek Cypriot leadership to sit at the table on this issue. If those who try to bring the sides to the table for a vicious cycle of a federal solution despite the fact that they see that a federal solution is not possible then what they want is the continuation of the status quo but not a solution" he said.

Alleging that alongside the natural gas issue itself it was also important to create a mechanism which will secure the Turkish Cypriots' rights on these resources, Ozersay said: "This is possible by including the will of the Turkish Cypriot people to this process. What we are looking for is not the establishment of an ineffective and unauthorized committee which will only discuss the issue."

Touching upon the recent decision of the UN Security Council, he claimed that the Security Council did not show courage of facing the facts.

Pointing out that it will not be possible to achieve stability on this geography without creating a fairer situation, Ozersay stressed that the Turkish Cypriot side should take part in a negotiating table to be established on the natural gas issue.

Also touching upon the fenced off Varosha city issue, he alleged that the decision taken by the "council of ministers" was to hold an inventory study in Varosha.

Explaining that they will take a step according to the result of this study, Ozersay said "our main principle was to carry out this study without harming the property rights of the Evkaf Foundation and the previous owners".

[03] Tatar responded to criticism over the "signing of the interim economic and financial agreement between Turkey and the TRNC"

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (29.07.19) reports that so-called prime minister Ersin Tatar, in a written statement, responded to criticism against the so-called government for the "signing of the interim economic and financial agreement between Turkey and the TRNC" and claimed that those who condemn this, ignore the benefits that this "agreement" will bring to the "TRNC".

Describing the criticism against the so-called government and Turkey as unfair, Tatar claimed that the accusations would damage the Turkish Cypriots.

Recalling that the "protocol envisages the release of 750 million Turkish Lira and reforms in various fields, including the public sector", Tatar said that these resources will be partly used for the completion of infrastructure projects and for covering "public debts".

Tatar, stated further that 2020 will be the year that important steps will take place as regards the economy of the breakaway regime. He added that their real aim is the prosperity and the increase of the welfare level of the Turkish Cypriots.

(AK)

[04] So-called minister of health on the West Nile virus: "All precautionary measures were taken; No need to worry"

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (29.07.19) reports that so-called minister of health, Ali Pirri alleged that they have taken all necessary precautionary measures against the West Nile Virus in the occupied area of Cyprus and called on the public to be calm. "There is no need to worry", Pirri said.

Meanwhile, in a written statement, the "ministry of health" announced that from the three confirmed cases of people with this virus, one of them lost his life, while the other two are hospitalized.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (29.07.19) reports that the so-called ministry of health has intensified the works on taking precautions and adds that the "minister" held a "meeing" with the "mayors" of all "municipalities" in the occupied area of Cyprus, where they decided to cooperate closely and proceed to disinfections against mosquitos.

So-called minister Pilli called on also the public to undertake precautionary measures.

(AK)

[05] Ustel inspected the Ledra Street crossing point

Illegal Bayrak (27.07.10 https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=lokmaci-crossing-point) broadcast that the so-called minister for tourism and environment Unal Ustel carried out an inspection at the Ledra Street crossing point in occupied Lefkosia.

Making a statement during the inspection he said that by keeping in mind the problems people are experiencing "when entering and leaving the crossing point" , they will be taking the necessary precautionary measures during the summer and winter seasons to overcome the problems.

He said that a modern wooden structure to provide shade for people who are waiting will be built and that works for it will start within a week.

He also said "that personnel deficiencies at crossing points will also be overcome soon".

[06] Ustel held contacts with Indian tourist agents

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Manset (29.07.19) reports that the so-called minister of tourism Unal Ustel, in the framework of increasing the number of tourists who visit the breakaway regime met with Indian tourist agents.

According to the paper, the aim of the meetings was the examination of conducting Indian weddings in the breakaway regime. Ustel will meet with the agents again.

(CS)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the extension of the UNFICYP mandate

The following statedmnet was issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on the extension of the UNFICYP mandate (26.07.19 http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no222-kibras-taki-bmbg-nin-gorev-suresinin-uzatilmasi-hk.en.mfa):

"No: 222, 26 July 2019, Press Release Regarding the United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2843 (2019) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

The last United Nations Security Council Resolution on the extension of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for a period of six months was adopted on 25 July 2019.

The statement made today by the Deputy Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is fully supported by Turkey.

The most important deficiency of the extension of the mandate of UNFICYP with this Resolution is that the consent of the TRNC is not sought, in contrast to the UN's established practices.

In the Resolution, the fact that the wording regarding the settlement of Cyprus issue was drafted in a way to straitjacket all parties to discuss different alternatives for a negotiated settlement, contradicts the need for new ideas as called for by the Secretary-General in the past.

As stated on many occasions, the real cause of the Cyprus issue is the Greek Cypriot side's unwillingness to share the power and wealth with the Turkish Cypriots. Unless this mindset changes and that a common ground and a joint vision based on political equality is found, there will never be a real and result-oriented negotiation process between the two sides.

As the co-owner and political equal of the Island, the Turkish Cypriots will never accept a minority status.

On another point, it is also unfortunate and unfair to notice that the resolution does not make reference to the 13 July cooperation proposal of TRNC, while it calls for a reduction of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. The TRNC authorities have made constructive proposals to the Greek Cypriot side in 2011, 2012 and most recently on 13 July 2019. These proposals of the Turkish Cypriot side, all supported by Turkey, prove that it is the Turkish side who is making determined efforts, whilst these efforts are not reciprocated by the Greek Cypriot side.

The issue of the unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people by the Greek Cypriot Administration can no longer be overlooked, nor its absence from the present resolution can be accepted. The imposition of this isolation is also the most important element exacerbating the deep crisis of confidence between the two peoples and the two sides, preventing cooperation on important areas on the Island.

With this understanding, as a guarantor country, Turkey will continue to support the Turkish Cypriot people in every field and protect their rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean."

[02] Erdogan: 'Turkey turns to other options if US refuses to sell F-35'

Ankara Anatolia news agency (27.07.19 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkey-turns-to-other-options-if-us-refuses-to-sell-f-35/1542167) reports that Turkey will turn to other options if the U.S. refuses to sell F-35 fighter jets to Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday.

"You don't sell F-35s [to Turkey]. Very well. But then we will take our own measures and look for other options," Erdogan told a meeting of provincial heads of his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in the capital Ankara. He said Washington did not deliver to Turkey the jets pledged during the term of former U.S. President Barrack Obama.

"They said: 'Our Congress did not allow'," Erdogan said, referring to the U.S. Congressmen.

"You rejected when we wanted to buy Patriot [missiles] during the Obama era. You are trying to prevent it again during Mr. Trump's era. We would like to purchase it but you don't want to give it. Then what are we going to do? We will buy it from whoever sells it."

Erdogan also said last week's attack on a Turkish diplomat in Erbil, northern Iraq justifies Turkey's decision to launch a counter-terrorism operation in northern Iraq. "The attack on our consulate employee in Erbil confirms that our Operation [Claw] was the right decision."

The Turkish President also touched upon rising incidents of terrorism east of the Euphrates River. "Turkey is determined to rip apart the terror corridor east of the Euphrates River no matter what the results of talks with the U.S. on establishing a safe zone along the Syrian border are," said Erdogan.

Complaining that the EU failed to keep its promises given during membership negotiations, Erdogan said: "Although we fulfilled our obligations on the refugee issue, we know that they [the EU] broke their promises like the ones on financial contributions [for Syrian refugees] and visa exemption."

"Turkey can still be Europe's closest, most powerful and most beneficial friend with highest potential in all respects. We want to remain the same as long as we see that the Europeans are on the same page as well," said the Turkish president.

Erdogan also spoke about European countries' approach on the Syria issue and Turkey's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. "I would like to hope that in the coming period, we will provide a reconciliation platform with the EU on regional policies, especially on our sensitivities in Syria, and the Eastern Mediterranean," he went on to say.

Erdogan also said the decline in interest rates would revitalize the Turkish economy and help the country reach fuller growth. "The Monetary Policy Committee of [Turkish] Central Bank's decision yesterday [to cut interest rates] is a vital milestone and I hope it will eventually bring down inflation," the president said.

[03] Turkey eyes to sign free trade agreement with Thailand

Ankara Anatolia news agency (28.07.19 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/turkey-eyes-to-sign-free-trade-agreement-with-thailand/1543608) reports that Turkey aims to sign a free trade agreement with Thailand, said the country's Foreign Minister on Sunday as part of the 52nd Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"Met with Turkish business people who have investments in #Thailand. Aiming to sign the Free Trade Agreement between our countries as soon as possible to further develop our trade relations," Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a Twitter post.

The 52nd meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Thailand's capital Bangkok began Saturday and will last through August 3.

ASEAN was formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand in Bangkok and was later joined by five other countries. Turkey was granted the status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2017."

[04] Turkish official: Trade with Russia should reach $100B

Ankara Anatolia news agency (28.07.19 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkish-official-trade-with-russia-should-reach-100b/1542364) reports that

Trade between Turkey and Russia should reach the joint $100 billion target of the countries' leaders "as soon as possible," Turkey's Trade Minister said on Friday.

The value of bilateral trade has risen from $33.3 billion in 2012 to $25.7 billion in 2018, Ruhsar Pekcan told the Turkey-Russia Economic Councils' 20th Joint Meeting in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya.

Turkey's exports to the country totaled $3.4 billion, while its imports were $22.3 billion, Pekcan said, underlining that trade between the countries should be balanced.

"There is serious potential [between Russia and Turkey], the governments are ready to provide all support to businesspeople," she said. Russia imports household appliances, freezers, construction materials, furniture, ready-made clothes, and medicine from the world, Pekcan underlined, adding: "Turkey exports all of these products to the world at the most competitive prices."

Urging the use of local currencies to boost trade, she noted that Russia does 12% of its exports and 0.5% of its imports this way. "We expect Russia to contribute to growing trade through local currencies," she noted.

The two countries' bilateral investments are currently around $20 billion, she added, stressing that there is a large potential in this area as well.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(CS/ECh)

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