Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-10-23

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] Erkmen: "Varosha passes through the immovable property commission"

[02] UBP "deputy" supports that most probably Tatar would be UBP's candidate in the "presidential elections"

[03] Tore criticized Akinci for his statements against the Turkish operation to Syria

[04] Ustel: "The ancient port of Keryneia will become a center of attraction"

[05] According to data, the production in the occupied area of Cyprus has been decreased

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Turkey hails 'historic' Syria deal with Russia

[02] Turkish Defence Ministry: New operation in Syria is not needed further

[03] CHP leader criticizes replacement of HDP mayors with trustees

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Erkmen: "Varosha passes through the immovable property commission"

Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (23.10.19) publishes statements by Ayfer Sait Erkmen, chairman of the "immovable property commission" who claimed that after the ruling of the "supreme court" about the fenced off Varosha city, the road to apply to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) was closed.

He was referring to yesterday's decision of the "supreme court" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus (Havadis 22.10.19) which rejected with majority the appeal filed by Greek Cypriots against the decision of the "lower court", which argued that the properties in occupied Famagusta belonged to EVKAF religious foundation.

Murat Hakki, lawyer of the plaintiffs, told the paper that the process from now on would be related to how the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) would interpret and perceive this decision, adding that "if the decision of the majority is taken as basis and is implemented by the Commission, it could be said that the way will open for the Commission to become an effective local remedy for Varosha".

Erkmen claimed that after this development, those who want to apply for issues related to the fenced off Varosha city, have to apply to the "immovable property commission" and if their demands are not satisfied they have to apply to the "supreme court". Then, if their demands are also not satisfied then they would be able to apply to ECHR.

(CS)

[02] UBP "deputy" supports that most probably Tatar would be UBP's candidate in the "presidential elections"

Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (23.10.19) reports that so-called deputy with the National Unity Party (UBP) in occupied Lefkosia, Sadik Gardiyanoglu, in statements yesterday in a televised program in the occupied area of Cyprus, said that most probably the chairman of the party and "prime minister" Ersin Tatar would be the party's candidate in the forthcoming "presidential elections". Gardiyanoglu supported that Tatar's recent statement that he would listen to the voice of the party's base has caused mobilization and enthusiasm within the party.

Gardiyanoglu refuted claims saying that a possible candidacy by Tatar would lead to the collapse of the "coalition government" and said that they do not take seriously such allegations.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (23.10.19) under the front-page title: "We are entering a crucial week: Will the government break down?", reports that the chairman of the People's Party (HP) and "coalition partner" in the so-called government, Kudret Ozersay is very uneasy over the recent allegations that Tatar would be UBP's candidate in the forthcoming "presidential elections". According to the paper, people who are very close to Ozersay, said that Ozersay is feeling discomfort over this since Tatar did not keep the agreement they had in the past.

(AK)

[03] Tore criticized Akinci for his statements against the Turkish operation to Syria

Turkish Cypriot daily Hakikat (23.10.19) reports that Zorlu Tore "deputy speaker of the assembly", criticized the statements that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci made against Turkey's operation to Syria.

Tore made these statements during a visit he paid to the Turkish Great Union Party (BBP) leader Mustafa Destici.

Tore accused Akinci of not even referring to Turkey as "motherland" and of allowing games to be played as regards Turkey's guarantees to Cyprus. "Because the president thinks this way does not mean that the people thinks this way as well", Tore stated. He went on saying that Cyprus is a national cause for Turkey and everybody should show sensitively towards it.

He also expressed his support towards Turkey's operation to Syria.

(CS)

[04] Ustel: "The ancient port of Keryneia will become a center of attraction"

Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (23.10.19) reports that so-called minister of tourism Unal Ustel in statements yesterday to illegal BRT announced that they would launch restoration works at the "ancient port" of occupied Keryneia in order as he said for the port to become a center of attraction.

According to Ustel, with the initiative of the "ministry", a project for the innovation of the historic port of occupied Keryneia will be implemented. Ustel said that the tenders for the project will open next week and explained that the works would be launched in December and are expected to be concluded by April 2020. "Our goal is for the historic ancient port of Keryneia to become a center of attraction", Ustel said, pointing out that among the works to be carried out in the port is the change of canalization system, lighting up the area, environment monitoring, restoration of the surrounding buildings e.t.c.

(AK)

[05] According to data, the production in the occupied area of Cyprus has been decreased

Under the title "The production decreased, we can't sell abroad", Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Yeni Duzen (23.10.19) reports that the "trade department" published reports on "imports and exports in January-June 2019", where there is a significant decline in exports compared to 2018.

The paper reports: "According to official data, in January to June of 2019, exports decreased by 17% compared to the same period of 2018 and were valued at 42.6 million dollars. The exports to Turkey showed a decline by 40% with 1.60 million dollars. The exports to countries outside of Turkey compared to June of the previous year fell by 36%. The imports in June 2019 decreased by 34% compared to May of 2018, determined to 85.4 million dollars. The imports between January-June 2019 comparing to the same period in 2018 were announced as 672.3 million dollars showing a decrease of 24%."

Speaking to the paper, Candan Avunduk, chairman of the "Chamber of Industry", said that "the data reveals that the production sectors in the country are declining, citing the wrong policies of the administrations as one of the main reasons for the decline in exports".

Turgay Deniz, chairman of Chamber of Trade, speaking also to the paper, said: "The purchasing power has decreased as a result of high inflation. Therefore, the demand for certain products has decreased and the consumption of these products has decreased".

(DPs)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Turkey hails 'historic' Syria deal with Russia

Turkish daily newspaper Yeni Safak (23.10.19, https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-hails-historic-syria-deal-with-russia-3503484), with the above title, reports that Turkish top officials on Tuesday hailed Turkey's "historic" deal with Russia on Syria.

The deal came during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's one-day working visit to Russia's coastal city of Sochi, where he met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss Syria and Turkey's anti-terror operation in northern Syria. During the meeting, Turkey and Russia reached a 10-point agreement.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu shared the details of the agreement on Twitter.

According to the deal, Ankara and Moscow agreed on the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity and political unity. The two sides also agreed that all YPG/PKK terrorists will be removed from Syria's Tal Rifat and Manbij. "#StrongTurkey under the leadership of President @RTErdogan," Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter.

Thanks to the strong leadership of Erdogan, a "historic" diplomatic success has been achieved, Turkey's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said in a Twitter post. Altun said that Turkey will continue to fight against terrorism with the cooperation of friendly and allied nations, adding: "This is a great day for civilized nations fighting against terrorist groups".

"Today's agreement between Turkey and Russia marks the beginning of a new era in our bilateral relations," he said, adding: "Syria's territorial integrity and political unity are key to a stable future in the region.

"Today's agreement with Russia is independent of the Turkey-US deal, under which all PKK/YPG terrorists are required to leave the safe zone," he added. (…)

On the same issue, under the title "Turkey, Russia reach deal on terror-free zone in northern Syria", Turkish daily newspaper Sabah (22.10.19, https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/10/22/turkey-russia-reach-deal-on-terror-free-zone-in-northern-syria) reports that a senior Turkish official, speaking to the Daily Sabah on the condition of anonymity, said that Turkish and Russian delegations had very productive meetings in Sochi Tuesday and had reached an "excellent agreement" regarding the situation in northern Syria.

In a joint press conference with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shortly after, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Moscow understood Turkey's concerns about terrorism on its southern border. "We share those concerns; those separatist movements (in Syria) were recently instigated," Putin said. "It is important that terrorists do not take advantage of the Turkish military operation Operation Peace Spring in Syria," he warned.

Erdogan began his words by saying that Turkey will continue to work harder to address Russians' concerns about the situation in northern Syria. "Our Operation Peace Spring is being carried out to eliminate terrorists from the region; we are not eyeing any country's territory," Erdogan said.

The Turkish President said Turkey and Russia had agreed not to allow any separatist movements in Syria, adding: "As of October 23, 12:00 p.m., the People's Protection Units (YPG) and their weapons will be taken out of the terror-free zone and their positions will be dismantled", adding "The YPG will retreat 30 kilometers within 150 hours, and then Turkish-Russian joint patrols will be launched in the area 10 kilometers into Syrian territory".

Erdogan also said YPG terrorists in Tal Rifaat and Manbij will leave the area, giving up control of the northwestern Syrian towns. (…)

Following Erdogan and Putin's speeches, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavusoglu and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov read out the points agreed by Turkish and Russian delegations regarding the northern Syria safe zone. (…)

President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin agreed on the following points:

[01] The two sides reiterate their commitment to the preservation of the political unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the protection of Turkey's national security.

[02] They emphasize their determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to disrupt separatist agendas on Syrian territory.

[03] Within this framework, the established status quo in the current Operation Peace Spring area, covering Tel Abyad and Ras Al-Ayn within a depth of 32 km, will be preserved.

[04] Both sides reaffirm the importance of the Adana Agreement. The Russian Federation will facilitate the implementation of the Adana Agreement in the current circumstances.

[05] Starting at 12.00 noon of October 23, 2019, Russian military police and Syrian border guards will enter the Syrian side of the Turkish-Syrian border, outside the area of Operation Peace Spring, to facilitate the removal of YPG elements and their weapons 30 km from the Turkish-Syrian border, which should be finalized in 150 hours. At that moment, joint Russian-Turkish patrols will start in the west and the east of the area of Operation Peace Spring within a depth of 10 km, excluding Qamishli city.

[06] All YPG elements and their weapons will be removed from Manbij and Tal Rifaat.

[07] Both sides will take necessary measures to prevent infiltrations of terrorist elements.

[08] Joint efforts will be launched to facilitate the return of refugees in a safe and voluntary manner.

[09] A joint monitoring and verification mechanism will be established to oversee and coordinate the implementation of this memorandum.

[10] The two sides will continue to work to find a lasting political solution to the Syrian conflict within the Astana Mechanism and will support the activity of the Constitutional Committee.

The first meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee will be held on Oct. 29-30 in Geneva. (…)

[02] Turkish Defence Ministry: New operation in Syria is not needed further

According to Turkey's state news agency Anadolu (23.10.19, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/operation-peace-spring/new-op-in-syria-not-necessary-turkish-defense-ministry/1623206), Turkey said early Wednesday there is no further need at this stage for it to conduct a new operation in northern Syria outside its present operation area.

"Turkey will never let a terror corridor be established to the south of its borders and our resolute fight against terrorism will continue," the Defence Ministry said in a written statement. (…)

The statement underlined that at the end of a 120-hour pause, the U.S. reported that the withdrawal of the PKK/YPG terror group from a designated safe zone region was completed. (…)

Ankara and the U.S. agreed on a 32-kilometer (20-mile) safe zone south of the Turkish border in Syria, where Turkey wants to accommodate Syrian refugees it is currently hosting.

"We have shown due sensitivity in fulfilling all the obligations we agreed to," the statement said.

It also stressed that within the scope of an agreement reached Tuesday between Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Russia's coastal resort city of Sochi, joint activities with Russia will start from Wednesday. (…)

"By creating a peace corridor in the area, we will ensure the safe and voluntary return of displaced Syrian brothers and sisters to their homes and lands," the statement concluded.

[03] CHP leader criticizes replacement of HDP mayors with trustees

According to Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet Daily News (22.10.19, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/chp-leader-criticizes-replacement-of-hdp-mayors-with-trustees-147825), main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kiliçdaroglu criticized the government's move of replacing four mayors from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) with state officials.

"The dismissal of mayors and the appointment of trustees in their place is contrary to democracy," Kiliçdaroglu said on Oct. 22 addressing his party group members at the Parliament.

"One of the first rules of justice is democracy, respecting the will of the nation," he stated.

Recalling that trustees are appointed in the provinces of Diyarbakir, Van, and Mardin, Kiliçdaroglu asked: "Then why did you hold these elections?"

The elected mayors of these provinces had taken necessary documents from the prosecutors and the High Election Board approved their candidacy, the CHP leader said.

If they were criminals, then the security forces would have caught them, he noted.

The government's move to replace mayors from any party is against democracy, Kiliçdaroglu stressed. "Our line is justice and democracy," he said and added: Where justice is so harmed, the economy will be harmed. (…)

Kiliçdaroglu also criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of not responding to a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, which is identified as against "diplomatic courtesy".

"Trump wrote the letter in a humiliating language. The Republic of Turkey did not see a letter so insulting. You remember Inönü's response to Johnson. How did they accept this letter? How does the U.S. have leverage?" Kiliçdaroglu said.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(DPs/ EH)

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