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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-12-06Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review-06.12.2019 No. 752 Context[A] Turkish Cypriot Press
[B] Turkish Press
[A] Turkish Cypriot Press[01] "The Libya-Turkey deal is part of the efforts to protect Turkey's position", Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister saysAccording to illegal Bayrak television (06.12.19, https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=turkey-libya-agreement-approved), Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Yavuz Selim K?ran evaluated the approval of the memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Libya on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that was approved by Parliament.He claimed that the steps being taken that were aimed at trapping Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean have been overcome for some time now and added that they will continue with their efforts to protect Turkey's position. "The agreement with Libya is a part of this" said K?ran. Speaking during a conference he attended, the Turkish deputy Foreign Minister pointed to the importance of Turkey's presence in the region and in the world. Claiming that in the Eastern Mediterranean some countries were trying to achieve a fait accompli in the region with their unilateral activities and therefore there was a fight for sovereignty and sharing of hydrocarbon resources, K?ran added that some countries were trying to isolate Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean. "With its unilateral fait accompli, with its behaviour that is against international law, the 'Greek Cypriot administration' [Cyprus government] is reportedly abusing its EU membership by adopting a stance that is unwarranted and does not comply with any rule or law", claimed K?ran and added that all attempts to isolate Turkey or trap it within the Eastern Mediterranean have been overcome. He said that once the agreement is approved by Libya's Presidential Council, the UN will be informed and they will register their maritime jurisdiction, especially their borders to the west of Cyprus with the UN. [02] Samani: "New elements have emerged with the statement by Guterres in Berlin"Turkish Cypriot illegal Bayrak (06.12.19, https://www.brtk.net/samanigutteresin-berlin-aciklamasi-ile-devreye-yeni-unsurlar-girdi/) broadcasts that Meltem Onurak Samani, general coordinator of the technical committees at Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's office, has said that "new elements have emerged in with the statement made by UNSG Antonio Guterres in Berlin" and added that these new elements should not be ignored.In statements on a TV program on Friday, Samani argued that the period of negotiating for the sake of negotiations was closed and that "in the reports of the UN Security Council and the UNSG it is said that open ended processes have ended and the period of a new result oriented process began". Noting that an agreement on holding a five-party conference had been achieved in Berlin, Samani pointed out that all sides should state that they were ready in order for the conference to be convened. "The new elements are a process with stages, phases and a strategic agreement", she said adding that the UNSG would consult with all sides and the five-party conference would possibly be convened after the "elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus. Samani argued that carrying out planning regarding producing a strategic agreement has been reaffirmed in Berlin and added that this was "a new and extremely positive element". "The way to be followed is being perceptive, demanding what is for the benefit of all sides within the UN framework and reasonable", she argued. Responding to a question regarding the forthcoming "elections", Samani said that Akinci had run in 2015 "with a demand of the people". "I am observing the same thing now", she added. (I/Ts.) [03] Akinci told them nothing new about the Berlin meeting, says ErhurmanTurkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Duzen (06.12.19) reports that Tufan Erhurman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has said that during the recent briefing of the political parties represented in the "assembly", Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci told them nothing new regarding the tripartite meeting with President Anastasiades and the UNSG held on 25 November in Berlin.In statements on a TV program, Erhurman noted, however, that they had the opportunity to ask questions and get answers on some issues. He argued that the view of his party that the tripartite meeting would be a success if "the door for a five party meeting opened" was proved to be correct. He also claimed: "[…] The UNSG report has put forward that we were right. However, when Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades started debates on political equality, Guterres could have said to him 'leave aside all these, let us discuss the basic matters'. Anastasiades forced us to waste two and a half years. Political equality is a basic parameter and it is not an issue for discussion. The whole of Cyprus needs a comprehensive solution the soonest possible. Since the agreement signed recently between Turkey and Libya was added to the process, serious tension exists in the Eastern Mediterranean. This situation could secure peace in the area. Therefore, in Berlin it could have been stressed that the process is not open ended, but this did not happen. Insisting on the issue of federation, we must actually explain on which issue we insist. Everybody alleged that Anastasiades was ready to discuss confederation or two states, but it was seen what happened recently in Berlin and which formula is on the UN's table. You know that in the government's program it was said that 'we will negotiate two separate states under the EU roof'. Anastasiades should recognize the TRNC first in order for this to happen. And this is not enough. It should be accepted by the 28 EU member states and the Five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council. Recently in Berlin the UN said 'bi-communal, bi-zonal federation based on political equality'. It once more declared federation, which is a Turkish position. Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side have put this position on the table together. […]" (I/Ts.) [04] Akinci briefed Turkish Cypriot political parties not represented in the "assembly" on Berlin summitTurkish Cypriot daily Haberal K?br?sl? (06.12.19) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, who is holding a series of briefing meetings on the outcome of the trilateral Berlin summit, met yesterday with the representatives and leaders of the Turkish Cypriot political parties which are not represented in the "assembly".According to the paper, the leader of the Communal Liberation Party- New Forces (TKP-YG) Mehmet Cakici, the leader of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan, the general secretary of the Cyprus Socialist Party (KSP) Mehmet Birinci, the leader of the National Democracy Party (MDP) Buray Buskuvutcu, the general secretary of the New Cyprus Party (YKP) Murat Kanatli and the representative of the Bag?ms?zl?k Yolu ("Independent path organization"), Munur Rahvacioglu, attended the meeting. On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberator (06.12.19) reports that in a short statement at the "presidential palace", the leader of TKP-YG, Mehmet Cakici stated that his party always has and always will support a federal solution in Cyprus. Cakici further said that no other alternative than the federal solution can be discussed at the negotiating table and argued that the side that will be harmed the most from the non-solution of the Cyprus problem, will be the Turkish Cypriot side. (AK) [05] Arikli to Akinci: "Why not talk about security and guarantees?"Turkish Cypriot daily K?br?s (06.12.19) reports that the leader of the Revival Party [YDP- TR. Note: The party of the settler] Erhan Arikli asked why the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci why he does not talk at all about the issues of security and guarantees.Speaking yesterday at a meeting of his party at occupied Vatili, Arikli stated that Arikli referred to the Berlin meeting of November 25th and claimed that Akinci is "telling fairytales": "There are absolutely no news about Berlin. Akinci is thinking how to bring back to life the idea of federation that was killed by the Greek Cypriots and is reaching for the impossible. He just asks for another chance for this. We say that the idea of federation has died, it belongs in the past. Anastasiades, alleged Guterres and most importantly mother land Turkey are talking about new things, new alternatives. However our federation supporters do not even want to talk about these ideas", he stated. He went on and stated that Akinci does not refer to the issues of security and guarantees anymore which are very important for the "people". "At a time when people who carry ELAM mentality are in the picture, how do you Mr Akinci open the discussion about security and guarantees and take steps back on the issue? Who gave you this right?", Arikli asks. (CS) [06] CTP to run with its own candidate in the "elections"Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Duzen (06.12.19) reports that the committee of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) convened last night and reaffirmed its previous decision that the party would run with its own candidate in the "presidential elections", which will be held in April 2020 in the occupied area of Cyprus. The paper notes that the committee will convene within the next few days to decide the name of this candidate.Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot newspaper K?br?s Postas? (06.12.19) draws attention to the fact that while the final countdown for the "elections" started, no one "officially" announced his/her candidacy. The paper recalls that the names of possible candidates discussed within the public are the following: Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, self-styled prime minister and leader of the National Unity Party (UBP), Ersin Tatar, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Tufan Erhurman, self-styled foreign minister and chairman of the People's Party (HP), Kudret Ozersay, self-styled deputy with the Democratic Party (DP), Serdar Denktas, chairman of the settlers' Revival Party (YDP), Erhan Arikli and former "speaker" of the "assembly", Sibel Siber. (I/Ts.) [07] "The further development of cooperation between Turkey and the 'TRNC' is renewed", Baybars saysAccording to illegal Bayrak television (06.12.19. https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=baybars-visited-ankara), the self-styled minister of interior Aysegul Baybars met with the Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay and the Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu as part of her contacts in the Turkish capital, Ankara yesterday.Evaluating her meeting with Turkish Minister Soylu to the "BRT", Baybars said that "they evaluated some issues related with judicial cooperation between the two ministries and the irregular migration issue with Mr. Soylu". She added that "the agreements regarding the further development of cooperation between the two countries were also renewed during the meeting". She conveyed Soylu the "TRNC's ongoing support to Turkey in its fight against terrorism", adding: "We once again reiterated our readiness to discharge our responsibilities and our determined stance to cooperate with Turkey in its fight against terrorism. Turkey's fight against terrorism is also our struggle. In this regard, there are some executive and judicial steps we need to take in support of Turkey's fight against terrorism. I expressed the TRNC's support to Mr. Soylu and the Turkish nation". Meanwhile, as part of her contacts in Ankara, Baybars also came together with the Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay at the Presidential Complex. [08] Sucuoglu to attend OIC's 1st Ministerial Conference on Social DevelopmentAccording to illegal Bayrak television (06.12.19, https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=ministerial-conference-on-social-development), the self-styled minister of labour and social security Faiz Sucuoglu will attend the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's 1st Ministerial Conference on Social Development in Istanbul, which will be hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services between the 7-9 December.The First Ministerial Conference on Social Development will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Istanbul with the theme "Ensuring Social Equality and Welfare for all in the Member States: Opportunities and Challenges." Sucuoglu will address the Cooperation's 1st Ministerial Conference on Social Development on Monday, the 9th of December. [09] The occupation regime's Red Crescent Association attended the International IFRC-ICIC meeting in GenevaTurkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (06.12.19) reports that the "North Cyprus Turkish Red Crescent Association" participated in the 33th International Red Crescent-Red Cross meeting (IFRC-ICIC) which took place in Geneva.According to the paper, the "North Cyprus Turkish Red Crescent Association" attended the meeting under the observer's status. The "association" was represented by its "chairman", Bulent Cirakli and the "deputy chairman" Kemal Buba. The delegation of the occupation regime has carried out contacts in Geneva with the aim for its observer's status to be upgraded and become a full member. The paper adds that in total 191 members attended the meeting. (AK) [10] Inflation rate in the occupied area of Cyprus reached -0.47% in NovemberTurkish Cypriot daily Hakikat (06.12.19) reports that the "chairperson" of the so-called statistical authority in the occupied area of Cyprus, Turel Ozer Oksuzuoglu, announced that the inflation rate-cost of living in the occupied area of Cyprus for November 2019, has reached -0.47%, comparing with the previous month. Also, comparing with last December it has recorded a change of 10.20% and if compared with last November, a change of 8.55%.Moreover, according to the statement, comparing with last October, a rise has been recorded in the average price of 299 products. The price of 131 goods and services has dropped. (AK) [11] Number of the persons visiting breakaway regime by air and sea reducedTurkish Cypriot daily Diyalog (06.12.19) reports that the number of persons visiting the occupied area of Cyprus by air and sea for the first nine months of 2019 was 1,295,029, while the number of Greek Cypriots who visited the breakaway regime by road (via the barricades ) was 3,409,000. The paper cites information by the "central bank" as regards the first nine months of 2019.According to Diyalog, the number of persons who travelled via air and sea to the breakaway regime for the first nine months of 2018, was 1,339,697, that is to say the number was reduced by 44,000 visitors. However, the number of the persons who visited the breakaway regime by road has increased. The number of Greek Cypriots was 1,814,473 compared to 1,116,491 the same period in 2018. The number of foreigners who visited the breakaway regime by road in the first nine months of 2019 was 1,814,473 writes the paper, noting that the biggest increase in the numbers of visitors took place in June, July and August. (CS) [B] Turkish Press[01] Turkey-Libya deal ratified by ParliamentUnder the title "Libya deal was ratified by Parliament", Turkish daily newspaper Milliyet (06.12.19) reports that the Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean signed between Turkey and Libya was ratified on Thursday by Turkey's Grand National Assembly.The agreement was supported by the governing coalition parties, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Party (MHP) as well as the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Good Party (IP), with 293 representatives votes in favour of the memorandum. Only opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) did not back the agreement. Cahit Ozkan, Deputy with AKP, said that with this agreement Turkey's economic rights in the region have been safeguarded. Haluk Koc, Deputy with CHP, argued that the signing of this agreement has been delayed, but it was a "correct step". He further claimed that Turkey's position is always compatible with the principle of justice and international law. According to Turkish daily newspaper Sozcu (05.12.19, https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2019/gundem/son-dakika-dort-partiden-ortak-destek-5492465/), Ayd?n Sezgin, Deputy with IP, claimed that there is an initiative of gasping and violating Turkey's interests and rights in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the surroundings of Cyprus, adding that they will never allow this. Ismail Ozdemir, Deputy with MHP, claimed that this agreement is an attempt to protect the sovereign rights of both countries, especially, towards Greece. On the same issue, Milliyet (06.12.19, http://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-dogu-akdeniz-mutabakati-kabul-edildi-6094603) reports that Tulay Hatimogullari, Deputy with HDP, said that the Government of National Accord of Libya does not represent the whole of Libya, adding that the memorandum of understanding will be invalid in international courts. (DPs) [02] Erdogan asks Macron whether he has any right in CyprusUnder the title "NATO spirit entails joint efforts against terrorist threats faced by Turkey", Turkish daily newspaper Sabah (05.12.19, https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2019/12/05/nato-spirit-entails-joint-efforts-against-terrorist-threats-faced-by-turkey) reports that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking to journalists accompanying him during his visit to London for the NATO summit on Dec. 3-4, said the main topics throughout the summit were the refugee crisis, burden-sharing, cyber and hybrid threats, empowering solidarity within the alliance and relations with Russia and China, adding that he also shared Turkey's security concerns with other members.Commenting on the Libya agreement signed with the official government, which was submitted for approval to Parliament, Erdogan said: "But the other side is disturbed. Naturally, those who claim rights to things, for which they have none, are disturbed by such a situation. Particularly Greece, Egypt, the 'Greek Cypriot Administration of southern Cyprus' [Republic of Cyprus] and Israel are troubled, while they also provoke Europe". He added that France and Germany also touched upon the issue during Tuesday's quartet meeting in London. Explaining that France did not change its stance even after the necessary explanations were given, Erdogan said "I told him (Macron), 'Why are you insisting on this issue? Do you have any rights here? Turkey, Greece and the U.K. are the guarantors here. We use our guarantor rights. We have kin there – the 'TRNC' [the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus] ". Erdoganonce again voiced his determination to pursue and protect the rights of the "TRNC", saying, "We will protect the law and rights of our kin here." The President further indicated that some are putting forth inaccurate statements claiming that Turkey is violating international maritime law. "Turkey knows well what maritime law is and where international law comes into existence. As long as Libya's official government stands upright, this step will be carried out," he said. Meanwhile, the main principle of NATO is to pay regard to security challenges and threats faced by its members, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday, emphasizing the necessity for Ankara to receive the necessary support against terrorist organizations as the only country in the alliance fighting against several terrorist groups at once. "The allies should pay regard to Turkey's concerns just as we took the security challenges of the alliance seriously. We expressed during the summit and in bilateral meetings that there cannot be an alliance without solidarity," the President said. "It was unfortunate to see that some allies continue their cooperation with terrorist organizations while emphasizing the struggle against terrorism at the same time," he added. Underscoring Turkey's responsibility in various task forces from Iraq to Afghanistan, Erdogan said Ankara has made significant military and economic contribution to the alliance since the beginning of its membership in 1952, also noting that defence spending has reached 1.9% of its total GDP. Moreover, Erdogan said that he held a "very productive" meeting with Trump, in which the establishment of working groups on the $100 billion trade volume target, the S-400 defence systems and the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets was discussed. "We also discussed regional issues," Erdogan said. Noting that bilateral meetings with the Spanish and Greek Prime Ministers were also held on the sidelines of the summit, Erdogan said that he communicated Ankara's expectation of more awareness from Athens on the deportation of fugitive members of the PKK, Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) and Gulenist Terror Group (FETO) in his meeting with Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. [03] Three mayors in eastern Turkey detained over "terror links"According to Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet Daily News (06.12.19, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/3-mayors-in-eastern-turkey-detained-over-terror-links-149501), as part of a terror probe in eastern Turkey, several local officials from a political party accused of terrorist ties were arrested on Dec. 6, according to security sources.Three mayors and two co-mayors from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) were detained in the eastern Van province over suspected terror links. The mayors are Y?lmaz Salan of Muradiye, Yakup Amac of Ozalp, and Erkan Acar of Baskale. This August, mayors in the Van, Diyarbak?r, and Mardin provinces in eastern and southeastern Turkey were suspended over alleged terror links. They all came from the HDP, which Turkey's government accuses of having links to the YPG/PKK group. [04] Eastern Mediterranean among the issues discussed by Turkish and Italian Foreign MinistersAccording to Turkish daily newspaper Sabah (06.12.19, https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2019/12/06/fm-cavusoglu-condemns-feto-terrorists-participation-in-osce-meeting), Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met with his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio in Rome on Thursday to discuss a number of issues, including bilateral ties, Libya, Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey-EU relations.Cavusoglu and Luigi Di Maio met on the sidelines of the Mediterranean Dialogues (MED) conference. In a tweet, the Italian Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of a frank and constructive dialogue between Rome and Ankara to face strategic challenges. Di Maio exchanged views on the main regional crises, in particular in Syria and Libya, it said. Cavusoglu is expected to deliver a speech on Friday about Turkey's vision and strategy on issues regarding the Eastern Mediterranean on the sidelines of the conference. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION (DPs/ EH) Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |