Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-08-24

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozgurgun: Expecting a solution in Cyprus is tantamount to daydreaming

[02] Ozgurgun refers to the British Bases in Cyprus and their relation with the situation in Syria

[03] Asil Nadir is sentenced to 10 years in prison, but he will get out in 5; How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the issue

[04] How the Turkish press covered Asil Nadir's sentencing

[05] Reactions to Akca's statements on the economy of the regime continue; Elcil: "Mr. Governor cannot mislead us"

[06] The USA and Turkey discussed post-Assad planning for Syria

[07] Clashes continue in the south-eastern provinces of Turkey; 26 PKK members killed in Hakkari

[08] Arinc admits that 70 journalists are in prison in Turkey; he denies allegations that Turkey has problem in the freedom of press

[09] Folk dancing groups from Turkey, Azerbaijan and the occupation regime to participate to the "1st International Keryneia Municipality Folk dancing Festival"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozgurgun: Expecting a solution in Cyprus is tantamount to daydreaming

In a statement issued yesterday by his "ministry", Ozgurgun argued that expecting a solution to the Cyprus problem after the "Greek Cypriot side", as he described the Republic of Cyprus, assumed the term presidency of the European Union is tantamount to daydreaming.

Ozgurgun said that the work of the technical committees was going on and confidence building measures were being discussed.

He argued that uncertainty existed in the Cyprus problem because of the presidential elections which will be held next year in the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus. He added that the position of the next President of the Republic regarding the procedure of the Cyprus talks and whether he would accept the agreements reached until today is not known. He alleged that the statements of the candidates in the election campaign "are not an indication of hope" for the future of the negotiating process after the elections. He reiterated the allegation that the Greek Cypriot side does not need a solution in Cyprus and that it is satisfied with the status quo.

Ozgurgun alleged that the Greek Cypriot leadership uses its EU term presidency to promote its policy on the Cyprus problem and what he described as "defamation campaign" against the Turkish Cypriot side. "We are determined to take all necessary steps to confront this", he added.

Ozgurgun said that they are closely following the Republic of Cyprus' explorations for natural gas and oil in the Mediterranean and reiterated the view that the Turkish Cypriot "people" are "one of the two equal partners" of the island and "have a right on the island's natural resources". He argued that by carrying out the above-mentioned activities, the Greek Cypriot side ignores the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and "unavoidably increases the tension on the island and in the area".

Ozgurgun argued that the Turkish Cypriot side has submitted a "constructive" proposal on this issue but the Greek Cypriot side rejected this proposal without even discussing it. He said that this proposal was still on the table and alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side still wished for a just and lasting solution in Cyprus on the basis of the UN parameters.

He concluded by saying: "We must continue strengthening our state and increasing the prosperity level of our people. The ongoing support of motherland Turkey in all fields is of great importance. The Turkish Cypriot people living under isolation could not be further ignored".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozgurgun refers to the British Bases in Cyprus and their relation with the situation in Syria

In statements to Kibris Postasi, Ozgurgun argued that the issue of the British Bases had been discussed in the past during the incidents in Libya, the Gulf Wars and even during the Second World War. He said that the reason for which Britain uses its bases on the island in this manner is that a solution has not been yet reached in the Cyprus problem.

Ozgurgun expressed the following view: "There are two reasons for not having a solution: the first is the strategic and the second is the geopolitical conditions. The non-solution in Cyprus secures the function of the British Bases. We know that they used them in Iraq. Everyone knows it, but this situation turns Cyprus into a geopolitical and geostrategic power".

Ozgurgun argued that the involvement of the USA and Britain in the incidents in Syria is known and expressed the view that the situation in the Middle East will not calm down.

"Israel is entering into the issue of Cyprus because of the oil and the natural gas. Thus, it puts Cyprus into a difficult period", he alleged.

He noted that we see that many powers such as the USA, the UK, the EU, Russia, Israel and Turkey exist in Cyprus and added that "those who direct the world's policy are in Cyprus".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Asil Nadir is sentenced to 10 years in prison, but he will get out in 5; How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the issue

Under the title "Five years in prison", Yeni Duzen reports that Asil Nadir was sentenced to 10 years in prison as he was found guilty of 10 out of the 13 counts he was facing. The paper writes that Nadir will spend five years in prison and the other five years of his sentence will be "under surveillance". According to Yeni Duzen, the hearing for deciding the compensation and the interest which Nadir will pay to Polly Peck Company's administration will be held on 27 September. The paper writes that after the decision of the court was announced, 71 year-old Nadir stayed calm and cool, stating to the Turkish journalists, who were following the trial, that they had given much more difficult struggles and that this is an "easy job" for them. Asil Nadir's wife, 28 year-old Nur Nadir read out a written statement to the press after the trial noting that they would appeal the decision, that they believed in the British justice and that they would continue their efforts "to correct a mistake". Yeni Duzen writes also that the British press gave extensive coverage to the Asil Nadir case and refers to the words of the judge who told Nadir the following: "You were a wealthy man, you stole out of greed".

Nadir's newspaper, Kibris covers the issue under the title "He did not deserve this" and argues that the decision of the court caused sorrow to the Turkish Cypriots. The paper publishes statements made on the issue by self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime, Irsen Kucuk, the leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), Mehmet Cakici and the self-styled minister of finance Ersin Tatar.

Kucuk argued that the sentence imposed on Nadir was heavy and caused sorrow to the Turkish Cypriots. Kucuk noted that Asil Nadir offered "great services" to the economy of the "TRNC", the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus. Kucuk wished for the result of the appeal to bring joy to the Turkish Cypriots.

Cakici said they were sorry when they heard that Nadir was sentenced to 10 years in prison and wished for the appeal to have "positive results". He noted that Nadir was expecting that he would be acquitted and went to Britain having faith in the British justice. He said that most probably persons, with whom Nadir had consultations both in the occupied area of Cyprus and in Turkey, "gave him information in this direction", but it seems that he was "misinformed" either unknowingly or knowingly. "The process had a negative result in the end. It was revealed that there were other calculations in this job", he argued.

Ersin Tatar argued that Asil Nadir was not a swindler or a thief. "The technical mistakes of some of his advisors could not be burdened on him", noted Tatar adding that Nadir was a businessman who helped Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots to be modernized. Tatar said, inter alia the following, for Nadir: "His contributions to the Turkish Cypriots cannot be forgotten. He offered great services to Turkey as well. Asil Nadir has established Vestel, which is now a world known trade mark... During Asil Nadir's time, the Turkish Cypriot economy reached an important stage. He gave jobs, food and bread to the Turkish Cypriots. As Turkish Cypriots we are very sad. As a person who worked with him in the past and knows him well, I am very sorry in front of this situation. Mr Asil went to Britain by taking some 'assurances' regarding the trial?" Tatar said he started working with Nadir when he was 25 years of age and expressed his disappointment with the result of the trial.

Gunes newspaper refers to the statements made by Irsen Kucuk on its front page under the title "The punishment is heavy".

Under the title "The hopes in the appeal", Haberdar newspaper reports that Asil Nadir's 10 year imprisonment caused sorrow to the Turkish Cypriots, but those who love Nadir are hopeful about the result of the appeal. Haberdar writes that people who telephoned to the paper said they were sorry and argued that "political tricks might be involved" in this issue.

Vatan newspaper refers to the issue under the title "10 years in prison and in addition a heavy insult". This is how the paper describes the words of the judge, who had reportedly told Nadir that he stole out of greed.

The rest of the daily newspapers cover the issue under the following front-page titles:

Star Kibris: "10 years ? The judge announced that Asil Nadir could have the right to be set free after serving the half of his sentence".

Havadis: "10 year sentence, 5 years in prison"

Afrika: "10 years in prison". Under this title the paper writes that with the last two years he had been under custody and with the favours he will be given, Nadir's imprisonment is estimated that will last three years the most.

Kibrisli: "Nadir: This is easy for us'"

Volkan: "Is this your justice Brit?"

Halkin Sesi: "Big shock for Asil Nadir"

Ortam: "And the verdict: '10 years for Nadir'"

Bakis: "10 years in prison for Asil Nadir"

Meanwhile, weekly Cyprus Star (24.08.12) also refers to the issue on its front page under the title "Asil Nadir convicted. The end of a dream?"

In its editorial the paper writes, inter alia, the following:

"?It is right that Asil Nadir should be given credit for the enormous amount which he did for the fledging state in its early years. It is possible to say that without him North Cyprus might not have survived. He was one of the first successful North Cypriot businessmen to use his wealth and talents to help the economy of his homeland? Now that the case of Asil Nadir has been resolved many questions remain to be answered. Asil Nadir still controls a significant part of the TRNC's media. What is to happen to that? Will the British authorities seek to find some way to capitalize on his businesses and assets within North Cyprus in order to recoup what it perceives to be cash stolen by him to the detriment of shareholders and creditors of Polly Peck? And how will the authorities of North Cyprus react to any such attempt? Will the TRNC government recognize the condemnation by a jury of one of its most famous sons?

And there is the question of the role of others in the Polly Peck story. Some people have questions to answer. None more so than the current Minister of Finance, Ersin Tatar. It was alleged at the trial that Mr Tatar was an employee of Polly Peck who was personally responsible for the transfer of funds from the company's accounts to North Cyprus. If this is the case then certainly from the point of view of the British authorities he is implicated in the theft. At a time when North Cyprus is looking to break out into the international world is it right that its Minister of Finance and Economy should be tainted with such an allegation? ?"

(I/Ts.)

[04] How the Turkish press covered Asil Nadir's sentencing

Following are the titles of the Turkish newspapers:

Milliyet: "He was punished with 10 years imprisonment; his spouse said that it is a Conspiracy of the Greek Cypriots".

Writing in Turkish daily Milliyet, journalist Sefa Karahasan reports on yesterday's announcement of the decision of the British court to sentence Asil Nadir and publishes statements by Nur Nadir, the spouse of Asil Nadir who has said the following: "Mr. Nadir is not guilty yet. The procedure did not finish, a new procedure is to be launched". Nur Nadir alleged also that Asil Nadir was fined with this punishment due to a conspiracy of the Greek Cypriots and added: "This is a political case. This is a conspiracy designed by the Greek Cypriots. We will not give in to this, our struggle did not finish".

She also said that Nadir planned to appeal and added: "A guilty man does not come back to face justice of his own accord".

Cumhuriyet covers the issue under the title: "10 years imprisonment to Asil Nadir, he will serve 5 years in jail and then he will be released".

Hurriyet: "10 years to Asil Nadir". The paper covers the issue in its inside pages under the title: "I am the victim of a conspiracy". The paper reports on statements by Nadir after the announcement of the decision of the court who has said that this is a conspiracy.

Sabah: "10 years to Asil Nadir".

Zaman: "The British court sentenced Asil Nadir to 10 years imprisonment".

Aksam: "Asil Nadir has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment; he will serve in jail for 5 years and then he will be set free".

Today's Zaman, Hurriyet Daily News: "Turkish Cypriot tycoon sentenced to 10 years".

AK

[05] Reactions to Akca's statements on the economy of the regime continue; Elcil: "Mr. Governor cannot mislead us"

In a written statement, Elcil pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots are becoming more poor every passing day, due to the acceleration of the efforts exerted by the AKP government in Turkey to colonize the "north" of the island, and said that the "Turkish ambassador" in Cyprus, which is serving his duties in his position as a "Vali-governor", continues to present a "rose-colored picture" for the economy of the occupation regime.

Saying that an "ambassador of a foreign country", as Elcil described Akca, should make statements related only to the market prices, Elcil said that statements which are full of distortions should not be made neither from the opposition parties in Turkey nor from the Turkish government.

Elcil have said also that "Mr. Governor's statements" caused distress to the Turkish Cypriots.

Elcil stated that the annual money which were given by Turkey to the occupation regime are 850 million. He said that 300 million out of the 850 million were given to circles in the island which are close to AKP in order to contribute and make investments to the Turkish capital and to mosques and to a complex of buildings adjacent to a mosque while 150 million were given for the defence budget whereas 50 million were given for reforms that never were realized.

Elcil continued and accused Akca for making propaganda and said that the reality is the unemployment which exists in occupied Cyprus, the increasing number of suicides, the increasing number of bankrupted producers, the migrants and the growing number of the poor.

AK

[06] The USA and Turkey discussed post-Assad planning for Syria

The State Department said that senior diplomatic, military and intelligence officials from the US and Turkey met in Istanbul on Thursday to go over detailed operational plans for "the full range of contingencies". Officials said the US is positioning stocks of bio-hazard gear in the region as part of the planning for an international response if chemical weapons are used.

The steps are being taking "in case we confront a situation where (Syrian President,) Assad makes a terrible and horrific choice." State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters.

Thursday's meeting comes on the heels of President Barack Obama's statement that the use or movement of Syria's chemical weapons would be a "red line" for the United States to consider military intervention in the situation.

"In addition to laying out a response to the potential use of chemical weapons by Assad's regime, the officials focused on how to help secure them and other advanced or sophisticated armaments once he is out of power", Nuland said. "When that day comes when the Assad regime falls and we move into transitional government, the international community will want to offer the Syrian people support for managing and disposing of some of the most dangerous weapons of the Assad regime," she said.

The officials also focused on short-term aid for refugees fleeing the fighting and how to assist whatever government that follows Assad in maintaining law and order, rebuilding the economy, restoring public services and repairing infrastructure destroyed in the fighting.

"Historically, various levels of support have been requested for public safety, public security, for restructuring the military," Nuland said. "We need to be ready and available with a menu of options", she added.

[07] Clashes continue in the south-eastern provinces of Turkey; 26 PKK members killed in Hakkari

One Turkish soldier was killed early on Thursday while another soldier was shot dead and five others wounded in ongoing clashes with the PKK in Hakkari, hours after Ankara said it had killed 16 PKK members in the area following a raid on a military convoy.

Clashes in Semdinli district's Umurlu village left one Turkish soldier dead, while another five were injured, Hakkari governor's office said in a statement on Thursday. It said the causalities came after soldiers organized a military operation following an attack by the PKK members in Umurlu village.

The clashes underscore a growing cycle of violence in the remote, mountainous province of Hakkari bordering Iraq and Iran - a development which Turkish officials and analysts are linking to the conflict in nearby Syria.

The latest PKK attacks came only hours after government officials said Turkish troops had killed 16 PKK members in an offensive targeting PKK members who killed five soldiers and wounded seven on Wednesday in a bomb attack on their convoy in Semdinli. After Umurlu village assault, at least five more PKK members killed in Semdinli district, governor's office said in a second statement.

The statement said Turkish security forces launched a military operation after one Turkish soldier killed in the earlier attack in Umurlu village and killed five terrorists. The statement reiterated that the military operations in the region continue uninterrupted.

In a related development, Turkish troops killed five more PKK members in an attempt to prevent them from entering into central Semdinli district, governor's office said in a third statement.

In a sign of Ankara's concern over the violence in the mainly Kurdish region, the commander of the military's land forces arrived in Hakkari on Thursday. General Hayri K?vr?koglu said the army's operations would continue "without pause". "We always stand by our people. Our people should not worry. The Turkish armed forces will continue in its duty to protect the security of the people and the region," K?vr?koglu was quoted as saying on state media Anatolia's website.

(?)

[08] Arinc admits that 70 journalists are in prison in Turkey; he denies allegations that Turkey has problem in the freedom of press

Speaking late on Wednesday on a live TV show on the private news channel CNNTurk, Arinc said: "Those who say there's no freedom of the press in Turkey are liars. Those who say there is censorship in Turkey are liars. There's enough freedom of the press in Turkey".

"There are about 70 persons in prison who identify themselves as journalists. Some of them are behind bars due to simple offences. Some of them are being accused [for reasons related to] their journalistic activities...There are only one or two people who are on trial because of what they have written," Ar?nc said. "The third judicial package contains some changes related to press freedom. Those who complain about Turkey abroad, as though hundreds of journalists are in prison, have ideological aims. Their primary objective is to weaken the government", he added.

In further comments, Ar?nc praised Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as "the true hero of the people," adding that he bursts into tears when he sees the people's sympathy for Erdogan. "Erdogan is a true leader. He is the true hero of the people. His charisma is undeniable. His influence is perfect, and the public loves him so much," Arinc said.

[09] Folk dancing groups from Turkey, Azerbaijan and the occupation regime to participate to the "1st International Keryneia Municipality Folk dancing Festival"

The festival is organized by the so-called Municipality of occupied Keryneia and will be launched today and finish on August 26.

According to the paper, folk dancing groups from Azerbaijan, Turkey and the occupation regime were invited to participate to the festival.

In statements on the issue, the so-called mayor of occupied Keryneia, Sumer Aygin said that the "municipality of Keryneia" will organize a lot of events which aim as he said to contribute to the promotion of the town. He also invited all citizens and tourists to participate to the festival.

Aygin stated further that their aim is to make occupied Keryneia a town of culture and art.

AK http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EI/

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