Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-04-16

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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] Eroglu: if a solution is not reached in Cyprus everyone should go his way; He will reportedly meet with President Anastasiades on 22 May

[02] Eroglu remembers that the Republic of Cyprus is a common state when it suits him

[03] Statements by Tatar on black money and the gold reserves

[04] Evkaf is trying to take back the properties it allegedly lost during the British colonial rule

[05] Columnist criticizes Serdar Denktas for his statement on the Cyprus Airways

[06] Turkey's Minister of Youth and Sport is illegally visiting the occupied area of Cyprus

[07] The so-called "Natural produce foundation" became a member of the WFO

[08] First charter flight from Copenhagen conducted in the breakaway regime

[09] Destruction of antiquities continues in occupied Kaprasia

[10] New "university" will be opened in the occupied Kyrenia

[11] Businessmen from North Afrika and Middle East were invited to attend a fair and forum in the occupied area of Cyprus

[12] Turkey becomes first country with ambassador to Palestine

[13] Controversial statements over the PKK withdrawal from Turkish soil

[14] Famous Turkish pianist Faz1
l Say sentenced for blasphemy

[15] New TUSIAD board members, cannot receive an appointment with the Turkish Prime Minister

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: if a solution is not reached in Cyprus everyone should go his way; He will reportedly meet with President Anastasiades on 22 May

Addressing a ceremony on the occasion of the 57th anniversary from the transfer of the administration of Evkaf religious foundation to the Turkish Cypriot community, Eroglu referred to the Cyprus problem and claimed that they try to find a solution to this problem in full harmony with Turkey. He added: "We hope that our Greek Cypriot neighbors will the soonest overcome their economic problems and will come to the negotiating table with good will, a constructive mentality and ideas, which will ensure the solution of the Cyprus problem and turning the island into a center of peace, prosperity and tranquility".

Eroglu argued that the Cyprus problem should be solved so that the uncertainty ends and referred to statements made on this issue by the Turkish President, Abdullah Gul, the Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu and the Minister responsible for the EU, Egemen Bagis. Eroglu claimed that they want to use the issues of natural gas and the transfer of water and electricity from Turkey in the direction of making Cyprus an island of peace, prosperity and tranquility and of increasing the cooperation between Greece and Turkey.

"However, if they do not want a solution, they should stop being a fetter for us and everyone should go his own way", he alleged claiming that the Turkish Cypriot "people" are determined to defend their own "state", "sovereignty" and rights.

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (15.04.13) reported that, as it was announced yesterday, Eroglu will meet with President Anastasiades on the 22nd of May at a social gathering.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu remembers that the Republic of Cyprus is a common state when it suits him

In the "statement", is said that the Republic of Cyprus which was established in 1960 is a common state and that all its resources, including the gold belongs to the two "peoples" of the island. It is also stated that any income or assets that belongs to the Turkish Cypriots cannot be sold without their consent. Such an action, as well as hydrocarbon resources on the island, would consist of a rape of the Turkish Cypriots rights, it was claimed at the statement.

[03] Statements by Tatar on black money and the gold reserves

On the same issue, columnist Meliha Okur writing in Sabah, reports that Ersin Tatar said that he had denied the Russian and Iranian money.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (16.04.13) reports that Ersin Tatar, commenting on his father statements that they have rights on the gold reserves, said: "I totally agree with my father statement, who was comptroller general of the Republic of Cyprus. To whom and which property the Greek Cypriot side will sell? The Turkish Cypriots, who are also the founders of the Republic of Cyprus, have also shares on the gold?. If they touch it, the issue should be discussed between the two sides and our shares should be given to us? if they have needs, we also have needs?we will follow this issue."

[04] Evkaf is trying to take back the properties it allegedly lost during the British colonial rule

Addressing a ceremony on the occasion of the 57th anniversary from the transfer of the administration of Evkaf to the Turkish Cypriot community, Kaymakamzade alleged that it has come to light that approximately 35% of the island is allegedly Evkaf property and added that their duty is to bring these properties back to the foundation.

He also claimed that the Evkaf properties are being attacked in the government-controlled area of Cyprus and added that they are following the issue.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Columnist criticizes Serdar Denktas for his statement on the Cyprus Airways

"?Everyone who heard Denktas's statement could not desist from saying 'good Heavens'. Recently sarcastic and from time to time insulting statements for the Greek Cypriot side have been made by Egemen Bagis. I wonder, did Serdar Denktas take Egemen Bagis as an example? Is he imitating Egemen Bagis? If the situation is not so, the public opinion wants to know his real intention and the means he will use to achieve this intention. That is, to speak straightly, why did Serdar Denktas is presenting himself as trying to save the Cyprus Airways? When our airlines had gone bankrupt, he was only contented with protesting and considered it unimportant when businessmen would establish a new airline. What is the special characteristic of the Cyprus Airways and he is trying to save it? And of course, where will he find the money from? Who is the investor or the investors whom he will convince to put money? ?

Serious problems exist in the airport that has been privatized after the Turkish Cypriot Airlines (KTHY) went bankrupt. The aviation companies threaten by saying that 'we will go on strike'. The price of the airplane tickets has already been as high as to prevent the citizens' freedom of traveling. Now we are face to face with an airport problem. Very well, what is Serdar Denktas, who exerts efforts to save the Cyprus Airways, saying and doing before this situation? ?

I wish Serdar Denktas to save the Cyprus Airways and to come back and revive the Turkish Cypriot Airlines. Otherwise, we will all spend our lives by squibbing each other?"

(I/Ts.)

[06] Turkey's Minister of Youth and Sports is illegally visiting the occupied area of Cyprus

Suat Kilic has been welcomed to the occupied area of Cyprus by the so-called Turkish ambassador to the occupied Lefkosia, Halil Ibrahim Akca, as well as by the so-called minister of education, youth and sport Mutlu Atasayan who met Kilic during his arrival at the illegal Tymbou airport.

In statements upon his arrival, Kilic expressed pleasure over his visit to the occupied area of Cyprus and sent Erdogan and Gul's regards.

Referring to the University Sport Games that will take place today in the occupied area of Cyprus, Kilic said that this event is very important both for the future of the "TRNC", as he described the occupation regime, as well as for the future of youth. He added that the University Sport Games event is one of the most important international sport events with the most participation from foreign countries.

Kilic thanked also the athletes from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Pakistan, Afghanistan Turkey and the "TRNC" who will participate to the sport games.

In the framework of his visit to the occupation regime, Kilic has also participate and delivered a speech at a seminar organized last night at the illegal YDU university by the "Academy Cyprus Development Platform".

Delivering a speech there, Kilic referred to the strong ties between Turkey and the occupation regime, describing the "TRNC" as a full independent "state", which is as he said the closest partner and the fellow traveller of Turkey in its international relations.

Kilic assured that Turkey will always continue its efforts for the lifting of the so-called embargoes and the recognition of the occupation regime.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (16.04.13), Turkey's Minister Kilic will lay down today the foundation stone for the 5th Students Campus at the illegal DAU, which is financed by the Turkish government.

The so-called minister of education, youth and sport, Mutlu Atasayan as well as the "Turkish ambassador" to occupied Lefkosia, Halil Ibrahim Akca will also attend the foundation stone ceremony.

AK

[07] The so-called "Natural produce foundation" became a member of the WFO

According to a statement issued by the TUK, the "foundation" participates to the assembly together with the "Turkish Cypriot farmer's Union". The general assembly meeting started yesterday and will continue until April 18.

The paper writes that the "TUK" foundation has also become a member of the World Farmers Union (WFO), since its application for membership has been approved unanimously by the 50 member countries.

AK

[08] First charter flight from Copenhagen conducted in the breakaway regime

Akmina Travel, which according to the paper brought more than 40 million tourists from Poland, Belgium, Germany, Holland and Italy last year in occupied Cyprus, conducted yesterday its first chapter flight from Copenhagen, Denmark, in the framework of cooperation with a local tourist agency named "Tourisrejser".

The first 189 passengers, who arrived in illegal Tymvou airport from Copenhagen, were received by the self-styled minister of tourism Unal Ustel and various other "officials" during a cocktail party with local drinks and food. Speaking during the cocktail, Ustel said that they aim for a 12-month tourism period and Scandinavian countries are on of their main targets for this.

[09] Destruction of antiquities continues in occupied Kaprasia

Albayrak recalled that in the past they had also destroyed Saint Theklis chapel and Kastros Neolithic reservation in Karpasia, and noted that these three incidents are their "triangle of shame".

(I/Ts.)

[10] New "university" will be opened in the occupied Kyrenia

According to the paper, the name of the "university" will be "University of Kyrenia Ltd." and it will be located in the occupied Kyrenia. It is also reported that the shareholders of the company, University of Kyrenia Ltd belongs to Dr. Suat Gunsel's daughter Cemre Gunsel, son Aziz Gunsel and his son-in-law Enver Haskap.

The paper also reports that this new "university" has been already registered. It also applied to the so-called Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YODAK). However, it is not known whether the above mentioned "university" will be approved directly by "YODAK" or the so-called ministry of national education, youth and sports.

[11] Businessmen from North Afrika and Middle East were invited to attend a fair and forum in the occupied area of Cyprus

As the paper writes, in the framework of the event, around 40 Turkish Cypriot firms will participate to the fair. At the same time, around 20 businessmen from North Afrika and Middle East were invited by the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" to attend the forum and the fair, writes the paper.

AK

[12] Turkey becomes first country with ambassador to Palestine

Reflecting the upgraded status of Palestine from an entity to a non-member state by a UN vote in November, Torunlar has officially been titled as the first ambassador to Palestine. Before the UN vote, Torunlar served as Turkey's consul general in Jerusalem. Having presented his credentials to Abbas, Torunlar became the first foreign ambassador formally recognized by Palestine.

Torunlar took office as Turkey's consul general in Palestine in 2010.

Turkey recognized Palestinian statehood in 1988 and first sent an envoy to Palestine in 2005.

[13] Controversial statements over the PKK withdrawal from Turkish soil

Speaking at a news conference in Parliament on Monday, he said: "When we take a look at the ongoing process, we see that the PKK first started with a ceasefire and it will launch the withdrawal process within several days with concrete steps being taken for disarmament."

Baluken also noted that they expect the handling of the solution of the Kurdish problem and democratization through legal and constitutional amendments following the withdrawal of the PKK.

However, Turkish daily Hurrieyt Daily News (16. 04.13) reports that Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirta
said on Monday that it would be difficult for Kurdish militants to disarm before leaving Turkey under the peace process, stressing that the key issue was that they depart peacefully without contact with the Turkish military.

"Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo
an's government is seeking a weapons-free pullout by militants of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), as part of a drive to end the three-decades long conflict. The militants themselves however have expressed concern that they could be vulnerable to attack. Hundreds were killed in clashes with security forces in a previous withdrawal in 1999", Hurriyet reports.

"Prime Minister Erdo
an says disarmament must occur but even he, knows that is technically impossible. He says, 'Leave the weapons in a cave or bury them, do whatever you want,' but who will regulate this?" Selahattin Demirta
, co-leader of Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), told Reuters in an interview during a visit to Berlin. "So we shouldn't get too hung up on this issue, and it appears that the government won't turn this into a crisis."

[14] Famous Turkish pianist Faz1
l Say sentenced for blasphemy

"I am sorry for my country after the court's ruling," Say said after the sentence was meted out. "I am disappointed in the sense of freedom of speech. I am worried more for the state of freedom of speech and belief in Turkey than I am for my own sentence."

Say had been the focus of a legal battle since he re-tweeted several lines, which are attributed to poet Omar Khayyam in April 2012, saying: "You say its rivers will flow in wine. Is the Garden of Eden a drinking house? You say you will give two hours to each Muslim. Is the Garden of Eden a whorehouse?"

He had also tweeted, "I don't know whether you have noticed or not but wherever there is a stupid person or a thief, they are believers in God. Is this a paradox?

"Say's lawyers said the artist had "no intention of insulting or degrading" religion with the tweets, but their defense failed to sway the court.

Say was initially handed eight months for "committing and insisting on committing a crime" before the court tacked on an additional four years because the artist voiced the insult through "a mode of publication." The sentence was eventually reduced to 10 months, which was then suspended, allowing Say to remain free if he completes a supervised five-year term without committing a similar crime.

Reaction against the ruling was swift on both social and conventional media, with famous names in Turkish art stepping up to show support for the convicted pianist.

Turkish author Elif ^
afak tweeted, "I am deeply surprised and saddened to hear about the sentence given to well-known pianist Faz1
l Say." Journalists Ece Temelkuran and Kanat Atkaya also tweeted statements of support for the pianist. Prominent film critic and writer Atilla Dorsay, who recently resigned from daily Sabah over recent clashes at Emek Theater, described the ruling as "horrid," according to daily H?rriyet.

The case also caused a strong backlash internationally as well, with the European Union and PEN voicing concern over freedom of speech in the country.

A spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Brussels was "concerned" by the 10-month sentence, which "underlines the importance for Turkey to fully respect freedom of expression," Agence France-Presse reported.

English PEN also released a statement on the ruling, saying the institution was "shocked" to learn of the sentence. "The conviction is in violation of Say's right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and should be overturned immediately," the statement said.

Culture and Tourism Minister ?mer ?elik said despite not wishing for "anyone to be involved with judicial decisions over what they said," it should be taken into account that there was "a judicial decision here."

[15] New TUSIAD board members, cannot receive an appointment with the Turkish Prime Minister

According to the paper, the mission visited Ankara twice last week for the aforementioned talks, but could not receive its desired appointment with the premier.

Newly elected T?S0
AD boards traditionally demand appointments in Ankara one week after assuming their positions. Daily Hurriyet columnist Erdal Saglam wrote yesterday on the issue: "I think the new board formed at the general assembly on Jan. 17 picked the same way. They should be asking for appointments from Ankara, mainly the prime minister starting from late January at the latest. Thus we can say that the new T?S0
AD board could not get the appointment for more than two months. We do not know about the reason for that, but certainly this is not normal."

In addition, the paper writes that TUSIAD has called on the government to consider three main principles for the country's new charter.

The group's demands, which were listed in a statement yesterday, include judicial freedoms, universal rights and freedoms and a change in the democratic representation system, although the organization did not specifically mention the current election threshold of 10 percent in general elections.

"The list came at a time when the ties between the group and the government are being discussed amid a media report questioning whether Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reluctant about giving an appointment to newly elected TUSIAD Chairman Muharrem Y1
lmaz.", Hurriyet notes

EI/ http://www.moi.gov.cy

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