Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-10-29

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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] Nami met with Sinirlioglu in Ankara

[02] Turkey's "ambassador" Kanbay: "We protect the Turkish Cypriot people's rights at every platform"

[03] Kalyoncu claimed that the reports that the occupied area of Cyprus is used as a transit point for people to join ISIL are without evidence

[04] BKP accuses the occupation regime of turning a blind eye to the transfer of Islamic State militants to Syria through the occupied area of Cyprus

[05] YKP argues that we need a framework agreement on the Cyprus problem

[06] The"Yialousa Initiative" held meetings with Turkish Cypriot politicians

[07] Toros on the water project

[08] Cyprus' religious leaders protest to the Europa Nostra Award 2015

[09] 81,000 students registered for 2015-2016 at the illegal universities in the occupied area of Cyprus

[10] Turkish police raid critical media HQ, shut down live broadcast of Koza-Ipek Group

[11] Erdogan commented on the raid against the Koza Ipek group

[12] Columnist Yetkin explains the Koza-Ipek case

[13] Turkish columnist similarizes the raid against the Ipek Media Group to the coup d'etats which took place in Turkey

[14] Erdogan: Turkey may hit US-backed Syrian Kurds to block advance

[15] Demirtas: YPG will cross Euphrates and you will look on

[16] Turkey to send commandos and gendarmerie special forces in south-eastern Turkey to secure the harmony of the elections

[17] Turkey issues list of most 'wanted' terrorists

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Nami met with Sinirlioglu in Ankara

According to reports, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's spokesman Baris Burcu told to the press that the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team met with Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu as well as officials from the Turkish Foreign Ministry with regards to the negotiation process.

Sinirlioglu said that they are pleased that the process will be intensified and support a fair and permanent settlement. He added that they did not want this opportunity to be wasted and the Greek Cypriot side should decide now what they want out of this. The negotiating team returned to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus yesterday evening.

[02] Turkey's "ambassador" Kanbay: "We protect the Turkish Cypriot people's rights at every platform"

Illegal Turkish ambassador to the occupied part of Nicosia Derya Kanbay, in a televised address on "BRT", stressed how honoured he was to be celebrating the 92nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey and the achievements of the country.

He commemorated those who gave their lives for their nation and noted that today the Republic of Turkey is a secular, social state functioning within the rule of law and well respected by other countries around the world.

Kanbay also said that he is very proud to be serving in the "TRNC" during this time and noted that he is especially pleased that he will be able to celebrate the 29th of October Republic Day with the Turkish Cypriot "people" who also celebrate the day as a "national holiday".

Touching upon the Cyprus issue which has been continuing for 50 years, Kanbay said that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side aim to find a bi-zonal, bi-communal, just, permanent and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem based on the political equality of the two sides.

Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot "people" have the right to live in security and humanely in the island just like the Greek Cypriots, Kanbay said that everyone knows it isn't possible to continue with their daily lives with the Cyprus problem remaining unsolved. "We are determined not to allow the Turkish Cypriot people to return to pre 1974 conditions. We fully support all efforts that have been exerted to find a solution to the Cyprus problem and we protect the Turkish Cypriot people's rights at every platform", Kanbay added.

He further said that "just like it was in the past the Republic of Turkey will today and in the future continue to stand by the side and support the Turkish Cypriot people".

Referring to the water transfer project that was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Kanbay noted that the Project of the Century will meet the water needs of the Turkish Cypriot "people" for the next 50 years. He also alleged that "this project which is a first of its kind around the world, will not only meet the needs of the Turkish Cypriot people but will allow for economic growth in the country and will be a water of peace".

[03] Kalyoncu claimed that the reports that the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is used as a transit point for people to join ISIL are without evidence

Replying to reports that the occupied port of Trikomo in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is used as transit point for people who wanted to join the rankings of the ISIL terrorist organisation in Syria, Kalyoncu said that he spoke with the so-called police general directorate and the "security forces commandership" and that although there are rumours there is no evidence supporting this claim. "We trust the police and this issue is something that will be under observation", Kalyoncu added.

[04] BKP accuses the occupation regime of turning a blind eye to the transfer of Islamic State militants to Syria through the occupied area of Cyprus

In a written statement, Korkmazhan asked the Republican Turkish Party ? National Unity Party (CTP-UBP) self-styled government to investigate the issue as soon as possible and take measures.

He noted: "If the information that Islamic State militants used the northern part of Cyprus as crossing point, it is not possible for the regime of the northern part of Cyprus, which possesses six intelligence organizations, thousands of troops and police, not being informed and not have given permission".

According to Korkmazhan, if it is assumed that the allegations are correct, it is obvious that the occupation regime "turned a blind eye" to the transfer of Islamic State militants to Syria through the occupied area of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[05] YKP argues that we need a framework agreement on the Cyprus problem

Reading a written statement at a press conference on the occasion of the 26th anniversary from YKP's establishment, Murat Kanatli, organizational secretary of the party, said that they will make a joint call on the community leaders and that they preserve their positive approach towards any kind of a draft agreement.

Kanatli noted that this framework agreement should include the issues of "foreign troops, the displaced and carried [Translator's note: from Turkey] population, the territory and property, the security and guarantees as well as the power sharing", which should constitute the main chapters of the negotiations.

Arguing that it is not necessary for the solution agreement to include details, Kanatli said that "the details might be completed in conditions of a democratic debate at the federal executive and legislative organs".

(I/Ts.)

[06] The"Yialousa Initiative" held meetings with Turkish Cypriot politicians

The "Yialousa Initiative", headed by its members Ozay Oykun and Ozer Oykun met with the chairman of the Democratic Party Serdar Denktas and told him that the persons living in the area "do not want to become refugees for a third time". On his part, Denktas stated that the results of the survey must be taken into consideration and added that the feeling of the great majority of the inhabitants of Yialousa must be respected.

Havadis (29.10.15) reports that the "Initiative" also held a meeting with the chairman of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit and informed him that they have also collected 750 signatures of the persons living in the area demonstrating their position.

Commenting on the issue, Ozyigit stated that the Turkish Cypriots have experienced many difficulties in the past. "However, I wish that no one will ever return to those days and those years", he stated, adding that in order for this to be achieved a new agreement as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem must be achieved. He also stated that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci is working towards finding an agreement that will be accepted by the Turkish Cypriots.

(CS)

[07] Toros on the water project

Toros stated that the water project is a unique project, no similar with any other project in the world. He also stated that it is a project that shows both the power of Turkey and its will for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

(CS)

[08] Cyprus' religious leaders protest to the Europa Nostra Award 2015

Under the title "Solidarity by the religious leaders", the paper writes that Archbishop II Chrysostomos and the breakaway regime's Head of Religious Affairs Talip Atalay have also not participated in the ceremony, for the same reason.

Archbishop Nareg told Kibris that "the invitations for an activity held at a religious place should be distributed by the owner of that religious place" and saluted the stance of both Archbishop Chrysostomos and Atalay.

On his part, Atalay told Kibris that this was an important event, but it should have been organized in a manner that the Armenian Archbishop would be included in this organization. He added: "Our view is clear. The activities regarding the places of religious worship should be organized together with the officials of that religion. Imagine that an award ceremony is held at Hala Sultan and I am invited. The same thing is valid for the Armenian Church. When there is a situation that concerns that place, the religious leader of that place should be in and at the head of this activity".

Meanwhile, the representation of the EU Commission stated that they have sent a special invitation to everyone with his name.

(I/Ts.)

[09] 81,000 students registered for 2015-2016 at the illegal universities in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the "ministry", 47,033 of these students are from Turkey, 21, 982 are nationals from other countries and 12,000 are "TRNC citizens".

In statistics compared to last year, 74,000 students had been recorded, showing an increase of 7,000 students this year. Last year 41,928 students had registered from Turkey, compared to the 47,033 this year.

[10] Turkish police raid critical media HQ, shut down live broadcast of Koza-Ipek Group

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on Oct. 26 ordered the Koza-Ipek Group to be placed under the management of a trustee panel while an investigation is ongoing into the group's purported ties to the U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, a former government ally. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) now accuse Gulen of heading a purported illegal organization that Erdogan believes is trying to topple the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government with followers working as insiders in the police, the judiciary and other state institutions.

The police fired tear gas and water cannons at the crowd gathered in support outside the media group's office building in Istanbul's Sisli district at around 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 28, two days after the initial court ruling, Dogan News Agency reported. The building is used by Kanalturk TV, Bugun TV, daily Millet, and daily Bugun, all of which are owned by the Koza-Ipek Group.

Breaking down the iron gates of the media group's compound, the police unplugged the wires and halted the TV stations' live broadcasts, escorting the newly appointed trustees into the building after scuffling with hundreds of employees and supporters of the Koza-Ipek Group gathered outside in support.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, meanwhile, launched an inquiry on Oct. 28 into some protesters outside the building on charges of "resisting security personnel", "preventing security personnel from doing their official duty", and "inciting crime", according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.

A dispute also flared up between Kanalturk editor Tar?k Toros and the trustees who entered the main broadcasting room of Kanalturk and Bugun TV, with Toros declaring that no one could meddle in their broadcasting.

After the channel's broadcast cut to black, Toros was forcefully removed from the building. He was handed a letter stating that he had been removed from his post. One of the appointed trustees, Umit Onal, said they faced fierce resistance from the company's employees, Anadolu Agency reported.

Koza Ipek Group of Companies Chair Ak?n Ipek said no trustee had the right to disrupt the media group's broadcast.

Kanalturk displayed the headline "our broadcast has been shut down" throughout the commotion.

Speaking over a phone call to the Kanalturk's main broadcasting room, Ipek said it was unlawful to seize the company.

Cihan News Agency reported that Ipek was ordered to pay the salaries of employees of the media group earlier than the usual payment day in order to not cause any financial inconvenience after the police raid.

The police raid drew stern criticism from lawmakers, academics, and supporters from different political backgrounds, with senior figures from opposition parties paying visits to express support to the media group.

Politicians from the three opposition parties visited on Oct. 28 the media organs of the Koza Ipek Company after an Ankara court appointed a trustee panel to the company on accusations that it was "involved in the activities of the Fethullahist Terror Organization."

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtas said the police raid of the media group building of the Koza-Ipek was "unacceptable," saying there was not only pressure on media but on the whole of society. "It's not a good start to the day. This is the 'AKP's Turkey'. It is not an acceptable practice. At first it seems like oppression of a media outlet, but in fact it targets the entire society," Dogan News Agency quoted Demirtas as saying during his meeting with representatives of Turkey's Jewish, Armenian and Syriac communities.

Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputies Safak Pavey, Sezgin Tanr?kulu, Mahmut Tanal and Baris Yarkadas also visited the Koza-Ipek office in support. Tanr?kulu said the seizure of the business of a media group amounted to a manipulation of the right to vote freely. "Four days are left until the election. A government critic media platform being seized by excessive police force and its broadcast shut down is a true intervention into the right to vote freely," Tanr?kulu said on his visit.

"Today is a shameful day. Everyone who made this decision and those who implemented it will have to answer for their crimes," said CHP Deputy Yarkadas.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 29.10.15) reports that Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahceli has called on acting Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to withdraw the police as well as the trustees who took over management of Ipek Media Group.

Speaking during a live interview on Wednesday night, Bahceli said that the government's "shameless move to destroy Koza Ipek Holding which owns 22 companies and to raid a building with a huge police force few days before the elections and to put members of the press in trouble is unacceptable".

[11] Erdogan commented on the raid against the Koza Ipek group

"There are different things behind the support lent [to the group]," Erdogan said late on October 28. "The reason for appointment of a trustee should be thoroughly deliberated because its number one is on the run," Erdogan said in a live interview with Kanal 24 news channel.

As Ak?n Ipek, CEO of the Koza-Ipek group, suggested there was no irregular transfer of money abroad, Erdogan asked why he was on the run.

"I hope the Turkish judiciary will have a fair decision," he said, adding that his office had some information on the issue, but the judiciary had their own information.

An Ankara court on Oct. 26 appointed a board of trustees to manage the Koza-Ipek group, seizing its 23 companies as part of a crackdown on Gulen followers.

The Ankara chief prosecutor's office said the seizure was linked to an investigation into the conglomerate on suspicion of "terror financing," "terror propaganda" and other offences related to Koza-Ipek's support for Gulen's Hizmet (Service) movement.

[12] Columnist Yetkin explains the Koza-Ipek case

"An Ankara court approved a demand by the prosecutor's office on Oct. 27 to seize administration of the Koza-Ipek business group, upon suspicion that it is 'financing terrorism', as part of an investigation ongoing since Sept. 1. The court decision came despite an inspection report saying no irregularities were found in the company records. Protesting the move, Ak?n Ipek, the founder and chairman of the group, said that if the courts found a penny of wrongdoing in its probe then he would donate the entire group to the government.

The court also appointed caretakers to the administrations of group's companies. In theory these should be independent names, but in practice they are either members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) or affiliated with it. The group has companies varying from gold mining to the media, from finance to education.

The Koza-Ipek group and Akin Ipek himself used to have excellent relations with President Tayyip Erdogan, back when the latter was Prime Minister and when relations between Erdogan's AK Parti and Fethullah Gulen, the Islamic ideologue living in the U.S., were also excellent. Gulen-sympathizing police officers, judges and prosecutors spearheaded roles in Erdogan's initiatives to clean the army, judiciary and universities from people who despise Erdogan and his AKP rule. The investments of the Koza-Ipek group, which supported Erdogan's government through media outlets, newspapers and TV stations, grew freely during that period.

Things started to change in 2012 when allegedly Gulenist prosecutors attempted to question National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head Hakan Fidan over covert contacts with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Erdogan considered this a threat to his own power. Later, relations hit a low point when allegedly Gulenist prosecutors opened corruption cases against members of Erdogan's government, his party and even his family in two waves of investigations on Dec. 17 and 25, 2013.

Erdogan subsequently accused Gulen and his followers of forming a 'parallel state within the state' in order to overthrow the government. He also claimed that because they were trying to stage a coup in this way, they should be regarded as terrorists, despite the lack of guns in the entire picture.

Akin Ipek has never hidden that he is a follower of Gulen. That is why the prosecutors are accusing him and his companies of helping a terrorist organization, adding more fuel to the debate on the independence of the courts just four days before Turkey's crucial election on Nov. 1.

But this case is not the only bad example in Turkey of lack of court independence and media freedom, since Koza Ipek holds four media outlets (the Bugun and Millet newspapers and the Bugun and Kanalturk TV stations).

It is also worth noting that other two publications close to Gulen had serious problems recently. Ekrem Dumanli, the editor-in-chief of the Zaman newspaper, resigned last month, saying the pressures on him did not allow him to fulfil his duties. Bulent Kenes, the editor-in-chief of Today's Zaman, was taken into custody over a tweet he posted, on the basis of 'insulting President Erdogan'. When combined with the pressure and attacks on the Hurriyet newspaper and the Dogan Media Group, as well as the pressure that critical newspapers like Cumhuriyet have been facing since the June 7 elections, it would not be exaggerating to say the level of pressure on media not in line with the government is on the rise.

But again, this situation is not only about court independence and media freedom. It has gained an investment freedom dimension as well.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said on Oct. 27 that if no one raised a voice against the Koza-Ipek case, the government could set new examples of seizures of companies and perhaps properties in the future.

It is not clear what else Turkey will see if the AKP is unable to regain its parliamentary majority in the Nov. 1 election., as an AKP lawmaker Aydin Unal vowed for 'more' in a televised interview yesterday."

[13] Turkish columnist similarizes the raid against the Ipek Media Group to the coup d'etats which took place in Turkey

Ozkok writes in his columns that the incidents occurred in Turkey reminds him of the coups which took place in the country on May 27, 1960, on March 12 1971 and on September 12, 1980.

"It was exactly at 16.33. The screens were black. I will never forget in my life those black screens which are the symbol of the totally black regime we have", Ozkok, inter alia, wrote.

(AK)

[14] Erdogan: Turkey may hit US-backed Syrian Kurds to block advance

NATO member Turkey is part of the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants in Syria, but it sees advances by autonomy-seeking Kurds, led by the Democratic Union Party (PYD), as a threat to its own national security, fearing they could encourage separatism among Turkish Kurds.

Turkish jets recently hit the Syrian Kurds' armed People's Protection Units (YPG) targets twice after they defied Ankara and crossed west of the Euphrates River. "This was a warning. 'Pull yourself together. If you try to do this elsewhere - Turkey doesn't need permission from anyone - we will do what is necessary,'" Erdogan said, signalling he could defy Washington's demand that Ankara avoid hitting Syrian Kurds and focus its military might on ISIL targets.

Erdogan, in remarks broadcast live on the Kanal 24 television station, also accused the PYD of carrying out "ethnic cleansing" in the area and said Western support for the Syrian Kurdish militias amounted to aiding terrorism.

Backed by US-led air strikes, YPG fighters captured Tel Abyad in June from ISIL, and this month a local leadership council declared the town part of the system of autonomous self-governing "cantons" run by the Kurds.

"The PYD is committing ethnic cleansing here (of) Arabs and Turkmen," Erdogan said. "If the Kurds withdraw and don't form a canton, there's no problem. But if the mind-set continues, then what is necessary will be done or we face serious problems.

"We are determined to (combat) anything that threatens us along the Syrian border, inside or out."

Turkey does not want to see an autonomous Kurdish entity resembling Iraqi Kurdistan emerging on its southern flank, said Erdogan, speaking days before a Turkish parliamentary election that has aggravated political and security tensions. Western allies are now arming the Kurds, he added.

"They don't even accept the PYD as a terrorist organization. What kind of nonsense is this?" he said. "The West still has the mentality of 'My terrorist is good, yours is bad'."

[15] Demirtas: YPG will cross Euphrates and you will look on

The quarrel started after Davutoglu said that the Democratic Union Party's armed YPG, a Syrian PKK affiliate, was hit by Turkish military forces twice in recent days as they were trying to cross the Euphrates. Speaking in a live interview on A Haber channel, Davutoglu said that Turkey had previously warned members of the YPG not to cross to the western side of the Euphrates and that if they did, Turkey would interfere. "We struck twice," he said, without giving further information.

Demirtas responded to Davutoglu earlier on Tuesday: "It is shameful to hit the PYD while ISIS maintains its presence in the region." Speaking on a live TV broadcast on Tuesday evening, Davutoglu responded to Demirtas: "Demirtas is the one who needs to be ashamed; the PYD will not cross the Euphrates."

Demirtas commented on Davutoglu's remarks regarding Turkey striking the YPG. On Tuesday evening in Istanbul he said: "As if the YPG cannot cross to the west of the Euphrates. They will, Davutoglu, the YPG will cross beyond the Euphrates and you will only gawk at them from the other side of the river."

[16] Turkey to send commandos and gendarmerie special forces in southeastern Turkey to secure the harmony of the elections

According to the Ministry of Interior, the Gendarmerie General Command has increase measures especially in regions in east and south-eastern Turkey in order to ensure the security of the elections. In crucial districts, commandos and Gendarmerie Unity of Special Forces will be dispatched. Also helicopters and armoured cars will be sent in the crucial regions.

The ballot boxes in Turkey will open on Sunday at 08.00 until 17.00. However, Turkey's Higher Election Board has decided for the regions of Giresun, Sivas, Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep, the ballot boxes to open at 07.00-16.00 since they are considered as crucial regions.

(AK)

[17] Turkey issues list of most 'wanted' terrorists

The "parallel state", known also by the initials FETO/PDY, is a purported clandestine group of Turkish bureaucrats and senior officials embedded in the country's institutions, including the judiciary and police, led by Gulen and his Hizmet (Service) movement, which allegedly is plotting to overthrow the elected government.

The online list, published Wednesday at www.terorarananlar.pol.tr, is divided into five color-coded categories: red, blue, green, orange and grey.

The red category includes, in addition to Gulen, other suspects, including "top" PKK terrorists Cemil Bayik, Murat Karayilan, and Duran Kalkan.

Bayik is one of the five founders of the terrorist PKK organization, while Karayilan is its acting leader, and Kalkan a senior commander.

In total, 72 PKK, 12 Daesh, 11 FETO/PDY, 2 DKHP-C (far-left Revolutionary People's Liberation Party Front) and 2 MLK-P (Marxist-Leninist Communist Party) members are included in the list, along with their full names, date and place of birth.

According to the website, any information relevant to the arrest or capture of the listed terrorists may result in a monetary award of up to 4 million Turkish liras ($1.38 million). TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(DPs/ AM)

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