Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-01-27

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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] The Turkish self-styled ambassador to Nicosia refers to a "geographic federation, two lands, two peoples and two sovereignties" in Cyprus

[02] TMT: "We oppose to even a single Greek Cypriot coming and settling in the north"

[03] Bozkir: We wish for a solution that will make the two sides in Cyprus happy

[04] Ozyigit: The system of guarantees must continue until trust is established between the two communities

[05] Siber met with the President, the Assembly Speaker and the Prime Minister of Iraq

[06] Davutoglu: Great difficulties but also great opportunities ahead of us regarding the Cyprus problem

[07] Akansoy: Funding has been released for Deryneia and Lefka checkpoints

[08] New representatives of the breakaway regime in Azerbaijan and Hungary

[09] Sucuoglu: The advertising campaign in Britain was effective

[10] The "municipalities" in the occupied area of Cyprus spend the utmost of their budget in the personnel expenses

[11] The "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" is having contacts in Turkey in order to establish calibration in laboratory

[12] Cavusoglu: Turkey to boycott Syria talks if PYD invited

[13] Erdogan: District governors should act against PKK

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The Turkish self-styled ambassador to Nicosia refers to a "geographic federation, two lands, two peoples and two sovereignties" in Cyprus

In statements yesterday during a meeting with a delegation of the so-called Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT), Kanbay argued that the foreign states which want a solution to be found in Cyprus think of their own interests. He added: "I am not saying it to create fanaticism. Unfortunately, such a reality exists in the world. Certain powers dominate over the international institutions. The 'yes' and 'no' vote of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council influences many things in the world".

Claiming that these countries are bargaining with each other and no one says anything when one of them commits crimes somewhere in the world, Kanbay alleged: "This is what you experience for years in Cyprus. It is said that the stars in the world are aligned for finding a solution in Cyprus. You can see the reason for this when you look 500 or 1000 kilometers away from the island. Therefore, I do not believe that these stars say 'let us find a solution' for the black eyes of the Turkish Cypriots. They have interests and plans. Except the policy of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots for the solution in Cyprus, no one thinks 'let the Turks on the island live fairly and humanly, let the injustices be abolished, let the Turkish people not experience oppression, crimes and discrimination again. I do not believe this".

Arguing that the concerns of the TMT association as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem are justified and correct, Kanbay said that he shares the same concerns with persons who have similar views with the members of the association and some part of the society in Turkey. "Turkey does not think something different than you. Its point of you to the negotiations is the same", he noted and added: "Negotiations do not mean that 'I will take everything'. The two sides should trust each other. In some things give and take balancing could exist to the extent they think that they are justified. This is such a process. In any case, negotiations cannot be conducted with an approach that what I am saying will happen hundred per cent. [?]"

Recalling that a federal structure will be established in the end of the negotiations and arguing that this will be a "geographic federation", Kanbay alleged: "They regard the state established in 1960 as a communal federation, but the current one is a geographic federation, two territories, two peoples and two sovereignties. They say that these will unite and have a single international sovereignty. I am very curious to see how they will do this. [?] As a federal state structure is comprised of a federal or a unified state and in the end of founding states, you should not forget that together with your founding state, by your side there will be another founding state and its people. That is, living eternally with the spirit and feeling of confrontation with these people, turning the back and opposition will not bring too much tranquility and prosperity to this island. [?] I know that many tourists come from the south to the north [Translator's note: 'North' is how he described the occupied area of the island and 'south' the government-controlled area]. I also know that they freely have lunch in restaurants, they go around and have fun and they even enter into the gardens of some Turks and shout that 'this house is mine'. However, I also know that no one behaves them badly, no one attacks them. If you do similar things, it is sure that war will come up. Yesterday, they celebrated at the statue of a murderer. There are still people who believe in him, people who follow him. We wish that their number decreases and is abolished. [?]"

Kanbay went on and alleged that after what he called as "terrible crimes" in Cyprus, the issue was raised at the UN Security Council which decided that they will continue recognizing the Republic of Cyprus. He claimed: "In spite of the fact that the Greek Cypriots were those who avoided the negotiations, the discussions and finding a solution to the problem for many years, no honest nation in the world told them 'do not run away from the table, solve this issue, you are anyway the ones at fault'. Have you heard a European or a western state to say this? I have not. [?]"

Referring to the Annan Plan, Kanbay alleged: "The UN had put forward a solution plan of its own without asking the Turkish Cypriots, the Annan Plan. I do not know to what extent they had asked the Greek Cypriots, on the issue. They put this plan of theirs in front of you without letting you read it, without explaining it and said: 'it will be good. Let us say yes'. Your people said yes by 65%-66%. The Greek Cypriots saw that there were some minor things which they did not want in it and said 'no'. And they did it with 75%. The priest, the church, Papadopoulos, all of them were involved in the issue and achieved the 'no' vote. In such a case which would be the side to be rewarded in the world and which would be reprehended? While normally they should have reprehended the Greek Cypriots and should have said to you 'bravo, you said yes to our plan, come and let us embrace you', they pushed you aside within one month and accepted them into the EU. These are realities. If we attempt going after dreams without knowing these, we will bump into the wall in the end and fall down. [?] I call on everyone to see the realities".

Referring to the negotiating process, Kanbay said that the negotiations are heading towards somewhere with a certain tempo and argued: "I agree with what some politicians say. Especially the community leaders, the leaders of the civilian organizations, the scientists, and the intellectuals should read this agreement text well, explain it well to their neighborhood, their community and take the right decision. Is the agreement text that will come up guarantying your future? [?] When the leaders read the agreement document which will come up in the end of the negotiations and says 'ok, this is appropriate for my people' and turn to the communities saying 'look at it and vote for it', the Turkish Cypriot people should not do it in a hurry like in the case of the Annan Plan, but they should carefully read it, because this is a great responsibility".

(I/Ts.)

[02] TMT: "We oppose to even a single Greek Cypriot coming and settling in the north"

Alleging that the "TRNC" and "south Cyprus", as he called the government-controlled area of the island, should be politically equal, Bora claimed: "Bi-zonality is fundamental. It cannot be watered down with the EU norms".

Bora further alleged that the property issue should be solved with global exchange and compensation of properties and added: "We oppose to even a single Greek Cypriot coming and settling in the north, because the unchanged Greek Cypriot mentality will cause conflicts again. The active and effective guarantees of motherland Turkey are of vital importance and cannot change. It is not possible for a solution to be achieved without taking into consideration the realities experienced in Cyprus [?]".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Bozkir: We wish for a solution that will make the two sides in Cyprus happy

Bozkir made these statements evaluating recent visits of EU delegations in Turkey.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Bozkir said: "Our wish is to reach a bi-zonall, bi-communal solution, based on political equality that will make the two sides in Cyprus happy and will prevent returning to the old days".

(CS)

[04] Ozyigit: The system of guarantees must continue until trust is established between the two communities

He made these statements during a meeting he held with the Republican People's Party's (CHP) foreign relations committee, which is currently in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus for a series of contacts.

Ozyigit stated that the solution should be bi-communal, bi-zonal and must safeguard the political equality of the two communities in Cyprus. On the issue of guarantees he said that TDP supports demilitarization noting that this includes the British bases in Cyprus. However, he noted that we must not forget the bitter events that took place in the past which should not be repeated. Therefore until trust is established between the two communities the system of guarantees must continue.

(CS)

[05] Siber met with the President, the Assembly Speaker and the Prime Minister of Iraq

Siber had also separate meetings with the President, the Assembly Speaker and the Prime Minister of Iraq. Later, Siber and her accompanying delegation visited with the Turkish delegation the Turkish Embassy in Bagdad.

During the meetings, Siber stressed the importance to establish a more close dialogue and to hold mutual visits in order to develop the tourism and the economic cooperation with the Islamic countries.

Claiming that the "TRNC" (translator's notes: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) is an island of education, Siber argued that their graduated students are recognized internationally. She added that their "universities" have academic cooperation and exchange programmes with other international universities.

On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (online, 27.01.16) reported that Siber, speaking upon her return at the occupied airport of Tymbou, said that she had found the opportunity to address the conference despite the fact that the "TRNC" attended the meetings as an observer state. She described her contacts with representatives of other OIC states also extremely productive and useful.

Stating that she had invited students from OIC member countries to come and study in the "TRNC", Siber said that she had also conveyed their desire to set up inter-parliamentary friendship groups with OIC member states.

"Unfortunately the area we are in is a boiling pot. Once again we understand the importance of peace and prosperity we enjoy on the island. I conveyed in my address the importance of ensuring the democratic and peaceful existence of all people in their own countries without having to flee or become refugees", she said.

Siber, further, called for OIC member countries "to take concrete steps in order to contribute to the lifting of the isolations as soon as possible".

(DPs)

[06] Davutoglu: Great difficulties but also great opportunities ahead of us regarding the Cyprus problem

Davutoglu made this statement during a speech he delivered yesterday at the Turkish Parliament, where he informed the Turkish Assembly about the Davos meeting.

He also added that he shared this thought with the British Prime Minister Davit Cameron, whom he called "a dear friend", on a meeting they held in the sidelines of the Davos meeting.

(CS)

[07] Akansoy: Funding has been released for Deryneia and Lefka checkpoints

Akansoy noted that the 2.1 million euro has been released by the European Commission.

He said that the tender was awarded to M-Tas & Ahmet Korukoglu Ltd and that the planning stage for the road works on the occupied part of the barricade of both crossing points was planned to be completed by March of this year.

Explaining that the road works on the government-controlled area of the Republic at both crossing points will be carried out by the government of the Republic of Cyprus through its own funding, Akansoy said: "The expansion and asphalting of the short stretch of road left between the two checkpoints will be carried out jointly by the two sides".

He noted that the road on the government-controlled area at the Lefka/Apliki crossing point was expected to be completed in a year and half.

Akansoy also said that the financial assistance provided by the European Union was only to be used for the construction of the roads and that an application would be made to the EU for additional funding to complete remaining infrastructure. "An additional 70 civilian personnel will be employed by the police force to manage the checkpoints", he concluded.

[08] New representatives of the breakaway regime in Azerbaijan and Hungary

During the meeting, Akinci stressed the importance of such positions with regards to representation of the Turkish Cypriot "people" in the world. He added that the "appointment" of two women "representatives" in their "representative offices" both in Azerbaijan and in Hungary as pleasing and prideful development. He further wished Turhaner and Cimen success in their duties.

(DPs)

[09] Sucuoglu: The advertising campaign in Britain was effective

Sucuoglu futher said that the advertising posters of "North Cyprus" placed in UK airports, metro undergrounds, buses and other important city centres were effective.

Meanwhile, the paper also reports that the tourism sector of "North Cyprus" was also promoted in the tourism fair MATKA 2016 held in Helsinki between 21 and 24 January.

According to information provided by the "tourism ministry press office, a delegation from the "ministry of tourism" carried out meetings with the tourism sector representatives particularly from Finland and in general from the Nordic market.

Tourist road maps eco-tourism brochure, several other brochures for special interest tourism, tourist promotional DVDs, and water sports, eco-tourism, mountain biking brochures were also distributed at the stand.

(DPs)

[10] The "municipalities" in the occupied area of Cyprus spend the utmost of their budget in the personnel expenses

Odul Muhtaroglu, director of the "DPO", indicated that the biggest component of the expenditure items is the "personnel expenses", adding that these expenses of the "municipalities" in 2006 were 68.7 million TL, while in 2014 the expenses reached 179.4 million TL. He explained that the item personnel expense is the 41.82% of the average proportion of the total expenses.

Noting that the number of the total personnel in the "municipalities" in 2014 was 3,293 persons, Muhtaroglu said that in 2006 the number of the total personnel was 2,372 persons.

(DPs)

[11] The "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" is having contacts in Turkey in order to establish calibration in laboratory

"KTSO chairman" Ali Cirali, heading a delegation held meetings with the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE), the Turkish Accreditation Foundation and the so-called embassy of the breakaway regime to Ankara.

In statements during the meetings, Cirali stated that the breakaway regime must develop and also must improve its standards adding that it may face many difficulties meeting the EU standards in case a solution on the Cyprus problem is reached soon.

(CS)

[12] Cavusoglu: Turkey to boycott Syria talks if PYD invited

"Under what title will PYD sit at the table? Could a terrorist organization be a representative of [Syrian Kurdish] people", he argued during a live interview with Turkish private NTV news channel in Strasbourg, where he came to attend the Winter Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

His remarks came before the Syria peace talks scheduled for Friday in Geneva, for which the invitations have been sent after delay by disagreements over which opposition factions should participate to decide on the political process to end the five-year-old conflict.

"Will al-Qaeda and Nusra Front be able to take a seat at the table? The negotiation will be made between the opposition and the regime. Terrorist groups are out of the question," he said.

He also ruled out presence of separate opposition groups for Syrian Turkmens or Arabs as the opposition delegation at the table will consist of them all. "They say the PYD will not be invited, but if it is invited we will certainly boycott the Geneva talks," he added.

[13] Erdogan: District governors should act against PKK

Speaking to local-authority leaders at the presidential complex in Ankara, Erdogan claimed that the PKK was trying to exert dominance by "using every kind of immoral method in some districts and streets in the southeast of our country".

"In particular, district governors should gallantly act by using the authority granted by the law to eliminate the destruction the PKK has caused and to fill the gaps caused by the municipalities," Erdogan told the officials.

"In addition, public servants who support the terrorist organization should be swiftly be identified and surrendered to justice," the President added.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 26.01.16) reported that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has launched internal investigations against 15 Mayors and around 10 provincial Heads over corruption allegations, after a Mayor was sent to the party's disciplinary council with an expulsion request for taking material advantage of his position.

Reports indicated Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who is also the AKP's leader, briefed mayors to pay the utmost attention to their private lives and pecuniary affairs at a recent closed-door meeting. "We would grow suspicious of anyone who has a new wife, job or house," Davutoglu was quoted as saying during the meeting with AKP mayors. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/ AM)

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