Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-02-23

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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] Akinci reiterates his positions on the property replying to criticism

[02] Turkey condemns the attack against the mosque in Deneia village

[03] Reactions for the attack against the mosque in Deneia village continue

[04] Akinci to brief Turkish Cypriot officials and political parties represented at the "assembly" on the Cyprus negotiation talks

[05] CHP's Deputy submitted a parliamentary question in the TBBM on the allegations about sending wastewater from Turkey to the occupation regime

[06] Disagreement at the "assembly" showed lack of communication between CTP high ranking members

[07] A "committee" will be established to boost the real estate property sector in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] A "draft bill regarding the associations" was approved

[09] The "tourism ministry" participated in a tourism fair in Utrecht, Netherlands

[10] Cavusoglu: Turkish-Saudi ground operation in Syria not on agenda

[11] Bozkir accuses EP Rapporteur of "losing neutrality"

[12] Two AK Party senior figures removed from party's founders list

[13] Daily life struggles on in Turkey's Sur as curfew enters 83rd day

[14] Turkish Air Force gets new electronic warfare system

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci reiterates his positions on the property replying to criticism

In an interview with Kibris Postasi, Akinci was asked to comment on criticism made against him by Alpay Durduran, member of the council of the New Cyprus Party (YKP), who had reportedly said that there is no development in the Cyprus talks and that Akinci's stance is a "trick", and by Dervis Eroglu, former Turkish Cypriot leader, who had reportedly argued that the "people" will be dragged to courts on the property issue.

Akinci noted that it is not easy to say that a solution will definitely be reached, but "together with our negotiating team I am working and I will continue with all my power for the 2016 being a year of solution". He argued that the most correct and beneficial thing for everyone to do for their community is to contribute in this effort and claimed that it is wrong to ignore the positive developments which are seen even by the UN and the EU institutions and spread pessimism.

Explaining his position on the property issue, Akinci reiterated the following:

"The right to apply and the right of ownership are different things. The pre-1974 owner will of course be able to use their right to apply. For example, if a person who lived in a property in the north before 1974 and after the solution wants to live under the Turkish Cypriot Founding State Administration in the same house, if he prefers this instead of compensation or another choice, what could be more natural than declaring this preference from before?

However, even though they are few in number, when this kind of demands is assessed the situation of the current user will be important of course.

We have no intention to bring a person, who lived in the above-mentioned house for some years before 1974, face to face with a family of refugees, which left its property in the south and lives in this house for many years and let them rush in courts. Within this framework, it is extremely important that the criteria are clear and the right of ownership is not ambiguous.

In this example, it is indisputable that the priority will be in the ownership right of the person who currently lives [in the house]. [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkey condemns the attack against the mosque in Deneia village

In a written statement published on its webpage (http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no-49-23-subat-2016-gkrydeki-denya-camiinin-kundaklanmasi-hk.tr.mfa), the Ministry states the following:

"We are feeling great regret about the setting on fire, in the morning of Sunday 21 February, of the Deneia Mosque, which is in the island of Cyprus and bears the characteristics of a heritage that should culturally and historically be protected and we are strongly condemning the above-mentioned incident.

Essentially, the fact that Deneia mosque, which had been attacked in January 2013 and was restored with the efforts of the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage, was target of an ugly attack for the second time is thought provoking. During a period in which the process for a comprehensive solution in Cyprus is advancing towards its final stage, this kind of attacks must not be permitted to influence the existing positive climate.

We are joining the call by the TRNC President Mr Mustafa Akinci towards finding the soonest and punishing the perpetrators of the above-mentioned incident and within this framework we are expecting a responsible stance to be followed in order for such incidents, including the attacks happened against Turkish Cypriots on 15 November 2015, which harm the feelings of trust between the two peoples, not to be repeated and we are expecting the issue to be followed with the necessary seriousness and sensitivity".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Reactions for the attack against the mosque in Deneia village continue

The "ministry" said that in 2015 they gave permission and provided access for religious services to he conducted in 96 churches in the occupied area of Cyprus and 20 of these religious services have been held in the above-mentioned churches for the first time after 50 years.

Meanwhile, in a written statement issued yesterday, Hasan Tacoy, general secretary of the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG), alleged that the attack derives from the enmity against the Turks by which the Greek Cypriot leadership is raising its children and youth. He claimed that the incident must not be underestimated and that this is a new example of the dimensions to which the enmity against the Turks could reach. He argued that the incident shows that the Turkish side should not give any concessions from Turkey's active and effective guarantees, the bi-zonality, the structure of properties and population of the Turkish Cypriot founding state and the agreement to become primary law of the EU.

Furthermore, Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy party (TDP), has argued that the attack and similar incidents aim at preventing the solution process and added that "we must behave cool headedly and prudently'. In a written statement, he argued that the perpetrators should be found and brought to justice, pointing out that this kind of attacks must not be attributed to the Greek Cypriot community.

Noting that the restoration of the mosque started yesterday Kibris reports that the cost of 5-6 thousand euro for the restoration will be paid by the Republic of Cyprus. The works are expected to be completed within a week. In statements to Kibris, the Turkish Cypriot co-chairman of the Technical Committee for the Cultural Heritage, Ali Tuncay, who visited the mosque yesterday with the Greek Cypriot co-chairman Takis Hadjidemetriou, described the incident as saddening and added that the incident will not terrorize them and they will continue their work. "The cultural heritage and especially the religious places must be turned into a field of cooperation and not conflict", he noted.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (23.02.16) covers the issue on its front page and reports that inhabitants and the priest of the village told a team of Hadavis, which visited Deneia, that they were sorry about the attack adding that this was a "work of mad men". The priest of the village told the Turkish Cypriot journalists that the mosques are important for the Turkish Cypriots just like the churches are important for the Greek Cypriots. "While such an effort is being exerted for us living together, 3-5 mad men doing such a thing is embarrassing", he added.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Akinci to brief Turkish Cypriot officials and political parties represented at the "assembly" on the Cyprus negotiation talks

According to the paper, the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami and the so-called presidential spokesman Baris Burcu will be also present at the meeting.

Akinci will meet also on Wednesday with the leaders and the representatives of the Turkish Cypriot political parties to brief them on the Cyprus negotiation process.

(AK)

[05] CHP's Deputy submitted a parliamentary question in the TBBM on the allegations about sending wastewater from Turkey to the occupation regime

According to the paper, the Republican People's Party Deputy in Mersin Fikri Saglar, submitted a parliamentary question, asking from Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to reply if the allegations by Turgut Aybak chairman of the Mersin Waterworks Authority (MESKI) were true. He asked also to be clarified why the officials did not take measures to prevent this.

Aybak stated the other day that due to an infrastructural problem, wastewater from three neighborhoods in Mersin's Anamur district was deposited into the reservoirs of the dam that carries water to the Alakopru dam in the "TRNC".

(AK)

[06] Disagreement at the "assembly" showed lack of communication between CTP high ranking members

According to the paper, "a very interesting discussion" took place when the issue of the "ad hoc parliament health committee" came on the agenda. Kalyoncu asked for more information on the committee saying that he was not informed about its establishment. On her part Siber stated that Kalyoncu should have known about it. "I am very sorry that the prime minister was not aware of the committee. He was informed about it", Sibel stated.

Both Kalyoncu and Sibel are members of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP).

(CS)

[07] A "committee" will be established to boost the real estate property sector in the occupied area of Cyprus

The self-styled council of ministers decided with the possibility of a Cyprus settlement to establish this "committee" with the aim to eliminate the negative effects on the construction and real estate property sector with this way and to provide to economy with amendments and new investment sources.

The "committee" will consist of one representative from the "state planning bureau", the "ministry of economy, industry and trade", the "ministry of interior and labour", the "TRNC central bank", the "association of banks", the "advisory board of the real estate sector" and the "Turkish Cypriot contractors association".

The paper reports that some of the duties of the "committee" is to safeguard the necessary cooperation among all the "official institutions", to safeguard an exchange of information with the concern of non-governmental organizations, to establish sub-committees which will work on proper issues and to work on funds transfers in order the half-finished investments to be completed.

(DPs)

[08] A "draft bill regarding the associations" was approved

According to the "amendments", a foreigner has the right now to be a member of an association and those who are 18 years and above ,living in the occupied area of Cyprus for at least six continuously years, or have "working permit" can have the right to establish an association.

Moreover, the associations will be able to have cooperation and activities abroad, as well as to open branches or representations abroad.

(DPs)

[09] The "tourism ministry" participated in a tourism fair in Utrecht, Netherlands

During the fair, brochures in English and Flemish with general information of the main occupied towns were distributed, as well as maps for cycling and nature trails.

(DPs)

[10] Cavusoglu: Turkish-Saudi ground operation in Syria not on agenda

He spoke along with his Italian counterpart, Paolo Gentiloni. Cavusoglu also said US Secretary of State John Kerry sent a copy of the draft agreement with Russia over the terms of the cease-fire in Syria to him.

Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reached a preliminary deal over a truce in Syria.

The Turkish Foreign Minister renewed his criticism on Russia, accusing it of using the Geneva talks as a cover to intensify its air strikes in Syria.

He said there must be pressure on Russia for the implementation of Resolution 2254 of the UN Security Council adopted last December.

"If we end the humanitarian crisis in Syria, give a chance to peace, UN and UNSC members should stop Russia's aggression," he said in an interview with Italy's La Stampa newspaper a day earlier.

In addition, the paper writes that Cavusoglu criticized the international anti-Daesh coalition's reliance on the PYD to provide ground forces against Daesh in Syria.

Cavusoglu said it showed "weakness and desperation to count on another terror group in the fight against Daesh". "It is indeed a huge mistake," Cavusoglu said. "[?] If all these countries are depending on another terrorist group to fight a terrorist organization, this is just an indicator of the situation in Syria. We must promptly put an end to this mistake."

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (23.02.16) reports that Cavusoglu discussed with his Italian counterpart the Cyprus issue. According to information by diplomatic sources, Cavusoglu and Gentiloni evaluated Turkey's European Union (EU) process, the latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations and the energy cooperation between the two countries.

[11] Bozkir accuses EP Rapporteur of "losing neutrality"

"Ankara cannot accept or tolerate any understanding that describes the terrorist attacks in Turkey, which claim lives of our citizens on a daily basis, as civil war, while condemning terrorism [?] only when it takes place in an EU country", Bozkir stated.

He added that it was "obvious that Piri [?] cannot comprehend the most vital issue of Turkey and also lost her neutrality about Turkey's issues".

Bozkir's statement comes days after the European Parliament's (EP) Rapporteur for Turkey, and a delegation of other MEPs visited the south-eastern Turkish province Diyarbakir last week.

"Should Rapporteur Piri, who does not describe PKK as a terrorist organization while PKK is on EU's official list of terrorist organizations, insists on this approach of hers, it will be highly difficult for her to find counterparts to talk in Turkey other than the organizations she visited in Diyarbakir," the statement added.

Piri stated that the Turkish army was keeping civilian homes under continuous fire and did "not make mention of terrorist attacks or the fight against terror in the region in this text," the statement said. "Instead, what is going on is described as a civil war."

"It is meaningful that this delegation did not feel the need to visit Ankara, but went directly to Diyarbakir where intensive fighting against the terrorist organization PKK is in progress and also met with organizations overtly supporting PKK terrorist organization," the statement said.

[12] Two AK Party senior figures removed from party's founders list

On Monday, the news portal haberdar.com published a photo of the list, which it claimed to have taken in 2011, showing Gul's name and photo to be featured among the founders. On the current list that appears on the AK Party's official website, his name has been removed.

Hence, the political division between the current AK Party administration and its founders has become more apparent and public.

In addition to Gul and Yakis, two more AK Party founders, Nur Dogan Topaloglu and Yasemin Kumral, were also removed from the list. The unknown name Ceyhun Yasemin Simsek was included on the recent list of the party's founders, but instead of a photo of Simsek in the allocated place, the AK Party logo is seen there instead.

The total number of founders was listed as 64 prior to the latest change, where now it stands at 61.

This move came after both Gul and Yakis recently complained about the course of events in Turkish politics dominated by Erdogan and the AK Party government.

There are rumours circulating in Ankara that some former leading AK Party figures, including former Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, ex-Education Minister Huseyin Celik and ex-Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin, may join forces to form a new political party under the leadership of Gul.

Furthermore, these figures were reported to have recently rented offices in Hamamonu, a historic site in the capital of Ankara, for the purpose of pursuing the work for the forming of a new political party.

The AK Party also recently referred Yakis to the party's disciplinary board for expulsion. The AK Party wants to expel Yakis from the party for his "behavior that does not befit the AK Party's principles."

[13] Daily life struggles on in Turkey's Sur as curfew enters 83rd day

A number of towns in Turkey's east and southeast have seen fierce clashes between security forces and PKK militants since the collapse of the peace process in July 2015, when PKK militants shot dead two police officers inside their apartment in the Ceylanpinar district of the south-eastern province of Sanliurfa. That triggered a rise in clashes between security forces and militants, shattering a fragile peace process and a two-and-a-half-year de facto cease-fire.

The curfew in the six Sur neighbourhoods entered its 83rd day on Feb. 22, and their overall population has dropped to just 2,000 from around 24,000 because of the on-going clashes.

Some 44 soldiers, 17 police officers and a village guard have been killed in Sur since Oct. 6, 2015, while the security forces claim they have killed over 200 PKK militants.

Having been under curfew for more than two months, Sur now has security checkpoints every 20 meters on main access roads.

Diyarbakir Governor Huseyin Aksoy signalled last week that the curfew may soon be lifted; stating that 95% of the area subjected to military operations had been cleared of PKK militants. "We hope to lift the curfew as soon as we can," Aksoy said at a press conference.

[14] Turkish Air Force gets new electronic warfare system

A handing over ceremony was held at the defence company's Golbasi facility in capital Ankara, which was attended by Abidin Unal, commander of Turkish Air Force.

The transportable attack system has the capability to jam, deceive and paralyze hostile radars.

It also "analyses multi-target signals and automatically or manually generates an appropriate response," according to ASELSAN.

"We are happy that we developed this system -- which a limited number of countries in the world have, in their inventories -- for our army though our domestic possibilities," the defence company's General Manager, Faik Eken, said during the ceremony.

Turkey has increased its efforts in recent years to eliminate dependency on external suppliers for its defence industry. Ankara spent over $1 billion on defence, research and development in 2014, making defence the sector with the largest research and developmental investment in the country. The top export items are aircraft, helicopter parts, engines, armoured-land vehicles, speed boats, missiles, rockets, launching platforms, light weapons and electronic systems, including transmitters, simulators, sensors and software. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(CS/AM)

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