Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-05-13

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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 German Ambassador to Nicosia considers hydrocarbon resources a catalyst for solving the Cyprus problem

[02] The construction of the new road to the occupied village Louroudjina will continue uninterrupted

[03] The "immovable property commission" is almost deactivated

[04] The demand of EVKAF to be included in a property case in the fenced off city of Varosha is adjourned sine die

[05] The breakaway regime's "central bank's" report for the first quarter of 2016

[06] "Health tourism" project was discussed in Ankara

[07] A new hotel was inaugurated in the occupied Keryneia

[08] Erdogan and Ban discussed regional issues and Cyprus problem

[09] Erdogan slams EU for demanding changes to terror law

[10] More deadly bombs blasted in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The German Ambassador to Nicosia considers hydrocarbon resources a catalyst for solving the Cyprus problem

In an interview with Kibris, Schoepff noted that Germany has been following the negotiating process for many years, shares its experiences and provides technical support. He pointed out that the German Embassy organizes seminars on a regular basis for the negotiators and their teams with the participation of German experts. The Ambassador said that Germany cooperates with UN and EU Commission representatives in order to coordinate their future actions.

Asked to comment on the agreement between Turkey and the EU on the refugee crisis, Schoepff expressed the view that Turkey and the EU share the same aims as regards the refugee crisis and added that this agreement will strengthen their relations. "Moreover, in case it is successfully implemented, it has the potential to pave the way for a deeper cooperation between the EU and Turkey in the solution of the refugee crisis", he said.

Asked whether the visa requirement for the Turkish citizens who wish to travel to EU member states will be abolished in June or later, Schoepff replied: "The first assessment of the European Commission on this issue was positive. However, Turkey has to implement the 72 pre-conditions agreed with the EU. As to when all these conditions will be fulfilled, this is entirely up to Turkey".

(I/Ts.)

[02] The construction of the new road to the occupied village Louroudjina will continue uninterrupted

During the meeting, Akinci stressed the importance of not interrupting the construction of the new road which will enable the inhabitants of the occupied village Louroudjina to access their village without passing through a military control. The construction had started during the "previous government's term in office".

Ozgurgun and Denktas said that they would ensure the continuation of the works without interruption.

Akinci also raised to the agenda the issue of construction projects in the occupied villege Templos which will cause environmental problems. He urged the "newly coalition government" to take the necessary measures.

(DPs)

[03] The "immovable property commission" is almost deactivated

According to the paper, the applications to the "committee" had been dramatically reduced, while, after Turkey cut off all financial resources to the "committee", it suspended all payments.

The paper points out that those, whose rights are not fulfilled, seek solutions at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The paper adds that there is also a remarkable reduction in applications by the Greek Cypriots. The number of Greek Cypriot's applications to the "committee" in 2011 was 1926, while, in 2015, was only 182 and in 2016 only 23.

(AK)

[04] The demand of EVKAF to be included in a property case in the fenced off city of Varosha is adjourned sine die

The businessman's family had filed an application to the "property compensation committee" demanding their property in the occupied fenced off city of Varosha and a compensation of 34 million euro for loss of use. Evkaf claims that the property belonged to Abdullah Pasa foundation.

The "high administrative court" conducted the last hearings yesterday and decided to adjourn sine die.

(DPs)

[05] The breakaway regime's "central bank's" report for the first quarter of 2016

According to the report, the total deposits in the banks in the occupied area of Cyprus were 14 billion Turkish liras (TL) in the end of this year's first quarter and the gross credits increased to 11,1 billion TL.

San said that in the above-mentioned period 22 banks operated in the occupied area. These banks have 227 branches and 2881 employees.

(I/Ts.)

[06] "Health tourism" project was discussed in Ankara

During the visit, possible steps were discussed for the development of "health tourism" in "north Cyprus" which would increase the added-value of their "country".

Savasan explained that "north Cyprus" has significant potentials in the area of "health tourism" due to its climatic conditions and its price advantages. He added that Turkey's support for the development of the "health tourism" is decisive.

Turkes, for his part, said that he considered "health tourism" beneficial for the "TRNC".

(DPs)

[07] A new hotel was inaugurated in the occupied Keryneia

The inauguration ceremony was attended by self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, self-styled minister of tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu a number of "deputies" and businessmen.

The hotel belongs to the Aydogan group and is its first investment in the tourism sector. Unal Aydogan, chairman of the group's administrative board, in his opening speech, thanked the Creditwest bank officials for financing the hotel's construction. He added that the group considered the use of local products very important. He further said that by the end of 2017 the foundation of a new hotel will be laid.

Ataoglu, for his part, said that the tourism is one the "TRNC's leading sector" and added that everyone, particularly local investors who invest in the sector should be promoted.

Ozgurgun, addressing also the event, said that local investments were proof that the "TRNC people" were establishing roots on their "land".

(DPs)

[08] Erdogan and Ban discussed regional issues and Cyprus problem

According to presidential sources, Ban thanked Erdogan for hosting the summit in Turkey and told him that the organization would convey a strong message to the world about the cooperation on humanitarian matters.

Erdogan, for his part, said that Turkey was proud of organizing such events, a first of its kind, and that it would offer a great opportunity for world leaders to discuss global and regional developments.

The two leaders also discussed the Syrian crisis and the Cyprus dispute, agreeing that the world needs to enhance cooperation on Syria's political transition and the refugee crisis.

Ban also told Erdogan that the UN was hopeful that the two sides in Cyprus would find a common solution while assuring the president that he was following the situation on the island closely.

On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (online, 1305.16) reports that Erdogan, for his part, reiterated Ankara's support to a bi-coomunal, bi-zonal federation settlement in Cyprus based on the political equality of the two sides. He added that they were following the process closely.

[09] Erdogan slams EU for demanding changes to terror law

In his address at an event titled "National Will in Turkish Political History" in Ankara on Thursday, Erdogan said: "Asking Turkey to revise its terror law means to give up on the cause" in ongoing talks with EU on visa-free travel.

"If the European Union wants to address a terrorist group [the PKK] instead of the Republic of Turkey, we are OK with it. Because we look at the ones who defend causes of terrorist groups the same way we look at terrorist groups. (?) You see the attitude from the European Union. They say we should loosen our grip on terror. Since when are you controlling Turkey, who gave you the mandate?" Erdogan asked.

On the same issue, Turkey's EU Minister Volkan Bozkir said Thursday that European Parliament "rigidity" on changing Turkey's terrorism law was making negotiations over the sticking point "impossible" and prevented possible visa-free travel for Turkish citizens in the Schengen zone.

Speaking to journalists in Strasbourg on the sidelines of his meetings at the EP and the Council of Europe, Bozkir said that the EP was still "rigid" on the condition that Turkey change its anti-terrorism law and did not want to move the process forward.

He added that during the presentation of its monitoring report on May 4, the European Commission did not present the question of changing the law as part of a "test" but as a simple "recommendation".

Bozkir said there seemed to be a "misunderstanding" on the part of the EP. "The European Parliament does not seem motivated to address the issue of visa exemption as long as the suggestion of the Commission is not implemented by Turkey. Despite our many discussions with leaders from the parliament, it seems impossible to move forward on the visa issue," Bozkir said.

He said it seemed necessary to refer to the Commission to clarify expectations and criteria considered by the European Parliament.

Bozkir ruled out on Wednesday any changes to Turkey's anti-terror law. He said it remained "impossible" for the country to accept changes to its anti-terror legislation amid ongoing violence from the PKK.

[10] More deadly bombs blasted in Turkey

Meanwhile, explosions ripped through Turkey's southeast late Thursday, killing four suspected bomb makers and wounding 17 people.

The first large explosion took place in southeastern Diyarbak?r province late Thursday, with many injuries reported. An explosion was also heard in the Sur district of Diyarbak?r, reportedly killing four and wounding 17 people. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs / AA)

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