Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-09-02

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The occupation regime reacts against the natural gas agreement between Cyprus and Egypt

[02] Turkish frigate harasses Greek Cypriot ship near occupied Famagusta

[03] Ertugruloglu to visit the United States for contacts

[04] Denktas held "contacts" in Ankara; He met with Turkes and Agbal

[05] Incidents after the Cypriot National Football Team U21 defeated Turkey in Ankara

[06] A sale of potatoes causes tension, threats and reactions

[07] Twelve more persons were "granted" the occupation regime's citizenship

[08] Tunali alleges that the TGNA wil decide whether the guarantees in Cyprus will be abolished

[09] Talat: "2016 could become the year of solution"

[10] Yildirim met with Schulz; "We cannot change anti-terror law"

[11] Yildirim met with PACE's Parliamentarians; He called PACE to inform the world about the July 15 coup attempt

[12] CHP calls on the EU to open Chapters 23 and 24

[13] Turkey, Gazprom agree to accelerate Turkish Stream project

[14] Turkey and Russia to establish a Joint Investment Fund to be used in Syria's reconstruction and Akkuyu Nuclear Plant

[15] Hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus had a 64% occupancy rate in August

[16] "World Peace university" to be established in the occupied area of Cyprus

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The occupation regime reacts against the natural gas agreement between Cyprus and Egypt

In a statement issued yesterday, the "ministry" calls on the "Greek Cypriot side" to revise its "unilateral stance" which is "harmful" for trust. It also asks the "Greek Cypriot administration", as it describes the Republic of Cyprus, to immediately stop taking these "negative and unacceptable" steps which "increase tension". The "ministry" argues that it cannot tolerate any more the fact that "rights of the Turkish Cypriot people are violated and ignored".

The statement further alleges that "instead of protecting the sensitive balances, the Greek Cypriot side insists on taking steps which will negatively influence the negotiating process in this critical period, in spite of the suggestions made by both the UN and the international community to all sides concerned to be moderate and constructive".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkish frigate harasses Greek Cypriot ship near occupied Famagusta

"Royal Flash" was allegedly conducting researches for undersea resources and mainly natural gas in the area between occupied Famagusta, Mersin and Alexandretta on 21 August. A Turkish frigate which was carrying out reconnaissance, spotting and patrolling activities in the area within the framework of the so-called "Mediterranean Shield Operation" warned the Greek Cypriot ship to abandon the area on 21 August, but Royal Flash did not stop and expanded its work in a broader area. The Greek Cypriot ship was pursued by the Turkish frigate and was forced to leave the area after being warned twice again on 25 and 26 August.

According to the paper, the "Mediterranean Shield Operation" started on 1 April 2006 with the participation of frigates, corvettes, submarines, assault boats and patrol vessels which continuously patrol in the area using the ports of Aksaz, Mersin, Alexandretta and occupied Famagusta. The operation is also supported from the air by airplanes and helicopters.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ertugruloglu to visit the United States for contacts

According to the paper, afterwards he is expected to visit Washington where he will meet with high ranking US officials, some think tanks and media representatives.

The announcement of Ertugruloglu's "official program" is expected within the forthcoming days.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Denktas held "contacts" in Ankara; He met with Turkes and Agbal

Speaking during the meeting, Turkes expressed pleasure over the meeting and stated that due to the recent incidents occurred in Turkey he was not able to carry out frequent visits to the "TRNC".

In his turn, Denktas said that the aim of the visit was to exchange views on the intensified Cyprus negotiation process and generally about the latest developments in the region.

Meanwhile, according to the paper, Denktas and his accompanied delegation met also with the Turkish Finance Minister Naci Agbal.

Agbal stated, inter alia, that the "common projects" that the two "ministries" will carry out will contribute to the development of the two "countries" and especially to the development of "public finance".

In his turn, Denktas said that during the last four months and after their "government" assumed "duties", they achieved to cover a lot of ground in the field of economy and this is due to Abgal's positive approach.

(…)

(AK)

[05] Incidents after the Cypriot National Football Team U21 defeated Turkey in Ankara

After the game incidents took place between the players of the two teams, writes the paper noting that after the final whistle a Turkish player named Enver Cenk Sahin kicked a Greek Cypriot player and tension increased when other players were also involved in the incident. The security forces entered into the pitch, interfered and escorted the Greek Cypriot players to the locker room.

(I/Ts.)

[06] A sale of potatoes causes tension, threats and reactions

Commenting on the issue, Nazim Cavusoglu, self-styled minister of agriculture and natural resources of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, described as "unacceptable" the fact that a "group of fanatics" protested against a Greek Cypriot merchant who had legally purchased potatoes from the occupied area of Cyprus within the framework of the Green Line Regulation.

Arguing that the incident saddened them and concerned them, Cavusoglu wondered "how a mentality which does not accept even the potatoes of the Turkish Cypriot people will be united with the Turkish Cypriot people".

Addressing the Minister of Agriculture, Nikos Kuyalis, Cavusoglu said: "We are concerned that these behaviors will continue even in case of an agreement if you bring up generations which do not want even our potatoes. I call on those who participated in this protest and mainly the members of the Parliament to accept that two peoples live in this geographical area and change their world views acting accordingly".

Under the title "550 tons left over", Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (02.09.16) writes that the above-mentioned Greek Cypriot merchant had agreed with the so-called "agricultural products organization" to buy 700 tons of potatoes and that he has exported 150 tons of potatoes to Europe. According to the paper, the Greek Cypriot will not buy the remaining 550 tons of Turkish Cypriot potatoes.

In statements to Diyalog, Ragip Latif, "director" of the above-mentioned "organization" said that they had signed an agreement to sell 700 tons of potatoes to Christofi and that they were pre-paid for a certain quantity, according to the provisions of the agreement, but they will suffer a loss because of the 550 tons of potatoes which will be left over.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Twelve more persons were "granted" the occupation regime's citizenship

The decision of the "council of ministers" was published in the occupation regime's "official gazette" dated August 31.

The "TRNC' citizenship" was "granted" to the following:

1) Aysel Ozbey, born in Kagimzan in 1981

2) Baris Polat, born Istanbul in 1994

3) Subhi Asilturk, born in Gerger in 1978

4) Hasan Yalcin , born in Altinozu in 1986

5) Berra Yemenici, born in Vakfikebir in 1998

6) Ridvan Yalcin, born in Antakya in 1991

7) Muhammed Al-Shanableh, born in Altindag in 1991,

8) Semih Zafer Guven, born in Mersin in 1972,

9) Nur Al Shanableh, born in the occupied part of Lefkosia in 1993,

10) Osman Polat, born in Istanbul in 1995,

11) Mehmet Emine Erdogan, born in Yeni-mahalle in 1997,

12) Ahmet Serdar Senay, born in the occupied part of Lefkosia in 1995.

(AK)

[08] Tunali alleges that the TGNA wil decide whether the guarantees in Cyprus will be abolished

In a written statement issued yesterday, Tunali argued that "the Turkish Cypriot people have absolutely no authority as regards the lifting of the guarantees".

Tunali expressed the view that a result could be achieved in a five-party conference if the US undertakes an active role in the Cyprus problem and that if no result is taken at the five-party conference the negotiations will end. He further expressed the belief that no referendum will be held on the island.

Tunali said that with their policies in favor of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem, the politicians who administrate the occupied area of the island for years led the "country" to the point of being bankrupted today and the "people", "who are punished because of the non-recognition", consider migration as the only solution to their problems.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Talat: "2016 could become the year of solution"

Stating that the Cyprus problem has reached to a crucial point, Talat recalled that the leaders will hold another 3-4 meetings and later on they will hopefully hold a meeting in New York.

Underlining that while proceeding to New York, the discussion of important issues and chapters will come to an end, Talat said that only the chapters that will be discussed in one-two international conferences will be left. "If this is achieved on September 2016, then 2016 could become the year of solution. If we do not succeed for 2016 to become the year of the solution, then probably we will be too late".

(AK)

[10] Yildirim met with Schulz; "We cannot change anti-terror law"

"We have once again bluntly told the EU and Mr. Schulz that we cannot bring in an improvement in the Struggle Against Terrorism Law due to the current conditions. This is a matter of life and death for us. The issue of Turkey's security is also a must for the struggle against terrorism in Europe. If this is left aside, we see no problem in solving other issues," Yildirim said.

(…)

Schulz said the two sides had not agreed on all issues during the talks in Ankara on September 1 and that Turkey must protect basic rights.

Ankara argues that changing the terror law is impossible since the country is fighting against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has escalated its attacks, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which has perpetrated bloody bomb attacks in several Turkish cities, and the followers of Fethullah Gulen, the main suspect behind the July 15 failed coup attempt.

Y?ld?r?m's words came hours after the European Union's Migration Commissioner said on Sept. 1 that Turkey had made progress in a deal to secure visa-free travel for Turkish citizens in the EU but that Ankara still had to meet some benchmarks before implementation.

Speaking at a news conference in Ankara, EU Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said that the EU was ready to help Turkey fulfill the last details of the deal to secure visa liberalization "very soon," without giving a precise timeline.

Ankara and Brussels reached a deal this year in which Turkey would control the flow of migrants to Europe and gain visa-free travel to the European Union for its citizens in return.

[11] Yildirim met with PACE's Parliamentarians; He called PACE to inform the world about the July 15 coup attempt

"Today you are here as an indicator of support to Turkey, of solidarity during these hard days. You came after giving an ear to the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Our expectation from you is telling everyone what Turkey has lived through, how the Turkish people protected their democracy that night, not only to the Parliamentarian Assembly that you are representing, but also to your National Assemblies," Y?ld?r?m said to Parliamentarians on Sept. 1.

Stressing that some countries immediately showed solidarity, Y?ld?r?m complained that "many countries that Turkey assumed were friends and brothers remained silent" after the July 15 coup attempt.

"As a more accurate picture of the truth about the events leading up to and including the coup attempt became clearer, receiving positive reactions was still welcome, even if they came late, he added.

"Countries which criticize every minor case about democratic values were unable to defend democracy in an attack which directly targeted democracy", Yildirim stated.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in a meeting with the President of PACE Pedro Agramunt on September 1st, stated, inter alia, that the Council of Europe had stood by democracy, the Turkish people and the elected Prime Minster and government since the recent failed coup attempt.

"The Council of Europe has always shared its frank opinions and concerns in a sincere environment," Cavusoglu said.

He added that the Council of Europe had always contributed to the development of Turkish democracy and Ankara had never ruled out its responsibilities to the body.

The Turkish government has repeatedly complained about the alleged lack of solidarity from its Western allies in the aftermath of the botched coup attempt, blamed on the followers of U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen.

For his part, Agramunt said they had a fruitful meeting with Cavusoglu and would continue cooperation with the Turkish government.

(…)

[12] CHP calls on the EU to open Chapters 23 and 24

Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), met with the former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, the head of the European Council of Foreign Relations (ECFR), who has been holding meetings with political leaders in Ankara over the last two days.

Deputy CHP leader Ozturk Y?lmaz, who attended the meeting, informed reporters after the meeting and said that the July 15 failed coup attempt and its aftermath were discussed by the two men.

"Mr. Chairman [K?l?cdaroglu] expressed our expectation for the opening of Chapters 23 and 24 for making progress on judicial independence and impartiality," Y?lmaz also told reporters.

Chapter 23 on the judiciary and fundamental rights and Chapter 24 on justice, freedom and security are two key chapters in pushing candidate countries to further align its laws and regulations with the EU on fundamental freedoms, justice and other democratic norms.

The opening of these two chapters is blocked by the Greek Cyprus side.

(…)

[13] Turkey, Gazprom agree to accelerate Turkish Stream project

Issuing a written statement, the Ministry said that "It was agreed to finalize the required permissions to realize the Turkish Stream project as soon as possible".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Turkish Stream project with Russia would be realized swiftly following a thorough review, during a critical meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in August.

The Turkish Stream pipeline is intended to deliver gas from the Russian Black Sea coast to Turkey and on to Greece.

"In addition to the Turkish Stream project, the arbitration process, which was initiated by Turkey in line with its rights from the gas contract with Russia, and regional energy cooperation opportunities were discussed," said the statement.

"Both sides voiced their determination to resolve the problems which have erupted, so as to pave the way to the arbitration process in a short term," added the statement.

[14] Turkey and Russia to establish a Joint Investment Fund to be used in Syria's reconstruction and Akkuyu Nuclear Plant

The Turkish-Russian Investment Fund will be used in the reconstruction of third world countries and particularly war-torn Syria and building the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, according to Zeybekci.

In the aftermath of the jet crisis last year between Turkey and Russia and following the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Aug. 9, a new corner has been turned nine months after the incident.

The details of the Turkish-Russian Joint Investment Fund are becoming clearer and the fund is to be used for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, the first of three nuclear power plants Turkey currently plans to build in the southern province of Mersin along with the Russian state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom, in addition to usage in underdeveloped countries.

Speaking at the Turkish-Russian Media Forum organized in Antalya on Wednesday, Zeybekci said that firms from both countries will assess the investment opportunities in various third world countries in the context of the Turkish-Russian Joint investment fund, which will be established soon.

Zeybekci noted that Russian and Turkish businesspeople will be provided with capital support through the fund especially with regard to the reconstruction of Syria and Iraq and an assessment of business opportunities in Africa.

The model that Russia used in China and the United Arab Emirates will be used for a Turkish-Russian Joint Investment Fund that will be worth several billion dollars. Joint investments will be made in infrastructure, agricultural and medical projects. Along with the 50-50 shared fund, the two countries will be able invest in other countries as well.

Russia is getting ready to make nuclear power and space vehicle investments, costing about $1 billion in Egypt with its joint fund with the UAE. The size of Russia's joint fund with China has currently reached $2 billion. With this equally shared fund, both countries have made various investments so far.

Meanwhile, Culture and Tourism Minister Nabi Avc? said that they have also taken steps to open a Russian-Turkish University in Antalya as well as back various enterprises, such as TV shows and cinema projects, between the two countries.

(…)

[15] Hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus had a 64% occupancy rate in August

According to data by the "Turkish Cypriot hoteliers union" ("KITOB"), the occupancy rate of the five-star hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus in August reached to 71%, while of the smallest hotels to 56%.

Comparing with the same period last year, the occupancy rate of the five-star hotels dropped by 7%. Also, comparing with last month (July 2016) there is an increase of 13%.

(AK)

[16] "World Peace university" to be established in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the paper, the establishment of the new "university" has been announced by a group of "academicians". The "academicians" announced yesterday that having as a reference the World Peace Day, they have decided the establishment of the "university" in the "TRNC" with the aim to provide support to the struggle for "Peace in the World" and to the efforts for the continuation of the global stamina.

(AK) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(AK /AM)

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article