Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-11-03

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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 prior Switzerland talks: "A solution without security is not a solution"

[02] Talat argues that Morfou should be a "federal zone" and that the Turkish Cypriots must take Turkey's approval to accept a map

[03] Co-chairman of the Bi-communal Committee for Crime and Criminal Matters Hakk? Celal Onen: "A joint operation in Pyla by Turkish and Greek Cypriot police"

[04] Columnist accuses the Turkish Cypriot parties and organizations of not showing the necessary opposition to not changing time

[05] Statements by the leader of the settlers' new party

[06] There are 93,292 students at the illegal universities of the breakaway regime

[07] The "Turkish Cypriot chamber of chemical engineering" warns about the use of powdered milk for the making of halloumi

[08] Celebrations for the 21st anniversary of the first private radio in the occupied area of Cyprus

[09] Cavusoglu and Kurtulmus rebuke Iraqi PM's 'invasion' remarks

[10] Cavusoglu: Turkey differs with Russia on Syria's future

[11] CHP spokesperson: Cumhuriyet is our red line

[12] HDP co-leader Yuksekdag is facing a 10-month prison sentence

[13] Turkey voices strong economic, trade interest in Africa

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci prior Switzerland talks: "A solution without security is not a solution"

"If we do not get results, it will be time for everybody to reflect on 2017 for the Cyprus problem. It may be the last attempts at reaching a federal solution," he said.

The week in Switzerland is important, said Akinci, stressing the aim in creating a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on the political equality of two constituent states.

Reminding that the current talks are the final attempt of his generation, Akinci noted: "Perhaps this could be the last attempt for a federal Cyprus because if these talks fail we could be seeing the next generations seeking alternative solutions". He added that a rational pragmatic solution to the Cyprus problem will be beneficial to both communities in Cyprus, pointing out that it would also greatly boost ties between Greece and Turkey and Turkey with the European Union.

Noting that a solution that does not meet the security concerns of the Turkish Cypriots will not be a real solution, Akinci called on the Greek Cypriot leadership to "evaluate wisely" the current opportunity presenting itself to solve the Cyprus problem. "A 'no army, no guarantees, we don't accept anything' approach will not result in a solution. A solution without security is not a solution. The Turkish Cypriot side is going to Switzerland with logical and realistic terms. They (the Greek Cypriot side) must understand our concerns. If each side understands the concerns of the other side and as equals, freely and with security, as equal composite states we can open the road to the future and with active power sharing in the federal government we can create a scenario that will be beneficial to all", he argued.

[02] Talat argues that Morfou should be a "federal zone" and that the Turkish Cypriots must take Turkey's approval to accept a map

Noting that the time to discuss the territory issue and not only the criteria has come, Talat claimed that there are many alternatives on this issue. He said that [the map] could be bi-zonal, it could be the Annan Plan map or some changes could be made to this plan. He argued: "Perhaps it will not be the map of the Annan Plan. What it will be? It will be a more straight line. Morfou will be in the area which will be administrated by the federal government. In this way, it will not be returned to the south on the one hand and thousands of people will not be forced to go away from there on the other hand. […] A new map is needed. Annan Plan's line will become straighter. And it could be a straight line, by which 29,2% will remain in the Turkish Cypriot state. It may be a map in which the border will be the main road of Morfou-Nicosia and Nicosia-Famagusta".

Describing his proposal as "a proposal protecting the inhabitants of Morfou and the Turkish Cypriots", Talat argued that in order for a map to be accepted by the Turkish Cypriots, it must receive "open and clear support" by Turkey.

"At the moment Turkey says 'by what right you are giving Morfou', this plan will not pass from the referendum here", he noted and added that "creative proposals" are needed in order for the Greek Cypriot side to accept them. He argued: "This is why I am putting forward the federal zone idea. In the worst scenario the line of the Annan Plan will become straight and both sides will accept it. That is, Morfou will be given, but those who made a development will continue staying there, but it will remain in the Greek Cypriot founding state. The Greek Cypriot side says that 'I want more than the Annan Plan map'. The Turkish side says that it cannot be less than the Annan Plan. Therefore, we have been squeezed in the Annan Plan. This is the only way of getting out of this. If the federal zones are not accepted, we should discuss on how we could revise the Annan Plan map. […]"

Talat also said that he will raise the issue during their meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci on Friday.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Co-chairman of the Bi-communal Committee for Crime and Criminal Matters Hakk? Celal Onen: A joint operation in Pyla by Turkish and Greek Cypriot police"

A total of 47 people have been taken into custody –37 Greek Cypriots, 6 Turkish Cypriots, one Romanian and three Vietnamese nationals. According to the paper, the six Turkish Cypriots, one of them was injured, were arrested by the police of the breakaway regime, while the rest 41 suspects were arrested by the Cyprus police. The six Turkish Cypriots were brought before the "court" in the occupied Famagusta town, where warrants for two days into custody were issued. In the house of the Turkish Cypriot Sefik Margilili, who resisted to his arrestment and fired in the air three times, weapons were found.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (03.11.16), on its front page under the title "A joint Turkish-Greek police operation", reports that yesterday the first rehearsal of the Federal Republic was tried on in the mixed village Pyla. The joint operation was greeted with satisfaction by circles that support peace and solution.

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (online, 03.11.16) reports that the Co-chairman of the Bi-communal Technical Committee for Crime and Criminal Matters Hakk? Celal Onen, commenting on the Cyprus' Justice Minister's statements said that he cannot understand why the Cyprus Minister Ionas Nicolaou is trying to distort a joint effort carried out by the two sides.

"BRT" broadcast: "Police from both sides were involved in an unprecedented joint raid in the early hours of Wednesday morning in the bicommunal village of Pile in what has been described as a 'significant clampdown' on illegal gambling dens. The police sting – which was coordinated by the United Nations and saw police officers from both sides of the divide move in to make the arrests at eight illegal gambling dens– has already seen a number of arrests and the seizure of a number of fruit machines and card tables."

Speaking on "BRT" on Wednesday afternoon, Onen said that the operation carried out was not part of the technical committee's mission but part of work carried out by a committee set up specifically for Pyla and added: "This was an effort against crime. Numerous meetings were held on this issue and there is nothing political about the sting. This was a joint operation conducted by Turkish and Greek Cypriot police. If a Greek Cypriot was arrested by the Turkish Cypriot police during the operation the person was handed over to the Greek Cypriot police and vice versa".

(DPs)

[04] Columnist accuses the Turkish Cypriot parties and organizations of not showing the necessary opposition to not changing time

Time has been also divided in Cyprus since 2016. We had different time with the south in the past as well. However, then the crossing points were closed. And the Turkish Cypriots were totally isolated from the world. This is what those who were administrating us wanted. […] We have been turned into Turkey's 'subordinate administration' from military, economic, political and cultural point of view. And religiously of course! Some officials from Turkey here have sometimes considered themselves as 'governors' and sometimes as 'sultans'. And they behaved in this manner.

The decision which was taken about the 'time' is an indication that we are a 'patch' to Turkey. The political parties and civilian organizations, which did not show the necessary opposition against this decision, are half-partners of this fault! Something must urgently be done on this issue. Winter came, it is coming. The people, especially the children will freeze in the darkness early in the morning […] Time confusion with the south will continue causing us troubles. The government should either be forced to change this decision, as they are known of continuously annulling decisions, or they should make or forced to make arrangements as regards the working hours. While waiting the 'time of the solution' in Mont Pelerine, in order for our clocks in Cyprus which stopped since a long time and cannot go forward even for one second, we are obliged to overcome our own 'Ankara time' problem. It is time to be activated for the 'solution time'!"

(I/Ts.)

[05] Statements by the leader of the settlers' new party

Arikli who was speaking during a visit to Havadis, stated that they considered themselves as a party "consisting of persons who have the TRNC identity but are oppressed by the system". He also claimed that they are an autonomous party which does not receive support from anyone and added that this is what they told to members of the Turkish government that visited some time ago the breakaway regime. He also said that they asked them not to support the YDP because every party that receives the support of AKP loses the "elections" in the breakaway regime.

(CS)

[06] There are 93,292 students at the illegal universities of the breakaway regime

From them, 13,619 are "TRNC citizens", 52,135 Turkish citizens and 27,538 citizens from third countries. Berova stated that there is an 8% increase in the number of students compared to last year.

Berova made these statements speaking at a ceremony for the launching of the new academic year at the "Keryneia American University".

(CS)

[07] The "Turkish Cypriot chamber of chemical engineering" warns about the use of powdered milk for the making of halloumi

According to the statement of the "chamber", it notes that it was informed about this practice via postings in social media, that the use of powdered milk is illegal unless is used for the production of chocolates and ice-creams.

(CS)

[08] Celebrations for the 21st anniversary of the first private radio in the occupied area of Cyprus

"First FM" was established in November 1, 1996 by the Birinci Media Group.

(CS)

[09] Cavusoglu and Kurtulmus rebuke Iraqi PM's 'invasion' remarks

"There is no stronger supporter [of Iraq] than Turkey, which wants Iraq to protect its territorial integrity and its independence. Iraq's security and stability are as important as ours," Cavusoglu was quoted as telling reporters in the resort city of Antalya on Nov. 2 by state-run Anadolu Agency. He added that while Turkey backs Iraq's independence and stability, he would not comment "on other countries' provocations".

Al-Abadi on Nov. 1 warned Turkey against provoking a confrontation, while stressing that he does not want war. "The invasion of Iraq will lead to Turkey being dismantled," AFP quoted al-Abadi as saying in a televised news conference on November 1. "We do not want war with Turkey, and we do not want a confrontation with Turkey. But if a confrontation happens, we are ready for it. We will consider [Turkey] an enemy and we will deal with it as an enemy," al-Abadi added.

Cavusoglu also questioned Iraq's strength to fight terrorism. "If you [Iraq] have the power, why did you leave Mosul to terrorist organizations in the first place?" the Foreign Minister asked. "Why has the [outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party] PKK been invading your lands for years?" He criticized the Iraqi Prime Minster for "not being able to cope with terrorist organizations, while trying to bully and being rhetorical." He said Turkish officials had earlier declared Turkey would take measures in the interest of its security. "We are taking these measures now," he added.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (02.11.16) reports that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus has called on Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to lower tensions that fanned the flames of ethnic and sectarian unrest in the region.

Kurtulmus made the remarks Wednesday on Turkish private news channel NTV. "We recommend that Mr al-Abadi see the big game as well as the big picture. Making Sunni and Shia forces clash against each other in this region […] means fanning the flames of ethnic and sectarian unrest in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey," Kurtulmus said.

[10] Cavusoglu: Turkey differs with Russia on Syria's future

"We have some differences of opinion if it will be with or without Assad", Cavusoglu said during an interview on Russian state-run television channel, Rossiya-24.

"In our opinion, it is not possible that the opposition will unite Assad, because they don't want to unite a regime that killed at least 500,000 people," he said.

Separately, Cavusoglu said that Turkey is targeted by many terrorist organizations such as PKK, Daesh, DHKP-C and YPG in Syria.

"Why is Daesh targeting Turkey? First of all, Turkey has a very important role in the coalition to fight Daesh and many countries' fighter jets are in our airbase. The jets of NATO countries within the coalition in Incirlik air base are carrying out operations against Daesh. And we join the fight against Daesh actively", he said. He added that the other reason is the ground operation in Syria against Daesh.

In addition, Cavusoglu talked about the shooting down of a Russian fighter jet last November and said he would visit the deceased pilot's spouse if she accepts. "We wanted to make gestures for the family of the [deceased] pilot. Sergey Lavrov said that Russia did everything so there is no need to do as a gesture. I said that my spouse and I can visit the pilot's spouse if she accepts", the Turkish Minister said and added that he wants to once again convey their sadness.

[11] CHP spokesperson: Cumhuriyet is our red line

"[The probe on Cumhuriyet daily is] a joint operation of the AKP-FETO fraternity. Cumhuriyet is our red line. We will not take any step back, we will not surrender it", Selin Sayek Boke said Nov. 2 after her party's central executive board meeting.

"Cumhuriyet is not an ordinary newspaper, it is a monument of the history of the foundation of the young republic and it is a memento of the founder's will. It is the newspaper of Ugur Mumcu, [Taner] K?slal?, [Bahriye] Ucok, [the Cumhuriyet journalists who were all assassinated during the 1990s] and Ilhan Selcuk. It is a force, of which all putschists would be afraid, and an institution of the Republic," she said.

"Any attack on Cumhuriyet newspaper is an overt attack on our Republic. It is not a coincidence that the AKP regime is attacking daily Cumhuriyet. People who believe in progress and who are democrats will not surrender Cumhuriyet to AKP fascism," Boke said.

Boke slammed the operations, indicating that the probe was launched to obscure the political links of the coup attempt. She reminded that the prosecutor who carried out the Cumhuriyet daily investigation, Murat Inam, was on trial for being a member of FETO.

Boke also noted news coverage by Cumhuriyet five days before the operation that disclosed FETO links. Cumhuriyet reported on Oct. 26 that the brother of the main prosecutor who is conducting the main investigation into July 15 coup attempt was suspended as part of the Gulenist investigation.

"Five days before the FETO fraternity attempt [the operations against the daily], there was a news story. The public prosecutor's brother was dismissed because of the FETO probe. He was accused of being a member of FETO. It was Cumhuriyet newspaper which reported the links. They took the most radical step to silence the newspaper which has disclosed the links with FETO," she said.

Cumhuriyet was founded in 1924, a year after the foundation of Turkish Republic, by a confidant of the Kemal Ataturk, Yunus Nadi Abal?oglu, who was also a CHP Deputy.

[12] HDP co-leader Yuksekdag is facing a 10-month prison sentence

Figen Yuksekdag, co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), was convicted by a court in Adana, southern Turkey, after giving a speech at a graveside commemoration ceremony of Marxist–Leninist Communist Party (MLKP) terrorist Yasemin Ciftci, who was killed by a homemade bomb at her address in Istanbul in 2012.

The 7th Penal Court found Yuksekdag guilty of "making propaganda for a terrorist organization". She appealed the decision but the Supreme Court agreed with the Adana court.

Yuksekdag's lawyer, Sevil Araci Bek, said she could expect to serve seven-and-a-half months of her sentence.

The MLKP, founded in 1994, was listed as a terrorist organization in 2007. The group killed four people in a 2004 bombing of an Istanbul hotel.

Yuksekdag jointly heads the HDP with Selahattin Demirtas, who also faces prosecution under anti-terrorism laws after their parliamentary immunity was lifted earlier this year, along with other lawmakers from Turkey's main political parties.

[13] Turkey voices strong economic, trade interest in Africa

"We have always regarded our African friends as our brothers. Our policy of opening up to Africa is not just the reflection of a transient political and economic expectation. On the contrary, it is the product of a process with strong historical and cultural aspects," Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said Nov. 2 at the Turkey-Africa Economic and Business Forum.

"One of the main constituents of our comprehensive interest in Africa is composed of economic and trade relations. In this vein, we signed trade and economic cooperation agreements and created mixed economic commission mechanisms with a total of 40 African countries so far. We have embassies in 39 African countries, but this is not enough for us. Our desire is to open embassies across the whole continent," said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the meeting.

Erdogan said that Turkey had signed agreements with 19 African countries to mutually encourage and preserve investments, free trade deals with four countries and other agreements to prevent double taxation with nine countries.

He also noted that business councils had been established in 33 African countries under DEIK's leadership. "While our trade with Africa was around $7 billion in 2005, this figure surged to $17.5 billion in 2015. Our trade volume with sub-Saharan Africa soared to $6.6 billion in 2015 from around $2.7 billion in 2005. I should also mention our investors' strong interest in Africa," Erdogan said, adding that Turkey had given significant priority to all issues regarding African countries in all international platforms.

Zeybekci said Ankara started an expansion into Africa to strengthen cooperation 12 years ago, while also calling for African countries to make 2017 a year of free trade. "Taking and then leaving has never been our policy. What we do in Africa is to build together, produce together, sell what's produced together and share the profit," he added.

"Also we are opening a gateway to Africa as the Turkish Airlines flies to the highest number of destinations in Africa," said the Minister. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/AM)

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