Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-11-30

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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] British Foreign Secretary held a meeting with Akinci

[02] Erdogan: The Greek Cypriots are like a hungry chicken in a warehouse with wheat

[03] Akinci: If the Greek Cypriots do not approach a solution we will continue our way as "TRNC"

[04] Yildirim: "Turkey's effective guarantee is a sine qua non for the solution to be found on the Cyprus problem"

[05] Kilicdaroglu criticized AKP government on its Cyprus policy

[06] "Court" in the occupied area of Cyprus "decides" that the EVKAF religious foundation has a say in the properties of occupied fenced off Varosha

[07] Students were killed in a traffic accident; Not implementing the winter time is one of the causes, say Turkish Cypriots

[08] Erdogan: EU not the only fish in the sea

[09] Turkey says 'no' to second class EU membership

[10] A French official visited Atalay

[11] A panel on the current phase on Cyprus negotiations will be organized in the UK

[12] Turkish commentary suggests Gibraltar model to resolve Cyprus question

[13] MHP and HDP on extension of state of emergency and the adoption of a new Constitution

[14] Prosecutors demand 230 years prison sentence for ousted Diyarbakir Co-Mayor Kisanak

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] British Foreign Secretary held a meeting with Akinci

Present at the meeting was the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami, Akinci's spokesman Baris Burcu, Akinci's special advisor for EU matters and diplomacy Erhan Ercin, as well as the British High Commissioner to Cyprus Mathew Kidd.

[02] Erdogan: The Greek Cypriots are like a hungry chicken in a warehouse with wheat

"Negotiations have been held for months, for years there. There is a continuous, procrastination, always procrastination, procrastination. This is [their] tactics. Do you know what? Give Cyprus entirely to us and do not interfere, they say. This is [their] target. Wait a moment, so much blood of the martyrs exists there. What do you give? Without shame, without being annoyed, they come to the EU meetings with the flag which includes the whole of Cyprus. You cannot have such a flag. There is a TRNC here. You are the Greek Administration of South Cyprus. And in the north there is the Turkish Republic. You will see this. This is also disrespect. They will understand it, they will learn it in this or that way".

Noting that he had received a call by Greek Prime Minister Tsipras and asked him a bilateral and a multilateral meeting, Erdogan argued: "However, this issue should not be prolonged very much now. This issue should reach somewhere by the end of this year. However, if it is said that these lands are ours, their administration will totally belong to us, this issue will not proceed. They say that the hungry chicken thinks that it is in a warehouse with wheat. This is what they are doing".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akinci: If the Greek Cypriots do not approach a solution we will continue our way as "TRNC"

Alleging that they want peace, tranquility and a just solution in Cyprus, Akinci argued:

"It would be a gain for all sides if we created a field of cooperation instead of new tensions around Cyprus and if we turned Cyprus into an island of cooperation instead of seeing it as the root of evil. We are trying for Cyprus to become a friendly area for Turkey, not only its northern part, but its southern part as well. We are trying for the Greek Cypriots to also understand how important gaining the friendship of a big country like Turkey is for them".

Noting that peace cannot come only with their good will, Akinci argued:

"It did not come in Switzerland. During the first round of the talks we took an important step. We were waiting for the same step to come from the other side as well, but this step could not be taken. We are face to face with the danger of losing another historic opportunity. We do not want to lose it. It would be a mistake. If there is a wish, good will and determination, by the end of the year we will lead this issue to a five-party conference and when we with the Greek Cypriots discuss out internal issues, Turkey, Greece and Britain could sit at the other table and discuss this issue and find a common way out. We want a solution, but there could be no solution with the mentality of 'solution at any cost'. There could be no such a solution. […] We want nothing more than equality, freedom and justice. […] However, these issues are settled with discussion, not imposition. Greece did not send a representative to the negotiations. Now we are saying 'let us organize a five-party conference'. They are saying 'no' to this as well. We cannot bring solution unilaterally. However, if they approach to an honorable solution, in such a solution, we will take our place as TRNC as one of the two equal founding states. However, if they do not come, we will continue our way as TRNC".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Yildirim: "Turkey's effective guarantee is a sine qua non for the solution to be found on the Cyprus problem"

Alleging that the "injustice" which continues for years in the island should be ended, Yildirim underlined the importance of "lifting the restrictions" imposed in the "TRNC".

Claiming that Turkey, more than anyone else, supports a fair solution on the Cyprus problem on the basis of a rotating presidency, Yildirim added: "The other side, however, did not fulfill its responsibilities. Regardless of what will be the solution, we do not want our Turkish Cypriot brothers to face the bitter experiences of the 60's and 70's again. Therefore, Turkey's effective guarantee is a sine qua non for a solution in Cyprus", Yildirim said.

(AK)

[05] Kilicdaroglu criticized AKP government on its Cyprus policy

Addressing his parliamentary group meeting on November 29, Kilicdaroglu said that the sovereignty of the 18 islets located in the Aegean Sea were given to Greece and asked the Turkish Prime Minister the following: "The Greek flag is flying over these 18 islets. These islets belong to us. (…) Greece's flag is there. The islets are under the Greek occupation. (..) They [the Turkish government] are talking about the Treaty of Lausanne, 'our land was reduced'. We lost 18 islets under our nose. I am asking now Mr Binali Yildirim 'will you take or not back the 18 islets? Are you a nationalist or not?' At this moment in Cyprus, the TRNC [translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus] owns the 37% of the land. They want to drop it to 29.2%. They want to sell Cyprus too. The Greek flag is on these islets. We ask them, 'why you don't interfere? Why don't you claim our rights?' They reply: 'we have a great task, a more important one. We have our chief. We are trying to find a seat for him."

(DPs)

[06] "Court" in the occupied area of Cyprus "decides" that the EVKAF religious foundation has a say in the properties of occupied fenced off Varosha

The "court" allowed EVKAF, which claimed that the above-mentioned property belongs to Abdullah Pasha Foundation, to participate in the case as "an interested person". The Greek Cypriot company Michaelides Brothers Mediterranean Tours Ltd, which demanded the return of the hotel and 34 million euro as compensation for loss of use, argued that EVKAF should not be involved in the case. The case had been filed at the "Committee" in 2012 and the "decision" for annulling EVKAF's participation was taken in November 2015 by the "court" that consisted of only one "judge". After an "appeal" filed by the "TRNC's attorney general's office" and EVKAF, the "court" convened with three "judges" and "decided" that the earlier decision was wrong.

The lawyer of the Greek Cypriot company, Murat Hakki told Kibris that they respect the "decision", but they will assess it and "do what is necessary". He expressed the view that within 2017 tens of Greek Cypriot refugees from occupied Varosha will directly file applications to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

He argued:

"A decision like the Greek Cypriots from Varosha wanted it came out. A decision like the Greek Cypriot Attorney General's Office, which has been closely following the case, wanted it came out. In my view, the meaning of this case creates as a result the closing of the return of the properties in Varosha to all Greek Cypriots from Varosha and leaving completely uncontrolled the legally arbitrary postponements of the Immovable Property Committee. […] Since the very first day of its establishment, that is during the last ten years, as everybody knows the Immovable Property Committee has produced absolutely no decision at least on the issue of Varosha. After the recognition of the decision of the Famagusta District Court, I think that the way for return will be closed and within 2017, tens of Greek Cypriots will directly appeal to the ECHR, I think, because at least in our case, absolutely nothing positive was taken after a period of seven years. On the other hand, if the Greek Cypriots from Varosha carry this issue to the ECHR, the government of the Republic of Turkey will fall in further trouble from one point of view […]".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Students were killed in a traffic accident; Not implementing the winter time is one of the causes, say Turkish Cypriots

Daily Havadis reports that two young girls and the driver of the minibus which was carrying them to school "in the darkness of the morning" died when a track crossed over the opposite lane and crushed the minibus. Seven persons were injured, three of them seriously, and were carried to the hospital.

The paper covers the issue under the banner front-page title "The name of this is crime" and reports that the children were going to school in the darkness, the minibus which carried them was old and the road was in a bad condition. Noting that when the carelessness of the truck driver was added to all these "the biggest tragedy of the past few years was experienced", the paper writes that because of the accident, Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci interrupted his visit to Turkey and returned to the occupied area of Cyprus. Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu sent a message of condolences through Tweeter.

Kibris refers to the accident under the title "We are suffering" and reports that seven persons were injured, five of them seriously. The paper notes that the accident caused reactions from the Greek Cypriot side, which said that it was ready to offer doctors and blood for the injured. The paper refers also to the messages of condolences issued by President Anastasiades and Greek Cypriot political parties.

Afrika covers the issue under the title "Murderers" and reports that the self-styled minister of public works and transportation, Kemal Durust stated that he would not resign since this [the bad situation of the roads] is a problem which exists for years.

Yeni Duzen refers to the issue under the title "Three lives in the dark morning" and reports that many organizations, trade unions and associations would protest today in front of the "prime minister's office". The paper writes that three trade unions in the field of education (KTOS, KTOEOS and DAU-SEN) said that the National Unity Party – Democratic Party (UBP-DP) "government" is responsible for the "crime", by not changing the summer time and sending the students to school in the darkness, in roads which have no lights, no safety and no traffic signs and are used by trucks.

Furthermore, Kibris reports also that Dursun Oguz, general secretary of the "ruling" UBP, said that the "government" will take into consideration the reactions on the issue of not implementing the winter time zone in the occupied area of Cyprus and continuing the summer time. In statements during a television program, he commented on the accident and noted: "Serious complaints exist everywhere for the implementation of the summer time. The government will take the necessary actions".

Finally, Ali Baturay, editor-in-chief of Kibris, describes as "good thing" the proposals by the Greek Cypriot side to offer help and blood and the messages of condolences. He further begs of the regime's "officials" to do something on the issue of the continuation of the summer time and not implementing the winter time. "Let our citizens and our students not go out in the roads in the darkness", he notes.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Erdogan: EU not the only fish in the sea

Speaking at the 7th Bosporus Summit in Istanbul, Erdogan said that Turkey has been waiting for an answer from the EU for over 50 years, and criticized last week's non-binding vote by the European Parliament urging a freeze to Turkey's EU accession talks, calling it "harassment."

"We have not closed the EU subject yet. But the picture we have faced does not allow us to fall for positive expectations on this subject. There are always many alternatives before Turkey. We would continue our way by considering one of these options," said Erdogan.

[09] Turkey says 'no' to second class EU membership

"Official dialogue with our EU partners continues, but we observe a decrease in the dialogue between journalists, academics and businessmen. There is a serious problem of communication. We need to overcome this. We should talk to each other, not about each other," he said at the outset of the meeting.

"The whole of Europe showed remarkable solidarity with France after the Charlie Hebdo attack. We were also there. But we did not receive anybody from the EU in the first two months after the coup attempt, in which the Turkish Parliament was bombed. […] he said.

Another question referred to the recently discussed scenario of the EU providing Turkey a partnership short of full membership, along with other non-EU countries, especially after the Brexit vote.

"Turkey wants to be a full member. Turkey's full membership is good for both Turkey and the EU. The question is: Which Turkey does Europe want? We want a democratic Turkey, with full respect for human rights, joining the EU. But the same question is in the minds of our public as well: Which Europe we are talking about?" Celik said.

Celik thus underlined once again that Ankara's ultimate objective is to join the EU as a full member and will not accept a "second class membership" or "privileged partnership."

In addition Ankara Anatolia news agency (30.11.16) reports that Turkey's Minister for EU Affairs Omer Celik on Tuesday said he is "proud of" Turkey hosting three million refugees.

"As a politician, I will all my life be proud of us [Turkey] hosting three million refugees," he said. "But this has never been turned into fodder for domestic politics."

[10] A French official visited Atalay

According to a statement issued by the "religious affairs department", Peaucelle was accompanied by the French Ambassador to Lefkosia, Rene Troccaz. During the meeting, an exchange of views was made concerning the current phase of the Cyprus negotiation process and the role of the religious leaders in the process.

(AK)

[11] A panel on the current phase on Cyprus negotiations will be organized in the UK

The panel will take place at the Canterbury Augustine House Library on December 3 and is organized by the Turkish Cypriot Student Union of the Kent University and the Canterbury Christ Church University.

Speakers at the panels will be "deputies" Zeki Celer, Hasan Tacoy and Armagan Candan who are members of the delegation of the "assembly" that attends Brussels and Strasburg EU Parliament meetings.

(CS)

[12] Turkish commentary suggests Gibraltar model to resolve Cyprus question

"The settlement of the Cyprus question was once again disrupted in a disappointing manner.

[…]

Even if the Turkish side takes the most reasonable and advanced steps, the result remains the same. The Greek Cypriot side does not wish to share the island's governance with the Turkish Cypriots. Therefore, there is no point in persisting.

The Cyprus question has been seen for years as the biggest obstacle to Turkey's EU accession talks. In 2004, by taking a step to accept the membership of one side in an unresolved conflict, which now almost the entire world acknowledges was an ill-advised move, the EU internalized this question.

Therefore, the Cyprus question and the Turkey-EU relations interacted with each other and turned into one whole package.

[…]

One needs to acknowledge that recently a new perspective emerged for the future of the Turkey-EU relations, particularly after the United Kingdom's Brexit decision. Instead of dreading this, it is time to take this on.

What is going to happen to Cyprus then? There is an entity in place, which has been waging an existential struggle since 1983 under the name of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC). There is no need to become any longer part of the Greek Cypriot efforts to exterminate this entity by playing the non-solution game and to render the Turks living in Cyprus a minority.

However, the KKTC should not lose out on its 33-year-old existence either. Annexation of this entity by Turkey is not the solution. The solution is to create a reasonable, acceptable, and sustainable unity between Turkey and the KKTC.

On Spain's southern flank on the Iberian Peninsula, there is a country called Gibraltar. It is part of the United Kingdom since 1713. In fact, there are numerous similar ''oversees territories'' that are part of the United Kingdom. For instance, the two Channel Islands known as Jersey and Guernsey or the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. However, Gibraltar's status is different to all of them.

Spain claims sovereignty over Gibraltar. To overcome this problem, the British allowed a referendum to take place in Gibraltar in 1967. The people of Gibraltar decided to remain under the British sovereignty. In a law passed in 1969, the United Kingdom gave itself the right to object to the people of Gibraltar transferring their sovereignty to another country at a future date.

Spain did not give up. In 2002, it proposed regional or social autonomy to Gibraltar provided that it became part of Spain. Another referendum was held. The people of Gibraltar turned down that proposal as well.

In another referendum held in 2006, the people of Gibraltar approved their own constitution. Under the constitution, Gibraltar is responsible to the United Kingdom in its foreign affairs and remains under British sovereignty but has the mandate to govern itself.

Gibraltar exercises democratic self-rule in its internal affairs. It elects its own parliament in elections held every four year and forms its own government. A general governor in the country represents the United Kingdom. In matters regarding defense, foreign policy, and internal security, he works in line with the recommendations of the Gibraltar Parliament and is responsible to the United Kingdom. Appointments in the judiciary and other fields are made following consultations with the head of the Government of Gibraltar who is the prime minister.

When the United Kingdom became a member of the European Economic Union (EEU) in 1973, Gibraltar also joined the EU. However, this cannot be called a full membership. Since Gibraltar is part of the United Kingdom in terms of its foreign affairs, its relations with the EU are conducted by the United Kingdom.

In the Brexit referendum, 95% of the people of Gibraltar voted to remain in the EU. Therefore, the future of the relations between the United Kingdom and the EU greatly concerns Gibraltar's future. The people of Gibraltar want their relationship with the EU to continue.

Of course, the Brexit decision gave Spain new hope. It believes that Gibraltar can only remain in the EU if it unites with Spain. However, the people of Gibraltar do not intend to hand over their sovereignty to Spain. For its part, Spain is not prepared to accept Gibraltar to become an independent state.

Therefore, the new arrangement to take shape between the United Kingdom and the EU in the aftermath of the Brexit can include Gibraltar. For instance, as part of the debate over ''whether there will be a hard or soft exit from the EU,'' there is even some talk of the United Kingdom keeping the customs union even if it stops being a full member. It is almost like a Turkey model…

Gibraltar is recognized by the UN as a ''non-self-governing territory.'' During recent years, it achieved significant rights in terms of sports activities. For instance, it was accepted as a member of UEFA and FIFA. What is more, it is competing in the same group with Greece and South Cyprus in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Following every development in the Cyprus question imposed by the Greek Cypriot side with the intention to put the Turkish side under pressure through non-solution, a quest starts for formulas regarding KKTC's future.

Of course, numerous examples can be considered. The important thing is to find a method that will not insult the KKTC. The case of Gibraltar is one of those examples that can be considered.

Perhaps Turkey should start using all its resources for the KKTC to join the EU customs union like it does for itself. If, at a future date, a model can be drawn up for Turkey's relations with the EU based on a model to be developed between the United Kingdom and the EU, Gibraltar's future can also be a model for the KKTC; who knows.

[13] MHP and HDP on extension of state of emergency and the adoption of a new Constitution

"The extension of the period of the state of emergency is something that government handles. If they think they have accomplished those tasks, they can lift it. But as the MHP, we fully support the state of emergency," he said.

His comments came after Prime Minister Binali Yildirim signalled that Turkey's state of emergency could be lifted before the country votes in a potential referendum on a new charter, while Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus also said the government wanted to see it lifted soon.

The paper also reports that Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) spokesperson Ayhan Bilgen stated that any Constitution adopted under Turkey's ongoing state of emergency would not be legitimate, addressing party members at Parliament.

Bilgen noted that citizens remain in the dark about the content of the government's planned constitutional draft, stressing that such a method is not democratic.

"The constitutional change, whose text you still dare not declare, will not be legitimate if you pass it under the state of emergency," Bilgen stated, likening the planned new charter to the 1982 Constitution passed after the 1980 military coup. The 1982 Constitution received support from nearly 90 % of voter but its legitimacy was deeply questioned.

[14] Prosecutors demand 230 years prison sentence for ousted Diyarbakir Co-Mayor Kisanak

The 21-page indictment accused Kisanak of "conducting terrorist propaganda" on 41 separate occasions," while also accusing her of "attending illegal meeting and marches despite orders to disperse." A court in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir had arrested Kisanak and Firat Anli, the co-mayors of Diyarbakir, late on Oct. 30 following their detention. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(CS/ÁĚ)

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