Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-12-07

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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 describes January 2017 as a period of "extremely vital importance" for the future of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots

[02] Akinci carries out contacts with high level EU officials

[03] Cavusoglu and Mogherini: Cyprus settlement will be beneficial to the wider security and stability of the region

[04] NATO-EU ties 'strengthen' despite unsolved Cyprus issue

[05] Ozgurgun alleges that the guarantees are more needed than in the past and that no one must be displaced with the territorial adjustments

[06] Tension and conflicts during protests against not implementing the winter time; Civil disobedience was decided by the trade unions

[07] Akinci reiterated that the decision not to implement the winter time should be re-evaluated

[08] Ozgurgun and Denktas politicize the implementation of winter time

[09] Turkish Cypriot parties call on the "government" to implement the winter time in the occupied area of Cyprus

[10] Seven more persons were granted the "TRNC citizenship"

[11] Economy hit bottom in the breakaway regime

[12] The cost of living in the occupied area of Cyprus rises

[13] Atun said that exports continue thanks to close relations with Turkey

[14] Turkish PM: One-year halt in Turkey, Russia ties 'over'; Erdogan has approved the Turkish Stream agreement

[15] Turkish daily Aksam evaluates Russia-Turkey ties

[16] Turkey strikes ISIL targets in al-Bab during Turkish PM's visit to Russia

[17] Turkey set to have 54 missions in Africa

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci describes January 2017 as a period of "extremely vital importance" for the future of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots

"We have once more explained the consistent determination of the Turkish Cypriots and our legitimate line which fully defends the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people who want a solution, but at the same time does not ignore the rights of the other community, with which we will establish a partnership. We fully explained that our equality, freedom and security are indispensable elements, but we want them for the other community as well, not only for ourselves".

Akinci argued that there was great understanding" from the EU side and that the Turkish Cypriots' views and positions are much more understandable. Referring to the negotiating process, which will take place in January 2017, Akinci said he would try to administrate it together with the Turkish Cypriot political leadership and Turkey, as he has always done.

Alleging that the Greek Cypriot officials should show empathy and share the same feelings and views, Akinci claimed that they and especially President Anastasiades should also adopt the same approach and "we should jointly reach a happy result to which everybody in Cyprus will be able to easily say yes in the referendum".

Noting that yesterday he had also met with Federica Mogherini, EU's High Representative Responsible for Foreign Affairs and Security Policies, Akinci said that today he will meet with Jean-Claude Junker, President of the EU Commission.

Reiterating the view that there are some issues on which the EU should fulfil its responsibilities in the Cyprus problem, Akinci argued that one of these issues is the preparation of the Turkish Cypriot community and its institutions for the EU. He noted that the need for financial support to the solution also exists and that "we should expect a serious financial support from the EU". "This is something we were told last year", he said adding that he would remind Junker of his statement that "we will not disappear when you need us".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci carries out contacts with high level EU officials

Akinci met also this morning with the German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier at a working breakfast.

He is due to meet with the President of the EU Commission Jean-Claude Juncker today.

[03] Cavusoglu and Mogherini: Cyprus settlement will be beneficial to the wider security and stability of the region

While some EU officials have voiced support to a freeze on Ankara's EU accession negotiations, Mogherini says channels of communication should always be open for both sides to listen to each other's concerns and that Turkey has strategic importance for the bloc's policies on Syria, energy, the Caucasus and Cyprus.

The EC stated that Cavusoglu and Mogherini discussed a range of topics related to EU-Turkey relations, internal developments in Turkey, as well as regional issues, including Syria and the Cyprus reunification talks. "On Syria, they discussed the dire humanitarian situation and ongoing efforts to deliver aid to those in need", the statement said.

With regard to the Cyprus issue, they both underlined the importance of reaching a comprehensive settlement which would be "beneficial to the wider security and stability of the region" as well as to the relationship between Turkey and the EU.

[04] NATO-EU ties 'strengthen' despite unsolved Cyprus issue

In remarks made to journalists in Brussels on Tuesday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: "I think what we proved over the last couple of years is that even with the conflict in Cyprus unsolved, we have been able to move forward on strengthening the NATO-EU cooperation".

According to his comments posted on the official NATO website, Stoltenberg was asked about how could cooperation between NATO and EU move forward without a peace deal on Cyprus. "Yes, I would like to see a solution to the conflict in Cyprus, but no, that's not a precondition for moving forward on NATO-EU cooperation," he said.

He added that Tuesday's meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers "[will] address some of the security challenges we are all facing and we will do that by addressing a wide range of issues but at the core of the meeting is the importance of the transatlantic bond, the bond between Europe and North America."

[05] Ozgurgun alleges that the guarantees are more needed than in the past and that no one must be displaced with the territorial adjustments

Referring to the territorial adjustments, Ozgurgun argued that territorial adjustments could be made, but that no one should be displaced and the "TRNC's" territorial integrity should not be spoiled by these adjustments.

Alleging that the Greek Cypriot side has taken whatever it wanted, Ozgurgun claimed that "only the guarantees remained and now it [the Greek Cypriot side] is dealing with this" and added; "When the Turkish army goes away, the Greek Cypriot side will do whatever it wants. The UBP cannot say yes to such an agreement. It is not possible. The system to be established should not cause conflict and disorder".

Ozgrugun said that the UBP could not say "yes" to an agreement on the current conditions. Describing the agreement which the UBP wants, he alleged that the equality of the Turkish Cypriot "people" should be secured, the "territorial integrity" of the "TRNC" should not be spoiled, and that no one should be displaced from "their places and properties". Ozgurgun said that the Greek Cypriots want the return of occupied Morfou and Karpasia and the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation army.

On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (online, 07.12.16) broadcast that the National Unity Party's (UBP) party assembly convened last night to assess the latest developments in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cyprus problem.

A statement issued at the end of the meeting stated: "While the UBP supports the ongoing talks between the two leaders on the island, it will never accept an agreement that does not ensure the political equality of the Turkish Cypriot people, safeguard Turkey's active and effective guarantee, which waters down bi-zonality and which is not recognized as EU primary law, all of which would spell the end of the Turkish Cypriot peoples' existence on the island".

The party assembly also took a unanimous decision in support of the "government" in light of what it called provocative actions and statements aimed at stirring chaos in the "country".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Tension and conflicts during protests against not implementing the winter time; Civil disobedience was decided by the trade unions

According to the paper, tension and conflicts took place during a protest organized by the Trade Union Platform and students in front of the self-styed prime minister's office. Stones and bottles were thrown and "police officers" and demonstrators were injured. Students shouted slogans such as "we do not want to go to school in the darkness" and "the roads should be fixed". The members of the Trade Union Platform asked for the implementation of the winter time and the resignation of three "ministers", whom they consider responsible for the death of three persons during last week's accident on occupied Pentadaktylos Mountain range. During the demonstration three women were arrested and later were set free.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (07.12.16) reports that the "strongest police violence" in the past few years was observed during yesterday's protests. The paper refers to the confession by the "police deputy director", Huseyin Yesildagli that he was the one who ordered "police officers" to use violence and added that he would do it again if necessary. The paper writes that during the conflicts, a pregnant "police officer" was injured after being kicked in the stomach and that those who forced the pregnant "police officer" to stand before the demonstrators have committed a crime. Seven "police officers" were injured on the head and three of them were hospitalized.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (07.12.16) reports that "people are rebelling", life in the occupied part of Nicosia stopped and the insistence of the "government" on implementing summer time led people to the streets. As people were protesting the self-styled minister of education was having lunch at "Kumarcilar Hani" restaurant, something which caused strong reactions, notes the paper.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (07.12.16) reports that after the demonstrations the Trade Union Platform decided that all its members should implement "civil disobedience" which had been launched by KTOS, KTOEOS and KTAMS trade unions last week. Therefore, all employees will work according to the "old hours", noted the Platform, which gave the "government" until 9 December to revise its decision and to remove the three "ministers" from their duties, otherwise general strikes for an indefinite period of time will begin in "strategic institutions" and the mass demonstrations will continue.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Akinci reiterated that the decision not to implement the winter time should be re-evaluated

Akinci noted that the demand of the students who lost their friends in the accident is a common demand of the entire society and added that they should act according to a serious action plan and a strategic target on the issue of traffic safety.

Akinci reiterated that the decision of not implementing the winter time should be re-evaluated and that time should be regulated according to the "rules of nature". He pointed out that serious problems were caused by changing a long established practice.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Ozgurgun and Denktas politicize the implementation of winter time

"What has the south [Translation note: The government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus] shared with us? It could not even settle the issue of the GSM. What is demanded is the time of the south, not of Europe. Taking a step back on the time is not technically possible. A totally technical issue has been turned into a political one".

Noting that his "government" has been in "power" only for six months and even its "budget" has not been approved by the "assembly" yet, he wondered how the resignation of three "ministers" is demanded in this case. He argued that they have already solved the issue of the children going to school in the darkness and that asking the resignation of a "government" after only six months is not a correct approach. "They say 'we want the European time, but a difference of time between us and Turkey will cause technical problems", he alleged.

Meanwhile, the paper also writes that Serdar Denktas, the self-styled deputy prime minister of the regime, alleged that those who prefer to exploit a saddening accident and its consequences and force people to go out into the streets, have materialized their plans. He claimed that the statements made by Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci on the issue of the time clearly showed that "the intention behind all these demonstrations is something else".

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (online, 07.12.16) broadcast that Denktas has alleged that last week's tragic accident in which two school girls and their bus driver were killed was being politically exploited.

In a written statement, Denktas said that the decision not to take the clocks back an hour was due to the fact that communication, banking and financial systems were on the same par as Turkey which had decided not to implement daylight saving time and added: "The decision, far from being political, is a technical one which aims to prevent any difficulties that may arise because of time difference with Turkey, our only window to the world". Denktas also claimed that there were political moves behind all the protests taking place in the "country".

Reminding that none of the trade unions had objected to the decision when it was first taken, Denktas accused the unions of using the tragic accident to provoke the public. "I had proposed to the unions that if we wanted to solve this problem permanently then we should examine the proposal prepared by the EU. Accordingly we should not raise salaries, introduce a 3% cut on all salaries above a certain figure and not purchase the Mercedes cars used by members of the cabinet. That would amount to a fund of 139 million TL which we could use to renew our roads. The response I got was that the roads should be renewed with money from Turkey", he added.

Denktas said that the real issue that needed to be discussed in the "country" was that a large portion of state revenues deriving from road taxes and traffic fines was being used to pay salaries of "state employees". "This issue is what will cause the real headache if and when we reach a settlement to the Cyprus problem", he argued.

Stressing that the "TRNC" was is no state to carry out infrastructural investments without additional funds from Turkey, Denktas argued: "This is the reality of the state structure that has emerged over the years. This structure is the result of the isolation imposed on us by the world and the financial restrictions brought upon us as a result".

Denktas further said: "Those who aimed to use this tragic event to drive a wedge between us, Turkey and the state in a bid to prepare the public for a referendum have been successful".

(I/Ts.)

[09] Turkish Cypriot parties call on the "government" to implement the winter time in the occupied area of Cyprus

Tozun Tunali, the chairman of SDP said that the "government's" decision not to change the time was wrong and created chaos in the "country". Noting that the fact that children have to go to school while it is still dark is a big issue, he added that despite all the problems witnessed the "government" refused to change this decision. He also said that it is wrong that the "deputies" of DP and UBP continue to support the "government".

Izzet Izcan, the chairman of BKP stated that the "coalition government" of the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Unity Party (UBP) ignore the will of the "people" and do nothing but buttering up the ruling Justice and Developing Party (AKP) in Turkey.

Finally, Asim Idris, the general secretary of TDP stated that the "government" took a meaningless and unfounded decision and called on it to fix the problem created.

(CS)

[10] Seven more persons were granted the "TRNC citizenship"

The persons who were granted "citizenship" are the following: Abdullah Topla, Unal Basarir, hasan Cete, Mustafa Saglama, Ethem Cetinarslan, Abdulkerim Turan and Burak Akin Cancioglu.

(CS)

[11] Economy hit bottom in the breakaway regime

According to the paper, the minimum wage was equal to 586 US dollars before July 2016, while today it is equal to 518 US dollars despite the fact that a rise of 104 Turkish Lira was given.

(CS)

[12] The cost of living in the occupied area of Cyprus rises

According to the "State Planning Organisation" ("DPO"), inflation has gone up by 1,43% in comparison to the previous month and 8.77% in comparison to November 2015. The price of 241 goods and materials has increased in comparison to the previous month. The highest price increase was recorded in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.

[13] Atun said that exports continue thanks to close relations with Turkey

Delivering an opening speech at the event, the self-styled minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun provided detailed information on the economic program and congratulated the "State Planning Organization" ("DPO") on the work it has carried out.

Stating that it was their utmost duty to create a sustainable economy, Atun argued that despite the international embargoes, the Turkish Cypriot "people" did not give up and will never give up on production.

Referring to the economic targets, Atun said the main target was to achieve macro growth and added that by setting a target growth rate the "government" has shaped "government" and private investments.

Stressing the importance of reforms, Atun said: "Reforms enable economic growth".

Explaining that exports did not stop thanks to close relations with Turkey, Atun said that they had been working towards bringing the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) to a point where it could compete with the world.

The self-styled deputy prime minister and minister of finance Serdar Denktas, for his part, said that the medium-term economic draft was prepared in a period when currency rates increased, trade unions staged protest actions and the Cyprus negotiations process continued.

Pointing out that a medium-term economic draft was prepared within the framework of the economic protocol signed with Turkey, Denktas stressed the importance of taking the necessary economic precautions on time.

Also addressing the event, self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun said that the target was to increase the welfare level in the country and added that the future targets for the "TRNC economy" will be determined during the meeting.

Expressing the belief that the draft which was prepared for a 3 year will make serious contributions to the "country's economy", Ozgurgun stressed that the main target of the "government" was to solve the economic problems and establish a sustainable structure.

[14] Turkish PM: One-year halt in Turkey, Russia ties 'over'; Erdogan has approved the Turkish Stream agreement

"We see that an unfortunate one-year period is over", state-run Anadolu Agency quoted Y?ld?r?m as saying during the open part of his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow.

"We can bring our strategic relationship to an even better point than before by utilizing the adverse experience this past year has brought us," he added.

Y?ld?r?m said relations with Moscow had faced a "test" but added: "Thanks to mutual political will, we have endured the difficult situation."

"Due to the nature of the region, we [as Russia, as Turkey] have a crucial duty. At the same time we have responsibility [in the region]," Y?ld?r?m added.

Speaking alongside Medvedev in a joint press conference on Dec. 6, Y?ld?r?m said the dialogue and coordination between Turkey and Russia was better than before, especially on military and diplomatic affairs.

Medvedev, for his part, said that the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project, which was signed on Oct. 10 between Turkey and Russia, would soon be ratified in Russia, too. This statement came hours after the Turkish Stream agreement came into force in Turkey, when it was published in the Official Gazette on Dec. 6 after being passed in Parliament and approved by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Medvedev also said a joint investment fund would be established with Turkey in order to provide financing for various projects and to launch joint projects in third-party countries.

Russia and Turkey have the potential to boost bilateral trade and economic ties, including via the implementation of big projects, Medvedev said at the beginning of the bilateral talks with his Turkish counterpart, according to TASS News Agency.

According to Medvedev, the two countries have historically had an impressive volume of trade ties, even if there have declined recently. "We are able to boost them and implement big joint projects, which are numerous," he said, adding that the meeting between the Prime Ministers was aimed at "boosting economic, investment and humanitarian cooperation in all sectors."

On the same issue, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 06.12.16) reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a meeting with Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m on Tuesday that Russia is grateful to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for signing the Turkish Stream agreement.

[15] Turkish daily Aksam evaluates Russia-Turkey ties

"Look at how things have changed. Just yesterday Russia and Turkey were at each other's throats over the plane crisis. Today we are trying to shape the future with Russia. We are jostling with our so-called 'strategic partner' America.

The telephone conversations we are conducting Moscow and the reciprocal visits have allowed us to make considerable progress in many areas. As you will know, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in Antalya until just recently. Syria was discussed at the table. Some topics came to maturity.

(…)

Actually, the topic of Syria bothers Russia as much as it does us. The Russians, to put it simply, are spending tons of money there. Furthermore, they are doing this at a time when they are plagued by serious economic problems.

(…)

The Turkey-Russia detente could yield important results in another area, too. Nobody should be surprised if Russia steps in over Cyprus.

In Antalya we said to Lavrov: "Support us in formulating a plan for Cyprus before the end of 2016". Lavrov welcomed Turkey's request.

Now, do not say, "What can Russia do about Cyprus?" The Russian oligarchs send all their money to the Greek Cypriot side of the island [editor's note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus]. That is why it can be said that the Russians have more influence over the Greek Cypriots than even Europe has. The inclusion of the Russians could take the process on Cyprus in different directions.

The Cyprus topic is very important! Think about it. Russia and Turkey acted in unison and forged a ceasefire in Syria. Afterwards, the Cyprus talks were brought to a specific point thanks to both countries' efforts. After all this can it really be said that 'the United States is a superpower'?

Prime Minister Yildirim's briefcase is packed with topics.

The Turkish Stream and the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Station processes have been sped up. The talks relating to Turkey's air defence systems and defence industry collaboration, which were placed on the table during President Erdogan's visit to St. Petersburg in August, are continuing. Folowing the Prime Minister's visit the defence industry is going to be an important part of Turkish-Russian cooperation. The arms embargo imposed on Turkey by some European countries hiding behind such excuses as "OHAL [State of Emergency], democracy and corruption" are going to bring us closer to Russia. You know that there is a project that the Russian press has been talking about for some time now: 'Trump, Putin and Erdogan are going to get together and create a new world'. There are serious commentaries about this. If you look at Trump's latest remarks the notion of bringing such a topic to life is not that utopian.

So, when you look at all this the importance of Prime Minister Yildirim's visit to Russia becomes much clearer. There was already a process with Russia under way.

This process is going to speed up after the Prime Minister's visit. It is at precisely this point that the comment supposedly made by Ismet Inonu following President Johnson's letter to Turkey in 1964 gains fresh meaning: 'A new world is being formed and Turkey will take up its place in it'!"

[16] Turkey strikes ISIL targets in al-Bab during Turkish PM's visit to Russia

While the Turkish-backed Syrian opposition has staged a siege west of al-Bab, Turkey's aerial campaign has only continued on and off in northern Syria due to the Syrian Air Force's threat to Turkish warplanes.

Ankara has assured Russia that its military offensive does not target Aleppo, but merely al-Bab, in the northern Aleppo province.

Meanwhile, the HDN paper reports that according to the Turkish Armed Forces, one Turkish soldier was killed and another six were wounded on Dec. 7 in a car bomb attack in Syria's al-Bab during the Euphrates Shield Operation.

The military also stated that Turkish warplanes conducted an air operation in the region, destroying 12 targets and killing 23 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants.

[17] Turkey set to have 54 missions in Africa

Each country is important for Turkey, Erdogan said at a joint press conference with his Beninese counterpart Patrice Talon in Ankara and added: "All [African] countries matter to Turkey, thus, I think, our ties with Africa should be strengthened much more in order to keep this friendship and solidarity together".

The President also said both leaders agreed that three schools in Benin linked to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) would be taken over by a Turkish educational foundation.

Talon said that Benin has a lot to learn from Turkey which is "a rising power". On a possible visit to Benin by Erdogan, Talon said: "It will be very good news for the whole south of Saharan [countries] and it will reflect the cooperation. Maybe many African countries will feel jealous. Because we, as all African countries, admire Turkey". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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