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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-02-01

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/>

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 22/17 01.02.17

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

  • [01] Eide: The solution is possible but there is work to be done on many issues
  • [02] Threatening messages against Akinci
  • [03] Access to the "minutes" of a closed-door session of the "assembly" on the 29+% proposal was granted
  • [04] Ertugruloglu alleged that the UN took 50 years away from the Turkish Cypriots
  • [05] Ozyigit asked for a new international conference on the Cyprus problem to take place soon
  • [06] The "energy cooperation agreement" between Turkey and the occupation regime entered into force
  • [07] Candan on the Cyprus problem
  • [08] The first National Security Council of 2017 discussed the Cyprus negotiations
  • [09] Tension between Turkey and Greece escalated yesterday off the coast of Imia
  • [10] Hurriyet argues that Cyprus talks among the reasons of the Turkish Chief of General Staff's visit to Imia
  • [11] Turkey's opposition divided over top soldier's Imia islet visit
  • [12] Ozgurgun criticized resumption of talks
  • [13] Turkish commentary argues that while May's visit was productive, Merkel's visit will be problematic for Turkey
  • [14] "The Kurdish dilemma"
  • [15] Turkey's population hits 79.81 million people
  • [16] Afrika writes that the Turkish Cypriot side is not able to share among them the properties that were sieged from the Greek Cypriots
  • [17] The higher education students contribute significantly in the economy of the breakaway regime
  • [18] A suspect for the murder of last summer in Ayia Napa was set free
  • [19] "Citizenship was granted to 11 more persons"

  • [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

    [01] Eide: The solution is possible but there is work to be done on many issues

    Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (01.02.17) reports that Espen Barth Eide, Special Adviser of the UNSG on Cyprus, has said that a solution to the Cyprus problem is possible, but there is work to be done on many issues.

    After a two-hour meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci yesterday, Eide noted that during the meeting between the leaders today the steps to be taken in the future would be discussed, that all issues are open including the security and guarantees and that at the same time issues in other chapters are also open.

    Noting that all issues will be discussed interdependently, Eide said that today they would discuss when the international conference on Cyprus would be convened again and in parallel the leaders would continue the negotiations.

    Underlining the importance of convening the international conference on Cyprus "at the right time and with the right content", Eide argued that the following weeks and months should be used in the best manner and with the greatest productivity and constructiveness. He said that all members of the UN Security Council support a solution on the island and consider that the current situation cannot continue.

    Replying to a question, Eide noted that the conference is open and it has no expiring date adding that the chapters are difficult and related with each other. Arguing that one issue could not be discussed isolated from the other issues, Eide indicated the example of the security, which, he said, has both an internal and an external dimension. Therefore, he added, while the leaders continue negotiating with each other, work in both the internal and external dimensions is being done in parallel.

    (I/Ts.)

    [02] Threatening messages against Akinci

    Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (01.2.17), under the title "'Death threats' against president Akinci", reports that threatening and insulting messages were posted at the "official social media account" of the "TRNC presidency".

    According to the paper, social media users posted insulting, offensive and threatening messages against the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci accusing him of being "traitor" and claiming that he (Akinci) gave away land at the Cyprus talks.

    Some of the messages are "death threats" and some warning that he will pay the price. The paper publishes some messages, "If you are thinking of giving away even a stone from Cyprus to the Greek Cypriots, then you will pay the price. The land we took with blood, we will only give it back with blood".

    (DPs)

    [03] Access to the "minutes" of a closed-door session of the "assembly" on the 29+% proposal was granted

    Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (01.02.17) reports that the "assembly" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus granted yesterday access for the "deputies" to the "minutes" of the closed-door session held on 17 April 1986 during which the Cuellar Draft Framework Agreement had been discussed. The "minutes" show that the National Unity Party (UBP), the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and the Communal Liberation Party (TKP) had expressed a positive view on the Draft Framework Agreement, which included the territorial adjustment of 29+% [for the Turkish Cypriot federal state], while the Revival Party (YDP) had expressed a negative view.

    Addressing the "assembly" yesterday, Sibel Siber, self-styled speaker of the "body", said that this is the first time that the "minutes" of a closed-door "session" of the "assembly" are revealed and added that this happened upon a written demand by Huseyin Angolemli, self-styled deputy with the Social Democracy Party (TDP). She noted that during the closed-door "sessions" no voting takes place and only views are expressed. In case a voting is necessary, this voting is held openly, she added.

    Siber said that according to the "minutes" of the above-mentioned session, a map on the Cyprus problem had not been discussed then and it had not been said that a map would have been submitted to the UN. She added that it is also mentioned that the Turkish side would sent to the UN a letter saying that it accepted the draft agreement. She further noted that on 30 October 1987, the "assembly" had unanimously "adopted a decision" of ten paragraphs, which included an article saying that the Cuellar document was accepted by the Turkish Cypriot side.

    According to Siber, during the session on 17 April 1986, the then self-styled foreign minister of the regime briefed the "deputies" on the framework agreement in general and compared this agreement with previous documents. She noted that the "foreign minister" had told them that the Turkish Cypriot side intended to send a letter to the UNSG saying that it would either accept the framework agreement as a whole or it would reject it as a whole. It would also say that in case there was a different reply, they would not accept it.

    Siber noted that the "foreign minister" had said that the percentage of 29+% had created a big opportunity for the Turkish Cypriots to claim rights in addition to the criteria regarding the ownership [of land], the productivity and the security included in the Makarios - Denktas High Level Agreement. "This number is the highest percentage we could make the other side accept, taking into consideration the Cyprus problem's past", the "minister" had argued, adding that they would be the ones to decide which lands would have been returned and that there was no need to start a debate from then.

    (I/Ts.)

    [04] Ertugruloglu alleged that the UN took 50 years away from the Turkish Cypriots

    Under the title "Ertugruloglu: The UN stole from us 50 years, the negotiation process should be ended", Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (01.02.17) reports that self-styled minister of foreign affairs Tahsin Ertugruloglu argued that he cannot see what their gains are after 49 years of Cyprus talks and asked: "If the Greek Cypriot side sees the Turkish Cypriot side as an ethnic minority, then which are the gains being mentioned?".

    Speaking at the "assembly" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Ertugruloglu claimed that the UN took 50 years away from the Turkish Cypriot "people" and alleged: "They have stolen 50 years with the inter-communal negotiations that they started. They have mocked our intelligence. They are still doing it. 2016 would have been the end of the negotiation process. 2016 came and left. The negotiation process should be ended. What are we waiting for? The five-part meeting was a fiasco. Greece and the Greek Cypriot side presented the allegation that we are a minority and an occupant".

    Arguing that the Greek Cypriot side did not accept the rotating presidency, Ertugruloglu by criticizing Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, claimed that there has not been any other President in the world that will offer 7% of its land to the other side with a map without any exchange.

    (DPs)

    [05] Ozyigit asked for a new international conference on the Cyprus problem to take place soon

    Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (01.02.17) reports that the chairman of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit, in a written statement stressed the need for the international conference on Cyprus to be focused on yielding a result.

    Ozyigit supported the view that a new international conference on the Cyprus problem should take place in a short period of time and added that it is very important for good preparation to be done so as to create the ground for the summit to yield a positive outcome. "In my opinion, there is no obstacle in front of a summit which is to be concentrated on yielding a result, such as the Burgenstock summit", Ozyigit said.

    Expressing the view that the progress being achieved so far should not be wasted, Ozyigit stated that it would be a shame if especially Greece and Turkey try to delay the process in purpose instead of trying to be focused to the solution.

    Referring to the rhetoric used by the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras that "I would not sign a new Zurich" and that "there is no ground for a solution in Cyprus", and those used by Turkish officials saying that "We have taken Cyprus with blood and will give it with blood" and that "we will never give up Cyprus even if even a Turkish soldier stay there", serve the non-solution and not the solution in Cyprus. "The persons making such statements either do not know the context of the Treaty of Guarantees or they have other things in their mind", Ozyigit further said.

    (AK)

    [06] The "energy cooperation agreement" between Turkey and the occupation regime entered into force

    Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (01.02.17) reports that the "law" regarding the "cooperation agreement" between Turkey and the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus in the field of energy has been published in the "official gazette" and "entered into force". According to the paper, the "agreement" provides for transferring electricity from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus through undersea cables.

    The "agreement" includes seven "articles" providing for: 1) common projects regarding installations in electricity infrastructure and in the field of operation, rehabilitation and transmission of electricity, 2) security in electricity supply with an undersea cable between Turkey and the occupied area and establishing an interconnected system, 3) cooperation in the field of the infrastructure for oil and natural gas, as well as determining and developing projects in the field of marketing derivatives of oil, 4) development of projects as regards renewable energy in the occupied area of Cyprus, 5) organizing seminars, conferences and meetings in the field of energy, 6) harmonizing the "legislation" in the field of energy and 7) conducting studies for developing the "fuel oil unit laboratory" at the "ministry of energy".

    (I/Ts.)

    [07] Candan on the Cyprus problem

    Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli newspaper (01.02.17) reports that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) "deputy" Armagan Candan has stated that the occupation regime's population today is 225 thousand while the population of "south Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus is 803 thousand.

    Speaking in a televised program, Candan said that this figure would be acceptable and valid if an agreement would have been reached by the end of 2016. It is possible for new citizenships to be granted here and there also…Therefore, whatever would be the number of population once a solution is found, this would be the number. Nobody and anybody in both sides of the island can intervene in the population flow", argued Candan.

    Evaluating also the Cyprus negotiation process, Candan accused Greece for its stance during the Geneva summit, alleging that Greece has created disappointment during the Geneva talks, since, as it was proved, it was not ready for the summit.

    (AK)

    [08] The first National Security Council of 2017 discussed the Cyprus negotiations

    Turkish daily Sabah (01.02.17) reports that the first National Security Council (MGK) of 2017 convened at the Presidential Complex in Ankara late Tuesday, "emphasizing the country's commitment to fight against terror both at home and abroad after a year of terrible memories with more than a dozen terrorist attacks and a coup attempt".

    The closed meeting held under the presidency of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lasted over eight hours and was attended by Deputy Premiers, the Ministers of Justice, Internal Affairs, National Defense and Foreign Affairs. A statement was released following the meeting.

    "The fact that militant groups are supplied by arms paves the way for terror to strengthen. The Council reiterated Turkey's strong commitment to take precautions against disproportionate terror attacks that target our country both at home and abroad," the statement said.

    The Council also discussed the Cyprus negotiations which have come along way since reunification talks resumed in May 2015.

    "The Geneva talks, which aim to find a solution to the Cyprus matter, was discussed thoroughly and the steps to protect the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus were also evaluated in the meeting," the statement read.

    [09] Tension between Turkey and Greece escalated yesterday off the coast of Imia

    Under the front-page title: "Boat battle", Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (01.02.17) reports that tension has been experienced yesterday off the coasts of Imia after the recent visit on Sunday by the Chief of General Staff General Hulusi Akar.

    Akar accompanied by the commanders of the land, naval and air forces of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), sailed to the islets of the "Kardak" region (Imia) with two assault boats on Sunday, describing the visit as a "touristic visit".

    According to the paper, within the framework of this visit, a hot incident occurred yesterday off the islets of Imia after two Greek coast guard boats have allegedly entered the territorial waters of Turkey. As soon as this happened, writes the paper, Turkish coast guard boats almost collided with the Greek boats. The coast guard boats of the two countries came face to face writes the paper, adding that the Greek boats were forced by the Turkish boats to pull out from Turkish territorial waters. Afterwards, the Greek boats were hauled 1,5 miles away from Imia, near to Kalymnos island. The tension has ended writes the paper, however, the Turkish army is still present in the region.

    [10] Hurriyet argues that Cyprus talks among the reasons of the Turkish Chief of General Staff's visit to Imia

    Turkish Hurriyet Daily news (01.02.17) argues that Turkey's top soldier and the entire military brass have visited "Kardak", (Imia) twin islets in the Aegean whose disputed sovereignty brought Ankara and Athens to the brink of a war in 1996, in a bid to deliver multiple messages to Greece.

    Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, accompanied by the commanders of the land, naval and air forces of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), sailed to the islets of the "Kardak" (Imia) region with two assault boats, sparking Greek reaction and Turkish main opposition quips that it was a "touristic visit."

    […]

    According to military sources, Akar and the military brass planned the visit in 2015 in retaliation after Greek Defense Minister Panos Kamenos flew over the islets and dropped a wreath to commemorate Greek soldiers who were killed during the crisis in 1996. However, the visit had to be postponed because of the July 15, 2016, coup attempt and the launch of the Euphrates Shield Operation in northern Syria on Aug. 24, 2016, according to sources.

    The four following reasons were cited for Akar's visit:

    [01] Greek court's on extradition: The main reason behind the visit was the Greek top court's refusal of Turkey's demand to extradite eight soldiers who escaped to Greece on July 16, 2016, after the coup was foiled. This coup attempt, which was allegedly conducted by the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETO), was regarded by Akar and the military brass as an attempt to destroy the Turkish Armed Forces, leading them to expect that the eight would be extradited so that they could face Turkish justice.

    [02] Contention over Aegean islets: Another reason for the visit was to display Turkey's disturbance over Greece's recent attempts to claim de facto rights on a number of Aegean islets whose sovereignty is disputed. Turkey has accused Greece of attempting to open more than 10 islets to settlement in violation of international law.

    [03] Cyprus talks: Another aspect of the move is related to the ongoing Cyprus reunification talks between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. Both Greece and "Greek Cyprus" have demanded the withdrawal of all Turkish troops from the island as part of a deal to be reached between the two communities. Turkey, however, insists that it has to continue its military presence in the island, albeit at a very reduced number, to protect the Turkish Cypriots.

    [04] Dogfights over the Aegean: Despite progress in ties between the two countries, dogfights between Greek and Turkish warplanes over Aegean airspace have not ceased. Although not officially announced, Turkey says its warplanes are being intercepted by Greek jets around two or three times a week.

    The visit to "Kardak" was carried out in light of these four aspects, sources said, underlining that the visit was conducted on Turkish territorial waters and could not be described as either a provocation or a touristic visit as suggested by the main opposition party.

    [11] Turkey's opposition divided over top soldier's Imia islet visit

    Turkish Hurriyet Daily news (01.02.17) argues that Turkish opposition parties gave different reactions to the Jan. 29 visit of Turkey's top brass to the Aegean islets of "Kardak", (Imia), with the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) criticizing the move but the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) praising it.

    "The touristic visit of the Chief of General Staff and the force commanders in the Aegean brought into question the reputation of the Turkish Armed Forces," CHP deputy group chair Engin Altay said in a press meeting at Parliament in Ankara. "It would not provide any gain to the reputation of the Turkish Armed Forces to hold a salutation ceremony in the islets, where 10 noncommissioned officers had landed previously," Altay added.

    He also questioned whether Akar would now be "joining the upcoming referendum campaign like [local neighborhood heads] muhtars."

    The MHP, however, praised the move, saying the Imia islets are an important symbol. "Kardak is a symbol. I think this needs to be taken as a message," MHP group deputy chair Erkan Akcay said, adding that the results of the visit should now be observed.

    [12] Ozgurgun criticized resumption of talks

    Illegal Bayrak (01.02.17) broadcast that the so-called prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side had made a grave concession and strategic mistake by presenting a map during last month's talks in Geneva.

    Speaking on a radio program on BEST FM, he claimed that "the Turkish Cypriot side, with this move, had nothing left to bargain with and had revealed its hand at the negotiating table".

    Criticizing Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Ak?nc? for presenting a map at the table despite the lack of any progress on any of the other outstanding issues, Ozgurgun questioned what was left to negotiate with the Greek Cypriot leader.

    "As of this point, the Greek Cypriot leader will be entering a discussion as to whether or not Turkish troops should withdraw from Cyprus, will be demanding this and will push for this to happen. We should never have come to this point" he alleged.

    Arguing that the UN had presented 5 different solution plans since 1968, all of which failed to produce a political settlement on the island, Ozgurgun claimed that no negotiations on territory had taken place in any of these negotiation processes, nor had any maps been presented or promises made for territorial concessions.

    Ozgurgun said that a map had been included in the Annan Plan in 2004 but added that this had been shelved after the plan had been rejected in the referendum.

    "The negotiations have ended. We've already put a map on the table and the three guarantor countries have sat at the table to discuss the issue of security and guarantees. Greece has explicitly made it clear that it will not discuss anything without the withdrawal of Turkish troops. I'm curious to know what is left for them to discuss" he said.

    Ozgurgun also argued that statements that the two sides were close to reaching an agreement did not reflect the truth.

    "The Greek Cypriot side is clearly stating that a solution will not be possible without the withdrawal of Turkish troops. The Turkish side is stating that a solution will not be possible without the continued presence of Turkish troops. When I say this out loud the president is criticizing me instead of the Greek Cypriot side" he said.

    On the issue of territory, he claimed out that Rauf Raif Denktas had never presented a map on the basis of 29+.

    "A map on the basis of 29+ would have only emerged had an agreement been reached at the time" he argued.

    Ozgurgun reminded that his party had voted against the Annan Plan.

    "I voted against the Annan Plan and I have a clear conscious. The National Unity Party was the only party which led the "no" campaign" he said.

    He also claimed that the Turkish Cypriots continue to be punished with embargoes and isolations despite voting in favour of the settlement plan in 2004.

    [13] Turkish commentary argues that while May's visit was productive, Merkel's visit will be problematic for Turkey

    Turkish daily Sabah (31.02.17) published the following article by Ozan Ceyhun under the title: "May and Merkel's Important Visits to Turkey":

    "In a period of two successive weeks, Turkey prepares to host two important guests, first the British Prime Minister Theresa May last week, and now the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will be in Ankara this Thursday.

    It is of absolute necessity that we monitor and analyze these visits, one by a Prime Minister who will lead the United Kingdom out of the European Union, and the other by the German Chancellor, whose country, almost single-handedly, bears the burden of the EU.

    Brussels, the other EU capitals, and particularly the EU Commission and the European Parliament, should also be evaluating these visits carefully.

    Following her meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, British Prime Minister Theresa May said commercial relations between Turkey and Britain will be increased. She acknowledged Turkey as one of the U.K.'s oldest friends and said they wanted to improve bilateral relations even further.

    Meanwhile, President Erdogan announced that Turkey aimed at increasing the annual trade volume with Britain from 15.6 billion pounds to 16 million. He also touched upon how Turkey, whose EU accession negotiations have been unfairly stalled for years, attaches great importance to its relations with Britain, which is preparing to leave the same bloc.

    During the visit, the two countries also signed a huge military aviation deal. The deal, with British defense and aviation company, BAE Systems, for cooperation in the aeronautical industry, has been reported to be worth more than $125 million. Under the agreement, BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI) will work together to develop the TF-X, Turkey's first home-grown fighter jets.

    It was also decided that Turkey-Britain cooperation in commerce and the fight against terrorism will be improved.

    In terms of the Cyprus issue, it was agreed upon that both countries would play constructive roles as guarantor countries.

    In short, Britain, by taking a right step, has demonstrated to the world the kind of importance it gives to Turkey, a powerful nation in Europe, and its need for Turkey, in terms of its future interests as a non-EU member country.

    Now it is German Chancellor Angela Merkel's turn! Merkel, who leads the way in the number of visits to Turkey among EU leaders over the past one and a half years, comes to the country at a difficult time.

    Turkey is getting ready for a referendum in April. […] In Germany, on the other hand, there are three important state elections in 2017, followed by general elections in September.

    Angela Merkel's job is not easy. The main opposition party moved against Merkel by picking Martin Schulz, the former head of the European Parliament, as a candidate for Chancellor on Sunday. On the other hand, the extreme right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has a candidate who might take a big bite out of Merkel's chunk of constituencies.

    And in such times, Merkel needs Turkey. Of course, Turkey also needs Germany's cooperation, especially when it comes to fighting terrorism, an area in which it has harshly criticized Germany, but rightfully so.

    The PKK [Kurdistan Workers' Party], a terrorist organization that has ensanguined Turkey with blood, and Gulenist Terror Group (FETO) militants, who tried to seize power in Turkey with a bloody coup on July 15 last year, use Germany almost as a "base" or "headquarters."

    Moreover, Germany's relations with terrorist organizations like the PKK-affiliated Syrian Democratic Union Party's (PYD) armed wing People's Protection Units (YPG), which were monitored and proved by Turkey, has disturbed Turks as well as the Republic.

    The question "Will Merkel's visit to Ankara melt the ice between the two countries?" is on everyone's lips. Angela Merkel intends to hold talks with Turkey on cooperation in the area of fighting terrorism with intelligence. However, Germany's understanding of fighting terrorism is quite insufficient. It is impossible to defeat terrorism completely as long as the fight is only limited to Daesh [DA'ISH, Arabic acronym for ISIS]!

    It would be very difficult to cooperate, unless Germany, which has been sympathetic towards terrorist organizations like the PKK, PYD/YPG and the FETO and has done nothing to prevent their anti-Turkey activities, takes steps on the issue.

    Germany has previously turned down Turkey's requests to extradite terrorist members of the PKK and FETO, who have been involved in numerous bloody acts and seems to forget that NATO member Turkey is a state, ruled by laws.

    If Germany continues to make the same mistake, it will only make it impossible to step forward together with Turkey, in regards to refugees and more importantly in commercial areas, especially in the matters of expectations, such as participating in giant tenders.

    If Merkel wants to return to her country with good news from Turkey before the general elections, she must first come to Turkey with good news about the fight against the PKK, PYD and the FETO."

    [14] "The Kurdish dilemma"

    Under the above title, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (01.02.17) publishes the following article by Murat Yetkin:

    "It seems that Kurdish-origin voters are going to play an important role in Turkey's upcoming referendum for a shift to an executive presidential system, while the Kurdish problem is also gaining importance in efforts to find a lasting peace in Syria. The latter concerns not only Turkey's internal balances but also the overall political equation in the Middle East.

    […]

    In order to realize President Tayyip Erdogan's biggest political project, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) last month passed a draft from parliament with the help of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) to take the shift to a referendum, probably on April 9 or April 16.

    Despite the obvious majority of the combined votes of the AK Parti and the MHP in the most recent parliamentary election in November 2015, (a total of 62%), neither Erdogan nor the two parties are completely comfortable.

    There are two reasons for this. The first is the divide within the MHP, as some Turkish nationalists are not happy with the idea of giving all executive power to Erdogan, having worked against his presidency not so long ago.

    The second reason is the Kurdish votes within the AK Parti. Despite claims of the Kurdish problem-focused Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), which partly shares grassroots with the PKK line, not all Kurds in Turkey vote for it, with many conservative Kurds voting for the AK Parti.

    As more Deputies from the HDP are arrested one after another – or detained and released after giving their testimony - over alleged links with the PKK, this has the potential to increase the sympathy among MHP voters towards the presidential system. Simultaneously, however, these arrests and detentions will damage support among the AK Parti's Kurdish-origin voters. In particular, the arrest of a senior Kurdish politician, Ahmet Turk, has prompted condemnation from within the AK Parti.

    It seems the Kurdish dilemma in and around Turkey has created an unprecedented political atmosphere, which will make the referendum process more difficult for President Erdogan and the AK Party."

    [15] Turkey's population hits 79.81 million people

    Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (01.02.17) reports that Turkey's population saw an increase of over one million compared to last year, reaching 79,814,871 people, the Turkish Statistics Institute announced on Jan. 31.

    According to 2016 results from the records of Address Based Population Registration System, males made up 50.2 % of the total population and females made up 49.8 %.

    The annual population growth rate increased to 13.5 per 1,000 in 2016 from 13.4 per 1,000 in 2015.

    The proportion of those who are residing in provincial and district centers also increased to 92.3 % in 2016 from 92.1 %, while the proportion of the population living in small towns and villages was just 7.7 %, according to the results.

    The most populated province in the country was Istanbul with 14,804,116 inhabitants, making up 18.5 % of Turkey's population.

    Istanbul was followed by the capital Ankara with 5,346,518 inhabitants, the Aegean province of Izmir with 4,223,545 inhabitants, the northwestern province of Bursa with 2,901,396 inhabitants, and the southern resort province of Antalya with 2,328,555 inhabitants.

    The least populated province of the country was the eastern province of Tunceli with 82,193 inhabitants.

    The median age of Turkey's population increased to 31.4 in 2016 from 31 in 2015. The median age was 30.8 for males and 32 for females.

    Provinces with the highest median ages were Sinop with 39.6, Bal?kesir with 39.1, and Edirne with 38.8 respectively. Provinces with the lowest median ages were Sanl?urfa and S?rnak with 19.5, Agr? with 20.5, Siirt with 20.8.

    According to the TUIK figures, the proportion of the population in the 15-64 working age group increased by 1.6 %, becoming 68 % in 2016. The proportion of children aged between 0 and 14 dropped to 23.7 % and the proportion of the population aged 65 and over increased to 8.3 %.

    The population density, which is the number of people per square kilometer, increased by two persons compared to 2015, reaching to 104 in 2016. The province with the highest number of people per square kilometer was Istanbul with 2,849 people, followed by Kocaeli with 507, Izmir with 352, and Gaziantep with 290.

    Tunceli had the smallest population density with 11 people per square kilometer, followed by Konya with 56 and Yalova with 285.

    January/31/2017

    [16] Afrika writes that the Turkish Cypriot side is not able to share among them the properties that were sieged from the Greek Cypriots

    Under the title: "Keryneia Gymnasium" (written in Greek) Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper writes that the case of the Anafartalar building, which was used as the High School of Keryneia until 1974 is an indication that the Turkish Cypriot side is not even able to share among them the properties that were sieged from the Greek Cypriots.

    The paper writes that a demonstration was organized yesterday against the intentions of the breakaway regime to move the Lyceum from the area and the paper notes that the building is a victim of those who are still driven by the desire of looting and have no respect towards the historical heritage.

    (CS)

    [17] The higher education students contribute significantly in the economy of the breakaway regime

    Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (01.02.17) reports that Odul Muhtaroglu, self-styled undersecretary of the "state planning organization" ("DPO"), said that the university students, coming from Turkey or third countries to study at the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, contribute to the economy of the "TRNC". He added that the revenue obtained from the higher education in 2016 was the half amount of the "TRNC budget".

    Muhtaroglu said that the students live in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus 9-10 months every year, by spending money in different sectors. He added that the revenue from the higher education in 2015 were 636.2 million dollars, in 2013 535.6 million dollars and in 2014 589.8 million dollars. Muhtaroglu stressed that in 2016, the revenue was the highest with 661 million dollars.

    Noting that 15 "higher education institutions" operate in the occupied area of Cyprus, Muhtaroglu said that there are 93 thousand students. The 80 thousands are from Turkey and the rest are from third countries.

    (DPs)

    [18] A suspect for the murder of last summer in Ayia Napa was set free

    Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (01.02.17) reports that one of the suspects for the murder of last summer in Ayia Napa was set free.

    The suspects were arrested and put in jail in the breakaway regime with the accusation of "violating a military area". Citing "police information" the paper writes that M.A. who is a Turkish citizen was deported after convicted for three months in jail.

    Yeni Duzen also notes that there are no clear information about the suspects of the crime adding that because there is not an agreement of extradition between the two sides in Cyprus, persons who committed crimes in the free areas can walk free in the occupied area of the island and the other way around.

    The paper also writes that the British High Commission in Cyprus asked for the "TRNC Government's assistance", so that the suspects to be brought in front of justice. In addition, the Turkish Cypriot leader asked the "government" what steps is willing to take on the issue and has not received an answer yet.

    Akinci also discussed with the Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu about M. A. and exchanged views about the method that can be followed in the case. Cavusoglu gave instructions to his team to come in contact with the Turkish Ministry of Justice for the case of M. A. writes the paper.

    (CS)

    [19] "Citizenship was granted to 11 more persons"

    Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (01.02.17) with the above title reports that 11 more persons became "citizens" with a "decision of the council of ministers".

    The "coalition government UBP-DP ratified the TRNC citizenship" to the following eleven persons in a meeting of the "council of ministers" on January 24, 2017:

    • Yusuf Uzun, born in Basmakci, 1991

    • Gulay Deniz, born in Adiyamam, 1993

    • Ahmet Taskiran, born in Kumlu, 1996

    • Ayhan Kara, born in Elbistan, 1981

    • Zulfikar Dogan, born in Antakya, 1993

    • Huseyin Atlar, born in Reyhanli, 1974

    • Ceyhun Bagci, born in Kadirli, 1991

    • Tuncay Gokceren, born in Pazarcik, 1993

    • Sefik Uslu, born in Antakya, 1990

    • Serkan Canbazlar, born in Mustafa Kemal Pasa, 1973

    • Necibe Dereci, born in Reyhanli, 1997

    (DPs) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

    http://www.pio.gov.cy

    (CS / AM)


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