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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-03-09Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 47/17 09.03.17[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS[01] Yildirim will hold a rally for referendum tonight in the occupied area of CyprusTurkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (09.03.17) reports that Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim is carrying out an illegal visit today in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He is going to meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci at 2pm (EET) and following the meeting, Akinci and Yildirim will hold a joint press conference.Yildirim will also have separate meetings with the self-styled assembly speaker Sibel Siber and self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun. Meanwhile, Yildirim will be attending a rally to be held at the occupied part of Lefkosia this evening in support of his party's campaign for a "yes" vote in the referendum on changing into a presidential system. On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (09.03.17) comments that back in the days, Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not give permission to Rauf Denktas to hold a rally in Turkey by saying "go to your country and hold a rally". The paper continues: "There is not here anyone who will say to the Turkish officials 'Don't hold a rally here'. On the contrary, the government is mobilized in order to gather people for tonight's Yildirim's rally". The paper concludes by wondering why the rally will be held at a closed hall and not at Inonu square and asks: "Don't they feel confident that the squares will be filled?" (DPs) [02] Turkes says Turkey has a Plan B for Cyprus, insists on the "citizenship" of more Turkish settlers and criticizes the PressUnder the title "The Turkish Cypriots are the first priority for Turkey", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (09.03.17) refers to statements made yesterday by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cypriot Affairs, Tugrul Turkes, who speaking to representatives of the Press in the occupied area of Cyprus alleged that Turkey fully supports a federal solution with two equal communities in Cyprus and does everything it can for the improvement of the economy in the occupied area of the island.Columnist Ali Baturay in Kibris reports that he was present at the meeting with Turkes and gathered in his column the most messages the Turkish Minister has given. According to Baturay, Turkes expressed his annoyance for the fact that allegations for bribery are published in the Turkish Cypriot press regarding some tenders. Asked why tenders for projects in the occupied area of Cyprus are opened in Turkey, he noted that a tender cannot be invited with allegations for bribery. Baturay adds, inter alia the following: "[ ] Noting that they cannot wait for another 60 years for a solution in Cyprus, Tugrul Turkes said that they have a Plan B and work for this, but this plan is not to annex northern Cyprus to Turkey. Turkes noted that it is not correct to bring the aforementioned Plan B onto the agenda now and that when the day comes it would be discussed. Pointing out that Turkey has a population of 80 million, Turkes said 'we do not need a population of 300 thousands so that to make northern Cyprus our province'. [ ] Turkes further asked that there should be no discrimination such as Cypriot and Turk. He said it was not correct to make discriminations such as 'black beard' for those who came after 1974. Noting that there are criteria for the citizenship in the whole world, there are some written rules and when these rules are implemented and the years are completed the persons are accepted as citizens, Turkes said that they are saddened by the fact that they behave with hesitation in the "TRNC" on this issue because reactions will come from the Greek Cypriot side. Pointing out that some persons who fulfil all the conditions and completed ten years could not become "citizens", Turkes said that when they ask 'why this is happening', they receive the answer that 'For goodness sake, do not pressure us, we will overturn the table'. Saying that this is not an answer to be taken seriously under consideration, Turkes claimed: 'We insist on this issue. Those, who have the right to take, will take. We cannot tolerate the fact that those who have the right to take the citizenship do not take it with the fear of the Greek Cypriots'. [ ]" Commenting on Turkes' statements columnist Cenk Mutluyakali in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (09.03.17) refers to the insistence on the "citizenship" issue and notes: "He gave examples from Europe and said that it has always been like this! I wonder, where? In which European country, the population coming from another country threatens to exceed the population of that country?! Turkes is actually replying to this: 'I am not discriminating the Turks who come to Cyprus by saying [they came] 100 years earlier and 100 years later'. The issue reaches the 'we are all Turks [ ']!" Mutluyakali reports that Turkes said that Turkey does not interfere in the affairs of the Turkish Cypriots, but "he commands that the next presidential elections will be like a referendum" on the issue of whether the Cyprus negotiations for finding a solution should continue or stop. "He even gives the names of new figures in politics", he notes and adds: "For the guarantees he says 'the Turkish Cypriots want it, we do not insist'. Actually he works in being the guarantor of the whole island. And that they will not go anywhere. Essentially it is for this reason that he said 'even if there was no Turkish Cypriot on the island [ ] He is touched when he says that his father's house in Nicosia will be turned into a museum. He recalls that his father was born there. What an irony, is it not? The Cyprus problem is blocked on tens of thousands of people's 'right to return to the homes they were born'. According to Turkes, 'no compensation is asked from a winner in a war'. This is a rule of the world, he says! [ ] 'We support a solution'! The description by Turkes is, 'the TRNC to stay as it is and to be named a solution'! [ ]" (I/Ts) [03] Akinci met with two British Deputies of the Labour PartyTurkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (09.03.17) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci held a meeting with the Deputies of the British Labor Party Fabian Hamilton and Khalid Mahmod. British High Commissioner to Cyprus Mathew Kidd was also present at the meeting.According to the paper, Akinci informed the British Deputies about the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and told them that the Turkish Cypriot "people" is determined for reaching a bi-zonal, bi-communal solution, on the basis of political equality, security and freedom the sooner possible. He also said that the steps taken towards this direction were accepted by both sides. He also argued that the decision of the Cyprus House of Representatives regarding the commemoration of the 1950 plebiscite in favor of the unification of Cyprus with Greece (enosis) in schools damaged the procedure and added that the Greek Cypriot side must show a sufficient will and determination for the solution in Cyprus. In addition, the paper also reports that speaking to a reception on the occasion of women's day in the breakaway regime, Akinci stated that the Turkish Cypriot side has not abandoned the struggle for the future and a permanent solution. "But we are not ready for a solution at every cost", as he claimed. He also said that both sides must have the will for a solution and accused the Greek Cypriot side of trying to present the Turkish Cypriots as a side which has not its own will and is not able to take its own steps. He went on adding that he is trying to safeguard for the Turkish Cypriots a future that will not let them experience again the before 1974 events. He also said that he will return to the negotiation table the moment the Greek Cypriot side corrects the "1950 plebiscite decision", which as he said "was a mistake" (CS) [04] Turkey's Cavusoglu visited the occupation regime's stand at the ITB Berlin Tourism FairTurkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (09.03.17) reports that Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and the Turkish Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism were among the visitors of the occupation regime's stand at the ITB Berlin Tourism Fair.In statements while visiting the fair, Cavusoglu expressed the view that the occupation regime's stand in the fair is very successful and alleged that the fact that the Turkish Cypriots can attend such events successfully in spite of their "isolations" is a proof that they are ready for a solution. "Both sides should be ready for the solution", added Cavusoglu and claimed that it seems that the Greek Cypriots did not abandon the dream of Enosis, and thus, as he said the "lifting of the embargoes" is necessary. Emphasizing to the fact that the "TRNC government" and the Turkish Minister of Culture exert efforts for the promotion of the "TRNC", Cavusoglu alleged that the occupation regime's stand is a great example which reflects to Cyprus' culture and tradition. Cavusoglu further stated that the occupation regime will attend an "international fair for sports and health tourism" which is to take place in Antalya. Expressing his satisfaction for this, Cavusoglu claimed that this will be a great opportunity for the "promotion of the TRNC's health tourism and sports" in the international world. (AK) [05] Turkish businessman Turanli met and invited Trump to visit TurkeyAccording to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (09.03.17), the Turkish businessman Emrullah Turanli, chairman of Tasyapi Real Estate [translator's note: Tasypapi company won the 25 year "lease" for the occupied airport of Tymbou), was invited by American business partners to have meal with them at Miami Palm Beach, where high officers of the U.S. Republican Party, who came lately into office, were present.The paper also reports that Turanli is the first Turkish businessman who had the opportunity to talk with Donald Trump after his election as President. During the discussion, Trump expressed to Turanli his satisfaction regarding the friendship among the two countries and promised that it will continue. Turanli also invited Trump to visit Turkey. (DPs) [06] CTP attended the Socialist International CongressTurkish Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis newspaper (09.03.17) reports that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) was represented for the first time as a full member at the 25th Congress of the Socialist International that took place in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, from 2 to 4 March 2017. The party was represented by the "party's secretary of foreign relations", "deputy" Armagan Candan.According to the paper, in the final declaration of the Congress, both leaders in the island were called on to return to the negotiating table the soonest possible with the aim to reach to a bizonal, bi-communal federal solution in Cyprus. Also, the final declaration expressed the wish for the island of Cyprus to become in the near future an example of peace, stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. (AK) [07] "The TRNC is a paradise for illegal gambling"Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (09.03.17) reports that there are five "registered" gambling firms which have 48 bureaus in the breakaway regimeAccording to the paper, firms that have up to 10 gambling bureaus pay one million euro to the "state", those which have up to 15 gambling bureaus pay 125,000 euro more and those which have more than 15 pay 150,000 euro more. The "legal" gambling bureaus pay in general five million euros as taxes for the "privilege of operation" of the firms and nine million euro to VAT. However, the "state" found out that there are 25 "illegal" gambling firms from which the amount of 75 million euro in income for the "state" is lost. Therefore, the "police" is taking the necessary measures against these firms. (CS) [08] The "associations of Turkish settlers" in the occupied area of Cyprus are preparing for the referendumTurkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (09.03.17) under the title: "The associations which will vote in the TRNC for the referendum are ready", reports that the "representatives of the Turkish settlers" in the occupied area of Cyprus, in statements to the paper, evaluated the referendum for the constitutional amendments that will take place in Turkey on April.In statements on the issue, the "chairman" of the "cultural and solidarity association of the settlers in the TRNC from Cukurova" Turgut Kara, expressed the view that around 65-70 thousand voters will go to the ballot boxes to cast their vote in the "TRNC" and will vote for "yes" as he said. Kara added also that the "visit" of Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs Tugrul Turkes, in the "TRNC", as well as Prime Minister Yildirim's rally that will take place tonight, will affect positively the outcome of the referendum. Kara stated further that the "association" will support the rally tonight. Meanwhile, in separate statements, the "chairman" of the "assistance and solidarity association of the Turkish settlers", Enver Dincoglu, said: "We as association support the 'yes' and we are exerting efforts to explain to the "people" that the more higher is the percentage of the "yes" vote, the better and more positive will be the next day of the referendum". Also, in statements on the issue, the chairman of the "cultural and solidarity association of settlers from Gaziantep", Mesut Ayar stated that "inside the association there are both supporters of yes and no. We will not try to orient them towards the one or the other direction", Ayar said. (AK) [09] Evren on the "e-identity system"Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (09.03.17) reports that the so-called minister of interior Kutlu Evren, announced yesterday in a written statement, that both the Turkish Cypriot "citizens" living in the "TRNC" and abroad, will be able to get their "TRNC identity cards" online within the framework of the implementation of the "e-identity card".Evren explained also that the "TRNC' citizens" will be able to get their "e-identity cards" by applying to the "embassy in Ankara" and the "consulate general" in Istanbul. He also added that similar work was launched at the "consulate generals and representation offices" in Izmir, Mersin, London, Berlin, Abu Dhabi, Brussels, Baku and Rome. Evren also added that e-identity applications will be accepted at all "foreign representation offices" soon. (AK) [10] Turkey to perform deep-sea exploration, drillings in Mediterranean and Black SeaTurkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 09.03.17) reports that Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak announced on Wednesday that Turkey is planning to perform deep-sea drillings and seismic exploration of oil and natural gas resources in the Mediterranean.''As from 2017, we are starting to search for energy resources in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. We are planning on dedicating two vessels for the drillings'', Albayrak said at the IHS CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, Texas. Albayrak noted that the searches, which are currently operated by the Hayrettin Pasa Seismic Exploration Ship, will be upgraded with another ship. ''With the second ship being launched, Turkey will be actively conducting its exploration activities in multiple dimensions and with more advanced capabilities', ' Albayrak added. The Energy Minister also said that the IHS CERAWeek 2017, one of the largest energy conferences in the world, has been fruitful, while also adding that he held several important talks. On the same issue, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (09.03.17), Albayrak told at the IHS CERAWeek that Turkey's main goal in the energy sector is diversification and added: "More than half of our electricity generation is from gas, this can't be sustainable, so we changed this strategy. "We are aiming to diversify our natural gas portfolio in the following years." Albayrak also explained that energy projects in Turkey are crucial to regional peace and stability and noted: "We are working towards bringing gas via pipeline from the eastern Mediterranean to Turkey's internal market and then to European markets". Albayrak said nuclear energy would play a significant role in energy diversification. Two nuclear plants are currently under construction at Akkuyu on the Mediterranean coast and Sinop on the Black Sea. [11] Turkey slams Greek President's demilitarization remarksAccording to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 09.03.17), the Turkish Foreign Ministry has criticized Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos over his questioning of the demilitarized status of a group of southeastern Aegean islands.In a written statement issued late on March 8, the Ministry acknowledged that Pavlopoulos said Greece wants to develop good neighbourly relations with Turkey, but it expressed concern over his remarks on the demilitarized status of the Aegean Islands. "Our objection to Greece's militarization of these islands, threatening the security of Turkey, is a basic right granted to our country under the framework of international law," read the statement. In March 6, visiting the islands of the Dodecanese, Pavlopoulos appeared to suggest that Athens could reinterpret the issue of demilitarization for purposes of "preventive defense." Ankara accused Athens of "hiding behind an imagined Turkish threat" in its bid to challenge the demilitarized status. The Ministry recalled that the matter of demilitarization is predicated on internationally binding legal instruments beginning with the Treaty of Lausanne and culminating in the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty. [12] Cavusoglu: "German government not 'Nazis' but practices are reminiscent of Third Reich"; Erdogan may hold a rally in GermanyTurkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 09.03.17) reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has responded to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's criticism of Ankara's likening of the German government to the Nazis, asserting that present German politicians are not Nazis but that their practices are reminiscent of the era, state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.Meanwhile, HDN (online, 09.03.17), under the title "Turkish, German FMs in 'tense but friendly' meet", also reports that Cavusoglu, following the meeting with his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel, said that they also discussed the venue of a probable rally to be staged by Erdogan in Germany. Although Erdogan's program is not yet certain, Cavusoglu said that Germany would take all security measures for Erdogan's rally, but did not say which city it would take place in. [13] Turkey calls on Bulgaria to respect minority rights ahead of electionsTurkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 09.03.17) reports that Turkey on Thursday urged Bulgaria to halt measures meant to limit the political rights of the country's minorities. "We call on the Republic of Bulgaria to abandon practices which are intended to restrict the political rights of minorities in the country and are fundamentally contrary to the European rule-based system", said Foreign Ministry spokesman Huseyin Muftuoglu in a statement.His statement followed a new law ahead of Bulgaria's March 26 elections limiting the number of ballot boxes for Bulgarian citizens living in Turkey to 35, a move the Foreign Ministry said was intended to hinder ethnic Turkish Bulgarians from voting. Bulgaria has a sizeable Turkish minority of about 10%, in addition to Pomak [Muslim Bulgarian], Macedonian, Greek and Roma groups. According to official census figures, many Bulgarian citizens live in Turkey. The Foreign Ministry spokesman said that Turkey, unlike Bulgaria, will "continue to provide the most ideal conditions for all Bulgarian citizens" living in Turkey to vote in this month's Bulgarian elections. Muftuoglu also dismissed Bulgarian Foreign Ministry allegations that Turkey is offering Turkish Bulgarians "financial incentives" to vote as baseless rumours. "Neither does Turkey interfere in the internal affairs of any state," he argued. [14] Turkish EU Minister slams EU Commission head's remarksAccording to Ankara Anatolia news agency (08.03.17), Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik has slammed European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker for "using the same language as racists do against Turkey".Celik's remarks came after Juncker's televised interview Tuesday in which he said: "I cannot accept that current Germany is compared to Nazi Germany. It's impertinence. I am surprised by what I hear from Turkey. When the Turkish President and his Foreign Minister say that today's Germany is worse than Nazi Germany, I cannot accept it". In response, Celik tweeted: "This is not Juncker's business as the President of the EU Commission; there is an ongoing debate between Turkey and Germany. His job description does not say he is the spokesman for the German government." Celik added that Juncker has been unable to "offer any sensible solution to crises in Europe". He also asked Juncker to criticize German authorities for going against Turkish Ministers' "right of assembly". "We remind him of his responsibilities to the peoples of Europe. And we recommend [him] to use a language reflective of EU values", he added. [15] The Turkish citizenship was granted to 12,242 SyriansTurkish daily Milliyet newspaper (09.03.17) reports that the Turkish citizenship was granted to 94,204 persons from various countries during the last seven years (2010-2017) and notes that 12,242 of them are Syrians.According to information obtained by the Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs, after a demand of a Deputy of the Republican People's Party, the Turkish citizenship was granted as follows: Country Number Bulgaria 13,819 Syria 12,242 Azerbaijan 8,538 Russia 7,131 Afghanistan 7,056 "TRNC" (Breakaway regime) 6,236 Kazakhstan 3,013 Ukraine 2,688 Moldova 1,2348 Greece 1,963 China 1,682 Georgia 1,474 Albania 1,203 Romania 973 (CS) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.pio.gov.cy (DPs / AM) Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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