Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-03-20

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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] Cavusoglu called on the Greek Cypriot side to abandon the aspiration of Enosis if it really wants a solution

[02] Columnist says that it will not be possible for the Cyprus talks to resume before the referendum in Turkey

[03] Denktas says that they will continue granting the "citizenship" to whoever has the "right" to take it

[04] TDP celebrated its 41st anniversary

[05] More progress for the opening of Deryneia and Apliki barricades

[06] Afrika writes that there is a "mafia passport in the south" regarding the issuing of identities of the Republic of Cyprus

[07] Kalin and Isik slam the German Intelligence Chief over coup remarks

[08] Erdogan brings again to the agenda the capital punishment

[09] OSCE delegation commences referendum observation mission

[10] Celik' interview to Sabah

[11] Erdogan to Turks in Europe: "Three children not enough, have five"

[12] Kuwaiti Emir due in Turkey on Monday for an official visit

[13] Per capita debt increases to 18,822 TL

[14] The Turkish Football Federation attended the UEFA Regional Meeting in Cyprus

[15] Small and medium size businesses shut down in the breakaway regime

[16] German school Asbach Konrard visits its twinning school "19 May Turk Maarif Koleji"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Cavusoglu called on the Greek Cypriot side to abandon the aspiration of Enosis if it really wants a solution

Speaking at a meeting with members of the Alanya Industrialists and Businessmen's' Association, Cavusoglu claimed that the latest decision taken in the House of Representatives to commemorate the 1950 Enosis plebiscite is proof that the Greek Cypriots had yet to abandon their dream of achieving Enosis. "If they truly want a solution in Cyprus they must abandon such aspirations and dreams. The framework for a settlement and the negotiations is clear. They will respect the principles of political equality and bi-zonality. They started changing their statements as the elections approach in the south" Cavusoglu alleged.

[02] Columnist says that it will not be possible for the Cyprus talks to resume before the referendum in Turkey

"[…] For now we do not see any initiative as regards the annulment of the decision, but we see that negative statements are made regarding the decision by various officials starting from the very top of the Republic of Cyprus. They stated that the decision was timeless and unnecessary.

I think that these statements should be enough for those who want the advancement of the negotiations. However, this is not happening. It is as if efforts are exerted to make use of this opportunity! (the interruption of the process) with some people's suggestions.

The issue of what kind of opportunity is this, [and] what purpose it is serving is, of course, debatable, but dealing with the process in Cyprus while efforts for a constitutional amendment, a referendum are being exerted in Turkey was not a very desirable situation.

As it had been mentioned, written before, during this referendum process Erdogan cooperated with the MHP (or with Devlet Bahceli if we would say it more correctly, because the MHP was divided into two in the process). When the fact that the MHP votes will not support the peace process, [and] the solution in Cyprus is taken into consideration, the solution process in Cyprus should have been interrupted in order for not influencing the result of the referendum negatively from Erdogan's point of view!

It is not very possible for the process here to resume before 16 April. Of course, it is not very certain what the situation after 16 April will be, that is, how it will be shaped depending on the 'yes' – 'no' vote in the referendum. Erdogan's stance in case 'yes' comes out and what path he will follow in case 'no' comes out is not very known.

The policy experts will not be able to correctly foresee what path he will follow, because the decision Erdogan will make one minute after an event is not something which is very foreseeable from political point of view.

If we come to the actual issue, if we are curious what kind of path we have before us regarding the negotiations in Cyprus and we are looking for an answer, it seems that it would be useful for us to wait the period after 16 April. However, what will happen from that day on depends, to a great extent, on the state of mind of the 'one and only man'".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Denktas says that they will continue granting the "citizenship" to whoever has the "right" to take it

Asked what will happen in the Cyprus negotiations in which a deadlock is experienced, Denktas alleged that it is not possible to reach a result as long as one of the sides says that "I am the owner of everything on the island" and acts in a manner that the whole world approves this. He claimed "we have come to a certain point" and that there is no meaning in pushing things further. "If the people approve that this table should be abolished with going to a referendum, we should get rid of this uncertain situation", he alleged claiming that the UN's good offices mission should change in order for being able to reach a result.

Referring to the regime's economy, Denktas said that they are not "as relaxed" as they were expecting and added that the foreign exchange rate during the past month, the inflation and the increase in the cost of living overturned their predictions. Replying to a question, he alleged that by June they will to a great extent solve the remaining issues provided for in the "economic protocol" signed with Turkey.

Asked on the issue of holding "early elections", Denktas said that there will be no "early elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus before April 2018.

(I/Ts.)

[04] TDP celebrated its 41st anniversary

Addressing the reception, the leader of TDP Cemal Ozyigit said that it is honour for them to be witness of the continuation of the ideals of a movement, which was started on March 18, 1976.

Referring to the Cyprus talks, Ozyigit argued that the determination of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and his stance at the negotiating table is the lightest indicator of the people's right decision on the "April 2015 elections". He further said that they believe that Akinci can bring a just solution to the Cyprus problem.

Asim Idris, general secretary of TDP, addressing also the reception, noted that they will struggle in order the social democracy to be set.

(DPs)

[05] More progress for the opening of Deryneia and Apliki barricades

According to the paper, the "political authorities" want to open the Deryneia and Apliki barricades at the same time "in order to encourage the Greek Cypriot side" to cross. However, the inhabitants of occupied Famagusta argue that for the opening of the Deryneia barricade only five months of works are needed, while for the opening of the Apliki barricade eight months are needed. Therefore they want Deryneia barricade to open as soon as possible within the tourist period.

(CS)

[06] Afrika writes that there is a "mafia passport in the south" regarding the issuing of identities of the Republic of Cyprus

According to the paper, a Turkish Cypriot has been trying to renew his identity card without success for four years now, facing various excuses by a Greek Cypriot employee in the counter. Due to the problems they face in their efforts to renew the passport and the identity cards of the Republic of Cyprus, some Turkish Cypriots applied to gangs that take advantage of them and promise to settle similar issues for the amount of five thousand euro, Afrika claims.

(CS)

[07] Kalin and Isik slam the German Intelligence Chief over coup remarks

Germany's Foreign Intelligence Service Chief, Bruno Kahl, on March 18 said that the Turkish government has failed to convince BND that Gulen was behind the thwarted coup, which received a harsh response from Kal?n on March, who said Germany was supporting the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO).

"It is a very noteworthy scene of who backs FETO. When was the last time you heard a BND head making a statement? It is very rare. The fact that the head of the German intelligence is making a statement about this is something that should be read in multiple ways," Kal?n told Dogan TV Ankara representative Hakan Celik in a live interview on CNNTurk, as he added that Kahl's statements "are an operation to acquit FETO in Europe."

"This is a move to invalidate the notes and pressures we made to Europe and the U.S. on FETO. This is a sign that the German state will back FETO the same way it backs the PKK [outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party] in indirect ways. Plenty of FETO fugitives are in Germany already. Is there a possibility that the German intelligence doesn't know where these guys are, what they're doing and with whom they are meeting? Then why are they protecting them? It means that they are convenient instruments that they will use against Turkey," he added.

Saying that "something called the EU intelligence agency's report" was leaked to the press nearly two months ago, he noted that it said "there are no persuasive evidences that the attempted coup was staged by FETO."

"Who are these EU intelligence agencies? Let's say that it's something that was prepared by 10 EU countries. How can you prepare this report without consulting the Turkish intelligence? It is clear that you want to mold public opinion by leaking it to the press. It is still unclear who prepared and leaked the report," he said.

While saying that the Turkish government did not convince the BND, Kahl added that he did not believe the Turkish government was behind the failed coup. "The coup attempt was not initiated by the government. Before July 15, 2016 the government had already started a big purge so parts of the military believed they should stage a coup quickly before it hit them too," Kahl said.

Asked whether the Gulen movement was "extreme Islamist or terrorist," Kahl said it was a "civil association that aims to provide further religious and secular education."

Meanwhile, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Is?k has further criticized the statements of Kahl. "If the person who is at the top of Germany's intelligence service says 'we cannot see who is behind the coup attempt,' he is either blind, deaf or feels the need to hide the suspects of it [coup attempt]. This is not explainable. This brings questions to minds. Did you collaborate with them? Which part are you taking place in?" Isik said.

"It could be more suitable to say 'we do not want to see it' instead of 'we cannot see who is behind it,'" he added.

He said the statement was "unfortunate," noting it raised questions on whether Germany was behind the thwarted coup attempt.

"A statement like this from Germany's intelligence chief raises doubts about Germany, and makes us ask if Germany was behind the coup," Isik further said.

[08] Erdogan brings again to the agenda the capital punishment

"The families of the martyrs, the heroes (of the failed July 15 coup) don't need to worry. I believe, God willing, that after the April 16 vote Parliament will do the necessary concerning your demands for capital punishment," Erdogan said.

"When it comes to me I will approve it without hesitation," he said. "What Hans and George say is not important for me," Erdogan said, using two common European names. "What the people say, what the law says, that's what is important for us," he added.

[09] OSCE delegation commences referendum observation mission

The mission will try to understand what all stakeholders can do in the campaign so that citizens can make an informed choice and are presented with opportunities that are available to them, Tana de Zulueta, the head of the OSCE/ODIHR limited referendum observation mission, told reporters on March 17 in response to a question about how Turkey is running the referendum under the current state of emergency.

Zulueta noted that very few of the recommendations made by previous observation missions were taken into account by the Turkish government. The delegation has yet to determine where it is going to work, but she stated that they would not be allowed in some places.

The mission will observe whether or not the referendum is in compliance with OSCE commitments, other international obligations and standards for democratic elections and referenda, as well as with the national legislation.

Zulueta said recommendations from the mission will be published eight weeks after the task is completed. "It is the country's responsibility to fulfill these recommendations," she said.

A core team of 11 staff from seven participant states located in Ankara, along with 24 long-term observers will be deployed all over the country. The mission, invited by the Turkish government, will meet representatives from state authorities, political parties, civil society, media and the international community.

The mission will visit a limited number of polling stations on the day of the referendum, however, systematic observation voting, counting or the tabulation of results on referendum day is not envisaged.

The OSCE has deployed limited election observation missions to Turkey in previous parliamentary elections. The Nov. 1, 2016 early parliamentary elections in Turkey offered voters a variety of choices, the mission said.

At the same time, the challenging security environment, particularly in the country's southeastern provinces, coupled with a high number of violent incidents, including attacks against party members, premises and campaign staff, hindered contestants' ability to campaign freely, the observers said after the elections.

[10] Celik' interview to Sabah

Celik alleged that the EU did not keep its promises regarding the Turkish-EU migrant deal with Turkey, adding that from his perspective, there is no reason to maintain the agreement. He also added that if the agreement is abolished, Turkey would do whatever it can to prevent the deaths of refugees in sea or land. However, he stressed that the country will not have the official responsibility to prevent people from migrating to Europe.

Commenting on the future of the EU, he said that after the Brexit process, it was clear that the EU could not remain the same and that Turkey's EU bid and policies depend on developments that will take place in 2017, while stressing that regardless of the EU's decline or improvement, there will be new opportunities for Turkey to seize.

Regarding recent tensions between Turkey and the Netherlands, Minister Celik said that the future of bilateral relations depends on the Netherlands, while underlining that Turkey expects an apology from the Netherlands for normalization to take place. Celik added that Turkey will continue with new sanctions against the Dutch government and that it will respond to their threats with national honor. However, he assured Dutch investors and businesspeople, saying that they do not have any issues with their businesses and he emphasized that Turkey has no intention to punish businesspeople for the misconduct of their government.

[…]

Daily Sabah: Beside the Netherlands, there are tensions with Germany and Austria. Considering all of these, does Turkey still aim to become a full member of the EU?

Celik: This is a question I keep hearing in Europe. I ask them which EU they are talking about. If it is the EU that acts in accordance with political values, we want to be a part of it; however, if it is the EU imagined by Wilders, Le Pen or Rutte, we won't be a part of it, even if we were to be allowed without any conditions.

We will see which kind of EU is to emerge in 2017. After the Brexit process, it was clear that the EU can't stay the same. Nevertheless, regardless of the EU's decline or improvement, I believe there will be new opportunities for Turkey to seize. We will continue to closely follow and establish Turkey's position rationally.

DS: So, Turkey's EU bid and policies depend on developments that take place in 2017?

Celik: Yes, it depends on the transformation of the EU this year. Regarding this as a crisis between Turkey and the EU is not a comprehensive approach. When you look at the bigger picture, you see that there is an administrative crisis in the EU. If the EU survives this crisis by strengthening its political values, Turkey will reconsolidate its position as a candidate for full membership. However, if the opposite is the case and the EU becomes an increasingly exclusive organization, it won't be attractive for Turkey. Regardless of what happens, one thing remains true: There will always be a relation between Turkey and Europe. Even though it seems that there are only crises between Turkey and EU countries, in terms of our national interest, we actually have gained much from many of the countries. We still need to evaluate what is going to happen and act accordingly.

[…]

[11] Erdogan to Turks in Europe: "Three children not enough, have five"

"I am calling out to my citizens, my brothers and sisters in Europe," Erdogan said at a rally in the Central Anatolian province of Eskisehir on March 17. "Have not just three but five children."

"The place in which you are living and working is now your homeland and new motherland. Stake a claim to it. Open more businesses, enroll your children in better schools, make your family live in better neighborhoods, drive the best cars, live in the most beautiful houses," he said. "That's because you are the future of Europe. It will be the best answer to the vulgarism, antagonism, and injustice made against you."

Erdogan's message comes amid ongoing political tension after Turkish Ministers' attempts to stage rallies with members of the Turkish community living in Europe were denied by some countries and after the European Court of Justice ruled to allow employers to ban workers from wearing visible religious symbols, including the headscarf.

[12] Kuwaiti Emir due in Turkey on Monday for an official visit

A Presidential Press Office statement on Sunday said the Emir will be visiting Turkey through March 22 at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

During the visit, several cooperation agreements in various fields are expected to be struck between the two countries.

The Emir will also be decorated by Erdogan with a state order.

"The visit, during which bilateral and regional issues will be discussed, will contribute to the further promotion of our cooperation with Kuwait -- with which we already have excellent relations -- both bilaterally and within the scope of the Gulf Cooperation Council," said the statement.

[13] Per capita debt increases to 18,822 TL

According to the number of the "TRNC citizens" announced in the "state planning organization's" population census, per capita debts had been 6,759 TL in September 2010 and increased by 178,4% until the first six months of 2016 reaching 18,831TL. Per capita debts. were 8,990 TL in 2011, 10,013 TL in 2012, 16,038 TL in 2013, 16,267 TL in 2014 and 17,818 TL in 2015.

(I/Ts.)

[14] The Turkish Football Federation attended the UEFA Regional Meeting in Cyprus

Alongside with TFF delegation; Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, FYROM, Russia and Romania FF presidents, executive board members and general secretaries attended the meeting.

In the regional meeting; all participated federations, plus Kosovo FF which will officially attend next meeting, have decided and have notified in written to unanimously support the candidacy of Servet Yardimci in the forthcoming elections for the UEFA Executive Committee on the 5th of April at Helsinki in UEFA Congress.

All 14 federations have also notified to support the candidacy of Albania FF President Armand Duka as well."

The paper further reports that TFF President Demiroren, who does not take into account the "Cyprus Turkish Football Federation" ("KTFF"), participated in a meeting at the same table with the President of the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) Koutsokoumnis.

(DPs)

[15] Small and medium size businesses shut down in the breakaway regime

The "chairman of the chamber" Mahmut Kanber stated that the cause of these problems is the different currency used for the income and the outcome calculations of the businesses, to the changes in currency rates and to the non-sufficient control of small businesses by the "state".

(CS)

[16] German school Asbach Konrard visits its twinning school "19 May Turk Maarif Koleji"

According to the paper, the teacher of the German language in the "19 May Turk Maarif Koleji" Husseyin Tuccar, who accompanied the group with the German students, briefed Gungordu on the exchange visits of the two schools, which have been materialized since 2004, within the framework of the "education culture project".

(DPs)

………………………….

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