Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-06-30

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] A decisive interference by the UNSG is expected at Crans Montana Conference, according to the Turkish Cypriot press

[02] Cavusoglu: "The Greek Cypriots and Greece are dreaming when they push for lifting all guarantees"

[03] Afrika: Turkey is determined to keep the Turkish Cypriots as hostages

[04] CTP leader evaluates the progress in Crans Montana summit

[05] Turkish Cypriot columnist wonders how the Turkish Cypriots feel unsafe and ask for guarantees while touring in "south Cyprus" during Bayram

[06] Nami evaluated the Crans Montana summit

[07] Caluda is the new "chairman" of HUR-Is trade union

[08] Germany to reject Ankara's request for President Erdogan to address Turkish citizens; Strong criticism by Turkish politicians

[09] Qatari and Turkish Defense Ministers to meet amid Gulf crisis

[10] Jailed HDP co-chair Demirtas called on arrested educators to end hunger strike

[11] President Erdogan to attend session to mark the first anniversary of FETO's defeated coup in Turkey on July 15

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] A decisive interference by the UNSG is expected at Crans Montana Conference, according to the Turkish Cypriot press

According to the paper, it was known that the UNSG, Antonio Guterres will arrive at Crans Montana today saying "either we will advance speedily with mini packages on the issues which remain open in the six chapters within the framework of the principle that nothing is agreed if everything is not agreed, or the last opportunity for a federal solution will be missed".

Under the title "Crisis-Montana", the same paper reports that during the second day of the Conference on Cyprus hard statements were made and tension and crises came up. "The attention is turned to Guterres, who will go to Switzerland today as a savior", argues Kibris Postasi, noting that the first tension was created at the second table at which the five chapters, except for the security and guarantees, were discussed with the participation of the two community leaders, when President Anastasiades proposed the transfer of these issues to technical experts committees and the concentration of the leaders on the security and guarantees, but Akinci rejected this proposal by saying "we came here to show political will and take decisions".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (30.06.17) reports that the sides submitted their positions on the three questions posed by the UN to the participants in the Conference regarding the chapter of the Security and Guarantees. Under the title "The Greek Cypriot side wrote 16 pages, while the Turkish side 1,5 pages", the paper notes that the course of the Conference is expected to be clarified during the meeting presided by the UNSG today on the chapter of the Security and Guarantees.

Under the title "Critical day at the summit", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (30.06.17) reports that after Turkey's proposal on the security and guarantees, Britain also submitted a proposal on the method of the negotiations. On its front page, the paper covers statements made by: 1) Tufan Erhurman, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party under the title "'If Anastasiades does not make an opening, the process will be congested", 2) Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu under the title "'We are not going to negotiate for a life time, The idea that the guarantees should be lifted is a dream'" and 3) President Anastasiades under the title "'Cyprus' capacity as member of the UN and the EU constitutes an adequate guarantee for United Cyprus'".

Under the title "Issues waiting in the shadow of the 'security': The rotating presidency, Morfou, the map", Yeni Duzen's correspondent Esra Aygin cites sources close to the negotiations and alleges that "the Greek Cypriot side is ready to accept the rotating presidency, but it is determined to take this step in return of Morfou". Noting that the Turkish Cypriot side "is definitely not approaching to discussing the map at this moment", Aygin claims the following:

"A source close to the negotiations said that having a congestion on the second day of the conference was normal and that all sides tried to preserve their positions prior to UNSG Antonio Guterres' arrival. The source, which noted that Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades, even though he does not state it publicly, behind closed doors accepts that the Turkish side's proposal is much better than a starting position and is good, said that none of the sides wants to be held responsible for the failure and therefore it is very possible for some developments to happen today.

However, diplomatic sources at Crans Montana are worried that even the most advanced proposals which could be made by Turkey regarding the security and guarantees will not be acceptable for Anastasiades. A diplomatic source which commented on this issue said: 'Anastasiades has believed that he will not be able to convince the Greek Cypriot public on absolutely no other formula than zero troops zero guarantees. He thinks that any other formula than this will be rejected by the people at the referendum and fears of experiencing a defeat at the referendum'.

It is hoped that Guterres, who is expected to be at Crans Montana today, will be able to develop some formulas for overcoming the congestion and pave the way for mutual steps".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Cavusoglu: "The Greek Cypriots and Greece are dreaming when they push for lifting all guarantees"

Cavusoglu claimed that the Turkish delegation had already told the negotiators that the security measures taken by Turkey on the island were essential and that it would not give up on its main principles, alleging that the "Turkish Cypriot side was already offering maximum flexibility during the negotiations".

"This conference on Cyprus is the final one and there should be a conclusion at this round in Crans-Montana," Cavusoglu also added.

"The Greek side is resisting not discussing the details of the matters which were not agreed upon in the last meetings", he further claimed.

Commenting on UN Envoy's statements about continuing the negotiations, Cavusoglu repeated that Eide himself had said that the current negotiations would be the last, expressing Turkey's disapproval with his statement.

"Turkey's attitude about Cyprus is clear, if the talks do not succeed, the negotiations will be held in another dimension. The Greek side needs to drop its demand to clear the Turkish troops out of the island and come up with more reasonable proposals," Cavusoglu claimed.

"The Greek Cypriots and Greece are dreaming when they push for lifting all guarantees. The Greek side and Greece expect that all guarantees will be lifted and no Turkish soldiers will be left on the island. This is a dream. They should awake from this dream", he alleged.

Cavusoglu further told reporters that Ankara could not accept having zero troops in Cyprus.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Vatan newspaper (30.06.16) reports that Cavusoglu stated also the following: "Moreover, the framework of the negotiation talks is clear. The negotiation talks are taking place right now more or less based on the 11th February 2014 Joint Declaration Agreement and the January 12, Geneva Conference. The Property issue, the rotating presidency and the 4 freedoms for the Turkish citizens and their equal treatment with the Greek citizens are very important issues. If this conference would be the final conference, it is necessary to reach to an agreement in all these issues".

(AK)

[03] Afrika: Turkey is determined to keep the Turkish Cypriots as hostages

"Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who has allegedly proposed the withdrawal of the troops from the next day of the solution, on the second day, came to the point of quitting", argues the paper adding that Cavusoglu exhibited his real intention by saying that "the Cyprus problem is not an issue of security and guarantees" and 'took out of his pocket the precondition of the four freedoms for the Turks".

"When the EU official supported Turkey's demand regarding the four freedoms, Anastasiades wanted to degrade the level of the meeting to a technical committee level", notes the paper adding that the Turkish side has already started the "blame game" and spreads false news by saying that "the Greek Cypriots made no opening and cause the collapse of the conference".

Writing in his column in Afrika, Ali Kismir refers to Cavusoglu's statements and argues that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and his spokesman Baris Burcu had stated that the four freedoms issue is distorted by the Greek Cypriots and that the four freedoms are not at the negotiating table. Recalling Cavusoglu's statement that the four freedoms for the Turkish citizens is at the table and should be discussed, Kismir wonders whether the statements made by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership are not contradictory. He writes: "[…] The problem is not the withdrawal of troops or what the guarantee system will be! The main problem here is the reality that, leave aside the Greek Cypriots, many Turkish Cypriots will also object to what Turkey is putting forward. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[04] CTP leader evaluates the progress in Crans Montana summit

Erhurman who is currently in Switzerland escorting with other Turkish Cypriot politicians the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, alleged that at this point he expects an opening from Anastasides at the negotiations. "If he does not make an opening then th?s job is off. Everyone is expecting an opening from him . […] We will see how this will go; however there is a "we cannot move from this situation" point", he claimed.

He went on and further alleged that Anastasiades is not at a point that he can start negotiating. "The Turkish side made a start", he said adding that the Greek Cypriot site must make a start as well.

(CS)

[05] Turkish Cypriot columnist wonders how the Turkish Cypriots feel unsafe and ask for guarantees while touring in "south Cyprus" during Bayram

"Turkish voices are heard in Pafos, Larnaka and Limassol's shores. […] They take walks at the Mall, they enjoy themselves", he writes adding that he cannot understand how (the leaders) are sitting in the mountains in Switzerland and talk about these people's "fear for their lives".

He goes on and writes that there are two fears in Cyprus: The fear of property and the fear for "pocket" (fear for money) and argues that in order for someone to understand the issue of guarantees, (which is important for the Turkish Cypriots) he must understand these issues. That Turkey is here to fill the money in the pockets and not problems to be created in the property.

(CS)

[06] Nami evaluated the Crans Montana summit

Nami stated that the Turkish Cypriot site completed a constructive point yesterday and that as Turkish Cypriots they are in Crans Montana aiming to solve the Cyprus problem.

"The environment yesterday was constructive and positive. Everyone made big preparations for today and we continue", he stated.

Asked if he is anxious about the proposal of the UN Secretary General, Nami stated that they face with satisfaction the proposal and that it is good what the UN are doing in Switzerland.

"We came here to solve the Cyprus problem. I hope we took a step towards this direction today", he stated.

(CS)

[07] Caluda is the new "chairman" of HUR-Is trade union

According to the paper, HUR-Is held yesterday its 6th ordinary general meeting. Besides the "election" of its new "chairman" the trade union determined also the members of its "new administration board", writes the paper.

(AK)

[08] Germany to reject Ankara's request for President Erdogan to address Turkish citizens; Strong criticism by Turkish politicians

According to Gabriel, Ankara had submitted a formal request on Wednesday for Erdogan to speak to Turkish citizens living in Germany on the sidelines of the July 7-8 G-20 summit of leading economies.

A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel confirmed that Erdogan's request to speak at a non-G20 event would be denied.

Gabriel said that such appearances by Erdogan would be "inappropriate," citing also security concerns for his request being rejected.

"We don't have the police forces available to ensure security, given the G20." Gabriel said. "But I also told them openly that such an appearance was not appropriate given the conflict situation that exists with Turkey, and that it would not fit into the political landscape at this time."

Meanwhile, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing regret over some German politicians' "unacceptable political remarks" aimed at the German public.

"The approach of someone who held the position of the Presidency of the European Parliament towards imposing restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression once again reflects the true face of the mentality that we confront as well as the double standard of those who aim to lecture the others," the Ministry said, referring to former European Parliament President Martin Schulz, who claimed that Europe must become stronger in response to a weakening of democracy elsewhere while pointing out Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.

"We strongly condemn and refuse this person's unacceptable remarks targeting our President," the statement said.

(…)

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (29.06.17) reports that Turkish Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kal?n said on June 29 that the remarks made by some German politicians over Erdogan's potential rally in the country were unacceptable, describing them as "provocative and malevolent."

"The fact that those who are attempting to give Turkey a lesson in terms of democracy, human rights and freedoms in every opportunity, trying to prevent our President's meeting with our citizens while they are taking terror organizations, coup plotters and the outlawed under their wings is the most concrete indicator of double standards reigning in Europe," Kal?n said in a statement.

Kal?n also said that Berlin's move to hinder the President's meeting with citizens citing "thin excuses" did not comply with the friendship relation between the two countries.

"We hope that German authorities will not repeat grave mistakes made during the [April 16] referendum process," Kalin further said.

[09] Qatari and Turkish Defense Ministers to meet amid Gulf crisis

The meeting between the Qatari Defense Minister Khalid bin Mohammed el-Atiye and the Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik will take place in the Defense Ministry, according to sources who cannot be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The meeting comes amid an ongoing crisis in the Gulf region, where several Arab states -- including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen -- have imposed a diplomatic and economic blockade on Qatar, which they accuse of supporting terrorism.

Turkey has vowed to stand by Qatar and called on Saudi Arabia to end all sanctions.

Earlier in June, Turkey's Parliament ratified two deals on deploying troops to Qatar and training its army.

Aid, including a ship carrying 4,000 tons of food, for beleaguered Qatar left Turkey last week.

[10] Jailed HDP co-chair Demirtas called on arrested educators to end hunger strike

Demirtas penned a letter to Nuriye Gulmen and Semih Ozakca, who have been on a hunger strike for over 110 days, from the prison where he is being held in the northwestern province of Edirne.

Gulmen, an academic, and Ozakca, a primary school teacher, are among thousands of people dismissed from their posts through state of emergency decrees. Turkey declared a state of emergency after the July 15 coup attempt and have been issuing emergency decrees ever since.

Gulmen and Ozakca have been on a hunger strike demanding to be returned to their jobs, and they were arrested on May 23, the 75th day of their strike, on terror charges.

In his letter, Demirtas said he finds the "resistance" shown by the educators "meaningful," adding that it is an "effective opposition in the face of injustices and unlawfulness.'"

He also said that a majority of the people support the educators in their struggle.

"The decision to start and end a hunger strike depends on your own free will. But that being said, as a politician friend of yours, who represents the will of millions, I kindly ask you to end this hunger strike," Demirtas said.

A similar call was recently made by main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal K?l?cdaroglu, who also said taht a significant portion of society supports their demands.

After the calls, Gulmen sent a letter from the prison they are kept in Ankara's Sincan, saying they will continue their hunger strike until the "injustice they have faced is repaired."

"We only want our jobs back. They thought they could silence us by arresting us but they were wrong. We are aware of the well-intentioned calls to end our hunger strike, but we are determined to continue until the injustice we have faced is repaired," Gulmen said in her letter.

On June 28, the Constitutional Court unanimously rejected the release demand for the educators. The top court said the prison conditions didn't pose an urgent danger against their physical and spiritual health.

[11] President Erdogan to attend session to mark the first anniversary of FETO's defeated coup in Turkey on July 15

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also attend the session during which the Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman and representatives of political parties are expected to address Deputies, public and foreign mission representatives.

Erdogan will also address thousands of people in front of the Parliament late night on July 16 following his attendance at a ceremony on the July 15 Martyrs' Bridge in Istanbul.

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