Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-08-28

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

CONTENTS

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: "With the same mentality, same methods, we will end up at the same place"; Akdag is carrying out contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus

[02] Atun said: "The project to interconnect TRNC with Turkey via an undersea electrical cable will be completed in 2-2.5 years"

[03] "Deryneia beach" which is under the control of the Turkish occupation army is open to the "public"

[04] "KTSO: "The opening of the fenced off city of Varosha to its legal owners will bring economic benefits"

[05] Every week 50-60 "TRNC citizenships" are granted according to CTP chairman

[06] "The investors' eyes are on Keryneia"

[07] Ataoglu on the occupation regime's tourism sector

[08] Former Turkey's EU Minister is allegedly involved in the "establishment" of the International Aydin University in the occupied area of Cyprus

[09] The hotel occupancy rate in the occupied area of Cyprus for the first six months of 2017 has reached to 54.5%

[10] Bozdag: "German FM's baseless allegations stem from an 'Erdogan complex'"

[11] Erdogan and Macron discussed detained Frenchman and Syria

[12] MHP and AKP in row over 'casus belli' remarks on Iraqi Kurdish independence referendum

[13] New Turkish state of emergency decrees ties intelligence agency to President

[14] Yildirim: "Turkey and Russia agreed on procurement of S-400 missile"

[15] Ambassador Na'eh sees easing visa rules as key to burgeoning Turkish-Israeli tourism ties

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: "With the same mentality, same methods, we will end up at the same place"; Akdag is carrying out contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus

Speaking to the press prior to the meeting with Akdag, Akinci argued: "It came to light that the open-ended talks have not taken us anywhere. With the same mentality, same methods, you will end up at the same place, you cannot end up at a different place. We have been saying these for years now. Now is a period of thinking. Now, the Greek Cypriots, the UN and us should make their evaluations and we should find a healthier path and method".

Akdag, for his part, said that Turkey will always support a solution based on the equal rights on the island and this stance will continue.

Meanwhile, it is the first time Akdag is in the "TRNC" since being appointed to the post of Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Cyprus Affairs.

Within the framework of his contacts, the Turkish Minister will also be meeting with rectors of universities, representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry as well as civil society organisations.

Shortly after his arrival this morning, Akdag visited the tomb of the late Turkish Cypriot leader Dr. Faz?l Kucuk. He then paid a similar visit to the tomb of the late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas.

Following these visits, Akdag met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and then he was due to meet with the self-styled speaker of parliament Sibel Siber and self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun before attending lunch hosted in his honour by Ozgurgun .

Following the lunch, Akdag will be meeting with self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas.

Later this afternoon, Akdag will be meeting with the delegations from the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the "Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry" at the residence of the illegal Turkish ambassador in the occupied part of Nicosia.

This will be followed by a meeting with the "rectors of the universities" in the "TRNC" and another meeting with representatives of civil society organisations.

These meetings too will take place at the "Turkish embassy" in the occupied part of Nicosia.

Akdag will be attending a dinner hosted in his honour by the "Turkish ambassador" Derya Kanbay at his residence.

Akdag who will continue his contacts tomorrow will be coming together at a working breakfast with journalists.

Finally, Akdag will be attending a dinner hosted in his honour by Denktas in the occupied town of Famagusta before leaving the occupied area of Cyprus later in the evening.

[02] Atun said: "The project to interconnect TRNC with Turkey via an undersea electrical cable will be completed in 2-2.5 years"

Speaking to the Anadolu News Agency, Atun said that the working groups assigned with the task of drafting up the project had almost completed their work.

He further argued that the project, in addition to meeting the energy needs of the "TRNC" was important in terms of being able to supply electricity to the entire region.

Claiming that the water brought to the "TRNC" via a pipeline from Turkey had gained important advantages for the country, Atun said that they were planning to start the implementation of the latest project which was to bring electricity to the "TRNC" from Turkey via an undersea cable before the end of this year.

Reminding that the high voltage lines of the "two sides on the island" have been interconnected since 2011, Atun also said: "We will always be prepared to give the electricity to be brought from Turkey to South Cyprus should the need ever arise". He added that establishing interconnectivity with Turkey will ensure an uninterrupted power supply to consumers in the "TRNC".

Meanwhile, Atun, speaking during a visit paid to him on Friday from a delegation from the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, has claimed that a drilling platform will be brought to the region within the framework of an energy deal that existed with Turkey. He added that efforts to increase efficiency in the public sector were paying off.

Touching upon the pipeline constructed between Turkey and the "TRNC", Atun alleged that the project had been designed in a way to make it possible to supply water to other parts of the region which in turn gave the Turkish Cypriots political power.

On the issue of hydrocarbon exploration, Atun argued that an energy deal existed with the Turkish Petroleum Corporation for exploring, drilling and acquiring revenues from any resources to be discovered off the coast of the "TRNC" and added: "We have data pointing in the direction of energy reserves". He further explained that "a drilling platform will be sent to the area following an analysis of the data collected by the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa seismic vessel".

He concluded by claiming that transporting any hydrocarbons to Europe via Turkey will put the "TRNC" within the energy equations in the region.

[03] "Deryneia beach" which is under the control of the Turkish occupation army is open to the "public"

The "decision" was "received" after the "signing of a protocol" by the "security forces commander" and the "Famagusta municipality". The "protocol" envisages for the period between May 15-October 29 and it will be renewed every year automatically.

According to the paper, only "TRNC citizens" and citizens of the Turkish Republic will be able to enter the beach, after they are granted a special permission. Greek Cypriots and foreigners will not be allowed to enter.

The "authorities" did not allow journalists from Yeni Duzen and illegal Bayrak to enter the area, the paper writes.

(CS)

[04] "KTSO: "The opening of the fenced off city of Varosha to its legal owners will bring economic benefits"

Referring to the issue of the fenced off city of Varosha, the "chamber" stressed the need for providing the opportunity to its legal owners to be able to return under the "control of the Turkish Cypriot administration", claiming that this will bring economic benefits to the area.

The "chamber" underlined also in the statement the need for the "implementation" of the "economic protocol between Turkey and the TRNC".

The "chamber" also called on the EU to "increase the support to the "EU Aid Regulation Program for the Turkish Cypriots" and to further develop the framework of the "Green Line Regulation", to speed up works for their harmonization with the EU acquis, to analyze the reports prepared by the ad-hoc committees which were established in the framework of the negotiation talks and come to a final conclusion and also to keep the promises it gave to the Turkish Cypriots and proceed to the implementation of the the Direct Trade Regulations".

The statement stressed further the need for steps to be taken for the opening of the illegal Tymbou airport and the "ports" in the occupied area of Cyprus for trade. "The period where the problems were postponed and reforms were not made, providing as an excuse the Cyprus negotiation process and hiding behind the Cyprus problem, should come to an end", the statement said.

(AK)

[05] Every week 50-60 "TRNC citizenships" are granted according to CTP chairman

He also stated that his party continues to support federation, as a solution for the Cyprus problem, while the parties of the "coalition government" stopped supporting federation after the Switzerland talks and started talking about "Plan B".

Referring to the issue of the return of Maronites, he stated that this came to the agenda nine months prior to the Switzerland talks, adding that CTP supported this development from the beginning.

(CS)

[06] "The investors' eyes are on Keryneia"

According to the paper, buying a house in occupied Keryneia became a trend among Turks from Istanbul, especially after the failed coup in Turkey. The Turks are buying the houses and then rent them.

Havadis writes that the investments made in the occupied part of Lefkosia are equally high; however, there are made by locals.

(CS)

[07] Ataoglu on the occupation regime's tourism sector

Also, briefing about the occupation regime's "promotional activities" abroad, Ataoglu explained that these are taking place not only in Turkey, but also in the UK, Azerbaijan and Iran, adding that, they are planning also to carry out similar activities in Germany.

Ataoglu reiterated further their aim to develop "health tourism" in the "TRNC" and pointed out that the "TRNC" has become the 54th "member country" of the "World Health Tourism Council".

Moreover, in an exclusive interview to Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (28.08.17) Ataoglu, claimed that they expect the number of "tourists" to the "TRNC" to reach to 1,5 million, pointing out to the remarkable increase observed on the number of the Israeli tourists visiting Turkey.

Ataoglu further alleged that the "casinos" operating in the "north" will not be affected by the opening of casinos in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

(AK)

[08] Former Turkey's EU Minister is allegedly involved in the "establishment" of the International Aydin University in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to information acquired by the paper, the "International Aydin University" has bought some pieces of land in occupied Keryneia, adding that in order for the "university" to take the necessary license for its operation, it is prepareing to show the place where "its main campus" will be located. The paper adds further that the "appraisal committee" of the so-called ministry of education will meet tomorrow to discuss the issue. Also, the "governor" of occupied Keryneia confirmed that the "International Aydin University" has bought plots of land in occupied Keryneia.

The paper adds that among the "administrators" of the "International Aydin University" is former Turkey's EU Minister, Egemen Bagis. Bagis who has recently held a series of contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus, is also the "director" of the "Research Centre for the Western Countries" of the above mentioned university. The paper further claims that the "firm", whose name is not mentioned, into which Bagis is among the partners, puts pressure for providing license to the "university" for its establishment.

The paper further adds that the academician Ata Atun, father of the "minister of energy", Sunat Atun, is among the "partners" for the establishment of the "university". Sunat Atun, was criticized because he was "granted" a "permission" by the "government" for the establishment of a new illegal university under the name "International Aydin University".

(AK)

[09] The hotel occupancy rate in the occupied area of Cyprus for the first six months of 2017 has reached to 54.5%

Also, according to the same figures, the occupancy rate in July increased by 16,1% and reached 75.1%, compared with the same month of the previous year.

(AK)

[10] Bozdag: "German FM's baseless allegations stem from an 'Erdogan complex'"

Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag criticized German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel for his baseless allegations aimed at the Turkish President, adding that the allegations stem from an "Erdogan complex" that degrades Gabriel and the German nation. "Mr Gabriel has lied not only to the German nation but also to the world and the Turkish nation. Gabriel's attitude was extremely disrespectful. It is a significant incident that shows the German politicians' attitude," Bozdag told reporters on Aug. 26 at the AK Party's Advisory Council in Corum, referring to the German Minister's recent claims that his wife was subjected to threats because of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

[11] Erdogan and Macron discussed detained Frenchman and Syria

A statement from Macron's office on Sunday said Macron had demanded the release and return to France of journalist Loup Bureau, who was detained on terrorism charges. "The two Presidents agreed to make further contact, and at the ministerial level as well, in order to arrive at a positive outcome," the statement from the Elysee Palace said.

They also discussed the situation in Syria, Iraq and the Gulf region as well as the battle against terrorism, with France working to create a specialist contact group to discuss Syria on the side-lines of the United Nations General Assembly.

[12] MHP and AKP in row over 'casus belli' remarks on Iraqi Kurdish independence referendum

Y?ld?r?m had stated that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) independence vote, slated for Sept. 25, would not be tantamount to a "casus belli" as war "can only break out between two states," and Ankara does not recognize Arbil as a state.

In a response on Aug. 26, Bahceli referred to the definition of war in the third article of Turkey's law on mobilization and the state of war.

"The State of the Republic of Turkey is obliged to use its right to self-defence and intervention against any kind of action, preparation, setup, arrangement, attempt or aggressive desire that closely threaten its survival, directly target its sovereign rights and endanger its existence and unity," the MHP leader said.

"This referendum is an insidious preparatory work for the establishment and reclamation of Kurdistan, and it is a dark precursor move," he added.

The row comes after the ruling AKP and the MHP teamed up ahead of the April 16 referendum on shifting Turkey to an executive presidential system. The two parties campaigned for the "yes" side, which was narrowly approved in the referendum amid opposition objections and international criticism of the campaign and vote process.

Bahceli blasted the Prime Minister's remarks on the upcoming KRG vote, which he said that "it threatened the national and historic interests of the country."

"The fact that Y?ld?r?m responded so quickly to my comment on the threats against our country, considering it necessary to do so, goes against political courtesy and delicacy. [He should instead] quickly react against those with a treacherous intent in Arbil. Breaking down the April 16 consensus with the Sept. 25 excuse will be of no benefit to anyone," he stated, adding that the KRG referendum is "full of potential developments that would challenge [Turkey's] sovereignty."

"The MHP's side was obvious when it said 'yes' for the continuation [of the state] in the April 16 referendum. But it is diverging [from the government] with regard to the approach toward the Sept. 25 Kurdistan referendum. The fact that the Prime Minister has resorted to trying to correct our words, as if he is shaking a finger at us, is wrong. It damages the common view that defends Turkey's national sensitivity and goals," Bahceli said.

The MHP leader voiced his hope that Y?ld?r?m "would be aware of the mistake he has made."

[13] New Turkish state of emergency decrees ties intelligence agency to President

As a part of the decrees, numbered 963 and 964 and published in the Official Gazette, responsibility for the MIT undersecretary was taken from the office of the Prime Minister and given to the President. Accordingly, the MIT undersecretary and its top management, including deputy undersecretaries and heads, will be directly appointed by the President.

Any investigation of the MIT undersecretary will now have to be approved first by the President and any testimony given by the MIT undersecretary will also have to be approved by the President. Authorization to conduct investigations about the MIT undersecretary will also have to be submitted for approval by the President.

Commenting on the move, Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m stated on Aug. 25 that the change was aimed at bringing the organization into compliance with the executive presidential system, approved narrowly in a contested referendum in April 2017.

"When we take the April 16 referendum into consideration, the MIT and other institutions will already be incorporated under the presidency in the new system. So the latest changes are compatible with the spirit of the April 16 governance system shift," Y?ld?r?m told reporters in Ankara on Aug. 25.

"Rules constitute the basis of public institutions and also constitute the basis of the fact that everyone has to do the duties and responsibilities assigned to them. So interpreting this issue as a sign of distrust in the prime minister is ill-willed," he added.

In addition, the decree also granted authorization to the MIT to gather intelligence about the Turkish Armed Forces and its personnel, as well as Defence Ministry personnel, an implementation that was abandoned six years ago.

According to the latest change, MIT personnel will now be able to conduct any kind of investigation into Defence Ministry personnel and Turkish Armed Forces personnel.

The procedures and principles on intelligence gathering activities, along with the duties of other institutions, will be determined in a MIT circular that will be issued upon the President's confirmation.

It is reported that a protocol may now be signed between the MIT and the Armed Forces in a way that "will not harm mutual trust" between the two institutions regarding the changes.

Meanwhile, according to the decree the National Intelligence Coordination Board (MIKK), which has been under the MIT, will also come under the authority of the presidency, with the President presiding over the board.

[14] Yildirim: "Turkey and Russia agreed on procurement of S-400 missile"

Speaking to reporters on his return flight from Vietnam, Y?ld?r?m also said that Turkey was working in cooperation with Russia and Iran in Syria, and there should be no reason for the United States and Turkey to be on opposite sides. "We are talking about two NATO nations, there should be no reason for there to be [problems]. Of course, if they show a stance other than what they have told us on the YPG [Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units] issue, it would be a problem," Y?ld?r?m was quoted as saying on private broadcaster NTV, as reported by Reuters.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said late in July that Russia and Turkey had made progress in the plans to procure the S-400s and that signatures had been signed.

A contract to supply S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Turkey is in the final stages, but has not yet been signed or entered into force, the head of Russian defence giant Rosoboronexport told Russian media earlier this week.

[15] Ambassador Na'eh sees easing visa rules as key to burgeoning Turkish-Israeli tourism ties

Delivering a speech during a visit to the Antalya Society of Journalists (AGC), where he was welcomed by Deputy Chair Salim Uzun and Board Member Sibel Atasoy, the Ambassador noted that he and his family always choose Turkey as their vacation spot.

Expressing his pleasure at visiting Antalya, he said: "As the Israeli envoy, I came here to bring Turkish tourists to Israel and to promote Israel's tourism. I know that Israeli authorities do their best to ensure that more and more Israeli tourists visit Turkey."

When asked whether the visa problem will be resolved for the development of tourism, the Ambassador noted that in 1993, around 100,000 tourists visited Turkey on an annual basis. This figure jumped to 250,000 the following year, as he spoke to business people in Antalya discussing tourism figures. He also added that the number of Israeli tourists visiting Turkey have always exceeded that of Turkish citizens going to Israel.

Na'eh noted that during the periods when high numbers of Israeli tourists were seen visiting Turkey, one out of 10 citizens came to Turkey, which corresponded to almost 600,000 people. However, he said, this should not stand in the way of facilitating visa requirements. The Ambassador highlighted that if only 1% of Turkish citizens, not 10%, visited Israel, the issue of alleviating visa requirements would be settled.

The Ambassador also emphatically stated that he holds the final signature authority for some agreements regulating flights between Turkey and Israel. "Israel is the one waiting for a decision on the charter flights. We would like to see the charter flights from Israel to Turkey resume. Israel wants the issue to be included in agenda items."

The charter flights between Turkey's Antalya and Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport, which were preferred by Israeli vacationers, were cancelled six years ago due to decreasing demand when only around 80,000 Israelis visited Turkey.

According to data provided by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Turkey saw the highest number of Israeli tourists, which exceeded 550,000, in 2008. After the Mavi Marmara crisis in 2010 when the Turkish humanitarian aid vessel was attacked en route to the blockaded Gaza Strip, the number fell to 80,000 in 2011. However, a gradual increase has been observed in the last two years as almost 225,000 Israelis came to Turkey in 2015 and almost 300,000 visited Turkey last year.

Moreover, visa procedures for Turkish businesspeople were alleviated in February, as announced by the Israeli consul-general in Istanbul, Shai Cohen. Turkish businesspeople are able to get three-year, multiple entry visas.

As the normalization of ties between Turkey and Israel have burgeoned with intergovernmental dialogue on energy cooperation during the past year, the ongoing negotiations for the export of natural gas from Eastern Mediterranean gas field discovered by Israel to Turkey is considered a vital step for the region. In fact, an agreement for exporting gas from the Leviathan gas field, which was discovered by Israel in 2010 and estimated to contain a reserve of 500 billion cubic meters (bcm), to Turkey, has been an important starting point for a normalization process. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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