Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-09-01

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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] The Turkish Cypriot press comments on the "two separate states" emphasis that Akinci gave on his yesterday message

[02] Political parties issued messages on the occasion of the World Peace Day

[03] CTP announced it will provide conditional support to the "project for electricity from Turkey"

[04] Increase of the number of flights due to the Kurban Bayram

[05] Merkel conveys to Juncker Germany's veto on Customs Union update with Turkey

[06] Turkey reiterates its readiness for cross-border offensive against all terror threats

[07] Turkey and Iran furious over Kirkuk's participation in independence referendum; Talks on joint Turkish-Iranian operation against PKK speed up

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot press comments on the "two separate states" emphasis that Akinci gave on his yesterday message

Under the title: "Make an effort!", Afrika writes that eventually the stress that Akinci gives on the issue of the two separate states is growing. "This is a reality", Akinci stated yesterday writes the paper, noting that the Turkish Cypriot leader also stated the following: "We will either move forward a solution under a common roof with equality, security and freedom or another way will be found so that the two sides in Cyprus to live next to each other under two separate roofs. […].

Detay writes that Akinci stressed that a historical opportunity was lost. "The time that has elapsed did not contribute towards the realization of the federal solution discussed so far and reinforced the existence of two separate states", Akinci noted, writes the paper.

Refering on the same issue Volkan writes that Akinci emphasized the following: "You can say whatever you want; the existence of two separate states in Cyprus is a fact. Even if the TRNC is not recognized, it is a reality", he stated.

Kibrisli: "Akinci: TRNC is a reality".

(CS)

[02] Political parties issued messages on the occasion of the World Peace Day

CTP points out also in the statement that even the slightest step in the direction of the solution of the Cyprus problem will bring domino effects in the rest of the world as well.

Also, in a separate written statement, the United Cyprus Party (BKP) underlines the need for peace in the world and adds that the party will continue with determination its struggle for the solution of the Cyprus problem which will bring freedom and peace in Cyprus.

Moreover, the New Cyprus Party (YKP) in its message underlies that peace is the fight against wars and occupations and peace is the only choice for the future of humanity.

On the same issue, the paper writes that the bi-communal Peace Initiative-United Cyprus organization together with the Baraka organization will organize jointly an event for celebrating World Peace Day. In a message on the occasion of the day, the bi-communal Peace Initiative called on all to focus all efforts on the reunification of Cyprus under the umbrella of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation. The organization also called on the two leaders to put aside the accusation games and undertake steps towards the solution.

(AK)

[03] CTP announced it will provide conditional support to the "project for electricity from Turkey"

The statement stressed the need for a serious feasibility study to be prepared and stated that it will support an agreement that will provide cheaper electrical energy to the "people", security of supply and an "agreement" that will find solutions to the problems in the "sector" and not extend them.

(…)

(AK)

[04] Increase of the number of flights due to the Kurban Bayram

According to the paper, the number of the flights is expected to rise up to 327 in the following days.

(CS)

[05] Merkel conveys to Juncker Germany's veto on Customs Union update with Turkey

One day before their meetings in Berlin, Merkel announced they will convey the German government's position to Juncker regarding the Customs Union issue.

Merkel said on Aug. 29 that there would not be any progress with Turkey even in trade relations, if the rule of law was not guaranteed in the country. Good ties are "linked to respect for the rule of law and this is not guaranteed right now in Turkey", she said.

Germany has issued new travel advice for its citizens and is blocking talks on expanding the EU Customs Union with Turkey. "I do not see a mandate to expand the Customs Union in the current circumstances," Merkel said.

Merkel also reiterated Germany's demand for Turkey to free journalists and rights workers from custody, including Die Welt daily correspondent Deniz Yucel. "Our demand is very clear: That the people who have been arrested there are released," she said.

Yucel, a German-Turkish dual national, was arrested on Feb. 27 on charges of "making propaganda in support of a terrorist organization" and "inciting the public to violence," after initially being detained on Feb. 14. Yucel, who faces up to 101/2 years in jail if convicted, denies the charges.

The German government has demanded Yucel's swift release, as well as the release of other German citizens detained in Turkey.

[06] Turkey reiterates its readiness for cross-border offensive against all terror threats

Highlighting that Turkey shares borders with Syria and Iraq, two countries that have been struck with terror and political turmoil for the past several years, Erdogan said, "Because of this, we will also take all necessary measures accordingly. We are ready. Also, they should know that whatever we did during Operation Euphrates Shield, we are also prepared to do again."

The remarks by the President came in a speech where he also underscored that Turkey cannot be cornered with terror groups in the region. "Those who want to corner Turkey by using terror organizations will be left alone with these ticking bombs after a while," the President warned.

Erdogan reiterated that the weapons supplied by Turkey's allies ended up in the hands of Daesh terrorists, adding that the very same weapons would be used against Turkey.

[07] Turkey and Iran furious over Kirkuk's participation in independence referendum; Talks on joint Turkish-Iranian operation against PKK speed up

Furthermore, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli also criticized the participation of Kirkuk in the planned KRG independence referendum, saying it "aims to de-territorialize Turkmens" in the region.

"The Peshmerga administration insists on the so-called Kurdish referendum that it plans to hold on Sept. 25. And the Kirkuk Provincial Council's decision on Aug. 29 in favour of having Kirkuk take part [in the referendum] adds to the series of scandals and betrayals," Bahceli posted on his official Twitter account on Aug. 31. "They are trying to separate Turkmen lands from their sovereign and original owners", he added.

"Kirkuk is Turkish. It will not be subjected to assimilationist aims and ethnic cleansing," the MHP leader added.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry had earlier criticized the decision by the Kirkuk local administration to participate in the vote. "We recall that the Baghdad Administrative Court ruled on Aug. 17, 2017 that the Kirkuk Provincial Council and the KRG do not have the authority to decide any status on controversial territory," the Foreign Ministry stated on Aug. 29.

It added that Ankara had previously expressed concern to the KRG over the planned referendum, noting that the decision for the controversial poll had been boycotted by Turkmen and Arab groups.

"The persistent pursuit of this dangerous movement will not serve the interests of the KRG or Iraq, nor will it be accepted by the international community, nor will it contribute to the peace and stability of the region in this period of critical developments," the statement read.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 31.08.17), under the title "Talks on joint Turkish-Iranian operation against PKK speed up", reports that bilateral military talks between Turkey and Iran have recently gained momentum as the two countries held negotiations on the details of a possible joint operation against the PKK since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Aug. 21 that a joint operation against terrorist groups is always on the agenda.

The Turkish media reported yesterday that diplomatic sources from both Iran and Turkey said eight talks have been held so far regarding the details of a joint operation against the PKK after Erdogan pointed to a possible joint counterterrorism operation. During the talks, the sides reportedly came close to agreeing on five out of the seven clauses that Ankara previously put forward to determine the context of a joint operation.

Erdogan will reportedly visit Tehran following his visit to the U.S. and preparations for operations against the PKK are expected to intensify afterward. Reports also say that both sides came to common terms on carrying out a joint operation against PKK camps such as Zap and Avasin-Basyan between Turkey and the Qandil Mountains in northern Iraq.

Iranian diplomatic sources reportedly said that PKK camps such as Levje, Sehidan and Kalatuka where some of the leaders of the terrorist group hide, would be primary targets. The Iranian military will close 11 main routes to prevent PKK terrorists from escaping the airstrikes. The media also report that Tehran has not completely shut the door on Ankara's possible Afrin operation. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs / ICh)

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