Erhurman in his post wrote : 'Mr. Anastasiades said that the side that does not have the majority of vote is trying to equalize itself with the side that does have the majority of vote and determine their decisions. After all these years of negotiations to summerize political equality in this way is inexplicable.'

Erhurman said that Anastasiades needed to understand that the issue is not about a federation or whether or not the federation is a loose federation or not, what's important is that if political equality is not part of a solution then a solution is not possible.

'He must understand this and have the courage to explain this to his people as well' said Erhurman.

[05] Nami: "We will take our own steps on electricity and natural gas"

Referring to the natural gas resources around the island, Nami said that they are following the issue with their "interlocutors" in Turkey. Claiming that they have called the Greek Cypriot side on several occasions for cooperation on issues such electricity and natural gas, but unfortunately they have not received a positive response until now on these calls, Nami argued that the Turkish side was obliged to take its own steps.

Nami further claimed: "They preferred to take unilateral steps by hiding behind the curtain of a recognized state. This, of course, forced the Turkish side to take its own steps. In this context, if the Greek Cypriot side has made agreements with American, French or Italian companies and have launched research activities, we have also taken the same steps with the Republic of Turkey". Nami argued that "no one should have any doubt that the Turkish Cypriot people will continue to protect their legitimate rights and interests", adding that the necessary steps have been taken and will continue to be taken in cooperation with Turkey.

Referring to the importance of the interconnected cable project between Turkey and the "TRNC" (carrying electricity from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus) for reducing the cost of electricity, Nami argued that the electricity costs will be decreased with the materialization of the project. He further explained that "work was also being carried out towards bringing down the cost of electricity by adopting legal arrangements which will enable more productive use of renewable energy in the country".

Noting that the "TRNC" is experiencing a high inflation rate due to the developments out of its control, Nami added that "the competitive capacity of the country is also low in the international arena". He further argued that "80% of the public revenue is spent on salaries and similar payments and that the capital budget is low", he added that there is a need for changing this model and creating a competitive economy. Explaining that this could only be materialized through a long term study, Nami said that "the fact that the TRNC is not recognized by other countries than Turkey is hampering the foreign trade of the country".

Referring to the economic table awaiting the Turkish Cypriot "people" in 2019, Nami said that they expect 2019 to be a tough year adding that they are making their plans and preparations with the aim of overcoming these difficulties.

(DPs)

[06] "Green light" was allegedly given by the occupation army for new crossing points in Nicosia

According to the paper, UNFICYP officials said that the possible opening of new crossing points in the divided capital should decrease the buffer zone, which is under their control. Within this framework, the above-mentioned officials asked for the opening of Ermou Street and some streets near it. The UN reportedly believes that the return to their owners of the houses and businesses which are in the above-mentioned area, will serve peace on the island.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Eroglu and Talat on President Anastasiades' proposal on "loose federation"

Talat alleged that the Greek Cypriot leader is exerting efforts to distort this issue and argued that the proposal submitted by Anastasiades should not be taken seriously. "All these that Anastasiades has stated is nothing else but a crackjaw, it is a distortion which lacks of seriousness". Talat accused further President Anastasiades for trying to turn the concentration on his face and alleging that Anastasiades is not interested and not worrying at all for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Also, Eroglu in his turn accused the Greek Cypriot leadership of delaying tactics and called on the Turkish Cypriot side to change its policy on the Cyprus problem.

(AK)

[08] Ali Erel: "Guarantees is the key for the solution of the Cyprus problem"

Evaluating the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, Erel argued that it is necessary for talks to take place between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic. He further argued that system of guarantees should be abolished, that a new security system should be formed and that the two countries should discuss and set a timetable which will determine the removal of the Turkish troops from Cyprus. "If Anastasiades is discussing with Turkey on the issue of the withdrawal of the Turkish army, on the abolishment of the security system and the formation of a new security system, then there is no problem with this. But the bi-communal talks in Cyprus should be carried out by the two leaders of the communities, Anastasiades and Akinci. If the bi-communal negotiations between Akinci-Anastasiades would not be result-oriented, the reason would be the Treaty of Guarantees. So, the three guarantor countries should take action for the abolishment of this Treaty, because th is, guarantees the territorial integrity and the legal structure of the Republic of Cyprus", Erel said.

Referring to the Guterres framework, Erel stated that if this does not become accepted as the basis of the negotiation talks, the negotiation process would not be able to restart. He added that if there will be a solution in Cyprus, this should be a federal solution.

Regarding the economic crisis in the occupied area of Cyprus, Erel said that the Turkish Cypriots are those who pay the price for the remarkable decrease on the price of the Turkish Lira against the foreign currencies. Erel predicted also that the TL will continue losing more of its value due to Turkey's social, democratic, economic and international policies. He went on saying that the perception that the Turkish Cypriot "government" can do nothing about this is wrong and added that the "government" could say that "we are adopting the euro". "This would give us the opportunity to take a breath, prior to the solution of the Cyprus problem", Erel added.

(AK)

[09] Ozyigit delivered a speech at the ISESCO's conference in Morocco

Delivering a speech during the 13th Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural General Conference which was held on 11-12 October in Morocco, by the Islamic Educational Scientific and Educational Organization (ISESCO), operating within the body of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation of which the "TRNC" is an observer member under the title of the "Turkish Cypriot state", Ozyigit, alleged that "the TRNC's higher education international character and diversity has been clearly seen". Ozyigit also alleged that here are approximately 100,000 students from 145 different countries who "study" in the "TRNC's universities" while at the same time, he alleged that there is an academic staff from 65 different countries.

According to a written statement issued by the so-called ministry, Ozyigit, in his speech has called on all member states of ISESCO to cooperate in the field of culture and to enhance further their ties with the "TRNC". "We are pleased seing the inter-state cooperation between the member states of ISESCO and north Cyprus in the fields of education and culture, and we wish for this cooperation to develop in other fields as well such as in economy, transportation, tourism and sports", Ozyigit said.

Meanwhile, within the framework of his "contacts" in Morocco, Ozyigit met with the Minister of Culture and Communication of Morocco, Mohamed Laaraj, the general secretary of ISESCO, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri and the Azeri Minister of Culture, Dr. Garayev Adulfas Mursal. Ozyigit met and exchanged views with "students" from different countries". After the conclusion of the conference, Ozyigit met further with the Ambassador of Turkey in Rabat, Ethem Berkan Oz.

(AK)

[10] Transit flights from Kiev to the occupied area of Cyprus through Dalaman airport will launch

Ataoglu noted that the transit flights from and to Kiev and "TRNC" will be through Dalaman airport in Turkey. However, he added that according to the results of a study, they will decide how often the flights will be.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.10.18) reported that Ataoglu, during his contacts in Ankara, met also with Turkey's President's Chief Advisior Yalcin Topcu. In a statement at the meeting, Ataoglu said that with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's instructions there will be an increase of Anadolujet's flights to the occupied area of Cyprus, adding that with these additional flights it is expected to be a decrease in ticket prices.

Ataoglu further argued that they will sign new projects in unity with Turkey and a video regarding a project for tourism in the occupied area of Gaziveran was presented to Topcu.

(DPs)

[11] Security problems due to the 9 casinos operating in Pyla

According to the paper, the 9 casinos create various problems to the inhabitants of the village who note that all the infrastructure services at the village are provided by the Greek Cypriots since the "Turkish authorities" show no interest at all for the village. In addition the head of the village, Veysel Guden said that the casinos are not accepted by the villagers and that he informed the Peace Forces about the security issues of the village. He also said that crime complains have increased recently putting the village youth at risk.

(CS)

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Turkey cannot be ignored in Cyprus