Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-11-02

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

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Ozersay alleges that federation is not possible

[02] Little hope for an early solution and support for guarantees are the main views of the persons living in the occupied are of Cyprus regarding the solution

[03] Toros military maneuver was annulled

[04] Akar alleges that Turkey will not allow any attempts of fait accompli in Cyprus

[05] Tatar revealed UBP's stance as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem

[06] KTOS and KTOEOS condemn the so-called minister of education for not finding solution to their problems

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan and Trump discuss Syria's Manbij, Idlib in phone call

[02] Erdogan due to France for an official visit

[03] Akar said that 260,000 Syrians returned to Syria after the 'Euphrates Shield' operation

[04] Cavusoglu hails ties with Qatar

[05] The Turkish Lira further recovers against dollar amid signals of ease in trade tensions

[06] Turkey issues arrest warrants for 50 FETO suspects

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Ozersay alleges that federation is not possible

Turkish Cypriot K?br?sl? newspaper (02.10.18) reports that Kudret Ozersay, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has alleged that the Greek Cypriot political leadership should show to the Turkish Cypriots that it is ready and accepts the sharing of both political power and natural resources with them. In statements to Turkish Demiroren news agency (DHA), Ozersay claimed that it is "obvious" that the Greek Cypriot leadership is not ready to share the island's administration and wealth with the Turkish Cypriots in a federal partnership.

He alleged: "As long as this understanding, this mentality does not change, a federal partnership does not seem possible to me under these circumstances both in the sense of achieving such a partnership and in the sense of its viability. Natural gas bears the character of an exam for understanding whether the Greek Cypriot side really wishes such a solution".

Ozersay went on and made a call on the Greek Cypriots to discuss the natural gas issue with the Turkish Cypriots in order for the two communities to be able to administrate and use together these resources. He claimed: "What the Greek Cypriot leadership expects us to do if it does not even accept to discuss the issue presenting it as a sovereignty matter? Shall we sit and watch? The most important development which shows that this will not happen is the purchase of drillings vessels by Turkey".

Ozersay described as a "milestone" the beginning of drillings by Turkish Fatih vessel and alleged that the Greek Cypriots' "unilateral effort" to create fait accompli has allegedly forced Turkey to purchase drilling vessels, adding that "the bad neighbor" forced them to become "landlord". "However, again, we do not want a bad neighbor. Come and let us be good neighbors, let us administrate, use and share together these resources which belong to both communities", he argued.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Little hope for an early solution and support for guarantees are the main views of the persons living in the occupied are of Cyprus regarding the solution

Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (02.11.18) publishes a research conducted by HK Agency in the occupied area of Cyprus regarding the Cyprus problem and notes that the persons participated in the research expressed little hope for an early solution but said that they support guarantees.

The research was conducted between 9-17 of October with the participation of 600 persons living in the breakaway regime, who are over 18 years old, with the method of random sampling.

According to the results of the research, asked to reply on the statement: "I believe that negotiations will be launched soon", 19% replied "I definitely do not agree, 14,9% "I neither agree nor disagree", "I agree" 26,5%, "I definitely agree" 14,6% and "I do not reply" 7,1%.

On the statement: "A solution will be definitely reached at the negotiations". 38,5% said "I definitely do not agree", 26,6% "I do not agree", 20,2% "I neither agree nor disagree", 8% "I agree", 6,7% "I definitely agree" and 7,1% stated "I do not reply".

On the statement: "No army and no guarantees are needed for the normalization in Cyprus", 72,9% stated "I definitely do not agree, 12,2% "I do not agree", 4,4% "I neither agree nor disagree" 4,9% "I agree", 5,7% "I definitely agree" and 3,4% "I do not reply".

On the statement: "I believe that Greek Cypriots want solution", 55,8% stated "I definitely do not agree", 13,5% said " I do not agree", 7,9% "I neither agree nor disagree", 8,6% "I agree" , 14.3% I "definitely agree" and 3,2% "I do not reply.

On the statement: "It is important to act together with Turkey on the Cyprus problem". 2,4% stated "I definitely do not agree", 4% "I do not agree", 8% "I neither agree nor disagree", 56,4% "definitely agree" and 2,9% "I do not reply.

On the statement: "AKP applies a constructive police on the Cyprus problem", 29,1% stated "I definitely not agree", 9,3% "I do not agree", 22,7 "I neither agree or disagree", 19,8 "I agree", "19.1 "I definitely agree and 5,1% "I do not reply.

On the statement: "A federal Cyprus is the only solution to all our current social and economic problems", 47,2% stated "I definitely do not agree", 10,3% "I do not agree", 8,6% "I neither agree or disagree", 12,6% "I agree", 21,5% "I definitely agree" and 5,3% "I do not reply.

On the statement: "We must stay committed on the principle of mutual give and take fir a solution of the Cyprus problem" , 25,1% stated "I definitely not agree", 10,9% "I do not agree", 17,1% "I neither agree nor disagree", 30,2% "I agree", 16,7% "I definitely agree| and 7% "I do not reply".

(CS)

[03] Toros military maneuver was annulled

Turkish Cypriot Vatan newspaper (02.11.18) reports that BarisBurcu, spokesman of Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci, has said that they decided that the Turkish occupation army and the "security forces command" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus will not carry out their joint Toros military maneuver this year.

In a written statement, Burcu recalled that this maneuver has not been carried out for the past few years and added that the decision was taken after the necessary contacts and consultations with Turkey. He alleged that this decision is an indication of their "constructive stance".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Akar alleges that Turkey will not allow any attempts of fait accompli in Cyprus

According to illegal Bayrak television (02.11.18-http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=akar-on-cyprus-issue 2/4), Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has said that they will not allow any attempt or fait accompli against the rights and interests of Turkey and the "TRNC" in Cyprus.

Akar was responding to criticisms and questions directed to him by MPs during a debate on the 2019 budget of his Ministry at the Turkish Grand National Assembly's Planning and Budget Committee.

In response to a question regarding the latest developments in Aegean islands and in the Mediterranean, Akar said that "we're telling them let's sit down and discuss things but not individually. There are so many problems between Turkey and Greece which should be solved by the experts. We're in favour of more comprehensive solutions. We support good neighbourly relations and peace. We say 'all sides should benefit from economic opportunities and mutual visits should be facilitated", Akar alleged.

Stressing that they are against any attempts at usurping the rights and interests of Turkey and the "TRNC" in the Aegean Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and in Cyprus, Akar claimed: "We will not allow any fait accompli and we will not allow the violation of our rights. Therefore, we spread all our efforts towards finding a solution in Cyprus through peace and diplomacy".

[05] Tatar revealed UBP's stance as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (02.11.18) reports that the new chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP), Ersin Tatar, stated that the party's stance regarding the Cyprus problem has always been clear.

In an interview he gave to "TAK news agency" Tatar claimed that an agreement can be reached under the condition that the "TRNC" would be under its own roof, perhaps with two separate (Cypriot) states within the EU. In addition, he alleged that definitely the Turks should have clear majority both as regards the population and the properties of the "structure in the north", as he stated.

Referring on the priorities of the party, he said that UBP wants to come to "power" again and fix the economic problems faced by the breakaway regime.

(CS)

[06] KTOS and KTOEOS condemn the so-called minister of education for not finding solution to their problems

Turkish Cypriot daily Haberator newspaper (02.11.18) reports that the Turkish Cypriot teacher's trade union (KTOS) and the Turkish Cypriot secondary teacher's trade union (KTOEOS) organized yesterday a joint press conference in front of the so-called ministry of "education" in order to condemn the "policies" followed by the "ministry" on the problems experienced in the field of "education".

Speaking on behalf of KTOS, the general secretary of the union, Sener Elcil criticized the so-called minister of education, Cemal Ozyigit for not making any opening towards solving the problems existing in the "field of education". Recalling on the number of Turkish Cypriot teachers which are unemployed in the occupied area of Cyprus, Elcil condemned the fact that the "government" employs teachers from abroad (Turkey), as he said, and pay their salaries in Euro. Elcil went on describing these actions by the "government" as an attack against the Turkish Cypriot's identity.

Also speaking on behalf of KTOEOS trade union, the chairman of the union Selma Eylem condemned the so-called government for the employment of Turkish teachers instead of Turkish Cypriots at schools and described this as "unacceptable" since, as she said, it lend credence to "otherization".

(AK)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan and Trump discuss Syria's Manbij, Idlib in phone call

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily news (01.11.18-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-trump-discuss-syrias-manbij-idlib-in-phone-call-138500) reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump discussed a number of issues including the situation in Manbij and Idlib in northern Syria during a phone call on Nov. 1, the Turkish presidency said in a statement.

The statement was released on the day that Turkish and American troops began conducting joint patrols in Manbij, which is controlled by US-backed YPG that Ankara considers to be a terrorist group.

Hours before the phone call, the U.S. had said it was concerned over Turkish shelling of PKK/YPG positions in Syria. "Unilateral military strikes into northwest Syria by any party, particularly as American personnel may be present or in the vicinity, are of great concern to us," State Department deputy spokesman Robert Palladino told reporters on Oct. 31.

Ten YPG members were killed after Turkish forces fired howitzer shells across the border into Syria's Ayn al-Arab region near Manbij on Oct. 31.

Turkey considers the YPG as an offshoot of the illegal PKK and has already intervened to sweep them from territory west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past two years.

Meanwhile, Turkey and Russia proceed with their efforts as part of a deal to demilitarize Syria's nortwestern Idlib province.

The Turkish presidency's Nov. 1 statement did not reveal the "bilateral subjects" other than the two outstanding issues on Syria.

According to the statement, the two leaders "stressed their determination to take constructive steps to reinforce bilateral relations" while agreeing on keeping close contact.

During the phone call, Erdogan also condemned the Oct. 27 attack on a synagogue in Pittsburgh that killed 11 people.

[02] Erdogan due to France for an official visit

Turkish daily Hurriyet (02.11.18-http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/erdogandan-fransaya-kritik-ziyaret-41006101) reports that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will carry out an official visit to France on November 10-11.

Erdogan is expected to attend the commemoration ceremony on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Ceasefire day which signalled the end of the 1st World War. Erdogan will officially represent Turkey at the ceremony into which the French President Emmanuel Macron will also participate.

According to the paper, state leaders from more than 80 countries, including the US President Donald Trump and the Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be attending the event.

Erdogan will further attend the Paris Peace Forum which is organized for the first time and also he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Trump and Macron and also with leaders of other countries.

(AK)

[03] Akar said that 260,000 Syrians returned to Syria after the 'Euphrates Shield' operation

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily news (01.11.18-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/260-000-syrians-returned-to-euphrates-shield-operation-area-turkish-defense-minister-138496) reported that Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on November 1 that a total of 260,000 Syrian nationals have returned to a swathe of land in northern Syria where Turkey carried out a cross-border operation dubbed "Euphrates Shield".

Turkey launched Euphrates Shield in 2016 to drive away ISIL and YPG militants from its border with Syria. Ankara regards the United States-backed YPG as a terrorist organization due to its ties with the illegal PKK. The operation ended in 2017.

Turkey hosts more than 3.5 million Syrian refugees who fled the conflict in their homeland.

"As a result of the infrastructure work and the security and stability in the region provided by the Turkish Armed Forces, around 260,000 Syrian nationals have returned to the Euphrates Shield Operation area," Akar told lawmakers at the planning and budget commission in parliament.

Akar also touched upon the Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S., saying that "despite the promises" made for the YPG's withdrawal from the city, the group was still deployed there.

"The terror group is digging ditches in Manbij as they have done in Afrin," he said. The YPG "should know it will be buried in the trenches it has dug," Akar said.

The Manbij deal focuses on the withdrawal of YPG militants from the city to stabilize the region northeast of the Aleppo province in northern Syria.

Akar also touched upon Turkey's operations in northern Iraq on PKK targets, saying they would continue until "the terror threat from Iraqi territories is defeated."

In his speech, Akar accused the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) of not taking "effective steps" against the PKK in northern Iraq.

Akar also touched upon the S-400 air defense systems deal with Russia. "We have reached a certain point in the process for the supplying of S-400 systems from the Russian Federation in order to meet our urgent air defense system needs as soon as possible," he said.

"With these systems, which are expected to be delivered in 2019, our country will have gained significant air defence talent," he added.

Turkey and Russia signed a loan agreement on the sale of missiles to the Turkish capital Ankara in 2017. The S-400 is a ground-to-air defence system designed to hit air attack weapons and is capable of destroying aerial targets up to 400 kilometers away.

[04] Cavusoglu hails ties with Qatar

Ankara Anatolia news agency (01.11.18-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkish-foreign-minister-hails-ties-with-qatar/1300411) reported that Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday hailed the state of bilateral relations with Qatar.

Speaking at a meeting with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, Cavusoglu said: "Relations between two countries are excellent in all areas."

"Our views overlap because our goal is peace, tranquility, and stability in the region," he added.

Turkey backed Qatar in the Gulf crisis that erupted in June 2017 when Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the U.A.E., and Bahrain cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar.

The four states accused Qatar of supporting terrorist groups, allegations Doha denies, describing the embargo as a breach of its national sovereignty.

Meeting with Cavusoglu, Al Thani said he wants "to further develop relations between the two countries."

During Cavusoglu's visit to Qatar, the latest regional developments will be discussed and preparations for the fourth meeting of the Turkey-Qatar Supreme Strategic Committee will be reviewed.

The third Turkey-Qatar Supreme Strategic Committee meeting was held last November.

[05] The Turkish Lira further recovers against dollar amid signals of ease in trade tensions

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily news (02.11.18-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/lira-further-recovers-against-dollar-amid-signals-of-ease-in-trade-tensions-138508) reports that the Turkish Lira has tested below 5.5 against the greenback amid signs of an ease in trade war concerns.

The dollar/lira parity regressed 5.48 early on Nov. 2 for the first time since early August. The lira has thus further recovered some of its 40% loss since a tension with the United States erupted over the arrest of pastor Andrew Brunson, who was released on Oct. 12. The currency saw 7.24, its historic low against the dollar, in the peak of the tension in mid-August.

The lira stands at 6.2620 against the euro. It saw 8.13 against the European currency in mid-August.

U.S. President Donald Trump wants to reach an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 nations summit in Argentina later this month, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 2, citing four people familiar with the matter. This has led to a significant relief to emerging currencies.

In the domestic market, eyes will be on the Turkish inflation data which will be released on Oct. 5. Analysts are also following news about whether Turkey will secure any waiver from the U.S. over its energy imports from Iran.

[06] Turkey issues arrest warrants for 50 FETO suspects

Turkish daily Yeni Safak (02.11.18-https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-issues-arrest-warrants-for-50-feto-suspects-3465180) reports that arrest warrants were issued on Friday for 50 people for their suspected links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind July 2016 defeated coup in Turkey.

The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Istanbul issued arrest warrants for the suspects who allegedly used ByLock, an encrypted cell phone application used by coup-plotters.

According to the Turkish government, the FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(AK/AM)

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