Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-08-30
Under the title "Varosha will open part by part", Turkish Cypriot
newspaper Havadis(30.08.19) reports that the occupied fenced-off city
of Varosha opened yesterday for representatives of the Turkish Cypriot
and Turkish Press after 45 years. During their visit, the journalists
were escorted by Kudret Ozersay, self-styled foreign minister of the
breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus.
According to the paper, the tour took place under the supervision of
Turkish occupation army officers and the limited route included Pertev
Pasa monument, the building of the Turkish Cypriot "telecommunication
authority" which still works and the areas of the municipal market and
the Golden Sand Hotel. During the visit, live broadcasting was prohibited
and taking pictures in areas except for the pre-determined ones was not
allowed, writes Havadis, which publishes also many pictures from Varosha.
Under the title "Behold Varosha after 45 years", Turkish Cypriot newspaper
Afrika(30.08.19) reports that the journalists toured, saw and took
pictures. "The traces of barbarism are deeper than the estimations",
notes the paper. In its column today, Sener Levent writes, inter alia,
the following: "Varosha is the new nest of plunder. According to Mr
Kudret, they will turn it into parcels gradually. […] Why do you think
all the persons coming from Turkey go there? They choose a place for
them. Just like they have chosen in Keryneia, in Karpasia. […] Some
clever guys among us are seeking for commission. Salesmen, real estate
agents. They are trying to bring together the moneybags of Turkey with
the Greek Cypriot property owners from Varosha and taste the cream. […]
Varosha was a paradise. Turkey turned it into hell. Now, the masters
of plunder reserve a plac e for themselves in hell. Soon they will go
and write on the doors 'reserved' […]"
Writing in Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Düzen(30.08.19), Cenk
Mutluyakali refers to his impressions from what Ozersay said and reports
the following under the title "What is the road map regarding Varosha?":
"- There is no clear action plan with 'a time table'.
- The wish is first to take out closed Varosha from the scope of being a
'military area'.
- It is said 'gradually', but what I saw is that the army does not intent
to abandon Varosha.
- An effort exists to open the way of the 'Immovable Property Commission'.
- The thought is the following: Let the Greek Cypriots come and apply
to the Immovable Property Commission.
- There is absolutely no intention as regards the return [of Varosha]
to the United Nations.
- The formulas of the Commission are the 'exchange, compensation and
return'.
- Ozersay gives no clear answer to the question: 'By taking Varosha out
of the scope of being a military area, will you open the way for the
return formula'?
- His hands are not open on this issue.
- EVKAF could not persuade even the administrators of this country for
the allegation that it is Varosha's owner.
- I ask one official 'which of these buildings was constructed by
EVKAF?' 'No one', he says.
- There is an intention for Varosha and I think that the intention in
the UBP is different than the intention in the HP.
- There is still no 'road map'."
Under the title "Akinci, Tatar and Ozersay agree: Varosha will
open!" Turkish Cypriot newspaper Haberci(30.08.19) reports that Turkish
Cypriot leader Akinci, "prime minister" Ersin Tatar and "foreign minister"
Kudret Ozersay agree on the issue of opening Varosha, that the city should
open for its legal owners and that the methods of return, exchange or
compensation should be used.
"The Greek Cypriots think that Ozersay made a show by taking our
journalists there yesterday", notes that paper adding: "However, Haberci
team was also there. Ozersay in no way made a show. The Greek Cypriot
journalists lost their temper. Everyone […] called their friends, who
were going there. They asked pictures. Let us give them a gossip? Very
soon we will show you around as well. […]"
Writing in his column in the same paper, Serhat Incirli, who participated
in the journalists'' visit, reports that he was convinced that Varosha
will open for people to settle. Noting that before the visit he did not
believe Ozersay and Tatar when they said that they would open Varosha,
Incirli expresses the view that the city should open for its legal Greek
Cypriot owners.
(I/Ts.)
[03] The opposition disagrees on the handling of the opening of fenced-off
Varosha by the "coalition government"
Under the title "Varosha cannot be left out from the negotiations",
Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Yeni Bakis (30.08.19), on its front
page, reports that representatives of some political parties of the
opposition stress that the issue of the fenced-off Varosha, which has
been recently in the agenda of the "government", should be solved through
the negotiations. They further said that the "government" is trying to
distort the agenda with things that will not be done and that the policy
they follow is mistaken.
Erdogan Sorakin, general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP),
said that the Varosha issue is important and its evaluation outside of
the negotiation process is not correct. He added that the international
law does not accept the approach that "Varosha is a Turkish territory",
stressing that it is not possible the issue to be solved outside the
procedure that the United Nations envisages.
Izzet Izcan, leader of the minor party United Cyprus (BKP), said that
"the official policy of the government at this moment is the opening
of the fenced-off Varosha", adding that this is a blackmail and it is
not right to be used as an element of oppression. He further explained
that such policies are not possible to contribute to the solution of
the Cyprus problem, adding that the policy, which is followed on the
issue of Varosha, is wrong and that the Turkish Cypriot community will
not benefit at all.
Alpay Durduran, member of the secretariat of the minor party New Cyprus
(YKP), commenting on the issue, said: "Our advice is that the resolutions
to be oriented in solution with peaceful methods. If the sides want help
to be within the framework of the United Nations. […] we should not make
the problem more difficult through a show of power as if we are going
to seize the properties of the Greek Cypriots".
(DPs)
[04] Akinci asks for the mutual opening of crossing points in Paphos
and Famagusta Gates
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (30.08.19) reports that Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci has said that it would be useful the mutual opening
of the crossing points in Paphos Gate and Famagusta Gate.
According to a statement issued by his "office", speaking yesterday during
a festival which took place in the occupied area of Cyprus, said that in
the past they have put forward to the negotiating table the issue of the
possibility for a regulation to take place so that vehicles to be able to
pass through Ledra Palace crossing point in case that the opening of the
above crossing points would be delayed. He added further that they have
discussed with President Anastasiades and the UN Secretary General`s
Special Representative in Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar the preparation of
a study and evaluation of this issue. "We are following this issue. It
would be useful for both communities for these two crossing points to
open", Akinci added.
Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side seems to give priority to the
crossing points in Kokkina, Athienou and Aglatzia, Akinci said that
the opening of new crossing points is a difficult process which was
experienced in the past with the openings of the crossing points in
Apliki and Deryneia. He, however, stressed that they should always take
into consideration the "people's needs".
(AK)
[05] Oruc Reis on the way to the Eastern Mediterranean
Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog (30.08.19) reports that Oruc Reis Seismic
research ship, which has been conducting seismic surveys in the Black
Sea and Marmara since August 2017, is on the way to arrive in the Eastern
Mediterranean to carry out seismic surveys there.
According to the paper, the Oruc Reis research ship departed from
Istanbul to Mersin and has already arrived to Antalya. Frigates and
assault ships of the Turkish Naval Forces accompany the Oruc Reis. It's
destination is Tacucu port and right after it would launch researches
in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense in a tweet said: "Our research ship is
on the wat to Mersin and is accompanied by frigates and assault ships".
(AK)
[06] The Fatih drillship will continue its illegal activities in the
west of Akamas until November 1st
Illegal Bayrak television
(30.08.19-https://www.brtk.net/fatih-sondaj-gemisi-1-kasim-2019a-kadar-faaliyetlerini-surdurecek/),
broadcast that according to a statement issued by Turkey's Naval Forces
Office of Navigation Hydrography and Oceanography, the Fatih drillship
will continue its activities in the Eastern Mediterranean until November
1st, 2019. Fatih drillship will carry out drillings 45 miles west of
Akamas Peninsula.
Meanwhile, so-called Turkish Cypriot security forces announced that TCG
Atak assault boat which has anchored in the occupied port of Famagusta,
will be open for public visits as of today, on the occasion of the
"celebrations for the 30rd of August-Victory Day".
(AK)
[B] Turkish Press
[01] Erdogan: "We will never allow the seizure of the rights of our
nation and the Turkish Cypriots"
Ankara Anatolia news agency
(29.08.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-president-marks-97th-anniversary-of-victory-day/1568773)
reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a message on Thursday
to mark the 97th anniversary of Victory Day, a key Turkish defeat of
Greek forces in the country's War of Independence.
Describing the victory in 1922 as a declaration of will for independence,
Erdogan said: "Our nation is ready to show the same sacrifice and courage
for the sake of this homeland today as it did yesterday."
The struggle of the Turkish Armed Forces within and outside our borders
to protect our national survival is the most "obvious" example of Turkey's
determination, Erdogan added.
"We are determined to break all the pitfalls against our country in
northern Syria, Iraq and the Eastern Mediterranean," he said.
"We will never allow the seizure of the rights of our nation and the
Turkish Cypriots," he added.
Erdogan also honored Mustafa Kemal Ataturk -- the founder of the Republic
of Turkey -- and wished divine mercy upon those who lost their lives in
the battle.
(…)
[02] Akar: "Over 17,000 FETO suspects purged from Turkish military"
Ankara Anatolia news agency
(30.08.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/over-17-000-feto-suspects-purged-from-turkish-military/1568917https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/over-17-000-feto-suspects-purged-from-turkish-military/1568917)
reportSthat more than 17,000 FETO suspects have been purged from Turkey's
military since the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, the country's National
Defense Minister Hulusi Akar announced.
Underlining that the Turkish Armed Forces continued to strengthen as
"traitors" among its ranks were removed, Akar said that the expulsions
-- 17,498 so far -- would continue until "not a single traitor" wore a
Turkish military uniform.
"Since the beginning of the year, 676 terrorists have been neutralized,
64 in [Operation] Claw-1,16 in Claw-2 and 22 in Claw-3," Akar said,
referring to ongoing Turkish anti-terror operations in Northern Iraq.
"Hopefully our 82 million citizens will be rid of this scourge of
terrorism. Terrorists have no choice but to surrender and give up,"
he said.
(…)
[03] Erdogan backs once again the restoring of death penalty in Turkey
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News
(29.08.19-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-says-wont-allow-us-stalling-in-syria-deal-146147)
reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again
brought up the issue of restoring the death penalty, vowing to approve
such legislation if parliament passes it, after the murder of a woman
by her ex-husband last week sparked nationwide outrage.
"Everything is expected from the state. They insist on the death penalty
and I, as President, say that I would approve the death sentence if
Parliament passes it. Today, I have the same stance," Erdogan told
private broadcaster CNN Türk on Aug. 28.
Erdogan;s remarks came about a week after Emine Bulut was brutally
murdered by her ex-husband, who slit her throat in a café before the
eyes of her 10-year-old daughter. The video of the attack was published
online, stirring nationwide outrage.
Erdogan also said that the dismissed Peoples' Democratic Party
(HDP) Mayors were "transferring the taxes of the public to Qandil
Mountains." He was referring to the headquarters of the illegal PKK in
the Qandil Mountains located in northern Iraq and Sinjar Mountains in
Iraq's northwest.
"We suspended three Mayors, who were involved in terror, with an
administrative decision. Why did we do this? Because they were
transferring the taxes, distributed to municipalities for providing
services to the public, to Qandil. In Qandil [the taxes] become bullets,"
Erdogan said.
"Moreover, there are a lot of cases concerning the situation," Erdogan
conveyed, saying many mayors will face investigations and court files.
"We have a lot of cases; all of them will be discussed in detail. Then,
Parliament will make the necessary decision," he said.
Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency
(29.08.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkish-president-says-press-freedom-crucial-for-nation/1568707)
reported that Erdogan on Thursday stressed the importance of press
freedom and pluralism in a healthy society.
"We desire a freer and more pluralist Turkish press where all ideas are
represented," Erdogan said, addressing a journalism award ceremony in
the capital Ankara.
He reiterated that the international media deliberately does not cover
the accomplishments of Turkey.
(…)
[04] Turkey's Trade Minister announces an Export Master Plan
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News
(29.08.19-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/17-countries-under-focus-for-exports-146171)
reported that Turkey has identified 17 countries and five strategic
industries to boost the country's exports under, Trade Minister Ruhsar
Pekcan said on Aug. 28 in an event in Istanbul where she unveiled the
Export Master Plan.
"Those counties on our radar account for 60% of the world's GDP while
their share in global imports is 43.7 percent and their share in Turkey's
total exports is 25.2%," Pekcan said.
Those countries are the U.S., Brazil, China, Ethiopia, Morocco, South
Africa, South Korea, India, Iraq, the U.K., Japan, Kenya, Malaysia,
Uzbekistan, Russia and Chile.
"We also identified the machinery, automotive, electric-electronics,
chemicals and food as the strategic industries. We target to increase
the share of high-tech product exports in the country's total exports
to 5%from the current 3.5%," Pekcan said.
She noted that the government's 11th Development Plan, covering 2019-2023,
is based on the understanding that a stable economic growth depends
on exports.
"When we laid out this Export Master Plan, we took into account the
targets set in the Development Plan. We are aiming at achieving $226.6
billion in export revenues," she said.
Pekcan reminded that Turkey's national income stood at $784 billion and
its exports hit a record $168 billion in 2018.
"In 2001, Turkey's share in global export volume was only 0.51% but the
country's share rose to 0.87% last year. We target to double Turkey's
share in those 17 countries' imports," Pekcan added.
"We want to transform free trade zones in our country into high-tech
goods production centers, export centers and technology 'greenhouses.' We
target to boost high-tech production and lure foreign investments to
those centers. We invite high-tech investors to our country. We are
setting a new course for a Turkey which increases its exports through
productivity, innovation and digitalization," the Minister said.
Pekcan noted that the software and information technology industry's
share in global exports is 10.5 percent whereas the same sector's share
in Turkey's total exports is only 1.3%.
"Our target is to catch up with global trends and become a successful
exporting country in such fields."
Pekcan also said the number of companies benefitting from Eximbank's
financial support will be increased to 12,500 and further to 15,500.
"This year, Eximbank will provide $48.4 billion in financial support. We
aim to boost this support to $70.4 billion 2023," she noted.
Also, Turkish daily Vatan
(29.08.9-http://www.gazetevatan.com/abd-ticaret-bakani-turkiye-ye-geliyor-1272824-dunya/)
reported that USTrade Minister Wilbur Ross ise xpected to pay a visit
to Turkey on September 6.
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(AK/EH)
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