Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-09-09

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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] Cavusoglu: "It is not possible to continue from where we left off at Crans Montana – We are opening a consulate in Famagusta"

[02] Cavusoglu will visit the occupied fenced-off Varosha

[03] Akinci: "The necessary material for the continuation of the process has accumulated"

[04] Akinci briefed the political parties on the latest developments of the Cyprus problem

[05] Columnist on Cavusoglu's statements: "Administration was seized"; Akinci explains how they prepared the proposal on natural gas

[06] Erhan Ercin is appointed as Akinci's special representative

[07] UBP warns Akinci over the resumption of the Cyprus negotiation process

[08] The so-called minister of interior announces "tight controls in regulations" about entering the breakaway regime

[09] Turkmenistan worries about the religious sects operating in the breakaway regime

[10] A summit about Cyprus and Varosha to take place in Ankara with the participation of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot politicians

[11] Ulucay on the number of "universities" in the occupied area of Cyprus

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan says N.Syria safe zone should be formed till end of September

[02] Turkish and US officials discuss steps for $100B target

[03] Opposition CHP's Istanbul head sentenced to 9 years in prison over terror propaganda, defamation

[04] Turkey mulls buying firefighter planes from Russia

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Cavusoglu: "It is not possible to continue from where we left off at Crans Montana – We are opening a consulate in Famagusta"

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Afrika (09.09.19) reports that Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu has said that it was not possible for the Cyprus negotiations to continue from where they were left off at Crans Montana. Speaking with inhabitants of occupied Yalousa village yesterday, Cavusoglu noted that Turkey was working on the issue of bringing electricity to the occupied area of Cyprus and announced that Ankara would open a "consulate" in occupied Famagusta. Cavusoglu reiterated the allegation that Turkey would always be by the side of the Turkish Cypriot "people" and continue its "close cooperation" with the "government" of the "TRNC" for strengthening the latter's economy.

"As it is known, we have brought water to northern Cyprus. Now we are exerting efforts to bring electricity as well", he said noting the President Erdogan had expressed his determination on this issue during his recent meeting in Ankara with self-styled prime minister Tatar and "foreign minister" Ozersay.

Referring to the hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cavusoglu noted that Ankara had said that it would not allow the usurpation of what he called the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people" and in the end the Turkish side had also started drillings in areas where the "TRNC government" licensed Turkish petroleum company (TPAO) and in what he called "Turkey's continental shelve in the west of Cyprus".

Referring to Turkish side's proposal on the hydrocarbons which was rejected by the Greek Cypriot side, Cavusoglu threatened saying: "I want to make a warning: Whoever is the one behind whom you are taking refuge, either it is the EU or Greece, no one can prevent our activities here and no one will be able to prevent them".

Cavusoglu alleged that reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem was not possible because the Greek Cypriot side did not want to share with the Turkish Cypriots. He claimed the following: "Because as the leader of Greek Cypriot administration Nicos Anastasiades had personally told me, the Greek Cypriot people do not want to share anything with the Turkish Cypriots. He even gave me the following example: They do not want to share even the hospital and therefore I cannot go to this solution, he said. Where did he say this? He said it at Crans Montana (in Switzerland where the negotiations were held). 'Let us go for two states, but let us not announce this until the elections', he said".

Calling on the Greek Cypriot side to be "honest" and say clearly what it wanted, Cavusoglu alleged that Turkey was in favor of a solution in Cyprus, but a solution which would protect political equality and the other rights of the Turkish Cypriot side. He also said that a solution with zero guarantees and zero security "could not be even a dream" and alleged that Turkey's guarantees were needed more than ever now. "Those who say that they (guarantees and security) are out of date, you should know that are negligent and traitors. Unfortunately, we feel sad to see such types", he alleged.

Reiterating the position that in order for the negotiations to resume the issue of what will be negotiated should be determined, Cavusoglu claimed: "Is there political equality? Is there rotating presidency? Are there the elements which will safeguard the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people? We will determine these and start negotiations focused on the result. It is not possible to continue from where we left off at Crans Montana. Because when I went to that meeting with instructions by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, I had said that this was the last negotiation which we would carry out in this sense and if there was a failure there, we would not carry out such a negotiation again".

Arguing that one of Turkey's priorities was to offer the best and fastest services to its citizens, Cavusoglu said that "we are opening a consulate in Famagusta". He noted that the "consulate" would open upon instructions by Erdogan and added that they decided where it would be located. He said that the first "councilor" would be Kasim Kaban.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Cavusoglu will visit the occupied fenced-off Varosha

According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (09.09.19, http://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRISHABERLERI/n296380-cavusoglu-kapali-marasi-ziyaret-edecek-09092019), Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu, who is currently carrying out meetings in the occupied area of Cyprus, will visit this afternoon the occupied fenced-off Varosha following his meetings with Turkish Cypriot officials.

Kudret Ozersay, "foreign minister" of the breakaway regime, will accompany Cavusoglu and will brief him on this issue too.

According to the paper, this is the first visit of Cavusoglu to the occupied fenced-off Varosha. The area has been already visited by Turkish Tourism Minister Nuri Ersoy, Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul and Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar.

(DPs)

[03] Akinci: "The necessary material for the continuation of the process has accumulated"

Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Kibris (08.09.19) with the above title reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, speaking to the press following the meeting he had with "government" and opposition party leaders, said that he brief them on the ongoing work on the Cyprus negotiation and regarding his meetings with UN Secretary-General's temporary Special Envoy Jane Holl Lute as well as his meeting with Cyprus President Anastasiades on September 6.

Noting that UN Special Envoy Lute's efforts have not completed yet, Akinci said that it would be more accurate and healthier for everyone not to be prejudiced about anything before a result is reached.

Reminding that he had almost every day meetings with Lute in the last week, Akinci said: "Material has accumulated to justify the continuation of the effort. In other words, the effort, which is being made is not completely empty, there are some developments. However, since a result has not been reached, it is not right to make any comment about it from now.

Explaining that they do not pursue a process similar to the past, Akinci said: "This will be a new process. It will contain clarity and will not lead us to an endless and not focused process. Therefore, the issue needs to be evaluated more patiently".

Referring to the proposal that President Anastasiades submitted to him on the 9th of September, Akinci said that he wanted to underline some issues on that subject and added: "Greek Cypriot leader's approach responding to the proposal on July 13 for establishing a joint committee, 'by saying no to the establishment of a committee but I have another proposal', has the following elements: there are some mistaken elements which were published in the press and it would be beneficiary if there are corrected. First of all, the proposal contains no part that can be accepted, let me tell you in advance… There should not be an understanding that 'we accepted this'. That is said on the issue is: 'Let the Turkish Cypriot side to be informed regarding the activities of the Greek Cypriot side, and there may also be a distribution of income on the basis of population rate', but this has an important prerequisite; Turkey should sit at the table with the Rep ublic of Cyprus and delineate its Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ, and in case an agreement is reached on this, of course, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side should stop their activities inside the EEX that they have declared themselves. Then we will held a share from the revenues in an escrow account and the Turkish Cypriots will benefit from this account'. This is the summary of the proposal."

Reiterating that three ways should be followed regarding the natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean, Akinci said: "One of the way, all sides should wait the Cyprus settlement and until the solution of the Cyprus problem, no one should make any initiative on this sector or they should do it together, which is also our proposal. If neither nor the other can be done, then they will do it separately, which is what is happening now. We support the latter, 'let us establish a joint committee, let's take the decisions together, overcome this problem together and benefit from this blessing together. If this cannot happen, then it is not possible for only the one side to continue its initiatives and the other side to wait with its hands tied. As a matter of fact, both sides are continuing their researches at this moment".

Claiming that their proposal made an "impact" both in the letter of the UNSG towards him and in the letter of the President of the European Commission Juncker, Akinci said that the message in the letter was: "Let the Cyprus problem be solved and overcome these problems, but there was no opposition to their proposal".

Referring to the meetings that they have during the UN General Assembly in New York, Akinci said that they will try to explain to third parties in the best way their proposal. He further said that they will have separate meetings with the UNSG in New York and not a tripartite meeting, adding: "This meeting is not foreseen to take place on the side-lines of the UN General Assembly. This meeting can however take place after the UN General Assembly has been completed".

(DPs)

[04] Akinci briefed the political parties on the latest developments of the Cyprus problem

According to illegal Bayrak television (07. 09.19, https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=meeting-at-presidential-palace-319), Tukrish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci held a meeting at his office with "government" and opposition party leaders that have representation within the "assembly" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus on Saturday in order to brief them on the ongoing work on the Cyprus negotiations and to hear their views.

The meeting was attended by the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) "prime minister" Ersin Tatar, the leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman, the leader of the People's Party (HP) "deputy prime minister and foreign minister" Kudret Özersay, the leader of the Democratic Party (DP) Serdar Denktas, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Özyigit and the leader of the Rebirth Party (YDP) Erhan Arikli.

"Presidential undersecretary" Gürdal Hüdaoglu and Akinci's spokesman Baris Burucu accompanied Mustafa Akinci during the meeting.

Making a statement after the meeting the leader of the UBP Tatar said that an atmosphere that the Crans Montana process was continuing was trying to be created and added that as the National Unity Party they did not believe such a process would be successful, adding: "This is a process. They will go back and forth. They have not met with guarantor countries. We will follow the developments closely. As you are aware Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavusoglu is coming and we will be meeting again on Monday morning. We will make further evaluations on the day".

Tatar further said that Akinci had informed them that Lute was being persistent and trying to manoeuvre so that the two sides could come closer together but that nothing concrete had yet been achieved, adding that they would wait and see what developments will take place. "When you look into the details you can see that there are no serious proposals", Tatar argued.

The leader of HP Özersay, for his part, said that there had been no changes in the conditions on the Cyprus issue, adding: "First of all the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration [as he refers to the Cyprus President Anastasiades] is not ready to share anything with us and there has been no change in his mentality. Second of all there has also been no change in the Greek Cypriot side's stance on open ended talks. These two issues are very important. As there are no changes in the conditions the current state continues and to enter talks about a federation in an open ended way would be a grave mistake. To continue as is would mean to continue negotiations as though nothing has changed".

Claiming that there was a need for change in the Greek Cypriot mentality otherwise it would mean to trap the Turkish Cypriot side in a vicious circle, Özersay said that they would be following the developments closely.

The leader of the main opposition party CTP Erhürman, for his part, commenting on the statement made by the UN which removed the arguments over political equality on the island, said that they supported negotiations taking place that were not open ended and result oriented. He added that these were also the points that Akinci focused on. He further said that as the CTP they supported Akinci during this process and are waiting to see if these efforts will lead to an outcome. "At the end of September there will be a meeting in New York, there is also a possibility of a tripartite meeting therefore these efforts are important so that this process can be successful", Erhürman concluded.

The leader of the TDP Özyigit said that they believed that important progress had been made and added that the UN Secretary General would be meeting with the two leaders separately and hopefully this will lead to new developments. He further said: "Political equality and active participation in decision making, and a process that is not open ended is our greatest hope".

The leader of DP Denktas, for his part, said that although Akinci had briefed them currently there was nothing substantial. Claiming that they had been discussing a bi-communal, bizonal federation for 50 years, Denktas said that it had become clear that they could not achieve anything from these discussions, adding that they as the Democratic Party would be watching the developments closely.

Lastly the leader of YDP Arikli, speaking to the press, said that they as the YDP had informed Akinci regarding their concerns and said that they were concerned that Akinci's spokesman Burcu had remained silent regarding the reportedly manipulative statements made in "South Cyprus" towards the Turkish Cypriot side.

[05] Columnist on Cavusoglu's statements: "Administration was seized"; Akinci explains how they prepared the proposal on natural gas

Writing in Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Düzen (09.09.19), columnist Cenk Mutluyakali comments on the statements made yesterday by Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu in occupied Karpasia peninsula. Under the title "Administration was seized (!)", Mutluyakali reports that Cavusoglu had, inter alia, said that the proposal submitted by Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci to President Anastasiades on the hydrocarbons had been prepared by himself and "foreign minister" Kudret Ozersay and "Akinci suggested it". The columnist notes:

"[…] When did this happen? All of us thought that it was Akinci's proposal. We understood something such as 'the Turkish Cypriot side brought its own will to the table. (!) This is what they had said. In this way the 'joint committee' had come onto the agenda. […] The UN also had thought this. […]

Is it not a shame a little bit now? They turned the Turkish Cypriot leader into a 'briefcase carrier'. 'We are cook and he rescues'. Anastasiades was saying exactly this! 'All of them are Turkey's puppets'.

'We will not continue from where we were left off', said Cavusoglu. […] He put both the north and the south into their place! Whoever said that 'the guarantees are out of date' 'it is a treason', he said.

Now if someone follows these statements… A Russian for example! A Brit! A French! If you say 'who administrates the northern part of the island?' 'Behold, this man', they will say. […]

Now we understood the following: The negotiations will not continue 'from where there were left off'. Erdogan's instruction is in this direction! […] Let us not get excited immediately! The road until the chapter of security and guarantees is long anyway. […]"

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak (09.09.19, https://www.brtk.net/akinciiradenin-sirketlere-devredilmesini-uygun-gormedim/) broadcast that Akinci felt the need to explain how the Turkish proposal on the hydrocarbons had been prepared. In a post on his social media account, Akinci recalled that the joint committee proposal was not a new one, adding that in 2011 a proposal on the natural gas had been submitted again. He noted that in 2015 "we also brought it onto the agenda when the occasion arose" and added that afterwards the "government" had submitted "some technical studies" to his approval. He said that these studies provided for the authority [on the natural gas issue] to be transferred to the companies, but he did not find this proposal appropriate. He also noted that the above proposal pr ovided for the commission being under the EU or the UN and that as a result of a work carried out by a technical team in his "presidency", they said that it could not be under the EU and that the UN should observe this joint committee. According to Akinci, the will to give the final shape and submit the proposal belonged to the "presidency".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Erhan Ercin is appointed as Akinci's special representative

Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Havadis (07.09.19) reports that Erhan Ercin has been appointed as the special representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.

According to a press release by Akinci's office, Erhan Ercin, who was member of the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team and Special Advisor for diplomacy and EU matters of Akinci, stepped down from his post at the beginning of 2019. However, he said, when he stepped down his post that he would be ready to contribute in the event the negotiations resume.

Akinci has appointed him as special representative since Friday taking into consideration the negotiation process which is in progress.

(DPs)

[07] UBP warns Akinci over the resumption of the Cyprus negotiation process

Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (09.09.19) under the title: "Warning to Akinci" reports that the general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP) Ersan Saner, stated that his party is openly against the resumption of a new "stall" negotiation process with the Greek Cypriot side on the Cyprus problem, a new process that would be open-ended, as he said and would be based on the Guterres framework, where no alternative solution models would be put into the table.

Issuing a written statement, Saner pointed out that his party discussed in detail the Cyprus problem in a meeting that took place on Friday and underlined that it closely follows the latest meetings, which took place on the Cyprus problem.

Recalling that it was not made possible for the two sides to reach an agreement on the terms of reference for the resumption of the Cyprus talks despite the fact that the UN special envoy Jane Holl Lute met six times with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and President Anastasiades, Saner supported that the UBP expresses worries over some "information acquired" and claimed that it would not accept the continuation of the negotiation process from the point they were left off in Crans Montana.

He went on to add that according to his party, the Guterres framework cannot be brought to the agenda again even as a term of reference, since, according to Saner it openly envisages that Turkey's unilateral right of intervention cannot continue and also it refers to zero troops and the return of land to the Greek Cypriots, including occupied Morfou.

(AK)

[08] The so-called minister of interior announces "tight controls in regulations" about entering the breakaway regime

Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (09.09.19) reports that the so-called minister of interior Aysegul Baybars announced that new more "tight regulations" for entering the breakaway regime will start to be applied.

Baybars made a statement to TAK regarding the arrangements made regarding "visa types, durations, conditions and cancellation requirements for foreigners who enter the country for the first time under the new regulation". She said that "residence permit applications" can be made online and said that "registration of foreigners who are present with visa and residence permit", will come into force on 23 October 2019.

As she said with the old regulations a visa was able to be given up to six months. She also said that "after a 90 days visa permission was expired, a new visa for another 90 days was able to be given again very easily and this led to abuse of the regulations by foreigners". The new regulation, states that "a foreigner cannot exceed 90 days and 90 days every 180 days in the TRNC with a visa".

(CS)

[09] Turkmenistan worries about the religious sects operating in the breakaway regime

Under the title: "Religious sect scare in the TRNC", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (09.09.19) reports that Turkmenistan decided to forbid to its citizens to travel to the occupied area of Cyprus expressing worries that they will become members of religious sects that operate in the breakaway regime.

According to the paper, "many Turkmenistan citizens who travel to their country for holidays cannot return to the occupied areas of Cyprus now, where they either study or work".

(CS)

[10] A summit about Cyprus and Varosha to take place in Ankara with the participation of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot politicians

Turkish Cypriot daily Haberci (09.09.19) reports that a summit under the title: "Last word in Cyprus", is going to take place in Ankara between 20-21 of September with the participation of "high level Turkish and Turkish Cypriot politicians", as the paper notes. The summit is organized by the Bar Association of Turkey.

Among the Turkish Cypriot participants in the meeting are "prime minister" Ersin Tatar, "foreign minister" Ozersay and "economy and energy minister" Hasan Tacoy. As of Turkey's side Turkish Deputy President Fuat Oktay and Jsutice Minister Abdulhamit Gul will participate.

The paper notes that among the Turkish Cypriots who were invited to talk in the summit is the Director of Evkaf Ibrahim Benter who will address the panel with a speech under the following title: "The opening of the fenced of Varosha city and the legal status of Evkaf properties"

(CS)

[11] Ulucay on the number of "universities" in the occupied area of Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (07.09.19) reported that the "speaker" of the so-called assembly Teberruken Ulucay met during the week-end with "university students" who attend summer camps in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Speaking during the meeting, Ulucay expressed, stated, inter alia, that there are in total 19 "universities" operating in the occupied area of Cyprus, adding that they are evaluating "applications" for 7-8 more "universities" to open soon. Ulucay went on to add that the number of "university students" in the occupied area of Cyprus is approximately 100 thousand.

Ulucay described the "higher education in the TRNC as an indispensable value", claiming that they will continue undertaking steps for the development of the "higher education", which contributes as he said to the "country's tourism and economy".

(AK)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan says N.Syria safe zone should be formed till end of September

According to Turkish daily newspaper Yeni Safak (09.09.19, https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/president-erdogan-says-nsyria-safe-zone-should-be-formed-till-end-of-sept-3500147), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will go on its own if the establishment of a safe zone east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria does not start by the end of September. "If de facto formation of a safe zone east of the Euphrates River with Turkish soldiers is not initiated by the end of September, Turkey has no choice but to set out on its own," Erdogan said during a mass opening ceremony in eastern Malatya province.

Erdogan adding that Turkey and the U.S. are discussing a safe zone in N.Syria but with every step taken it is seen that what Turkey wants does not match with what is in the mind of the U.S.

While Turkey aims to completely eliminate the terrorist organization nesting in the N.Syria, the U.S. counts for dealing with Turkey and the terrorist organization on same ground, Erdogan claimed, adding: "It seems Turkey's ally is after a safe zone in N.Syria not for Turkey but for the terrorist group. We reject such an approach".

Erdogan argued that it is "insufficient" to form a safe zone in N.Syria with "3-5 helicopter flights, 5-10 vehicle patrols and a few hundred soldiers in area".

Earlier in the day, Turkey and the U.S. military personnel completed the first joint ground patrol for the establishment of a safe zone east of Euphrates in Syria. The patrol was backed by unmanned air vehicles and helicopters.

Erdogan also stressed that Turkey needs to effectively secure the entire region of the safe zone in N.Syria to settle 1 million people there. "We want to create an area cleared of Daesh along with PKK and its extensions PYD-YPG-SDG, only in this way we can ensure that our Syrian brothers and sisters living in our country, in Europe or elsewhere can return to their homes and live in peace and security." (…)

He also stressed that Turkey is making intensive efforts in cooperation with Russia and Iran to prevent the Syrian regime's "new massacres" in country's northwestern Idlib area. (…)

[02] Turkish and US officials discuss steps for $100B target

According to Turkey's state news agency Anadolu (07.09.19, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkish-us-officials-discuss-steps-for-100b-target/1575508), Turkey's Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan and U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Saturday addressed steps to achieve a bilateral trade volume target of $100 billion during their meeting in Ankara. "We examined means of achieving $100 billion trade volume between the two countries," Pekcan said on Twitter.

Ways to mobilize Turkey's export potential to the U.S. in various sectors such as civil aviation, automotive, automotive supply, jewellery, furniture, textile and apparel were discussed, she said. Pekcan noted that realizing greater access to certain key supply channels within the U.S. was also deliberated.

Both sides agreed to implement specific programs on a sectoral basis designed to help companies, she said. "I also conveyed to my counterpart, Turkey's clear expectation about the removal of certain barriers and policies as implemented by the U.S. administration that constitute obstacle to enhancing our bilateral trade," Pekcan added.

Wilbur Ross is expected to stay in Turkey until Tuesday and meet with representatives of the private sector. "We hope to be meeting on Sept. 10 once again to go over the outcome of the visit as well as determine our roadmap," Pekcan added.

[03] Opposition CHP's Istanbul head sentenced to 9 years in prison over terror propaganda, defamation

According to Turkish daily newspaper Sabah (06.09.19, https://www.dailysabah.com/investigations/2019/09/06/opposition-chps-istanbul-head-sentenced-to-9-years-in-prison-over-terror-propaganda-defamation), a Turkish court on Friday sentenced a prominent opposition figure to nine years and eight months in prison over several crimes including insulting the President and spreading terrorist propaganda, a lawmaker from the main opposition party said.

Canan Kaftancioglu, the head of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Istanbul branch, was sentenced on charges of making propaganda of an armed terrorist organization, defamation of a public servant, the President, and the Turkish state, and inciting public hatred and violence. She would not immediately go to jail pending the appeals process. Kaftancioglu denied all accusations, saying that she had not intended to insult the President or the Turkish state. The prosecutors originally sought up to 17 years for Kaftancioglu.

Eight people, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, acted as complainants. The enquiry was started due to tweets Kaftancioglu posted on social media between 2012 and 2017, as well as complaints, which were also stated in the accusation. (…)

[04] Turkey mulls buying firefighter planes from Russia

According to Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet Daily News (09.09.19, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-mulls-buying-firefighter-planes-from-russia-146399), a senior Turkish official is due to travel to Russia on Sept. 9 to examine Russian Beriev BE-200 firefighter planes and start official talks on the potential purchase of these aircrafts if they meet Turkish conditions. "I am going to Russia on Monday to look into Russian firefighter planes. I will personally test the aircraft," Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli told Hürriyet Daily News on a visit to Demirören Media Center in Ankara on Sept. 6. (…)

The idea to purchase Russian firefighter planes came after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the MAKS-2019 aviation fair held in Russia late August where the Beriev BE-200 planes were introduced to him. Erdogan later instructed Pakdemirli to study the possibility of purchasing these planes.

"During the visit we will test the plane and will discuss its cost and technicalities. We may buy these planes only after these details are clarified and we come to a conclusion that they can meet our needs," the Minister said. (…)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(DPs/AM)

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