Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-11-20

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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] Akinci: "I will continue trying for Turkish Cypriot people's interests and future"

[02] Reports on occupied fenced off Varosha are in their hands, says Ozersay

[03] We are not considering returning fenced off Varosha, says Tatar

[04] Erhurman: "It is important that UN Security Council resolutions on Varosha be applied"

[05] Ozersay argued that there is no point in a negotiation if the Greek mentality does not change

[06] TGNA reacts to flag burning incident

[07] Ozersay alleges that suspects burning the occupation regime's flag were identified

[08] Hasipoglu: Deadlock in the Immovable Property Committee

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: "Turkey to look elsewhere if F-35 dispute continues"

[02] Erdogan to meet French, German and UK leaders next month

[03] Cavusoglu to attend NATO meeting in Brussels

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Akinci: "I will continue trying for Turkish Cypriot people's interests and future"

Turkish Cypriot Illegal Bayrak (20.11.19, https://www.brtk.net/akincikibris-turk-halkinin-cikarlari-ve-gelecegi-icin-ugras-vermeye-devam-edecegim/) broadcast that Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci has said that during the meeting to be held on 25 November in Berlin he would continue his "realistic and constructive stance with determination to protect our legitimate rights and interests, like always". In a written statement issued today, Akinci noted:

"It is our responsibility, mainly towards our people, to make use of every environment and opportunity which could help in a just and lasting federal solution of the Cyprus problem based on two founding states that guarantee the equality, security and freedom of the two communities on the island. I will be in Berlin knowing my responsibility. I hope that the stance of my interlocutor will be the same […]".

Noting that it would not be possible to remain silent any more to some approaches exhibited within the Turkish Cypriot community prior to the Berlin meeting, Akinci recalled that earlier self-styled prime minister Ersin Tatar had called on him not to go to Berlin, arguing that he did not represent the Turkish Cypriot "people's" will, while now he started claiming that he should be careful to what he would say in Berlin because he represented the entire "country".

"I know what the Turkish Cypriot people want, and the Turkish Cypriot people know well what I am trying for and where and how I speak", he noted adding that his advice to those who acted hastily trying to impose their views to others, was to turn their face towards the "people" and respect the will of the community.

Furthermore, Akinci referred to the recent statements and accusations against him by former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat and described as "unfair" these accusations. He argued that since the very first day of his election, he had undertaken initiatives and tried to create opportunities for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

He went on and argued:

"[…] While all these were happening, of course, we behaved knowing the importance of the Turkish side acting together as a whole. As TRNC we have consulted with Turkey at every stage, we expressed our view, we made use of views. When it was needed for us to undertake initiatives in some cases, we did not hesitate to do this. In this manner Cyprus reached the stage of the five-party conference. And there we worked in close consultation both within ourselves and with Turkey.

There is no need for in depth analyses to understand why the Cyprus problem was still not solved after so many developments. In spite of this, saying that 'Akinci's relations with Turkey make the solution in Cyprus impossible' is a stance far from reality and seriousness. Just like it is not possible to think in the same manner on every issue with the officials from Turkey, it is also not compulsory. This is one of the most natural results of democracy. A lack of dialogue deriving from the Turkish Cypriot side is out of the question. […]"

Noting that he never adopted the understanding of not expressing his "views and sensitivities" as a recipe for having good relations, Akinci argued that the first condition of a good relation was "equal communication, sincerity and openness". "Harmony is achieved by reaching synthesis openly, expressing different views without deviating from principles", he said adding that "in places where this does not happen, there is allegiance and this mentality benefits no one".

He concluded saying:

"The TRNC president will continue talking and trying about the interests and the future of the Turkish Cypriot people. While doing this, he will listen to his people as always and continue being their voice. No one should expect us to remain seated accepting our fate. We will say and do whatever the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people necessitate. […] When it is needed of course any kind of dialogue and consultation mechanism will be in effect as it happened before.

The continuation and support of both Turkey and the other guarantor states is inevitable of course for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Moreover, the interest and the help of the UN, the EU and the international community in general will also be needed. However, the most important reality which should not be forgotten is the necessity of mainly the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots wanting a solution and exerting efforts in this direction. The solution should mainly be accepted by the two communities for being viable. With this in mind we will continue our efforts in Berlin as well".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Reports on occupied fenced off Varosha are in their hands, says Ozersay

Turkish Cypriot newspaper K?br?sl? (20.11.19) reports that Kudret Ozersay, self-styled deputy prime minister and "foreign minister" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that they had in their hands the reports which have been prepared within the framework of the works and the inventory study held in the occupied fenced-off city of Varosha. Ozersay made this statement yesterday during a meeting of the "parliamentary commission" on economy, finance, budget and planning, which approved the 132 million 970 thousand TL "budget" of his "office".

Referring to the works to be carried out in the future regarding occupied fenced off Varosha, Ozersay said that they planned to take steps internationally as well in order for the issue to be "internationally understood". He noted that there were some ongoing processes at the Council of Europe at the level of human rights and added that they were exerting efforts for these processes to "advance correctly" and the Turkish Cypriots to be "understood correctly". According to Ozersay, these efforts were exerted in cooperation with lawyers especially through the breakaway regime's "representation office" in Strasbourg.

Referring to the "representation offices" of the regime abroad, Ozersay said that they were facing problems and some of them were empty, because of not hiring personnel. He noted that all vacancies at these "representation offices" would be completed in 2020. He further added that they would ask for more money from the "ministry of finance" for issues like the registration of halloumi cheese.

Meanwhile, speaking at the same meeting, Ozdil Nami, self-styled deputy of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), also referred to occupied fenced-off Varosha and asked how the regime's policy on the issue would be in harmony with international law, ignoring UN Security Council Resolutions. Nami argued that they should take steps on the issue in consultation with the UN.

(I/Ts.)

[03] We are not considering returning fenced off Varosha, says Tatar

Turkish Cypriot newspaper K?br?sPostas? (20.11.19) reports that Ersin Tatar, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that the regime was not considering returning the occupied fenced-off city of Varosha to the Greek Cypriots. Replying to a question during an interview with GUNES TV yesterday, Tatar said:

"Varosha was EVKAF's property. This and that happened. From now on we are not considering returning Varosha. We are considering opening Varosha. An inventory study is being held. There are decisions taken by our courts. There are decisions of the ECHR. Whatever is necessary will be done taking into consideration all this. The Immovable Property Commission will be in action. The process could last 1-2 years. However, the stance of the government is crystal clear. There is no step backwards. The support we have taken from Turkey is also in this direction. A work will be carried out that will cause the return of former inhabitants. Therefore, there is no situation for the ECHR and the UN to oppose".

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Tatar alleged that the statements of President Anastasiades prior to the tripartite meeting in Berlin showed that the Greek Cypriot stance had not changed and that the Greek Cypriots did not accept Turkey's guarantees and the political equality of the Turkish Cypriots. He expressed the view that the target of the Greek Cypriots was a unitary state and to cut off the Turkish Cypriots from Turkey so as to lead the situation to the pre-1974 period.

Tatar expressed his support to the two-state solution in Cyprus, claiming that the public opinion polls showed that their "people" did not want a federation and supported two states. Replying to a question, Tatar said that they have the same view with Turkey on the issue of the two-state solution and recalled that Turkish officials had made many statements in this direction.

Furthermore, Tatar argued that a "TRNC" with a strong economy was a pre-condition and added that Turkey needed a strong "TRNC". He further claimed: "The drillings increased Cyprus' importance. Turkey needs the TRNC from the point of view of its sea and air space. Turkish President Mr Erdogan refers to protection of Turkey's and TRNC's rights not only on land but also in the air and in the sea. And we say that if the TRNC is strengthened, Turkey will also be strengthened […]".

Referring to the issue of Polly Peck Company and the allegations that he could not travel abroad, Tatar said that he had worked at Polly Peck 35 years ago and whenever there were elections some circles tried to harm him. He noted that he did not know that he has any problem as regards his work at Polly Peck.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Erhurman: "It is important that UN Security Council resolutions on Varosha be applied"

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (20.11.19) reports that the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufarn Erhurman, referring to the issue of the fenced off Varosha city in a post on his social media accounts, stated that it is important that the UN Security Council resolutions on Varosha be applied.

"In the press release of the members of the UN Security Council on 9 October 2019, it was reiterated that there should not be any action in Varosha that does not comply with the Security Council resolutions and emphasized the importance of implementing the Security Council resolutions" Erhurman stated.

"The government announced that it would open Varosha at the end of 2020, without considering the relevant Security Council resolutions", he stated, adding that there are no plans made with the consultation of the "assembly" or the "president".

"If we do not seriously deal with such important issues as Varosha, it is an important indicator that we will not be able to take the steps to reach a comprehensive solution, that will help us solve the problems piece by piece, and we will not take the steps that will bring us together with international law and society", he stated.

(CS)

[05] Ozersay argued that there is no point in a negotiation if the Greek mentality does not change

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (20.11.19) reports that the so-called foreign minister Kudret Ozersay argued that there is no point in a negotiation if the Greek mentality does not change. Speaking yesterday at a television station Ozersay claimed that the Greek Cypriot side does not accept political equality as it is described by the UN and is understood by the Turkish Cypriots.

"If this does not change a new negotiation process has no meaning because it will end up in a deadlock as well. From the examples that it gives and the proposals it makes, we see that (the Greek Cypriot side) does not want to share the wealth with us. […] We see this with the issue of natural gas. We need a change to show that it wants to share (the power) with us", he stated.

He also claimed that there was a negative change in the positions of the Greek Cypriot side recently anf he refered to a letter sent to the UN Secretary General where it was stressed that only a Greek Cypriot will be the head of the state. "While the conditions are these, what do we expect when we will talk about federation, a model based on sharing?", he stated.

Responding to a question on his expectations about the meeting in Berlin, Ozersay said that he has little hope of the meeting in Berlin. "The trilateral meeting is being held to create the atmosphere that the process is continuing. Past convergences, the UN Secretary-General's statements, the joint declaration… everything can be compiled to form a paper and they could say that the talks are continuing. But only Turkish Cypriots would be harmed by such a process. The exercise would be nothing more than a repeat of what has been discussed in the past," he said.

Referring to the burn of the "TRNC flag", by ELAM Ozersay claimed that this exits on the DNA of the Greek Cypriots who according to him did not make a step back from "enosis' dream". He also claimed that the fact that the Greek Cypriot leader did not say that what happened was wrong is like covering for what took place.

[06] TGNA reacts to flag burning incident

According to illegal Bayrak television (20.11.19-https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=tgna-reacts-to-flag-burning-incident) reactions were expressed yesterday at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) after the burning of the "TRNC flag" by members of far-right ELAM.

The issue was on the agenda of yesterday's session.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Celal Adan said that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot "people had given martyrs to establish the TRNC".

"Those who raise their hand against the flag will sooner or later have to answer to the Turkish nation," he said.

Giving the example of the founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who had refused to step on the Greek flag when he liberated Izmir, Adan claimed that the Turkish nation, unlike the Greek and Greek Cypriots, were a noble people.

"Ataturk's nobleness will live on in the spirit of the Turkish nation," he said.

National Peoples' Party (MHP) Group Deputy Chairman Muhammed Levent Bulbul said that his party strongly condemned the incident. "The hate speech used by the Greek Cypriot side and Greece who cannot tolerate the existence of Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus as well as their rejection of the rule of law is the main reason why the Cyprus Problem has remained unsolved to this date. Unfortunately, the European Union supports the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo and adopts a hostile stance against Turkey. No matter what we shall continue to be the protector of the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots," he argued.

The Republican Peoples Party (CHP) Group Deputy Chairman Engin Ozkoc who also spoke on the same issue, said that as the Turkish Grand National Assembly they needed to react strongly to this incident.

"The TGNA should not make any compromises. I would like everyone to show the necessary sensitivity," he said.

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) Group Deputy Chairman Ozlem Zengin said that the burning of the "TRNC flag" was the same as burning the Turkish flag.

[07] Ozersay alleges that suspects burning the occupation regime's flag were identified

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (20.11.19) under the title: "First you should arrest those nine attackers", reports that so-called deputy prime minister Kudret Ozersay in a written statement yesterday alleged that the so-called police has identify of the attackers who are responsible for burning the "TRNC's flag" during a protest for the anniversary of the TRNC's unilateral declaration of independence".

Ozersay went on to say that the necessary information and instructions were given to the "police" to carry out the necessary control procedures. at crossing points

Commenting on the incident with the burning of the occupation regime's flag, the paper writes that the issue was given the dimension of a "global issue" and was transferred even to the Turkish National Assembly for discussion. The paper wonders whether the incident was exaggerated under Ankara's' order. The paper further adds that the "police" has managed to identify those who burned the "TRNC flag" in two days but it has not yet managed to arrest those who attacked the paper in the past.

(AK)

[08] Hasipoglu: Deadlock in the Immovable Property Committee

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (20.11.19) reports that the "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) Oguzhan Hasipoglu stated that there are many issues pending at the "office of the attorney general, adding that one of these is various issues regarding the "immovable property committee" which is on a deadlock.

Hasipoglu stated that there are files that have not been examined for the last three to four years, add?ng that "committee's" work is facing many difficulties.

(CS)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: "Turkey to look elsewhere if F-35 dispute continues"

Ankara Anatolia news agency (19.11.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-to-look-elsewhere-if-f-35-dispute-continues/1649845) reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that he has told his US counterpart Donald Trump that Turkey would seek other options if disagreement prevailed on F-35 fighter jets.

Turkey would be forced to "look elsewhere to satisfy its defense needs if the current dispute surrounding F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. continued", Erdogan said on Tuesday in his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party's parliamentary group about a meeting he had with the US President in Washington on Nov.13.

"We said that if the current disagreement on F-35 fighter jets continues, Turkey must look elsewhere to meet medium term needs," Erdogan said, underlining that Turkey was a partner in the production of F-35 fighter jets.

(…)Erdogan also slammed accusations against Turkey in the US that Ankara was hostile towards Kurds. "We are not against our Kurdish brothers, we are against the PKK, PYD and YPG, which are terror groups," said Erdogan.

Erdogan also criticized US support to the PKK/YPG terror group in Syria. "Those trying to show the separatist terror group [PKK/YPG] as fighting against Daesh[/ISIS] now try to hide that group's civilian massacres," Erdogan said.

(…)During his speech, Erdogan stressed that Turkey's fight with terrorism would continue until the last terrorist neutralized.

"Notably in Syria and northern Iraq, our fight will continue until all terror threats towards our country end and the last terrorists was neutralized," he said.

[02] Erdogan to meet French, German and UK leaders next month

Ankara Anatolia news agency (19.11.2019-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/erdogan-to-meet-french-german-uk-leaders-next-month/1650171) reports that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hold a quadrilateral meeting with the leaders of France, Germany and the U.K. in London, his spokesman said Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters following a Cabinet meeting at the presidential complex, Ibrahim Kalin said that Erdogan will hold the meeting after the NATO summit on Dec. 3-4.

At the summit, Erdogan will talk about "NATO's mission, vision, its position in the 21st century, its next activities and perception of threats," he added.

Kalin said further that Erdogan's visit would come at a time of "NATO's brain death, cracks in the alliance, when allies do not act in harmony with each other and there is no burden sharing".

He recalled Turkey's recent deals on Syria's safe zone with the US and Russia, expressing hope that the countries stand by them.

Kalin also rejected the US policy reversal on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying the move ignores the rights of Palestinians and international law.

He accused the US of playing with words and said that the term "settlements" which the US uses for Israel's illegal acts was actually "occupation".

"It is literally an occupation and [the US move] is literally an effort to legitimize this occupation", Kalin added.

(…)

[03] Cavusoglu to attend NATO meeting in Brussels

Ankara Anatolia news agency (19.11.2019-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/top-turkish-diplomat-to-attend-nato-meeting-in-brussels/1649518) reports that Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will attend a NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels on Nov. 20, the Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

"At the meeting, Foreign Ministers will focus on the final preparations of the upcoming NATO Leaders' Meeting to be held in London on Dec. 3-4, 2019. They are also expected to exchange views on the latest situation regarding the international security and strategic environment," the Ministry said in the statement.

Cavusoglu will also have bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines of the meeting, the statement added.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah (19.11.19-https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/11/19/no-country-above-intl-law-fm-cavusoglu-says-in-response-to-us-support-for-israeli-occupation) reports that Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu criticized the US decision to soften its stance on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

"No country is above international law. Fait accompli style declarations shall have no validity with respect to international law," Cavusoglu said on Twitter.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(AK/ ECh)

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