Subject: Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-04-03 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 64/17 01-03.04.17 [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] President Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader have reportedly exchanged views on the future of the Cyprus talks [02] Akinci to meet with Guterres [03] Akinci: "You cannot ignore the TRNC" [04] Reports that a co-operation between Turkey and Israel regarding natural gas will be signed this coming summer [05] Supporters of "yes" and "no" to the constitutional amendments in Turkey are campaigning in the occupied area of Cyprus [06] Turkey plans to grant more than 1,8 billion TL to the occupation regime in 2017 [07] Data on the labour force in the occupied area of Cyprus for 2016 [08] Denktas: "Turkey's guarantees are indispensable for us" [09] The organization of NGOs in occupied Lefka condemned the delay of the works for the opening of the Lefka-Apliki crossing point [10] Dagli called the two leaders to undertake concrete steps for the opening of Deryneia and Apliki crossing points [11] "TRNC" will participate at HESTOUREX in Antalya [12] The illegal YDU to attend an international conference in Scotland [13] Erdogan: EU is a 'Crusader Alliance' lying to us [14] Turkish PM says fait accompli over Iraq's Kirkuk flag controversy not acceptable [15] 47,155 remanded in FETO probe since July 2016 coup bid [16] Turkish tourism association set to warn other websites, including Tripadvisor, upon Booking.com ruling [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] President Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader have reportedly exchanged views on the future of the Cyprus talks Under the title "The search for ground continues", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.04.17) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and President Anastasiades met last night at dinner, discussed the problems experienced during the past few months in the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and exchanged views as regards the future of the negotiating process. The dinner was hosted by the United Nations at Ledra Palace Hotel in the buffer zone in Nicosia. The paper refers to a statement issued by the UN after the dinner saying that the two leaders reaffirmed their determination for a solution, which will be for the benefit of all Cypriots and will be taking into consideration the concerns of both communities. Outside Ledra Palace members of the Bi-communal Peace Platform held an activity to express their support to the efforts of the leaders for a solution. They also handed over a declaration to Espen Barth Eide, UNSG's Special Adviser on Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot newspapers today (03.04.17) refer to the dinner under the following front-page titles: Yeni Duzen: There is neither crisis, nor a result Havadis: Eide will prepare the ground Halkin Sesi: Meeting without a result Kibris Postasi: The 'known was announced' with four sentences after a four-hour meeting Afrika: They could not agree Yeni Bakis: The dinner could also not melt the ice Star Kibris: The UN called it "constructive", but the leaders remained silent Detay: The leaders met at dinner Ortam: The leaders met at dinner Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (02.04.17) reported that at the dinner, the leaders would exert efforts to determine a new road map for the continuation of the negotiations. "The Turkish side, which seems to have passed from the comprehensive solution to the 'piece by piece solution', is trying to bring confidence building measures to the table, but Anastasiades supports the discussion of the core issues on which agreement has not been achieved yet", notes the paper. Furthermore, citing diplomatic sources which talked to Anatolia news agency, Afrika writes that before last night's dinner Akinci held a telephone conversation with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who also communicated with Eide. (I/Ts.) [02] Akinci to meet with Guterres According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 03.04.17), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will fly to Brussels later today where he will be meeting with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The meeting between Akinci and Guterres will take place tomorrow at 4pm (Cyprus time). Meanwhile, on his way back Akinci will attend the 20th Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul. Akinci will return to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on Friday, the 7th of April after completing his contacts in Brussels and Istanbul. [03] Akinci: "You cannot ignore the TRNC" Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (03.04.17) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci called on the Greek Cypriot side not to ignore the "TRNC". Akinci who was speaking at a festival in occupied Ciaos village stated that the Greek Cypriots may not recognize the "TRNC's existence". "We do not put pressure saying that you should recognize the TRNC and its principles without a solution, but you cannot ignore its existence. Even if you do not recognize it, this country has schools, fire stations, police and a president with whom you sit at the negotiation table", Akinci argued. He went on and added that if there is a will, a solution can be reached in April or May adding that during the two years that he is in "power", there was a merging in many topics regarding the Cyprus negotiations. He also claimed that this is the closest point for a solution reached ever and added that the Turkish Cypriots made "serious steps" regarding the solution procedure. He also claimed that the issues left are not unsolved; however he alleged that when the Greek Cypriots start dr?ll?ngs for natural gas in summer t?me, the tens?ons experienced in 2014 may be repeated again. He went on adding that if there are no developments in April and May, then the negotiations will be prolonged for March 2018. He also said that after this period the progress will face problems. Referring to the Confidence Building Measures, Akinci stated that two years ago the issue came into the agenda in order to facilitate the solution. He said that in this framework, they suggested to the Greek Cypriot side the establishment of a bi-communal Education Committee for developing the culture of peace. However, the stance of the Greek Cypriots was that the Turkish Cypriot students and teachers could visit the schools in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus but the Greek Cypriot students and teachers could not visit the schools in the occupied area of Cyprus, as he claimed. He also stated that a common operation took place in Pyla village against illegal gambling by the two "police", by the Greek Cypriot press reported that the operation was conducted only by the "Greek Cypriot police". Referring to the stance followed by the Greek Cypriot side on the Confidence Building Measures Akinci claimed that it is not encouraging. (CS) [04] Reports that a co-operation between Turkey and Israel regarding natural gas will be signed this coming summer Under the title: "A co-operation that will drive the Greek Cypriots crazy", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (03.04.17) reports that the Minister of Energy of Israel Yuval Steinitz stated that they hope that they will sign an agreement regarding natural gas this coming summer with Turkey and that the pipe which is planned to be built between the two countries will be completed within three years. According to the paper, Steinitz said that a part of the 500-km pipe will pass via the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus and that this can be done without taking the permission of the Republic of Cyprus, since the pipe will pass through the "economic waters of the Greek Cypriots" and not through their terrestrial borders. (CS) [05] Supporters of "yes" and "no" to the constitutional amendments in Turkey are campaigning in the occupied area of Cyprus Under the title "Yes and no compete with each other in the TRNC's streets", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (02.04.17) reported that three days before the beginning of the voting at the Turkish "embassy" for the referendum on the constitutional amendments in Turkey, the supporters of the "yes" and the "no" vote intensified their campaign in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. Noting that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) attaches special importance to the "yes" campaign in the occupied area of Cyprus, the paper writes that members of the AKP are going around from door to door distributing brochures. Moreover, buildings and rental cars have been decorated with AKP's banners. Meanwhile, the parties, which support the "no" vote to the constitutional amendments, also exhibit special interest for the occupied area of Cyprus. A rally in favour of the "no" vote was held yesterday at Inonou Square. Umut Oran, former Deputy with the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), is illegally visiting the occupied area of the island within the framework of the "no" campaign. Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris, Kibris Postasi and Star Kibris newspapers publish today (03.04.17) a four-page advertisement on their front page by the AKP in favor of the "yes" vote, in an effort to influence the 130 thousand Turkish citizens who have the right to vote in the occupied area of Cyprus between 5 and 9 April, 2017. The advertisement hosts statements by President Erdogan under the title "Yes, Cyprus will win", by Prime Minister Yildirim under the title "Strong Cyprus, strong Turkey", by the representative of the AKP in the occupied area of Cyprus under the title "Cyprus will continue to exist with a strong Turkey" and by ordinary citizens under the title "Cyprus says yes". It is also noted that a platform under the name "Turkey is Bigger than Turkey Platform" has posted a film on the social media under the same name. The film, which addresses Turks and Moslems living in the whole world, argues that "Turkey is the voice of the oppressed people" in the world and that "together with the AKP's governance Turkey has become a leader country". (I/Ts.) [06] Turkey plans to grant more than 1,8 billion TL to the occupation regime in 2017 Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (03.04.17) reports that with the "protocol" which entered into force in 2017 Turkey will totally give to the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus the sum of one billion 858 million Turkish liras as aid this year. In this budget 511 million 800 thousand TL will be given to infrastructure and 86 million 600 thousand TL to road building and maintenance. The maintenance of the occupied Nicosia ring road, the occupied Morphou-Nicosia road, the occupied Keryneia ? Lapithos road and the occupied Trikomo-Agios Theodoros road are planned within the framework of this budget. Moreover, 140 million TL will be granted to the "municipalities", notes the paper which gives more details on the above-mentioned investments. (I/Ts.) [07] Data on the labour force in the occupied area of Cyprus for 2016 Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (03.04.17) reported that according to the results provided by the "state planning organization" ("DPO") after the "survey on household labor force for 2016", the "labor force" in the occupied area of Cyprus is 118, 387 while the total number of the unemployed persons is 8,075. The total index for the employment was estimated to be 48.2% while the unemployment rate has reached to 6.4%. The unemployment rate on women is 7.9% and on men is 5.5%. Also, 66,1%% of the unemployed persons live in towns while 33,9% in villages. Also, the highest rate of employment is in the occupied part of Lefkosia (53,7%) while the lowest is in occupied Famagusta (38%). (AK) [08] Denktas: "Turkey's guarantees are indispensable for us" Under the title: "The guarantees are indispensable", Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (01.04.17) reported that the so-called "deputy prime minister" and "minister of finance", Serdar Denktas delivering a speech in a conference entitled: "The current stage and the future of the Cyprus negotiation process", organized by the illegal European university of Lefka, referred, inter alia, to the Cyprus problem and alleged that the solution of the Cyprus problem in the way the Greek Cypriots realize it, is not possible to happen. Serdar claimed also that Turkey's active and effective guarantees in Cyprus are indispensable for the Turkish Cypriots and explained that they want a new status in Cyprus where there would be mutual respect between the two sides and will provide them the opportunity to be adapted to the world. (AK) [09] The organization of NGOs in occupied Lefka condemned the delay of the works for the opening of the Lefka-Apliki crossing point Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (01.04.17) reports that the "organization of several NGOs" in occupied Lefka, stressed, in a written statement the need for intensifying the works for the opening of the Lefka-Apliki crossing point. The NGOs claimed in the statement that responsible for the delay of the works is both the "Greek Cypriot administration" as the Republic of Cyprus is called and also the UNDP. Further alleging that the Turkish Cypriot side has done everything for the process of the opening of the Lefka-Apliki crossing point, the NGOs called the officials to undertake initiative for the progress of the works. The statement added further the following: "How the Cyprus problem will be solved when there is not the necessary political responsibility and determination even for the opening of the two crossing points". (AK) [10] Dagli called the two leaders to undertake concrete steps for the opening of Deryneia and Apliki crossing points Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis newspaper (01.04.17) reported that the "spokesman" of the "Famagusta Initiative" Okan Dagli, in exclusive statements to the paper, stated that the economic situation of the occupied Famagusta town is very bad and claimed that the town did not collapse due to the "university" in the area. Dagli said that the main reason for the bad economic situation of occupied Famagusta is the fact that the city is divided for the last 43 years, is closed and is in fact a "ghost city without any development and investments. "This affects directly the inhabitants of Famagusta who were totally broken off the sea, daily social life and the tourism", stated Dagli. Recalling to the agreement reached between the two leaders two years ago for the opening of Deryneia and Apliki crossing points, Dagli expressed his disappointment over the slow progress of the works and claimed that both sides are unwilling and reluctant. Dagli called the two leaders to take concrete steps for the opening of the two crossing points, pointing out that steps and efforts concentrated in the re-rapprochement of the two communities will also contribute to the efforts for reaching to a solution on the Cyprus problem. (AK) [11] "TRNC" will participate at HESTOUREX in Antalya Under the title "TRNC is ready for the World Health, Sport, Tourism Congress and Exhibition", Turkish Cypriot daily Demokrat Bakis newspaper (03.04.17), in its front page, reports that the so-called ministry of tourism and environment of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, is going to participate in the World Health, Sport, Tourism Congress and Exhibition ? HESTOUREX ? which will be held in Antalya, Turkey, between 6th and 9th of April 2017. Fikri Ataoglu, self-styled minister of tourism and environment, said that they give great importance to the investments on health tourism, adding that their aim is that "North Cyprus" to receive more share from the world health tourism. He added that the increase of hospitals and health institutions, which have international accreditation, should be parallel to the development of the health sector. (DPs) [12] The illegal YDU to attend an international conference in Scotland Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (01.04.17) reported that the illegal Near East "university" in the occupied area of Cyprus will be represented at the 51st annual conference and exhibition of the International Association of Teachers of English Language as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) which will take place in Glasgow, Scotland. The conference will take place between April 4-7 with the participation of 2,500 English language teachers from 100 different universities. (AK) [13] Erdogan: EU is a 'Crusader Alliance' lying to us Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 02.04.17) reported that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan alleged that a meeting last week between EU leaders and Pope Francis in the Vatican is evidence that Europe's most important union is a "Crusader Alliance" and was consequently avoiding admitting Turkey as a full member, declaring that the upcoming referendum on charter changes will also stand as a vote on Ankara's ties with Brussels. "All the leaders of the EU countries went to the Vatican and listened to the Pope submissively. Do you now understand why they have not been taking Turkey into the EU for 54 years? The situation is quite loud and clear, it is a Crusader Alliance. April 16 will also be the day to evaluate this", Erdogan said at a rally in Ankara on April 2. Erdogan referred to a meeting between Pope Francis and the leaders of all EU countries on March 24, a day before a special summit marking the 60th anniversary of the bloc's founding treaty. Francis addressed EU leaders and delivered messages on the future of the union. "I turned out to be right on what I have been saying [about the EU]," Erdogan said. "They have been lying to us in a row for 14 years. And they keep on lying." A tension between Turkey and a number of European countries was sparked after some Turkish Ministers' attempts to stage rallies with the Turkish community in European countries was blocked. The row between the two sides was further fuelled by a report issued by the Venice Commission suggesting that the proposed system will further weaken democratic order in Turkey. Frequently giving references from Quran verses, Erdogan was often interrupted by chants from the public. "You are saying 'Europe, Europe hear our voices' quite often. I am saying, 'Come and see Ankara," Erdogan said, decrying opposition to the constitutional amendment. Erdogan also took umbrage with the main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) criticism that the campaign rhetoric of the ruling party has consistently equated naysayers with terrorists. "Why are you lying, Kilicdaroglu?" Erdogan said, addressing the leader of the CHP, Kemal Kilicdaroglu. "Our nation's will is the most respected place for us. Naysayers are as respected as yeasayers," he said. Despite the CHP's denial on the subject, Erdogan once more suggested that if the "no" side prevails in the upcoming referendum; the opposition will question the legitimacy of the presidential post. [14] Turkish PM says fait accompli over Iraq's Kirkuk flag controversy not acceptable Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 02.04.17) reported that attempts to make the raising of the Kurdish flag in Kirkuk a fait accompli are unacceptable, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said late April 1, voicing support for Baghdad's decision not to permit such flags in the city. "We are supporting the Iraqi government on this issue," Yildirim said during a televised interview on CNN Turk on April 1. "If need be, we can enter dialogue with the U.N. and other institutions," he added. The Prime Minister said he discussed the issue with his Iraqi counterpart, Haider al-Abadi, on March 31. "We do not accept a fait accompli. We think a decision like this, which aims to change the demographic makeup of Kirkuk, is not correct. This is clearly against the Iraqi Constitution," Yildirim said. Members of the Kirkuk Provincial Council voted on March 28 in favour of raising the KRG flag over official buildings during a meeting that was boycotted by Turkmen and Arabs. On April 1, the Iraqi Parliament voted against the decision of the Kirkuk Provincial Council. During the session, the Iraqi government stressed that only the flag of Iraq should fly over state buildings in the province. The motion by the Iraqi Parliament was requested by Kirkuk Turkmens, who are against the raising of the Kurdish flag. [15] 47,155 remanded in FETO probe since July 2016 coup bid According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.04.17), Turkey has remanded 47,155 suspects accused of having links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) since July 2016 coup attempt, Turkey's Interior Minister said Sunday. Speaking on a local television channel in northern Trabzon province, Suleyman Soylu said that the nationwide FETO probe has seen 113,260 arrests since the defeated coup. "Among the remanded are 10,732 police officers, 7,643 soldiers, and 168 generals. 2,575 are judges and prosecutors. 26,177 are civilians, [and] 208 are local administrators," Soylu said. The Minister said that 863 other suspects remain at large. Soylu revealed that 23,861 of those remanded have been freed, while 41,499 others released under judicial supervision. Soylu also pointed out that a total of 921 PKK terrorists were killed in the last six months, including 65 from its leadership. "This is a significant number," Soylu said. He added that a total 14,516 PKK/KCK members, 2,529 Daesh members, and 38,789 FETO members were arrested in the last six months. More than 1,200 people, including security force personnel and civilians, have lost their lives since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July 2015. [16] Turkish tourism association set to warn other websites, including Tripadvisor, upon Booking.com ruling Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 31.03.17) reported that a leading Turkish tourism association is set to send a court decision against Booking.com to similar foreign online reservation portals, including Tripadvisor.com, to ask them to comply with the required competition rules or face legal action, daily Dunya reported on March 31. An Istanbul court on March 29 ordered the suspension of the activities of Booking.com in Turkey, citing accusations of unfair competition. The Istanbul 5th Court of First Instance ordered the suspension of Booking.com to mediate bookings of hotel and accommodation facilities in Turkey, in a lawsuit filed by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB). The website can be used from foreign countries to make reservations for Turkish hotels. A TURSAB representative told daily Dunya that the court's Booking.com ruling marked a precedent and the same rule should be applicable for other online reservation portals, including Germany-based Trivago.com and U.S.-based Tripadvisor.com. TURSAB Secretary General Cetin Gurcun said the association had repeatedly warned Booking.com before it went to the court to prevent anti-competitive actions. Gurcun added that they should have sued the website in December 2015. He said companies that want to offer online reservation services in Turkey must become a TURSAB member and give some guarantees to the state, adding that Booking.com triggered unfair competition in the sector as it did not pay taxes. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.pio.gov.cy (DPs/ AM) Copyright ? 2017 Press and Information Office, All rights reserved.