Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-07-17

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkish Barbaros seismic exploration vessel at the open sea of Pafos

[02] Akinci briefed the Turkish Cypriot political parties which are not "represented" in the "assembly" on the Crans Montana failure of talks

[03] The July 15 defeated coup was remembered in the occupation regime

[04] The speeches on 15 July are seen as a sign that "a serious oppression and intimidation operation" will start in the occupied area

[05] Kurtulmus alleged that FETO organization has re-organized in the occupied area of Cyprus

[06] Cavusoglu to visit the breakaway regime for the preparation of a new road map for the Cyprus problem, according to Milliyet

[07] Oguz on the Cyprus problem and the hydrocarbon issue

[08] Erhurman: "There is no point in blame-game"

[09] Atun claimed that Turkey and the "TRNC" will carry the Israeli gas from the occupied area of Cyprus to Europe

[10] Warnings for the consequences of the collapse of the "property compensation commission"

[11] Turkish Cypriot sales within the framework of the "Green Line Regulation" increased by 20% in the first four months of 2017

[12] "Deadlock on the Ayia Marina issue"

[13] The church of Panagia Kanakaria in occupied Lythrankomi village is collapsing

[14] Turkish speaking journalists from Kazakhstan to "promote" the occupation regime abroad

[15] Erdogan addressed hundreds of thousands on Istanbul Bridge to commemorate coup attempt

[16] Turkey's MGK convenes to discuss state of emergency and fight against terrorism; The Cyprus problem is included into the agenda

[17] Turkey to cooperate with France and Italy on missile system

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkish Barbaros seismic exploration vessel at the open sea of Pafos

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (16.07.17) reported that TCG GOKCEADA warship [frigate] of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) is closely watching the West Capella platform, which is carrying out the drilling for natural gas in the Republic of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Turkish warship has reportedly come very close to the platform and it has been warned by the Republic of Cyprus' coast guard not to enter into the Cypriot EEZ. Citing "reliable sources", the paper argues that the situation is tense.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci briefed the Turkish Cypriot political parties which are not "represented" in the "assembly" on the Crans Montana failure of talks

Among those who attended the meeting, were leaders and representatives of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) the New Cyprus Party (YKP), the Cyprus Socialist Party (KSP), the Peoples' Party (HP), the Rebirth Party (YDP) and the Nationalist Democracy Party (UDP).

The Communal Liberation Party-New Forces (TKP-YG) claimed that they are "represented at parliament" and therefore did not attend the meeting.

Making a statement at the end of the meeting, the representative of the Cyprus Socialist Party (KSP) Mehmet Birinci said that it did not look possible to solve the Cyprus problem through leadership and added that the Turkish Cypriot "people" needed to become a factor in the talks. "Peace lovers from the south and north must come together and determine our own peace deal" said Birinci.

Salih Sonustun from the United Cyprus Party (BKP) said that they supported a deal where all foreign armies leave the island and a federal solution where no guarantor powers exist is found.

The leader of the Rebirth Party (YDP) Erhan Ar?kl? for his part said that he informed Ak?nc? regarding their view that the UN parameters have ended and therefore there is a need for new parameters to be set.

Alpay Durduran for the New Cyprus Party (YKP) said that an international problem existed in Cyprus and that they will continue to show efforts towards ending this problem. "The structure in the north should not create new problems or obstacles to a solution being found in Cyprus", added Durduran.

The leader of the Nationalist Democracy Party (UDP) Buray Buskuvutcu for his part alleged that the Turkish Cypriot "people" and Turkey had done everything in their power to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, claiming the Greek Cypriot side did not display a constructive attitude. "We must take responsibility for our state and improve our states function", he further alleged.

The People's Party (HP) general secretary Tolga Atakan said that they were informed regarding the developments that have taken place on the Cyprus issue and that they were given an opportunity to express their views as well.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Ak?nc? briefed also the "municipal mayors or their representatives" at the so-called presidential palace. Out of the 28 "mayors" in the "TRNC" 20 of them took part in the meeting.

[03] The July 15 defeated coup was remembered in the occupation regime

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, the "speaker" of the so-called assembly Sibel Siber, "prime minister" Huseyin Ozgurgun, the so-called Turkish ambassador to the occupied areas of Cyprus Derya Kanbay and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Chief Advisor Bulent Gedikli attended a ceremony at the occupied Lefkosa Ataturk Cultural Center.

"The coup attempt was defeated by the courageous people of Turkey," Akinci said while delivering a speech.

"On behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people, we convey our condolences to the martyrs of democracy, and respect to the veterans," he added.

Meanwhile, the so-called Turkish embassy in the occupied area of Cyprus organized an event called "democracy and national unity day".

Speaking during the event, so-called Turkish ambassador in the occupied area of Cyprus Derya Kanbay, praised the heroic efforts of the Turkish people who stood their ground against the terrorist organization.

(…)

[04] The speeches on 15 July are seen as a sign that "a serious oppression and intimidation operation" will start in the occupied area

"[…] Even if the slogans shouted on 15 July in front of the embassy were a projection of the Turkish-Islamic synthesis, they were at the same time a curtain used to hide the actual target. Erdogan, who during the referendum understood the risk of not been elected in 2019, started to conceal with nationalism his Islamic religious targets. In fact, many Kemalist [Translator's note: pro-Ataturk] writers and academicians are in prison. He is using FETO to silence everyone who does not think like he does. And with the statements by ambassador Kanbay, it is understood that the preparation for a very serious oppression and intimidation operation is made here as well.

We are not dead yet, but malaria is close! When it was said that 'if there is no solution, the intention of integration, annexation will increase', some considered that this was unimportant. What else do you want? Look, the Turkish ambassador speaks like a 'governor' on every issue. The Aid Delegation is anyway like a government. Cavusoglu ruined the [negotiating] table [Translator's note: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu]. Berat Albayrak will search for gas in the open sea of Morfou. Yildirim says 'we will do whatever is necessary in block 11 [Translator's note: Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim]. Erdogan is anyway a Padishah. And our president made the 15th of July a saga. What else should come? […]"

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (17.07.17) refers to Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci's speech at the same occasion under the title "He finished himself with this speech" and reports that the above-mentioned speech caused reactions. Even those who were not allowing anything to be said against Akinci until today are disappointed, argues that paper adding that Akinci's speech caused astonishment. The paper notes that Akinci's speech ignored the atrocities happened during this "pseudo-coup", the coup's consequences and the fact that thousands of innocent people have been thrown in prison.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Kurtulmus alleged that FETO organization has re-organized in the occupied area of Cyprus

Kurtulmus alleged that the Turkish side was in earnest at the Cyprus conference and claimed that they worked hard to reach a solution at the talks and they hoped that a new negotiating atmosphere and table would be formed.

Alleging that Turkey will never give up on security and guarantees and that this needed to be taken under guarantee by the international arena, Kurtulmus claimed that they expected the "leader of the Greek Cypriot administration", Nicos Anastasiades, as he called the President, to show a constructive stance on this issue.

Touching upon the attempted 15th of July coup, Kurtulus indicated that the FETO terrorist organization had re-organized in the "TRNC"

"We are aware of the fact that the FETO organization has reorganized in the TRNC but we will bring them out into the open" Kurtulmus argued.

[06] Cavusoglu to visit the breakaway regime for the preparation of a new road map for the Cyprus problem, according to Milliyet

According to the paper, the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, will illegally visit this week the breakaway regime along with a delegation of his Ministry and will hïld meetings and hear the views of all sides on the issue. Cavusoglu will meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the "government" but also with members of the Turkish Cypriot parties and the Turkish Cypriot opposition. The aim of the Turkish government is to have a common stance between all these actors (Akinci, the parties and the "government") on how things will process on the Cyprus problem.

Citing sources the paper writes that the "government" supports the continuation of two "states" in Cyprus and the lifting of the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots. In addition the "TRNC" considesr that even if they do not say "no" to a federation, they will ask firstly "good neighbor relations" with the Greek Cypriots and a co-operation on a later point.

Citing sources also from the "presidency" the paper writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader will wait to make a statement in accordance to the stance that Ankara will follow. Akinci believes that the Greek Cypriot side has not have a political will for a solution, writes the paper. Akinci also believes that a solution was not to be reached, even if Anastasides was not the leader (of the Greek Cypriot community).

(CS)

[07] Oguz on the Cyprus problem and the hydrocarbon issue

On the Cyprus problem, Oguz alleged that the point reached shows that a new road map must be determined. "If a new road map is to be determined this must be a national project, more realistic, exercisable and a road map that will be implemented by all political parties must emerge". He further claimed that it was quite clear that all parties needed to produce new policies.

"We as the UBP will convene our authorized organs and without making any concessions on our redlines will develop a new stance" Oguz stated, adding that "a viable, sustainable decision that will take us further than we are today and if needed a shock decision and practices must come into force".

Pointing to the need to produce constructive and practicable politics together in cooperation with Turkey, Oguz claimed that the "TRNC with all of its authorized organs is an entity and that the time had come for the Turkish Cypriots to determine their own future".

Pointing to the need for searching for new ways to integrate with the world, Oguz alleged that the "embargoes enforced against the Turkish Cypriot people needed to be removed".

Touching upon the issue of hydrocarbon exploration, Oguz claimed that due to Turkey's guarantor rights over the island it can clearly tell the Greek Cypriots that they cannot do whatever they want on the island.

"The hydrocarbon issue is a separate economic value therefore a separate platform must be established for this. International interests are fighting for the hydrocarbon resources in the Mediterranean. We need to solve this in a peaceful atmosphere. This issue can be kept separate to the Cyprus issue and a consensus can be reached on petrol and natural gas, a separate table can be formed. Guarantors and those who have rights over the economic assets can meet at the table and share the goods" Oguz further claimed.

(…)

"We must protect our rights to the very end", Oguz further claimed.

[08] Erhurman: "There is no point in blame-game"

He made these statements during an interview he gave to Yeni Duzen where he evaluated the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.

Noting that there is no point the two sides in Cyprus to get involved in a blame –game, after the Crans Montana summit failure, Erhurman said that such a development will benefit neither side.

He also said that the efforts for reaching a solution cannot be ended without the dream of the solution coming true and the Turkish Cypriots to be recognized as having the rights that the citizens of every other "country" have.

(CS)

[09] Atun claimed that Turkey and the "TRNC" will carry the Israeli gas from the occupied area of Cyprus to Europe

Atun made these statements to the paper, claiming that the Turkish Cypriots are ready to undertake an international role and that the Greek Cypriots have no "say" on the issue. He also alleged that they are waiting for the results of the research in order to bring the platform for the drilling.

Atun also confirmed that Turkey will start drillings in occupied Morfou and thanked the Turkish Minister of Energy Berat Albayrak for his related statements on the issue.

(CS)

[10] Warnings for the consequences of the collapse of the "property compensation commission"

Ozgur told the paper that the "commission" has not collapsed but there is a risk for it to collapse and added that because of the delay of the payments after the decision is taken in some cases, some Greek Cypriots started appealing to international courts for their rights. "I think that this is not a problem which cannot be solved", he argued adding: "Every year Turkey gives us a credit of about 75 million TL for the property compensation commission. This is anyway used".

Noting that the regime has an income from the "sales of property" and other "taxes" which could be used for financing the "commission", Ozgur said that Turkey tells them the following: "The properties are yours, why should we undertake the burden? You should pay at least one third". He argued that they are obliged to make the "commission" functional, not for making permanent the division but for respecting the human rights of the individuals in conditions in which the Cyprus problem is not solved.

In his statements, Tatar said that they should not allow the "commission" to collapse, because otherwise they could face cases similar to the Orams case. He argued that they should overcome the problem as regards the resources of the "commission" and added that they could raise the "tax" percentages on the "sales" after the properties "become Turkish" at the "commission".

(I/Ts.)

[11] Turkish Cypriot sales within the framework of the "Green Line Regulation" increased by 20% in the first four months of 2017

According to data by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, the sales in the first four months of 2016 were one million 391 thousand euros and increased to one million 670 thousand 831 euros in the same period of 2017.

The average sales per month in 2017 are 417 thousand 707 euros, which is the highest amount of the last six years. The average sales for the first four months were 347 thousand euros in 2016, 276 thousand euros in 2015, 340 thousand euros in 2014, 284 thousand euros in 2013 and 360 thousand euros in 2012.

(I/Ts.)

[12] "Deadlock on the Ayia Marina issue"

The paper reports that despite the fact the Turkish Cypriot leader had a positive stance on the issue; the "government" has not taken a decision regarding this matter. In addition, a relevant statement of the "ministry of foreign affairs" indicates that the issue will be shelved. The "ministry" stated that the Ayia Marina return would be discussed in the framework of a comprehensive solution but now nobody knows what is going to happen.

(CS)

[13] The church of Panagia Kanakaria in occupied Lythrankomi village is collapsing

According to the paper, Greek Cypriot tourists who visited the church to pray have stated that the situation of the church is very bad, the doors and the windows of the church are totally destroyed and also the door of the church is constantly closed.

Speaking to the paper on the issue, the "muhtar" of the occupied village of Lythrankomi Safer Mani called the "officials" to undertake steps for the restoration of the church and also for the "appointment" of a guard.

(AK)

[14] Turkish speaking journalists from Kazakhstan to "promote" the occupation regime abroad

Speaking on behalf of the "union", Guven Arikli called the Turkic countries and communities to support the "TRNC".

Also the journalists from Kazakhstan alleged that they would provide all kind of support to the "TRNC" as "honorary ambassadors" for the "promotion of the TRNC" abroad.

In his turn, so-called minister Ataoglu called the journalists to promote the "TRNC" in order for the Turkish Cypriots "to take the place they deserve in the world", as he argued.

(AK)

[15] Erdogan addressed hundreds of thousands on Istanbul bridge to commemorate coup attempt

"Did our citizens have guns in their hands," said Erdogan, who marched toward the bridge from his residence in K?s?kl? with the families of the coup night victims, while addressing hundreds of thousands of people late on July 15.

"Just like today, they only had flags in their hands. But they had an even stronger gun. Their belief," he said, naming the coup soldiers "unbelievers."

Citizens watched the ceremony and Erdogan's speech online on wide screens at city centers across the country.

Erdogan called main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal K?l?cdaroglu a "coward" for not hitting the street during the coup attempt, but "watching the incidents on TV at a house in Istanbul."

"I would not call him to Yenikap? rally if I had known," referring to an August 9, 2016 rally of unity and solidarity, which was attended by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the CHP, and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

Erdogan once again slammed K?l?cdaroglu for naming the attempt a "controlled coup." "If you have noticed, two groups use this term. First, FETO followers and foreigners who support them. Second, the leader of the main opposition party," Erdogan said, referring to the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), widely believed to have been behind the thwarted coup.

President Erdogan also reiterated his earlier comments on reinstating the death penalty, saying that he would approve such a law if the Parliament passes it.

Moreover, Erdogan stated that the arrested suspects in anti-Gulen probes might wear uniforms when appearing before judge. "These are the good days of the FETO members. Recently we talked with Mr. Prime Minister. They should wear uniforms like they do at the Guantanamo [prison] while going to court."

His remarks came after a Gulen suspect tried to appear before judge with a t-shirt reading "Hero" in English on it.

Also, according to the same paper, mobile phone users in Turkey were surprised to hear a voice message by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan when placing a call around midnight on the anniversary of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt.

After dialing a number, instead of hearing a dial tone, users heard a voice message from Erdogan congratulating them on the national holiday of "democracy and unity" that marks the attempted takeover.

Only after Erdogan's message did the dial tone begin.

"As President, I send congratulations on the July 15 National Day of Democracy and Unity and wish the martyrs mercy and the heroes [of the defeat of the coup] health and wellbeing," said the message read by Erdogan.

Users had in the wake of the coup bid received text messages from the President but this is believed to be the first time a voice message has been employed.

[16] Turkey's MGK convenes to discuss state of emergency and fight against terrorism; The Cyprus problem is included into the agenda

According to sources in Ankara, the following topics will be covered: the extension of the state of emergency, the current counterterrorism fight against the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO), the PKK and Daesh terrorist groups and the PKK's Syrian offshoot the Democratic Union Party's (PYD's) armed wing the People's Protection Units (YPG), as well as the Cyprus issue and Turkish-EU relations. President Erdogan recently hinted that the national state of emergency, declared in the aftermath of the July 15 coup attempt last year in Turkey, could be lifted in the "not too distant future."

However, Erdogan said during a speech marking the anniversary of the July 15 coup attempt that they will recommend that the government extend the state of emergency for another three months.

"The state of emergency will come to the MGK's agenda on Monday and we will propose that the government extend it for another three months," Erdogan said.

Other issues to be discussed during the meeting include the current state of Turkish-EU relations, decisions made at the G20 summit and the latest developments in Syria and Iraq.

[17] Turkey to cooperate with France and Italy on missile system

Speaking at a reception for Bastille Day at the French Embassy in Ankara, Defense Minister Fikri Is?k said that the Turkish companies will work with the Italian-French consortium Eurosam.

Is?k described the move as one of the most concrete developments of Turkey's alliance in the defense industry.

On July 4, Is?k announced that Ankara and Moscow had agreed also on the "technical issues" relating to the purchase of a Russian missile system.

"All technical issues, both by the Russian side and the Turkish side, are over," he said in an interview with state-run broadcaster TRT Haber.

"Now it is time for the final decision," he added.

"Now, we are continuing works on the financial aspects. I think we will bring this to a closure in the coming days," Isik further stated.

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(AK / AM)

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