Subject: Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-10-27 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW CONTENTS No. 208/17 27.10.17 [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] Akinci: "The Greek Cypriots must stop trying to see Turkey as their collocutor" [02] Nami met with Duncan in London [03] Ertugruloglu: "The time to start talking of a confederal settlement at the negotiating table has come" [04] Nineteen so-called deputies submitted a "proposal" to the so-called assembly against the "federal solution model" [05] CTP condemned the "proposal" of the 19 so-called deputies against the federal solution model [06] Minister of Family and Social Affairs of Turkey illegally visits the breakaway regime [07] TKP-YG and BKP signed an "alliance agreement" [08] Sonustun is the new "general secretary" of BKP [09] KTOEOS: The education distanced itself from being democratic and scientific; YKP: Religious practices are part of the conqueror's mentality [10] "Ankara commanded, surrogacy is being forbidden" [11] Erdogan to visit Greece before the end of the year [12] Another FETO operation against officers of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus [13] Turkey and Airbus to sign deal for new communications satellites [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] Akinci: "The Greek Cypriots must stop trying to see Turkey as their collocutor" Illegal Bayrak television (27.10.17) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci claimed that "the Greek Cypriots needed to abandon their understanding of ignoring the existence of the Turkish Cypriots and to stop trying to see Turkey as their collocutor". He made these statements speaking during the "International Diplomats' Association's" annual summit which was held in occupied Keryneia. Claiming that the Turkish Cypriot community was the only community which had been kept out of the EU despite voting overwhelmingly in favor of the 2004 Annan Plan, Ak?nc? alleged that the Ad-Hoc Committee responsible for preparing the Turkish Cypriots for EU membership had ceased working as a result of the preventative efforts of the Greek Cypriots following the collapse of the negotiations in Crans Montana. "Irrelevant as to whether the Ad-Hoc committee functions properly or not, the TRNC will work towards achieving modern norms and standards" he argued. Also touching upon the failed Cyprus negotiations process, Akinci alleged that the UN Secretary General's report failed to reflect properly the reasons for the failure of the talks. Saying that the Greek Cypriot side insisted on its position of 'zero troops-zero guarantees', Ak?nc? claimed: "I do not believe that the notion of security should remain linked to the presence of a military force forever. This notion should be open to improvements. But you can't start by insisting on zero troops and zero guarantees. As trust builds between the two sides, the need for a military presence diminishes. These notions change as cooperation increases." Claiming that a strong bond and relationship based on history and geography exist between Turkey and the "TRNC", Ak?nc? said that this relationship will always continue to exist. He however stressed that "this relationship could become healthier". Reminding that the "TRNC will be celebrating its 34th anniversary of establishment in three weeks' time", Ak?nc? argued that they will continue to work towards developing and improving the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". [02] Nami met with Duncan in London Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (27.10.17) reports that Turkish Cypriot negotiator, Ozdil Nami is visiting London, where he met with the UK Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Alan Duncan and officials of the British Foreign Ministry's desk on Cyprus. During the meetings, the future of the Cyprus problem and a possible negotiating process were discussed. The negotiations were assessed and Nami conveyed the Turkish Cypriot positions on how the process should be constructed from now on. Moreover, Nami informed his interlocutors on the expectations of the Turkish Cypriot side from Britain as regards the lifting of the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. It is reported that the issues of the British Bases in Cyprus and the participation of the Five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council in a possible conference on Cyprus were not discussed during the meetings. During his stay in London, Nami is expected to meet with members of the friendship group [with Cyprus] at the British Parliament and the Turkish Ambassador to London Abdurrahman Bilgic. (I/Ts.) [03] Ertugruloglu: "The time to start talking of a confederal settlement at the negotiating table has come" Illegal Bayrak television (27.10.17) broadcast that the so-called foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu alleged that the time to start talking of a confederal settlement at the negotiating table has come. Speaking on a TV program, he claimed that "there was nothing to motivate the Greek Cypriot side for a mutually acceptable settlement through negotiations or mutual concessions". He also alleged that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Ak?nc? stated that the Cyprus talks which ended in failure at Crans Montana was the last attempt. "Following these statements I listed our options. Why? Because building a partnership with the Greek Cypriots is not our only option" he alleged, claiming that it was out of the question to resume the talks from where they left off following "the Presidential elections in south Cyprus next year". Expressing his view that a settlement could only be possible between two sovereign and equal states", Ertugruloglu claimed that while the federal settlement option was dead; the door for a confederal settlement still remained open. In addition, reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (27.10.17) writes that Ertugruloglu alleged that recently he is "received" with great interest during the contacts he holds abroad as "foreign minister of the TRNC". [04] Nineteen so-called deputies submitted a "proposal" to the so-called assembly against the "federal solution model" According to illegal Bayrak television (27.10.17) a group of 19 "deputies" from the National Unity Party (UBP), the Democratic Party (DP) and independents submitted a "proposal" to the "office of the TRNC legislative assembly" for a "resolution to be adopted declaring that a federal solution is no longer a viable model of settlement to the Cyprus problem". The so-called deputies who held a press conference in "parliament" were supported by members of the "national existence council" and 26 different "institutions". Speaking at the press conference, Zorlu Tore, so-called deputy with the UBP alleged that it has become clear that reunifying the island under the roof of a federation on the basis of two constituent states had not been possible despite as he claimed the constructive and sincere efforts put forward by the Turkish Cypriot side at Crans Montana. Alleging that it is meaningless and unacceptable to seek a settlement through open-ended negotiations, Tore claimed that any new process could only be between "two states" on the basis of true political equality. "Only through acceptance of the fact that there are two independent states in Cyprus can this be possible", he further alleged. Arguing that "the current strategy of the Turkish Cypriot side will be to work towards developing the TRNC and promoting it in the international arena", Tore also claimed that the Turkish Cypriot "people" must be freed of "isolations and embargoes". "This must be the top priority of the president, the government, the legislative assembly and all institutions", he alleged. [05] CTP condemned the "proposal" of the 19 so-called deputies against the federal solution model Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (27.10.17) reports that the opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) has announced in a written statement that the "motion proposed by the group of 19 deputies" supporting that the federal solution model should not continue to constitute the basis for a settlement on the Cyprus problem, is null and void. Criticizing the move, the CTP stated that the "motion" ignored the Turkish Cypriot "peoples' needs and demands" and was "submitted" by the "deputies" before coming into consultation with them. "It is clearly proven that there is an effort to utilize the Cyprus problem for political purposes", read the statement. It further added that the "motion" was invalid and that a mutually acceptable solution in Cyprus could only be reached through talks held under the auspices of the United Nations. The CTP statement said further that the "move was a dangerous one that would only serve to further isolate the Turkish Cypriot people from the world and worsen the embargoes imposed on the TRNC". (AK) [06] Minister of Family and Social Affairs of Turkey illegally visits the breakaway regime Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (27.10.17) reports that Fatma Betul Sayan, the Minister of Family and Social Affairs of Turkey, is paying an illegal visit to the breakaway regime upon an "invitation" by the so-called ministry of labor Hamza Ersan Saner. Sayan will hold contacts with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the "speaker" of the "assembly" Sibel Siber during her visit; she will also meet with Saner and participate in a "signing of a protocol" at the so-called ministry of labor. She will depart from the breakaway regime this evening. (CS) [07] TKP-YG and BKP signed an "alliance agreement" Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (27.10.17) reports that the Communal Liberation Party- New Forces (TKP-YG) has signed yesterday an "alliance agreement" "for change and liberation" with the United Cyprus Party (BKP). Speaking during a joint press conference, the chairmen of the two parties, Mehmet Cakici (TKP) and Izzet Izcan (BKP) read out the basic principles of the "Alliance protocol and the Change and Liberation Alliance". Cakici stated that the "alliance agreement" between the two parties is not only "a cooperation for the elections, it is not only an alliance between left wing parties, but is also an alliance that will continue for the future". "I consider this as a struggle for change and liberation", Cakici stated. He also condemned all the sides that support the continuation of the "current status quo" for reacting to this "alliance". Also speaking, Izcan explained that the "current conditions in the country" forced the two parties to acooperation for common action. He further explained that the goal is to struggle for peace, for a federal solution, for a "state that will respect the human rights" and for the improvement of the quality of life of the "people" living in the "TRNC". "This is not an election alliance. We will put in practice this cooperation in general, in the streets, in the squares, in local elections, in general elections, in the referenda. And our colleagues who were elected at the parliament will represent our alliance at the parliament", Izcan said. AK [08] Sonustun is the new "general secretary" of BKP Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (27.10.17) reports that after the ordinary general congress of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) the party has determined its new "central committee" and "executive committee". Issuing a written statement, the party announced that Salih Rustu Sonustun has been elected unanimously as the new "general secretary" of the party. (AK) [09] KTOEOS: The education distanced itself from being democratic and scientific; YKP: Religious practices are part of the conqueror's mentality Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (27.10.17) reports that Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers' Trade Union (KTOEOS) visited the New Cyprus Party (YKP) yesterday within the framework of its visits to political parties for exchanging views regarding the problems of the teachers. Speaking during the visit, Selma Eylem, chairperson of KTOEOS, said that there are problems in the educational system in the occupied area of Cyprus during the past few years and added that together with the inclusion of national and religious elements in the curriculum, in order for implementing an educational system in parallel with Turkey, they have distanced their educational system from being democratic and scientific. She noted that as a result of using the religious ideology with the aim of social engineering through education, many things are imposed [on the Turkish Cypriots] not only in education but also in the economic, social and cultural fields. Eylem also said that there is lack of personnel and infrastructure problems in education, adding that due to the uncontrolled increase of population the classes have become very crowded and new schools are not built. She added that teachers are brought from Turkey in branches where many unemployed teachers exist in the "TRNC". On his part, Murat Kanatli, YKP's general secretary, said that the party has been struggling since the very first day of its establishment 28 years ago against "the policies of assimilation and integration which are connected to the occupation and conqueror's mentality". Kanatli noted that the religious practices imposed in schools "is a part of the conqueror's mentality". (I/Ts.) [10] "Ankara commanded, surrogacy is being forbidden" Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (27.10.17) reports that a "legal arrangement" will be made in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus so that "the system of having a child known as surrogacy" to be forbidden. According to information published by Anatolia news agency from Ankara, "legal measures" will be taken for preventing the citizens of Turkey from coming to the occupied area of Cyprus to have a child with this method. Surrogacy is prohibited in Turkey and allowed in the occupied area of Cyprus. According to Anatolia news agency, a decision on this issue was taken during a visit of self-styled minister of health Faiz Sucuoglu in Ankara. Sucuoglu discussed the issue with Turkish Minister of Health Ahmet Demircan. They decided that the "legislation" in the occupied area of Cyprus should be "harmonized" with the one in Turkey and surrogacy should be taken under control. With the "amendments" surrogacy will be prohibited in the occupied area of Cyprus, just like in Turkey. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (27.10.17) reports that Sucuoglu argued that prohibiting surrogacy in the occupied area of Cyprus is out of the question and added that this issue was discussed "only during their conversation". He noted that "nothing was signed or written down" on this issue adding that during their conversation they referred to making some "arrangements in the legislation". Sucuoglu noted that the changed "legislation" regarding surrogacy after the "new arrangements" to the surrogacy system, will be included in a "protocol" they are preparing with Turkey and a commission will be established on this issue. (I/Ts.) [11] Erdogan to visit Greece before the end of the year Ankara Anatolia news agency (26.10.17) reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Athens before the end of this year, Greece's Foreign Minister said on Thursday. Speaking at a news conference in Athens, Nikos Kotzias stated that Erdogan's visit would be at the end of next month or the beginning of December. Kotzias also said he agreed with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu that they should meet twice a year, with the next such meeting taking place on the Greek island of Rhodes next May. [12] Another FETO operation against officers of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (27.10.17) reports that 18 army officers were arrested and 14 were taken under custody during an operation against Fethullah Gulen's (FETO) organization in 25 provinces having as center Mardin and Trabzon as well as in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. Eighteen out of 24 army officers of various ranks were arrested in 13 provinces during an operation having Mardin and the occupied area of Cyprus as center. The 24 army officers had been taken under custody during operations held on 12 October in Mardin, Istanbul, Ankara, Malatya, Burdur, Tekidag, Edirne, Kirklareli, Adana, Bursa, Konya, Izmir, Kocaeli and the occupied area of Cyprus. (I/Ts.) [13] Turkey and Airbus to sign deal for new communications satellites Ankara Anatolia news agency (26.10.17) reported that Turkey;s Transport, Maritime and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan stated on October 26 that Turkey will sign an agreement with Airbus on November 9 for the production of Turksat 5A and Turksat 5B communications satellites. The contract will be signed by Airbus Defense and Space (Airbus D&S) during the Global SatShow in Istanbul and the production of satellites will start immediately afterwards, Arslan told Anadolu Agency. Arslan said that three top international firms had bid for the job: the French-U.K. partnership Airbus D&S, Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and the Canadian-U.S. partnership MDA/Space System Loral. "All of them were technically qualified. However, Airbus made the best bid during the negotiations both financially and in terms of domestic contribution," Arslan said. Turkey aims to launch the Turksat 5A by 2020 and the Turksat 5B by 2021, he added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.pio.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio2013.nsf/index_el/index_el?OpenDocument (AK / ΑΜ) Copyright (C) 2017 Press and Information Office, All rights reserved.