Subject: Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-11-28 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW CONTENTS No. 230/17 28.11.17 [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] Ozgurgun "fully" supports the opening of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha under Turkish administration [02] Civil society organizations from occupied Famagusta say that they expect a lot after the "elections" [03] The "immovable property commission's term of office" has been extended for two more years [04] "Barbaros frigate" anchored in the occupied port of Famagusta [05] The "high electoral council" announced the "election timetable" regarding the upcoming "early elections" [06] The remains of a Turkish Cypriot missing person the body of which TMT refused to collect in 1963 were found [07] Yildirim had separate meetings with May and Johnson in London; The Cyprus issue was in the agenda [08] Pentagon says it will continue the partnership with YPG-dominated SDF despite Trump promise; Pentagon's statement to be discussed on today's NSC meeting [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] Ozgurgun "fully" supports the opening of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha under Turkish administration Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.11.17) reports that self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun has said that during the past few days there have been some positive developments on the opening of the crossing points in Deryneia and Apliki areas. In statements to Kibris TV, Ozgurgun noted that the UN invited tenders for both crossing points and alleged that if the Greek Cypriot side does not put obstacles, both barricades could open, since the Turkish side has completed its preparations. He also reiterated the view that the two barricades should open simultaneously and alleged that because the Greek Cypriots do not want for occupied Lefka, which is a "Turkish city", to become a center [in the area], they do not see positively the opening of the crossing point in Apliki. Referring to the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun alleged that the Turkish side has put everything on the table, that the Greek Cypriots have never been ready for a solution and that this was proved in Switzerland. He claimed that two "neighboring states" could exist side by side and referred to the importance of the "bilateral relations". He argued that the Greek Cypriots have returned a criminal to the "TRNC" and added that as a gesture for this, another criminal was returned to the Greek Cypriots recently. Ozgurgun further alleged that the "TRNC", as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, is at least as legal as the "Greek Cypriot state", as he described the Republic of Cyprus, that the Turkish Cypriots have at least the same right to live on this island as the Greek Cypriots and that the equality of the Turkish Cypriots should be accepted. He claimed that if all these are accepted, there is absolutely no reason for not finding a solution. Referring to the aid sent by the Republic of Cyprus to the enclaved persons, Ozgurgun claimed that the conditions of 1975 do not exist anymore and that these persons are "citizens of the TRNC". He also alleged that some of them receive compensation for the drought by the breakaway regime and that if they ask for social aid as "TRNC citizens", they could receive such aid. Noting that these persons are treated "as if are under occupation", Ozgurgun said that the regime told the UN that this cannot be accepted and reiterated the allegation that the enclaved persons could receive pension by the breakaway regime, if they asked for it. Replying to a question regarding the opening of the fenced off occupied city of Varosha, Ozgrugun said that he fully supports the opening of the city for the return of its "old owners" on the condition that the municipal services and the security are under Turkish administration. He argued that the opening of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha is an issue on which the decision will be jointly taken by the "government", the "presidency" and Turkey. Explaining the decision for holding "early elections", Ozgurgun argued that they need a strong "government", that he considers the "elections" as a "referendum" and that he felt the need to turn to the "people" for receiving a "vote of confidence". (I/Ts.) [02] Civil society organizations from occupied Famagusta say that they expect a lot after the "elections" Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.11.17) reports that representatives of civil society organizations who are activated in occupied Famagusta stated that they want to know the "election program" of the Turkish Cypriot parties regarding the Deryneia barricade, the occupied Famagusta port, the fenced off Varosha city and the cultural heritage of the city. Speaking to the paper, representatives of various organizations stated that they are asking from the "government that will be established after the elections", to find urgently a solution as regards the opening of the Deryneia barricade and the opening of the fenced off Varosha city, because the latter will be beneficial in every aspect for the city and its inhabitants. The organizations also ask for the protection of the cultural heritage of the inside the wall city and call on for the transformation of the occupied (trade) Famagusta port to tourism port, noting that no important investments took place at the port for years. (CS) [03] The "immovable property commission's term of office" has been extended for two more years Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (28.11.17) reports that the "immovable property commission's term of office" has been extended for two more years. According to a written statement issued by the "assembly", the "committee of law, political affairs and foreign relations approved" yesterday unanimously the extension of the "commission's term of office" for two more years, since it expires on December 21, 2017. (AK) [04] "Barbaros frigate" anchored in the occupied port of Famagusta Under the title: "Barbaros is in the TRNC", Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli newspaper (28.11.17) reports that the TCG Barbaros frigate of the Turkish Armed Forces anchored yesterday in the occupied port of Famagusta. According to a statement issued by the so-called Turkish Cypriot security forces" ("GKK") the frigate will open today until December 1st for "public visits". (AK) [05] The "high electoral council" announced the "election timetable" regarding the upcoming "early elections" Illegal Bayrak television (28.11.17, http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=elections-process) broadcast the following regarding the "election process" of the upcoming "early elections": "The high electoral council (YSK) has reminded that today is the final day for the political parties to determine their candidates for the upcoming early elections that will take place on the 7th of January 2018. The candidate applications will be accepted as of the 1st of December. The YSK and the district electoral boards will on the following day announce the temporary lists. On the 3rd of December this period will come to an end. Once the YSK has finished evaluating the lists, these lists will become determined by the 10th of December and will be declared on the 11th of December. On the same day in order to determine the order the propaganda will take place a draw will be held at the council. The official propaganda phase will begin on the 12th of December. According to the election timetable the political parties have to apply to the YSK by the 17th of December so that they can carry out propaganda on Bayrak Radio Television. The ballot box poll list has to be completed by the 18th of December the latest. Public inspections and research carried out regarding the elections will be revealed after the 23rd of December. The 4th of January is the last day election certificates and informative brochures can be distributed. On the 7th of January 2018 the citizens of the TRNC (the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) will be going to the polls to elect 50 deputies' to represent them in parliament. During these elections the changes to the elections and referendum law will be implemented and for the first time citizens will be choosing candidates from all over the country, as it has become a single electoral region. Citizens will be able to elect candidates from all 6 districts. They will be able to vote by using just a stamp and select candidates or a combination vote. 16 candidates from Lefkosa (the occupied part of Nicosia), 13 from Gazimagusa (occupied Famagusta), 10 from Girne (occupied Keryneia), 5 from Iskele (occupied Trikomo), 4 from Guzelyurt (Morphou) and 2 candidates from Lefke (occupied Lefka) will be elected to the 50 seat assembly." [06] The remains of a Turkish Cypriot missing person the body of which TMT refused to collect in 1963 were found Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (28.11.17) reports that the remains of Huseyin Rouso who was killed on December 25 1963 in Omorfita were found in Tekke Garden, in the center of the occupied part of Lefkosia. According to the paper, the dead body of Rouso was transferred by Greek Cypriots to the Lefkosia Hopsital who called on the Turkish side to collect it. However, according to journalist Hasan Hasturer the TMT's leadership refused to collect the body which was buried with Greek Cypriots in Ayios Vasilis village. When later the mass grave was opened, Rouso was buried at Tekke Garden with the label "unknown". "Those who did not grant permission for the opening of graves should be ashamed", the paper notes. (CS) [07] Yildirim had separate meetings with May and Johnson in London; The Cyprus issue was in the agenda According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (28.11.17, http://aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkish-british-premiers-meet-in-london/980885), Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and his British counterpart Theresa May met at Downing Street on Monday. May hosted a Turkish delegation led by Yildirim for talks before a one-to-one meeting with the Turkish Premier. A Prime Ministry statement said the meeting focused on expressing a determination to further develop cooperation between the two countries, especially in the economic, trade and defence sectors. The two Premiers expressed satisfaction over bilateral and regional issues between Turkey and the U.K. as two friendly, allied countries. They agreed to maintain bilateral contacts and cooperation in many areas, including the fight against terrorism and also the Cyprus problem, the statement added. Yildirim, who is in the British capital at the invitation of May, also later met with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. A Turkish official statement said providing peace and stability to Syria was discussed at the meeting. Yildirim underlined that Turkey had no problem with the Kurds in Syria but has objections to terrorist groups such as the PKK/PYD, according to the statement. Yildirim and Johnson also discussed the fight against Daesh and the PKK plus Syrian refugees and the NGOs working to help them, developments in Libya, and NATO-related issues. Johnson mentioned Turkey's positive contributions to peace and stability in the region and expressed his hope to boost cooperation in those fields as well as in the defence and technology sectors, according to the statement. [08] Pentagon says it will continue the partnership with YPG-dominated SDF despite Trump promise; Pentagon's statement to be discussed on today's NSC meeting According to Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (28.11.17, https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2017/11/27/pentagon-says-will-continue-partnership-with-ypg-dominated-sdf-despite-trump-promise), the U.S. will continue its partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes the People's Protection Units (YPG) terrorists — the military wing of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) — the Pentagon said late Monday. Pentagon also said that they had previously told Turkey that the arms provided to the terrorists would be "limited, mission-specific and provided incrementally to achieve military objectives". It further said that it is "reviewing pending adjustments to military support" provided to the SDF based on requirements. The news came after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that U.S. President Donald Trump promised his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan over a phone call on Nov. 24 that the U.S. will no longer provide weapons to the YPG. Meanwhile, under the title "Presidential spokesperson says Turkish National Security Council will discuss Pentagon statement on cooperation with YPG", Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (28.11.17, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/presidential-spokesperson-says-turkish-national-security-council-will-discuss-pentagon-statement-on-cooperation-with-ypg-123170) reports that Turkey's Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin has said that Turkey's National Security Council will discuss the Pentagon's statement on continuing the U.S.'s cooperation with the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). The Pentagon statement will be discussed during the National Security Council, which is due to be chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Nov. 28, Kalin stated. The statement came after a phone conversation between Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump on Nov. 24 in which Trump reportedly pledged to put an end to weapons deliveries to the YPG. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION https://www.pio.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio2013.nsf/All/EDB254ABD6F3EAE1C225816F00425E83?OpenDocument (DPs / AM) Copyright (C) 2017 Press and Information Office, All rights reserved.