Subject: Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-12-13 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW CONTENTS No. 241/17 13.12.17 [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] The Turkish Cypriot press describes yesterday's ECHR's ruling regarding the "IPC" as a shock [02] Political parties and organizations support Afrika; Protests outside Afrika's building [03] Columnist: "Aktag started coming down on the Turkish Cypriots with the tone of a governor or a commander" [04] Ertugruloglu alleged that in the new period the Cyprus negotiations could only be held on the basis of two "states" and equality [05] Ertugruloglu in Istanbul for the OIC meeting [06] "TRNC" is taking part at the "SIAL Middle East" food exhibition in Abu Dhabi [07] An increase at the arrivals of foreign travelers to the occupied area of Cyprus [08] Turkey to host Foreign Ministers' meeting in Istanbul [09] The Organization of the Islamic Conference gathers in Istanbul for Jerusalem [10] Turkish, Palestinian Presidents met in Istanbul [11] Turkey gives nod to 'Kurds but not the YPG' in Syria talks [12] Lawsuit filed against Turkish singer Zuhal Olcay for 'insulting the President' [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] The Turkish Cypriot press describes yesterday's ECHR's ruling regarding the "IPC" as a shock Under the title "A shock from the ECHR", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (13.12.17), on its front page, argues that "the Immovable property commission, which was established for resolving the property issue in serious manner in Cyprus and has been recognized internationally, is being accused of not "being effectiveness". The ECHR unanimously rejected Turkey's preliminary objection concerning the non-exhaustion of domestic remedies by Adriani Ioannou and found there was a violation of Article 1 of Protocol 1, which concerns the right to property. The paper further reports that according to the ECHR decision, "the applicant's complaint that the proceedings by which she sought compensation for her property had been protracted and ineffective". The Court also ordered Turkey to pay Ioannou €7,000 plus any tax that may be chargeable for non-pecuniary damage. According to the paper, Ioannou filed a claim with the IPC for compensation for her occupied property, but the case remained pending for approximately 7 years, because the IPC claimed that she had failed to prove that she was the legal heir to the property and that her claim was excessive. Moreover, some Turkish Cypriot newspapers report on the ECHR's ruling with the following titles: Kibris: "The Immovable Property Commission was convicted at ECHR" Halkin Sesi: "Shock to the Property Commission from the ECHR" Meanwhile, the "chairman of the building contractors association" Cafer Gurcafer reacted to ECHR's ruling and claimed that the steps which are taken to squeeze the Turkish Cypriot side in the international law is nothing else than provocation. He further argued that the property issue could be solved at the negotiating table. (DPs) [02] Political parties and organizations support Afrika; Protests outside Afrika's building Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (13.12.17) reports that support towards their paper regarding the caricature started coming from the leaders of the Communal Liberation Party New Forces (TKP) and the New Cyprus Party (YKP) against the statements of Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdag. Mehmet Cakici and Izzet Izcan, who visited yesterday the paper's office for support, said that Akdag's statements were not only against Afrika newspaper but against to all the Turkish Cypriot community. Cakici further said that the protest (lynch) demonstrations in front of the paper's office are provoking the conflict between the Cypriots and the Turkish citizens in the occupied area of Cyprus. On the same issue, the general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party Erdogan Sorakin said that Afrika newspaper should not become target. Zeki Ali, on behalf of the Cyprus artists and writers association, condemned the attacks against Afrika newspaper, and the threats towards Sener Levent, adding that the AKP administration should offer an apology. The organization "the road to independence", the Cyprus Socialist Party (KSP), the Union of Cyprus Journalists and the Revolutionary Workers' Party in Turkey also expressed their support to Afrika newspaper and its journalists. Meanwhile, members of the "culture association of the Black Sea" in the occupied area of Cyprus held a protest outside Afrika's office by throwing eggs in the building and yelling trashing words and insults. They were also yelling "Allah is great" and calling the journalists that they are "sell-out" and not to test their patience. (DPs) [03] Columnist: "Aktag started coming down on the Turkish Cypriots with the tone of a governor or a commander" Under the title "Aktag started 'coming down' on us", columnist Ismet Ozguren in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis newspaper (13.12.17) comments on the statements made during the past few days by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cypriot Affairs Recep Aktag and reports that the expressions which Aktag started using for the "people of this country" "started to annoy". Noting that Aktag started coming down on the Turkish Cypriots with "the tone of a governor or a commander", Ozguren argued that it has been evident from the very beginning that this would happen as long as those who allegedly "administrate" this "country" continue having the approach and the behavior of "yes my commander, order me my commander". Ozguren writes, inter alia, the following: "[…] Aktag first put the administrators of Afrika newspaper in their place, as he thought, and used unspeakable words, while the next day attempted to 'discipline' the Turkish Cypriots over the water coming from Turkey. This is not actually the first or the last time Recep Aktag is using such behavior and manner. If you mortgage to one place everything you have from the top to bottom, the person before you will naturally approach you with the ego of the owner. In any case Aktag is doing this. Whenever there is a criticism against Ankara in the northern part of the island, a humiliation using an iron hand in a velvet glove behavior is exhibited at once. You will not have the right to criticize anything in this country. […] If you look at the event a little bit differently, you will be ungrateful and pro-Greek. That is, you will not be able to think about the interests of your country, because some think about them better than you do. […] Recep Akdag has, without being ashamed, given some subtly messages to the citizens aiming at the elections. Noting that he is certain that the elections in the TRNC will be held within democratic maturity, Aktag stated that they want a government which will work in harmony with Turkey to come out from the ballot box as a result of the elections. That is Recep Akdag drop a hint to the citizens saying 'do not go to the ballot box and make foolish preferences. In any case, as a party we have a representation there. Those on duty there are in any case telling you who works in harmony with Ankara'. This is the essence of the issue. […]" (I/Ts.) [04] Ertugruloglu alleged that in the new period the Cyprus negotiations could only be held on the basis of two "states" and equality Illegal Bayrak television (13.12.17 http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=cyprus-issue-33) broadcast that self-styled foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu alleged that in the new period the Cyprus negotiations could only be held on the basis of two "states" and equality. Ertugruloglu met with British nationals residing in the breakaway regime at the Acapulco Hotel in occupied Keryneia yesterday. Evaluating the Cyprus problem during the meeting, he claimed that "the negotiations which have been continuing for 50 years and have resulted with failure had occupied the Turkish Cypriot people more than necessary." Alleging that the Turkish Cypriots have not escaped from the negotiations at any stage, he however said that "the base of the 50 year long negotiations had ended and the new negotiations could only be held on the basis of two states and equality" Pointing to the importance of development in the breakaway regime, he claimed that "the Turkish Cypriot people together with motherland Turkey will continue to claim its rights and equality". In his speech he also criticized the British High Commissioner to Cyprus who recently made negative comments on the "TRNC" during a gathering with the British people residing in the breakaway regime. Claiming that the statements of the High Commissioner "were against the diplomatic relations and unacceptable", Ertugruloglu in response to the High Commissioner's statement that "recognition of the TRNC will be dangerous" asked "how could they recognize the Greek Cypriot administration which unilaterally turned the Cyprus Republic to a Greek Cypriot state?" [05] Ertugruloglu in Istanbul for the OIC meeting Illegal Bayrak television (13.12.17 http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=ertugruloglu-in-istanbul-3) broadcast that so-called foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu is attending the extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul. According to a statement by the so-called foreign ministry the OIC summit which is being hosted by Erdogan will start with a Foreign Ministers meeting and will continue with the meeting of heads of states and governments. Meanwhile, Ertugruloglu also attended a dinner given by Erdogan in honour of the leaders attending the summit. Ertugruloglu who is accompanied by the "general director of the foreign ministry" Kemal Koprulu will return to Cyprus tonight. [06] "TRNC" is taking part at the "SIAL Middle East" food exhibition in Abu Dhabi Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (13.12.17) reports that the "TRNC" (trans. note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) is represented with 10 companies at the "SIAL Middle East" food exhibition in Abu Dhabi between December 12-14. According to the press officer of the "Turksih Cypriot Chamber of Industry" Huseyin Ezgin, it is the 3rd time that the "TRNC" participates in the "SIAL Middle East" exhibition. (DPs) [07] An increase at the arrivals of foreign travellers to the occupied area of Cyprus Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (13.12.17) reports that according to data by the "ministry of tourism", 1,459,318 foreign national passengers arrived in the occupied area of Cyprus during the last ten months. 1,105,265 were Turkish citizens, 354,000 were other foreign nationalities. It is noted that there was an increase of 14.6% to the arrivals of foreign citizens in the occupied area of Cyprus compared to the same period last year and an increase of 8.2% to the Turkish citizens' arrival. The paper also reports that the most tourists apart from Turkish citizens come from Germany. The number of German tourists was raised this year to 46,913 from 34,970 of last year. (DPs) [08] Turkey to host Foreign Ministers' meeting in Istanbul Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.12.17 http://aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkey-to-host-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-istanbul/1002333) reports that Turkey on Wednesday will host the 11th MIKTA Foreign Ministers' Meeting, an acronym for Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia. A statement from Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said this will be the third time the meeting will be held under Turkey's MIKTA chairmanship. "In 2017, Turkey chaired two MIKTA Foreign Ministers' Meetings on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bonn and the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York respectively," the statement said. "During the meeting [in Istanbul], MIKTA countries will exchange their views on the global and regional issues. At the end of the meeting, the MIKTA chairmanship will be handed over to Indonesia for 2018." [09] The Organization of the Islamic Conference gathers in Istanbul for Jerusalem Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (13.12.17 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/organization-of-the-islamic-conference-gathers-in-istanbul-for-jerusalem-124024) reports that high-level representatives, including some heads of states from the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), will come together on Dec. 13 in Istanbul at a summit to consider a joint stance against the United States' recent recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Turkey, as the term president of the OIC, will host leaders from Muslim-majority countries on Dec. 13, with a joint position of Muslim countries to be announced under the title of the Istanbul Declaration. The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump instructed the State Department to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, in line with the 1995-dated Jerusalem Embassy Act. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will preside over the OIC meeting in Istanbul and will address the opening and closing ceremonies of the summit. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, Bangladeshi President Abdoul Hamid and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani are among 22 heads of state and government who will be present at the summit. Some 25 Foreign Ministers will also be represented, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Kazakhstan. Saudi Arabia will be represented by Islamic Affairs Minister Salih bin Abdulaziz al-Shaikh. In the morning session, the Foreign Ministers of the OIC counties will come together to discuss recent developments before giving the floor to the Presidents and head of states and governments. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told private broadcaster NTV on Nov. 12 that some Arab countries have failed to sufficiently repudiate Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital because U.S. President Donald Trump "scares them." "It seems that some Arab countries refrain from challenging Trump," Cavusoglu said. However, he promised that a "strong statement" on Jerusalem would emerge from the OIC extraordinary summit in Istanbul on Dec. 13. "A very strong message will be delivered from the summit," Cavusoglu said, adding that this message will stress that the decision taken by the U.S. unilaterally breaches international law, and will call all nations to stand against it while also calling nations to recognize the State of Palestine. "If we don't defend Jerusalem today, when will we defend it? If we don't defend Jerusalem, one of the three most sacred places of Islam, what will we defend?" he stated, hinting that the text would cite East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine with pre-1967 borders. At the end of the 1948 war the armistice line divided Jerusalem in two: The Israel-controlled Western part, and the Jordan-controlled eastern part, which included the old walled city containing important Jewish, Muslim and Christian religious sites. Since the Six Day War in 1967 the whole city has been under Israel's control. OIC leaders will conclude ongoing talks over the technical details of the declaration on Dec. 13. [10] Turkish, Palestinian Presidents met in Istanbul Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.12.17 http://aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkish-palestinian-presidents-meet-in-istanbul/1002815) reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday met his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Istanbul. According to a Turkish presidential source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media, the leaders met at the Beylerbeyi Palace, where they had a closed-door meeting that lasted for one hour. The meeting came a day before an extraordinary summit of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the wake of U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The summit in Istanbul follows Erdogan's call on OIC member countries to gather extraordinarily after the U.S. recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement last week was followed by worldwide opposition. Jerusalem remains at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future state. During his election campaign last year, Trump repeatedly promised to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. [11] Turkey gives nod to 'Kurds but not the YPG' in Syria talks Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (13.12.17 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-gives-nod-to-kurds-but-not-the-ypg-in-syria-talks-123978) reports that Turkey supports the participation of Kurds in talks on the future of Syria but is against the participation of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said, amid reports that other Syrian groups could be invited to a planned conference on Syria's future. "The YPG is not the sole representative of the Kurds. Actually it represents only a small portion of them," Cavusoglu said in an interview with private broadcaster NTV on Dec. 12. Ankara sees the YPG as an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), therefore a terrorist group. "[The YPG] forces people into joining its armed group. Kurds currently cannot go back to the 20% of the Syrian lands controlled by the YPG. We are not against our Kurdish brothers, we stand with them," Cavusoglu said, adding that some 300,000 Kurds have escaped to Turkey from the Syrian war. When asked if "Kurdish groups other than the YPG" could join a conference on Syria's future to be organized by Russia, Cavusoglu sounded positive. "Iran is also against the YPG's presence in Syria. We have handed the list of those who represent the Kurds to Russia," he said. His remarks followed reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting in Ankara on Dec. 11 that Syrian Kurdish groups not including the YPG could be invited to the planned conference. Meanwhile, the Syrian opposition has claimed that the Bashar al-Assad government delegation to the Geneva peace talks has produced a number of new conditions, making it difficult to move forward. Opposition spokesman Yahya Aridi said on Dec. 12 that the Damascus delegation told U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura they would not negotiate directly. He said de Mistura told them about the government's stance. Aridi says the opposition delegates "consider this to be a precondition." There was no immediate response from the government team in Switzerland. Syrian opposition and government delegates arrived back in Geneva for a new round of U.N.-sponsored talks after a short break. The government delegation has protested the opposition's insistence on the absence of President Bashar Assad from any future transition period. The opposition has been calling for the indirect peace talks to become direct. Separately, Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu said Ankara had no current plans to reduce the number of its soldiers at the Bashiqa army base in northern Iraq, while responding to a question. Commenting on reports that the Iraqi army and the YPG have decided to work together in securing the borders, Cavusoglu said Turkey would "discuss the issue with Baghdad." "We know Iraq is also disturbed by the YPG," he added. [12] Lawsuit filed against Turkish singer Zuhal Olcay for 'insulting the President' Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (13.12.17 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/lawsuit-filed-against-turkish-singer-zuhal-olcay-for-insulting-president-124010) reports that a lawsuit has been filed against singer Zuhal Olcay for "insulting" Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a concert last year, with the prosecutor seeking a four-year prison sentence for the singer. The indictment prepared by the Istanbul Prosecutor's Office stated that a person told the police that Olcay had made an insulting hand gesture against Erdogan during a concert in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul on Aug. 5, 2016. An investigation was subsequently launched and footage from the concert was examined by an expert, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Dec. 12.. Olcay is accused of revising lyrics to the song "Bos Vermisim Dunyayi" (I Let Go of the World) to criticize Erdogan, devising a hand-gesture to accompany the melody. According to the footage, the revised lyrics say: "Recep Tayyip Erdogan, all of them are null and lies, this life will end one day and you will say I had a dream." In her testimony Olcay reportedly said she revised the lyrics because the President's name fitted the rhyme scheme and she "did not have any other ulterior, insulting motive." The singer also said the hand gesture targeted an audience member in the front row after he or she made a negative comment about her. The prosecutor's office has demanded a jail term for Olcay ranging from one year and two months to four years and eight months on charges of "insulting the President." The indictment has been approved by the 46th Criminal Court of Peace and the singer will soon face a trial on the charges. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION https://www.pio.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio2013.nsf/All/EDB254ABD6F3EAE1C225816F00425E83?OpenDocument (CS / AM) Copyright (C) 2017 Press and Information Office, All rights reserved.