Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-12-22

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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] Derya: Oz is the one who should be apologizing

[02] Tension at the Ledra Street crossing point

[03] Cirali: According to the EU laws there could be two separate competent authorities for the halloumi-hellim cheese's production

[04] Seventeen thousand foreigners purchased houses in the occupied area of Cyprus during the last three years

[06] Izmir Chamber of Commerce president Demirtas to illegally visit the breakaway regime

[07] The occupation regime to build a hospital in occupied Morfou area

[08] Davutoglu's visit to Brussels may be cancelled

[09] Bozkir to daily Milliyet: "EU is not our supervisor; EU cannot afford to reject us"

[10] A Turkish court issued an arrest warrant for Gulen

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Derya: Oz is the one who should be apologizing

Speaking to Kibris Postasi Derya responded to Oz's words and said" How dare he asks me to apologize while it is him who should be apologizing to us".

Derya went on to say that Oz's words were a disrespect against the dignity of the Turkish Cypriot community. "How a MP from another country could cask an MP of another country to apologize for what they said in their own parliament?" asked Derya who said Oz didn't really comprehended the meaning of her words. Derya said that Oz was either unaware of what she said in the "parliament" or was intentionally manipulating her words in order to provoke an attack against her.

On the other hand Oz said during the interview with TRT that they were going to bring legal action against Derya through the "Turkish Embassy in Nicosia".

In addition, reporting on the same issue, the paper writes that CTP issued

A Complain to the self-styled police against those who insulted Derya.

On the other hand, Volkan (20.12.14) reported that the "association of war martyrs" in the breakaway regime opened a file against Derya for her statements.

Gunes (20.12.14) also reports that the chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun strongly criticized Derya's statements. He stated that despite "members of the assembly" have the right to speak their opinion; attacks against the Turkish military which secures the Turkish Cypriots are not acceptable.

[02] Tension at the Ledra Street crossing point

The self-styled police tried to prevent the demonstrators who wanted to form a human chain using ribbons. The paper writes that "foreign minister" Ozdil Nami who "happened to be at the Lokmaci crossing point" indicated, that the human chain would not be allowed at the crossing point. The demonstration ended after the scuffles ended.

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (21.12.14) reporting on the issue writes that KTOS General Secretary Sener Elcil was attacked and hit on the chest during the scuffles.

The paper also notes that the reaction of the self-styled police against the demonstrators was a result of a decision taken by the occupation regime with the instruction of Ankara, to harden its stance towards similar actions.

Afrika's editor-in chief, Sener Levent writes on the issue the following: "How can we have solution and peace in this country if we cannot put up with a ribbon that unites the island? The message that the police sent yesterday was not a simple one. The Turkish side is hardening its stance following instructions from Ankara. It is obvious that they received instructions not to tolerate these kinds of behavior anymore. They want to do here what they have done in Turkey with their stubbornness. However, what they are doing is not important, what is important is what we are doing", Levent notes.

[03] Cirali: According to the EU laws there could be two separate competent authorities for the halloumi-hellim cheese's production

Cirali, who is currently in Brussels for contacts, claimed that the "Greek Cypriot Ministry", as he called the Republic of Cyprus' Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment", has no authority in the north occupied part of the island and that the EU Commission could authorize an organization from the occupied area of Cyprus to inspect the production of halloumi there, just like it happened in the case of the Green Line Regulation. However, a new regulation should be prepared for this at the EU Council, he added.

Cirali was asked to comment on a statement made by the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Nikos Kouyialis that the halloumi cheese producers in the occupied area of Cyprus will be inspected by an "independent organization". Replying to a question as regards the Turkish Cypriot reaction in case the cost for this inspection is covered by the government of the Republic of Cyprus, Cirali said: "We do not want this to be under the initiative of the government in the south. They have the opportunity to use this issue as a trump card. The issue could be politicized. The current administrators may speak with good intentions, but will these administrators remain there?"

Cirali said that they might apply to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in case the EU Commission's decision is against the Turkish Cypriot producers.

According to the paper, Cirali is carrying out lobbying activities in Brussels. At the same time, the "chamber's" lawyer is holding contacts regarding the legal aspects of the issue.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Seventeen thousand foreigners purchased houses in the occupied area of Cyprus during the last three years

It is said that Russians started investing in the real estate sector in the occupied area of Cyprus after the Russian government's decision providing that its citizens should declare their property. During the past three years 6,000 Russians purchased property in the occupied area of Cyprus, writes the paper adding that thanks to the "state incentives" given to the German tourists as of 2014, the number of Germans who purchased property in the occupied area exceeded the one of the Russians in one year.

In statements to the paper, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Real Estate Agents' Union, Hasan Sungur said that measures should be taken in order for not losing the foreign investments in this sector. He recalled that British citizens had been deceived during the past years and abandoned the occupied area of the island. He said that hundreds of "illegal real estate agents" exist in the occupied area of Cyprus, adding that no inspection is held. He warned that in case measures are not taken, the Russians and Germans may also be deceived and run away like the British citizens.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Siber visited the chairman of the "KTFF"; She called both leaders to be more sensitive on the issue of sports

Speaking during the meeting, Sertoglu thanked Siber for her visit and asked for efforts to be exerted for openings to be made on the field of sports as well as for the "lifting" of the "embargoes".

Also, speaking, Siber said that the fact that the "TRNC" is not a part of the international community creates psychological and social problems to the people's lives.

Referring to the field of sports, she reminded that sport teams cannot play international matches. "Carrying out lobby activities, is a precondition in order to overcome these difficulties", Siber said, stressing also the need for the two leaders to be more sensitive towards the fields of sports, culture and art, within the framework of the Confidence Building Measures".

(AK)

[06] Izmir Chamber of Commerce president Demirtas to illegally visit the breakaway regime

Demirtas will meet with the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami and will deliver a speech at a gathering in the "foreign ministry" on "trade relations between Turkey and the TRNC".

[07] The occupation regime to build a hospital in occupied Morfou area

Pointing out that the health services in occupied Morfou area are not developed, Gulle said that they will continue their efforts within the framework of their vision to restructure the health sector. Gulle added that the possible building of a health center in the region of Morfou will contribute to the further development of the region in general.

(AK)

[08] Davutoglu's visit to Brussels may be cancelled

According to the story, Ankara is considering sending Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and EU Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir to the EU instead of Davutoglu.

The BBC report said that Ankara has acknowledged the negative atmosphere in Brussels, especially following the heavy criticism made during the European Parliament's session on Turkey last week and the concern EU officials have expressed over the Dec. 14 raid against Turkish journalists. Given these developments, Davutoglu is understood to be reluctant to go to Brussels.

[09] Bozkir to daily Milliyet: "EU is not our supervisor; EU cannot afford to reject us"

Responding to criticism that "Turkey has turned its face toward the Middle East", Bozkir said: "There is no such thing. This has never been the case. Whether the EU likes it or not, Turkey will face that direction".

(?)

Following is an abstract of the interview:

"Subtitle: 'EU is not our supervisor'

'Turkey has always conducted its affairs with the EU in its own way. It will continue to do so from now on. This relationship cannot be like that between a supervisor and supervisee. This has to be about mutual respect, to advance together towards a goal based on joint interests. This is how this relationship should be. This is a relationship between two equals. If it turns into a relationship between a teacher and a student, a supervisor and a supervisee, then there will be a strong reaction from Turkey. It is only natural that there will be reactions when an attempt is made to teach [Turkey] manners'.

Subtitle: 'EU should see the big picture'

Our President is justified to react the way he did: I understand our President's reaction. What he is saying today is not different to what he said is the past. We wish to pursue this process because it is in the interest of both sides. Turkey has got to this point by taking the EU by surprise. Numerous hurdles were put in place. When eight chapters were suspended, Turkey took a decision. Our President was the Prime Minister at the time. He took that decision: 'We opened all the chapters in Ankara', he said. In two years' time, we will have opened and closed all the chapters. Our President is pursuing this process. Within a decade, Turkey changed 2,000 laws. The work we did during the last 100 days could have taken five years. Our President, our Prime Minister are the architects of this process. While we are doing all these, not only the EU is doing nothing but it has also the inclination to criticize this and that.

Subtitle: 'EU cannot afford to reject us'

This relationship is based on huge common interests. When these are present, no one can sever this relationship with the EU, they do not have the power to do that and the efforts of those who seek to do that will fail. This is because today the EU has huge difficulties. For it to move forward, Turkey is its only hope. Resilient economic markets, a working and educated population, strong military power, all needed by the EU, are in Turkey. If it is to become a super power, Turkey has the military power. Turkey is the remedy for the security of energy channels. The EU cannot afford to reject a country like Turkey. The EU should see the big picture.

(?)

Subtitle: 'There will be no vacuum; there is no cancellation of official visits'

Since there was a vacuum regarding the EU, an opportunity appeared to create such a perception about Turkey. Yet, from now on, there will not be such a vacuum. Our Prime Minister will go to Brussels in January and our President in April. Postponement or cancellation of these official visits is out of the question. We are talking about history. Erdogan will address the plenary sitting of the European Parliament. Once these relations are restored to their proper level and solid platforms are established for correct information, such spins will not have the power they used to.

In January, we are going to announce a package on freedom of expression. The EU did not tell us to announce it nor is there any pressure from anyone. Our Prime Minister will announce it. On the one hand, there is Turkey that is being misrepresented and misperceived; on the other hand, there is Turkey that wishes to announce a package on freedom of expression, which has been in the pipeline for months. There will be numerous laws with social and political content. These will be the most effective factors that will remove these misperceptions.

Subtitle: 'Turkey did not do anything wrong'

Turkey's determination goes back to 50 years. When this is the case, we cannot make a decision regarding this based on one incident. Turkey is not doing anything wrong. Turkey has implemented whatever decision taken by the judiciary. Therefore, it has nothing to be ashamed of. I think, the only mistake, if there is one, is made by various EU units that made a huge fuss by releasing statements two hours after the event took place [referring to the police detention of the journalists]. We will expose the mistake and talk about new modalities. I do not think Turkey lost anything.

(?) In response to criticism that Turkey turned its face away from the EU toward the Middle East, Bozkir said: 'This is a spin doctoring attempt. If that was the case, why would there be an approach that uses such strong expressions in Turkey's new vision that sees the EU membership as a strategic goal? There is no such thing and this has never been the case. Our President has always been at the forefront of this enterprise and the direction has always been toward [the EU]. Whether the EU likes it or not, Turkey will be facing that direction."

Subtitle: 'Journalists cannot get special treatment'

'Imprisonment of journalists may not come to mean the restriction of press freedom. Being a journalist cannot lead to anyone get a special treatment in the legal system. The whole issue is whether they are prosecuted because of what they write or not. Yet, people should heed their consciences. In Turkey, there are 36 million Internet users, 11 million send Twitter messages; there are hundreds of television channels. I really find it difficult to understand when people talk about the curtailment of freedom of press and expression. This is an attempt at spin doctoring. We will naturally fight against this'".

[10] A Turkish court issued an arrest warrant for Gulen

"The suspect Fethullah Gulen, the leader of a criminal organization known as "Hizmet" movement, which was structured unlawfully in the economic and bureaucratic institutions, has not returned to the country since he left in 1998", the request said.

The official request also states that sufficient solid evidence has been discovered, proving Gulen's crimes in accordance with the criminal penal code and added that it is currently impossible to reach Gulen since he lives overseas.

The court's decision enables the judge to issue a Red Notice and potentially prompt a search by Interpol since Gulen currently resides in Pennsylvania, United States in self-imposed exile and cannot directly be reached by Turkish officials.

The Gulen Movement, led by Fethullah Gulen, has over 140 private schools and charity organizations around the world including the U.S., Europe, Asia and Africa. It has been accused of infiltrating state institutions to gain control of state mechanisms, illegal wiretapping, forgery of official documents and spying.

According to the written statement sent to the court for the issue of the arrest warrant, it was written that the Gulen movement has taken steps in discord of the laws and regulations of media, economy and bureaucracy.

A treaty entitled "The Treaty on Extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters between the United States and the Republic of Turkey" was signed in 1979 and is effective as of January 1, 1981.This treaty states that: "The Contracting Parties undertake to surrender to each other, in accordance with the provisions and conditions laid down in this Treaty, all persons who are found within the territory of the Requested Party and who are being prosecuted for or have been charged with an offense, or convicted of an offense, or are sought by the other Party for the enforcement of a judicially pronounced penalty for an offense committed within the territory of the Requesting Party."

In a recent press statement, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had signaled that a Red Notice may be issued for Gulen and noted that all necessary legal measures would be taken in the case that judicial authorities believe a crime has been committed.

Meanwhile, four Gulenist suspects, including Hidayet Karaca and former police chief Tufan Erguder, have been arrested on Friday as part of the December 14 Tahsiye Operation, while eight Gulenist suspects including Ekrem Dumanli -- the editor-in-chief of the Zaman daily -- have been released. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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