Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-01-17

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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] The members of the Turkish Cypriot technical committee for the Mont Pelerin talks are announced

[02] Kurtulmus on the Cyprus problem: "Turkey will not accept imposed maps"

[03] The "energy cooperation agreement" between Turkey and the regime is "approved" by the "assembly"

[04] Talat on the submission of maps and the latest developments of the Cyprus problem

[05] Atun on the Cyprus problem

[06] More resignations in the CTP

[07] Eleven Turkish military officers were detained in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] Data about the unemployed persons and pensioners in the breakaway regime

[09] Persons originated from Kokkina village said that they are ready to return to their village after Erdogan's statements

[10] Varosha is again in the agenda

[11] Reaction statements in the occupied area of Cyprus on the reportedly established "National Guard' revolutionary forces" in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[12] Erdogan to tour African countries

[13] Kurtulmus: Referendum on Constitution expected in early April

[14] CHP vows to take charter changes to high court after secret ballot principle breached; K?l?cdaroglu and Bahceli to meet on constitutional change

[15] Turkish citizens want EU for visa-free travel rather than economic reasons, according to a survey

[16] Istanbul nightclub attacker has been arrested

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The members of the Turkish Cypriot technical committee for the Mont Pelerin talks are announced

The head of the Turkish Cypriot technical delegation will be negotiator Ozdil Nami. The group held a long lasting working meeting yesterday with Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci.

The paper reports that the delegation will be holding close consultations with Akinci during the conference, which is expected to last for three days and continue at a political level in the end of the month or in the beginning of February in order for taking the final decision on the chapter of security and guarantees.

Akinci's spokesman, Baris Burcu, special adviser on diplomatic and EU affairs, Erhan Ercin, Akinci's adviser on legal issues, Sulen Karabacak, foreign relations expert, Ipek Borman Genc and the member of the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team, Sertac Guven are participating in the Turkish Cypriot working group.

The head of Turkey's delegation is expected to be Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Muhtar Gun.

According to information obtained by the paper, during the Mont Pelerin conference, the expectations and the proposals of the sides regarding the security and guarantees will be noted. Meanwhile, it is expected that evaluations will be made regarding the working method as to how the chapter of security and guarantees will be discussed simultaneously with other chapters after the conference.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Kurtulmus on the Cyprus problem: "Turkey will not accept imposed maps"

Evaluating the recent Cyprus talks held in Geneva during an interview to the private channel A Haber, Kurtulmus reiterated that Turkey maintained its red lines on the Cyprus problem, stressing that Turkey will never make concessions on territory nor it will give up its right as a guarantor power in Cyprus.

"Turkey's entity is the biggest guarantor in the formation of a bi-communal Cyprus. In this regard, Turkey will never give up its right as a guarantor power" Kurtulmus said, adding: "we will not be the ones to leave the negotiating table. However, by saying this we won't be forced into making compromises which we cannot accept."

Stating that Turkey within this framework will not accept any imposed maps, he added that it is out of the question for the Turkish side to accept a map which was brought at the last minute and leaked to the press after been submitted to the UN.

Expressing the view that there was an effort to carry out a fait accompli on the map issue, Kurtulmus said: "Turkey will not accept this."

Alleging that Turkey had always supported a solution in Cyprus, he, however said that supporting a solution did not mean that Turkey would give up its national interests in Cyprus.

Kurtulmus further claimed that the Greek Cypriot side backed by the EU is acting like a spoilt child.

[03] The "energy cooperation agreement" between Turkey and the regime is "approved" by the "assembly"

Dogus Derya from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Huseyin Angolemli and Zeki Celer from the Social Democracy Party (TDP) and Mehmet Cakici from the Communal Liberation Party (TKP) voted against the "agreement", which aims at encouraging "scientific, technical, technological, legal, administrative and commercial cooperation within the framework national legislation on the basis of equality, mutual respect and common interests by showing respect to the international obligations".

The self-styled minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun said that their aim is sustainable, cheap and clean energy and alleged that they will be integrated to Turkey's transmission system. He noted that soon they will invite tenders in the field of the renewable energy and will give incentives for building production installations.

Tufan Erhurman, chairman of the CTP said that this is an "agreement" for cooperation in the field of energy generally and includes not only electricity, but oil, natural gas and renewable energy issues as well. He argued that the perception created in the public opinion that this is an "agreement" for being interconnected with Turkey's system is wrong. He said that the CTP is not against a directly interconnected system in electricity, that they want to be connected to a system in which Europe is also included and that this will bring cheap and high quality electricity.

Referring to the issue, Angolemli said that the aim of the "agreement" is not evident and this is why they voted negatively. He noted that the name of the regime's "electricity authority" ("KIB-TEK") is not even mentioned in the "agreement" and added that no reference is made to cheap electricity. He said that the "government's" target is to privatize "KIB-TEK" by continuously increasing the price of electricity.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Talat on the submission of maps and the latest developments of the Cyprus problem

He made these statements during an interview to Havadis where he evaluated the latest developments of the Cyprus problem.

Talat said that the taboo about the maps was abolished in Geneva and added that those who are against the solution wanted this taboo to continue existing. Noting that there was only a 1% difference between the maps submitted by the two sides in Geneva, Talat stated that this was a very important development. "If the maps were not submitted, this could be the greatest obstacle for reaching a solution".

He went on and praised the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci for acting with determination and taking a risk. He, however, argued that President Nicos Anastasiades faced the "rejection front" of his side while Akinci safeguarded Turkey's support and ignored his "rejection front" acting together with Turkey.

"My concern is that the talks can collapse especially if Greece and the Greek Cypriot side continue with their maximalist behavior", he claimed and added that if Turkey's guarantees are not continue, then a solution agreement could not pass via a referendum. "The Turkish Cypriots want sufficient guarantees", he stated.

(CS)

[05] Atun on the Cyprus problem

Speaking to the Anadolu News Agency in the Turkish city of Konya, Atun claimed that it is not possible to make territorial concessions on the Karpaz Peninsula or occupied Morfou.

Claiming that the "government's" expectation from the conference on Cyprus was for the establishment of a sustainable and lasting federal model of settlement, Atun added: "This federation model is a model which will protect and ensure our political equality as well as strengthen our economy. This federation is not a model which will push the economy into distress or create social upheaval. It is a model which will help develop the TRNC's economy", Atun argued.

Touching upon the Turkish Cypriot sides' redlines, Atun stated: "Motherland Turkey's guarantee is our red line. The presence of Turkish troops, political equality, equality representation in parliament and equality in our constitutional rights are all red lines for us. In short, we support a federation where Turkish Cypriots will not become a minority and will have equal rights in a constituent state under a federal roof".

On the issue of territorial adjustments, Atun alleged that they desired an island where there are no political problems. "As our president has stated, the Greek Cypriot side presented an unacceptable map. It is not possible to give land from the Karpaz peninsula or to accept the creation of a special area there. It is also not possible to give away Guzelyurt [occupied Morfou]. Territorial adjustments are the last issue that we need to discuss. Turkey's guarantee is something which will never be open to discussion", he said.

Referring to arguments that the new federal state will become an EU member and that the EU itself will provide all necessary security guarantees for the island's inhabitants, Atun alleged the EU has so far not been able to solve any political dispute. "We have seen a Europe where migrants have been kicked and abused as well as a Europe which stood and watched massacres take place in Bosnia" he added.

[06] More resignations in the CTP

Meanwhile, Hasan Ulas Altiok, member of CTP's central committee, announced that he resigned from the committee expressing his disagreement with the "energy cooperation agreement" between the regime and Turkey, which had been approved by the committee. Altiok described as "political and economic mistake" the positive vote of CTP's "deputies" to this "agreement", adding that he resigned because it is not possible for him to accept and defend such an "agreement". Altiok expressed his sorrow for the damage which he thinks that this "agreement" will cause to the "people" and the party.

Tufan Erhurman, chairman of the party, said that there is no split in the CTP, that the "agreement' was approved by the majority of the central committee and that during the voting in the "assembly" only Dogus Derya voted against the "agreement", while other "deputies" of the party did not participate in the voting as they had to attend a funeral. Erhurman noted that he was not able to attend the voting because of high blood pressure.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Eleven Turkish military officers were detained in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the paper, 11 Turkish military personnel, among them 3 colonels, 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 2 captains, 2 lieutenants and 2 petty officers were detained and transported to Ankara. A 13 person committee from the General Command of Gendarmerie arrived to the occupied area of Cyprus for investigations.

The paper further reports that the Ankara Office of the Prosecutor issued a warrant for 29 Turkish military officers who have duties in the occupied area of Cyprus. Twelve of the suspects were arrested in the occupied area of Cyprus and five in Ankara. The search for the rest 12 suspects is still going on.

(DPs)

[08] Data about the unemployed persons and pensioners in the breakaway regime

Saner, who was speaking during a television program, stated that there are 92,000 persons who pay social security services and also 42,000 registered foreign workers. He noted that unemployment rates are higher among younger people.

Referring to the issue of "labor and immigration amnesty", he said that the last day for applying for the issue is January 27th.

He also said that the works for the "e-identity" have been completed adding that this development will ease the applications for "issuing passports and identity cards" of the breakaway regime.

(CS)

[09] Persons originated from Kokkina village said that they are ready to return to their village after Erdogan's statements

Erdogan said in a statement after the submission of maps in Geneva that the village would be included in the Turkish Cypriot founding state in case of a solution, in return to Varosha.

Speaking to the paper, Turkish Cypriots who originated from Kokkina, stated that they are ready to return to their village in case the village will remain within the Turkish Cypriot founding state. They also stated that the village should remain within it, even if they will not be allowed to return.

Speaking about the developments in Geneva, the persons asked stated that the Turkish guarantees is a must for reaching an agreement.

(CS)

[10] Varosha is again in the agenda

The paper reports that this "ghost town" used to have 45 hotels, 60 apartment hotels, 3 thousands commercial places, 21 banks, 2 sport facilities, 9 churches, 8 schools, 25 museums, 24 cinema places �

(DPs)

[11] Reaction statements in the occupied area of Cyprus on the reportedly established "National Guard' revolutionary forces" in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus

Commenting on this development, the chairman of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit stated that this kind of information and organizations aim to spread fear and possibly their aim is to launch a "no" campaign, in a possible referendum to take place in Cyprus. He also added that this matter should be handled with seriousness and stressed the need for this kind of actions to be prohibited.

Also, in separate statements, the member of the central committee of the New Cyprus Party (YKP) Alpay Durduran stated that they had not considered as serious the reports for the establishment of the above mentioned organization in the "south" and added that they evaluate as speculations the reports. "If we accept this report as real, then it would be dangerous. He further argued that this report is fabricated by circles which consider that the solution of the Cyprus problem is close. As YKP, we do not have the same view", Durduran said.

Moreover, commenting on the issue, Sener Levent, columnist in Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper, supported that the actions of this organization would be underground and said that the Greek Cypriot government would not permit the establishment of this. Levent added also that similar organizations are financed from abroad.

(AK)

[12] Erdogan to tour African countries

Erdogan's trip will begin on January 22 up to January 26, with the main agenda item being the development of economic relations in three prominent countries in underground wealth.

Erdogan will be be accompanied by businesspeople from the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) as well as Ministers.

The accompanying business representatives will reportedly seek opportunities to benefit from incentives in agriculture, tourism, banking and finance, construction, infrastructure, mining and energy.

In particular, the business delegates are expected to probe the $30 billion investment in liquidation facilities in Mozambique, which is expected to be the world's leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter by 2022.

In a written statement issued by the DEIK to businessmen, it is stated that natural gas is expected to be extracted from the northern part of Mozambique, which will become one of the world's leading exporters of LNG after the construction of liquidation facilities and terminals. The total investment value of these facilities is expected to be approximately around $30 billion dollars and to have gone into effect by 2020.

[13] Kurtulmus: Referendum on Constitution expected in early April

Kurtulmus asserted that the referendum could be held in early April, after the discussions are concluded and the constitutional amendment is approved by the President. Expressing the view that the second round of voting would be similar to the first round, Kurtulmus said: "The referendum should be held as soon as possible. I believe that the earliest possible date to hold the referendum will fall within the first weeks of April."

Talking to a television channel on Monday, Kurtulmus accused the main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP) of attempts to a deadlock in the Parliament, and criticized its members for causing a fistfight.

"It is unacceptable. We hope that the opposition will abstain themselves from harming Turkey's image with such actions in the second round of voting. The CHP is sabotaging itself by opposing the amendment just for the sake of opposition and it is hurting its own reputation with these kinds of acts," said Kurtulmus.

Referring to the discussions of possible snap elections, Kurtulmus noted that it was not the right moment to talk about snap elections. "Some mentioned snap elections in the case of a deadlock in the Parliament. I believe it is not right to speak about this at this moment. Turkey is moving forward for the referendum, not snap elections."

Meanwhile, the General Assembly concluded the first round of voting on all 18 articles of the constitutional amendment package in the late hours on Sunday. All the articles passed with 330 votes in favor threshold.

They will now be voted as a bundle in the second session of the discussion which is expected to take place tomorrow. The same limit of 330 votes will be sought for the bundle and failure to achieve so will result in the dismissal of the amendment as a whole.

If the amendment passes the Parliament, it will then be submitted to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who will have two weeks to review and respond to the amendment. If the amendment is ratified by President Erdogan, the referendum will take place 60 days after the ratification.

[14] CHP vows to take charter changes to high court after secret ballot principle breached; K?l?cdaroglu and Bahceli to meet on constitutional change

"We will take our strongest stance once again in the second round if members of the AKP attempt to violate the secret vote principle again. We will not allow such voting to proceed. We will record all voting violations by using technological means and our rights cited in the Internal Regulation. And we will take them to the Constitutional Court in due course," Ozgur Ozel, Deputy parliamentary group leader of the CHP, told reporters at a press conference on January 16.

Ozel said they will seek the cancellation of the vote if lawmakers were to cast their votes openly and put others under pressure again, recalling that the high court will monitor the voting in the second round of the constitutional amendment process.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah (17.01.17) reports that the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahceli will meet at Parliament on Wednesday just as the second round of voting on the amendment kicks off in the General Assembly, in order to discuss the constitutional change and the long-debated amendment package.

K?l?cdaroglu had previously asked Bahceli for a meeting to express his party's point of view on the issue as well as see his party's stance on a possible switch to the presidential system.

The party argues that the constitutional amendment will result in a regime change in Turkey, saying that it may endanger national sovereignty. Moreover some CHP Deputies believe that the new constitution is being rushed.

(...)

[15] Turkish citizens want EU for visa-free travel rather than economic reasons, according to a survey

According to the findings of the AIAD, the priority reason for 81% of Turkish citizens to want EU membership is due to free movement, while 74% of the participants said that Turkey could benefit from EU membership in terms of democracy and human rights.

In addition to the findings on a demand to join the EU for "free movement" without visas, the survey found that the other highly important issues for the citizens are related to educational, cultural and occupational reasons.

Though the Western perception of Turkey's efforts on the path to EU accession is determined mainly by economic reasons, the survey revealed that the increase of economic prosperity is a subordinate motivation, ranked sixth among the others.

The survey was conducted with 3,385 participants, many of whom have a university degree and knowledge about the EU membership process, and indicated that the majority of the people did not perceive the EU as a reliable ally to Turkey. In response to the question, "Do you think that the EU is reliable or not?" 74.4% of the participants answered "no."

[16] Istanbul nightclub attacker has been arrested

The attacker was caught as his son was near him. The attacker has been taken to health check.

The mass shooting at an Istanbul nightclub on New Year's Eve was carried out professionally with the involvement of an intelligence organization, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on January 16.

On January 15, police reportedly determined a house in Silivri which was used by the suspected attacker in the Reina attack, an Uzbek Islamic State Iraq and Levant (ISIL) militant.

Police raided the address and found 150,000 dollars in the house on January 15. Police also said the money was the amount to be given to Masharipov, who was allegedly unable to obtain the money due to the intense police hunt.

Masharipov, who is accused of killing a total of 39 people and wounding 65 others at the Reina nightclub in Ortakoy on Jan. 1, went to his home in Istanbul's Zeytinburnu district after the attack and took his son before escaping, the sources had said earlier. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK/AM)

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