Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-07-31

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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] Turkish MFA on UNFICYP Resolution

[02] Self-styled foreign ministry criticizes Eide and UNFICYP Resolution

[03] Erturugoglu's claims: "A new process for Cyprus must be conducted on the ground of equality and from state to state"

[04] Denktas: No point in resuming talks

[05] Akinci's advisor on the steps to be taken for Maronite's return

[06] Anonymous source alleged that the opening of Varosha will take place by the end of 2017

[07] Arikli: "The return of Maronites should be legalized"

[08] The "Immovable Property Commission's term in office" to be extended

[09] The occupation regime and Turksoy member countries "signed a cooperation protocol" on health tourism

[10] So called minister Ataoglu denied the allegations that a "hotel" for "covered women" would open in occupied Lapythos village

[11] Turkey's top military board to convene on Aug. 2

[12] Istanbul to host meeting of ministers on Al-Aqsa crisis

[13] Turkey failed to meet Istanbul Convention's requirements: Main opposition CHP Deputy said

[14] Seven daily Cumhuriyet journalists, executives released from prison

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkish MFA on UNFICYP Resolution

In a written statement evaluating the UN Resolution, the Turkish Foreign Ministry claimed that "the Conference on Cyprus was concluded without any outcome on the 7th of July 2017, and that the UN Secretary-General in his periodic report on UNFICYP issued on the 10th of July indicated the disappointment which ensued from the closure of the conference without an agreement being reached".

The statement reminded that the Secretary-General had invited the parties, particularly the two leaders on the island, "to reflect deeply on this result and on the possible way ahead".

"This being the case, the wordings prejudging the period ahead in the Resolutionon the extension of UNFICYP's mandate have no meaning. Taking into account the recommendation of the UN Secretary-General, Turkey is continuing its assessment of the future steps to be taken on the settlement of the Cyprus issue in light of its observations concerning the course of the process to date as well as its determination to reach a lasting settlement" the Turkish Foreign Ministry's statement read.

[02] Self-styled foreign ministry criticizes Eide and UNFICYP resolution

It condemned the remarks made by UN Special Advisor Espen Barth Eide stating that the Treaty of Guarantees and Turkey's right to intervention must end immediately. The self-styled ministry stated that the UN Special Envoy's remarks "not only violated the principle of impartiality of the Good Offices Mission, but also completely ignored the historical facts on the Island, and thus exceedingly overstepped his authority which entails non-interference on substantive issues."

Also touching upon the UN Resolutionwhich extended the mandate of UNFICYP on the island for a further 6 months, the statement alleged that "reference made to the so-called Republic or so-called government of Cyprus in the Resolutiondid not reflect the realities on the island and was unacceptable for the Turkish Cypriot side".

Claiming that "the Greek Cypriot administration had no authority or jurisdiction over north Cyprus", the statement pointed out that it was clear that "the TRNC had its own administration or officials and that the Greek Cypriots did not represent the Turkish Cypriots in any manner"

The "ministry's" statement also alleged that "it was not possible for the United Nations which treated one of the two equal sides on the island as the 'state' and the other as a 'community' to be impartial".

[03] Erturugoglu's claims: "A new process for Cyprus must be conducted on the ground of equality and from state to state"

Ertugruloglu claimed that "from now on the negotiation must be conducted on the ground of equality and from state to state" and alleged that this is the only way for a solution to be safeguarded.

He made these statements speaking to TRT World, where he evaluated the latest developments of the Cyprus problem.

He went on and stated that they do not say that the Cyprus negotiations are finished. "However; we do not approve the negotiations to be continued from where they were left until after the Greek Cypriot elections", he claimed.

He went on and alleged that there are two "states" in Cyprus and first of all the UN and the whole world knows this. However, he claimed the UN and EU are the two organizations that made the greatest injustices to the Turkish Cypriots because they accepted the Grrek Cypriots as their members and excluded the Turkish Cypriots.

The Cyprus negotiations that ended in Switzerland ended with the insistence of "zero soldier zero guarantee" by Greece and the Greek Cypriots", he alleged.

[04] Denktas: No point in resuming talks

Speaking on a live program aired on BRT he alleged that talks for creating federations could only be held between equal parties.

He also expressed concern claiming that the 11th of February 2014 Joint Declaration, which his party withdrew its support from, "could create a new environment of conflict on the island".

Alleging that it became clear in Crans-Montana that the federation positions of the two sides were far too apart from each other, Denktas alleged: "It is obvious that the Greek Cypriot's understanding of a bi-zonal federation is quite different from our understanding. This is the real reason why the process collapsed".

He further alleged that the Greek Cypriot side's proposal for a 'single ticket' in elections was proof that it had no desire to share political power with the Turkish Cypriots.

Touching upon the 11th of February 2014 Joint Declaration, Denktas expressed his concerns regarding a bi-zonal federal settlement.

"As long as we continue negotiating a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with one side being recognized as the state whilst the other a community, then this could create a new ground for conflict. We cannot continue negotiating on the basis of these parameters. Negotiations for establishing federations are held between equal sides" he alleged.

Denktas also claimed that the talks could only resume as and when the international community accepts and recognizes the political equality of the two sides.

[05] Akinci's advisor on the steps to be taken for Maronite's return

Speaking on a private TV channel, Ercin argued that positive results will emerge as the Turkish Cypriot side takes sincere steps.

"Our road map as of this stage will be to take realistic and reasonable steps, both domestically and abroad, against all obstacles, in line with the demands and expectations of the Turkish Cypriot people" he alleged.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side was not rushing this process, Ercin alleged that the period ahead will be spent changing things in a good way.

"The steps taken regarding the Maronites was important in showing not only the Turkish Cypriot people but the international community that some things can change for the better rather than accepting the situation as it is in the absence of a settlement to the Cyprus Problem" he claimed.

Ercin also argued that it was important to find common ground and take healthy steps when considering that the international community was now watching and observing the Turkish Cypriot side's reactions.

Alleging that the Greek Cypriot side had shown that it was not ready for a federal partnership in Cyprus, he said that "they will continue their efforts until conditions for a federal settlement are conducive, by not solving domestic issues and further developing relations within the international community".

Ercin also claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side had taken clear and solution focused steps in Crans-Montana within the framework drawn by the UN Secretary General.

"As the UN Secretary General clearly pointed out�the two sides need a period of reflection. We are going through a serious process of reflection and various steps will be taken until conditions for negotiations are once again favourable" he said.

[06] Anonymous source alleged that the opening of Varosha will take place by the end of 2017

According to the same source, the Turkish Cypriot side will need at least 3-5 months in order to make this step in order to "examine the reaction of the public opinion". The anonymous source denied also the allegations saying that the fenced off city of Varosha would open under the UN's control, alleging that "these statements do not reflect the reality".

(AK)

[07] Arikli: "The return of Maronites should be legalized"

Arikli stressed the need to "establish the legal basis" for the return of Maronites to their villages. "The council of ministers should start working urgently for the preparation of the legal basis on this issue and should bring it into the agenda of the assembly the soonest possible", Arikli alleged.

Arikli added that although his party support the "decision" for the return of Maronites to their villages, it will refer the issue to the "constitutional court" if no "legal regulations" take place first.

(AK)

[08] The "Immovable Property Commission's term in office" to be extended

According to information acquired by the paper, the aim of the occupation regime is to extend the "term of office" of the "commission" and also to set a budget of 15 billion sterling, in order for the "commission" to be able to pay compensations. The paper also alleges that after the failure of the Cyprus talks in Switzerland, the applications to the "committee" which saw a remarkable decrease during the recent years are expected to be increased.

(�)

(AK)

[09] The occupation regime and Turksoy member countries "signed a cooperation protocol" on health tourism

According to the paper, the "cooperation protocol" was "signed" by the chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot health tourism council" Ahmet Savasan and the general secretary of the TURKSOY organization and former Minister of Culture of Kazakhstan, Ambassador Dusen Kaseinov.

The "cooperation protocol" envisages mutual development activities by the "Turkish Cypriot health council" and the 14 member countries of TURKSOY (among them are Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kirgizstan), for the promotion of health tourism. Also, the "agreement" envisages that all member countries of the organization will be able to be provided with "health services" in the "TRNC" with high level standards and special conditions.

(AK)

[10] So called minister Ataoglu denied the allegations that a "hotel" for "covered women" would open in occupied Lapythos village

In statements to the paper on the issue, so-called minister of tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu, stated that they have not received any "application" for the opening of such as hotel. He added that they will investigate the issue and claimed that it is not right to advertise the "opening of a hotel" in the internet before this was granted any "permission" for opening.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Africa newspaper (30.07.17) reported that the above mentioned hotel which belongs to the "Aklima Family" has opened in occupied Lapythos village and would provide "services based on Islamic values". The paper added that it is the first time that such a hotel would open in the "TRNC" and explained that among the rules of the hotel would be the prohibition of the use of alcoholic drinks.

(AK)

[11] Turkey's top military board to convene on Aug. 2

The decisions of the YAS will be announced after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's approval on the same day.

Along with Y?ld?r?m and Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli, Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar and senior commanders of the army will be present at the meeting.

With the change to the structure of YAS, Deputy Prime Ministers as well as Foreign and Interior Ministers will also have to participate in the meeting.

This year's meeting will determine whether Land Forces Commander Gen. Salih Zeki Colak, Naval Forces Commander Adm. Bulent Bostanoglu and Air Forces Commander Gen. Abidin Unal will be replaced or have their terms extended. Akar will remain in his position until 2019.

[12] Istanbul to host meeting of Ministers on Al-Aqsa crisis

Members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an extraordinary meeting following a call from Ankara.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kal?n defended President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks on the Al-Aqsa crisis against Israeli criticism Thursday.

Kal?n said that the Turkish nation was proud of its history, adding that all religions, even before the Ottoman era, enjoyed "complete freedom" of worship in the holy lands.

"Those who try to attack our history should study it first," Kal?n told news channel Haberturk.

On Tuesday, Erdogan criticized the new Israeli security measures at Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is sacred to Muslims and is the Islamic world's third-holiest site. He urged Muslims to play their part in protecting the sacred mosque in Jerusalem.

The same day, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon blasted Erdogan's statements as "delusional."

"The days of the Ottoman Empire are over," Nahshon said. "The capital of the Jewish people was, is, and always will be Jerusalem. As opposed to the past, this is a city where the government is committed to its security, liberty, freedom of worship and respects the rights of all minorities."

Kal?n responded by saying that the issues surrounding Al-Aqsa would "cause tension" between not only Turkey and Israel, but also between all the countries in the region. "[Israel] expecting us to act as though nothing is going on there is unrealistic."

Kal?n added that Ankara is worried that Israel is planning to change the current status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

"The Palestinian people, Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem are not alone. If current policies continue, Israel will face the entire Muslim world," he warned.

Anger has spilled across the West Bank since July 14 when Israel imposed security restrictions on Al-Aqsa, a site that is venerated by Muslims and Jews, following the deaths of two Israeli police officers and three Arab Israelis in an attack.

The measures, which included metal detectors, have since been removed.

[13] Turkey failed to meet Istanbul Convention's requirements: Main opposition CHP deputy said

"The Council of Europe is to make a warning to countries to implement the Istanbul Convention effectively in a report to be published in 2018. Turkey is among the countries with the highest number of child marriages," Bilgehan, also a Council of Europe parliamentarian, stated in her report on July 30.

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, known as the Istanbul Convention, entered into force in Turkey on Aug. 1, 2014.

"Turkey has been experiencing problems with implementing preventative measures against underage marriages, which have been brought to the agenda recently as religious offices are slated to be authorized to conduct marriages with the latest draft law," Bilgehan said.

"Article 37 of the convention states 'parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that the intentional conduct of forcing an adult or a child into marriage is criminalized,'" the report said.

Bilgehan reiterated the importance of the Istanbul Convention, noting that it had become pressing to implement the convention's requirements in the wake of recent attacks against women on public transport over the way they dressed.

"The Istanbul Convention requires taking clear-cut measures on the subject. Article 4 states 'parties should take necessary legislative and other measures to promote and protect the right for everyone, particularly women, to live free from violence in both the public and the private sphere,'" the report said.

[14] Seven daily Cumhuriyet journalists, executives released from prison

Bulent Utku, Mustafa Kemal Gungor, Musa Kart, Guray Tekinoz, Turhan Gunay, Onder Celik and Hakan Karasinir were greeted by friends, relatives and main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputies outside the prison.

Speaking to reporters after his release, cartoonist Musa Kart said they served nine months in prison due to unlawful and baseless accusations and said the indictment trying to associate the daily with the Gulen network had failed.

CHP leader Kemal K?l?cdaroglu also voiced his happiness over the journalists' release.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described the release of the seven as a "small step in the right direction" but said they should never have been jailed.

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