Stating that they focused on speeding up the development of the "TRNC" and that he reportedly saw the solution of the Cyprus problem in this, Akdag asked "what other solution we will be seeking for?"

Responding to a question regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem, he said "I am so optimistic because the issue has always been discussed over an agreement with the Greek Cypriots. It is obvious that the Greek Cypriots will not come near an agreement at least in the near future."

Noting that the Cyprus problem was substantially solved for him, Akdag claimed: "We will increase the per capita income from 13 thousand US Dollars to 25 thousand US Dollars. This is the whole point, when the TRNC will be more liveable then the Cyprus problem will be substantially solved".

Pointing out that health was one of the greatest demands of both the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots, he said by building a magnificent hospital they will raise the health system in the "TRNC" in two years' time.

"We have an economic cooperation and development program. Health is one of the main subjects of this program because this is a demand of the Cyprus people", Akdag argued. He also said that they will build a new hospital in "Lefkosa" (the occupied part of Nicosia) which will be similar to city hospitals in Turkey and alleged that even the Greek Cypriots will come to this hospital.

Claiming that the Greek Cypriot side had a huge grown with the EU support, he argued that while the "TRNC citizens" drink wonderful water the Greek Cypriots cannot.

Reminding that electricity will be brought to the island (he refers to the occupied part of Cyprus) through cables, Akdag said: "The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources are working on this project. If the Greek Cypriots want we can also provide water for them however they don't."

Claiming that accepting Greek Cypriots to the EU early and unjustly had caused a terrific impertinence, Akdag argued: "We are now focused on speeding on the development of the TRNC. The TRNC is becoming a wonderful country to reside in each passing day. I see the solution of the problem in this. What other solution we will be seeking for?"

[02] The population in the occupied area of Cyprus has allegedly reached 351 thousands

Referring to the economy, Muhtaroglu said that inflation for the period October 2016 - October 2017 reached 16,05% in the occupied area of Cyprus and 11,9% in Turkey. "That is, on an annual basis inflation in us was 4,5 points higher than the one in Turkey", he noted adding that during the next few months there might be increases in the occupied area of Cyprus as well due to the foreign exchange. He said that inflation was 11,32% during the first ten months of 2017, while during the same period of 2016 had been 10,2%. Noting that they will announce the results for this year within a couple of months, Muhtaroglu added that the cost of living was 7,68% during the first six months of 2017.

(I/Ts.)

[03] "The value of the TL approached zero"

Economists in the occupied area of Cyprus are reportedly concerned about the "astronomic" devaluation of the TL and are expecting for the "government" to take measures.

Meanwhile, Kibris (26.11.17) reported that the instalment paid by a person who has taken a loan from a bank in sterling pounds to buy a house, increased by nearly 60% during the past four years. While in 2013 for an instalment of 350 sterling pounds 1,147 TL were paid, in 2017 this sum increased to 1,831 TL.

The chairman of the building contractors' union Cafer Gurcafer argued that they are obliged to sell houses in foreign exchange, because they buy their materials from Turkey in dollars.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Afrika evaluates the situation 40 days prior to the "elections"

The paper notes that 7 parties and 350 candidates are participating in the "elections" adding that many persons believe that the "elections" will turn into a fiasco due to the new "election system" that has been adopted. Two or even three parties are expected to form a "collation government", according to Afrika, therefore there is a great chance that new "elections" to be held again a year after.

The paper further, examining the situation in the Turkish Cypriot political parties, writes that the "public opinion" believes that Huseyin Ozgurgun is expected to have the fate of Irsen Kucuk, as regards the leadership of the National Unity Party. In addition, the Republican Turkish Party is regaining its power, while the People's Party, appears to lose its former appeal (to the voters). The Democratic Party of Serdar Denktas seems to start regaining its power and it shows that it may be able to overcome the election threshold.

The votes that the Communal Democrat Party and the Revival Party (the settlers' party) will receive are also expected with great interest, the paper notes.

(CS)

[05] Allegations say that a helicopter of the Republic of Cyprus' Police "violated" the occupation regime's airspace

According to these allegations, the helicopter "has violated the TRNC airspace flying over the presidential palace" in the occupied part of Lefkosia for 67 seconds.

As it was made known, "the violation of the TRNC zone of dominance was observed as provocative and a written protest was made to the Foreign Ministry via the UN military and civil department".

(AK)

[06] A group of journalists from Georgia are illegally visiting the occupation regime for contacts

According to the paper, the Georgian journalists met with the Turkish Cypriot Union of Journalists and were briefed about the ties of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot journalists and their common efforts to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

The "secretary of the foreign relations" of BASIN-SEN Ali Kurtoglu briefed the journalists from Georgia on the situation of the island.

(AK)

[07] Yildirim in UK to enhance bilateral ties, increase cooperation in defence, economy; Cyprus issue in the agenda

Yildirim said economic relations between Turkey and the U.K. are improving as bilateral trade volume has gone up over the last two years. He added that he will also discuss with his British counterpart the developments made at the recent Turkey-Iran-Russia tripartite meeting on Syria.

During his visit, Y?ld?r?m is expected to hold meetings with international investors and attend a lunch with the CEOs and business leaders of prominent British companies. He will also talk to the local media about the developments in Europe and the Middle East.

Turkey and Britain also agreed on a joint venture to produce engines for Turkish Aerospace Industries' (TAI) TF-X national fighter jet project.

[08] Cavusoglu said that Washington will not give weapons anymore to PKK-PYD

"President Erdogan shared information with U.S. President Trump about the Sochi summit and the two leaders also discussed the fight against terror," a statement from the Turkish Presidency read, adding that Erdogan and Trump agreed on joint fight against "all terrorist organizations," including ISIL, the PKK and the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO), widely believed to have been behind the July 15, 2016 coup attempt.

"The two leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening Turkey-U.S. relations and agreed on a joint fight against all terrorist organizations, including DEASH, PKK, FETO and similar groups", it said, using an Arabic acronym for ISIL.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Trump promised not to send weapons to the People's Protection Units (YPG) any more.

Turkey has repeatedly protested the U.S. for providing around 4,000 truckloads of weapons to the YPG in the fight against ISIL.

The White House also issued a statement on the conversation, which did not directly refer to arms sent to YPG militants. "Trump reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Turkey, particularly in combating terrorism in all its forms and fostering regional stability," the statement said.

"Consistent with our previous policy, President Trump also informed President Erdogan of pending adjustments to the military support provided to our partners on the ground in Syria, now that the battle of Raqqa is complete and we are progressing into a stabilization phase to ensure that [ISIL] cannot return," the release said, using another name for ISIL.

According to White House, the leaders also touched on the importance of the Geneva process on Syria and the necessity to implement U.N. Resolution 2254.

Moreover, Erdogan and Trump "also discussed the purchase of military equipment from the United States," according to the White House.

On Nov. 26, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that Ankara "expects the U.S. to stop providing weapons" to the YPG.

[09] Erdogan: "I'll resign if CHP proves my dime abroad"

"If Tayyip Erdogan has a single penny abroad, he should prove it. If proven, I will not stay in this presidential post for even one minute," Erdogan said on Nov. 26.

"In which off-shore bank does Tayyip Erdogan have an account? Prove it. If you cannot prove it, you yourself will have to quit politics. If you do, I will quit politics and my post in the presidency," he added.

His comments came following CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu's accusations that Erdogan's close circle deposited money in off-shore tax havens, after the Paradise Papers revelations showed the names of Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m's sons as the owners of multiple companies based in the tax haven Malta.

"Erdogan, I will ask you a simple question: Do you know that your children, your brother-in-law, your father-in-law, your brother, and your former executive assistant have deposited millions of U.S. dollars into a company based in off-shore tax-havens?" Kilicdaroglu said on Nov. 21, referring to a specific company without citing its name. "I will tell you the founding capital of that company: One pound sterling. But the money sent to it is millions of dollars. I am waiting for an answer to this," he added.

"Reveal to us however many millions of dollars you have. And where is that money? Let us see it," Kilicdaroglu said.

In response Erdogan blasted Kilicdaroglu, demanding that he reveal documents proving his accusations. "I am asking this person, whose name I would not even consider uttering: Are there documents proving your accusations? If there are, make them public and I will do what is necessary," he said. "If you don't, admit that you engaged in defamation and apologize," he added.

The President also stated that his lawyers had filed a legal complaint against Kilicdaroglu, demanding non-pecuniary damages worth 1.5 million Turkish Liras.

Erdogan's lawyers filed the complaint against the CHP head on Nov. 24, demanding 1.5 million liras (around $350,000) for the comments.

[10] New Iraqi pipeline planned to send Kirkuk oil to Turkey

Cihad said the new pipeline would serve to replace an old pipeline which suffered severe damage in terror attacks. Companies interested in building the new pipeline will be invited to the Ministry, he said.

[11] Turkey, Iran and Qatar signed a transportation deal

Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci, his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Shariatmadari, and Qatari counterpart Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani were in Tehran to sign the agreement.

The deal is expected to help accelerate commodity delivery and facilitate trade between the three nations. Under the agreement, Iran will be the transit country between Turkey and Qatar.

Stressing both countries' strong economies, Zeybekci said a free trade deal between Ankara and Tehran could pave the way for hundreds of new companies.

During the commission meeting, the countries also reportedly signed a bilateral deal in the field of engineering which targets $10 billion in annual trade.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

https://www.pio.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio2013.nsf/All/EDB254ABD6F3EAE1C225816F00425E83?OpenDocument

(DPs / AM)

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