Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-03-04

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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] Akinci describes the current negotiating process as the "last chance for federation"

[02] Ak?nc? met with Turkey's Minister Isik

[03] Tusk discussed the Cyprus problem with Davutoglu

[04] Kalyoncu evaluated the water agreement

[05] Turkish Minister said that third countries asked them for water

[06] Ozyigit condemned the so-called government for the signing of the water agreement

[07] The land on which a university in occupied Morfou area will be built allegedly belongs to the self-styled minister of education or his family

[08] Angolemli and Durust talked about Morfou's return at the "assembly"

[09] Applications for the establishment of more "universities" in the occupation regime are waiting for "YODAK's permission"; statements by Durust

[10] Dincyurek resigned from DP; Serdar Denktas preferred not to comment the resignation

[11] Havadis media Group and Phileleftheros Media Group launched cooperation

[12] Tacoy: "State policy cannot be conducted only with Bayrak"

[13] CHP to sue the AKP government for "aiding terrorism"

[14] Berkin Elvan's murderer identified almost three years after shooting

[15] Columnist assesses the situation in Turkey regarding the change of political system

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci describes the current negotiating process as the "last chance for federation"

In a joint interview with reporters of Havadis and Phileleftheros / Cyprus Weekly newspapers, Akinci said that the negotiations for establishing a federation have lasted for a long time and added that with President Anastasiades they share the view that if they could not find a federal solution, the next generations "will put the emphasis on other solution models". Akinci said that a solution in 2016 is possible and added that President Anastasiades also shares this view.

Noting that a will for a solution is now existing at the table, Akinci reiterated his belief that "we do not need years for finding a solution in Cyprus".

Arguing that we are passing through a sensitive period now because of the parliamentary elections to be held in May in the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus, Akinci said that after May "speedy developments are possible". "Until then we will try to achieve more progress on the four chapters on which we made progress until now", he said, adding that progress has been achieved on the chapters of Governance and Power Sharing, the EU, Economy and Property. He noted that in the above chapters there are also issues that remain open and they will try to reduce their number as much as possible.

Asked what is expected in the next stage, Akinci replied: "I am suggesting the discussion of the Territory and the Security/ Guarantees in a different format where the map, the percentages and the names of the places will be discussed. No concrete decision has been taken yet on these issues. However, on the territory issue we do not want a situation like now to go, talk, to come back, to go back in ten days, and meanwhile these issues to become front-page news in the papers. [?] We want to discuss the territory in a continuous process. And right after the territory we want to complete the Security and the Guarantees with the participation of the guarantors".

Replying to a question on the confidence building measures, Akinci argued that the Turkish Cypriot side has done whatever it promised, but the Greek Cypriot side says that a law is an obstacle on the connection of the cell phones networks. He argued that if the obstacle was in the "laws" of the breakaway regime he would meet with the parties and overcome the problem.

Asked about the other factors which make the solution possible, Akinci said that the most important issue is energy and reiterated the view that the energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will either be turned into a field of cooperation or into a means of conflict. He argued that the most "simple, quick and cheap" route for transferring energy from Israel through Cyprus to Europe is Turkey.

Referring to the water which was transferred from Turkey to the occupied area of the island, Akinci said: "Water came from Turkey here. This water came with a new technology. This is an important project. Currently 75 million cubic meters will come. In the future, when Cyprus is united, it is possible to create the capacity for the whole of Cyprus to benefit with this technology. Therefore, this is a factor as well, the electricity-water-natural gas and the mutual dependence which they will create, the dependence in a positive direction. It is a dependence which will create possibilities for cooperation. And the last factor is the following: The international community is really supporting this solution. Turkey, Greece, the UN and the EU need such an example. [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ak?nc? met with Turkey's Minister Isik

Speaking during the visit, Is?k expressed support to Ak?nc? at the negotiations process, stating the following: "We are closely following and supporting president Ak?nc?'s works towards a just and comprehensive solution on the island. Hopefully, we will reach a lasting solution as a result of the negotiations. But, Turkey will continue to stand by the TRNC under any circumstances".

For his part, Ak?nc? said that the support expressed by Is?k on the Cyprus issue was very important. "All our efforts are aimed towards creating a bi-zonal, bi-communal atmosphere in Cyprus. We are working towards reaching a just and lasting solution which will not make our people suffer again and which will not harm our equality, security and freedom. Turkey's support on this is so important for us and we will continue to work with good will in order to achieve this goal", Akinci said.

"I hope 2016 will be a year which a new political climate will be created and instead of regional conflicts regional cooperation will be on the agenda. We should continue working in order to be prepared for the future", added Akinci.

[03] Tusk discussed the Cyprus problem with Davutoglu

Speaking at a joint press conference with Davutoglu, Tusk said that among the matters discussed during the meeting was also the Cyprus problem.

Tusk expressed the view that a solution on the Cyprus problem that will be on the benefit of both sides in the island is very important for the security and the stability of the region.

(AK)

[04] Kalyoncu evaluated the water agreement

Kalyoncu announced that the management of the water will be the responsibility of the "TRNC".

Describing the water agreement signed with Turkey as satisfactory for both "countries", he said that "as a result of uphill struggles we managed to make changes in line with the expectations of our people and obtained gains on the control and management of the water".

Kalyoncu also provided information about the changes made on 13 articles of the agreement as a result of long negotiations with Turkey.

Stressing that the water project should be used in the direction of peace and convergences, Kalyoncu expressed the hope that the water will open a new era in relations between the two "countries" and bring peace, stability and mutual benefit.

"We need a positive relationship with Turkey during a time when our government is preparing for new investments and for the implementation of many reforms and projects" Kalyoncu added.

"A bright future and establishment of a federal Cyprus in equality and peace will depend on these good relations" he stated.

Evaluating also the economic protocol to be signed with Turkey, he said the final technical arrangements in the protocol were made during his visit in Ankara.

[05] Turkish Minister said that third countries asked them for water

Eroglu, who was speaking at the Turkish Assembly, about his Ministry's annual budget, went on and added that this is the first time that such a project took place and said that the water transferred will meet the needs of the population in the occupied area of Cyprus for the next fifty years.

He also stated that other countries which saw the success of the project started asking for water from Turkey as well.

(CS)

[06] Ozyigit condemned the so-called government for the signing of the water agreement

Accusing the "government" for the signing of the agreement, Ozyigit said that together with the "economic protocol", the privatization of "electricity, telecommunication and ports" will come into the agenda.

"In what way those who approved the privatization of the water, will oppose to the privatization of KIB-TEK, the Telecommunication department and all the other institutions in the country", wondered Ozygit.

(AK)

[07] The land on which a university in occupied Morfou area will be built allegedly belongs to the self-styled minister of education or his family

"There are very serious allegations regarding the land on which it is said that the Turkish Nisantasi University will be built in Morfou. What it is mostly said is that the land, on which the university buildings will be constructed, belongs to education minister Durust or his family. In other words, according to the allegations, the minister of education has sold land to the aforementioned university. Of course, the duty of confirming such information belongs to the competent authorities, but if it is true, this is not good. Because, how come the minister of education sells his own land to a university to which he gave a permit? Perhaps there is an illegal situation. However, in your view, is such an alleged sale procedure ethical? In my view it is not. I hope it is not true and I hope it is a lie. We will see".

(I/Ts.)

[08] Angolemli and Durust talked about Morfou's return at the "assembly"

Angolemli criticized the recent statements of Durust about Morfou saying that statements like "we are not giving Morfou back, or we are giving it back" at a time when the Cyprus negotiations are taking place are very wrong and they put a burden on the Turkish Cypriot side.

Replying to Angolemli's comments, Durust stated that the stance of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci does not concern him and added that the fact that the area needs investments is a reality. He went on to add that he tries to reply to questions and problems occurring in the area and while doing so he does not have in mind whether Morfou will be given back to the Greek Cypriots or not.

Angolemli took again the floor after Durust's statements and said that even the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on the Turkish Cypriots "Not to give Morfou back". "But he did not say; you shall not give Morfou", Angolemli noted. He went on and wondered why after all these years a new university is to be constructed in the area now.

(CS)

[09] Applications for the establishment of more "universities" in the occupation regime are waiting for "YODAK's permission"; statements by Durust

Commenting on this, Durust said that the "authority" for "giving permission" for the establishment of a "university" should be given to the "parliament". He added that since there are already 12 "universities" in the "country", it would be better instead of increasing the number of the "universities", to increase the quality of education that the existing ones provide.

(AK)

[10] Dincyurek resigned from DP; Serdar Denktas preferred not to comment the resignation

Dincyurek's official letter regarding his resignation was read out during the plenary session of the so-called parliament.

Dincyurek will continue as an independent "deputy" at the so-called parliament.

Speaking to the paper about Dincyurek's resignation, Serdar Denktas, chairman of DP-UG stated that he preferred not to comment on this. He said that he does not know the reason of this resignation and added that it would be better to ask Dincyurek for this.

The number of seats at the so-called parliament after Dincyurek's resignation has been formed as follows:

-Republican Turkish Party (CTP): 21

-National Unity Party (UBP): 18

-Democratic Party-National Forces (DP-UG): 7

-Social Democracy Party (TDP): 3

-Independent: 1

[11] Havadis media Group and Phileleftheros Media Group launched cooperation

The paper writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci has described this cooperation as "a historic step for correct communication". In his message President Anastasiades applauded this cooperation, noting after the lack of communication and the decades of division, there are still serious problems in the two communities understanding each other.

(I/Ts.)

[12] Tacoy: "State policy cannot be conducted only with Bayrak"

Tacoy stated that private channels in the breakaway regime face various problems mainly due to "unjust competition". As he said, the Turkish channels that broadcast in the occupied area of Cyprus are more influential and have a bigger audience therefore get more commercials than the Turkish Cypriot ones.

He went on and noted that the "state policy" should not be left only to Bayrak since all the private channels can be very helpful towards this direction and called the "state financial aid" to be increased. On the contrary he said the aid is to be cut after June and this leaves the private channels to survive only by their own means, which will be impossible under the current circumstances.

(CS)

[13] CHP to sue the AKP government for "aiding terrorism"

Describing the support a legitimate government gives to an outlawed terrorist organization as a crime, K?l?cdaroglu implicitly said that his party would file a criminal complaint against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

"A legitimate government cannot support nor abet an illegitimate terrorist organization. This is a crime. However, this crime has been committed in Turkey and is still being committed," Kilicdaroglu also said, adding that there was no terrorism when the AKP came to power in 2002.

"Turkey is now a lake of blood today. They ordered governors, 'Do not touch terrorists.' They made the east and the south east warehouses of weapons. We hear news of soldiers' deaths every day," he said and added that Turkey is one step away from catastrophe.

[14] Berkin Elvan's murderer identified almost three years after shooting

A report by daily Milliyet said that the police officer who caused Elvan's death has finally been identified, almost two years after the teenager succumbed to his wounds following a 269-day coma on March 11, 2014.

Camera footage from the incident displayed two police officers shooting tear gas at the spot where Elvan, then 14, sustained his wounds.

The footage was retrieved from the camera of a riot control vehicle with water cannon, popularly known as a TOMA, and was sent to the gendarmerie criminal laboratory for investigation.

An expert report identified a police officer and a police superintendent as suspects, but it was later determined that only the police officer's position matched the direction from where Elvan was shot.

According to reports, the Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office has since been searching for the suspect and finally identified the officer ? some two years after the footage was retrieved.

The officer was transferred to a different province and will testify in the coming days, daily Milliyet reported.

[15] Columnist assesses the situation in Turkey regarding the change of political system

"We have reached the stage where Turkey no longer has a Constitutional Conciliation Commission. Indeed, it was never a very realistic prospect in the first place.

A minimum of 367 votes are required to change the Constitution in a vote in Parliament; 330 votes are required to hold a referendum. Anything below that has no meaning.

The biggest party in Parliament, the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), does not have 330 votes. What's more, in a secret vote there is no guarantee that all 316 votes of the AK Party will be positive. The Parliament Speaker cannot vote either. Even if all ruling party Deputies were convinced and voted as a bloc, they would need at least 14 outside votes.

Could these votes be found? Of course they could; this is what conciliation means. The three other parties in Parliament could reconcile with the AK Party on several constitutional articles. But a political system change is not among these articles.

The fact that there is no climate of reconciliation for a constitutional change introducing the presidential system does not seem to have led the AK Party to postpone its plans. In the coming period, we should expect the party to form its own commission and write a Constitution that includes the presidential system.

AK Party officials will likely visit other parties and look for reconciliation only after the drafting of this text is completed.

What will happen if no agreement can be reached and the AK Party's constitutional proposal does not receive 330 votes in Parliament? At this point, there is a strong opinion among many that early elections will be called, in order for the AK Party to reach 330 Deputies to take a constitutional change to a referendum. This opinion is thought to be supported by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and several AK Party members.

This desire for an early election is based on the calculation that the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) may not be able to cross the election threshold and the AK Party would receive more than 50% of the votes. Whenever this is openly suggested it is immediately denied: First Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu denied it and then Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kal?n.

It would truly be a weird and extraordinary development for a country to hold elections once again after holding two consecutive elections in the previous year. But this is Turkey. Holding two elections last year was extraordinary enough in itself.

Indeed, for an opposition that opened the way for President Erdogan and the AK Party to hold a second election last year, a similar performance would not be extraordinary.

Unfortunately, at this moment politics and political struggles in Turkey are only being conducted within the AK Party - covertly and shyly.

Although it is not reflected much on the outside, inside the AK Party there are those who automatically support President Erdogan's desired presidential system and there are those who hesitate to support it.

We are all watching this political struggle from the outside. That "outside" includes the opposition parties. Probably the opposition is just waiting for the debate in the AK Party to settle and for clarity to arise. They also waited just like this after the June 7 election last year, and we know what happened next". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

(AK/AM)

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