Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-07-25

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: Progress marked at Cyprus talks

[02] Turkish Cypriot daily alleges that the Greek Cypriot side is sounding the ground for postponing the Cyprus negotiations

[03] Cavusoglu says that the members of Gulen's organization in the occupied area of Cyprus will be found and taken to Turkey

[04] Turkish Cypriot press reports on arrests and activities of Gulen's organization in the occupied area of Cyprus

[05] The Turkish "ambassador" to the breakaway regime: "TRNC will not be affected by state of emergency declared in Turkey

[06] Talat argued that if the military coup attempt in Turkey was successful the Cyprus problem would never be solved

[07] "Retired army officials" in the occupation regime evaluated the military coup attempt in Turkey

[08] Ak?nc? on the issue of freedom of worship in the breakaway regime

[09] Kilicadoroglu on the big CHP rally: We need to restructure state, stick to rule of law

[10] Erdogan to meet leaders of three main parties in Parliament after failed coup attempt

[11] Erdogan: 13,165 detained over failed coup attempt

[12] Turkish Government introduces strict legal measures against plotters in initial State of Emergency decree

[13] Cavusoglu vows to clean Foreign Ministry of Gulenist diplomats

[14] EU Minister Celik calls EU institutions to visit Turkey and voice their support

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: Progress marked at Cyprus talks

He said that the issues have been practically solved with a few essentials remaining.

Speaking after the meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades, Ak?nc? said that among the issues which remained to be solved was the matter of rotational presidency which he added could most likely be settled in the later stages of the talks.

"Everyone knows that we perceive the issue of rotational presidency as an indispensable component of our political equality which is why we are optimistic that we will be able to arrive to an agreement on this issue in the later stages of the talks.

Akinci also warned that time was running out to reach an agreement. "There is a general understanding that 2016 will be a year for a settlement. We are working with all our strength to make this happen as there might be new dynamics in 2017 which may work against a settlement. As I have said before we have the preparations for the 2018 Greek Cypriot Presidential elections which will start next year, the appointment of a new UN Secretary General as well as a new US President" he added.

[02] Turkish Cypriot daily alleges that the Greek Cypriot side is sounding the ground for postponing the Cyprus negotiations

Citing information obtained by ABHaber news portal, the paper reports that the Greek Cypriot side is conveying to its EU and UN interlocutors the view that the military coup attempt contains many elements for the postponement of the negotiations for a certain period of time on the grounds that the coup is creating the concern that some problems might come up regarding the Cyprus problem.

The paper argues that according to the Greek Cypriot side, the developments in Turkey include elements which will "influence Turkey's positive support as guarantor power to the Cyprus problem". The Greek Cypriot side is allegedly also worried that the decision for declaring a state of emergency in Turkey could negatively influence the negotiations.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Cavusoglu says that the members of Gulen's organization in the occupied area of Cyprus will be found and taken to Turkey

In statements to Turkish NTV channel, Cavusoglu noted that the FETO supporters in the occupied area of Cyprus will be identified and taken back to Turkey. He recalled that they have closed all Gulen's schools in Somalia and stopped all the activities of the organization in Jordan, Azerbaijan and Nigeria. He added: "The TRNC has also included FETO in the terrorist organizations group. There are some who escaped there. We will bring them back as well".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Cypriot press reports on arrests and activities of Gulen's organization in the occupied area of Cyprus

It is reported that three of the officers were arrested in occupied Keryneia area and two in occupied Yerolakkos village area. No further information could be obtained on this issue, notes that paper adding that it has been said that the operations in the occupied area of Cyprus will be intensified and will be carried out in other "institutions".

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (24.07.16) reported that the information obtained by Turkey after the coup attempt has been the reason for turning all attention to the breakaway regime's "police organization". According to information obtained by Kibris Postasi, Gulen's organization nested within the "police" and the Turkish officials say that a retired sergeant has been the "imam" of Gulen's organization within the regime's "police".

According to the same information, Gulen's organization also nests within the so-called police's "anti-riot forces" and has a significant position within the "police officers" who work at the illegal airport in occupied Tymbou. Many Gulen supporters have escaped to the occupied area of Cyprus before the implementation of measures at Turkey's airports, writes the paper adding that these are the persons which the Turkish Foreign Minister referred to when saying that some Gulen supporters escaped to the occupied area of Cyprus and "we will bring them back".

Meanwhile, under the title "'FETO supporters leaked into the Religious Affairs'", Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (24.07.16) reported that Mehmet Bahadir Kurumanastirli, chairman of Hizmet-Sen [trade union of the employees in the religion field], has said that the activities of Fethullah Gulen's organization had intensified in the occupied area of Cyprus within the period 2008-2013. He noted that the members of the "religious affairs department" which did not wish to join the organization had been subjected to intimidations, threats and pressure and some employees in the field of religion had illegally been moved to other places. Hizmet - Sen's chairman expressed the view that a sweep operation is absolutely necessary in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Furthermore, the paper writes that two Gulen supporters have been arrested in the occupied area of Cyprus and sent back to Turkey. It is said that the operation may be broadened within the next few days and some organizations to be closed down.

In statements to Star Kibris, Ozan Ceyhun, German of Turkish origin former member of the European Parliament (MEP), said that some "members of FETO in uniform and without uniform exist" in the occupied area of Cyprus and added that Turkey will do whatever is necessary. According to Ceyhun, Turkey possesses a list of the persons who are FETO members in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[05] The "Turkish ambassador" to the breakaway regime: "TRNC will not be affected by state of emergency declared in Turkey

Speaking on BRT Kanbay described the failed coup attempt in Turkey as a disgraceful and treacherous move. He said that the coup attempt had failed as a result of the determined and heroic resistance put up by the Turkish people and the political parties. He also expressed the view that it will take time to clean out the supporters and plotters of the coup.

[06] Talat argued that if the military coup attempt in Turkey was successful the Cyprus problem would never be solved

"If the military coup attempt in Turkey by the Turkish army was successful, Turkey would have been in a serious trouble. So, do we? The world would consider this as guarantorship by a coup army and the Cyprus problem could never be solved".

Supporting that they as well as Turkey escaped from a big danger, Talat stressed the need for the "intelligence unit" of the "TRNC" to be strengthened.

Replying to a question, Talat proposed Varosha and the buffer zone as an "intermediate solution", in case that the Cyprus problem will not be solved by the end of the year.

Commenting on the decision of the so-called council of ministers to include FETO/PYD organization in the terrorist list of the "TRNC", Talat said: "The decision taken is very normal. But it is insufficient by its own. Firstly, a civilian intelligence unit should be formed and together with this, legal regulations should be made".

On the Cyprus problem, Talat expressed optimism over the progress of the ongoing Cyprus negotiation process and supported that Anastasiades has this time the support of a wide-range social basis, of the Church and AKEL.

(?)

(AK)

[07] "Retired army officials" in the occupation regime evaluated the military coup attempt in Turkey

Turman stated that if someone sees the testimonies of those detained in Turkey, he will find out that they had said that "their big brothers have sent them to carry out the coup attempt. Who are those big brothers here (in the TRNC" and where are they", Turman wondered.

Referring to the provisional article 10 of the "constitution" of the occupation regime, Turman stressed the need to be regulated and argued that if this happens, then the Turkish Cypriot community would gain a lot.

Supporting that the main goal is to change the Turkish Cypriot community by "2040-2050" in order to achieve its full "annexation with the Islamic culture", Tumkan said that those having these goals do not use weapons or run riots.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (25.07.16) under the front-page title: "Islamic fundamentalism is the biggest danger", reports on statements by the "retired colonel" Cenk Diler, who in exclusive statements to the paper, argued that the only biggest threat for the Turkish Cypriot "people" and the Turkish people is the Islamic fundamentalism. "More mosques than schools constructed", Diler said and argued that this is an indication.

Stressing the need to prevent the development of the religious organizations in the "TRNC", Diler said that the remarkable increase on the number of the religious education organizations in the occupation regime in the recent years has proved that the educational system in the "TRNC" is not the appropriate one.

Underlining the fact that "a civil intelligence unit" does not exist in the "TRNC" Diler wondered if someone can guarantee that Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci and so-called prime minister are not spied. He recalled also that both the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas and also Dervis Eroglu complained in the past that their telephones were tapped by MIT agents.

(?)

(AK)

[08] Ak?nc? on the issue of freedom of worship in the breakaway regime

He reminded that the "TRNC foreign minister" was not his interlocutor on the subject and that he had taken up the matter with the "prime minister and deputy prime minister".

"That is why no one should feel the need to come up with a response. To turn back from one's mistakes is a virtue" he said.

Expressing his disappointment over the fact that his messages had been misperceived, Ak?nc? said he had received several complaints that Greek Cypriots were still not being allowed to hold services freely in occupied churches across the north despite being able to prior to the new coalition.

Ak?nc? added that complaints had increased recently and he was being informed that applications for services were being rejected. "As the Turkish Cypriot leader, I would want to see a flexibility to be shown for services if there is no physical obstacle or if the church is not in a military zone," he said.

He added that the coalition was 'shooting themselves in their foot' with remarks and actions such as these, particularly when the talks are at such a crucial stage.

Ak?nc? said that as the "president" he is working to fulfill his role as an impartial "head of the state".

Bayrak also broadcast that in a written statement "foreign minister" Tahsin Ertugrulogliu said that Ak?nc? was free to 'dislike' any of their statements as they were of his.

The statement went on to say that the implementation had been announced and no prohibitions were in play except for restrictions they had announced before.

"A false perception tried to be created that the restrictions have come into force following the establishment of the UBP-DP government. We are shocked to see the President's partial stance on the issue" the statement read.

The statement also added that there were no restrictions in place at 8 occupied churches in the north and that workshop could be conducted without any prior permits. It also said that no restrictions were introduced by the new "government" for the Apostolos Andreas, St. Barnabas and St Mamas churches.

[09] Kilicadoroglu on the big CHP rally: We need to restructure state, stick to rule of law

Speaking at his party's "Republic and Democracy Rally" in Istanbul's Taksim Square on July 24, K?l?cdaroglu said the failed coup attempt of July 15 had openly showed that state management should be based on merit.

"In other words, we should imbed in history the understanding of capturing the state rather than ruling the state. In this context, the restructuring of the state is a necessity," said K?l?cdaroglu to a crowd of not only supporters of the CHP but also of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

For the first time, supporters of the CHP and AKP jointly participated in a rally against the coup attempt that left at least 246 people dead and more than 2,000 others injured. They chanted together in the name of democracy and the Republic during the event.

Earlier the CHP had invited the AKP to come join the rally, to which the latter answered positively.

"The state cannot be managed with hate, anger and prejudice. The ones who have attempted a coup should stand trial within the law and by abiding with the rule of law. The dignity and seriousness of the state obliges this," said K?l?cdaroglu, adding that torture, maltreatment, pressure and threats towards the coup plotters would put the state at the same level as them. "It should not be allowed," he said.

[10] Erdogan to meet leaders of three main parties in Parliament after failed coup attempt

The meeting is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. This will be the first time that K?l?cdaroglu and Bahceli will visit the Presidential Complex since it was built in 2014.

According to the presidential sources, Erdogan will speak to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) chairman and Prime Minister, Binali Y?ld?r?m, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal K?l?cdaroglu, and of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli about the latest developments and will consult them on handling the process after the attempted coup.

Erdogan is also expected to personally thank the leaders for their unified stance against the attempted coup.

[11] Erdogan: 13,165 detained over failed coup attempt

"Some 8,838 among the detained are soldiers, 2,101 are judges and prosecutors, 1,485 are police officers, 52 are local authorities and 689 are civilians," Erdogan said in a speech broadcast in squares around Turkey, while adding that 123 among the jailed 5,863 individuals were generals, 282 were high-ranking police officers and 1,559 were judges and prosecutors.

"The interrogations of the others are ongoing," he also said.

Saying that a total of 246 people were killed, of whom 62 were police officers, 179 were civilians and five were soldiers, Erdogan noted that 2,186 people were also wounded.

"A total of 934 schools, 109 dormitories, 15 universities, 104 foundations, 35 health institutions, 1,125 associations and 19 unions belonging to FETO have been closed down. Their assets were seized by the state," he added.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said a total of 3,000 judges and prosecutors would be appointed in November, as he added there were a sufficient number of personnel to fill the posts emptied due to suspensions in the framework of the anti-FETO operations. "There won't be any disruption or problems in the trial processes of our citizens. They won't have a hard time. We've taken precautions regarding this issue. We had planned to appoint 1,500 judges and prosecutors in November. Upon the recent developments we decided to appoint 3,000 of them," Bozdag said in a TV interview, adding that 800 lawyers would become judges and prosecutors. "The other 2,200 will be appointed from the graduates of law schools," he also said.

Education Minister Ismet Y?lmaz also commented on appointments, saying that 20,000 teachers would fill the posts emptied due to suspensions of teachers linked to FETO.

[12] Turkish Government introduces strict legal measures against plotters in initial State of Emergency decree

"There will be a second [decree law]. Work is underway now. Serious measures have to be taken in order to avoid the repetition of such bloody coup attempts," Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m told private broadcaster NTV late on July 23. "This organization has other sources. So measures will include eliminating these sources."

The decree law was released over the weekend after the government declared a state of emergency for 90 days, which it says is necessary in order to efficiently fight against Gulenist plotters within the state and to investigate the more than 13,000 people detained following the failed attempted coup, which the government blames on the Gulen movement.

One of the most important aspects of the decree law extends the duration of detention to 30 days, said to be necessary as taking the testimonies of the many detainees taken in so far will take longer than usual.

The same decree ordered the closure of 35 hospitals, 1,043 private schools and dormitories, 15 private universities, 1,229 associations and foundations, and 19 trade unions for links to Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based Islamic scholar who was allegedly behind the coup attempt on July 15.

[13] Cavusoglu vows to clean Foreign Ministry of Gulenist diplomats

"We will clear the state of this gang because they have infiltrated the state through treacherous plans. For example, my ministry, the Foreign Ministry? for ages the selection process for the Ministry was based on open-ended questions and translation from Turkish into English. But those belonging to this parallel gang changed the selection system into a multiple choice test after getting control of the personnel department," Cavusoglu told reporters late July 23 in Antalya.

"They have imposed the hardest questions ever in the history of the Ministry so that only their members who have been provided with the answers beforehand could pass the exam. None of them has the foreign language capability or capacity [to be a diplomat]," he added.

"Now, can I work comfortably as the Foreign Minister before I fully clean these traitors from my Ministry? Would you entrust the memory and secrets of the state to these people? I would not. I will do whatever necessary within the law," Cavusoglu said and added: The state cannot tolerate those who have betrayed their own people, the Minister said, criticizing Europeans who have issued calls to the Turkish government to stop the purge. "I am obligated to provide the security of my state and my people," he said, "Therefore we'll clean them of the state and ask them to pay the price for what they did."

[14] EU Minister Celik calls EU institutions to visit Turkey and voice their support

"The state of emergency is to protect democracy, to protect the state of law, to protect the rights and liberties of our citizens and to protect peace in our country."

Expressing his disappointment for the EU countries, Celik said: "We expect officials of the European Union, European Parliament and the European Council to visit Turkey to voice their support for the common democratic values we share by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Turkey. ... There is no doubt that the values in danger are the common values of us all."

He said that Fethullah Gulen was the mastermind behind the failed coup attempt and is more dangerous than Osama bin Laden. "This failed coup was a clear attempt to establish a military dictatorship based on a problematic [Gulenist] religious understanding," he said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(AK/ AM)

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article