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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-12-06

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/>

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW

CONTENTS

No. 236/17 06.12.17

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

  • [01] "Proposal for cooperation by Qatar for seismic explorations in the Mediterranean"
  • [02] Atun: "We strengthen our position within the OIC"
  • [03] Burcu responds to Anastasiades's remarks
  • [04] Akdag: "Turkey will be drawing a new roadmap with the TRNC regarding a political settlement in Cyprus"
  • [05] Reactions to Gezici's public opinion poll – Denktas argues that Gezici asked money to present DP as second party
  • [06] Gezici responds to criticism: "Foreign powers are not satisfied with the results"!
  • [07] Erhurman: "UBP and DP are trying to spread terror to the people regarding the citizenships issue"
  • [08] Egemen Bagis has entered the education field
  • [09] Erdogan warns Trump: "Jerusalem is Muslims' red line"
  • [10] Yildirim: "Trump's plan for Jerusalem is unlawful'
  • [11] Hamas' Spokesman praised Turkey's position on Jerusalem
  • [12] Kilicdaroglu and Bahceli calls for the re-opening of Reza Zarrab case in Turkey
  • [13] Seventeen suspects detained in Turkey for links to Reza Zarrab
  • [14] Yildirim holds contacts in South Korea; He called Korean businessmen to invest in Turkey
  • [15] Romanian envoy stated that Romania fully supports Turkey's EU membership

  • [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

    [01] "Proposal for cooperation by Qatar for seismic explorations in the Mediterranean"

    Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (06.12.17) reports that the chairman of the Qatar-based International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah has said that Qatar cooperates with many international companies in carrying out explorations for natural gas in the Mediterranean and Cyprus.

    In statements to Anatolia news agency, Al-Attiyah noted that Qatar Petrol carries out these explorations with Exxon Mobil and other companies and added that it would be very pleased if Turkey became a partner with Qatar in carrying out explorations for natural gas. He said that this is a very large area and argued that "Turkey could play a significant role here".

    He also said: "Turkey is also carrying out explorations for natural gas in the Mediterranean, but its experience on this issue is limited. The locations in which Turkey is looking for gas are good and therefore I think that gas could be found".

    Al-Attiyah noted also that Qatar will never forget Turkey's support after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrein and Egypt interrupted all their diplomatic relations with his country on 5 June and implemented an economic blockade on it.

    Noting that Turkey is one of Qatar's most important trade partners, Al-Attiyah added: "Therefore, Qatar's first priority is Turkey. The volume of trade between the two countries is very good. We will never trust again these countries which implement a blockade on Qatar. […] I think that Qatar and Turkey could make investments in various sectors in third countries. […]"

    (I/Ts.)

    [02] Atun: "We strengthen our position within the OIC"

    Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (06.12.17) reports that Ata Atun, self-styled minister of economy and energy, said that the organizing of the training workshop, which is taking place in the occupied town of Keryneia, on export strategies in OIC member countries, jointly by the "foreign ministry" and the Islamic Centre for Developing Trade, is important.

    Addressing yesterday the workshop, Atun alleged: "We strengthen our position within the OIC. The organization of these meetings in our country is extremely important as our participation in these".

    According to a press release by the "ministry", Atun offered yesterday a lunch in honour of the guest delegation, which is illegally in the occupied area of Cyprus for attending the workshop, which will continue until December 7. Meanwhile, after the opening ceremony, Atun met with the Head of the Islamic Centre for Developing Trade Dr El Hassane Hzaine. Later, he met with the General Director for the Islamic Centre for Developing Trade Mamoudou Sall.

    Explaining that the "interest-free banking system with the implemented bank law, which was approved last month in the assembly, could be implemented now in the TRNC", Atun argued that on this opportunity, the OIC member countries may also make easier investments in the "TRNC" inclusive of the new funds.

    Mustafa Lakadamyali, self-styled undersecretary of the foreign ministry, addressing also the opening session of the workshop, claimed that "the unjust and inhumane embargoes imposed on north Cyprus should be removed with or without a settlement of the Cyprus problem". He also claimed that the international community should take a concrete step in order to lift the embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriots without any delay. He further alleged that the participation of the "TRNC state" in the solution of regional problems with friendly countries like the OIC member countries, will contribute to the development of themselves and to their relations.

    Speaking also at the workshop, Sall argued that the objective of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of human resources in order to contribute to the development of trade and investment strategies.

    (DPs)

    [03] Burcu responds to Anastasiades's remarks

    Illegal Bayrak television (06.12.17 http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=burcu-responds-to-anastasiadess-remarks) broadcast that the spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Bar?s Burcu alleged that "the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades is was trying to lay the blame for the non-solution of the Cyprus Problem on the Turkish Cypriot side in a bid to win the upcoming elections in the South, was distorting the facts".

    In a written statement issued yesterday, Burcu accused the Greek Cypriot leader "of distancing himself from a settlement under the influence of those opposing a settlement".

    He claimed that Anastasiades had unfortunately abandoned a solution focused understanding in a bid to win over the support of those opposing a settlement, allowing racist and fascist circles to poison the political atmosphere on the island.

    He also claimed that Ak?nc? and his negotiating team were always adopting a pro-active and sincere effort with the aim of reaching a settlement that will safeguard the political equality, freedom and security of both communities.

    Burcu further alleged that Akinci had carried the talks to the 5-party conference through these initiatives as well as Turkey's constructive role.

    "For the first time, the way for an arrangement on the issue of Security and Guarantees that would address the security concerns of both sides was opened" he claimed adding that there was not one instance or development that could be used as an argument to claim that the Turkish Cypriot side had distanced itself from a settlement.

    "Just the opposite, it is Mr. Anastasiades himself who has taken a step back from the confidence building measures and the agreements or understanding reached on issues that fall under the 6 negotiating chapters. To the contrary it was Mr. Anastasiades who has tried to slow down the process, who asked for time because he wasn't ready, who tried to prevent the Conference on Cyprus held in Geneva and Crans-Montana by insisting on preconditions and who sabotaged the talks with his maximalist positions", Burcu claimed.

    [04] Akdag: "Turkey will be drawing a new roadmap with the TRNC regarding a political settlement in Cyprus"

    According to illegal Bayrak television (06.12.17, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=akdag-speaks-on-cyprus-issue), the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Recep Akdag has said that "Turkey will be drawing a new roadmap with the TRNC regarding a political settlement in Cyprus". He however added that "TRNC's development and raising its prosperity was more of a priority".

    Speaking on a program on the Turkish state television news channel TRT Haber, Akdag claimed that as a guarantor country, Ankara's efforts and contributions for a settlement in Cyprus will continue. "What we mean when we talk about a solution is a settlement where the existence of two politically equal communities is recognized under the roof of a partnership state. That is if the other side agrees to this. At the moment it doesn't look like it will", he added.

    Claiming that the Greek Cypriot side is acting like a 'spoilt child', Akdag accused the "Greek Cypriot Administration" (as he refers to the Cyprus government) of acting as the sole proprietor of the island rather than working for a comprehensive settlement. "We shall continue to contribute to the development of the TRNC. On the one hand we shall be working together with the TRNC to draw up a new roadmap for a settlement. However I believe that is more important that we develop the TRNC and raise the prosperity of the people living there", he alleged.

    [05] Reactions to Gezici's public opinion poll – Denktas argues that Gezici asked money to present DP as second party

    Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (06.12.17) reports that Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), said yesterday that Turkish Gezici Research Company had submitted a proposal to him to pay 500 thousand dollars in order for the company to present DP as second party in the public opinion polls it conducts. According to Denktas, this proposal was submitted to him after the "presidential elections" in 2015. The paper notes that this shocking revelation was made after the announcement of the results of a series of public opinion polls by Gezici presenting the DP under the "election threshold" of 5%.

    Under the title "Mehmet Cakici: This public opinion poll is fake", Afrika reports also that the reactions are coming like an avalanche, after the announcement of the results of Gezici's recent survey. Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Communal Liberation Party – New Forces (TKP-YG), said that the fact that foreign companies come to Cyprus and carry our surveys is thought provoking and constitutes interference in Turkish Cypriot politics. He noted that the financers of these surveys are some rich businessmen who are "candidates" for becoming "deputies" and some "organizations". Cakici argued that the Turkish Cypriots should not take such fake surveys into consideration. He recalled that the United Cyprus Party (BKP), which is TKP's ally in these "elections", had received 3,8% alone in the previous "parliamentary elections" and added that on 7 January the Turkish Cypriot "people" will give the necessary reply to "charlatans like Gezici".

    Meanwhile, Kudret Ozersay, chairman of the People's Party (HP), stated that public opinion polls which are conducted with intentional or unintentional distortions cannot be trustworthy and added that the results of the "elections" cannot be predicted. He showed as an example for this the "presidential elections" prior to which the same company had been presenting Ozersay's percentages between 11% and 13% and in the end he received 21%.

    Moreover, Erhan Arikli, chairman of the settlers' Revival Party (YDP), argued that the "parties of the system" want to become "government" in this system and to establish the "governmental model which they have in their mind". For this reason they have "intentional public opinion polls" made and organize an "operation of creating perceptions".

    (I/Ts.)

    [06] Gezici responds to criticism: "Foreign powers are not satisfied with the results"!

    Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (06.12.17) reports that Murat Gezici, director of Turkish Gezici Research Company, has argued that "the circles which want to discredit the public opinion polls conducted by his company" are in action again and claim that the recent survey was conducted only by eight persons. Gezici said that 120 persons worked for three days and every pollster carried out between 18 and 50 polls. He alleged that the persons who try to discredit his company are at the same time planning a "coup" to change the political results in the "country".

    Gezici claimed that in 2015 the same persons were saying that Mustafa Akinci would receive a percentage between 2% and 6% in the "elections" and that only his company had said the truth then. "I repeat, foreign powers which are afraid that the political results in the TRNC will come out in this manner are not satisfied with the results", he alleged.

    (I/Ts.)

    [07] Erhurman: "UBP and DP are trying to spread terror to the people regarding the citizenships issue"

    Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (06.12.17) publishes an interview of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) chairman Tufan Erhurman who evaluated the party's positions for the forthcoming January 7 "elections".

    Erhurman stated that the party's position regarding "citizenships" is very clear; however, he said the National Unity Party (UBP) and the Democratic Party (DP) "are trying to spread terror to the people on the citizenships issue". "The perception that CTP is against all kind of citizenships is wrong. We re against the granting of citizenships to those who have not lived here or visited the country on a tourist visa", he stated.

    Erhurman also stated that CTP's relations with Turkey are improving with the passing of time.

    (CS)

    [08] Egemen Bagis has entered the education field

    Under the title "Here is the new job of Egemen Bagis, who obtained the "TRNC citizenship", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (06.12.17), which republished an article of Bora Erdin in yesterday's edition of the Turkish daily newspaper Sozcu, reports that Bagis, who obtained the "TRNC citizenship" and joined the board of trustees in a university in the occupied area of Cyprus, entered a new sector. He will transfer students in the occupied area of Cyprus with a joint company established few months ago in Turkey.

    The paper further reports that Bagis, who has entered the field of education, has joined the board of trustees of the "International Aydin university" in the occupied area of Cyprus. He also became the partner of Abacus Overseas Education Consultancy Limited Company last April. The headquarters of the company is in Istanbul, while there is a branch also in New York. The company is the representative of many exchange programs, language schools, high schools and universities in Turkey, especially the "Work and Travel program". On the other hand, the company has the authority to run schools in Turkey.

    (DPs)

    [09] Erdogan warns Trump: "Jerusalem is Muslims' red line"

    Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (05.12.17- www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-warns-trump-jerusalem-is-muslims-red-line-123579) reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on December 5 that Washington's potential recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel could prompt the cutting of Turkey's diplomatic relations with Israel.

    "This could go as far as cutting our diplomatic relations with Israel. You cannot take such a step," Erdogan told a parliamentary group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

    "Mr. Trump! Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims," he said, adding that Ankara would take necessary measures in the event of a possible U.S. move, including convening the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul.

    "Such a move would not only be a violation of international law, but also a big blow to the conscience of humanity," Erdogan said.

    "Has the U.S. completed everything and only this is left?" he added.

    Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon hit back at the Turkish President, saying that Jerusalem has been Israel's capital for 70 years, "whether Erdogan recognizes it or not."

    Israeli Minister of Intelligence and Transport Israel Katz via his Twitter account reiterated Israel's position on the ancient city, which is one of a long list of stumbling blocks in years of failed peace talks with the Palestinians. "We don't take orders or accept threats from the President of Turkey," Katz tweeted.

    (…)

    [10] Yildirim: "Trump's plan for Jerusalem is unlawful'

    Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.12.17-http://aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkish-pm-says-trump-s-plan-for-jerusalem-unlawful/991794) reported that Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Wednesday that the U.S. plan for Jerusalem is "unlawful".

    President Donald Trump will formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and begin preparations to move the U.S. Embassy to the contested city, three U.S senior administration officials confirmed late Tuesday.

    Speaking at a joint press conference in Seoul with his South Korean counterpart Lee Nak-Yeon, Yildirim said: "One way or another, both situations will be unlawful decisions and will make the existing problems in the region even more unsolvable".

    "The U.S. President not making a statement in this direction is vital for the future of the region and global peace", Yildirim said.

    [11] Hamas' Spokesman praised Turkey's position on Jerusalem

    Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.12.17-http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/hamas-appreciates-erdogan-s-position-on-jerusalem/991757) reported that Hamas Spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said on Tuesday that Turkey's stance is 'unique' against a plan by the U.S. to relocate its Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

    "This unique position of the Turkish authorities and noble Turkish people is a reflection of the leadership and its support to the cause of the Palestinian people," Abu Zuhri told Anadolu Agency.

    The step that America is taking is "very serious" and targets Muslims' beliefs and sacred sites", he said.

    [12] Kilicdaroglu and Bahceli calls for the re-opening of Reza Zarrab case in Turkey

    Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (06.12.17- http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/chp-head-calls-on-govt-to-form-committee-at-parliament-to-investigate-zarrab-123602) reported that the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu has called on the ruling Justice and Development (AKP) to set up a parliamentary committee to investigate the case of Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab, who is currently a witness in a New York court case on evading sanctions on Iran.

    "I am making an open call: Let's re-open the file and set up an investigation commission at Parliament. Let's not leave the case to the U.S. judiciary and instead clean up our own mess," Kilicdaroglu said on December 5.

    "The fact that a Turkish case is being conducted in the United States is disturbing my conscience. It is not right that the case is being tried in the U.S.," he added.

    Zarrab has become a key witness in a key case in New York, in which a former executive of Turkish state lender Halkbank, Hakan Atilla, is accused of violating sanctions on Iran.

    Zarrab was a suspect in this case before he pleaded guilty of violating U.S. sanctions on Iran, bribing Turkish officials, executing a scheme or artifice to defraud a financial institution, and committing bank fraud. He testified in court, admitting that he bribed former Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan and was involved in the multi-billion-dollar gold-for-oil scheme.

    Zarrab was the prime suspect in a case in Turkey in December 2013, when AKP officials' names were also embroiled in corruption and bribery accusations.

    The AKP accused members of the network linked to U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen of plotting against the government in that case. The charges were dismissed while investigating prosecutors and judges in the case were removed from their posts and a huge crackdown on the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO) was launched.

    (….)

    Meanwhile, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli also echoed the AKP's stance, urging the Zarrab case to be brought in Turkey and saying that "if there is a crime committed in Turkey, the Turkish authorities should be the address."

    (…)

    [13] Seventeen suspects detained in Turkey for links to Reza Zarrab

    Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (06.12.16- http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/zarrab-paid-bribes-to-secure-release-from-prison-in-turkey-in-2013-123561) reported that at least 17 suspects have been detained in Turkey as part of the investigation carried out by Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in a probe into Reza Zarrab, a key witness in a U.S. case, where the Turkish-Iranian businessman has been raising claims of paying bribes in Turkey to by-pass Washignton sanctions on Tehran.

    Detentions came after the Prosecutor's office on December 1 ordered the seizure of assets belonging to Zarrab and his acquaintances.

    One of the reasons for the seizure was that "the procurement of information should stay secret for the security, internal and foreign political interests of the Republic of Turkey, and to protect the country from the political and military espionage practices of foreign countries."

    The Prosecutor's office then expanded its investigation and people with links to Zarrab were detained.

    Seven of Zarrab's aides who are crucial for the investigation - including Sinem Arslan, Regaip Akol, Mustafa Hac?salihoglu, Nuray Y. and Sara M. - were taken in for questioning.

    Zarrab's collection of secret texts, dubbed the "black box," is reportedly known to Arslan and his assistant, while Akol is accused of managing Zarrab's financial transactions.

    Akol, Arslan and Hac?salihoglu are accused of trying to send documents to the court in the U.S., in addition to "partially or completely destroying, damaging or stealing documents and records regarding the state's security or its domestic and foreign political benefits, as well as using them outside their purpose and committing forgery over them."

    Documents were burned in an attempt to destroy evidence in a building that allegedly belongs to one of Zarrab's relatives, daily Haberturk reported yesterday.

    A part of the documents were saved by police, and security guards in the building said the building belongs to Zarrab.

    (…)

    [14] Yildirim holds contacts in South Korea; He called Korean businessmen to invest in Turkey

    Ankara Anatolia news agency (05.12.17-http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/turkish-pm-calls-for-investment-from-south-korea/990370) reported that Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Tuesday called on South Korean firms to sign joint business projects with Turkey.

    "I hope, from now on, relations between Turkey and [South] Korea will turn into a strategic partnership," he said, during an address to businesspeople in the South Korean capital, Seoul, where he is carrying a series of contacts.

    Stating that the Republic of Korea held the eastern end of Asia and Turkey held its western end, Yildirim said that there were many countries in-between which required their attention.

    "Korean and Turkish firms can sign serious projects together, not only in [South] Korea and Turkey but also elsewhere."

    Yildirim praised South Korea's development and said the country had a per capita income of $30,000 as a result of their growth success.

    He said that Turkey had made serious progress and currently was the 17th biggest economy and listed 13th in purchasing power parity among G20 countries.

    "This year, Turkey has the highest growth rate among OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries," Yildirim said.

    Calling Turkey an ideal place to do business, he said that countries around Turkey, with a total population of 1.6 billion, also offered business opportunities.

    Yildirim stated further that Turkey had achieved "an average 5.6% growth rate from 2002 to 2012".

    He added that South Korea and Turkey could achieve much more when it came to cooperation in the fields of trade and commerce.

    Yildirim's visit to the country comes on the 60th anniversary of the start of Turkey's diplomatic relations with South Korea in the wake of the 1950-1953 Korean War.

    [15] Romanian envoy stated that Romania fully supports Turkey's EU membership

    Turkish daily Sabah (05.12.17-https://www.dailysabah.com/eu-affairs/2017/12/06/romania-fully-supports-turkeys-eu-membership-envoy-says) reported that the Romanian Ambassador to Ankara Gabriel Sopanda stated on Monday that Bucharest is in favor of Ankara's full membership to the European Union and remains committed to that goal.

    Delivering a speech at a ceremony held in Ankara on the occasion of the 99th anniversary of the foundation of the Romanian state, Sopanda said that Romania backs Turkey's full membership bid to the EU.

    Commenting on the bilateral relations between the two countries, he said that mutual ties are being expanded in many areas. "In addition to excellent cooperation in political dialogue and commercial relations, cooperation between Romania and Turkey is being carried out in a wide range of cultural, scientific, medical and educational fields," Sopanda further said. .

    "Our economic and trade relations constitute the most dynamic part of our cooperation. For the time being, among our most important trading partners, Turkey ranks fifth," he said, adding that Turkey ranks first among Romania's non-EU trading partners.

    The Ambassador also endorsed the security cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the NATO alliance. "We welcome Turkey's cooperation in the field of defense, security and support within the scope of NATO. We trust the future of this relationship," he said.

    (…)"Romania, together with Turkey and other states, is a reliable ally in the fight against terrorism to prevent any kind of extremism," he said. He also underscored that he is proud to be representing his country in Turkey, a country located in a region tackling many different threats.

    TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

    (AK / AM)

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