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Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 26.11.19

A. Turkish Cypriot Press

1. “We have put the derailed train on the right track”, says Akinci

2. How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the trilateral summit in Berlin

3. Erhurman: “We will continue to work with all our powers for reaching a solution”

4. Tatar is going to Istanbul and Strasburg

5. Tatar and Arikli criticized KTOS General Secretary

6. The occupation regime illegally grants “title deed” for a Maronite property

7. Oguz to attend COMCEC meeting

B Turkish Press

1. Erdogan praises military partnership with Qatar

2. Putin to attend TurkStream launch ceremony in 2020

3. Turkish Foreign Minister praises 'brave' Palestinians at meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation

4. Over 3,900 judges, prosecutors dismissed since coup attempt

 

 

A. Turkish Cypriot Press

1. “We have put the derailed train on the right track”, says Akinci 

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Düzen (26.11.19) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, has said that they were at a positive point after the tripartite meeting held yesterday in Berlin between the two community leaders and the UNSG Antonio Guterres. In statements after the meeting, Akinci noted:

“A positive step was taken today. We have put the derailed train on the right track again. It is not enough only to put it on the right track. We must work together in order for this train to arrive at its station. The fact that the esteemed UNSG participates in the process is extremely important. […] He considered important to directly get into action under the existing conditions. Important reasons exist for this. One of these is the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. As it is known, tension is experienced because of the natural gas resources and because of the unilateral initiatives of the Greek Cypriot side. The UNSG is seeing how important the solution of the Cyprus problem is for overcoming this tension. We are extremely happy for his participation in this process.

The UNSG will continue the preparation process in order for a five-party conference to be convened, negotiating both on the conclusion of the terms of reference, which have not been totally completed, and with the Cypriot leaders and the guarantor powers. I think that this is very important. […]

What is said about the process is important. A negotiating process which will not be prolonged will not be the issue any more, we now referring to a meaningful and result oriented negotiating process. Reference is made to a process which will target a strategic agreement.

The fact that any solution will include political equality and effective participation is taking place in this statement.

We have reached a positive stage. We are, however, at a stage during which work should be done for the future. I believe the following in this process: The communities in Cyprus, the civil society must definitely be in action. They must defend their problem. In parallel to the political parties, all organizations should also be in action. […]”

Responding to a question, Akinci said that the initiative regarding the five-party conference belonged to the UNSG and that no date had been mentioned. He added, however, that he had absolutely no doubt that a five-party conference would be held by the end of next year.  “I have acquired the impression from the UNSG that he will exert an intensive effort on this issue”, he noted adding that if no solution was found, the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean might reach an “undesirable point”.

(I/Ts.)

 

2. How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the trilateral summit in Berlin

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (26.11.19) under the front-page title: “A five-party conference comes up from Berlin” reports that the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in a statement after the trilateral summit in Berlin, has stated that he would carry out efforts for a possible unofficial five-party conference on the formula (5+1). “In the light of our meeting, I expressed my determination to exert efforts in order to be able to reach an agreement on the terms of reference so that to constitute a starting point that would lead to the resumption of a result-oriented, meaningful and staged negotiation talks.  In this sense, I have committed to work together with the Turkish Cypriot leader and the Greek Cypriot leader for the possibility to carry out a 5 plus one (5+1) unofficial conference at an appropriate stage. It was also become accepted that this time process should be different”, Guterres said.  

Also, in separate statements after the end of the trilateral meeting, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, described the outcome of the trilateral summit as very positive and said that during the summit important issues were discussed in depth. “In my opinion, I believe that in today's meeting we have made a positive step forward. We have managed to get the train back on track. But of course, getting the train back on track is not enough. I believe that we should work with cooperation in order for the train to go to the end”, Akinci said, underlining the importance of Guterres' involvement in the process and his pledge to increase his efforts and facilitate the beginning of negotiations at the earliest feasible opportunity.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (26.11.19) under the title: “This time the leaders accepted that the process should be different”, reports that during the trilateral summit in Berlin, the two leaders reaffirmed the UN Secretary General for their commitment and determination to achieve a settlement based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions. After agreeing that the current status quo is not viable, the two leaders writes the paper agreed further that the process would be different this time. Also, the paper writes that Guterres said that he would work for a possible unofficial five party conference with the participation of the UN.

Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (26.11.19) reports on the issue under the title: “A five party conference was searched”. The paper writes that Akinci described the outcome of the tripartite summit as “a good outcome” underlining at the same time that there is a lot of work to be done. Also, President Nicos Anastasiades on the other hand said that “it is a positive first step”. He further added that if an agreement is reached on the terms of reference, Turkey should withdraw from its illegal actions in order for the negotiation talks to restart.

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (26.1.19) covers the issue under the title: “We got the train back on track”. The paper reports on statements by Akinci and underlined that the tripartite conference in Berlin which was being expected for months, pointed out that the only solution on the Cyprus problem should be a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions.

The paper points out further that a possible five-party conference, as it seems, is possible to take place only after the “April election” that is scheduled to take place in the “TRNC”.

Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (26.11.19) covers the issue under the title: “Federal solution was emphasized in the summit”.

Turkish Cypriot daily Haberci (26.11.19) covers the issue under the title: “A five-party conference comes up from the tripartite summit”. It underlines that hopes were revived after the outcome of the Berlin summit.

Turkish Cypriot dialy Yeni Duzen (26.11.19) under the title: “Federal solution with political equality”, reports that it became clear and obvious after the end of the Berlin summit that the solution in Cyprus should be a federal one based on the political equality of the two sides while at the same time it opens the path for a five-party conference.

The other Turkish Cypriot dailies cover the issue as follows:

-Kibris Postasi: «If there will be a new process, this time it would be different”

-Kibris Manset: «They met in Berlin for three hours”

 -Star Kibris: «Efforts would be exerted for a five-party conference on the formula 5+1”

-Gunes: «Fairy stories the outcome of the summit in Berlin”. The paper writes that in spite of the fact that 28 months have passed since Crans Montana, the UN Secretary General still speaks about the resumption of the negotiation talks and for terms of reference. The paper, described as fairy stories all things came up after the summit in Berlin.  

(AK)

 

3. Erhurman: “We will continue to work with all our powers for reaching a solution”

Illegal  Bayrak (26.11.19 https://www.brtk.net/erhurmancozume-ulasmak-icin-butun-gucumuzle-calismaya-devam-etmeliyiz/) broadcast that the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhurman stated that the outcome of the three-party meeting in Berlin was positive.

In a post in social media, Erhurman stated that the reference of the UN Secretary General on political equality and recognition of past convergences is a positive outcome. He also added that the emphasis given for the need of results-oriented process is different from previous processes. Erhurman also said that the statements of the UN Secretary General that he will put efforts to convene an informal five-party meeting is a very positive outcome.

(CS)

 

4. Tatar is going to Istanbul and Strasburg

Illegal  Bayrak(26.11.19  https://www.brtk.net/basbakan-tatar-istanbul-ve-strazburg-yolcusu/ ) broadcast that so-called prime minister Ersin Tatar is going to Istanbul upon an invitation of the “International Co-operation Platform” which is holding its 10th summit in Boğaziçi. Tatar will deliver a speech at the summit.

In addition, he will go to Strasburg on November 27 for contacts. No information about his contacts was disclosed.

(CS)

5. Tatar and Arikli criticized KTOS General Secretary

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (26.11.19) reports that the issue of the recent statements of the General Secretary of the KTOS Trade Union Saner Elcil was on the agenda of the “assembly” yesterday.

“Prime minister” Ersin Tatar and leader of the Revival Party (TR. Note: The party of the settlers” Erhan Arikli strongly criticized Elcil.

Tatar called on Elcil to enter politics and “make his bold statements there”, as he said, adding that some people are taking advantage of the freedom of speech right.

On his turn, Arikli condemned Elcil’s statements, who called Turkey “an occupation country” and referred to “Turkish invasion” and wondered why the “government” has not yet taken measures against him

 

6. The occupation regime illegally grants “title deed” for a Maronite property 

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Düzen (26.11.19) reports that in 1986 the breakaway regime had granted a “title deed” for the property of a Maronite Cypriot named Andoni Yiamakis in the occupied area of Cyprus. Noting that a “lawsuit” was filed against this, the paper writes that the case, which concerns a property on which an oil station has been built, was concluded and the “court” convicted the “TRNC” to pay 560 thousand sterling pounds as a fine. When the fine was not paid, “officers” visited the “ministry of interior” to    confiscate its property.

In statements to the paper, Aysegul Baybars, self-styled interior minister, said that giving an immovable property that belonged to a Maronite to a Turkish Cypriot within the framework of the “property of equal value law” was illegal. Baybars noted that the inheritors of the above-mentioned Maronite had filed a “lawsuit” in 2014 demanding the annulment of the “title deed” or compensation.

According to Baybars, the Turkish Cypriots who have been granted the “title deed” argued that in case they returned the property they would suffer loses and therefore they would file a “lawsuit”. “They are using this place for 30 years, I think that legally they could not claim this”, she pointed out. 

She also said that the issue could be solved with either the return of the Maronite property or with an agreement between them and by paying compensation. “And we will follow the issue of whether there could be annulment of this verdict”, she concluded.

(I/Ts.)    

 

7. Oguz to attend COMCEC meeting

Illegal Bayrak (25.11.19) broadcast that the “minister of agriculture and natural resources” Dursun Oguz is attending the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul.

Oguz and his accompanying delegation will attend the 35th Ministerial Session of the COMCEC which is being held between November 25 and 28.

B Turkish Press

1. Erdogan praises military partnership with Qatar

Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (26.11.19 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-praises-military-partnership-with-qatar-149081) reports that Turkish President Erdogan has said  that the Turkish-Qatari Combined Joint Force Command is the symbol of sincerity.

“Today, we had productive, successful and sincere meetings with our Qatari counterparts. We have reiterated our will to strengthen our bilateral relations with a strategic perspective,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Nov. 25 in the Qatari capital of Doha.

The Turkish President’s remarks came after a meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Speaking during a visit to Turkish troops in Qatar, Erdogan said that the Turkish soldiers in the country have provided security and peace to the people of Qatar during the crisis among the Gulf states. “Turkish-Qatari Combined Joint Force Command is the symbol of sincerity, friendship and solidarity,” he said. “Your presence here serves for the stability and peace of the Gulf. No one should be disturbed by your existence in this geography,” Erdogan said, addressing the Turkish troops.

Erdogan also said that the construction of new military post in Qatar has been completed. The new military post will be named Khalid bin Walid after famous Muslim commander, he said.

For his part, Al-Thani said in a tweet that the Turkish-Qatari partnership is successfully moving towards its goals.

According to Al-Thani, the two countries also agreed to use the potential of their partnership to serve the interests of their peoples.

Following the bilateral meeting between Erdoğan and Al-Thani, an agreement-signing ceremony was held after an inter-delegation working meal. Seven agreements were inked on Nov. 25 between Ankara and Doha.

The Joint Statement of the fifth meeting of the Turkey-Qatar High Strategic Committee between Turkey and Qatar was signed by Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

The agreements in the fields of economy, urbanization, trade, industry, technology and standardization, among others, were signed to boost bilateral relations.

Turkish Central Bank Governor Murat Uysal, Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum, Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank and other Turkish officials were present at the ceremony to ink the agreements along with their Qatari counterparts.

The Turkish delegation also included Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, Finance and Treasury Minister Berat Albayrak, National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan, Communication Director Fahrettin Altun, presidential spokesman İbrahim Kalın, and Hakan Fidan, head of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT).

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news (26.11.19 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkey-qatar-ink-7-agreements-to-boost-ties/1654989 ) reports that seven agreements have been inked Monday between Ankara and Doha with the attendance of Turkish President Erdogan and Qatari Emir Al-Thani.

Following bilateral meeting by Erdogan and Al-Thani in Doha, an agreement signing ceremony was held after inter-delegation working meal.

The Joint Statement of the 5th meeting of Turkey-Qatar High Strategic Committee between Turkey and Qatar was signed by Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

The agreements in the fields of economy, urbanization, trade, industry, technology, and standardization, among others, were signed to boost bilateral relations.

Turkish Central Bank Governor Uysal, Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum, Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank and other Turkish officials were present in the ceremony to ink the agreements along with their Qatari counterparts.

2. Putin to attend TurkStream launch ceremony in 2020

Turkish Daily Sabah (26.11.19 https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2019/11/25/putin-to-attend-turkstream-launch-ceremony-in-2020) reports that  Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Turkey in the first month of 2020, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Monday.

Responding to a question of whether Putin is going to take part in the TurkStream gas pipeline launch ceremony, Peskov confirmed that the visit was planned during one of the latest phone conversations between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Russian counterpart.

In January 2020, when the ground section of the TurkStream pipeline in Turkey will be ready, President Putin will visit Turkey, and the preparations for the visit are currently underway, Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

The TurkStream natural gas pipeline has a total capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters, out of which the first line will carry a capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to Turkish consumers. The second line will carry another 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe via Turkey.

 

3. Turkish Foreign Minister praises 'brave' Palestinians at meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation

Turkish daily Yeni Safak (26.11.19 https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/muslims-stand-by-palestinians-fighting-for-freedom-says-turkey-3505903) reports that Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu hailed Palestinians who march for freedom on the streets of Gaza and those who resist the occupation of Jerusalem.

“I hail all; from little children who march on the streets of Gaza for freedom and honor, to men and women who resist the occupation of Jerusalem, and to brave men and women who are against the racist and inhumane isolation of Palestinians,” Cavusoglu told a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"We hear your voice, hundreds of millions of Muslims are with you," he said.

Listing the achievements of the OIC, the top diplomat said, an emergency UN General Assembly session was convened for the protection of Jerusalem’s status and rights of Palestinians.

“It is our organization’s duty to defend the honor and rights of all Muslim nations, minorities and communities, including the people of Rakhine [State in Myanmar], Kashmir, Uighurs, Turkish Cypriots, Turkish minorities in Western Thrace, and Muslims in Northern America and Europe,” he added.

He said Turkey, as an active member of the bloc, was leading these fights and raising its voice against Islamophobia.

“Despite our differences, we have achieved unity in action,” he said.

Turkey took over term presidency of the OIC from Egypt in April 2016 and handed it to Saudi Arabia in May 2019.

4. Over 3,900 judges, prosecutors dismissed since coup attempt

Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (26.11.19http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/over-3-900-judges-prosecutors-dismissed-since-coup-attempt-minister-149096) reports that “over 3,900 judges and prosecutors have been dismissed since the defeated terrorist coup of 2016”, the Turkish Justice Minister said.

"The number of judges and prosecutors who have been dismissed since July 15 [2016] is 3,926," Abdulhamit Gül told the members of the Parliament's planning and budget committee.

FETÖ threat did not basically start at the night of July 15, or ended in the morning of July 16, he noted.

Gül said  that "Turkey faces a terror group, which has infiltrated the state institutions for 40 years".

"We know that it is not correct to say 'we have completed the fight with this terror group in 40 days'," he stressed.

 

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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(CS/ AM)