6/11/15

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW



TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S


No. 211/15                                                                                        06.11.2015
1. Illegal Turkish “ambassador” reiterated that the Cyprus agreement should not endanger Turkey’s guarantees
2. Sucuoglu said that they are trying to add new destinations for charter flights
3. The halloumi registration discussed at a panel in the breakaway regime
4. Occupied Trikomo “mayor” is in Brussels for contacts
5. Davutoglu will make his first trip abroad to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus
6. Turkish Cypriot court bans Adhan at three mosques
7. New cabinet revision on the agenda, number of ministries may go up to 30 from 25
8. All eyes on G-20 Turkey summit as pressure ravages government critics at home
9. No alcohol to be allowed in New Year gift baskets in Turkey

1. Illegal Turkish “ambassador” reiterated that the Cyprus agreement should not endanger Turkey’s guarantees
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (06.11.15), the illegal Turkish “ambassador” to the occupied part of Nicosia Derya Kanbay met yesterday with the board of the Turkish Cypriot Journalists’ Society.

Referring to the Cyprus talks, Kanbay said that they are conscious of their duties on the critical period of the Cyprus talks and added that they are trying for an agreement which will not endanger Turkey’s guarantees and the security which has been obtained.

Kanbay also said that in their efforts to strengthen the bonds between the “TRNC” media and Turkey’s media, they are planning to hold meeting of Turkey’s Journalists’ Federation in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. Within this framework, a panel entitled “The press of yesterday and today” will be held, he added.
(DPs)

2. Sucuoglu said that they are trying to add new destinations for charter flights
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (06.11.15) reports that the self-styled minister of tourism Faiz Sucuoglu, who is currently in London to attend the World Travel Market 2015, met with the Turkish Ambassador to London Abdurrahman Bilgic.

Sucuoglu said that they are trying to add new destinations for charter flights, which are organized in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He added that they discussed the issue with the Turkish Airlines (THY) and they asked from them to add new flights.

During the meeting, the “representative” of the breakaway regime in London Oya Tuncali was also present. She expressed her satisfaction for the support of Turkey’s Embassy in London to the “TRNC people”.
(DPs)

3. The Halloumi  registration discussed at a panel in the breakaway regime
Illegal Bayrak (06.11.15) broadcast that the registration of Halloumi/ Hellim as a Product of Designated Origin (PDO) and its contribution to the island’s economy was discussed at a panel organized yesterday by the “Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry”.

The chairman of the “Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry” Ali Çıralı, the “minister of food agriculture and natural resources” Erkut Şahali and the “minister of foreign affairs” Emine Çolak delivered opening speeches at the panel.

Çıralı underlined the importance of registering traditional products as PDO in terms of preserving, conserving and protecting its cultural value.

Stating that the number of companies producing halloumi  in Turkey had dropped from 70 to 10 once the traditional cheese had been registered, Çıralı said that the process of registering halloumi as a PDO product in the EU is  continuing.
“Sooner or later halloumi’s registration as a PDO within the EU will take place. We need to be prepared for this” said Çıralı, who called upon the relevant “ministries” to cooperate in eradicating all livestock illnesses so as to raise the production of sheep’s and goat’s milk to required levels.

He also said that efforts are  underway to obtain PDO registration for other traditional products such as Zivaniya, Şeftali Kebab, Walnut Macun (green walnuts in syrup) and Tsamarella (dried meat).

Şahali in his speech said that the process of restructuring is required in order to achieve healthy standard production of halloumi with a high competitiveness rate.
Çolak for her part drew attention to the political dimension of the halloumi issue. She also said that they were highly disturbed by the Greek Cypriot side’s objection to the agreement reached between the President of the EU Commission Jean-Cluade Juncker and the two leaders on grounds that it had a negative impact on “south Cyprus’ sovereignty”, Çolak said that they are expecting the EU Commission to make a fair assessment of the issue by taking into consideration the demands and equal rights of the Turkish Cypriots.  “An agreement to be reached on the issue of halloumi will with no doubt  have a confidence building effect on the two sides and will reflect positively on the talks” she said.
She expressed the view that the registration of halloumi  will be to the benefit of both communities, adding that they propose for the establishment of an inspection committee made up by the relevant chambers and the EU Commission to oversee the halloumi production in the north of the island.

4. Occupied Trikomo  “mayor” is in  Brussels for contacts
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (06.11.15) reports that the so-called mayor of occupied Trikomo Hasan  Sadikoglu  went to Brussels for a three-day visit where he is holding various contacts.

According to a statement by the “Trikomo municipality” Sadikoglu met with Michaela Di Bucci, head of the EU Commission Unit Task Force for the Cypriot Community and with Normunds Poppens, Deputy Director General for Implementation in the Directorate General Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission
(CS)

5. Davutoglu will make his first trip abroad to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (06.11.15) reports that the self-styled prime minister Omer Kalyoncu and the self-styled assembly speaker Siber Sibel of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus called Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to congratulate him on Turkey’s poll results.

According to a written statement released from the Turkish Prime Ministry Press Office, Kalyoncu congratulated Davutoglu on behalf of the “TRNC government” and the “TRNC people”, adding that Turkey’s stability and development will safeguard the prosperity and stability of the “TRNC”. Davutoglu thanked him and added that as soon as he establishes the government, he will visit the “TRNC”.

Siber said that they expect Davutoglu in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus for the celebrations for the 32nd establishment of the breakaway regime on Sunday November 15. Davutoglu replied that he will make his first trip abroad to the “TRNC” as it is custom.
(DPs)

6. Turkish Cypriot court bans Adhan at three mosques
Turkish Sabah newspaper (06.11.15) reports that a court in the breakaway regime has temporarily banned reciting the Adhan (Muslims' call to prayer) through loudspeakers at three mosques on Thursday.

The court prohibited the performance of Adhan at the Morning Prayer time as well as other Arabic prayers after a lawyer named Feza Guzeloglu filed a “complaint” saying that the noise bothers him.

According to Guzeloglu's statement, the ban on Adhan at the Seyh Nazim, Pir Pasa and Asagi Mosques in the occupied area of Lefka will continue until the “court” concludes the case.

However, the head of the Religious Affairs in the breakaway regime, Talip Atalay made a statement and said the “court's decision is not binding on religious affairs and the ultimate ban on Adhan in Cyprus is out of the question”.

Atalay claimed that the Turkish Cypriots are very sensitive about preserving their religious values and even though individuals can have their own opinions, no such decision could be imposed “on the Turkish Cypriot nation”.

7. New cabinet revision on the agenda, number of ministries may go up to 30 from 25
Turkish daily Sabah (06.11.15) reports that the number of ministries could increase to 30 from 25 by a revision and a series of structural changes following the November 1 general elections, where the Justice and Development (AK) Party was able to regain a majority in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

 According to reports, the new AK Party cabinet will revise some ministries, including the Ministry of Customs and Trade, Ministry of Transport, Maritime and Communications, Ministry of Forestry and Water Management, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

These ministries may reportedly be divided into separate ministries, which would increase the total number to 30. The Ministry of Transport, Maritime and Communications is one of the top three seats in the cabinet, alongside the Ministry of the Interior and Justice.

8. All eyes on G-20 Turkey summit as pressure ravages government critics at home
Turkish Today’s Zaman newspaper (06.11.15) reports that global observers expected Turkey to promote an image of an emerging power and a safe haven for investment during its G-20 presidency this year, however, a reckless political crackdown on critical voices and businesses casts a shadow over an upcoming closing summit in the country.

Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AK Party), which reclaimed a single government following its decisive comeback in election last week, prepares to host the leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies in the sea resort of Antalya on Nov. 15-16. The summit consists of the world's wealthiest nations and the European Union, and will function as a forum for economic powerhouses to discuss global issues.

It is a matter in question whether Erdogan and Ahmet Davutoglu perceive the Antalya summit as an opportunity to convince G-20 leaders that the rule of law is secured in Turkey, experts also note. According to professor of economics at Turgut Ozal University, Ridvan Karluk, it is important that international credit rating agencies Moody's and Fitch have already stressed the importance of checks and balances as well as of pressure in markets ahead of the G-20 summit. “These, combined with the ongoing criticism from global monitoring agencies, should encourage G-20 leaders to raise their voices at the summit,” Karluk stressed.
9. No alcohol to be allowed in New Year gift baskets in Turkey
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (06.11.15) reports that traditional “New Year baskets,” gift packages of beverages and snacks sold at supermarkets during the last weeks of the year, will not be permitted to include alcoholic drinks this year, according to a ruling from Turkey’s alcohol and tobacco regulator.  The decision, made public in the Official Gazette on Nov. 5, has triggered contrasting reactions from the sector.

Bendevi Palandoken, the head of the Confederation of Turkish Craftsmen and Tradesmen (TESK), said some businesses without the required liquor licenses prepare the baskets anyway and the regulation would put an end to this practice.  Palandoken added that although stores may face losses in the absence of such baskets, it would be “positive for public health.”  However, the Consumer Issues Association head Aydin Agaoglu said the regulation “limited consumers’ right to choose.”
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(CS/ AM)