TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA
REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 57/16
25-26-27-28.03.2016
1. Bozkir claimed that there is a condition in the deal with the EU
that the five chapters will be opened in the second half of
2016
2. Press release by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on the hydrocarbon
exploration by the Republic of Cyprus.
3. The self-styled foreign ministry also issued a statement on the
hydrocarbon exploration by the Republic of Cyprus
4. Akinci is invited for contacts in Berlin, London and Istanbul
5. Akinci’s statements following his meeting with Eide
6. Akinci’s adviser: The negotiations have not come to deadlock, they
have only slowed down
7. Eide highlights importance of Schulz visit
8. Eide visited People’s Party
9. Akinci informed leaders of Turkish Cypriot parties about the
progress of the Cyprus negotiations
10. Kalyoncu on the economic protocol with
Turkey
11. A feasibility study showed that a possible electricity
interconnection between the occupation regime and Turkey will be
viable
12. Akansoy: 500 persons were granted “white identity card” and
another 8.500 persons have the right to be granted such a
“card”
13. Denktas evaluated the current situation into DP and announced
that he will be candidate again for the party’s
leadership
14. An academic says that there is a problem with the illegal
students in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus
15. Delegation of the self-styled assembly participated in the
Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in Zambia
16. Erdogan may meet with Obama during his official visit to the
United States
17. Turkish President Erdogan slams foreign envoys at journalists'
trial
18. The breakaway regime participated in the “MITT 2016” tourism fair
in Moscow
1. Bozkir claimed that there is a condition in the deal with the
EU that the five chapters will be opened in the second half of
2016
Turkish daily Haberturk (internet portal, 27.03.16) published an
interview with Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkir to the paper’s reporter Kubra
Pal. Bozkir explained the backstage negotiations behind the agreement reached on
the refugees crisis issue with the EU.
Replying to a question how it has happened and a goal was put against
Turkey during the EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, while the relations between the
Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side in Cyprus are warm, Bozkir said:
“None can score against us! While there was the situation regarding the survival
of Europe, spoiled members within the EU dare to continue their stance. We
desire the solution of the Cyprus problem. In such atmosphere, we will open the
Chapter 33 on Financial and budgetary provisions until June in order not to
create a psychological climate that will prevent the solution. We added a clause
in the summit agreement that the other Chapters will be opened at the second
half of the year”.
Asked to comment on the claims that the agreement was a diplomatic
victory for Greece and the Greek Cypriot sector, Bozkir said that a climate of
pressure was created by the 27 countries on the one. However, Bozkir argued that
Anastasiades told them that “if he says yes then he will leave his soul in
Brussels and send his body back to Cyprus”. Bozkir also noted that they did not
give their permission to this in order not to affect the climate for the
upcoming Cyprus parliamentary elections on May. He also claimed that the
condition is to open the five chapters after June and within a year they will
also complete their works for opening more chapters.
(DPs)
2. Press release by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on the
hydrocarbon exploration by the Republic of Cyprus.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry (http://www.mfa.gov.tr/default.tr.mfa) issued a statement (25.03.16) claiming that the hydrocarbon
exploration by the Republic of Cyprus is challenging the right of the Turkish
Cypriots at a time when the two sides are negotiating over a possible
reunification. The statement is as follows:
“We have learned that the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) has
called for a new international tender for off-shore hydrocarbon exploration and
exploitation licence within its so-called exclusive economic zone.
At a time when negotiations for a comprehensive settlement aiming to
establish a new partnership in Cyprus have reached a critical phase, the tender
decision of the GCA disregards, on the one hand, the equal and inalienable
rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot side on natural resources of the
Island and, on the other, violates Turkey's rights in the region stemming from
its continental shelf.
Examining the so-called licence areas in the aforementioned tender,
we observe that an important segment of the area number 6 remains within the
outer limits of Turkey's continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean, as has
been registered before the UN.
As it was strongly emphasized by the previous statements of the
Ministry regarding this issue, Turkey will never allow foreign companies to
conduct unauthorized hydrocarbon research activities within its maritime
jurisdiction areas, and will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to
protect its rights and interests in its continental shelf.
Moreover, it is concerning for all sides that the Greek Cypriot side
continues to act as if it were the sole owner of the Island, ignoring the
fundamental rights on natural resources of the Turkish Cypriot people who are
co-owners of the Island and making decisions unilaterally involving such
resources at this very moment when it needs to clearly demonstrate its will for
establishing a new partnership with the Turkish Cypriot people.
In this framework, we invite all countries and companies that may
consider to conduct hydrocarbon exploration works on the basis of invalid
licences that the GCA may endeavour to issue, to act with common sense and take
the will of Turkish Cypriots, the other founding people in the Island, into
consideration and not to take steps that will negatively affect the settlement
process of the Cyprus issue.”
3. The self-styled foreign ministry also issued a statement on the
hydrocarbon exploration by the Republic of Cyprus.
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (26.03.16) reported that the
self-styled foreign ministry issued a statement on the 3rd round of tender for
hydrocarbon research by the Republic of Cyprus. The statement is as follows:
“The Turkish Cypriot side is continuing its efforts to reach a
comprehensive settlement in Cyprus in the shortest possible time within the year
2016 through UN-facilitated negotiations. Regarding the natural resources of
Cyprus, we are witnessing the continuation of unilateral activities by the Greek
Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus as a result of internal political
concerns. In this connection, the Greek Cypriot side has announced, on 24 March
2016, the third licensing round tender for hydrocarbon exploration in
unilaterally-declared parcels 6, 8 and 10. At a time when the intensive
negotiations are on-going, the Greek Cypriot side should refrain from taking
steps which would harm the current positive atmosphere.
In light of these recent developments, we find it necessary to
emphasize, once again, that the Turkish Cypriot side, as one of the two equal
partners on the island of Cyprus, have rights over the existing natural
resources in the territorial waters of the Island, and that it has an equal say
as the Greek Cypriot leadership in all decisions pertaining to the exploration,
exploitation and exportation of hydrocarbon resources.
The Turkish Cypriot side maintains its view that until a
comprehensive settlement is reached, the best way forward is to conduct the
exploration, exploitation and exportation activities of natural resources found
around the Island within the framework of mutual cooperation between the two
sides.
We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our call on the
Greek Cypriot leadership to focus on the UN-led negotiation process and
demonstrate a positive approach to reaching a settlement in the shortest
possible time based on established UN parameters and the Joint Declaration of 11
February 2014.”
4. Akinci is invited for contacts in Berlin, London and Istanbul
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.03.16) reports that
Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci will be holding various contacts in
Berlin, London and Istanbul during April for discussing the Cyprus problem.
First, Akinci will visit Istanbul as guest of the Marmara Group
Strategic and Social Surveys’ Foundation in order to participate in the
18th Eurasian Economic Summit to be held between 6 and 7
April.
Akinci’s second visit will be held to Berlin between 11 and 13
April upon an official invitation by the German Foreign Minister, Frank W.
Steinmeier. Except meeting with Steinmeier, Akinci will also participate in
a round table discussion at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Akinci will be in Istanbul again for the 13th Islamic
Conference Summit of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation between 14 and 16
April.
Finally, in the end of April or in the beginning of May he will
visit London upon an invitation by the British Foreign Secretary David
Hammond. The date and the program of the visit have not been clarified yet.
The paper writes the Akinci’s visit to Berlin has caused the harsh
reaction of the Greek Cypriot side.
(I/Ts.)
5. Akinci’s statements following his meeting with Eide
Illegal Bayrak television (25.03.16) broadcast that the Turkish
Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci stated that the Greek Cypriot side “should abstain
from steps which will harm the negotiations process”.
He made these statements following his meeting with the UN Secretary
General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide.
Works aimed at carrying the negotiations process further was taken up
and the Turkish Cypriot side’s concerns over some issues which were not
discussed at the negotiating table was brought to the agenda during the
meeting.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Akinci expressed the Turkish
Cypriot side’s views on the energy issue, the registration of the halloymi/
hellim and the situation of Turkish Cypriots residing in the Republic of Cyprus
Pointing out to the latest developments on the energy issue, Akinci
stated that the negotiating table had been dissolved as a result of the energy
issue in the past.
“We shared our concerns regarding the issue of the new tender that
has been covered in the media with Mr. Eide. We also shared our views that the
process should not be taken to the exploration point in order for the
negotiations process not to be affected negatively. This richness belongs to
both sides and should be used sensibly. Therefore, we should abstain from
actions which will cause tensions” Akinci added.
Akinci also evaluated the latest developments on the registration of
hellim. “While the initiatives were continuing on the registration of hellim
under the name of Cyprus, we reached a consensus on the issue during the
European Commission President Junker’s visit to the island. The Greek Cypriot
Agriculture Ministry however is attempting to amend this agreement. We think
this is wrong and our agreement should not be changed. We also shared this
concern with Eide”, he stated.
6. Akinci’s adviser: The negotiations have not come to deadlock,
they have only slowed down
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (27.03.16) reported that
Gurdal Hudaoglu, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci’s adviser, has said
that it is for the first time that the Turkish Cypriots are in a “leading
position” in the Cyprus talks since the Annan Plan period. In statements to
Kibris television, Hudaoglu noted that we should not play the game of those
who try to destroy the negotiations.
Hudaoglu argued that there is no deadlock in the negotiations like it
is alleged, but only a slow down due to the parliamentary elections, which will
be held in the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus.
Referring to the repercussions of the agreement between Turkey and
the EU on the refugees’ issue and the developments that took place during the
summit (especially the discussions regarding the opening of Turkish ports to the
Republic of Cyprus and the lifting of the veto on five chapters in Turkey’s
negotiations), Hudaoglu said that the place in which the solution to the
Cyprus problem will be found in Nicosia. He added:
“There could be no solution without Nicosia. The referendum is an
example for this. The Greek Cypriots had not approved a plan approved by the
world, (the Annan Plan). The Annan Plan was not a plan finalized in Nicosia. The
places, on which the two sides could not agree, were filled in upon an
initiative by the UN. The agreement now is the following: Everything is
between the two leaders and their negotiators. If the two sides sign an
agreement, the stage of the referendum will come. There was no signature last
time. Now what the UN is doing is only moderation. The Turkish Cypriot
leadership is not doing business by getting commands by Turkey. The Turkish
Cypriot leadership is of course not excluding consultations with Turkey. It
supports these positions. However, it does not take any special permission.
[…]”
Hudaoglu said that Akinci’s stance as regards his relations with
Turkey is clear and he is not a person who will cover up a problem when he sees
it. He argued that Turkey has offered its support until now on the issue of
the solution.
Rejecting the accusations that “Akinci became Denktas’, Hudaoglu
claimed that with Akinci the Turkish Cypriot side has come to a “leading
position” in the negotiations and the entire world admits that Akinci sincerely
expresses the will of the Turkish Cypriots for a solution at the negotiating
table.
(I/Ts.)
7. Eide highlights importance of Schulz
visit
Illegal Bayrak television (25.03.16) broadcast that the Special
Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, who met with the
Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said that the upcoming visit to Cyprus by
the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, was a sign of the
significant interest and massive support for an on-going settlement talks from
the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Akinci, Eide highlighted
that both sides had strongly underlined the importance of making this a
genuinely European solution.
Eide said that the talks had entered a very critical phase. “We are
predominately looking into the many understandings that have evolved these past
months. We are trying to covert these understandings into clear language because
there might be political issues agreed by the two leaders but we don’t have the
details” he added.
Expressing his view that the elections process in the Republic of
Cyprus was not affecting the talks negatively, the UN Special Adviser said that
he believed that both leaders are committed to continue the talks in a
constructive manner.
8. Eide visited People’s Party
Illegal Bayrak television (26.03.16) broadcast that the UN
Secretary General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus Espen Barth Eide met with the
leader of the People’s Party (HP) Kudret Ozersay.
According to information released by the party, the People’s Party
leader Ozersay made a statement regarding the meeting on social
media.
He said that he had met with the UN Envoy for the first time and
added that he had informed Eide about his party’s vision regarding the Cyprus
negotiations process and the comprehensive solution to be
found.
Explaining that they had also brought to the attention of the UN
Envoy “the Greek Cypriot sides, tender for three separate blocks on the island”,
Ozersay expressed the belief that this move will harm the Cyprus negotiations
process but more importantly carried the threat of further estranging the Greek
Cypriots and the Greek Cypriot leadership from a comprehensive solution on the
island.
9. Akinci informed leaders of Turkish Cypriot parties about the
progress of the Cyprus negotiations
Illegal Bayrak television (26.03.16) broadcast that the Turkish
Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci briefed political parties that have representation at
the “assembly” regarding the latest phase reached at the Cyprus negotiations
process.
The leader of the Republican Turkish Party Mehmet Ali Talat, the
National Unity Party General Secretary Dursun Oguz represented the UBP leader
Huseyin Ozgurgun who is currently abroad, Democrat Party National Forces leader
Serdar Denktas Social Democratic Party leader Cemal Ozyigit and some “deputies”
participated in the briefing.
Making a statement after the 2 hour meeting completed, the National
Unity Party General Secretary Oguz said that this meeting was held within the
framework of routine meetings with the “president” where they were able to
exchange views.
The leader of the Democratic Party National Forces Denktas said that
during the briefing they had discussed the progress and regression at the
negotiations process and the requests they had made. “As these negotiations are
continuing, an agreement that is acceptable by the two sides becoming a primary
law is very important to us and we have emphasized this once again. If this
doesn’t become a primary law of the EU and this agreement is accepted at a
referendum, then all the problems we have spoken about previously can become a
reality, that also include the guarantees’ said Denktas.
The leader of the Social Democratic Party Ozyigit for his part said
that due to the upcoming election in the Republic of Cyprus, the negotiations
process had slowed down and added that the process would continue mainly with
preparatory works.
‘The leader of the Republican Turkish Party United Forces Talat for
his part also noted that the Cyprus negotiations process has slowed down due to
the election in the south of the island but added that currently there were no
dead ends at the talks. “It is the Turkish side’s aim to speed up the talks
after the election has been completed and find a solution to the Cyprus problem
within this year”, said Talat.
Explaining that the Greek Cypriot side did not want the agreements
reached at the talks to be written down because if the agreed points are leaked
then this will be understood as a partial agreement, the CTP leader said that
the Greek Cypriot side believes that the points agreed will have international
value and will be against the principle of ‘nothing is agreed until all is
agreed’ and therefore is against this.
10. Kalyoncu on the economic protocol with
Turkey
Illegal Bayrak television (25.03.16) broadcast that the
self-styled prime minister Omer Kalyoncu stated that the economic protocol
with Turkey will be signed next week.
Kalyoncu said that the economic protocol being discussed with Turkey
dealt with a number of issues “ranging from the administration of the ports, the
electricity authority and telecommunications department, reforms in a number of
fields such as tourism, education, judiciary and
agriculture”.
On the issue of electricity, Kalyoncu said that there was a demand to
split the current electricity authority into three. He however said that
privatizing the electricity authority at the moment was not on the “government’s
agenda”.
Reporting on the same issue, Halkin Sesi (25.03.16) reported that
the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, Tugrul Turkes will visit the breakaway
regime in the next week to discuss the economic protocol. According to the
paper, the issue of electricity will be among the most important issues in
Turkes’ agenda.
11. A feasibility study showed that a possible electricity
interconnection between the occupation regime and Turkey will be
viable
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (28.03.16) reports on the
results of a feasibility study prepared by a consultant company on the energy
sector called Fichtner, which was assigned during the summer by the “Cyprus
Electricity Authority” “KIB-TEK” to carry out a research on the feasibility of
the electricity interconnection between Turkey and the occupation regime with
undersea cables.
According to the paper, the report shows that the Levelized Unit
Costs (LUC) of electricity from the interconnector [in the interconnection
option] is below the LUC in the “isolated operation option” under the given
assumption. According to this, the LUC from the interconnector is 12,25 euro
cent per kWh while in the second case is 12,53 euro cent per kWh.
The report showed also that if Turkey would cover the cost of the
electricity cable connection with the “TRNC” as it did in the case of the water
transferred project, in the long-run the price of the kWh will be reduced
further.
(…)
On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.03.16)
reports in its economic pages that after the signing of the water agreement
between Turkey and the “TRNC”, the eyes turn now to the possible connection
between Turkey and the occupied area of Cyprus with electricity
cables.
According to the paper, Turkey had already prepared an “Energy
strategy document” and “masters plans on the TRNC’s electricity system by 2020”.
With this planning, Turkey’s goal is to implement a policy not only for covering
the electricity needs in the “country” and achieve security of supply but also
to turn the “country” into a distribution-transmission center.
(AK)
12. Akansoy: 500 persons were granted “white identity card” and
another 8.500 persons have the right to be granted such a
“card”
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (28.03.16) reports that
Asim Akansoy, self-styled interior and labor minister of the breakaway
regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that 500
persons were granted the “white identity card” by the regime and another 8.500
persons have the right to be granted such a “card”. In an interview to the
paper, Akansoy noted that during his “term at the office” only five persons
were given the “citizenship” upon a decision by the “cabinet”.
The average number of those who take the “citizenship” due to
marriage varies from 100 to 150 monthly, he said.
Referring to the rural plots of land distributed by the regime,
Akansoy noted that they have distributed 6.238 such plots of land until
today for “social houses”. Only 1.857 persons constructed a house, he said
adding that the rest are idle.
Replying to a question on the issue of the “municipalities”,
Akansoy noted that their priority is to decrease the number of the
‘municipalities” to 15. “This can be reduced further, but it cannot be
more”, he said adding that their aim is to enter into the June 2018
“elections” with the new number and arrangements.
Referring to the issue of the prisons in the occupied area of Cyprus,
Akansoy said that building new prisons is an absolute necessity because the
capacity of the existing one is 175 persons, but more than 400 prisoners and
detainees exist.
(I/Ts.)
13. Denktas evaluated the current situation into DP and announced
that he will be candidate again for the party’s
leadership
Under the front-page title: “The National Forces (UG) project
collapsed”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (28.03.16) reports on
statements by Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party-National
Forces (DP-UG), who, inter alia, said that the “National Forces party project”
has collapsed after the resignation of several “deputies” from the party, since,
as he said they refused to obey to the party’s base decisions.
Commenting on the resignations of Hasan Tacoy, Hakan Dincyurek and
Mendez Gunduz from the party and their stance to approach the National Unity
Party (UBP), Denktas said that their stance has extinguished any possibility for
“coalition between UBP-DP”. Denktas continued and said that the door is close to
a coalition with UBP.
Also, commenting on the resignations from the National Unity
Party (UBP) and the rumors that former Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu
intends to establish a new party in the “TRNC”, Denktas said that he considers
that Eroglu would not attempt to do this due to his age.
Asked to reply whether he will be candidate for the party’s
leadership during the next general congress of the party on May, Denktas replied
positively.
(AK)
14. An academic says that there is a problem with the illegal
students in the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (28.03.16) reports that students
who live in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus for many years as
illegals are the source of many problems. In an article by Ulas Gokce, an
academic, published in the paper, it is reported that some of the many problems
with these illegal students are the drugs trade, the illegal cheap labour, the
increase of epidemic illnesses and crimes.
Gokce said that the higher education in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus has a lot of problems, as its education standard cannot reach
the international standards. Another problem, he added, is the pursuit of
students from abroad, where the “universities” in order to get more students are
opened to “suspicious markets” and reduce even the tuition fees. As a result,
students from low income countries are coming to the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus and in a while, a main part of them, becomes illegal, because
they don’t have enough money. He explained that they may be 3 or 4 thousand
illegal students.
(DPs)
15. Delegation of the self-styled assembly participated in the
Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in Zambia
Illegal Bayrak television (26.03.16) reported that the self-styled
speaker of the “assembly” Sibel Siber and a parliamentarian delegation took
part in an Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in the Zambian capital Lusaka
and met with the Inter-Parliamentary Union President Saber
Chowdhury.
Siber stated that the Turkish Cypriot representation at the
Inter-Parliamentary Union is very important and asked the IPU President to
support the Turkish Cypriots to acquire an observer status at the
IPU.
Expressing the belief that this initiative would contribute to the
Cyprus negotiations process on the island, Siber alleged that regardless of
whether or not the breakaway regime was recognised, the “people” on the island
chose their representatives through democratic elections and these
representatives should not be prevented from taking part in international
meetings.
Saying that the Turkish Cypriot side supports a solution and peace on
the island “but that their voices and spirit is constantly being forced under
embargoes”, Siber handed a letter detailing the Turkish Cypriot side’s request
for observer status at the IPU to the IPU President
Chowdhury.
Pr. Chowdhury on his part said he was pleased to see that the Cyprus
negotiations process were continuing in a positive atmosphere and added that he
was pleased to see the Turkish Cypriot delegation at the Inter-Parliamentary
Union meeting. He said they support the solution and dialogue process in Cyprus
and pointed to the importance of the Turkish Cypriots taking place at
international platforms and expressing their views.
Pr. Chowdhury said that they would be evaluating the Turkish Cypriot
sides, request for observer status at the necessary bodies and respond as soon
as possible.
The delegation held also a meeting with the IPU General Secretary
Martin Chungong who is the first African to serve as the General Secretary in
the 125 year history of the IPU. The delegation also held a round table meeting
with Greek Cypriot parliamentarians.
16. Erdogan may meet with Obama during his official visit to the
United States
Turkish daily Hurriyet (28.03.16) reports that there is no
announcement whether Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet with US
President Barack Obama during his official trip to the USA. However, the paper
reports that preparations are being made for a possible meeting. It is expected
that Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will meet with US Secretary of
State John Kerry.
The paper also reports that Turkey will seek an investment of over
$1 billion from U.S. companies during Erdogan’s official trip, the head of
Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) said on March 26.
Erdogan will arrive in the U.S. on March 29 for a five-day visit to
attend a nuclear security summit and the opening ceremony of an Islamic-Ottoman
complex in Maryland.
He is also expected to meet with CEOs from the U.S.’s 25 biggest
companies at a gathering organized by the DEIK, the Turkish Prime Ministry’s
Investment Support and Promotion Agency (ISPAT) and the U.S.-Turkey Business
Council. “We expect an investment promise of over $1 billion from that
roundtable meeting,” DEİK Chairman Omer Cihad Vardan told Anatolia agency.
The President of ISPAT, Arda Ermut, said that potential U.S.
investors will meet Erdogan. “We will tell them to come and be a part of our
success. The energy, informatics, food, finance and health sectors will be on
the agenda”, he added.
According to Ermut, Turkey attracted around $1.5 billion in direct
investment from the U.S. last year. In total, foreign investors provided $16.5
billion last year. The U.S. is Turkey’s fifth largest export market, the Economy
Ministry said, exporting goods and services worth $6.4 billion in 2015, making
it the 33rd biggest supplier to the U.S. market. Turkey’s imports from the U.S.
were valued at $11.1 billion. The U.S. has been listed as a target country for
2016 by the Economy Ministry.
(DPs)
17. Turkish President Erdogan slams foreign envoys at journalists'
trial
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (26.03.16) reported that the Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has severely criticized a group of Western
diplomats who attended the trial of two daily Cumhuriyet journalists on March
25.
"Yesterday there was a hearing of a known journalist," Erdogan said
in a speech on March 26 in Istanbul, referring to Cumhuriyet Editor-in-Chief Can
Dundar. Dundar was on trial on spying charges on March 25 along with his Ankara
bureau chief, Erdem Gul. "The situation of those who attended this hearing is
very important," said Erdogan. "The consuls general in Istanbul come to the
courthouse. Who are you, what are you doing there?"
Journalists and diplomats from several countries attended the hearing
including Leigh Turner, the British Consul-General in Istanbul who shared images
from outside the court and messages of support for the journalists on Twitter.
Erdogan accused foreign envoys of making a "show of
strength."
18. The breakaway regime participated in the “MITT 2016” tourism
fair in Moscow
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli newspaper (28.03.16) reports
that according to information given by the so-called ministry of tourism,
“representatives” of the “ministry” and the “tourism sector” attended the “MITT
2016” tourism fair which took place in Moscow, Russia between March 23-26.
According to the paper, 1,800 companies from 150 different countries
attended the fair this year which attracted around 32 thousand visitors.
The occupation regime attended the fair with its own kiosk, writes
the paper, adding that brochures, maps and DVDs in Russian were distributed to
those who visited the “TRNC kiosk”.
(AK)
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