TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA
REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 102/16
2.06.2016
1. Yildirim and Akinci’s joint press
conference
2. How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Prime Minister Yildirim’s
illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus
3. Akıncı called Greece to show stronger support to the Cyprus
negotiation process
4. Ertugruloglu and Denktas condemned Kasoulides’ statements
5. Water supply suspended due to technical
problems
6. The Trade Union Platform protested over the “circular” of the
“interior ministry” aiming to put limitations on the right to
protest
7. The F-4 Fantom warplane used in the Turkish invasion to be
exhibited in the Municipality of Adana
8. Yildirim calls Armenian killings “ordinary” and urges Germany to
show “common sense”
9. Kilicdaroglu: “The Armenian issue should not be used as a
political tool”
10. Newly appointed EU Minister Celik held contacts in
Brussels
11. Turkey and Uganda signed agreements and MoA in several
fields
1. Yildirim and Akinci’s joint press
conference
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (02.06.16), on its front page
under the title “A cross invitation to the leaders”, reports that Turkey’s newly
appointed Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, during his illegal visit to the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, evaluated differently Akinci’s visit to
Istanbul, which was the reason for the crisis at the negotiating table.
Yildirim asked that Akinci should not only meet with Erdogan but also with
the Greek Prime Minister Tsipras and invited also Anastasiades to
Greece.
Yildirim paid his “first visit abroad” yesterday to the occupied area
of the Republic of Cyprus as it is customary for the Turkish Presidents, Prime
Ministers and Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Yildirim met with Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci, self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, self-styled
assembly speaker Sibel Siber and visited the tombs of the late former Turkish
Cypriot leaders Dr Fazil Kucuk and Rauf Denktas, as well as the cemetery of the
Turkish fighters of the Turkish invasion in 1974.
Akinci, in a joint press conference with Yildirim after having a
working lunch, said that he had a very sincere and beneficial meeting with the
Prime Minister of Turkey Binali Yildirim. He expressed his satisfaction that
Yildirim paid his first visit “abroad” to the “TRNC” just like his predecessors,
adding that there is no doubt that this visit will further improve the already
good relations between the two “countries”.
Commenting on the Cyprus talks, Akinci said that they have stepped
into a period of historical significance in Cyprus and that they have a critical
7-month-period ahead of them. Akinci further said: “As we have stressed many
times, this period should be utilized by working very hard with sincerity in
order not to miss the opportunity for a solution. As it happens until today, we
are ready to work with all our strength in order for a federal agreement based
on bi-zonal, bi-communal and political equality to be determined. A
settlement that will ensure our equality, freedom and security is not only a
necessity for our island, but also for our territory, and it also has the
potential to create important opportunities that will pave the road especially
for economic cooperation.”
Stressing that he is satisfied to see in the meeting with Yildirim
that Turkey’s support to the negotiation process in Cyprus as well as its
determination on the solution is continuing unchanged, Akinci said: “It is very
important that Turkey stands behind the Turkish Cypriots on the Cyprus
settlement, just like it does on other issues”. Akinci wished that other related
parties, particularly Greece, do not withhold their constructive contribution
for a just solution in Cyprus.
Akinci further said that Yildirim is one of the leading names who
proved that politics has an aspect that can be exercised by means of technical
creativity as well, that while he was serving as the Minister of Transport, he
was frequently referred to with his activities and he succeeded in highlighting
that politics is to produce services for people. Akinci added: “I wish this
characteristic feature of Mr Prime Minister sets an example for the ministries,
both in Turkey and in the TRNC, focused particularly on technical
issues”.
Yildirim, for his part, said that Turkey, as a guarantor country
expects with sincerity that the “two people, who are joint owners of the
island”, will be able to reach a solution within a year. He stressed that the Cyprus settlement will seriously contribute to
the security, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region, and only
after the solution the real potentials of Cyprus will emerge, and the potentials
of the underground and over ground wealth will be jointly utilized.
Yildirim claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side shows good will and
determination from the beginning of the negotiations and is the side that always
takes initiatives in order for a just, equal and lasting solution to be reached.
He noted that the ongoing negotiations are not made up only of 6 chapters,
but a permanent solution is only possible through the understanding of an equal
partnership and a belief in a common future”. Yildirim went on: “For this
reason, the results should be reached with sincerity, the sides should not
forget to see each other as their future partners and that they should comply at
the maximum extent to live one next to the other and to respect the rights of
each other”.
Reminding that the Cyprus problem, which has lasted more than half a
century, is continuing within the framework of the good offices of the UN
Secretary General, Yildirim noted that the expectations of the Turkish side and
the international community on the issue of wasting time have reached their
limit.
Stressing that the principle in the relations between Turkey and the
“TRNC” is “whatever there is in Turkey, there will also be in the TRNC”,
Yildirim said that they will continue to work in order that the “TRNC” will
possess everything Turkey has, particularly in terms of infrastructure.
Replying to questions after the press conference, Akinci was asked to
comment whether the crisis in Istanbul was over since they will meet in a
bi-communal event with students on Thursday (today). He claimed that there was
no actual crisis, but an “artificially created situation”. He noted that it was
natural to meet with UN Secretary General and participate in the dinner in
Istanbul, adding “We expect now that Mr Anastasiades will establish the
necessary dialogue for a new meeting date, preferably not too late, with both
the UN and with us”.
Meanwhile, in his meeting with Ozgurgun, Yildirim said that the
Cyprus problem is Turkey’s national cause for more than half a century and
added: “We would be happy to see a lasting, just, sustainable bi-zonal and
bi-communal administrative model to come to life in Cyprus. We are all on the
same page if that is the case. This is why we support the negotiations to the
very end. We believe that such an opportunity should not be missed once again.
The Turkish Cypriot side is working hard in that direction but a settlement will
only be possible if the Greek Cypriot side shows the same
sincerity”.
On the economic development, Yildirim said that there are numerous
joint projects being conducted between the two “countries”, adding, however,
that infrastructure projects alone are not enough. “We also need to focus on
projects higher up. More cultural and educational projects are needed for the
people of the two countries to bond more. Over three million people travel to
and from the TRNC annually. There are thousands of students studying here.
All these are extremely important elements strengthening the bond between the
two countries”, Yildirim said.
(DPs)
2. How
the Turkish Cypriot press covers Prime Minister Yildirim’s illegal visit to the
occupied area of Cyprus
Under the banner front-page title “We expect solution with
sincerity”, Turkish Cypriot Kibris newspaper (02.06.16) reports that
Turkish Prime Minister, Binali Yildirim has said that the lasting solution in
Cyprus could be possible with faith in a common future and an understanding for
an equal partnership. In joint statements with the Turkish Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci yesterday during his illegal visit to the occupied area of
Cyprus, Yildirim argued that Turkey is sincerely expecting a solution in
Cyprus by the end of the year.
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (02.06.16)
emphasizes on the reply given by Akinci to a question as to whether the
so-called “Istanbul crisis” was overcome. According to the paper, Akinci
wondered whether there was a crisis and reiterated the allegation that “there
was a situation artificially created”. Referring to the social meeting he
was expected to have today with President Anastasiades, Akinci wished that
the ground for a new meeting [within the framework of the Cyprus talks] is
created. “We expect Mr Anastasiades to propose a new date for a meeting, a date
which preferably will not be late, by holding the necessary dialogue both with
us and with the UN”, he said and reiterated that wherever he is, he will be
ready to meet with the UNSG if the conditions are appropriate, arguing that
“there is nothing more natural than this”. He noted that if the Turkish
President invites him to a dinner in which officials of foreign countries will
be participating, he will “of course attend”. He said that the dinner in
Istanbul was not the first dinner he attended. “If they really imply that
they could return to the negotiating process by putting such conditions, they
should know that such conditions could not be accepted”, he claimed.
Under the banner front-page title “We were struck by a
thunderbolt”, Turkish Cypriot Afrika newspaper (02.06.16) reports
that as soon as Yildirim arrived in the occupied area of Cyprus, he said that
“whatever there is in Turkey, there will also be in the TRNC”. “And we say
to Yildirim ‘do not bother us, that is all we ask of you’”, writes the paper,
which referring to Akinci’s statements, notes that he expressed his
satisfaction with the fact that during his meeting with Yildirim he saw that
Turkey’s so-called support and determination in the negotiating process for
finding a solution to the Cyprus problem continues.
Under the banner front-page title “Cross invitation to the
leaders”, Turkish Cypriot Havadis newspaper (02.06.16) writes that
after the “Istanbul crisis”, Yildirim evaluated Akinci’s visit in a different
manner and said that Akinci should be meeting not only with President Erdogan,
but with Greek Prime Minister Tsipras as well and has invited President
Anastasiades to Turkey. Yildirim said that Turkey’s support to the Turkish
Cypriots will continue in all fields and added that the parameters of the
solution in Cyprus are known and that an agreement providing for political
equality and guarantees could be reached by the end of the year.
Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (02.06.16) emphasizes
on the same point of Yildirim’s statements under the title “Invitation to
Anastasiades” noting that Yildirim expressed the view that such meetings “would
be a good message to the world and the society from the point of view of the
sincerity of the sides”.
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (02.06.16) covers
Yildirim’s statements under the title “The economic protocol has entered into
effect, he says” and notes that Yildirim stated that the “economic protocol”
between Turkey and the regime for the period 2016-18 has entered into
effect. Pointing out that the “government” has not yet briefed the “people”
on the content of the “protocol”, the paper writes that Yildirim said that the
targets set until today within the framework of the “economic protocols” signed
with the regime have been achieved and many of the projects materialized in the
occupied area of Cyprus do not exist in the government-controlled area.
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (02.06.16)
writes that Yildirim said that the “protocol” was signed three days ago
adding that the issue of electricity is included in it and that everything
needed for transferring electricity from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus
will be done. “Turkey is necessary for Cyprus and Cyprus is necessary for
Turkey”, he argued and alleged that the “slightest mistake committed
against our brothers living in the TRNC, will be committed against Turkey as
well”.
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (02.06.16) emphasizes on
the statement made by Akinci as regards the importance of the
forthcoming seven months for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Under the
title “We have a critical period before us”, the paper writes that Akinci
argued that “as we have been doing until today, we are ready to work with all
our power from now on as well for achieving a text of a federal bi-zonal
bi-communal agreement on the basis of political equality”. He described as
“important” Turkey’s support both on the issue of finding a solution to the
Cyprus problem and on other issues and added that while efforts for solving the
Cyprus problem are exerted, the Turkish Cypriots should simultaneously work hard
for improving their living conditions.
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (02.06.16)
refers to Yildirim’s statements under the title “He gave trust” and
writes that Akinci said that the next seven month period should be used by
working hard and sincerely so that the opportunity for a solution is not
wasted.
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (02.06.16) refers to Yildirim’s
meeting with self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgrugun during which the
Turkish Premier referred to the Cyprus problem and said: “We have a cause
which exceeds half a century. This cause passed through a lot of tests. Every
time, whatever the conditions were, we never abandoned what we thought was
right, we did not make a step backwards. We do not intend to make a step
backwards from now on. If a model of a bi-zonal, just and lasting administration
on the island is reached, then it is fine. We agree on this issue. That is
why we support until the end the ongoing negotiations on six chapters. We
believe that this important opportunity should not be wasted again”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Akıncı called Greece to show stronger support to the Cyprus
negotiation process
According to illegal Bayrak television (01.06.16) Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci has stated that more support is needed from Greece for a
settlement in Cyprus.
Touching upon the Cyprus problem during an event he attended
yesterday, Akinci reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side’s desire to achieve a
bi-zonal, bi-communal federal settlement that safeguards the interests of both
communities living on the island and claimed that Turkey fully supported this
goal.
“Our hope is that Greece which has lately been unable to show keen
interest in the Cyprus problem due to the economic crisis it has been
experiencing, will show stronger support to the ongoing efforts for a solution”
said Akıncı, adding that they expected to achieve speedy results from the
negotiations in the period ahead.
Also, commenting on the crisis in the talks which erupted after he
attended a dinner reception in Istanbul, Akinci described Greek Cypriot side’s
reaction as “a little over the top”.
Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue to maintain a
calm stance in the talks, Akıncı stressed that the future could only be
determined through dialogue and negotiations.
Claiming that they will continue showing a determined stance for the
solution and peace in the island, Akinci stressed the need to work endlessly in
order to improve the quality of life of the “people” in the “TRNC”. “We cannot
freeze life, we do not have the luxury to suspend everything until the post
solution period”, added Akinci.
“We shall endlessly and tirelessly continue to work towards a
solution and we shall not take any steps back. No one has the right to tell us
when and where we can and cannot meet with the UN Secretary General. Yes, a
settlement can only be found at the negotiating table but this does not give
anyone the right to block our contacts with anyone”, Akinci argued.
4. Ertugruloglu and Denktas condemned Kasoulides’ statements
According to illegal Bayrak television (02.06.16), so-called
foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu has strongly condemned the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ioannis Kasoulides for his statements
that the “TRNC” is a “fake state”, recognized only by
Turkey.
In a written statement issued yesterday, Ertugruloglu alleged that
Kasoulides’ statement only demonstrated once again the Greek Cypriot side’s
insincerity towards a solution.
“The Cyprus problem began in 1963 when the Greek Cypriots kicked out
the Turkish Cypriots from the state apparatus by force of arms. This was
followed by a policy of isolation of Turkish Cypriots. There are currently two
entities on this island”, Ertugruloglu claimed. “One of these entities which are
not even subject to debate is the legitimate TRNC. It is the Greek Cypriot side
which deserves to be labeled ‘pseudo’ because it is the Greek Cypriots who claim
to be representing the whole island when they are actually not”, Ertugruloglu
also added.
He also accused the Greek Cypriot side of not seeing the Turkish
Cypriots as its equal partners and alleged that “It is because of this stance
that the Greek Cypriot side’s real intentions should be
questioned”.
Ertugruloglu called on the Greek Cypriot side from refraining to make
such statements and to focus its attention and energy towards achieving a new
partnership on the basis of the political equality of the two
sides.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (02.06.16)
reports that so-called deputy prime minister and minister of finance, Serdar
Denktas, issued a written statement and expressed strong criticism to the
statements made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus,
Ioannis Kasoulides, who described the “TRNC” as a “fake
state”.
Denktas argued that these statements by Kasoulides aimed to humiliate
the Turkish Cypriots.
He claimed also that “even if the TRNC is recognized only by Turkey,
it is a reality and exists with its democracy, land, language and human
beings”.
Denktas added also the following: “The statement of the Greek Cypriot
Foreign Minister towards the TRNC as a ‘fake state’ emphasizes the perspective
of the Greek Cypriot politicians for the Turkish Cypriots once again”.
Denktas also called the Greek Cypriots to be aware that if they
continue to have this mentality, the solution to be found on the Cyprus problem
will also be a “fake solution”. “A solution which the Greek Cypriot
administration tried to reach with a state it named as a ‘pseudo state” will be
a ‘fake solution’”, Denktas said.
(AK)
5. Water supply suspended due to technical
problems
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (02.06.16) under the title:
“Change on the date of the water supply”, reports that although so-called
minister of agriculture and natural resources Nazim Cavusoglu has stated the
other day that the water transferred from Turkey to the “TRNC” as part of the
“water supply project” was to start being pumped into tanks in the occupied part
of Nicosia, Famagusta and the occupied villages of Hamit Mandres and Diorios,
this process was postponed due to a technical problem at the main pumping
station in occupied Myrtou.
In statements to the paper, officials of Turkey's State Water Affairs
Department (DSI), said efforts were being made in order for the problem to be
solved the soonest possible.
(…)
(AK)
6. The Trade Union Platform protested over the “circular” of the
“interior ministry” aiming to put limitations on the right to
protest
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (02.06.16) reports that the
Trade Union Platform, held a march yesterday and protested in front of the
“interior ministry” against the National Unity Party – Democratic Party
“coalition government’s” “circular” sent by the “interior ministry” to the
“district officers” providing for securing “permit” before holding
demonstrations, marches and similar activities.
The protesters put a black wreath in front of the “ministry’s
headquarters” and threw down the “circular”, stating that they do not recognize
it.
During the march, the protesters were holding banners writing: “We do
not recognize the charta (firman) of those who do not recognize the
constitution”, “withdraw you package”, “no to the charta (firman)”.
Also, in statements during the protest, the chairman of Turk-Sen
trade union Arslan Bicakli warned that they will proceed to more crowded
protests if the “government” will not withdraw the “circular” and argued that
the “circular” is contrary to “article 32” of the “constitution”.
Moreover, the chairman of KTOEOS trade union, Tahir Gokcebel,
stated that they gathered in front of the “ministry of interior” without
permission beforehand and called the “ministry” to withdraw the
“circular”.
Criticizing the so-called police for its intervention during the
bi-communal event organized on the occasion of the “commemoration of Fazil
Onder”, Gokcebel argued that its aim was to arrest the Greek Cypriots and argued
that these actions are nothing else but an indicator of their wish for the
continuation of the separatist regime.
(…)
(AK)
7. The F-4 Fantom warplane used in the Turkish invasion to be
exhibited in the Municipality of Adana
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (02.06.16) reports that the
F-4 Fantom warplane, which had been used during the Turkish invasion in Cyprus,
will be put on display at the Central Park of the Municipality of Adana.
Issuing a written statement on the issue, the director of the
Department of Environment, Aviation, Protection and Control of the Municipality
of Adana Duran Kaya, stated, inter alia, that the warplane was transferred to
Adana six years ago and explained that the warplane which is of “historical
importance”.
Kaya added that the warplane will be exhibited at the Central Park of
the Municipality of Adana in 15-20 days once the maintenance works will be
completed.
(AK)
8. Yildirim calls Armenian killings “ordinary” and urges Germany
to show “common sense”
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (02.06.16) reports that Turkish
Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has repeated a call on Germany for “common sense”
over plans in the Bundestag to recognize the World War I massacres of Anatolian
Armenians as genocide, arguing that the killings were “ordinary” events that
took place in wartime conditions.
“This vote is a ridiculous vote,” Yıldırım told reporters on June
1, when asked about a planned vote on a resolution on the issue in Germany’s
Parliament scheduled for June 2.
Speaking before his departure for the “TRNC”, his first official
customary visit abroad, Yildirm stated: “Ordinary events that could take place
in any society or any country took place in 1915, in the context of World War
I”.
“We know that those trying to hit Turkey with a bill are not
well-intentioned. We are telling the entire world loud and clear that we have
laid our cards on the table, let everything be researched”, Yildirim said,
adding: “But this should be done by historians. It would be wrong to use it as a
tool for politics, for calculations in politics. There is no doubt that our
relations [with Germany] would be harmed by the bill. We don’t want relations to
be harmed,” Yıldırım said, recalling that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had
already conveyed Ankara’s “uneasiness and concerns” during a phone call with
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on May 31.
(…)
“I hope the German Parliament and decision-makers do not turn a deaf
ear to the voice of 3.5 million of their voters,” Yıldırım also said, referring
to the large ethnic Turkish population in Germany.
“God willing, common sense will prevail and such an annoying decision
won’t come up … In the past, similar resolutions were adopted in other
countries. For us it is a null and void matter, but still we don’t want it
to be adopted,” he added.
“Our relations with Germany and the European Union are at a very good
level. Particularly in recent times we have made significant progress on the
issues of visa liberalization, the readmission agreement and preventing illegal
migration. Turkey is not a country that blackmails, utters threats and develops
plans,” Yıldırım also said.
“We are committed to agreements we made until the end,” he added,
referring to the recent migrant deal. “Let the European Union also stick to its
promises. This is not a tribal state; the Republic of Turkey is a country with
established state customs,” he added.
9. Kilicdaroglu: “The Armenian issue should not be used as a
political tool”
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (01.06.16) reported that the
main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıcdaroglu has
expressed support for the government’s statement that events concerning the
killing of Anatolian Armenians 100 years ago should be “left to historians, not
politicians.”
Speaking ahead of a June 2 vote in the German Parliament on
recognizing the massacres of Armenians during the First World War as genocide,
Kılıcdaroglu said that the issue came up during a breakfast meeting with
ambassadors of EU-member countries accredited in Ankara on June
1.
“We expressed our views on the issue. We told them that this subject
shouldn’t be a political issue. It shouldn’t be used as a political tool.
Historians should deal with the matter. Turkey has opened all of its archives.
The whole world has the right to know the truth but Armenia has not opened its
archives and should do so,” Kilicdaroglu told reporters after the
meeting.
Asked whether the German ambassador had attended the meeting,
Kılıcdaroglu said he did not. “We invited him but we don’t know whether he is in
Turkey or not,” he added.
Kilicdaroglu also expressed hope for the liberalization of visa
requirements for Turkish citizens in the EU, saying that is not right to link
the issue to “other conditions.” “We have already stated that there is a need for agreements to be
kept. The ethical values of unity can harmonize with this together,”
Kılıcdaroglu said.
10. Newly appointed EU Minister Celik held contacts in
Brussels
Turkish daily Sabah (01.06.16-online in English) reported that the
newly appointed EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Omer Celik paid his first
official visit to Brussels, where he announced on Wednesday that a road map had
been decided during talks with the European Commission First Vice President
Frans Timmermans on May 27 in Antalya.
With the future of visa-free travel to the EU's Schengen Zone for
citizens of Turkey unresolved due to Ankara and Brussels exchanging ultimatums,
Celik said that a group of technical experts would arrive in Turkey today,
June 2, to examine the visa liberalization process.
Prefacing that the level reached in Turkish-EU relations is owed to
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Celik said that reforms in this regard were
conducted under Erdogan's leadership.
Although Brussels says the deal will succeed, it also insists that
Turkey meets the EU's 72 benchmarks, including narrowing its counter-terrorism
laws. The EU’s stance which has received much criticism from Turkish
officials.
Celik reiterated that Turkey couldn't be expected to narrow its
counter-terrorism laws under the current circumstances in which terrorist
organizations such as DAESH, the PKK and the Revolutionary People's Liberation
Party Front (DHKP-C) pose threats to security and
citizens.
As part of his official visit, Celik met with the European
Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Commissioner Johannes Hahn, as
well as the EU Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Commissioner Dimitris
Avramopoulos.
Speaking at a press conference, Celik said that the EU project is
one of the fundamental matters in Turkey's politics and that Turkey has no
issues concerning reform decrees. "Realizing the visa liberalization as Turkey
has requested is exceptionally significant," he said.
Providing details of his meeting with Timmermans in Antalya, Celik
said: "We discussed what could be done for the two criteria left out of the 72
requirements. We determined a road map that includes technical experts meeting
in Turkey to exchange views on the matter. If it results in a meaningful
portrait, [Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and I] will meet with Timmermans
once again followed by meetings including President Erdogan and German
Chancellor Angela Merkel."
Emphasizing Turkey's devotion and determination to continue the
Turkey-EU refugee agreement, which includes accelerating Turkey's EU membership
bid and visa-free travel for Turkish nationals in the Schengen area if Turkey
meets the 72 benchmarks, Celik supported it is impossible for visa
liberalization talks to be excluded from the agreement, calling it
inseparable. "Visa liberalization must not be perceived as a threat. The
currently active mechanisms must not be disengaged, but rather must increasingly
continue their momentum", he added.
Commenting on the requirement to amend the counter-terrorism laws,
Celik said that the laws will not be changed as Turkey expects empathy from the
EU on the matter since anti-terror laws in Europe vary according to states'
needs. He added that the EU must not apply a double standard for Turkey
regarding the visa liberalization process.
11. Turkey and Uganda signed agreements and MoA in several
fields
Turkish daily Sabah (01.06.16-online in English) reported that Turkey
and Uganda signed on Wednesday agreements and memoranda of understanding on
diplomacy, military, education, tourism, sports and energy during President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan's official visit to Uganda.
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Ugandan Internal Affairs
Minister Rose Akol Okullu also signed an agreement on the mutual removal of visa
requirements for diplomatic passport holders in the presence of Erdogan and his
Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni.
Furthermore, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci and Ugandan Tourism,
Wildlife and Historical Artifacts Minister Maria Lubega Mutagamba signed a
cooperation agreement on tourism. Also, Zeybekci and Ugandan Defense Minister C.
W. C. B. Kiyonga signed a cooperation agreement on the defense industry,
Çavuşoğlu and Kiyonga signed a military memorandum of understanding, Deputy
Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak and Ugandan Energy and Mineral Development Minister
Irene Muloni signed a cooperation agreement on hydrocarbon, mines and minerals,
and Kaynak and Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa signed a memorandum of
understanding on cooperation on higher education between the Council of Higher
Education (YOK) and Uganda's Education, Science, Technology and Sports Ministry.
Cavusoglu and Kutesa also signed a joint declaration on the occasion of
Erdogan's official visit.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio
(AK / AM)
