TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
184/16
27.09.2016
1.
Akinci gives five exclusive interviews and alleges that the Greek Cypriot side
has a “phobia for timetables”
2.
Leaders of Turkish Cypriot political parties evaluated the outcome of the New
York summit
3.
Former “assembly speaker” Hasipoglu alleged that Turkey will never give back
occupied Morphou
4.
EU Minister welcomes EU funds for refugees, criticizes
modality
5.
Johnson: Turkey vital for Europe
6.
Turkey's Energy Minister: Armenian nuclear plant should be shut
down
7.
US Deputy Secretary of State Blinken arrives in Ankara
8.
Commentary says government in denial about economic situation, Moody's credit
cut
9.
Cavusoglu in Ankara for contacts
10.
Ataoglu claimed that connecting flights to Russia and Ukraine will be launched
on winter period
1.
Akinci gives five exclusive interviews and alleges that the Greek Cypriot
side has a “phobia for timetables”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (27.09.16) reports that Turkish
Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has reiterated that a road map for the
solution of the Cyprus problem should now be clarified. In statements to
Turkish NTV, Akinci said that “usually the Greek Cypriot side does not
want to refer to timetables and time periods” and alleged that “we can
say that it has a kind of a phobia for timetables”.
Asked
whether we are about to enter into a five-party conference process with the
participation of Turkey and Greece,
Akinci replied that “this is actually the point at which we stand”.
He argued that a “natural timetable” has started to function and that the
last point of this timetable is a five-party conference. He said: “A more
intensified negotiation is expecting us in October in Cyprus. Afterwards it is
inevitable for us to pass into a different format and in the end to go to a
five-party summit. If our commitment to the target of 2016 continues, as it
is expressed in the statements, we can predict that the five-party conference
will definitely take place before the end of 2016”.
Asked
whether there will be a procedure similar to the one at Camp David
during
which the leaders will be discussing alone and at face to face meetings issues
such as the property and the territory, Akinci replied that what he says
is that in October the issues which remained in the first four chapters should
be concluded and added: “What we mean as Turkish side when we refer to a
process like the one at Camp David is that Cyprus is a small place and the
discussions leak within a short period of time. The issues which leak become
front page news in the papers the next day in an exaggerated manner. We
want to create an environment outside Cyprus where a series of meetings will
take place on sensitive issues which concern the territory in Cyprus. And
right afterwards we want a five-party conference to take place. And we want all
these to happen within the next 1-2 months”.
Replying
to another question, Akinci said that Turkey has been supporting them from the
very beginning of the process and expressed the belief that on the issue of
security and guarantees a formula could be created which will be protecting the
Turkish Cypriot “people”, but will not constitute a threat to the Greek
Cypriots.
Referring
to the natural gas issue, Akinci argued that we have two choices: the natural
gas will either become a field of new tensions in the Middle East or will be
turned into a bridge of peace and cooperation. He said that the hydrocarbon
resources in the Eastern Mediterranean are important from the point of view of
opening the door of cooperation among the countries of the region and not only
between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots and reiterated the view that
the Cypriot and Israeli natural gas should be transferred to Europe through
Turkey.
Meanwhile,
in an exclusive interview with Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi
newspaper (27.09.16), Akinci argued that the UN has started the
preparations for a “camping-style meeting” on the territory and for a five-party
conference in spite of the fact that this has not been announced. Akinci
alleged that a better statement could have been issued after the tripartite
meeting of the leaders with the UNSG on Sunday, but this was not possible
because of the “negative stance of the Greek Cypriot
side”.
Noting
that as of 3 October and for two weeks a very intensive effort will be exerted
in the direction of overcoming the differences on four chapters, he claimed:
“In the minds there is a plan consisted of three parts. The first is
the intensified negotiations during the first weeks of October. The second is a
meeting which will take place abroad and in a camping style and in the end the
issue of security and guarantees will be settled in a five-party
conference”.
Asked
whether there is an agreement on this issue, Akinci replied: “That is, it is
not openly said and its announcement to the public is not wanted. However, this
exists in the minds in spite of the fact that they do not affirm this agreement
in this manner. Because if we want to achieve the target within these three
months, there is no other way”.
Akinci
reiterated the allegation that the Greek Cypriots have phobia for timetables and
arbitrations because of what happened during the Annan Plan and claimed:
“These phobias of them, however, will be turned into delaying tactics and the
process will collapse if it remains in 2017 without absolutely anything to
happen. […] Let the details remain for 2017, this is not a problem. We
are anyway obliged to devote a period of time within 2017. This is necessary
for the citizens to see and understand what will come out”.
Moreover,
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (27.09.16) publishes exclusive
statements by Akinci under the title “Camping for the territory” and
reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader said that the sides will implement
the existing timetable, even though this has not been announced. “Even
though the fact that this interim timetable or interim working plan has
not come out is a deficiency, I think that a natural timetable is
functioning”, he claimed and alleged that “it is evident that this
timetable has been created in the mind of the Greek Cypriot side as well”.
Akinci
said: “What I expect is that after the discussion of the four chapters in Cyprus
we will contact the UNSG and ask for a detailed discussion of the territory in a
camping style. And right after that a five-party conference to take place. This
is what the UNSG expects from us”.
Akinci
argued that if no work is done within this framework in the three forthcoming
months, we will “face the risks of 2017” and “a deadlock will come onto the
agenda”. “The deadlock is of no one’s benefit”, he said and expressed the
wish for everyone to understand this.
Furthermore,
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (27.09.16) publishes exclusive
statements by Akinci
under the title “We should have been able to put a timetable”. In this
interview, Akinci reiterated the target of the “three stages”: first intensified
negotiations in Cyprus, then tripartite meeting with the UNSG outside Cyprus and
in the end a five-party conference. Referring to the tripartite meeting of
last Sunday Akinci alleged that it would have been better if the sides were able
to put an interim timetable and the “milestones” of the next three months.
Akinci argued that if the Greek Cypriots have in their mind to continue the
negotiations in 2017, the issue “will be spoiled”. Explaining the “risks of
2017”, he claimed that “this process will collapse by its own then”.
Finally,
in exclusive statements to illegal Bayrak (27.09.16, http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=akinci-speaks-to-brt-in-new-york)
in New York, Akinci reiterated that it will never be possible to achieve a
federal settlement in Cyprus, if
the efforts to reach a solution by the end of this year fail. Akinci
said that the next three months are “of vital importance” adding that this
period “should not be wasted”. He alleged: “The Greek Cypriot side has an
in-explainable fear of timetables. They do not want to discuss it. This phobia
dates back to the Annan Plan and is baseless. We made it clear that we were
ready to enter a timetable. So once again the Turkish Cypriot side’s
determination and commitment towards a solution was demonstrated in front of the
eyes of the UN community”.
Referring
to the 200 areas in which divergences exist according to the Greek Cypriot side,
Akinci claimed that this was not the case as most of the issues on which
disagreement still exists were technical issues.
Akinci
stated that once all four chapters are completed, the Turkish Cypriot side is
ready to discuss the details of the territory chapter, whether it be percentages
or maps, at a meeting to be held abroad.
He
alleged: “We made it clear in the beginning that we would not enter into
detailed talks on territory. Assume that we start discussing maps, names of
places or percentages in Cyprus and details of our discussions, along with
speculations would be leaked to the press. That would be the end of the
negotiations process”.
He
then reiterated the view that it
would be best to take up this issue abroad in a camp-style meeting far from the
reaches of anyone with
the intention of disrupting the talks. “Once we discuss the chapter of
territory we can sit down with the guarantor powers in a five-party
conference and settle the issue of security and guarantees”, he
reiterated.
Akinci
also warned that failure to reach a settlement before the end of the year
will be a recipe for disaster. He
alleged: “If the Greek Cypriot side chooses to delay the process and tells us
that it is ready to continue talks in 2017 then let me tell you now… this
will be the recipe for non-solution. This will lead us to a
non-solution. What do we have in 2017? We will have a new Secretary General;
we will have a new administration in the US. If the Greek Cypriots start new
hydrocarbon explorations then we will have tension again. Then in 2018 there is
the elections in South Cyprus…So in other words the solution to the Cyprus
problem will be left to another spring…a federal settlement will most likely
be shelved”.
(I/Ts.)
2.
Leaders of Turkish Cypriot political parties evaluated the outcome of the New
York summit
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (27.09.16) reports that the leaders of the
Turkish Cypriot political parties evaluated in different statements the results
of the tripartite summit in New York and according to their statements, the
summit did not met their expectations.
In
a written statement, the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) and so-called
prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, accused the Greek Cypriot side and the
President of the Republic of Cyprus of delaying tactics and of showing a
negative stance on the issue of setting a timetable, arbitration and a
five-party meeting. “The Turkish Cypriot people are not sentenced to a
solution prostrated by the Greek Cypriots”, Ozgurgun alleged, accusing also the
Greek Cypriot side of “not showing willingness in the talks which are continuing
for the last 48 years. In the light of these realities, they should stop pump
the hopes of our people for solution”.
Also,
the leader of the Democratic Party (DP) Serdar Denktas, stated, inter alia, that
if the late Rauf Denktas was alive, he would proposed the support of the “TRNC”
and to sign a solution as an “independent state”.
Referring
to the summit in New York, Denktas said that they are not satisfied from the
result of the summit. Supporting that what is discussed currently at the
negotiating table is the transformation of the “TRNC” into a “Turkish founding
state” under the “Cyprus Federal State” to be, Denktas alleged that in fact this
would mean that they would become a province. “It is impossible to accept this”,
Denktas said.
Referring
to the system of guarantees, Denktas pointed out to the danger of its dilution,
if a formula is found in a possible solution and argued that this is a threat
for the Turkish Cypriot “people”.
Alleging
also that the Turkish Cypriot side is not ready for the solution in terms of the
economy, he
described the claims of some circles supporting the opposite as a mistake.
Denktas
reacted also strongly to the allegations that during that discussions on the
property issue at the negotiation process, the “title deeds of the TRNC” will be
considered “invalid”. “Our negotiator discusses the issue of considering our
titles deeds invalid. Our title deeds are guaranteed by the state and are valid.
Nobody should have doubts on this matter”, claimed Denktas.
Moreover,
evaluating the New York summit, the leader of the Social Democracy Party
(TDP) Cemal Ozyigit stressed the need for the sides to work harder. “As it was
made clear from the statements made in New York, the goal for a solution within
2016 remains the same. This is very important for us. With the continuation of
the intensified talks, we should proceed to a five-party meeting and a similar
favorable point”, Ozyigit said, calling also the sides and the supporters of the
solution to work harder.
Furthermore,
the leader of the “People’s Party” (HP) and former Turkish Cypriot
negotiator, Kudret Ozersay argued that the New York summit did not met the
expectations of the supporters of the solution. He added that while they were
expecting for the situation to become clear after the summit, the uncertainty
has been increased more. He further claimed that his party is a party which
supports the comprehensive efforts for a solution on the Cyprus problem. “We
wish for the negotiation talks to yield a positive outcome and not be diverted”,
Ozersay added.
Also,
in exclusive statements to Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (27.09.16)
Ozersay accused the Greek Cypriot side for the stance it showed in New York and
proposed for the Turkish Cypriot side to issue a license towards the issue of
the natural gas exploration activities, in order to force the Greek Cypriot side
to focus on the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Recalling
that the Cyprus negotiation talks continue for the last 48 years, Ozersay
accused the Greek Cypriot side for keeping the Turkish Cypriot side at the table
and at the same time undertakes unilateral activities.
Stating
also that President Anastasiades is happy and satisfied from the outcome of the
New York summit, Ozersay said: “The Greek Cypriot leader is happy since no
timetables came out. And this is because the continuation of the negotiation
does not cause any distress to them”.
Ozersay
called also the Turkish Cypriot side to exert pressure to the international
actors in order for a five-party meeting to take place in the next two months.
Also,
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (27.09.16) reports that the leader of
the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Mehmet Ali Talat, commenting on the
result of the tripartite summit in New York, in statements to Kanal T, argued
that the Turkish Cypriot side has proven to the international community once
again, as it did in 2004, its determination for a solution on the Cyprus
problem.
Evaluating
the trilateral meeting held in New York as well as the negotiations process,
Talat pointed out that prior to 2004, the Turkish Cypriots were viewed as the
main reason for the non-solution in the island. Talat argued that this
perception had changed as a result of the referendum held in 2004.
Describing
as meaningless the fact that President Nicos Anastasiades refuses to accept a
timetable in the process, Talat called the President to show leadership and to
stand behind his words. He further called on the UN to exert pressure on the
Greek Cypriot side in order to accept a five-party meeting to take place with
the participation of the guarantor countries as well.
Supporting
that the Greek Cypriots are more supporting a solution today than they were back
in 2004, Talat added that the economic crisis experienced in “south Cyprus”
played a major role for the change of their attitude towards the solution.
Pointing
out that a significant economic stability will be achieved in a possible
solution, Talat recalled that the Turkish Cypriot leadership demanded for the
UN’s involvement in the process to be increased, something which was accepted by
the UN’s Secretary General.
Talat
furter reiterated the need for reaching to a solution within 2016 and warned
that otherwise, the process could be pushed as far as after 2018.
(AK)
3.
Former “assembly speaker” Hasipoglu alleged that Turkey will never give back
occupied Morphou
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (27.09.16), on its front page under the title
“Turkey will not give back Morphou”, reports that Ertugrul Hasipoglu, former
“assembly speaker” of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, in an
interview to the paper, argued that the solution of the Cyprus problem is not in
Cypriots’ power.
Commenting
on the reportedly excess demands of the Greek Cypriot side, Hasipoglu claimed:
“Turkey will never give back Morphou. Turkey will never renounce its
guarantorship. (…) If and only if Turkey becomes an EU member, then Turkey’s
guarantees may be removed.
(DPs)
4.
EU Minister welcomes EU funds for refugees, criticizes
modality
Turkish
Hurriyet Daily News (27.09.16) reports that Turkish European Union Minister Omer
Celik has welcomed the EU’s aid program of 3 billion euro for refugees in Turkey
but expressed criticism over the mechanism of delivering those finds through
international organizations.
“Because
delivering the aid through non-governmental organizations delays the process,”
Celik said, while speaking at a joint press conference with Commissioner for
Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos
Stylianides.
The
European Union will deliver its largest ever humanitarian aid program for
refugees in Turkey, Stylianides told Hurriyet Daily News, adding however they
could only provide humanitarian assistance through international humanitarian
organizations.
“This
is a principle in [the] humanitarian field. This is our obligation. It happens
in this way in Africa and in Asia, now even in Greece, which is a member state
of [the] European Union,” he said.
Of
the total 3 billion euro in EU funds, 1 billion was earmarked for humanitarian
assistance through humanitarian organizations, while the remaining 2 billion
euro will be delivered through state channels and pipelines, he
said.
International
agencies, U.N. agencies and NGOs were contracted for these funds and the vast
majority of the total goes through the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF and
the UNCHR, Stylianides stated.
They
cannot directly flow the money to Turkish government institutions because of
specific requirements, the Commissioner said.
“We
have discussed with the Minister [Celik] that this project is real evidence that
we utilize Turkish organizations. Without the contribution of Kizilay [the
Turkish Red Crescent], definitely we’ll not be in this very productive moment in
order to launch this largest ever humanitarian project founded by the EU. I
explained [this to] him and I think he was satisfied,” Stylianides
said.
Stylianides
also expressed his optimism to overcome political hurdles in the migrant deal
between Turkey and the EU.
“Our
implementation of the EU-Turkey agreement is quite important for both sides. We
know very well that we have to deal with this very unprecedented crisis
together. We need this collective action. We need Turkey and they need us. Our
partnership is strengthening in order to cope with this unprecedented crisis. I
am optimistic that together with Turkey we can deliver this very difficult job….
The Emergency Social Safety Net [ESSN] is real evidence [of] what we can do
together,” he said.
Stylianides
was in Ankara to launch the EU’s flagship humanitarian aid program, which is set
to provide a monthly electronic cash grant to benefit 1 million Syrian refugees
in Turkey. The ESSN aid project has an initial budget of 348 million euro and
will be implemented by the WFP and the Turkish Red Crescent, in close
collaboration with Turkey’s Family and Social Policy Ministry and Disaster and
Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
“This
amount comes with specific research with the Social Affairs Ministry and with
our partner on the ground, the WFP, and others. At the same time we have a lot
of projects for education and other activities which are more or less definitely
in process. This project can further be utilized,” the Commissioner
stated.
“The
Turkish authorities and our partners, they believe that this is more or less
something which can cover the basic needs of each refugee family. We are ready
to evaluate the whole project after the first nine months in order to see if we
can make some improvements,” he added.
5.
Johnson: Turkey vital for Europe
Ankara
Anatolia news agency (27.09.16) reports that U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris
Johnson stated that Turkey plays a vital role for Europe. He was referring to
the country's hosting of millions of Syrian refugees.
Johnson
met Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Omer Celik in the capital Ankara on
Monday.
Speaking
to journalists prior to their meeting, Johnson said he appreciated the
generosity of the government and the Turkish people towards the
refugees.
Earlier
Monday, he visited a container city, which houses Syrian refugees in Turkey's
southeastern Gaziantep province.
The
British Foreign Secretary also praised the Turkish nation's stand for democracy
against the defeated July 15 coup, which left 240 people martyred and nearly
2,200 injured. He said the people of Turkey had not allowed their democracy to
be destroyed by the coup attempters.
Johnson
also said that his country would continue supporting Turkey's EU bid, adding
that Britain was leaving the EU, not Europe.
EU
Minister Celik also underlined that the U.K.’s move to leave the EU was not
synonymous with a departure from Europe. “The U.K. has been a European power and
will continue on this path. Turkey, even if it is not an EU member, is a
European power historically and a European democracy. Following the July 15 coup
attempt, Turkey proved with its nation that it has a first-class
democracy.”
Today
Johnson is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan.
6.
Turkey's Energy Minister: Armenian nuclear plant should be shut
down
Ankara
Anatolia news agency (27.09.16) reports that Turkey's Energy and Natural
Resources Minister Berat Albayrak stated that the Armenian Metsamor nuclear
power plant should be shut down as the world cannot risk another disaster like
Chernobyl.
"Even
if each country took the necessary precautions about its own nuclear power
plant, we cannot ignore the threats at the borders. Therefore, we have to act
together towards potential threats. In that regard, the Metsamor nuclear power
plant should be shut down," Berat Albayrak said at the 60th general conference
of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the Austrian capital
Vienna.
The
Turkish Minister explained nuclear threats, namely terrorism, went beyond
countries’ borders.
Armenia's
Metsamor plant, built in 1970 and located 16 kilometers (10 miles) from the
Turkish border, came under criticism by Turkish officials as Armenia decided to
extend Metsamor's lifespan until 2026.
He
also said that Turkey currently had plans to build three nuclear power
plants.
Each
of the plants boast four reactors, he said adding that the feasibility studies
for the third nuclear power plant were still ongoing.
Turkey's
first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, is being constructed by Russia while the
second one, the Sinop nuclear power plant, will be built by a consortium
composed of France, Japan and Turkey.
Albayrak
said that the plants would follow the IAEA's security
standards.
7.
US Deputy Secretary of State Blinken arrives in
Ankara
Turkish
Hurriyet Daily News (27.09.16) reports that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State
Antony Blinken arrived in Ankara on Sept. 27 to hold a series of meetings with
Turkish officials on issues of cooperation in the fight against the Islamic
State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and discuss other bilateral and strategic
issues.
During
his visit, Blinken will be accompanied by U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for
the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, Brett McGurk, and the U.S. deputy
assistant secretary at the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Jonathan
Cohen.
Blinken
is expected to end his visit on Sept. 28.
8.
Commentary says government in denial about economic situation, Moody's credit
cut
Turkish
Hurriyet Daily News (27.09.16) publishes the following article by Semih Idiz
under the title: “Junking Turkey”:
“Everyone
agrees that if the coup attempt on July 15 had succeeded, Turkey’s economy would
have gone into a tailspin. The steps taken by the government under its
“emergency rule,” however, also appear to be achieving the same
result.
Here
are some headlines taken from yesterday after Moody’s cut Turkey’s sovereign
credit rating to “junk”:
“Moody’s
Cut Spurs Worst Rout for Turkey Assets since Failed Coup.”
Bloomberg.
“Turkey
Eurobonds tumble after Moody’s cut to ‘junk.’ Reuters.
“Turkish
Lira weakens to 2.99 against dollar after Turkey cut to junk.” Business
Recorder.
The
government continues, nevertheless, to be in denial. It only sees yet another
international conspiracy aimed at undermining Turkey. Despite such headlines,
which should make it concerned, it is not willing to give the slightest thought
to the possibility that domestic factors may be behind the Moody’s rating
downgrade.
Prime
Minister Binali Yildirim believes that the Moody’s decision, which follows a
similar decision by Standard and Poor’s after the failed coup attempt, is not
based solely on economic factors. What he is implying is that this is a
politically motivated decision.
It
is, however, stating the obvious to say there are political factors behind
Moody’s decision. Political uncertainty in Turkey is on the rise, and it is not
just rating agencies and investors who are worried, but anyone who has any stake
in the country.
We
can also turn Yildirim’s explanation around and apply it to President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan’s approach to economics. It is clear to many analysts that
Erdogan’s approach is not based on economic realities, but on political
considerations.
Erdogan
is demanding that the Central Bank reduce interest rates in order to boost
investments. He even questioned former Central Bank Governor Erdem Basci’s
loyalty to Turkey for not doing so. The current governor Murat Cetinkaya is
trying, but even he can only do so much to please Erdogan in the face of
economic realities.
Erdogan
wants people to be able to borrow more at lower rates and spend more in order to
stimulate production and spur growth through spending. He wants this because the
illusion that people are able to get what they want will bolster the impression
that all is well with the economy, which he relies on for political
support.
However,
he conveniently overlooks the fact that millions of people are already
defaulting on their credit card debts or being crushed under loans they took out
to buy their cars or houses, believing that the economy is under
control.
Erdogan
still has one advantage if we are to believe Jonathan Friedman, a London-based
analyst at Stroz Friedberg. Friedman told the Financial Times that foreign
investors are worried about risks in emerging markets but have few
options.
“The
other big emerging markets — Russia, Brazil, Iran — pose even greater challenges
due to a mix of sanctions, recessions and political paralysis. So investors
realize that Turkey is going through a tough time. But they look at the size of
its consumer market, and it remains attractive,” Friedman
said.
But
Turkey’s problem is embedded in these words. If the current negative political
trends continue, the country risks losing its “best among the worst” status. It
is also true that Turkey’s consumer market remains attractive, as Friedman says,
but how long will this last before an increasing number of Turks fail to meet
their financial obligations as wage increases lag behind price
hikes?
All
eyes are now on the rating to be given by Fitch in early 2017. If that is also
negative then Turkey’s junk rating will be consolidated. Considering its usual
approach to solving political crises, early 2017 is still eons away for the
government - even if it is only a few months down the
line.
Put
plainly, this means there is time for things to be made worse before they can
get better. Meanwhile, sensible Turks are defying Erdogan and are saving rather
than spending - because they don’t know what comes
next.”
9.
Cavusoglu in Ankara for contacts
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 27.09.16), the self-styled minister of
agriculture and natural resources Nazim Cavusoglu is in Ankara for a series of
contacts.
Cavusoglu,
who embarked on his contacts, today met separately this morning with the Turkish
Minister of Finance Naci Agbal and the Turkish Minister of Food, Agriculture and
Livestock Faruk Celik.
Later
on, Cavusoglu will meet with the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of
Cyprus Affairs Tugrul Turkes.
He
will be meeting with the Turkish Minister for Water Works Veysel Eroglu late
this afternoon.
Cavusoglu
and his accompanying delegation are expected to return to the occupied area of
the Republic of Cyprus tomorrow morning.
10.
Ataoglu claimed that connecting flights to Russia and Ukraine will be
launched on winter period
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (27.09.16) reports that the self-styled
minister of tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu claimed that flights to
Ukraine and Russia will be launched during the winter
time.
In
a statement in Istanbul following a meeting with Murat Ersoy, owner of Atlas
Global, Ataoglu said that scheduled flights with Atlas Jet will fly to different
destinations starting on winter period. He added that they try to find a way,
which will be for the advantage of all the stakeholders, at the connecting
flights that will come to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus through
Turkey.
Ersoy,
for his part, argued that they made the biggest investment in Cyprus
(translator’s note: he refers at the occupied area of Cyprus) at this moment,
adding that this investment will pave the way for the change of the “country’s
image”.
Meanwhile,
illegal Bayrak television (online, 27.09.16) reported that Ataoglu, who was
guest on “BRT’s morning show” today revealed the “ministry’s” latest plans to
boost tourism in the “TRNC” (editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus).
Pointing
out that the latest political developments in Turkey and the Middle East have
had an adverse effect on “TRNC” tourism; Ataoglu said that efforts were underway
to bring life to the tourism sector. Noting that launching direct flights to
five different destinations in Turkey was part of this initiative, Ataoglu
added: “We have launched advertising and promotional campaigns in both Turkey
and other countries. Just recently we started flights to Diyarbakır and Ordu. We
have also started promoting the TRNC in Ordu”.
Ataoglu
also claimed that talks are underway to launch flights to Iran and Azerbaijan
and
expressed the view that increasing flights destinations will have a positive
impact on the “country’s tourism sector”, and that a decision had been taken
with the Turkish Airlines to operate flights to Denmark, Northern Ireland and
Scotland.
(DPs)
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
