TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
10/17
14-16.01.17
1.
Akıncı evaluates the Geneva summit
2.
Akinci: 29,2% is a percentage proposed by Rauf Denktas and approved by the
“assembly”
3.
Akinci: It will be known within a few weeks if it is possible to reach a federal
solution
4.
Akinci: “The sole guarantee of the Turkish Cypriots is
Turkey”
5.
Erdogan evaluates the Geneva summit
6.
Turkish Presidency spokesman said that the Turkish side is optimistic about the
procedure’s future
7.
Yildirim replied to criticisms that the Turkish government sold
“TRNC”
8.
Cavusoglu alleges that the Greek Cypriot map is not serious and that no Turkish
Cypriot will accept it
9.
Ozgurgun:”It was a strategic mistake the presentation of a map by the Turkish
Cypriot side”
10.
Ozgurgun claims that Erdogan informed him about his suggestion on the map two
months ago
11.
Turkish columnist sees better prospects on Cyprus negotiation talks if Turkey
cooperates with Russia
12.
YKP said that the guarantees have nothing to do with the
security
13.
Nine colonels detained in the occupied area of Cyprus for links to
FETÖ
14.
Atun made a call to the African countries for
trade
15.
The occupation regime in a tourism fair in the Netherlands and
Austria
16.
Turkey passes last article on constitutional change; Statements by Erdogan
1.Akıncı
evaluates the Geneva summit
According
to illegal Bayrak television (14.01.17), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci held a press conference at the UN offices in Geneva and gave information
regarding the five-party conference and the negotiations process that took place
throughout the week.
Stating
that in line with the agreement reached on the 1st of December, they discussed
the four remaining chapters during the meetings held between the 9th and 11th of
January and tried to bridge gaps on topics where consensus had not been reached,
Akinci added that they had decided to present maps in accordance with the
percentages that had been previously determined.
Akıncı
said that during the first two days of the Geneva summit some convergences had
been reached but said that there was still much to do and added that they had
been discussing topics that had been discussed for years in the past 20 months.
“For the first time in Geneva, maps were presented on proposed territorial
boundaries and later on these maps were sealed in the UN’s vault. The Greek
Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades said that the map we presented was
unacceptable and we do not find the map submitted by the Greek Cypriot side to
be acceptable and we have informed the UN Secretary General of this with a
letter”, Akinci stated.
Noting
that after many years for the first time a five-party conference with the
attendance of the guarantors in Cyprus was held, Akinci explained that this
meeting was held in a very positive atmosphere. He added that in order not to
waste time they continued their discussions during their dinner
break.
Explaining
that during the night session they exchanged views on how they could carry the
process forward, Akinci added that the guarantor powers carried out meetings
amongst themselves as well.
Explaining
that he had also held a meeting with the British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson
and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Federica Mogherini, Akinci stated that during the night phase of the conference
they concentrated more on how to carry the process
forward.
He
said that despite the two sides in Cyprus, Turkey and Britain wanted to continue
the conference without any further breaks but due to Greece which was requesting
more time to be prepared, a decision was given to hold another conference in the
future and in the end, the 18th of January was the date set for the
conference.
“Özdil
Nami will be representing me during that conference. The guarantor countries
will also send representatives”, said Akıncı.
Noting
that the conference has not been finalized but had taken on a new form, he
stated that this was just preparatory works for the conference to be taken to a
higher level.
“Speaking
on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side that has been continuing the Cyprus
negotiations process for the past 20 months, we have reached the end”, said
Akıncı and added that although there are some issues that still needed to be
tied up, some issues would be finalized once the last phase had been
reached.
He
also drew attention to the fact that all issues would be finalized during the
end game. “It would be wrong to say that the five-party conference has ended
or that there is uncertainty. The Cyprus solution process has not been endorsed
to an open ended road. Right after the 18th of January meeting the conference
will be transferred to a higher level and we are determined to hold a second
conference” said Akinci, reiterating that such an opportunity might not arise
again.
2.
Akinci: 29,2% is a percentage proposed by Rauf Denktas and approved by the
“assembly”
Under
the title “Akinci: The process is not unsuccessful”, Turkish Cypriot
daily Afrika newspaper (15.01.17) reported that Turkish Cypriot leader
Mustafa Akinci has said that 29,2% was a percentage accepted during late
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas’ period and passed by the “assembly” of the
breakaway regime with the approval of all parties. In statements at illegal
Tymbou airport during his return from the international conference for Cyprus in
Geneva, Akinci recalled that some allegations say that the Turkish Cypriot side
will go down to 25% or that the map will be worse than the one in the Annan
Plan, but “these will definitely not happen”. “The Greek Cypriot side cannot
submit a proposal below 28,2%. And our proposal is 29,2%”, he noted.
Akinci
said that some progress was achieved in the negotiations held between the sides
from 9 to 11 January and on 12 January the five-party conference started with
the participation of the three guarantor powers and the EU having an observer
status.
He argued:
“On
11 January maps would be submitted. This was realized. The sides would not
have mutually submitted maps to each other. This issue is misunderstood. They
were mutually seen and handed over to the UN and the UN locked them. This
situation as regards the maps was realized with our insistence stance. We
did not want to experience an open-ended process because no agreement on the
issue of how long this process would last had been achieved. It was obvious that
this process would not end within a day and therefore all of us thought that it
would not be correct to mutually give the maps to each other and create big
speculations. Therefore, they were given to the UN to lock them up. They will
take them out from there only with a decision of the two leaders. The Greek
Cypriot side’s map is not acceptable. […]
The
conference started on 12 January was a five-party conference.
[…] Once more it was understood that we have been telling the truth. The two
sides participated in equal status. The Permanent Members of the UN Security
Council did not participate. Representation of the Republic of Cyprus was out of
the question. The process continued within the same framework carried out until
today under the auspices of the UN. This will continue the same from now
on. The EU was granted the observer status with the approval of both
sides. The status of the EU will continue the same from now on as well. […]
Five
sides talked at the session of the conference on 12 January in which we
participated in equal status. Except for the UNSG’s speech, the two sides in
Cyprus and the guarantor powers at Foreign Ministers’ level delivered also a
speech.
Due to Greece’s stance, the working groups could not begin working at the very
next day. This happened in this way only because of Greece’s stance. All
other sides wished for the process to proceed and end in a result oriented
manner. Greece suggested the 23rd of January. The other
participants in the conference did not accept this and the 18 January was
decided. These conferences do not decide with simple majority. Consensus is
important. […]
Therefore,
a five-party working group is being established. A group of colleagues under my
negotiator Ozdil Nami will continue to start these works on 18
January.
A break could be given. […] The level could vary. The working groups now are
being realized at a lower level. If it is developed towards a solution, it will
be upgraded to the level of Prime Ministers. […] This will be the Cyprus
conference and this will either end with a solution or will end with
failure. […] I am preserving my cautious optimism. […] I am
satisfied that the 1 December agreement was implemented verbatim. I want
to say that this process was not pushed to uncertainty and has not failed.
[…]”
(I/Ts.)
3.
Akinci: It will be known within a few weeks if it is possible to reach a
federal solution
Under
the title “This issue will definitely end”, Turkish Cypriot daily
Kibris Postasi newspaper (15.01.17) reported that Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci has argued that it will be known within a few weeks
whether it is possible to reach a federal solution to the Cyprus problem. In
statements to Kibris Postasi’s correspondents on the airplane during his return
from Geneva where he participated in the international conference for Cyprus,
Akinci argued:
“The
Turkish Cypriots have been equally represented at the highest level in Geneva
and held a bargaining with their interlocutors around the same table. This is
something extremely important”.
Referring
to the second part of the international conference which will start on 18
January, Akinci claimed that it is not possible for this second part to last for
weeks and added: “The international actors have not seen positively Greece’s
demand for a period of ten days and decided for a period of five days. From this
we can reach the conclusion that this problem cannot be prolonged any more”.
Akinci
alleged that everybody in the conference saw the “negative stance” of Greek
Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, who without asking anyone spoke as if the sides
agreed to meet on 23 January.
Arguing that this stance caused the “big reaction” of all the sides
participating in the conference, Akinci said that when he found out about
Kotzias statements he informed the UNSG Antonio Guterres, who “showed great
reaction and got angry about Greek Foreign Minister’s stance”. “As a result,
agreement was reached for the 18 January instead of the 23 January”, he argued
adding that on that day the commissions will start working and the continuation
of the conference will possibly take place at a higher level.
Recalling
that the federation has been discussed for many years in Cyprus, Akinci claimed:
“The end of the process is close, the date is there and this is very
clear. This issue will continue right after the works of the 18th
of January together with the summit. It will now definitely end. If there is
going to be a solution, it will happen, if there is not going to be, we will see
it in the end of the process”.
(I/Ts.)
4.
Akinci: “The sole guarantee of the Turkish Cypriots is
Turkey”
According
to illegal Bayrak television (16.01.17), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci,
delivering a speech during the commemoration ceremony of the late Dr. Fazıl
Küçük, stated, inter alia, the following: “He [Fazil Kucuk] prevented the Greek
Cypriot’s hopes for Enosis (union with Greece). The point we have reached today
is owed to the struggle carried out by Dr. Kucuk and his comrades under the hard
conditions of the time. Today, we have reached a point where we shall
establish a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal state on the basis of political
equality. We have reached the stage of establishing a federal partnership where
there will be rotational presidency which will allow Turkish Cypriots too to
become president” he said.
Akıncı
added that they had reached a point where they are talking about building
bridges of cooperation between Turkey and Greece. We are entering a new era
where Cyprus will establish the foundations of new opportunities for cooperation
between neighbouring countries in the region.
Akinci
also recalled that the phase launched in Geneva had not ended and would continue
at a technical level.
Pointing
out that the level of representation could be raised to that of Prime
Minister once the technical work was completed, Akinci added: “There is no doubt
that the sole guarantee of the Turkish Cypriot peoples’ security is Turkey.
There is no hesitation. We want a formula where Turkey’s active and effective
guarantees will continue, allowing everyone on this island to live in freedom
and security. There is room for everyone on this island” he added.
5.
Erdogan evaluates the Geneva summit
According
to illegal Bayrak television (14.01.17) the Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan made statements regarding the five-party conference in
Geneva.
Erdogan
alleged that the Turkish Cypriots are working intensely and sincerely but the
Greek Cypriots and Athens still have different
expectations.
Stating
that Turkey has set three conditions regarding security, land tradeoffs and a
rotating presidency to achieve a solution on Cyprus, he added that “as part of
the three conditions for a solution, the Turkish Cypriot side had said that the
Greeks should not expect a guarantee without Turkey”. He also reiterated that a
full withdrawal of the Turkish troops is “out of the
question.”
Commenting
on demands that all Turkish troops be withdrawn from the island, Erdogan said,
“If such a thing is being thought of, then both of the sides need to pull all of
their soldiers from here.”
Arguing
that the Geneva peace talks were a new negotiation process separate from the
2004 Annan Plan, Erdogan alleged: “Guzelyurt [occupied Morfou] and Erenkoy
[occupied Kokkina] could be joined and left to the Turkish Cypriot side, while
the whole of Famagusta, including Maras [fenced of city of Varosha] could be
left to the Greek Cypriots.
“They
want the Karpaz area and that’s not going to happen. We informed the
representatives that were there. The discussions regarding the seashore have
long been finished as the Annan plan is not valid anymore” claimed
Erdogan.
Referring
to the issue of the rotating presidency, Erdogan alleged that it would be unfair
the Turkish Cypriots to hold the post one time for every four times that it is
to be held by the Greek Cypriots and noted that the ratio should be
one-to-two.
Erdogan’s
comments came a day after the three guarantor powers of the island, Turkey,
Greece and the United Kingdom, joined Anastasiades and Akıncı at a five-party
conference in Geneva.
6.
Turkish Presidency spokesman said that the Turkish side is optimistic about the
procedure’s future
Turkish
Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (16.01.17) reports that Turkish Presidency’s
spokesman Ambassador İbrahim Kalin stated that the various contacts that took
place on Geneva were the peak point for the Cyprus talks that are taking place
for the last 20 years.
Kalin,
who issued a statement, said that a lot of progress was achieved on some issues
while the talks are continuing on other matters. However, he said they are
optimistic and positive regarding the procedure.
“Reaching
a solution is possible under the condition of the establishment of a bi-zonal,
bi-communal establishment of two states and the safeguarding of the political
representation and equality”, he stated.
He
went on and added that Turkey cannot abandon the Turkish Cypriots and expressed
the hope that there will be a positive outcome regarding the procedure in the
coming weeks.
(CS)
7.
Yildirim replied to criticisms that the Turkish government sold
“TRNC”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (16.01.17) reports that Turkey’s Prime Minister
Binali Yildirim said: “It was a shame to say that we will sell the ‘TRNC’. He
does not know even his place”.
Replying
to criticisms over the Cyprus talks in Geneva during a press conference in
Turkey’s Parliament, Yildirim noted: “I was criticized because I did not go to
Geneva for the Cyprus Conference. It was reflected today in the Parliament. The
opposition accused the government of ‘selling Cyprus’. What is their
answer?”
Yildirim
further argued: “What do they mean by selling? It is a disgrace. They don’t know
even their place. Because we did not go, it means that we sold it? There is such
a thing? There was no need for us to go. Negotiations on Cyprus have been going
on for many years.
Matter
1:
Our conditions for Cyprus are certain and our red lines are clear. The issue of
security and guarantees in Cyprus and Turkey’s active guarantee and security
cannot be abandoned or abolished under no condition.
Matter
2:
If a bi-communal state will be established, the administration of this state
should be fair, the sharing of this state should be fair.
Matter
3:
On land and property issues, it is out of question for the Turkish Cypriot side
to lose their vested rights.
In
brief, in the partnership and the common state that will be formed, everything
should be in a way that will make both sides happy and pleased. After all
these, Turkey's effective guarantee and the measures regarding the security
should be continued in exactly the same way.”
(DPs)
8.
Cavusoglu alleges that the Greek Cypriot map is not serious and that no
Turkish Cypriot will accept it
Turkish
Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (16.01.17) reports that Turkish Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has alleged that the map submitted by the Greek
Cypriot side within the framework of the Cyprus negotiations was not serious and
that no Turkish Cypriot could accept this map. Addressing the closing
ceremony of the 9th Turkish Ambassadors’ Conference, Cavusoglu said
that both sides showed their maps to the UN representative in Geneva and that
“there was no issue such as exchanging maps”. Noting that the Turkish
Cypriot leader had said that the Greek Cypriot proposal was not serious and that
no Turkish Cypriot will accept this map, Cavusolgu
added:
“The
same thing is valid for us as well. They say about Karpasia, they say about
other places. Anyway, these are out of the question, but because we have not
passed into the stage of the map yet, entering into all the details is
meaningless. However, let everyone be at ease. The sensitivity of the
Turkish Cypriot people and the citizens of the Republic of Turkey on the
security, the guarantees, the territory and other issues is our sensitivity as
well. We are defending until the end our rights and interests on this issue.
[…]”
Cavusoglu
alleged that the Turkish Cypriot delegation showed “how mature and visionary
state” they are during the international conference for Cyprus and that they are
“determined for a solution but not any solution”. According to Cavusoglu, the
UN representative showed an objective stance during the conference, but serious
disagreements existed during the process, for which they agreed to continue at a
technical level and set a timetable. Cavusoglu said that Turkey will be
represented by the deputy Foreign Minister Muhtar Gun, but later the Foreign
Ministers will meet and in case there is a result, the Prime Ministers will be
invited.
(I/Ts.)
9.
Ozgurgun:”It was a strategic mistake the presentation of a map by the Turkish
Cypriot side”
According
to illegal Bayrak television (14.01.17) so-called prime minister Huseyin
Ozgurgun evaluated the Turkish Cypriot side presenting a map during the Cyprus
talks as a strategic mistake.
Evaluating
the developments of the Geneva summit to the illegal BRT, Ozgurgun stated
that it was clear from the very beginning of the talks that this phase would be
reached and alleged that presenting a map was a strategic
mistake.
“We
as the government and as the UBP voiced our view that presenting a map at this
phase was very problematic.
We said that problems would arise if the map was leaked to the press. When a
map was given, it was done so without consultations with the government, we
weren’t even aware of the situation” Ozgurgun alleged.
Claiming
that the Turkish Cypriot side had lost its trump card by revealing the map,
Ozgurgun drew attention to the fact that the map should have only been revealed
during the last phase of the talks and added that the Cyprus issue was far away
from the referenda stage.
Accusing
Greece of wanting a solution that will erase all Turkish flags in Cyprus, he
added: “There is a serious gap between north Cyprus, south Cyprus and Greece.
Everyone knows this. Everyone can see that this gap cannot be closed”, Ozgurgun
alleged, adding added that if an agreement is reached, it is reached, if not,
then they are at a point where the “TRNC” can continue on its own
path.
“The
Greek Cypriot side does not want Turkey’s active and effective guarantees to
continue and therefore is not coming to an agreement on the Cyprus issue. Even
president Akıncı said that if an agreement is reached then good, if not the TRNC
will continue on its own path. We as the government are at this point. We think
that this is the best possible solution”, Ozgurgun claimed.
Further
alleging that the “TRNC” is a “legal state”,
Ozgurgun said: “We should not waste our energy by negotiating another 50
years”.
10.
Ozgurgun claims that Erdogan informed him about his suggestion on the map two
months ago
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (16.01.17) reports that during a joint interview
to both Havadis and the Turkish NTV Channel, the so-called prime minister
Huseyin Ozgurgun, stated that he agrees with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci on the issue of guarantees and with the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan
on the issue of the map.
He
said that he expected from Akinci to inform him on the issue of the map arguing
that it was his right as a “prime minister” to be informed. “This was my right.
I have no knowledge on the context of the map and I am anxious over this.
However, I am sure that the Greek Cypriot politicians were informed about the
map that was submitted by the Greek Cypriot side”, he said, adding that Erdogan
told him two months ago about Kokkina and Varosha. “Erdogan said, we take
Kokkina in exchange for Varosha. If this is the map then I do not object on its
context. Erdogan told me about these two months ago. I did not reveal it. The
President of Turkey trusted me. If Akinci had shown me the map then it would not
have been leaked from me”, Ozgurgun alleged.
He
also said that on the issue of guarantees he agrees with both the Turkish
Cypriot negotiation team and Turkey. “There is no problem on this. We are clear
on the point that the system of guarantees will not be touched. Yes, the UN have
power. However, we know from experience that if any events occur the power of
the UN will not be enough [to prevent them]”, he claimed.
(CS)
11.
Turkish columnist sees better prospects on Cyprus negotiation talks if Turkey
cooperates with Russia
In
a commentary entitled: “Turkey and Russia could cooperate on Cyprus”, in
Turkish daily Sabah (15.01.17-online in English), columnist Yahya Bostan writes
the following about the Geneva talks:
“The
Cyprus peace talks in Geneva, which brought together Turkish and Greek Cypriots
as well as Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom, ended with no concrete
results. The parties are due to meet again on January
18.
In
truth, the much-hyped agreement was stillborn as Greek Prime Minister Alexis
Tsipras refused to attend the talks,
citing the failure to abolish guarantees. Another reason was the disagreement
between Turkish and Greek Cypriots on territorial arrangements - among other
things.
What
exactly do Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots have to do to reach a settlement?
First, they expect the joint Cypriot government to provide a fair share of
political representation to both communities. More specifically, their
expectation is that Turkish and Greek leaders will take turns as heads of state
- one and two terms, respectively. In contrast, Greece and the Greek Cypriots
agree to a Turkish head of state serving one term compared to four terms by
Greek politicians.
What
else? Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots would like Ankara to stay on as a
guarantor and Turkish troops to remain on the island. This request reflects
concerns over the security of Turkish Cypriots after the proposed removal of
Turkish troops.
How
about the European Union? At a time when the organization's future remains
unclear, it would be naïve, for lack of a better word, to expect Brussels to
step in.
The obvious question is who would offer protection to the Turkish Cypriots if
the EU disintegrates over the next years.
Even
if the EU were to survive, it would be unrealistic to expect Brussels, which
granted full membership to a divided island even though the Greek Cypriots
rejected the Annan Plan in 2004, to look out for Turkish Cypriot
interests.
Let us take another step forward and assume that the EU actually wants to
protect the Turkish Cypriots: Has the organization actually developed a solution
to any political crisis ever? Why should the Turkish Cypriot community trust
Brussels when they, like everybody else, know that the EU just isn't a great
problem-solver?
With
so many things up in the air, Greece and the Greek Cypriots demand the
withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island. In other words, their solution is
for British troops alone to be stationed on Cyprus. Does anybody actually
understand how this plan makes sense? It is even more laughable that the Brits
pledged to hand over some of their territory on the island to the state-to-be.
There is no doubt that Britain is working for a solution in Cyprus. Their idea
of promoting reunification isn't limited to land grants either. Ahead of the
Geneva talks, the BBC dispatched one of their correspondents to Cyprus in an
effort to lobby for the plan. To make matters worse, the British public
broadcaster spread false information about the Prime Ministers of Turkey, Greece
and the U.K. supposedly traveling to Geneva. The BBC's claim was rejected by
Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, who said he would not go to Switzerland because
it was not necessary.
We
should all be able to agree that a 50-year-old conflict cannot be resolved by
spreading false information and creating a fait accompli. So what should be
done? It is obvious that we cannot reach an agreement at a time when the
region is undergoing major changes, the balance of power is rapidly shifting,
the Obama administration and the EU leadership do not strike anyone as reliable
partners and Greece continues to suffer from economic hardship, which is why
it's best to wait.
Here
is what we should wait for: We need to wait until the region re-stabilizes.
Working more closely with Turkey, Russia is becoming a more prominent player in
Eastern Europe. For the Turks, it's best to see how the power struggle between
Brussels and Moscow plays out before taking any action. Considering that the
EU's shortsightedness had pushed Bulgaria toward Russia, it's possible that
Greece could be next. There are indeed strong signs that Russian influence over
Athens is growing.
If
Greece ends up building a stronger relationship with Russia, Turkey can make a
better Cyprus deal with help from the Kremlin. Why shouldn't Turkey and Russia,
whose leaders have been playing a positive role in Syria, work together for
lasting peace in Cyprus? For 40 years, we tried and failed to address the Cyprus
issue with the West. At the very least, Russia deserves a shot”.
12.
YKP said that the guarantees have nothing to do with the
security
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (16.01.17) reports that the New Cyprus
Party (YKP), in a written statement, noted that the guarantees have
nothing to do with the security.
Murat
Kanatli, member of YKP’s executive committee, evaluated the Cyprus problem and
the issue of guarantees. He said that the YKP continue its struggle for
demilitarizing the whole island. He further said that the guarantee system
does not have a place in the future of the island, adding that the public
opinion is misled by the connections of security with the guarantees. He
stressed that this is not right.
(DPs)
13.
Nine colonels detained in the occupied area of Cyprus for links to
FETÖ
Turkish
daily Sabah (15.01.17) reported that nine Turkish Army Colonels have been
detained in the occupied part of Lefkosia, as part of the ongoing operation
against the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), military sources said on
Sunday.
Two
military helicopters reportedly deported the detained army colonels who were
working for the “Turkish Cyprus Peace Forces” and Security Forces Command to
Ankara.
The
command rooms, offices and homes of the Colonels were extensively searched, the
sources said.
14.
Atun made a call to the African countries for
trade
Turkish
daily Milliyet newspaper (15.01.17) reported that the self-styled minister of
economy and energy Sunat Atun claimed that the “TRNC” has an advantageous
geographic position in order to trade with the African
countries.
Addressing
a conference on “African – Konya summit – a strategic business development” held
in Konya, Atun made a call to the African countries for trade, adding that they
support the trade with the African countries.
Atun
participated in the conference with “TRNC businessmen”. Ambassadors, businessmen
and diplomats from 38 African countries attended the
conference.
Referring
also to the education system in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus,
Atun said that they host a large number of African students at their
“universities”. He also invited the African Ambassadors to visit the occupied
area of Cyprus.
(DPs)
15.
The occupation regime in a tourism fair in the Netherlands and
Austria
According
to illegal Bayrak television (16.01.17) the breakaway regime was represented by
the so-called ministry of tourism environment and culture at the 2017
International Vakantiebeurs Tourism and Recreation Fair held in the Netherlands
and the ‘Ferien Messe Wien’ – the most important tourism fair in
Austria.
The
Ferien Messe Wien Tourism Fair which was held in Vienna between the 12th and
15th of January was attended by 835 representatives from 70 countries and
visited by around 160 thousand people.
An
increase is expected in the number of tourists to visit the “TRNC” from Austria
this year as a result of the effective promotion activities and contacts held at
the fair which was attended by numerous professionals from the “tourism
sector”.
Information
promoting “north Cyprus” was provided to visitors during the fair which was
attended by the “tourism promotion and marketing department staff” as well as
representatives from the “association of Turkish Cypriot Travel Agencies” and
the “Turkish Cypriots hoteliers union”.
Information
brochures in English and German which included a list of 50 reasons why one
should visit “north Cyprus”, maps, cycling and mountain hiking routes were
handed out.
16.
Turkey passes last article on constitutional change; Statements by Erdogan
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News (16.01.17) reported that Turkish lawmakers adopted
on January 15 the last article of a constitutional reform package that allows a
partisan President, unlike current Turkish Constitution.
A
total of 481 of 550 Deputies participated in the secret ballot session on the
Article 18 on January 15, at Parliament's General Assembly.
The
changes were approved by a total of 344 votes. The motion was rejected by 131
MPs, two voted blank, three were invalid and one abstained.
According
to the Article 18, the provision that the President has to break off ties with
his or her party will be changed when the new motion goes into effect.
Earlier
on January 15, Turkish lawmakers adopted Article 17 of the new constitutional
reform package which regulates parliamentary and presidential elections.
The
second round of voting on the historic constitutional reform package is planned
to take place on January 18 after the first round completed on January 15. The
ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) aims to approve 6 articles per day in
the second round of the voting and finish it by January 21.
The
AK Party plans to have a referendum on constitutional changes on March 26 or at
the latest on April 16.
Lawmakers
have so far passed regulations that define and lay out parliament's
responsibilities -- one of the most discussed items -- and the regulation of
criminal liabilities for the President and top officials, as well as structural
reforms to the nation's highest judicial body.
Meanwhile,
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (14.01.17) reported that Turkish President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Istanbul, at the opening of a new building for
Borsa Istanbul, the nation’s stock exchange that once adopted, the sweeping
constitutional changes now facing Parliament will serve to re-energize Turkey.
“Entry
into force of the constitutional changes debated by Parliament will have a
galvanizing effect on our country,” Erdogan said, adding that “No one can stand
in front of the new Turkey’s rise and building itself up”.
Erdogan
reiterated that the final decision on the proposed changes, including a shift to
an executive presidential system, would be made by the Turkish people in a
referendum following the required passage from the Parliament.
“The
nation’s will is very important for that. Right now there is an understanding
[in Parliament] which cannot tolerate the national will and also cannot tolerate
it [the changes] going to a referendum.”
(…)
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio
(AK/AM)
