TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 216/13 14.11.13
1. Eroglu: the Greek Cypriots will be disappointed if
they do not come soon to the table
2. Eroglu meets with foreign parliamentarians and
journalists
3. Siber, Yorgancioglu and Nami meet with foreign
parliamentarians and South Africa’s former Defence Minister
4. Atalay is visiting occupied Cyprus for the
celebrations of the breakaway regime’s establishment
5. Turkish war planes and frigates will once more
violate Cyprus’ airspace and territorial waters tomorrow
6. Akinci argued that the opening of fenced off town
of Varosha may benefit both communities
7. Sertoglu: We have been carrying out work secretly
for the past two years
8. Ozgurgun criticized CTP for his contacts with DHSY
9. Breakaway regime will participate in a fair in
Northern Iraq
10. Reactions to electricity price increases continue
in occupied Cyprus
11. Davutoglu: Turkey never abandoned zero problems
policy
12. Erdogan: Nagorno-Karabakh is Turkey's problem too
13. NATO extends Patriots' deployment term in Turkey
1. Eroglu: the Greek Cypriots will be disappointed
if they do not come soon to the table
Turkish
Cypriot illegal Bayrak television (14.11.13, online) broadcasts that the
Turkish Cypriot leader, DervisEroglu said today that the Greek Cypriots should
trust the “sincerity” of the Turkish Cypriots and come to the negotiating
table, or else “they will be disappointed”.
In his
“address to the nation” within the framework of the celebrations on the
occasion of the anniversary of breakaway regime’s Unilateral Declaration of
Independence (UDI), Eroglu alleged that the excuse of the Greek Cypriots for
allegedly not coming close to an agreement on the Cyprus problem is that if the
wish of the Turkish Cypriots is realized and a new state is established, the
Turkish Cypriots will breach the agreement and ask for recognition of a
separate state.
Eroglu
argued that if everything goes well, the Turkish Cypriots will not have such
intension. “Our Greek Cypriot neighbours must come to the table soon, trusting
our sincerity. Otherwise, they will be disappointed”, he claimed alleging that
not even a single individual among the Turkish Cypriot “people” accepts
entering under Greek Cypriot administration and abandoning bi-zonality,
political equality and Turkey’s active and effective guarantees.
Eroglu
claimed that their “state” was declared after the Greek Cypriots had not
accepted the establishment of a new partnership based on bi-zonality, political
equality and sovereignty. He alleged that with “motherland Turkey’s support”,
the “TRNC”, as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus, is administered with a “parliamentary system” which “is
envied by the world”.
Arguing
that the Turkish Cypriots have always been looking for an agreement with their
“Greek Cypriot neighbours”, Eroglu reiterated that this agreement could be bound
to two politically equal sovereign sides and the principle of bi-zonality.
Different interpretations are contrary to the historic realities, he argued.
Eroglu
said that the Turkish Cypriots always work together with Turkey and succeed.
The best example for this, he argued, are “the universities” which have been
established in the occupied area of Cyprus in spite of the so-called embargoes.
He said that more than 61 thousand students study in their illegal universities
and added that per capita income in the occupied part of Cyprus is around 15
thousand dollars.
Eroglu
went on and underlined the importance of the water which is planned to be
transferred from Turkey to occupied Cyprus with pipelines in March 2014. He
argued that this might open new horizons, if it is used well.
(I/Ts.)
2. Eroglu meets with foreign parliamentarians and
journalists
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (14.11.13) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader,
DervisEroglu met yesterday at his office with foreign parliamentarians, who are
illegally visiting the occupied area of Cyprus in order to participate in the
celebrations on the occasion of the anniversary of breakaway regime’s
Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI).
In statements
during the meeting, Eroglu said that they were allegedly waiting for President
Anastasiades to come to the negotiating table and “pave the way for the
negotiations”. He claimed that the Turkish Cypriots established their “state”,
but they are ready for an agreement. He alleged that the Greek Cypriots
continue their “intransigent stance” and that peace exists on the island since
the Turkish invasion of 1974. He also claimed that the “TRNC”, as he described
the breakaway regime, has a democratic system.
Malik Shakir
Bashir Awan, member of Pakistani
Parliament, BaktybekDjumashov, permanent undersecretary from Kyrgyzstan, FikrimDamka, and
MuferraSinik, members of the Parliament of Kosovo,
and Francois d’ AssieYomeogo, General Director for Legal Affairs and Dispute
from Burkina Faso are participating
in the foreign delegation that visited Eroglu.
Meanwhile,
according to Kibris, Eroglu briefed yesterday foreign journalists on the Cyprus
problem. The journalists are also visiting the occupied area of Cyprus within
the framework of the celebrations for the 15th of November, on the
occasion of the regime’s “UDI”.
Eroglu told the
journalists that the negotiations “stuck” on the issue of the joint declaration
and alleged that this is the first time that preconditions are put for the
commencement of negotiations. He argued: “First they asked Varosha. What we
said is that in case we sit at the negotiating table, property and territory
are anyway one of the topics of the agenda and we will discuss it. However,
afterwards, a new precondition came up. Let us make a joint statement, [they
said]. In spite that it has been said that this was not necessary, we accepted
the text prepared by Alexander Downer, UN Secretary-General’s special adviser
on Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot side was the one who rejected it and we have been
discussing the paper for two months.”
(I/Ts.)
3. Siber, Yorgancioglu and Nami meet with foreign
parliamentarians and South Africa’s former Defence Minister
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (14.11.13) reports that foreign parliamentarians, who
are illegally visiting the occupied area of Cyprus in order to participate in
the celebrations on the occasion of the anniversary of breakaway regime’s
Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), held separate meetings yesterday
with SibelSiber, “speaker” of the self-styled assembly, OzkanYorgancioglu,
so-called prime minister and OzdilNami, self-styled foreign minister of the
occupation regime.
Malik Shakir
Bashir Awan, member of Pakistani Parliament, BaktybekDjumashov, permanent undersecretary
from Kyrgyzstan, FikrimDamka, and MuferraSinik, members of the Parliament of
Kosovo, and Francois d’ AssieYomeogo, General Director for Legal Affairs and
Dispute from Burkina Faso are participating in the foreign delegation that
visited Siber, Yorgancioglu and Nami.
Siber thanked
their guests for visiting the occupied area of Cyprus and noted that more than
1000 students from Kyrgyzstan study in the illegal universities there. She
asked from the foreign parliamentarians to “carry the TRNC in the media of
their countries”.
Yorgancioglu
referred to the importance they attach to international relations and noted
that they want to develop their relations with the countries from which they
receive guests.
According to the
paper, the foreign parliamentarians expressed their satisfaction for being in
the occupied area of Cyprus for the anniversary of the establishment of the
“TRNC” and wished to the Turkish Cypriot “people” to find a solution the
soonest and “take the place they deserve” in the world as a “happy, peaceful
people”.
Meanwhile,
Kibris reports also that Siber, Yorgancioglu and Nami held separate meetings
with Royal Meyer, South Africa’s former Minister of Defence, who is also
visiting the occupied area of Cyprus. The Cyprus problem was the issue of their
discussions, writes the paper, adding that Meyer is known for his studies on
overcoming conflicts and disputes in the issues of Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Colombia
and Cyprus.
Siber told her
guest that the solution of the Cyprus problem was their priority and alleged
that the daily life of the Turkish Cypriots is negatively influenced by the
non-solution, because of the so-called embargoes.
In his
statements, Meyer said that, because of his studies, he knows the “difficulties
experienced by the Turkish Cypriots” as well as the opportunities they have in
front of them. Noting that South Africa was able to find a solution to its
problems, he said that a solution could be reached in Cyprus as well. The
important thing is for both sides to have a will for a solution, he added.
(I/Ts.)
4. Atalay is visiting occupied Cyprus for the
celebrations of the breakaway regime’s establishment
Turkish Cypriot
daily HalkinsSesi newspaper (014.11.13) reports that Turkish Minister in Charge
of Cyprus Affairs Deputy Prime Minister BesirAtalay is paying an illegal visit
to occupied Cyprus today for the celebrations of the breakaway regime’s
establishment heading a large delegation of Turkish officials.
Atalay will
arrive at 16.00 and will depart on November 15 at 17.15.
Kibris (14.11.13)
writes that Ataly will participate in the inauguration ceremony of various
buildings at the illegal Keryneia American University tomorrow, and notes that
among them is a “girls only” dormitory.
According to the
HalkinSesi, some of the buildings have no licences and were built illegally.
5. Turkish war planes and frigates will once more
violate Cyprus’ airspace and territorial waters tomorrow
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris newspaper (14.11.13) reports that Turkish Air Force’s “Soloturk”
aerobatics display team will present a show tomorrow in the occupied area of
Cyprus.
According to a
statement issued by the so-called security forces command, the team will fly
over the occupied part of Nicosia at 10.00 in the morning and over occupied
Keryneia at 15.30 hours, within the framework of the celebrations on the
occasion of the anniversary of breakaway regime’s Unilateral Declaration of
Independence (UDI).
Moreover,
Turkish Naval Forces’ Gokceada frigate and Burak Reis submarine will anchor in
occupied Keryneia’s tourism harbour tomorrow and will be open for visits
between 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00 hours. Access to the frigate will be
secured by the so-called security forces command through the sea from occupied
Keryneia’s Marina.
(I/Ts.)
6. Akinci argued that the opening of fenced off
town of Varosha may benefit both communities
Turkish Cypriot
daily Ortam (14.11.13) reports that former politician, Mustafa Akinci, speaking
in an event organized by the occupied municipality of Famagusta, said that the
acceptance of the fenced off town of Varosha to remain closed with its today
condition, is not possible. Reminding that according to 1979 agreement, a
priority was given on the resettlement of Varosha under UN auspices and the
Varosha issue was also included at the package of confidence-building measures
in 1993,Akinci said that the opening of Varosha could benefit both communities.
Akinci argued that Varosha should come into the agenda with the issues like the
direct trade and the opening of occupied airport of Tymvou or an international
airport to flights.
Referring to the
natural oil reserves found in Cyprus offshore. Akinci noted that the two
communities expect that they will share together the wealth of the natural gas
and everyone will benefit from it. He warned that this may be a triggering
element for peace, but it may also trigger a war due to the controversial
plots. Akinci also said that the second dynamic, which will make difficult the
Cyprus settlement, may be the financial crisis at the Greek Cypriot side,
adding that this may also be a triggering element.
7. Sertoglu: We have been carrying out work
secretly for the past two years
According to
illegal Bayrak television (online, 13.11.13), the chairman of the so-called
Cyprus Turkish Football Association HasanSertoglu (KTFF) is continuing to hold
briefings in regard to the provisional agreement signed with the Cyprus
Football Association (CFA) on the 5th of November at the FIFA headquarters.
Sertoglu paid a
visit to the Businessmen’s Society (ISAD) and met with its chairman MetinSadi
and members of its board of directors.
Making a
statement prior the meeting, Sadi praised the initiative taken by the KTFF
Chairman HasanSertoglu in Zurich.
Sertoglu, for
his part, said they were always working for the future of the young generations
and added that their latest move was also aimed towards this end.
Explaining that
they had been carrying out work secretly for the past two years towards this
agreement, Sertoglu justified their secretive deals by saying that obstacles
were continually being put in their way.“If the desired result is achieved with
this agreement then this will be a stepping stone for tourism and the country’s
economy”, said Sertoglu.
8. Ozgurgun criticized CTP for his contacts with
DHSY
Turkish Cypriot
daily Star Kibris newspaper (14.11.13) reports that the chairman of the
National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun criticized the statement issued
following the meeting of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) with the Democratic
Rally Party (DHSY).
Ozgurgun
criticized CTP for the meeting with the party of President NicosAnastasiades
who according to Ozgurgun is putting obstacles for the launching of
negotiations and added that it is not acceptable for CTP to organize a common
action with DHSY.
He went on and
alleged that CTP and the “foreign minister” OzdilNami kept silence against
President Anastasiades for the “swearing” against the Turkish Cypriot leader
DervisEroglu and condemned their behaviour.
9. Breakaway regime will participate in a fair in
Northern Iraq
Turkish
Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (14.11.13) reports that Turkish Cypriot producers
will participate in the “Iraq Agrofood 2013” fair which is taking place in
Erbil city of Northern Iraq.
The
Turkish Cypriot producers will participate under the umbrella of the Turkish
Cypriot chamber of commerce and with the stamp “North Cyprus” in their
products. The fair will be opened between 18-21 of November.
10. Reactions to electricity price increases
continue in occupied Cyprus
Reactions
to the electricity price increases announced the day before yesterday in the
occupied area of Cyprus continue. Under the title “Civil disobedience”, Turkish
Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (14.11.13) reports that the United Cyprus Party
as well as Kamu-Sen and Hur-is trade unions made a call yesterday for “civil
disobedience”.
Other
trade unions and organizations such as the coordination committee of
pensioners’ associations, the Businessmen Council, Saglik - Sentrade union, the
Union of Nurses and Midwives and Memur-Sen trade union issued statements
demanding the withdrawal of the decision.
CemalOzyigit,
general secretary of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) accused the Republican
Turkish Party (CTP) of behaving like the National Unity Party (UBP). The New
Cyprus Party (YKP) said that the increases are “the building stone” of the
selling out policy implemented by the regime.
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.11.13) reports that AsimAkansoy, general
secretary of the CTP, has also reacted to the price increases announced by his
party’s “government”. In statements to Kibris, Akansoy recalled that no salary
increases were made to the employees for many years and added that “it is
unbecoming to us to try to burden onto the citizens the bill for all the
problems in the electricity sector, when it is very well known that people’s
purchasing power has decreased”.
He
argued that implementing these high increases without securing the support of
the members and the organs of the party is contrary to the identity of CTP that
supports participatory democracy.
(I/Ts.)
11. Davutoglu: Turkey never abandoned zero problems
policy
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 13.11.13) with the above title reported that Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has
dismissed claims that Turkey is trying to revive its “zero problems with
neighbours” policy, saying that it is a dynamic policy and an expression of
Turkey's will to establish good relations with its neighbours.
Speaking on a TV
program on Tuesday following his two-day visit to Iraq, Davutoglu stated that
Turkey's efforts to establish good relations with Baghdad are not a sign of
Ankara returning to its zero problems policy, underlining that Turkey never had
a problem stemming from bilateral relations with its neighbours.
“We never
abandoned the zero problems policy. The criticisms targeting this policy
originate from static comments. This is a dynamic policy. ‘Zero problems' is an
expression of will,” he said.
Davutoglu said
that Turkey wants to establish close relations with its neighbours and wants to
minimize problems to create a foundation of peace.
Davutoglu also
refuted allegations that Turkey is acting in a sectarian fashion in the Middle
East and said that Turkey never used the sacred values of a community for its
own interests.
Davutoglu also
blamed foreign media for Turkey's currently rather poor image, saying that
there is no powerful international outlet in Turkey that can respond when an
anti-Turkey perception is created in the international media.
He said the
media can't keep up with the speed of Ankara's foreign policy and that it has a
lot to cover in this field.
“To give an
example, false news in foreign media can get a powerful reaction in Turkey. The
news about [National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head] HakanFidan, even
though it has problems, it found a strong hold in Turkey and the agenda was
shaped with that news,” he stated.
He said the
intense media propaganda campaign against Turkey was first seen after Turkey
took a stance against the Egyptian coup. Those that had praised Turkey up until
that day suddenly changed their position, he said and he underlined that
Turkey's policies on Syria and Egypt both rely on the same principles.
Davutoglu also
dismissed reports that Turkey supports al-Qaeda and other terrorist
organizations. He reiterated that Turkey does not have any affiliation with
terrorist organizations, adding, “Black propaganda is being spread against
Turkey on this issue.”
12. Erdogan: Nagorno-Karabakh is Turkey's problem
too
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 13.11.13) reported that Prime Minister RecepTayyip
Erdogan has reiterated Ankara's commitment to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh
dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying that “Karabakh is not just
Azerbaijan's problem, but also Turkey's problem”.
Speaking at a
joint press conference with Azerbaijani President IlhamAliyev on Wednesday,
Erdogan noted that Turkey's unconditional support for Azerbaijan continues and
described current bilateral relations as “excellent.”
For his part,
Aliyev said that Azerbaijan has full trust in Turkey when it comes to the case
of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Erdogan's
remarks came after a Turkey-Azerbaijan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council
meeting at the Prime Ministry in Ankara.
Aliyev said
Azerbaijan is very pleased to see that Turkey is becoming stronger, adding that
no initiative could be taken in the region without Turkey's approval and added
that Baku knows that Turkey will continue to stand by Azerbaijan in the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
“We are sure
that Turkey will always stand with us on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh,” said
Aliyev.
Speaking about
the mutual goal of the two states, Erdogan stated that there is increasing
growth in the political, military, cultural and economic developments between
two countries.
“In economic
terms, it [trade volume] is $4.2 billion, and this will continue to grow. Now,
our target is $15 billion. By 2020, the trade volume between Turkey and
Azerbaijan will reach $15 billion. We have opportunities to make joint
investments in natural gas in the Balkans. We will make plans for this. The
relevant ministers from the two countries, particularly the foreign ministers,
had fruitful talks on what could be done,” said Erdogan.
Erdogan also
noted that Turkey and Azerbaijan could take joint steps in the field of
defence, saying that the two states would do whatever is necessary as part of
the responsibility of being “one nation, two states.”
The Azerbaijani
President also added that both countries had made important progress in
eliminating visa requirements and that businessmen and academics will be the
first to benefit from a new visa deal.
Aliyev
emphasized that important projects such as the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP)
have been agreed by the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey. He noted that
TANAP will change the energy map of Europe.
TANAP, which is
expected to be completed in 2018, is projected to have a capacity of around 16
billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. Ankara says around 6 billion
cubic meters will be consumed by Turkey, while the rest will be sent to Europe.
13. NATO extends Patriots' deployment term in
Turkey
According to
Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.11.13), NATO officials have decided to extend
the term for deployment of patriot missile batteries in Turkey as they believe
the threat that might originate from Syria continued.
NATO member
states’ permanent representatives evaluated an extension request from Turkey
and having been in full agreement that the threat that might target Turkey is
still serious, they decided to extend the deployment period for patriot defence
missiles in Adana, Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep together with the service of
military personnel from Germany, the Netherlands and the US in those cities.
Turkey had
requested that NATO reinforce Turkey’s air defence capabilities to defend the
population and territory of Turkey. On December 4, 2012, NATO officials agreed
to this request.
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