TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 225/13 28.11.13
1. Cicek: only an agreement based on two separate
states and political equality could be lasting in Cyprus
2.
Eroglu: let’s respect each other’s interests
3. Ertug: Turkish Cypriot side is ready to sit at the
negotiation table without any conditions.
4. Talat: A common declaration is a must
5. Eroglu received the title of Bas Muktar
6. Turkish Cypriot columnist: Eroglu wants no
solution, but continuation of the negotiations until 2015
7.
Columnist criticizes the final decision of the “3rd World Turkish
Cypriot congress”
8. Building up of the undersea pipe line to bring
water from Turkey to occupied Cyprus starts next week
9. Turkish Cypriot Football Clubs association supports
Cyprus Turkish Football Association (KTFF) Cyprus Football Association
agreement
10.
No decision reached in building 2nd pipeline from Arbil
1. Cicek: only an agreement based on two separate
states and political equality could be lasting in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot
daily Havadis newspaper (28.11.13) reports that CemilCicek, Speaker of the
Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), has alleged that an agreement based on
two separate states and political equality could be lasting in Cyprus,
otherwise solving the Cyprus problem is impossible. Cicek met yesterday in
Ankara with the “speaker” of the so-called assembly of the breakaway regime in
the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, SibelSiber, who was also received
by President Gul and Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan.
In statements
before the meeting, Cicek argued that the Turkish government has always been by
the Turkish Cypriots’ side and will continue to do so. “Even if governments
change, our policies towards the Turks of Cyprus never change”, he noted
arguing that they are trying to increase the quality of life of the Turkish
Cypriots.
He alleged that
Turkey and the “TRNC”, as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied
area of Cyprus, have always exhibited a stance in favour of the solution of the
Cyprus problem, but the problem has not been solved because of what he called
as “intransigent stance of the Greek Cypriots”.
Cicek alleged
that an agreement based on two separate states and political equality could be
lasting, otherwise the solution of the problem is impossible. He went on and
claimed: “South Cyprus [Translator’s note: this is how he described the
government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus] has always run away from
an agreement until today. Now it is also running away using as a pretext its
economic problem. There could be no marriage by force”.
Cicek alleged
that the accession of Cyprus into the EU without a solution to the Cyprus
problem, was a big mistake and because of this so-called mistake “south Cyprus”
is allegedly running away from the solution and puts obstacles in the way of
both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.
Cicek said that
the water problem is one of the most important ones in the occupied area of
Cyprus and added that their efforts to overcome this problem have reached their
final stage.
In her
statements, Siber referred also to the Cyprus problem and argued that the
problem exists for half a century. She alleged that they support the solution
of the problem, but no solution is possible only if one side wants it. She
claimed that the EU has not yet did its bit and claimed: “We are still under
embargoes. Because of these embargoes, we could not come to the desired point.
The embargoes should be lifted the soonest”.
Referring to the
“Property Compensation Commission” established by Turkey in the occupied area
of the Republic of Cyprus, Siber argued that exchange of property should start
and if this starts, the Turkish Cypriots will be able “to see further in the
future”.
(I/Ts.)
2. Eroglu: let’s respect each other’s interests
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (28.11.13) under the
above title reports that Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu said that
although hope is a beautiful thing, realities should also be taken
into account. Speaking at a meeting with the Turkish Anataolian Lions
Businessmen Society, Eroglu claimed that there are some realities on
the island that cannot be ignored and that a climate should be created
whereby both communities can live in tranquillity while taking into
consideration these “realities”.
Noting that people on both sides continued to cross over
through numerous crossing points across the island, Eroglu said that they are
now seeking a way to establish a common roof. He added that at least two UN
Secretary Generals have put solution plans on the table which the Turkish
Cypriot side has accepted while the Greek Cypriot side has not. As a result,
the Turkish Cypriot side has demonstrated its willingness to reach
agreement, Eroglu argued. “It is now the Greek Cypriot side’s turn to make its
intention clear. If the Greek Cypriots exerts also this intention, then there
is no reason why we cannot reach an agreement,” he added.
Eroglu claimed that they, as a Turkish Cypriot side is
seeking a settlement, in case the Greek Cypriot side also is seeking a
settlement, then there is no reason not to agree, adding: “As long as we
respect each other’s interests”.
Reiterating that although he had been engaged with Cyprus
President Anastasiades to resume the Cyprus talks in the first half of October
during a dinner, Eroglu said they have not succeeded yet in sitting at the
negotiation table. He said that the person who is his interlocutor is
in Brussels now carrying out contacts and that they are waiting to see what his
stance will be after his return.
Noting that they are trying to strengthen their economy,
Eroglu said that the industry in Gaziantep is big and important, so he hopes to
be in dialogue with them. He added that in case the Turkish industrialists
cooperate with the “TRNC” industrialists, both will benefit.
3. Ertug: Turkish Cypriot side is ready to sit at
the negotiation table without any conditions.
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.11.13) reports that Osman Ertug, the special
representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu claimed that the
excuses for not sitting at the negotiations table have finished for President
NicosAnastasiades and added that the Turkish Cypriot side’s position as regards
the solution is cleared: It is ready to sit at the negotiation table without
any conditions.
Ertug who issued
a written statement, commented on the meeting held between the two leaders of
Cyprus last Monday and claimed that the statements made by Greek Cypriot
politicians and also the press publications on the issue, were a twisted
version of the truth and were used for propaganda. He claimed that this proves
that the meeting was not held aiming for finding a common approach but was made
for propaganda.
He went on and
alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side was expecting that the meeting would help
overcoming the difficulties regarding the common declaration and that a date
would be set for the negotiations launching. However, President Anastasiades
chose the hard-stand behaviour followed the last two months by the negotiator
of the Greek Cypriot side Andreas Mavroyiannis, and said that he does not
accept the negotiations to continue from the point were interrupted, according
to Ertug’s claims. He went on accusing President Anastasiades of appearing as a
brave man, who said “yes” to the Annan Plan in international circles, but in
reality he does not accept elements of the Annan Plan.
4. Talat: A common declaration is a must
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.11.13) reports that the former Turkish
Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat commented on the meeting held between President
NicosAnastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader DervisEroglu last Monday and
said that the meeting was wrong and ineffective. He said that if the meeting
should not have taken place, a good result was not possible to come out of it.
Talat
made these statements during a meeting he held with the Turkish Cypriot
Businessmen Association (ISAD).
He
also claimed that there was no need for a common declaration, however, now, from
the international point of view the common declaration became a precondition
and big states of the world are now intervening for it.
5. Eroglu received the title of Bas Muktar
Turkish Cypriot
daily Afrika newspaper (28.11.13) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader
DervisEroglu was given the title of Bas Muktar (Great headman/ mukhtar) during
a meeting he held with the Turkish Headmen Federation and Headmen Association
which currently are visiting the breakaway regime.
Afrika
commenting on the issue writes that there are 53 thousand municipalities in
Turkey and 230 municipalities in occupied Cyprus. “So here we do not have a
president, we have a headman […] Let us inform Anastasiades and from nowon negotiations
on will be held between muhktars”, the paper writes.
6. Turkish Cypriot columnist: Eroglu wants no
solution, but continuation of the negotiations until 2015
Under the title
“The people elected Eroglu”, HuseyinEkmekci writes the following in his daily
column in Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (28.11.13):
“The Greek
Cypriot negotiating team comments on the TRNC negotiating team:
‘Dr.DervisEroglu is a hawk, but Osman Ertug, who is sitting next to him, is a
bigger hawk…’ Actually, this is the situation of the TRNC side that sits at the
‘table for the solution’. I am not criticizing. We all know Dr DervisEroglu’s
approach on the Cyprus issue, both before becoming president of the republic
and afterwards. What should be questioned now is this.
‘Do people want
an active effort in the direction of the solution in the Cyprus problem?’
What is the
stance of the trade unions for the solution?
Do the civilian
organizations have a motivation for the solution?
Or is there
pressure in the parliament for the solution? Is the government working for the
solution?
When we look at
all these, absolutely no meaning is left for the Greek Cypriot side’s being
motivated. Because there not a motivation in the north. President Eroglu, on whom no pressure is
exerted, is doing what he knows best.
The solution and
the disturbance, which will be caused by the problems it will bring along, have
a cost. Are the people ready to pay this price? According to Dr DervisEroglu,
‘let the situation continue like this, it is best for the people…’
If there are
some people who do not want the situation to continue in this manner, they will
show an opposition. However, DervisEroglu has won the elections against Talat
who said ‘solution is necessary’. Is there anyone who is disturbed by Eroglu’s
victory? I have not seen anyone.
Therefore,
Eroglu is doing what is expected from him at the table and outside the table.
He is doing what he knows best. And he has established his team accordingly. He
is in harmony with Mr Ertug. ‘The [negotiating] table should not be dissolved,
but solution should not be found…’ This is the practice. With the power he has
taken from the people. In this manner until 2015…”
(I/Ts.)
7. Columnist criticizes the final decision of the
“3rd World Turkish Cypriot congress”
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris columnist SerhatIncirli, under the title “World Turkish
Cypriots!”, criticizes the final decisions of the “3rd world Turkish
Cypriot congress” held in occupied Keryneia last week. The congress concluded
that the breakaway regime is "legitimate state according to international
criteria" and in case of failure of the Cyprus talks, they should proceed
with establishing a separate, independent state on the island.
Incirli writes
that instead of trying to be heroic in such meetings, they should take
initiatives aiming at a Cyprus settlement. He says, “Beginning with the
expression ‘legitimate state’, what does it mean? (…) Therefore in order for
the TRNC to be ‘legitimate’, its independence and its political identity should
be recognized…
Its borders
should be clear…
And to be
‘legitimate’, it should be within the law…
Does TRNC have
borders?
No!
It has a
ceasefire line… If it was a border, what’s the need to negotiate!
The ceasefire line,
which is protected by the military with weapons, is not a border.
It is clear that
these are not borders of a recognized country… there is a piece of land, which
is controlled by the army forces of a foreign state and it exists as the ‘TRNC state’ on behalf of ‘an organization
established to safeguard the public interest’…
Yes, it does
exist… However, there aren’t the proper conditions to call it a ‘state’…
The 3rd
World Turkish Cypriot Congress is not a useless and unnecessary event.
However, the
results of the congress are in question, because they are contrary to the
established solution parameters (…)”
SerhatIncirli
asks whether the aim of this kind of organizations is to implant in the public
mind the idea that the continuation of a status quo must be safeguarded _
something that isn’t internationally recognized _ or to try to find a political
solution to their problem. According to Incirli, the real urgency is to reach a
Cyprus settlement otherwise the existence of the Turkish Cypriots is at stake.
8. Building up of the undersea pipe line to bring
water from Turkey to occupied Cyprus starts next week
Turkish Cypriot
daily Havadis newspaper (28.11.13) reports that BirolCinar, Project Manager of
Turkey’s State Water Affairs Department (DSI) as regards the project of
bringing water from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus with undersea
pipelines, has said that the building up of the part of the project that will
pass from the sea will start next week.
In an interview
with Havadis, Cinar argued that the project will meet the needs of the occupied
area of Cyprus in drinking, utility and industrial water until 2040. He said
that they planned the project for meeting the needs of the occupied area’s
population in 2040, which they estimated around 390 thousands.
Cinar said that
the total cost of the project will be one billion 200 thousand Turkish liras
(TL), that the sea part of the project will cost 630 million TL and that they
are approaching the end of the project. He noted that their aim is to provide
water to the occupied area of Cyprus as of March 2014.
Cinar noted that
the distribution line in the occupied area of Cyprus will reach 475 kilometers
and added that they will supply water to the occupied part of Nicosia, the
coast line of occupied Keryneia, the area between Famagusta and Trikomo and
Rizokarpaso.
Asked whether
electricity could also be brought over the same line, Cinar said that
electricity will not be brought over the same line. He said that there is a
project for transferring electricity from Turkey to the occupied area of
Cyprus, but “it has absolutely no relation with our project”.
Replying as to
whether natural gas could be transferred through this line in case of an
agreement with the Greek Cypriot side, Cinar said that their system has been
designed only for carrying water.
(I/Ts.)
9. Turkish Cypriot Football Clubs association
supports Cyprus Turkish Football Association (KTFF) Cyprus Football Association
agreement
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (28.11.13) reports that the chairman of the
Turkish Cypriot Football Clubs association YurdaerGarip commented on the
agreement signed between the Cyprus Turkish Football Association (KTFF) and the
Cyprus Football Association (KOP) of the provisional football unification
agreement.
According
to the paper Garip said that the agreement is positive and consists a big step
and criticized those who area against it. He stated that this agreement is the
only chance Turkish Cypriot football has to be opened to the world.
10. No decision reached in building 2nd pipeline
from Arbil
Turkish daily
Today’s Zaman (online, 27.11.13) reported that talks between Turkish Prime
Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)
Prime Minister NechirvanBarzani didn't end on Wednesday with concrete results
on the construction of a new oil pipeline from Kirkuk.
Sources close to
the Prime Ministry said there are still problems with some technical details
that need to be solved, particularly concerning the share of revenues gained from
the oil trade.
The meeting was
also attended by Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources TanerYildiz,
Minister of Development CevdetYilmaz, KRG Deputy Prime Minister Imad Ahmad and
KRG Natural Resources Minister AshtiHawrami.
A preliminary
deal over the construction of this pipeline was reached several months ago, but
sources close to the deal say the Turkish side is waiting for the visit of
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki before concluding it. The visit is
expected to take place in December.
Erdogan and
Barzani's meeting lasted nearly three hours on Wednesday. There was no press
conference afterwards, but according to Prime Ministry sources the two
statesmen exchanged views on regional problems as well as on ways to improve
bilateral relations between Turkey and the autonomous Kurdish administration.
The two also talked about the opening of two new border gates.
The same sources
said the Turkish Prime Minister reiterated his oft-spoken desire to maintain
and improve relations with all segments of Iraq's fragmented society for the
sake of contributing to the country's stability and prosperity.
Although both
sides seems to be making strides to calm down tension and reinstitute the
long-derailed relations between Ankara and Baghdad, there are still some
ambiguities that need to be cleared. The central administration is at odds with
the northern Kurdish autonomy over the exploitation and exportation of the
region's rich oil and gas resources. Ankara is trying to keep a foot in both
camps. KRG President MassoudBarzani was in Turkey a couple of weeks ago,
addressing the masses in Turkey's Kurdish-populated Diyarbakır with Erdogan and
calling for regional peace. Turkey is planning to host al-Maliki in Turkey soon
and convene the High-Level Strategic Council between the two countries'
cabinets for the second time.
Sources noted
that Erdogan wants to return a visit to al-Maliki after the council meeting and
even extend it to include Kirkuk.
After landing at
Ankara's Esenboga airport on Tuesday evening, Barzani told reporters that oil
exports to Turkey from northern Iraq may start as early as December this year,
but he avoided divulging any further details.
Iraqi Kurdistan
is cooperating with firms including ExxonMobil, Chevron and Total to develop
its energy industry. Turkey is also on the field with its state-backed Turkish
Energy Company (TEC) in partnership with Exxon.
But as Kurdish
output grows, with several new fields coming online this year and next, a
second pipeline will be needed.
"The second
pipeline will be mainly for the heavy oil that will come from the northern
fields. TaqTaq and Tawke crude is very high quality and blending the two grades
would depreciate the value of both crudes," the source close to the deal
said.
Turkish state
pipeline company Botas will be instrumental in building the second pipeline, a
government source said. A private Turkish company is also interested in the
project.
The new pipeline
will have a capacity of at least 1 million bpd of crude oil, KRG Minister
Hawrami said in İstanbul last week. The exports will be metered independently,
he said, inviting all parties -- including Baghdad -- to send auditors to
observe the process.
Revenues will be
paid into KRG accounts, a source familiar with the plans said. Hawrami repeated
that the KRG is ready to send 83 percent of its oil income to Baghdad after
deducting the autonomous region's share. But Baghdad views such plans as
illegal.
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