TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 180/14 25.09.14
1. Erdogan: We would like to see a solution to the Cyprus problem
2. Eroglu: “If a federal solution is not found this is not the end of the world”
3. Ozersay: Everyone should be prepared for developments regarding the Cyprus problem
4. US Ambassador to Nicosia says the key for the solution in Cyprus lies in both leaders’ hands
5. Information about the granting of “citizenships” in the last ten years
6. Ozgurgun: “We will do everything possible so that Eroglu be a “candidate” for the April 2015 “presidential elections”
7. Arabacioglu reveals the reasons behind his resignation
8. “TRNC” participates in the IFTM Top Resa 2014 in Paris
9. “Society for the Perpetuation of Rauf Raif Denktas and his thoughts”, participated in a conference in Poland
10. A new hospital will be constructed in occupied Morphou
11. Denktas: Let us establish a federal football federation
12. A Greek Cypriot soccer player was transferred to “Kythrea football club”
13. Columnist urges Turkey to fulfil the Copenhagen criteria
1. Erdogan: We would like to see a solution to the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (25.09.14) reports that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his speech at United Nations General Assembly, stressed his desire for a Cyprus settlement.
Erdogan said that Turkey is the one who desires most a solution in Cyprus and enforces solution ways.
2. Eroglu: “If a federal solution is not found this is not the end of the world”
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (25.09.14) reports that speaking to TRT television station, the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, who is currently in New York, stated that it is not the end of the world if a federal solution is not found for the Cyprus problem.
Eroglu claimed that the Cyprus negotiation has been continuing since 1968 and that after 1974, two states were created geographically in Cyprus. He said that the efforts that are taking place now refer to the establishment of a federal state which will have under its roof two founding states: “Until now we have not safeguarded this. Because the Greek Cypriot side want the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus and they pursue a policy that will put us under this Republic. If we do not reach it (a federal solution) what will happen? Well, it is not the end of the world, if we do not” he stated.
In addition, speaking to Halkin Sesi newspaper (25.09.14) Eroglu alleged that there are many differences between the Turkish and the Greek Cypriot side, claiming that the Greek Cypriot side is allergic to the phrase “give and take”. “For years the Greek Cypriot leaders used to say “we will take’. However, it is not with declaring demands but with a win-win understating that we can reach a result”, he claimed.
He also said that since 1974 the Greek Cypriot side has been telling its “people” that everyone will return to their houses that the Turkish troops will leave the island and that a solution will be reached in the framework of the Republic of Cyprus. “They continue to say things that it is not possible to take place”, Eroglu stated.
He went on and alleged that this is the last chance for a solution and claimed that he does not believe that the Greek Cypriot side is sincere when it says that it wants a solution. “In case a solution is not reached, everyone will go on, taking its own road”, Eroglu stated.
3. Ozersay: Everyone should be prepared for developments regarding the Cyprus problem
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (25.09.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay evaluated his meetings with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman, the Undersecretary of Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Feridun H. Sinirlioglu and the US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland to the paper’s journalist Osman Kalfaoglu.
Noting that both sides will enter a period that they should show flexibility in some issues, Ozersay said that he thinks that the leading actors will impose to the process a new initiative after a long period in order to obtain concrete results and everyone should be prepared for this.
Expressing his satisfaction to see that in the meetings the UN, the USA and Turkey are determined, Ozersay said that for this reason their expectations that the negotiation process will turn into in a more serious effort have increased.
Ozersay further said: “We should all see that Cyprus is a part of a much bigger picture”, adding that they found the opportunity to see in New York that the new and big picture is in the agenda of the important world leaders at this moment and a new balance will be established both in the East Mediterranean and the Middle East.”
He added: “Within the framework of this new situation, in Cyprus we think that we are on the threshold of these critical developments. I think that the countries, which shape the world policy, are determined to change the current situation in Cyprus and to obtain a permanent stability. In order to be able to do this, they will enforce the negotiations to get a concrete result. However, by the end of the day, as a result of the give-and-take process, both sides will be the winners.”
The Turkish Cypriot negotiator pointed out that everyone sees that there is a natural timetable in front of them and what is important is on which stage the bargaining, which its acceptance will not be very easy for both sides, will start and not who comes to Cyprus, when he comes to Cyprus or even what he says.
Ozersay noted that according to the Turkish Cypriot side the time has come, and added: “The interference of the guarantor countries to the negotiation in a more active way in the near future may well be discussed. This will be a support form that will obtain us results.”
Ozersay said that the UN Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide is preparing to undertake an active role to inject a kind of adrenaline to the negotiation process that will deliver results.
Moreover, according to illegal Bayrak television (online, 25.09.14), Ozersay, who is accompanying Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu in New York, is holding bilateral meetings.
Evaluating his contacts to “BRT”, Özersay said that he held his first meeting with Feltman and added: ““The role of the UN on the Cyprus negotiations process, as well as, the concrete outcome the Turkish Cypriot side expects from the process were discussed during the meeting”.
Stressing that the role of the UN in the newly started process is important and critical for the Turkish Cypriot side, he said this was taken up during his meeting with Feltman.
Ozersay also added that he received evaluations from Feltman prior to Eroglu’s meeting with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon which will be held on Saturday, the 27th of September.
Stating that he also came together with Sinirlioglu, he said that besides the Cyprus issue the importance of Turkey in foreign policies as well as the issues on the world agenda were taken up during the meeting.
Providing information about his future contacts while in New York, Ozersay said he will come together with the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide and the Ambassadors of the Permanent Members of the UN.
4. US Ambassador to Nicosia says the key for the solution in Cyprus lies in both leaders’ hands
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (25.09.14) reports that the US Ambassador to Nicosia, John M. Koenig has expressed their satisfaction with the support offered by Turkey to the solution of the Cyprus problem noting that the Cyprus problem is discussed at high level contacts between US and Turkish officials. In an interview with Kibris, the US Ambassador recalled that the solution process is a Cypriot-led process and argued that the key lies in both leaders’ and the communities’ hands.
Referring to the possibility of the US Secretary of State visiting Cyprus, Ambassador Koenig said that John Kerry is looking for the “appropriate time” to do this, adding that Kerry is waiting to see how the negotiating process is going and that they “have positive but cautious expectations” about this process. “We will wait and see the work of the two leaders and the UN in October during the new stage of the negotiations and I hope that we will work in the direction of planning the visit in case the developments are as we expect them to be”, he added.
Ambassador Koenig said that it is important for the sides in Cyprus to continue having the will to achieve progress and solve the differences and noted that he is hopeful that the new stage of the negotiations will pave the way for solving the unsolved issues in order to reach a solution and for entering the stage of “real negotiations”.
Asked to comment on the statements made by the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu during his recent illegal visit to Cyprus, Koenig replied: “We were very satisfied with the Turkish support offered to the Cyprus problem. We believe that Turkey’s contribution is of vital importance for a compromise in Cyprus. The Cyprus problem is discussed during the contacts between the USA and Turkey, including at the highest level. I know that about ten days ago Kerry talked with Davutoglu on common interests for supporting the solution in Cyprus. Furthermore, I know that Foreign Minister Cavusoglu and other officials also discuss this issue. I think that this is good. Now we are at a new stage which stated with new negotiations. I hope that we will see the benefits of this broad support in the direction of the solution of the Cyprus problem. However, what is essentially important is for the sides in Cyprus to continue having a will for progress and solving the differences. This is the essence of the Cyprus problem”.
Asked whether the US is considering of appointing a special representative for Cyprus like in the Annan Plan period, Koenig said that this was something which is always examined, but he had nothing new to say at that moment.
Responding to a question regarding the Confidence Building Measures (CBM) and US Vice President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Cyprus, Koenig said that many positive gestures, such as the relations between the religious leaders and the businessmen of the two sides, are being made, but expressed the belief that there are other CBM which could cope with the mistrust between the communities. Asked, what he meant, Koenig replied:
“There is an issue which continues to attract attention and this is the issue of Famagusta which needs full support by all sides. This does not mean only holding an investigation for the construction of the closed city eventually”.
He noted that the Famagusta Port, which will contribute in people working together and realize the benefits of the solution of the Cyprus problem, and the cultural heritage in the area, including the within the walls city and Salamis, are included in the above CBM. He said that other issues are also mentioned, such as the opening of illegal Tymbou airport and the Turkish Cypriots having access to the international market and the world. “I think that these issues should be evaluated”, he added.
(I/Ts.)
5. Information about the granting of “citizenships” in the last ten years
Under the title “Here is the board with the citizenship data”, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (25.09.14) publishes information about the granting of “TRNC citizenship” by the breakaway regime.
According to the paper, between 2004-2009, 97 persons were granted the “TRNC citizenship”, between 2009-2013, 2.377 persons were granted the “citizenship” and between 20013-2014, 35 persons were granted the “citizenship”.
It also writes that 1.061 persons were granted the “TRNC citizenship” through marriage in the period between 2 September 2013 and 16 September 2014.
6. Ozgurgun: “We will do everything possible so that Eroglu be a “candidate” for the April 2015 “presidential elections”
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (25.09.14) reports that the chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun stated that his party will do everything possible so that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu is a “candidate” for the April 2015 “presidential elections” in the breakaway regime.
Reminding that Eroglu is the party’s honourable leader, Ozgurgun stated that Eroglu will be the UBP’s only choice and added: “There is no other alternative than Eroglu for UBP”. He also said that whether he will run for the “elections” or not, is a decision that will be taken by Eroglu, but in case he decides it, the party will be behind him because his candidacy is important for UBP as well. “The presidency is a leader’s job”, Ozgurgun stated.
7. Arabacioglu reveals the reasons behind his resignation
According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 25.09.14), the self-styled minister for national education Mustafa Arabacioglu held a press conference today to reveal the reasons behind his decision to resign from the “ministry”.
The leader of the Democrat Party National Forces and self-styled deputy prime minister and minister for economy, tourism, culture and sports Serdar Denktas was present at the press conference.
Arabacioglu cited the intransigent stance of the unions as the main reason behind his resignation. Explaining that many problems existed in the education sector and needed to be addressed, Arabacioglu said that despite many efforts, he was met with obstacles at every turn.
He also blamed the “finance ministry” for not providing the necessary funds to the “ministry of education”.
Meanwhile Denktas said that the “government” will be appointing a new “minister” next weekend.
8. “TRNC” participates in the IFTM Top Resa 2014 in Paris
Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis (25.09.14) reports that the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus has participated in the International French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa in Paris.
According to a press release by the so-called ministry of tourism, culture and sports, the “TRNC” participates in this tourism fair for the first time with its own kiosk and promotes the cultural and historical sites of the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the nature and the beaches. Brochures with the title “50 reasons to visit North Cyprus” are also being distributed to the visitors.
9. “Society for the Perpetuation of Rauf Raif Denktas and his thoughts”, participated in a conference in Poland
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (25.09.14) reports that Latif Akca, the chairman of the “Society for the Perpetuation of Rauf Raif and his thoughts”, participated in the “Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe”, which took place in Warsaw, Poland.
According to the paper, Akca delivered a speech where he called on the world to lift the “sport embargoes” against the breakaway regime.
The paper also writes that Akca also held contacts with Polish Parliamentarians and discussed with them the issue of the “TRNC recognition”.
10. A new hospital will be constructed in occupied Morphou
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (25.09.14), a new hospital will be constructed in the occupied area of Morphou, so as a better health service is provided to the inhabitants of occupied Morphou.
The paper reports that the so-called council of ministers have decided to allocate land in occupied Morphou for the new hospital.
11. Denktas: Let us establish a federal football federation
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (25.09.14) reports that the self-styled deputy prime minister and minister for economy, tourism, culture and sports Serdar Denktas said that the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation (KTFF) may find a common ground with the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), but this does not constitute a membership.
Evaluating the negotiation process of KTFF with CFA in a programme of the Turkish Cypriot private TV channel Genc TV, Denktas proposed to establish a federal football federation for the Turkish Cypriot football teams. He explained: “Let us establish a structure, such as a Federal Football Federation. In this structure, there will be two representatives from South and North and one from UEFA. This five member committee will be responsible for the development of the Turkish Cypriot football and to organize its contacts abroad.”
12. A Greek Cypriot soccer player was transferred to “Kythrea football club”
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (25.09.14), the Greek Cypriot football player Demetris Vasilliou has signed a contract with the Turkish Cypriot football team “Kythrea” (Degirmenlik).
13. Columnist urges Turkey to fulfil the Copenhagen criteria
Under the title “A decade on, the state of EU affairs”, columnist Cengiz Aktar, writing in Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (online, 24.09.14), concludes in his commentary regarding Turkey’s EU accession process the following:
“In order for Turkey's relationship with the EU to be truly revived, however, Ankara needs to show action. Though the President and the Government may have characterized the EU as a strategic goal, and though they may speak with resolve about moving forward with accession talks, it is not enough. In order for Ankara to be taken seriously when it comes to the EU, the first thing it needs to do is utter an accession date; the second is to embrace a constructive stance on the Cyprus stalemate; and the third is to bring about the necessary political and legal reforms that would help fulfill the Copenhagen criteria.
What is clear today is that if the Ankara government does not develop the abovementioned goals and plans in relation to the EU-accession process, this entire sad decade will only go down in history as a footnote. But there is no question that the wheel of fortune will one day turn in Turkey. The largest piece left behind in the massive pile of wreckage bestowed on Turkey by the AKP will no doubt be the ruined relations with the EU.”
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