TURKISH CYPRIOT AND
TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 164/14 03.09.14
1. Eroglu to CNN: “We
exert efforts for the establishment of a new state, consisting of two founding
states”
2. Erdogan: We will
not compromise on Cyprus
3.
Bozkir: We have never connected the territorial issue with the opening of
chapters
4. Afrika argues that
Erdogan asked from the Turkish Cypriot political parties not to put obstacles
to the granting of “citizenships”
5. Korkmazhan: “Erdogan's aim is not solution but
integration”
6. Erdogan paid a visit to Azerbaijan
7. Columnists
evaluates Erdogan’s statements on his illegal visit to the occupied area of
Cyprus
1. Eroglu to CNN:
“We exert efforts for the establishment of a new state, consisting of two
founding states”
Under the title: “Anastasiades is coming to the table with villages’ names”, Turkish
Cypriot daily HalkinSesi newspaper (03.09.14) reports that Turkish Cypriot
leader DervisEroglu, in statements
yesterday to a televised program broadcast by CNN Turk, evaluated Erdogan’s
visit to the occupied area of Cyprus and the latest developments on the Cyprus
problem.
Referring to the
ongoing Cyprus negotiation talks, Eroglu reiterated that the territory issue
will be discussed only after all issues are agreed and added that the Greek
Cypriot leader, as he called the President of the Republic of Cyprus
NicosAnastasiades, came to the negotiating table with names of villages he
wanted to give.“If you look at these names in the first place, a map comes on
the scene”, Eroglu said.
Asked on the incident of July 24 when
Anastasiades reportedly abandoned the negotiating table, Eroglu stated: “While
the leaders were looking for reconciliation points in their proposals,
Anastasiades had the perception that everything would be the way he wanted”. Eroglu accused President Anastasiades for
not having the will to accept any of the convergences which were reached in the
past.
Eroglu added: “Anastasiades wants the talks to start from scratch. It was because
of this that the 24th July dispute started. He got angry because we
submitted proposals opposite to his proposals. That day, he got angry. And I
told him: ‘we cannot reach anywhere by raising your voice. So, answer to the
proposals we submitted’. Later, he submitted another proposal and I told him
that it would be better to be like this. After this answer, he got annoyed; he
threw his glasses on the table and walked out. We did not want to share this
with the public opinion. Because we are in favor of the continuation of the
negotiations that will yield result”.
Asked why the 2nd of September
meeting which was scheduled to take place between the two leaders, was
postponed, Eroglu said that the negotiators held a meeting the day before and
that it was the Greek Cypriot negotiator who asked for the meeting to be
postponed, because of Erdogan’s visit to the “TRNC”. “We did not accept this.
We have not connected these two issues. (…)”. Eroglu continued and said that it
was not possible for the meeting to take place because of the UN Secretary
General's Special Representative in Cyprus Lisa Buttenheim’s absence abroad.
(…)
Asked to reply to a question “Why the Greek
Cypriot leader is playing with time”, Eroglu replied that former Greek Cypriot
leader, DemetrisChristofias was carrying out negotiation talks with him and
Talat. He added that in spite of the fact that Anastasiades’ election has
created hopes in the international community, since he was a person who was in
favor of the Annan plan, “he used those hopes to his own benefit, in order to
make his plans”.
Asked to comment on
the forthcoming “presidential elections” scheduled to take place in the occupied area
of Cyprus on April 15 and whether he will be a candidate or not, Eroglu said that it is too early to say
something about this. He, however, added that in spite of the fact that he has
not decided yet, the two parties in the occupied are of Cyprus (the National
Unity Party-UBP and the Democratic Party (DP), announced that they will support
him.
Eroglu continued to allege that if the Greek
Cypriots continue to have this vision, then no solution is possible to be
found, no matter who will be in his post.
Referring to the meeting he held with Turkish
President RecepTayyip Erdogan during his visit to the occupied area of Cyprus,
Eroglu said that during their one-hour face to face meeting, he informed him in
detail on the negotiation process.
Stating that they are
in full consensus with Erdogan, Eroglu said that Erdogan’s visit in the “TRNC”, his first one after his
election to the Presidency of Turkey, has
sent important messages and added: “Anastasiades considers Erdogan a generous
man. So the statements he made when he came created disappointment to the Greek
Cypriots”.
Pointing out that the
Cyprus cause is a national cause both for Turkey and the “TRNC”, Eroglu
stressed that they are in full consensus with Turkey on this issue and thanked
Erdogan for his sincerity.
Underlining the
importance of Erdogan’s statement that the solution to be found should be based
on “two states”, Eroglu said: “You know that we speak of a new partnership and
not of the continuation of the “Cyprus Republic” as the Greek Cypriots call it.
We exert efforts for the establishment of a new state which will be consisting
of two founding states”, he said.
(AK)
2. Erdogan: We will
not compromise on Cyprus
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (03.09.14)
reports that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, speaking with journalists during
his flight to Azerbaijan, where he is paying an official visit, stated that they
will not compromise on Cyprus.
Erdogan accused the Greek Cypriot side of continuously
finding excuses and of not being sincere and added that hopefully they will
convey these issues, which will be an important ingredient of their agenda, to UN
General Assembly during their talks. He went on and added that everyone knows
and must know that Turkey will not compromise on Cyprus and added that Turkey’s
EU process has disappointed them.
3. Bozkir: We have never connected the territorial
issue with the opening of chapters
Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris (03.09.14) reports that the newly appointed European Union Affairs
Minister VolkanBozkir, who is also Turkey's chief negotiator at the EU
accession talks, said that although there is no agreement in the middle of 2014
the opportunity has not yet passed. Noting that he is hopeful for the Cyprus
talks, Bozkir said: “I still have hopes. The plan which is not valid today, it
may be valid tomorrow.”
In an interview
with the private NTV channel on Tuesday, Bozkir, former ambassador to Belgium,
commented on the developments in Turkey's EU process.
Commenting on
the initiatives of the Greek Cypriots to connect the opening of new chapters at
the EU accession process with different conditions regarding Cyprus, like the
opening of the fenced off town of Varosha, Bozkir said that they have never
related the territorial issue with chapters and this is not in question.
On the issue of
chapter opening, Bozkir said: “We have never connected the territory issue with
the opening of chapters. I don’t accept anyone saying ‘give permission to
direct flights to Ercan airport (translator’s note: the occupied airport of
Tymbou), let’s open Varosha (translator’s note: the fenced off town of Varosha
in exchange of this’.”
Bozkir also said
that in the whole world all walls and fences have been removed, but in Cyprus
they are still there.
Noting that five
thousand people profit from the continuation of the Cyprus problem, Bozkir said
that those people do not desire a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Claiming that
the Greek Cypriots also connect the continuation of this problem to the
identities, Bozkir said that the biggest problem on the island is water. Noting
that when the water problem is being solved, the whole island would obtain
water, Bozkir added: “Natural gas is being searched; if this is extracted they
may transfer the natural gas through Turkey.”
Noting that some
EU countries are hiding behind Cyprus, Bozkir said: “Like Germany for example.
They are concerned about coming into the picture as countries that decelerate
Turkey's speed during its EU process. That is why they say it would be great if
you solve the Cyprus problem. However, they know that when the Cyprus problem
is solved, all eyes will turn to those countries. We can also include France in
this list,” he said, adding that “I personally wish that the Cyprus problem is
solved so that we can clearly see those who oppose [Turkey's EU accession].”
Bozkir also said
that the natural gas and water factors have attracted the attention of the USA
again, adding that the contribution of the USA is great.
Evaluating
Greece’s reactions on the illegal visit of Turkey’s President RecepTayyip
Erdogan to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Bozkir said that they
wish to establish good relations with Greece. He also claimed that the
statements by Erdogan during his illegal visit to the occupied area of the
Republic of Cyprus do not contain any hostile words.
Bozkir also
claimed that the EU has the wrong picture about Turkey, adding: “We, as Turkey,
want them to look at the right picture. When they stare at the wrong picture a
wrong perception comes out. The first thing to do is to correct this
perception. It is wrong that Turkey is not taking its place in the family
picture. We are going to fix this”. Bozkir stated that the Ministry of EU
Affairs undersecretary will travel to Brussels in the near future to contribute
to the EU's progress report on Turkey.
Bozkir also
eased concerns about an influx of Turkish migrants to the EU countries after
Turkey becomes a full member of the EU. He cited allegations suggesting 20
million Turks will travel to the EU countries to seek work and said that Turkey
will shut its own door even if the EU opens itself to Turkish workers. However,
he said that the Turkish people will not choose to travel to these countries as
there are no jobs in the EU states.
4. Afrika argues
that Erdogan asked from the Turkish Cypriot political parties not to put
obstacles to the granting of “citizenships”
Turkish Cypriot daily
Afrika newspaper (03.09.14) reports about the illegal visit of the Turkish
President Tayyip Erdogan to the occupied area of Cyprus and writes that during
the meeting that Erdogan held with the Turkish Cypriot political parties, he asked
them not to put obstacles towards the increase of the population in the
breakaway regime and to the granting of “citizenships”.
According to Afrika, during the meeting which
was organized by the “Turkish embassy” to occupied Lefkosia, Erdogan asked that
the population in the breakaway regime not to linger behind the population of
the Greek Cypriots. The paper also points out that the population policy of
Turkey in the breakaway regime is well known.
5. Korkmazhan: “Erdogan's aim is not solution but
integration”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper
(03.09.14) reported that in a written statement General Secretary of United
Cyprus Party (BKP) Abdullah Korkmazhancommented on the statements made by
Turkish President RecepTayyip Erdogan during his illegal visit to the occupied
area of Cyprus and stated that Erdogan’saim is not solution, but to integrate
“north Cyprus” with Turkey andthat he
has made this obvious.
“Erdogan and the
Justice and Development Party like the other governments before them, are in
search of a permanent division and an integration of Cyprus,” he said. He added
that the people expecting a solution of the Cyprus problem with Erdogan’s
presidency should read his words carefully. He stated that the negotiations
have plummeted and that the two state system is being put forward because of
Erdogan’s “separatist and uncompromising politics”
Abdullah
Korkmazhan noted that the people expecting a solution of the Cyprus problem
from foreign states, Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party are in a
misconception and that they are misleading both communities. “Expecting a
solution from foreign states and from the Justice and Development party is no
different than expecting a tear from a dead body. For a comprehensive solution
action of the internal dynamics is a must,” he said. Korkmazhan stated that the
key elements for the solution are the negotiating leaders.
6. Erdogan paid a visit to Azerbaijan
Turkish daily
Sabah newspaper (03.09.14) reports that Turkish President RecepTayyipErdoğan
paid a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan upon the invitation of Azeri
President İlhamAliyev.
Speaking to the
press ahead of his Azerbaijan visit, Erdoğan said that the two leaders will
hold talks regarding the latest regional and international developments
concerning both Turkey and Azerbaijan along with further opportunities for
cooperation between the countries.
7. Columnists
evaluate Erdogan’s statements on his illegal visit to the occupied area of
Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot columnists evaluatedErdogan’s
statements during his illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus:
Under the title: “What did Erdogan say, and
what did he not say?”, Turkish Cypriot Yeniduzen newspaper (02.09.14) published
the following article by Sami Ozuslu:
“[…] When one looks between the lines at the
things Turkish President RecepTayyipErdogan's said, […] a few points come to
the fore. One of these was the emphasis he made on the "guarantor
countries"… In all the statements
Erdogan made in both Istanbul and Nicosia, he made references to Greece and
Great Britain, and conveyed to them the message of "do what is incumbent
upon you as guarantors." He even added
the United States to this.
Why might Erdogan have stressed this? The
possibility whichimmediately comes to
mind is that there may be models of a "four-way or five-way"
conference behind the scenes. […] But
there is another possibility… And that
involves NATO…
The claim that NATO, of which Turkey and Greece are members,
could play a role on the Cyprus issue" is not very new. […] we know that [Greek Cypriot President] Nikos
Anastasiadis looks positively on NATO membership, and that he conveyed messages
in this regard as a candidate. […] And naturally, there is a Turkish veto
standing before NATO membership for Cyprus, […] just as there is, similarly, a
Republic of Cyprus veto in every stage of the relations between Turkey and the
EU. […] Behind the insistent message sent to the guarantors by Turkish
President Erdogan is the possibility of these reciprocal vetoes playing a role
in connection to NATO and the EU. […] In order to say "yes" to NATO
membership for Cyprus, Turkey couldbring
up demands such as the lifting of obstacles to Turkey's relations with the EU
and the gas passing through Anatolia. […]
A good many of the Turkish President's messages
on yesterday's visit can be considered as "routine" and
"normal." […]But Erdogan's
words in the form of "we absolutely cannot accept the current situation on
Cyprus" were important from the standpoint of confirming Turkey's
intentions of escaping the problems it faces with the deadlock on Cyprus. […]”
In addition, under the title: “Erdogan pleased with
developments”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (02.09.14) published the following
article by Hasan Hasturer:
“[…]Before the press conference DervisEroglu
and TayyipErdogan had a lengthy face to face meeting at which Erdogan clearly
stated he was pleased with the Turkish Cypriots' attitude at the negotiating
table. While Erdogan and Eroglu were talking on the ground floor of the
Presidency, delegations headed up by Foreign MinisterOzdilNami and Turkey's
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu were on the top floor evaluating the latest
developments in the Cyprus problem and what was to come next. Like Erdogan,
Cavusoglu said he too had no worries about the process.
Naturally, OzdilNami's approach saying that ‘it
would be best for us to tell the world that we were the side that wanted a
solution and also the side working hard for’, it was well received.
This evaluation made by one diplomatic source
commenting on Erdogan's attitude during his visit gave important clues as to
what is to come: "Erdogan and the AKP [Justice and Development Party]
promised the West they would contribute right at the start of the Annan Plan.
When the Turkish Cypriots said yes and the Greek Cypriots said no in the
referendum, that process failed. Despite failing, Turkey was seen as the side
that did its homework as its best. Ever since then, no country, not even the United States, has
pressured Turkey for a solution or made any special demands.
"This was Erdogan's position when he
answered questions at the press conference. Turkey is not uncomfortable with
the fact that the problem remains unsolved and as it is not uncomfortable
Turkey is currently not thinking about taking steps that could cause debate in
public. If the Greek Cypriots can stop being so severe and make overtures that
the Turkish Cypriots can accept, then Ankara will sit down with Lefkosiaand
discuss a counter move."
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
