TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 190/14 10.10.14
1.Eide after meeting with Eroglu: “The negotiation did not end, for certain”
2. Eroglu: “The Greek Cypriot side is the one that should take steps, not us”
3. Turkish Cypriot parties called on the Greek Cypriot side to stop the substation of the Cyprus negotiations
4. Talat: The Turkish side does not seem to be right before the international law on the hydrocarbons issue
5. Nami evaluates the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and his contacts in New York and Washington
6. Turkish Cypriot political parties are accused of “hypocrisy” on the issue of Turkey’s provocations in Cyprus’ EEZ
7. Bozkir’s interview to Daily Sabah: “Greek Cyprus’ irreconcilable attitudes will not affect our aims”; EU’s progress report indicates Turkey’s power
8. CHP Deputy submitted a parliamentary question to the TGNA asking Davutoglu if he considers Turkish troops in Cyprus as an intruder
9. Manservisi: The negotiation process in Cyprus must resume
10. Submarine near Kyrenia shores
11. The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade criticized the Greek Cypriot side for the suspension of the Cyprus negotiation talks
12. Apsinthiotissa Latin monastery in occupied Vouno village is in a bad condition
13. Another Greek Cypriot footballer signs with a Turkish Cypriot football team
14. NATO’s Secretary General held contacts in Turkey; Turkey asked to introduce safe haven issue to alliance’s agenda
15. Erdogan: “Mass protests aim to sabotage the Kurdish peace process”
16. Turkey’s Cavusoglu to visit France
1.Eide after meeting with Eroglu: “The negotiation did not end, for certain”
According to illegal Bayrak television (10.10.14) the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide has started shuttle diplomacy between the two leaders.
Within this framework, Eide visited the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu this morning.
During the meeting which took place at the so-called presidential palace, the current situation was discussed.
Speaking to reporters after the one and a half hour meeting, Eide said that he is working towards bringing the sides back to the negotiations table and has therefore launched shuttle diplomacy between the two leaders.
Underlining the fact that the negotiations did not end but were only suspended for a while, Eide described the current situation as a medium-scaled crisis which is not strong.
Stating that he had evaluated the situation with the Turkish Foreign Ministry, he said that the Turkish officials are well aware of the situation and told him that they will continue with their efforts to bring the sides back to the negotiations table.
2. Eroglu: “The Greek Cypriot side is the one that should take steps, not us”
Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (10.10.14) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has alleged that the explorations of Turkish Barbaros vessel in the southern sea of Cyprus is “totally in harmony with the law and the agreements”. “The statements that Barbaros or the Turkish warships harass the Greek Cypriots are extremely wrong”, he claimed speaking after a meeting yesterday with the so-called parliamentary platform. He alleged that Turkey “is using the power we have given to her to search our rights in the sea”.
“We cannot endure the preconditions of the Greek Cypriots any more”, alleged Eroglu adding: “Either they will sit and talk, or, if they do not intend to talk, let them come out openly and say this. And we will arrange our way of action accordingly”.
Eroglu claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side is determined to continue the negotiations, but “this game is not played [by one side] alone”.
Reiterating the view that the Turkish Cypriot side is looking for a solution taking the “realities” on the island into consideration, Eroglu argued that the world should understand these “realities” and alleged: “As long as the Greek Cypriots think that we will continue the negotiations for many years and at the same time we will remain under embargoes, it is normal for them to think of not sitting at the negotiating table from time to time”.
Asked about the steps which Turkey and the breakaway regime are considering of taking, Eroglu replied: “We are not the ones who should take steps. It is the Greek Cypriot side. It is the Greek Cypriot side the one which gathered the political parties and decided to postpone the negotiations. They have to sit and decide whether they will continue [implementing] this decision, or whether they will come to the negotiations. There is no step for us to take. Outside this, there are steps which we have to take for explaining to the world how wrong and unjust the decision of the Greek Cypriots to postpone the negotiations was”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Turkish Cypriot parties called on the Greek Cypriot side to stop the abstention from of the Cyprus negotiations
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.10.14) reports that the Assembly Platform, consists of the Turkish Cypriot parties that are participating in the “assembly” which held a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, called on the Greek Cypriot side to stop the abstention from the Cyprus negotiations.
Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Ozkan Yorgancioglu stated that the party does not find right the Greek Cypriot side’s decision to leave the negotiation table, adding that this development increased the tension in the island and does not lead to the solution.
Tahsin Ertugruloglu “deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP) stated that everyone wishes that the negotiations will start again and described as a “lie” the reason given by the Greek Cypriot side for leaving the negotiation table. “They said there was a Turkish war ship […] there was not such a thing, this was a lie”, he stated.
On his part the chairman of the Democratic Party (DP) Serdar Denktas stated that the international community must mark down this action of the Greek Cypriots. He said that there is no need for the Greek Cypriots to be afraid either of Turkey or the Turkish Cypriots. The only thing to be afraid of is the Greek Cypriot policy”, Denktas stated.
Finally, the chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit stated that the place for the solution of the Cyprus problem is the negotiation table.
4. Talat: The Turkish side does not seem to be right before the international law on the hydrocarbons issue
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (10.10.14) reports that former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the Turkish side does not seem to be right before the international law on the hydrocarbons issue. In statements to Halkin Sesi’s journalist Zuleyha Karaman, Talat noted, inter alia, the following:
“The issue has many dimensions. To start with, nothing is solved by sending warships. Because, like it or not, the Turkish side does not seem to be right on the hydrocarbons issue before the international law. We may get angry about it, we may get furious, we may say that this is wrong. And it is wrong on many issues. We have accepted this in the negotiations. Christofias has also accepted it in time. Anastasiades has also no objections to this arrangement now. Hydrocarbons are under the federal government’s jurisdiction. This means that they are something by which both communities will benefit. Therefore, the Turkish Cypriot side, that is, the Turkish side’s saying let us leave the exploitation of the hydrocarbons for the period after the solution is reasonable, logical and legitimate, but on one condition: If really the Turkish side does what it can for the solution. Until 2010 we did what we could. Progress was achieved. Everyone saw it very clearly. When we were saying then ‘let the hydrocarbons be exploited after the solution’, we were finding support in the consciences. We were again weak before the international law, but we found support in the consciences. Look what is the situation now that came up now: On the one hand, searching for natural resources in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a state’s, that is the ‘Republic of Cyprus’ right. On the other hand, while the Republic of Cyprus acts in its EEZ, the Turkish warship harasses this activity. This is the picture. This picture is unfortunately not in our favor…”
Asked whether he sees that the Turkish side works sincerely for a solution, Talat responded: “Where is such a thing? There is a president who says ‘if they want we will meet, if they stop, we have no objection’. That is, is there any sincerity in this? Even I do not see sincerity. How will the international community see?”
Asked whether Turkey by sending warships to the area at this stage was wrong, Talat said:
“Making an evaluation saying that it is wrong or it is not wrong, would not be very correct. […] Looking at the results, I see that it brought nothing new. Let the ones who send them evaluate whether it was wrong. That is, this is their issue. I cannot object to this, I have no right to do this. I also have no authority. I would not have any authority even if I was on duty. Of course, then I would express my view. […] There is something here. Turkey has claims on some parcels which the Greek Cypriot side declared as its EEZ. […]”
Talat went on and referred to the so-called delimitation agreement signed between the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and the then Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan in New York, which he argued, gives Turkey the right to protect the Turkish Cypriots’ rights in Cyprus’ entire EEZ. “Therefore, Turkey is acting based on this, but come and see that the international law does not say this”.
He further expressed the view that if the negotiations were going well, the Greek Cypriot side would not “run away from the table” when it saw warships.
Talat pointed out that “this foggy” situation suits Eroglu. “He almost got out of trouble easily”, he argued adding that Eroglu took the opportunity given by the postponement of the talks by the Greek Cypriot side and removed Kudret Ozersay from the post of the negotiator of the Turkish Cypriot side. Talat recalled that Eroglu had stated that “if they [the Greek Cypriot side] interrupt the negotiations, we have no objection” and the next day he said that “if they want to meet, we will meet”.
(I/Ts.)
5. Nami evaluates the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and his contacts in New York and Washington
According to illegal Bayrak television (09.10.14) the so-called foreign minister Ozdil Nami in statements to BRT 1’s news program, evaluated the latest crisis in the negotiations as well as domestic issues and his contacts in New York and Washington.
Nami expressed hopes that a settlement will be reached in Cyprus as soon as possible and he pointed out that his party will be meeting with Greek Cypriot political parties to overcome the current crisis in the negotiations process.
Referring to his contacts in the USA, he said that contrary to their expectations, the “TRNC delegation” had witnessed tensions at OIC meetings attended in the US.
Explaining that several Arab countries which had established a negative stance, had launched an initiative to remove the title of “Turkish Cypriot State” granted to Turkish Cypriots within the OIC, Nami said that the resolution was rejected following efforts by the OIC Secretariat and the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
Claiming that the Greek Cypriots in addition to the negotiations process had focused on preventing Turkish Cypriots from opening up to the rest of the world, Nami alleged that the Greek Cypriot side at every opportunity has been using its international recognition against the Turkish Cypriots.
Reminding that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu had accepted all past convergences in the negotiations when coming to office, contrary to his Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades, Nami said that the Turkish Cypriot side had previously raised the view on numerous occasions that the issue of hydrocarbons would create problems in the talks.
He said that the “Greek Cypriot Administration”, as he called the Republic of Cyprus used Turkey’s attempts to protect the Turkish Cypriot’s rights as an excuse to back out of the talks.
Nami also expressed the hope that the situation in Cyprus will not have an adverse effect on Turkish-Greek relations in the long run. Pointing out that the CTP will be meeting with the Greek Cypriot AKEL and DISY parties in an attempt to diffuse the crisis and to encourage the Greek Cypriots to return to the negotiating table, Nami said that such efforts could contribute to solve the problem.
(…)Nami also added that he as the “foreign minister”, will continue to support the negotiations process and that his “ministry” will continue to pursue its efforts to represent the Turkish Cypriots at various international platforms such as the OIC, EU and UN.
6. Turkish Cypriot political parties are accused of “hypocrisy” on the issue of Turkey’s provocations in Cyprus’ EEZ
Under the banner front-page title “Hypocrisy”, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (10.10.14) refers to statements made by the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and the Social Democracy Party (TDP) on the suspension of the Cyprus talks because of Turkey’s actions in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus and reports that these parties had said different things in 2011, when the signing of the so-called continental shelf agreement between Turkey and the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus came onto the agenda.
Noting that the CTP and TDP had opposed to this “agreement” then, the paper recalls that CTP’s chairman Ozkan Yorganciolgu had said that “this agreement will block the negotiations in Cyprus”. “His prediction came true, but now he speaks differently”, points out Afrika underlining that instead of accusing Turkey they accuse the Greek Cypriot side.
The paper reports that yesterday Yorgancioglu called on the Greek Cypriot side to reason and added: “They have to realize that absolutely no problem will be solved by running away from the negotiating table”. On 6 October 2011, Yorgancioglu had stated the following as regards the above-mentioned “agreement” between Turkey and the breakaway regime: “This agreement, which is a reaction to the south Cyprus Greek sector, is just as wrong as the Greek Cypriot sector’s unilateral explorations for natural gas and oil. Therefore, as a party we will vote negatively to the Continental Shelf Delimitation Agreement which will be voted in the assembly”.
(I/Ts.)
7. Bozkir’s interview to Daily Sabah: “Greek Cyprus’ irreconcilable attitudes will not affect our aims”; EU’s progress report indicates Turkey’s power
In an exclusive interview with Daily Sabah (10.10.14) Turkey’s EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır said that despite all the efforts to undermine Turkey’s reputation, the EU’s 2014 progress report indicates the country’s power.
Answering to the paper’s questions after the announcement of the report, Bozkir defined the report as "livable and arguable." He said that he will evaluate the critiques of the report carefully and added: "We will work on the rational and constructive critiques; however, there are some that we do not agree with. We will share our views with them and try to mend the reasons that cause these critiques. On the other hand, I can state that this report is a balanced and objective one that we can utilize in our EU accension process."
(…)
According to Bozkır, Turkey being indispensable for the EU is a more acceptable point, that increases day by day. “There is a common interest in this relationship and this relationship will be maintained as long as common interests exist. These interests are dominant. I don't recall any period of time when the EU needed Turkey and vice-versa”, Bozkır said. “Even when it is surrounded by strife, we see Turkey as an indispensable part of the EU with its political and economic stability for 12 years, young population and strategic position on the energy highway”, he added.
Bozkır summarized Turkey's emphasis on its new EU strategy: “This strategy can be considered as a constitution regarding EU-Turkey relations in a manner of speaking. The strategy includes the principles that the relation relies on, how Turkey perceives it and what Turkey will do. There are three steps in this strategy: political reforms, adaptation to EU regulations and communication. The first will be based on the Reform Observation Group. We are preparing an action plan that consists of two parts for the adaptation to EU regulations. The first part includes a period of time until June 2015 and the other will include the years 2015 to 2019. In this, there will be the plans for which regulations will be applied. Firstly, I will present the first part, which is until 2015, to the Council of Ministers next Monday. We will promulgate it at the end of October. The 2015 to 2019 part will be promulgated by the end of November. The communication strategy was accepted by the Council of Ministers, which I will declare on October 16. There are two principal elements to it. These are the EU's perception of Turkey and Turkey's perception of the EU. In regard to this communication, we will effectively utilize nongovernmental organizations, the business world, universities, unions and such."
Talking about “Greek Cyprus’” unilateral withdrawal from the peace negotiations and its possible consequences in EU-Turkey relations, Bozkır said that “Greek Cyprus'” irreconcilable attitudes will not affect their aims. “Our wish is that the negotiation started on February 11, 2014 to be accomplished successfully. This is for the benefit of all. However, we will not yield and will not compromise to this irreconcilable attitude during our EU accession process and while we are opening chapters. We will continue on our way”.
8. CHP Deputy submitted a parliamentary question to the TGNA asking Davutoglu if he considers Turkish troops in Cyprus as an intruder
Turkish daily Kibris Postasi (09.10.14) reported that the Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy Umut Oran has submitted a parliamentary question at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) regarding Cyprus, addressed to Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
In this context, Unal referred to Biden’s statements in a speech he delivered at Harvard University, asking Davutoglu whether they also think that the Turkish soldiers in Cyprus are intruding.
Following is the questions Oran presented to TGNA:
1. Has Turkey got a preparation in a rooted political change regarding north Cyprus and the island of Cyprus?
2. Is your government seeing the legal interference of the island as a guarantor state in 1974 as an “illegal occupation?”
3. Is your government seeing the Turkish army in north Cyprus, using Biden’s expression as an “intruder”?
4. Is the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) going to continue their presence in north Cyprus? Have you got a plan to withdraw the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Command back to the island?
5. What are the two things in Biden’s “to understand whether we will do two things?”
6. Is there a reason for Turkey to share the important political changes regarding north Cyprus with US Vice President Joe “Bidenopolis” before the Turkish public and TGNA?
7. Is TCG Gallipoli still continuing its duty in the Mediterranean near the island of Cyprus?
8. Why are you not preventing south Cyprus from continuing its Eastern Mediterranean natural gas drilling, do you have a promise which you gave to the US and south Cyprus? What is the reason for Foreign Affairs minister of south Cyprus Kasoulides statement that the US has given them a commitment that there will be no harassment in preventing the drilling ship from doing its job? Regarding this issue, which authority in the USA, and with what commitment have they made?”.
9. Manservisi: The negotiation process in Cyprus must resume
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.10.14) reports that the head of the European Union delegation to Turkey Stefano Manservisi stated that the negotiation process in Cyprus must start again. He made these statements while making an assessment of 2014 Turkey Progress report.
Pointing out that the process should resume, Manservisi stressed that this is necessary for stability, betterment of the standard of living and for more peace in the island.
He went on and added that any differences occurred as regards the Cypriot Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) can be solved via international recognized mechanisms without the creation of any tension.
10. Submarine near Kyrenia shores
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (10.10.14) reports that a submarine was spotted near the shore of occupied Ayios Epiktitos yesterday. The paper claims that this must be due to the research of oil and natural gas in the area.
The paper publishes a clear picture of the submarine.
11. The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade criticized the Greek Cypriot side for the suspension of the Cyprus negotiation talks
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (10.10.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade (KTTO) in a written statement yesterday criticized the Greek Cypriot side for suspending the Cyprus negotiation talks by providing as an excuse the developments regarding the hydrocarbon exploration activities and stressed their worries that the delay of the solution on the Cyprus problem will bring serious potential risks.
The statement said that the chamber expresses sorrow and concerns for the suspension of the Cyprus negotiation process, which instead of aiming to reach to a solution of the Cyprus problem, it became a dispute regarding the hydrocarbon exploration activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone in Cyprus, which is a controversial issue, as well.
The statement underlines that the non-solution of the pro-longed Cyprus problem has made the problem a multi-dimensional one. “Together with the controversial issues of ‘territory’ and the ‘Cyprus Republic’, the issue of the territorial waters in Cyprus is controversial also and thus, it would be better if the exploration activities of the oil and natural gas would take place after the solution”.
Commenting on the latest statement made by the Presidential Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides that the Greek Cypriot side have not left the table but suspended the talks for a while, the chamber said that these statements increased their hopes that the crisis will be overcome.
“The crisis experienced, proves that the current status quo in Cyprus cannot continue and also that the efforts for reaching a comprehensive and a fair solution to the Cyprus problem should be intensified”, said the chamber.
12. Apsinthiotissa Latin monastery in occupied Vouno village is in a bad condition
Under the title “We feel ashamed”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (10.10.14) reports that the Apsinthiotissa Latin monastery in occupied Vouno village is in a bad condition.
The paper writes that the walls of the monastery dated 1100 A.D. are collapsing and adds that the area around the building has been used as a garbage dumping place.
13. Another Greek Cypriot footballer signs with a Turkish Cypriot football team
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (10.10.14) reports that following Demetris Vasileiou, who signed with Turkish Cypriot team called Degirmenlik sports, another Greek Cypriot footballer, Argyris Christofi, signed with the same team.
Christofi who played before with Nea Salamina and Milwall stated that he has no problem to play football in a Turkish Cypriot team noting: “Football must be played for peace”.
14. NATO’s Secretary General held contacts in Turkey; Turkey asked to introduce safe haven issue to alliance’s agenda
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (09.10.14) reported that according to diplomatic sources, Ankara has asked NATO to put the issue of a safe haven and no-fly zone in Syria on its agenda.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, during his meeting with the new NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who carries out his first visit to Turkey since assuming his new post, requested the issue to be discussed among allies.
Ankara also plans to introduce the proposal in Brussels through Turkey’s permanent representative.
Asked about Turkey’s proposal for a safe haven and no-fly zone into Syria, Stoltenberg said in a press conference after his meeting with Cavusoglu, that the issue had yet to be discussed in NATO.
“I welcome decisive actions from several countries in the international effort fight against ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] by air strikes. I also welcome what Turkey has been doing in receiving refugees, and also the decision by the Turkish Parliament to authorize Turkey to take an even more active role,” Stoltenberg added.
“Our Patriot deployment reinforces Turkey’s air defense. NATO stands ready to support all allies in defending their security”, he said.
Also speaking, Cavusoglu said that Turkey cannot be expected to take action for a ground operation against jihadists on its own and noted that the world needed to focus on ousting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as well as fighting the jihadists.
Cavusoglu said that true peace could never be restored in Syria without the departure of “al-Assad and his regime”.
He said that the current U.S.-led air strikes against jihadists would not be enough to bring peace to Syria and a ground operation in coordination with anti-ISIL Syrian rebels should be considered.
15. Erdogan: “Mass protests aim to sabotage the Kurdish peace process”
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (09.10.14) reported that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the street protests that have spread across Turkey are designed to sabotage the ongoing Kurdish resolution process, and thus called on all political parties and citizens for restraint.
Erdogan’s message came just before the top officials of the People’s Democracy Party (HDP) held a press conference in Diyarbakır to evaluate the recent unrest that has claimed the lives of 22 people in less than 48 hours, in reaction to the government’s perceived inaction against jihadist attacks against Syrian Kurds in Kobane.
“It’s obvious that this play, targets the peaceful environment in the east and southeast as well as the resolution process and our brotherhood,” Erdogan said in a written statement October 9.
He added that the state would fight against those who commit violence and vandalism without any tolerance, especially at a time when the country is passing through a sensitive process.
Expressing his sorrow at the loss of lives in incidents in various cities, he stressed that these incidents had nothing to do with the developments in Kobane, a Syrian town under the siege of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
“Launching violent acts in Turkey under the pretext of terror attacks against Kobane shows the real intention behind these moves,” Erdogan said, vowing that Turkey would not allow such provocations aimed at affecting the country’s internal and external policies.
Blaming “dark circles” for the provocative acts in Turkey, Erdogan called on all political parties not to act in a way that could promote violence, vandalism or chaos.
(…)
16. Turkey’s Cavusoglu to visit France
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (09.10.14) reported that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will pay an official visit to France to boost bilateral relations as well as cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism.
In a press statement released on Thursday, the Ministry said the Cavusoglu’s visit is in accordance with the “Joint Political Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Framework for Cooperation between Turkey and France,” which was signed during French President Francois Hollande's visit to Turkey at the end of January.
The statement added that Cavusoglu will meet with the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.
“Improving bilateral relations between Turkey and France, boosting cooperation in the fight against terrorism, Turkey's EU membership bid and developments recently happening in Syria and Iraq will be the main issues to be discussed during the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries”, the statement also said.
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