TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 191/14 11-13.10.14
1. Nami: Either both sides will search for hydrocarbon resources or all should stop their activities, if the wish is to overcome the crisis
2. Α Turkish warship is still observing the drilling activities in Cyprus’ EEZ
3. Eroglu argues that the Turkish Cypriots are not without alternatives if the negotiations do not start; He reveals Greek Cypriot proposals
4. Statements by UK’s High Commissioner: “We should focus on the solution of the Cyprus problem and not on the problems experienced”
5. Italian Ambassador to Cyprus: “Problems could be overcome with a comprehensive solution”
6. Bozkir: There will be no compromise as regards Varosha for opening EU chapters for Turkey
7. Yorgancioglu: “The Greek Cypriot administration play games”
8. Turkish Foreign Minister on the Cyprus negotiations: “If there is not going to be a solution every state will take care of itself”
9. Ergun Olgun is the new negotiator
10. Eroglu signals re-election intention
11. Talat returns to CTP
12. Sertoglu says that Turkey imposes embargo on the Turkish Cypriots in the field of sports
13. Ankara has asked from Italy to stop the activities of the Italian ENI firm in Cyprus’ EEZ
14. Davutoglu interviewed on Syria, the Kurdish solution process, new security provisions
15. Gov't arms extremist groups including ISIL, AK Party founder says
16. Turkish President Erdogan pledges to bring “vandals” to account
17. Turkey to take the reins of the presidency of the G20 on December 1
1. Nami: Either both sides will search for hydrocarbon resources or all should stop their activities, if the wish is to overcome the crisis
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (13.10.14) reports that Ozdil Nami, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has argued that the “artificial crisis” experienced in the Cyprus talks will be overcome and the “course towards the comprehensive solution will definitely go on”.
In an interview with Yeni Duzen, Nami alleged:
“We should never and definitely not lose our faith. Crises have also been experienced in the past. Let us not forget how we experienced the S-300 crisis, how we overcame it and we produced convergences. […] As of today there is neither a seismic explorations vessel nor a warship there. As of today, our ships have not reached the area. […] This temporary crisis will definitely be pushed aside, but there is another crisis, more serious one which prevents progress at the table. And this is the fact that the Greek Cypriot leader does not accept the convergences of the past. […] If the overcoming of the crisis is wished, either respect will be shown to both sides’ carrying out activities in the area or everyone will stop his activities […]”
Asked whether he had any contacts with Turkey or whether he demanded anything for the overcoming of the crisis, Nami claimed:
“Upon our demand, Turkey is acting on the basis of the agreements it has made with us to protect our rights and interests. The problem here is the unilateral steps taken by the Greek Cypriot side. We as Turkish side are taking all the steps we took until today in harmony, jointly with Turkey. I, as TRNC foreign minister, have made the first statement as regards the sending of Barbaros vessel to parcel 9. The important thing here is whether the Greek Cypriot side will abandon the unilateral steps on the hydrocarbon issue. As long as they take steps we will also take steps. Everyone should know this. That is, this crisis could not be overcome with the approach of ‘let Turkey stop sending ships there or let it withdraw the ships it has send and the negotiating process to be established again thanks to this’. If there is a wish for overcoming this crisis, either respect will be shown to both sides’ currying out explorations in the area or everyone should stop his activities. There is no other alternative”.
When asked to comment on the international community’s calls on Turkey and its support to the Greek Cypriot positions during this “crisis”, Nami argued that when we look at the crises experienced in the world, we see how insufficient the international community is in managing crises. “They definitely not have a fair approach on the Cyprus problem”, he alleged.
(I/Ts.)
2. Α Turkish warship is still observing the drilling activities in Cyprus’ EEZ
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (13.10.14) reports that the TCG Gelibolu vessel of the Turkish Naval Forces is closely observing SAIPEM 10000 drilling platform, which is holding drilling activities for oil and natural gas in the Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to a statement issued by the Turkish Armed Forces, the Turkish warship has observed platform from a distance of five nautical miles (nine kilometers). The Turkish warship has reportedly executed her duties within the framework of the so-called Mediterranean Shield Operation.
(I/Ts.)
3. Eroglu argues that the Turkish Cypriots are not without alternatives if the negotiations do not start; He reveals Greek Cypriot proposals
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (13.10.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu has alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side is in favor of the continuation of the Cyprus negotiations, but “it is not without alternatives”. Addressing a reception on the occasion of the 39th anniversary from the establishment of the National Unity Party (UBP), Eroglu criticized President Anastasiades’ decision to suspend his participation in the negotiations and argued that President Anasstasiades should change this decision.
Replying to those who wonder what the Turkish warships are doing in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Eroglu alleged that they have a prestige and that they had said that if the Greek Cypriot side carried out seismic explorations in the area they would take a step as well.
Referring to the issue of the territory, Eroglu argued that the Greek Cypriots asked for the return of all occupied peninsula of Karpasia, from Koma tou Yialou village to Leonarisso village and the surrounding villages as well as the villages of Eptakomi, Engomi, Limnia, Tumbou, Kythrea, Neo Chorio Kythreas and the surrounding military zone. He also said that the Greek Cypriots consider Morfou area as “being their own” and ask for the Greek Cypriots who will return to their property under Turkish Cypriot administration to have the first say as regards their property. “If a Greek Cypriot lives in the house of a Turkish Cypriot who wants to return, [the house] will be leased to the Greek Cypriot for ten years and in the end of this period, he [the Turkish Cypriot] will take the ownership of the house”, he argued alleging that “in other words, it could not be said that the property belongs to the Turkish Cypriot”.
Noting that according to the “demands” of the Greek Cypriots, the President of the Republic will always be a Greek Cypriot and the Vice President Turkish Cypriot, Eroglu added that both will be elected together. He added: “In other words, this will be a choice of the Greek Cypriots, not the Turkish Cypriots. The army will totally go away. If an agreement is reached in the negotiations, those who come from Turkey will not be able to vote. This is what I can say for the moment. I cannot speak more openly. Behold, this is the game that exists”.
(I/Ts.)
4. Statements by UK’s High Commissioner: “We should focus on the solution of the Cyprus problem and not on the problems experienced”
Under the front-page title: “We should focus on the solution and not on the problems”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (12.10.14) published an exclusive interview of the British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Damian Roderic Todd, his first one to the Turkish Cypriot press.
Speaking to the paper’s journalist Osman Kalfaoglu, Todd stressed the need for everyone to be focused on the solution of the Cyprus problem and not on the problems experienced.
Referring to the problems experienced on the Cyprus negotiation process, Todd said that these problems have shown once more how urgent is the solution in the island and stressed that Turkey can play an important role in this process.
The British diplomat underlined that it is on the Cypriots’ hands whether the process will collapse or succeed. He said that efforts should be exerted in order for the issue of confidence between the two communities to be increased, adding that it is the Cypriots who should decide which Confidence Building Measures should be. The British High Commissioner added that they are ready to do what is necessary in order to encourage the two communities on the CBM and support them.
Explaining that before arriving to Cyprus he had the opportunity to visit Brussels, New York, Washington, Athens and Ankara, Todd said that during his visit in Ankara he had the opportunity to meet with Turkish officials and discuss issues related to Syria, and the Cyprus problem. Regarding the Cyprus problem, Todd said that he strongly felt that the Turkish officials believed a solution in Cyprus would be for the benefit of both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.
Asked to comment on the issue of hydrocarbon exploration activities which became an issue of dispute between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus, Todd said that they really believe that the resources in the island should be utilized for the benefit of both communities.
Referring to the tension experienced during the last days, Todd expressed hopes that this will be overcome and stressed the need for all sides to avoid provocative actions and statements. “What is important is that those experienced in recent days have proved once again how important is to reach to a comprehensive solution. We hope that the negotiation will progress successfully. We believe also that Turkey can contribute positively towards the solution”, Todd added.
(…)
5. Italian Ambassador to Cyprus: “Problems could be overcome with a comprehensive solution”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.10.14) under the title: “The problems could be overcome with a comprehensive solution”, reported on statements by the Ambassador of Italy to Cyprus, Guido Cerboni who evaluated to the paper the crisis experienced on the issue of the natural gas and said that the crisis experienced has proved once more the importance of reaching to a comprehensive solution in the island.
Speaking to the paper, Cerboni said that the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots should decide together on the issue of the sharing of the oil and natural gas resources, stressing that unilateral initiatives are not useful.
Evaluating the latest developments, Cerbon said that these developments brought up the importance of reaching a comprehensive solution on the Cyprus problem with regard to the EU principles and the UN’s Security Council decisions.
Asked to reply to the question whether Italy will make a direct statement regarding the monitoring of the ENI platform by the Turkish warship, Cerboni said: “We follow the developments. We have good relations with Turkey. It is an important partner of Italy and we will continue our constructive and intensified discussions with Turkey, which is a NATO ally when the time occurs”.
Referring to Turkey’s EU Progress Report, Cerboni pointed out the reference on the Cyprus problem and reminded of the fact that Turkey is called to implement the Additional Protocol, to take into consideration its good ties with its neighbors, to recognize the Cyprus Republic, and to show respect to the Republic of Cyprus’ rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
(AK)
6. Bozkir: There will be no compromise as regards Varosha for opening EU chapters for Turkey
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (12.10.14) reports that Volkan Bozkir Turkish Minister of EU and Chief Negotiator held a meeting with the “ambassador” of the breakaway regime Mustafa Lakadamyali to Ankara and discussed the latest developments as regards the Cyprus negotiations.
Commenting on the decision of the Greek Cypriot side for the abstention from the Cyprus negotiation, Bozkir said that this cannot continue adding that Turkey wants a solution to be found in Cyprus the soonest possible. He also called USA, EU, and the guarantor countries to act towards this direction.
He went on and added that the Greek Cypriot side must not foster hopes that there will be a compromise as regards Varosha and the opening of Famagusta port for the opening EU chapters for Turkey.
7. Yorgancioglu: “The Greek Cypriot administration play games”
Under the front-page title: “The Greek Cypriot administration play games”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.10.14) reported on statements by the so-called prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu to the paper’s deputy director and columnist Serhat Incirli.
Replying to the columnist’s questions, Yorgancioglu alleged that the “Greek Cypriot administration”, as he called the Republic of Cyprus, took advantage of the negative events experienced around Turkey, in order, as he said to increase its power at the negotiating table.
Expressing their worries over this stance of the “Greek Cypriot administration”, Yorgancioglu added that this is not correct and said: “The Greek Cypriot administration play games by utilizing the negative conditions; this is unfair for the Turkish Cypriots”.
Underlining that the issues that the Greek Cypriots complained are not issues which they were discussed at the negotiating table, Yorgancioglu said: “Bringing to the table issues which are not on the table and then leave the table, is wrong”.
Yorgancioglu went on and said that the Greek Cypriots and the Republic of Cyprus, as soon as they launched hydrocarbon exploration activities, they should protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, which are among their partners in the Republic of Cyprus. “If they disregard this right, then there will be a discomfort here”, he added.
Asked to comment on the issue of the water to be transferred to the occupied area of Cyprus from Turkey, Yorgancioglu said that the water to be transferred can contribute to the solution. He however, said that the hydrocarbon exploration activities of the “Greek Cypriot administration” and the issue of the water from Turkey should not be confused. “The Turkish Cypriots said that the Greek Cypriots can make use of the water from Turkey immediately, but the Greek Cypriots said that the Turkish Cypriot will be benefited by the hydrocarbons after the solution”.
(AK)
8. Turkish Foreign Minister on the Cyprus negotiations: “If there is not going to be a solution every state will take care of itself”
Turkish Cypriot daily Sabah newspaper (13.10.14) publishes an interview with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu who was asked to comment on Cyprus negotiations.
Commenting on the issue, Cavusoglu said the following: “We are seeing these negotiations as an opportunity to achieve a permanent solution and support it. However, we do not want this process to be prolonged in ambiguity. I cannot give a concrete alternative to the current situation, although we will think of alternatives as the situation continues to develop.
As a person who knows Greek Cyprus' policies well, I was hopeful of [President Nicos] Anastasiades' government showing the courage to make steps for a permanent solution. I knew that the people of Greek Cyprus were also more willing for the solution but the current situation is far from the desired point.
If there is not going to be a solution negotiated between the two states, every state will take care of itself. It is not right to make a conclusive statement at the moment however, it is clear that this status quo will not prevail.
We desire for a solution and the peaceful coexistence of the people, but it can be seen that the Greek Cyprus administration is insincere in its approach to negotiations. They resigned by using the natural gas survey as an excuse. It is the right of both of the states to survey for natural gas in the boundaries of the continental shelf.
We have made the call for the continuation of peace negotiations again. The U.N. should play an active role in this process. In my meeting with [U.N. Secretary General] Ban Ki-moon I told him that he should be directly involved in this process. Greece should also take an active role in it. However, if this subject continues to be seen as a domestic political material for both Greek Cyprus and Greece, making progress will be challenging”.
9. Ergun Olgun is the new negotiator
Illegal Bayrak television (11.10.14) broadcast that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has appointed Ergun Olgun as his new chief negotiator.
The new negotiator attended yesterday’s meeting between Eroglu and the Special Adviser to the Secretary General Espen Barth Eide. Olgun previously served as political adviser for Rauf Denktas, and coordinator of the Turkish Cypriot technical committees which negotiated the 2004 Annan plan.
10. Eroglu signals re-election intention
Illegal Bayrak television (11.10.14) broadcast that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has given the signal that he might be running for re-election in next year’s “presidential elections”.
Stating that the Cyprus problem is going through a critical phase, Eroglu said that he is considering requests to run for a second “term” to maintain the continuity of the negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side.
11. Talat returns to CTP
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (13.10.14) reports that former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat stated that he decided to actively participate in the Republican Turkish party (CTP) again.
Talat served as “prime minister” and as leader of the Turkish Cypriot community before and he will not run for the “presidential elections” of April 2015.
12. Sertoglu says that Turkey imposes embargo on the Turkish Cypriots in the field of sports
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.10.14) reports that Hasan Sertoglu, chairman of the self-styled Turkish Cypriot football federation (“KTFF”) has strongly criticized Aziz Yildirim, president of Turkish Fenerbahce football club, who has recently illegally visited the occupied area of Cyprus.
Noting that the Turkish Cypriots have been exploited and disrespected by Yildirim during this visit, Sertoglu complained about the fact that Yildirim did not visit “KTFF” headquarters in spite of the fact that they are 200 meters away from Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu’s office, which Yildirim included in his schedule.
Under the title “Behold, this is embargo’”, Yeni Duzen reports that Sertoglu wondered: “In your view is the fact that the president of Fenerbahce football club, one of the biggest in Turkey, did not visit the KTFF even for two minutes, a step towards lifting the embargo, or is it the embargo itself?”
(I/Ts.)
13. Ankara has asked from Italy to stop the activities of the Italian ENI firm in Cyprus’ EEZ
Turkish daily Aksam newspaper (13.10.14) reports that Ankara has asked from Italy to stop the activities of the Italian ENI firm in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to the paper, Turkey told Italy that it should prevent ENI’s activities if it wants to contribute to the Cyprus negotiations. Siting information, the paper writes that Italy as the EU term president country, took an initiative for the re-launching of Cyprus negotiations. However, Ankara insists on the position that the natural sources of the island, and the sources around the island, belongs to all Cypriots and unilateral actions on the issue are not acceptable.
14. Davutoglu Interviewed on Syria, the Kurdish solution process, new security provisions
Turkish daily Milliyet (12.10.14) publishes an interview with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu by journalist Serpil Cevikcan.
Stating that military support from Turkey to one section of Syria is being openly called for, Prime Minister [Ahmet] Davutoglu said: "The same circles previously criticized us for providing support to this moderate opposition. Now there is a need for a security force that would protect the people of Syria both against ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] and against the regime. Consequently, not only Turkey and America, but the entire international community, should do what is required for this. Otherwise, we will end up facing even greater risks."
Asked about the statement made from the United States that an agreement has been reached with regard to the training of Syrian oppositionists in Turkey, Davutoglu stated: “If America and the Western countries had come to the point they have now reached two years ago, and if the moderate opposition had been supported, today there would be no area that ISIL would be able to use, nor would the regime have the strength to be able to carry out barbarous massacres. Our view is as follows: In Mosul, in Northern Iraq, and in the Sunni regions of Iraq, only the people can prevent ISIL. If you seek to thwart ISIL on the basis of the regime, its attractiveness will be increased. It is because the Sunnis have lost their hopes in alternatives that they take place in the ranks of ISIL. The important thing is for the people of Syria to struggle against ISIL. When it becomes a question of actions based only on foreign intervention, anti-Americanism again imparts strength to ISIL. So what needs to be done? The coalition is important, and in our view it should display a common stance both against the terrorist groups in the area and the regime, but essentially, the opposition should be trained. The people of Aleppo will liberate Aleppo, and the people of Idlib will liberate Idlib. Afterwards, they will all together establish the new Syria. Our approach is clear”.
Asked about the demand of the United States in terms of using Incirlik Base, Davutoglu stated that this is a separate issue, stated that Turkey made its position clear and this is that there should be a no-fly zone and safe zones should be declared. And from this should not be understood any reluctance on our part toward the coalition.
Asked further about the statement from the US State Department Deputy Spokesperson, that 2,000 moderate Syrian oppositionists will be trained at a base in Turkey, that American coordinating officers will come to Turkey next week, and that America will provide logistical support, Davutoglu said: “Military support from Turkey to one section of Syria is being openly asked of us. The same circles previously criticized us for providing support to this moderate opposition. Now there is a need for a security force that would protect the people of Syria both against ISIL and against the regime. Consequently, not only Turkey and America, but the entire international community, should do what is required for this. Otherwise, we will end up facing even greater risks.”
He went on and said the following: “There are three paths. Either the international community is going to go in, including a ground force, all together. Or if this is not wanted, then there will be bombing from the air, which is absolutely difficult; everyone realizes this. Or else another force will establish dominance in the area on the base of superiority achieved from the air. And this is the moderate opposition. In other words, if ISIL is not going to be there, then there will be the regime. If the regime is there, then ISIL will grow. The solution for this is for a third force, apart from the regime and ISIL, that represents the people of Syria and consists of Syrians, and does not include any foreign fighters – and I underscore this last point – to emerge. There is currently no fourth alternative. This third force has to be comprised of all the different groups. The Syrian National Coalition and the opposition have this characteristic. Within three years, 300,000 lives that have been lost, and 4 million people that have been driven out of their homes. This is the price. One by one, there is a coming around to the things we have been saying. There were those both inside the country and outside it who attacked us. But both on Iraq and on Syria, they are coming around to what we have been saying. Because we see, more or less, what is going on in the field, and we make correct analyses. […]”
15. Gov't arms extremist groups including ISIL, AK Party founder says
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (13.10.14) reports that Dengir Mir Mehmet Firat, one of the founders of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), has argued that the Turkish government has armed extremist groups in Syria, including the terrorist Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
According to Firat, the Turkish government has made substantial concessions to several extremist groups in an effort to hamper Kurds' efforts to establish autonomy in Rojava -- an area in the north of Syria densely populated by Kurds. Firat said these concessions include arming and supplying financial assistance to these groups, adding, "All these miscalculated policies have brought Turkey to the point we are facing now."
Firat argued that the issue of Kobani is not something that is important only to Turkey's Kurds but rather has also been a source of concern for Kurds all over the world.
16. Turkish President Erdogan pledges to bring “vandals” to account
Turkish Hurriyet Daily news (12.10.14) reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed not to bow to “a few hoodlums” participating in recent protests in support of the Syrian town of Kobane while promising to deal with such enemies "within democracy."
“This is not a state that will bow to a few hoodlums. They should know that. They will burn and damage but we will build better ones. We will bring those vandals to account, too,” Erdogan told locals of the Black Sea province of Bayburt yesterday during a mass opening ceremony.
17. Turkey to take the reins of the presidency of the G20 on December 1
Ankara Anatolia news agency (12.10.14) reported that as Turkey gets ready to take the reins of the presidency of the G20, implementation of past commitments by the group’s members will guide its focus, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan stated.
Babacan spoke to the Anadolu Agency on the side-lines of the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and Monetary Committee. The discussion centred on Turkey’s priorities for its term for the presidency, to be handed over by Australia by Dec. 1. Turkey will assume the presidency in a very challenging global economic backdrop, Babacan noted, and one of its top priorities will be making good on previous promises. Babacan said that there are more than 900 commitments made by the G20 during Australia's presidency and this number is likely to increase. "Our priority will be to develop an effective monitoring mechanism for the implementation of these commitments in a structured, effective and timely manner," he said.
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