TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 201/14 28-29.10.14
1.Eide: The window of opportunity must not close; Cavusoglu: We do not recognize the Greek Cypriot side’s unilateral approach
2. The so-called foreign ministry criticized the EU’ leaders’ summit final declaration on Cyprus
3. Osman Ertug: “Measures to be taken by the Greek Cypriot side proves their mentality, that they are not ready for a comprehensive solution”
4. Izcan and Ozyigit condemn statements by Davutoglu on the two state-model solution in Cyprus
5. Nami backs Davutoglu’s statement on a two-state model solution
6. Syrian refugees crossed to the occupied area of Cyprus
7. The regime plans on granting “citizenship” to 750 persons every year
8. “Organ transplant law” in the occupied area of Cyprus has been unanimously approved
9. Crisis in DP regarding the “presidential elections”
10. A new party under the name National Justice Party is established in the occupied area of Cyprus
11. “Turkish Cypriot Lefkosia Municipality” is participating in the “Forum for Cities in Transition” conference in Belfast
12. Six persons are treated for MERS disease
13. Diyalog TV to start broadcasting on November 4
14. Erdogan to visit France; He will discuss with Hollande the safe zone issue In Syria
15. Nineteen workers trapped in mine collapse in Turkey
1. Eide: The window of opportunity must not close; Cavusoglu: We do not recognize the Greek Cypriot side’s unilateral approach
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (29.10.14) reports that UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide has started visiting the area with the aim of decreasing the tension in Cyprus. Yesterday Eide met in Turkey with the Turkish Prime Minister, Ahmet Devultoglu and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlut Cavusoglu.
During the visits they reportedly agreed that the Cyprus problem could be solved only at the negotiating table and stressed that the window of opportunity for the solution must not close. Davutoglu and Cavusoglu noted that Turkey’s so-called constructive approach for reaching a solution in Cyprus will continue.
Eide said that he is still hopeful that a solution to the Cyprus problem could be reached and that no solution could be reached if the sides are not at the negotiating table. “The Cyprus issue, which has many problematic aspects anyway, becomes more complex when the hydrocarbon matter comes onto the agenda”, he argued.
Cavusoglu alleged that Turkey’s will for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem at the negotiating table continues to be strong and argued:
“As Turkey we will continue our constructive approach. The drilling activities launched by the South Cyprus Greek Administration in Eastern Mediterranean while the negotiations were continuing, are not in harmony with the spirit of the negotiations. The Turkish Cypriots have also rights on the natural wealth in Eastern Mediterranean. We do not accept the unilateral approach of the South Cyprus Greek Administration. We will continue to support the contribution of the UN to this process, but both the South Cyprus Greek Administration and Greece should show the same will. The window of opportunity as regards the comprehensive solution in Cyprus will not remain open forever”.
(I/Ts.)
2. The so-called foreign ministry criticized the EU’ leaders’ summit final declaration on Cyprus
According to illegal Bayrak television (28.10.14) the final communiqué issued at the end of the EU leaders’ summit calling for Turkey to respect the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereignty, has led to wide spread reactions in the “TRNC”
The “foreign ministry” in a written statement criticized the paragraph on Cyprus included in the final communiqué that emerged at the end of the 23rd – 24th of October EU leaders summit.
The statement said that despite the Republic of Cyprus diminishing its legitimacy in 1964, a paragraph calling for respect to be shown to the Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters is not compatible with the realities on the island and totally ignores the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot “people”.
“The Greek Cypriot side unilaterally left the Cyprus negotiations table and this unfortunate statement further cements the situation that has emerged”, the statement said.
“On numerous occasions the Turkish Cypriot side warned that if the Greek Cypriot side takes one sided steps on the hydrocarbon issue, this will lead to tensions rising in the region and that if this continues the Turkish Cypriot side will be forced to take simultaneous steps that are of equal value”, the statement noted, adding: “On the other hand, on several occasions, the Turkish Cypriot side had made constructive proposals for the establishment of a bicommunal committee to deal with the administration of hydrocarbon resources and its fair distribution but that these requests had been left unanswered by the Greek Cypriot side.
Due to the international community turning a blind eye to the Greek Cypriot side who is violating the rights of the Turkish Cypriot side, tensions have escalated in the Eastern Mediterranean.
We see it fit to remind EU leaders and the Greek Cypriot side that the Turkish Cypriot people are equal partners of the island of Cyprus and have equal rights and interests and the Turkish Cypriot side will not stand indifferent to their rights being violated.
What we expect from the International community is for them to encourage the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiations table and begin negotiations and dialogue on all issues including hydrocarbons”, the statement said.
3. Osman Ertug: “Measures to be taken by the Greek Cypriot side proves their mentality, that they are not ready for a comprehensive solution”
According to illegal Bayrak television (28.10.14) the Turkish Cypriot side has issued a warning against the measures announced by the “Greek Cypriot leader”, as President Nicos Anastasiades is called, against Turkey and the “TRNC”.
The so-called presidential spokesman Osman Ertug in a written statement alleged that the measures in question, is a proof of the mentality of the Greek Cypriot side that they are not ready to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem based on equality.
“This mentality is also contradictory to the efforts to build confidence between the two sides”, said Ertug and called on the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table.
Claiming that the Greek Cypriot side has withdrawn from the talks through an artificial crisis, Ertug added that now the Greek Cypriots have begun an international campaign against the “TRNC” and Turkey.
Drawing attention to the fact that the current tensions in the region were created by the Greek Cypriot side, Ertug said that a comprehensive solution passed through structured and result oriented negotiation and added that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready for this.
Reminding that political parties with representatives in “parliament” had all called on the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table, he said that they expect the Greek Cypriot side to pay attention to these calls.
“This return to the table should be without any preconditions. As contrary to this, it would lend credence to the escalating policies of the Greek Cypriot side and would award intransigence”, Ertug claimed.
Referring to the hydrocarbon resources on the island, he alleged that these resources were owned equally on the island. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side had equal say on everything from research, extraction and marketing of the product.” Ignoring this reality and belittling the Turkish Cypriot side is unacceptable. We will continue to take the necessary steps in cooperation with our guarantor Turkey”, Ertug said.
“We, as the Turkish Cypriot side, want to remind the Greek Cypriot side that we are at the negotiating table ready to discuss a variety of issues. But, if the Greek Cypriot side continues to act with the mentality that they own the south and can do whatever they want, then this would mean that they do not want a partnership and this would bring to the agenda a solution form without a partnership”, Ertug concluded.
4. Izcan and Ozyigit condemn statements by Davutoglu on the two state-model solution in Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (28.10.14-online in English) reported that the chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan in a written statement said that bringing the two-state model to the agenda by Ankara and north Cyprus who have taken advantage of the situation, is a symbol of insincerity.
Izcan noted that Ankara and north Cyprus are causing tension rather than being constructive in starting the negotiation period again, by bringing the two-state solution to the agenda and trying to eliminate the resumption of the negotiations. “The joint declaration signed by Anastasiades and Eroglu on the 11th February, includes single sovereignty, single citizenship and one international identity as the basis of a solution, with a bi-communal, bi-zonal Federal Cyprus based on political equality”.
“Running after a two-state solution despite having signed the joint declaration and the decisions of the UN, is a dangerous adventure with no end”, Izcan said, adding that both sides should take a step back from the point they are at.
Izcan noted that Turkey should withdraw its frigates from the area, and put an end to the natural gas explorations in Cyprus’ EEZ, while “south Cyprus” should distance from their attitudes and behaviors which are causing tension, and return to the negotiation table. He called on the sides to withdraw from the current attitudes in order to escape the crisis atmosphere.
Meanwhile, under the front-page title: “The solution should foresee a federal Cyprus”, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (28.10.14) reported that the chairman of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit in a written statement said that the negotiations on the Cyprus problem which continue for years, are taking place on the basis of a federal solution which is based on bi-zonality and political equality of the two communities and stressed the need for looking the ways that will lead to a federal solution.
Reminding that the “joint declaration agreement” signed between Dervis Eroglu and President Nicos Anastasiades on February 11, envisages for a “federal solution”, Ozyigit said: “Taking into consideration these realities, what should be done is not bringing to the agenda alternative solutions in order to create more disputes and tension, but, to intensify the efforts in a sincere way on the negotiating table for a federal solution to be found.
Reminding that Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu approved the 11th February joint declaration text, Ozyigit referred to the latest statement made by Davutoglu who brought to the agenda the two-state model solution and added that this is both unnecessary and useless.
Ozyigit stressed the need for simultaneous steps to be taken by both communities in order for the crisis to be overcome and added that Turkey should withdraw its warships from the Mediterranean and at the same time, Anastasiades should return to the negotiating table in order the negotiation talks to continue.
Stating that his party supports the shuttle diplomacy by the UN in order for the tension to be overcome, Ozyigit called both leaders in Cyprus to show sincerity and restart the negotiation process in order for an urgent solution to be found.
AK
5. Nami backs Davutoglu’s statement on a two-state model solution
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (28.10.14) reported that the so-called foreign minister Ozdil Nami in a statement in a televised program broadcast by ADA TV, referred to a report published by Kibris Postasi the other day under the title: “Yesterday different, today different”, and stated” “The people who are blaming us with claims that we acted differently in the past and that we changed our attitudes today, either have insufficient information or secret agendas”.
Evaluating the latest developments on the Cyprus problem as well as the Greek Cypriot side’s attitude, he said: “The Greek Cypriot side left the table for an unimportant reason, but this table will definitely be formed again”.
“The world knows that we are right, however the world is not a place of justice, EU gives privileges to the Greek Cypriots”, Nami alleged and referred to other crises that appeared in the past.
“This crisis will also be overcome”, Nami said and noted that the Turkish Cypriot side did not made such a move that would cause the Greek Cypriot side to leave the table.
Commenting on Davutoglu’s statements, he said: “Davutoglu used the expression two-state scenario in order to describe how absurd the Greek Cypriot’s excuses were to leave the table”. He added that all these events were experienced because of a 50 year old mistake, noting that the reason for experiencing these incidents was because “south Cyprus”, as he called the Republic of Cyprus is the only recognized state.
6. Syrian refugees crossed to the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (29.10.14) writes that there are claims that 200 out of the 345 refugees that were rescued by the Republic of Cyprus on September 25 in the sear area of Pafos, have crossed to the occupied area of Cyprus and writes that 42 persons of Syrian origin have already been arrested by the so-called police near occupied Famagusta while the rest of the refugees are wanted.
The paper writes that the arrested refugees stated that they escaped to the breakaway regime because they were treated badly in the Republic of Cyprus. They were transferred to hotels of the breakaway regime.
7. The regime plans on granting “citizenship” to 750 persons every year
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (29.10.14) reports that Teberruken Ulucay, self-styled minister of interior of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that one of the most salient characteristics of the new “citizenship draft-law”, which the regime is discussing for some time now, is that all the children who are born in the occupied area of Cyprus will become “citizens” of the breakaway regime regardless of the place of birth of their parents. In statements to a television station, Ulucay noted that another characteristic of the new “law” is that the period of acquiring the right of taking the “citizenship” through marriage will be extended from one to three years.
Ulucay said also that the conditions of granting the “citizenship” through decision of the “cabinet” due to investments made in the occupied area of Cyprus will become very difficult and no one will be accepted as “citizen” with an investment lower than three million euro. This sum should be deposited in a bank in the occupied area of the island and one million of this money should be given for a “concrete project” in the field of education or health.
Noting that the investor who has paid one hundred thousand euro as taxes for three years will gain the “citizenship right” and added:
“A person who lives in Cyprus for five years with a work permit will be granted a white identity card in the sixth year. In the eleventh year the application for the citizenship will be put in line. It is provided for 700-750 persons to become citizens every year. Now let us underline with emphasis the most important element. All children born in Cyprus will be made citizens, regardless of whether their parents’ are citizens. Even if they have completed their eighteenth year, children who are born and grew up [here] [Translator’s note: in the occupied area of Cyprus] will be made citizens. However, the situation will be different for those who have come to the island when they were children. If their parents are citizens, they will also become citizens if they have not passed their eighteenth year. If the parents are not citizens and the person has completed his eighteenth year, he will be granted a white identity card and the procedure will continue from there. In the eleventh year, he will apply for the citizenship. [The cases of] those in the fields of science, sports and art who want to become citizens, will be discussed in the general assembly of the parliament and they can become citizens with simple majority”.
(I/Ts.)
8. “Organ transplant law” in the occupied area of Cyprus has been unanimously approved
According to illegal Bayrak television (28.10.14) the “organ transplant law” that was taken up for the second time at the plenary session of the “parliament” was unanimously approved yesterday.
“Members of the parliament” took to the podium before they voted on the law and put forward their views and their concerns.
The so-called deputies also emphasized the need for the “coordination centre” to be established to carry out tight controls to prevent any irregularities from taking place.
The so-called health minister Ahmet Gulle in a statement while addressing the “parliament” said that “organ transplant and cell transplant issues” had been divided into two categories and that they would be creating a system for the “TRNC nationals” who will be placed on the list to receive organ donations thus preventing organ trafficking.
9. Crisis in DP regarding the “presidential elections”
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (29.10.14) reports that a crisis occurred in the Democratic Party - National Forces (DP-NF) as regards the person that the party will support in the forthcoming “presidential elections” of April 2015.
The paper writes that the general secretary of the DP-NF Hasan Tacoy, who is representing the National Forces in the party, stated that he will support the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu in the “election”, no matter what the party will decide. It also writes that apart of Tacoy, notable members of DP like Ahmet Kasif, Ozdemir Berova and Turkay Tokel showed openly their support to Eroglu after the latter announced that he will be a candidate for the “presidential elections”.
There is another stream within the party that supports that DP-NF should participate in the elections with its own candidate or even let the party’s supporters to vote for the person they want, according to Havadis whish adds that other notable DP-NF members, like Mustafa Arabacioglu stated that they felt annoyed by the statements made towards Eroglu’s support.
10. A new party under the name National Justice Party is established in the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.10.14) reports that a new party under the name National Justice Party (UAP) is established in the breakaway regime.
The [nationalistic] slogan of the new party is “A strong Turkey is a strong TRNC”. The leader is Fatma Solmaz. The paper writes that a press conference will be organized in November where the aims and principles of UAP will be announced.
11. “Turkish Cypriot Lefkosia Municipality” is participating in the “Forum for Cities in Transition” conference in Belfast
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (29.10.14) reports that Mine Atli, member of the “municipality council” of the “Turkish Cypriot Lefkosia Municipality” is participating in the “Forum for Cities in Transition” conference in Belfast. The conference is taking place between 27-30 of October.
In the sidelines of the conference, Atli held a meeting with the Vice Mayor of Belfast Maire Hendron. The paper writes that municipalities from 14 different countries are participating in the conference.
12. Six persons are treated for MERS disease
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (29.10.14) reports that Ramadan Kamiloglu, chief doctor at occupied Nicosia’s so-called state hospital, has confirmed that six persons are currently being treated with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and another three persons might enter into the hospital for the same reason.
According to Kamiloglu, almost all the hajis who returned to the occupied area of Cyprus on Thursday have been called to undergo a medical control. He noted that only three persons could not be reached and they try to find them through the “religious affairs department”.
(I/Ts.)
13. Diyalog TV to start broadcasting on November 4
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.10.14) reports that the Diyalog Television station will start broadcasting on November 2004.
The chairman of Diaylog Media Group Resat Akar stated that Diyalog TV will broadcast from 7.30 in the morning until 24.00.
14. Erdogan to visit France; He will discuss with Hollande the safe zone issue In Syria
According to Turkish daily Sabah (29.10.14-online in English) Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a one-day working visit to France this Friday where he will, according to sources in the Presidency, discuss the idea of setting up a safe zone between Turkey and Syria, Turkey's long-range missile tender and other regional issues.
Bilateral relations are expected to be discussed in the meeting between Erdogan and French President Francois Hollande.
The idea of the working visit was brought up by Erdogan during a telephone conversation between the two Presidents on October 8, just after Hollande expressed France's support for establishing safe zones for Syrian refugees and opposition forces under a no-fly zone in Syrian air space along the Turkish border. Hollande also said last week that there are international issues France needs to discuss with Turkey.
(…)During the one day visit, Erdogan is also expected to meet with representatives from the French business world and will deliver a speech at a university.
15. Nineteen workers trapped in mine collapse in Turkey
Ankara Anatolia news agency (28.10. 14) reported that 19 miners were trapped on Tuesday after a coal mine in southern Turkey collapsed following a flood inside the mine.
Rescue teams and medics were sent to the mine in the town of Ermenek in Karaman province, about 110 km (70 miles) north of Turkey's Mediterranean coastline.
Media reports said that the collapse occurred after water that had built up inside the mine coursed into areas where the workers had been located.
Energy Minister Taner Yildiz and Transport Minister Lutfi Elvan were heading for the mine, local media reported.
Turkey is no stranger to mining disasters and the country has one of the world's worst industrial accident records. Its worst ever mining disaster took place less than six months ago in the western town of Soma, where 301 workers were killed.
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