TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 204/14 01-03.11.14
1. Eroglu: I do not want shuttle diplomacy but for the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table
2. Milliyet: “The Greek Cypriots want 75% of Cyprus”
3. Yorgancioglu’s interview to Milliyet: “We support Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s statements on the Cyprus problem”
4. Nami in Tel Aviv
5. Ozersay: "Varosha can be opened under Turkish Cypriot control"
6. Cakici, Soyer and Tore: Turkish Cypriots’ rights on the natural gas emerge from the 1960 Constitution
7. Akinci: “If I am elected I will be focused on the Cyprus settlement”
8. Siber proposed the lifting of the so-called embargo for their participation to international congresses as a CBM
9. Socialists and Democrats group le ader: The energy resources in Cyprus to be used in the interest of all the people on the island
10. The occupation regime participates in international fairs abroad; Statements by the so-called undersecretary of the “ministry of tourism”
11. The illegal GAU university signed a cooperation agreement with an Austrian University
12. Erdogan discussed with Hollande the creation of a safe zone for Syrian refugees in Turkey
13. Turkish Interior Minister confesses PKK starting to dominate cities
14. CHP Deputy’s resignation stirs claims for the establishment of a new party in Turkey
1. Eroglu: I do not want shuttle diplomacy but for the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table
Illegal Bayrak television (01.11.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu alleged that the Greek Cypriot leader does not want a just solution being found to the Cyprus problem therefore is shying away from returning to the negotiating table.
He made these statements during an interview he gave to Turkey’s Kanal A TV station regarding the latest developments that have taken place on the Cyprus problem.
He alleged that the Greek Cypriot side did not want a just and permanent solution being found on the Cyprus problem based on political equality, and said that he did not want shuttle diplomacy but for the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table.
“We are insisting that reciprocal give and take process must take place, but the Greek Cypriot side is only aiming to take. If we agree to some of the issues that the Greek Cypriot side is insisting this will either lead to the Turkish Cypriots being forced to immigrate or live under the Greek Cypriot administration”, Eroglu alleged and claimed that yes he wanted an agreement but he would never endanger the future of the Turkish Cypriots.
Upon being asked a question regarding the outcome of the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser to Cyprus Espen Barth Eide’s shuttle diplomacy Eroglu replied that the UN Adviser had made some requests during his visit to Turkey but did not receive a positive response.
“When he comes here he may request that we withdraw the Turkish vessels for 3 months. He could say that in order for the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating tables the Turkish Cypriot side should show some flexibility and ask us what else we can do apart from the withdrawal of the vessels. He will probably bring these proposals to us as well”, he alleged. “Eide could also be thinking about starting informal shuttle diplomacy between the sides but we do not want shuttle diplomacy we want the Greek Cypriots to return to the negotiating table”, alleged Eroglu.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (02.11.14) reports that Eroglu has started his briefings in various occupied villages as regards the Cyprus problem. The first meeting was held on Saturday in occupied Yialousa village aiming at briefing the inhabitants of occupied Karpasia peninsula. Eroglu argued that the Greek Cypriot side wants many areas, including Karpasia, for accepting an agreement on the Cyprus problem and recalled that the Turkish Cypriots’ principles on the property issue are the return, exchange and compensation of property. Eroglu reiterated that they want the displacement of as few people as possible and referring to the security issue added that Turkey’s effective and active guarantees are sine qua non for the Turkish Cypriots.
Referring to the names of the villages and the places which the Greek Cypriots allegedly want for reaching an agreement, Eroglu argued that these are: Koma tou Yialou, Agios Symeon, Galinoporni and Rizokarpaso villages with Saint Andreas Monastery in the peninsula of Karpasia, ancient Salamina ruins, Saint Barnabas Monastery, Agios Sergios, Limnia, Stylloi and Engomi villages in Famagusta area, Kythrea, Neo Chorio and Trahoni villages and one military zone in Kythrea area, the border villages between Nicosia and Famagusta including Lysi, Ashia, and Vadili and the area from Gerolakkos village until Morfou.
Eroglu alleged that the Greek Cypriots “demand’ the return of 100 thousand Greek Cypriot refugees [under Greek Cypriot administration] and 60 thousand under Turkish Cypriot administration.
Eroglu said that they will accept absolutely no precondition submitted by the Greek Cypriots with the aim of the recommencement of the negotiations and alleged that in case they accept any precondition, they might face “demands” such as “the commitment that Morfou will be given back”.
Responding to a question regarding next year’s “presidential elections” in the occupied area of Cyprus, Eroglu said that in November he will decide whether he will be candidate in these “elections”.
2. Milliyet: “The Greek Cypriots want 75% of Cyprus”
Under the above title, Turkish daily Milliyet newspaper (03.11.14, online) publishes a report by Sefa Karahasan, the paper’s correspondent in the occupied area of Cyprus, who argues that the Greek Cypriot side has submitted a proposal in the recent negotiations providing for leaving to the Turkish Cypriots 25% of the total territory of Cyprus in case of a solution to the Cyprus problem.
The paper reports that it obtained the list of the villages the return of which was asked by the Greek Cypriots. “The asked areas include proposals going behind the maps that came up until now”, writes Milliyet noting that the list of the villages the return of which was proposed by President Anastasiades is similar to the map discussed in 1977 by the late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas and Archbishop Makarios. “While Anastasiades had said yes to the Annan Plan which provided for giving the island 29% to the Turkish side, now he is making a step backwards from this number and puts the precondition of leaving at least 25% of land to the Turkish side”, writes the paper.
Citing diplomatic sources, Milliyet argues that the negotiations might have been interrupted due to the activities of Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa vessel, but the demands submitted to the Turkish side on the territory issue were such that led the solution process to a “serious standstill”. “According to the proposal brought to the negotiating table by Anastasiades and his team, many areas and mainly Morfou, Varosha and Rizokarpaso are given to the Greek Cypriots”, argues the paper noting that the territories of the Turkish side will be decreased from 36% to 25% in case of a final solution.
The paper adds: “The places which the Greek Cypriots want back for a solution are: Morfou, Varosha, Lefka, Rizokarpaso, Kythrea, Limnia, Agios Sergios, Yialousa, Bogazi, Galinoporni, Leonarisso, Sirianohori, Pyroi, Vadili, Angastina, half of Nicosia, southern Mesaoria, and half of Famagusta. Morfou, which the Greek Cypriots want, is the island’s most well-watered area. The Cyprus Campus of Middle East Technical University (ODTU) is located there. Also, there is the Lefka European University (LAU) in Lefka. Kythrea, on the other hand, is a place with intense military presence. Rizokarpaso is a place where people from Turkey are densely living. This place is strategically important (…)”.
A high ranking official told Milliyet that the negotiations might resume in the future, but it is not expected that they will “advance healthily” because of the territories which the Greek Cypriots want.
The paper noted that during his visit to Turkey, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide submitted a demand as regards the withdrawal of Barbaros Hayrettin Pas vessel from Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, but Ankara rejected this demand.
A high ranking Greek Cypriot official told the paper that the negotiations cannot start in case Turkey does not stop the seismic explorations it has started in the Mediterranean. “We cannot reach a solution with Turkey’s threats”, said the source. According to Milliyet, it is said that the Greek Cypriots are not satisfied with the stance of the USA and Greece in the process.
(I/Ts.)
3. Yorgancioglu’s interview to Milliyet: “We support Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s statements on the Cyprus problem”
Illegal Bayrak television (03.11.14) reports that the self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu gave an interview to Turkish daily newspaper Milliyet where he gave important messages on the Cyprus problem.
Yorgancioglu who stated that the government was attaching great importance to Turkey’s support to the Turkish Cypriots said: “We support Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s statements on the Cyprus problem”
Asked to comment on the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) General Secretary Kutlay Erk’s criticisms over Davutoglu pointing to a two state solution, the Premier said that he talked with Erk about this.
“Erk told me that due to President Dervis Eroglu remaining silent to Greek Cypriots reactions, Ankara had to make a statement. Now the Greek Cypriot side wants Turkey as its collocutor. So he tried to tell them that their collocutor is the Turkish Cypriots and that’s why he felt the need to make a statement” Yorgancioglu explained. “I do not see any malicious intension” he said and added that there is no problem with Davutoglu’s statements.
Stating that President Dervis Eroglu is not acting quickly enough towards the Greek Cypriots reactions he said that “if Eroglu had spoken when necessary then Davutoglu wouldn’t have made a statement. Our government does not feel discomfort by Davutoglu’s statements. Our relations with Ankara are very important for us.”
Evaluating CTP-BG Deputy Birikim Ozgur’s statement that the Turkish national days should not be celebrated in the breakaway regime, he said that an arrangement should be made about the celebrations. Stating that the issues of celebrations and public holidays should be taken up separately, he said that instead of having public holidays, state officials should fulfill their duties on those days.
Also commenting on the issue of “citizenship”, he said that the new “law” on “citizenship” will be brought to the “parliament” within this month.
4. Nami in Tel Aviv
Illegal Bayrak television (03.11.14) broadcast that the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami attended the 2014 Israeli Energy and Trade meeting in Tel Aviv.
The National Security Advisor of the Israeli Prime Minister and the US Special Representative on Energy were among the important names who attended the meeting.
Nami was among the names who delivered an opening speech at the event. Nami who will continue his contacts in Tel Aviv this afternoon will leave the city tomorrow and he wıll return to the breakaway regime.
5. Ozersay: "Varosha can be opened under Turkish Cypriot control"
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (03.11.14) reports that Kudret Ozersay, who is a “candidate” for “April 2015 presidential elections” in the breakaway regime, said that “if he was the current president he would open Varosha under north Cyprus' control”.
Ozerzay said that the opening of Varosha under Turkish Cypriot's control would be a step ahead to solve one of the "black holes" in the Cyprus problem.
Ozersay suggested that in the atmosphere where the negotiations are collapsed, a move like this would be well received by the Greek Cypriot community. "Some would think that this suggestion will not sit well with the Greek Cypriot community but I think it is time to refer to them directly instead of their leadership. During the discussions on Immovable Property Commission skeptics thought that the Greek Cypriots would not apply to it, but they did" said Ozersay.
Ozersay also admitted that the Immovable Property Commission is not functioning perfectly while he suggested that the opening of Varosha would somehow work. In his statement Ozersay mentions a Varosha where the lawful owners will be able to return under certain conditions. According to these conditions the residents will only be allowed to purchase construction material from the north and the town will be under Famagusta Municipality's authority. (ED. Note: The Turkish Cypriot Municipality]
Ozersay claimed that this arrangement would not contradict with the UN Security Council's Resolutions as "it includes returning property". He also suggested that this step would not harm the process as he said opening of Varosha would be also tied to a condition that north Cyprus will have to abide. "We can promise that this arrangement will not be binding if a comprehensive settlement is reached and according to that settlement a different scenario is thought for Varosha». Ozersay thinks that this would prevent the Greek Cypriots from "assuming" that this move is an "anti-solution" move.
6. Cakici, Soyer and Tore: Turkish Cypriots’ rights on the natural gas emerge from the 1960 Constitution
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (03.11.14), in its front page with the above title, reports that the former “prime minister” Ferdi Sabit Soyer, the “deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP) Zorlu Tore and the “deputy” with the Social Democracy Party (TDP) Mehmet Cakici evaluated the latest developments of the Cyprus talks.
Soyer claimed that for the last 50 years the Turkish Cypriots are trying to explain that the Greek Cypriots are the dominants in Cyprus, adding that the Turkish Cypriots’ view is that all the sources in the island are a common property of both communities, so they should be managed in common by both communities.
Cakici said that the last agreement that they made with the Greek Cypriots is the agreement for the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, adding that according to this the rights of the Turkish Cypriots like the Greek Cypriots deriving from the Republic of Cyprus on the economy, health and energy are existing. He also said that the Turkish Cypriots have also rights on the natural gas.
Tore repeated his known views that the Greek Cypriots do not want to share the Republic of Cyprus with them, claiming that the Greek Cypriots do not accept them as equals.
7. Akinci: “If I am elected I will be focused on the Cyprus settlement”
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (01.11.14) reports that Mustafa Akinci, “candidate” for the upcoming “presidential elections” in next April, said that the “TRNC with a strong economy and democracy is not an obstacle before the solution, but is an element that will ease the solution”.
In a visit to the paper’s office, Akinci shared his views with them on the Cyprus problem and other domestic issues.
Akinci explained that in case he is “elected”, one of the most important requests of the “people” that he has to deal with is the cooperation of Turkey with the “TRNC”. He noted that the cooperation between Turkey and the “TRNC” will be a serious one by extracting the relation of the master and employee, adding that he will show sensitivity on this issue.
Referring to the Cyprus talks, Akinci said that “a joint need is a condition for a solution”. He added that he was the person who made the first bi-communal agreement, the sewage agreement. Akinci explained that the important thing is the joint need and added that if both sides come to the point of a joint need, only then they can obtain a development. He also said that there are two new elements now, the exploration of natural gas and the financial crisis of the Greek Cypriots, claiming that these are parameters for a Cyprus settlement.
Akinci stressed that the “territory issue” of the Cyprus talks should not be used as a material for the “elections”. He also said that his policy will focus on the Cyprus settlement. Referring to the Confidence Building Measures, Akinci said that they could proceed in a parallel way to the solution. He explained that some measures like the GSM connection and the CFA process may be implemented, adding that even the issues of the fenced off town of Varosha and the occupied port of Famagusta should be evaluated.
8. Siber proposed the lifting of the so-called embargo for their participation to international congresses as a CBM
Under the title: “Lifting of embargoes to international congresses, is a confidence building measure”, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (02.11.14) reported that the “speaker” of the so-called assembly Sibel Siber delivering a speech during the “5th north Cyprus Pediatric Symposium” referred inter alia, to the so-called embargoes and “isolations” imposed to the “TRNC” and said that their wish is to attend to all international congresses without any obstacles. “Lifting of these obstacles, is a confidence building measure”, she said.
(AK)
9. Socialists and Democrats group leader: The energy resources in Cyprus to be used in the interest of all the people on the island
Illegal Bayrak television (01.11.14) broadcast that the Socialists and Democrats group leader in the European Parliament Gianni Pittella called on the two sides in Cyprus “to use the energy resources located around the island of Cyprus to be used in the interest of all the people on the island”.
At a press conference held at the EU Delegation of Turkey building, Pittella evaluated his contacts in Turkey and said that during his contacts in Turkey he held discussions regarding the fight against ISIL, Turkey’s EU negotiations process and the Cyprus problem.
Referring to the natural energy resources around the island of Cyprus, Pittella expressed the belief that the sharing of energy resources will aid in bringing the two sides of Cyprus together and act as a means to developing the relations between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus.
10. The occupation regime participates in international fairs abroad; Statements by the so-called undersecretary of the “ministry of tourism”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.11.14) reports that the occupation regime will participate to the WTM London Tourism Fair which will open today at ExCell town in the UK.
The fair is organized for the 35th time by the World Travel Market. The occupation regime will participate in the fair with its own stand. The visitors will have the opportunity to be informed about the occupation regime’s tourism as well as about the “health tourism” provided by the illegal Near East University (YDU).
The “TRNC” will be represented by several officials of the so-called ministry of tourism, “officials of the tourism sector”, hoteliers and tourism and travel agents unions’ representatives.
Also, the so-called deputy prime minister, “minister of economy, tourism, culture and sports” Serdar Denktas will visit the fair where he is expected to carry out a series of “contacts” and make several inspections.
The paper writes that the fair is expected to attract more than 50 thousand visitors while more than 5 thousand participants from 184 countries will attend the fair.
Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (02.11.14) the occupation regime along with Turkey and the UK, participates with its own stand to the International Property Fair which is taking place in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The paper writes that the real estate company called Medview Home which operates in the UK, Turkey and the “TRNC” and which made a lot of real estate investments in the UK and the “TRNC”, attends the fair.
The above mentioned company is one of the biggest companies that operate in the occupied area of Cyprus in the real estate sector.
Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.11.14) reports in its economic pages on statements by the “undersecretary” of the so-called ministry of tourism, Sahap Asikoglu.
Asikoglu referred to the tourism sector in the occupied area of Cyprus and inter alia, said that at the moment charter flights from 30 different countries are carried out in the occupied area of Cyprus.
Stating that in 2013 the number of tourists who visited the occupied area of Cyprus was more than 1 million, Asikoglu predicted that in 2014 the number of tourism will exceed the 1 million.
Asikoglu stated also that the hotel occupancy until October exceed the 65%. He added that an increase was observed on the number of tourists and said that according to the data he has, this number was 750 thousand.
(AK)
11. The illegal GAU university signed a cooperation agreement with an Austrian University
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.11.14) reports that the so-called American University of Keryneia (GAU) has signed an academic cooperation agreement with the University Of Applied Sciences Of Austria.
According to information acquired by the illegal GAU University, the agreement was signed by the founding rector of the “university”, Serhat Akpinar and the rector and member of the Administration Board of the Union of chairmen of International Universities Dr Gerald Reisinger. Other university officials were also present at the signing ceremony.
According to a statement issue by the illegal GAU, the agreement envisages for students and academic staff exchange, research and publication activities and development of continuing education and career development, the organization of joint conferences and seminars and other.
The statement said further that the academic agreement will benefit both “universities” and contribute to the higher education of the “TRNC”.
(AK)
12. Erdogan discussed with Hollande the creation of a safe zone for Syrian refugees in Turkey
Turkish daily Sabah (01.11.14) reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan echoed Friday that Turkey's conditions for taking a more active role in the anti-ISIS coalition are a safe zone for Syrian refugees in Turkey, a no-fly zone along the country's borders and the training and equipping of the moderate Syrian oppositions.
Paying a one-day visit to France to hold talks with his counterpart, France's President Francois Hollande, the Turkish President stated that Turkey and France have the same outlook as regard to the chaos in Iraq and Syria.
Speaking in a news conference, Hollande stated that France supported Turkey's three demands and believed Turkey's demands for a safe zone, no-fly zone and supply of equipment should be supported. Backing Erdogan's criticism as to why the other captured cities did not draw as much attention as Kobani, the French President said: "We are aware that the tragedy is not in Kobani alone, but also in other key cities such as Aleppo and Sham, but Turkey has our full support on the necessary steps that should be taken."
In a conference held in Paris late Friday, Erdogan said that "some of the weapons the U.S. sent fell into ISIS's hands. ISIS then took control of 40% of Iraqi soil. I fail to comprehend this."
13. Turkish Interior Minister confesses PKK starting to dominate cities
Turkish daily Today’s Zaman (02.11.14) reported that the Turkish Interior Minister Efkan Ala, addressing protests concerning Kobani, said the Turkish government had lost command of some of Turkey's cities at times, a Turkish daily has reported.
Ala joined by Deputy Prime Ministers Yalcin Akdogan and Bulent Arinc, spoke with other ministers and Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputies from the southeastern provinces as well as the ongoing settlement process as part of the party's camp, held in Afyonkarahisar on Sunday, the Cumhuriyet daily reported.
According to the paper Arinc said that if the settlement process ends, the People's Democratic Party (HDP), jailed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan and the AK Party will be trapped under the debris. “Rural terrorist activity increased, and they [PKK militants] started to come down [to attack towns]. And took control of the towns. We will not allow this. It is not possible to go to elections in this period. We will [first] ensure public order, and go to elections in that atmosphere,” Ala reportedly said.
14. CHP Deputy’s resignation stirs claims for the establishment of a new party in Turkey
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (03.11.14) reports that opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Emine Ulker Tarhan resigned from her party, accusing its leadership of petty conflicts and failure to provide a legitimate alternative to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
Tarhan occupied the party's agenda with her dissident discourse against Kilicdaroglu during the last presidential elections on Aug. 10 and extraordinary party congress to elect the party leader in early September. The question has arisen over new resignations from the neo-nationalist members within the party who might follow Tarhan. According to sources, Tarhan may establish a new party and resignations from the CHP will follow her to take part in the party that may be established.
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