TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA
REVIEW
C O N T E N T S
No. 123/16
02-04.07.2016
1. Akinci: “By joining the gas in Israel and the gas in Cyprus it can
be sent to Turkey and via Turkey to Europe”
2. “Diplomatic sources” say that the “user” has also rights on the
property
3. Turkish columnist alleges that Israeli-Turkish gas pipeline may to
pass through the occupied area of Cyprus
4. Outgoing Finnish Ambassador: Unbelievable progress was achieved in
the Cyprus problem during the past year
5. Izcan: “The transformation of Turkey’s foreign policy to a
compromising stance is important to reflect positively on the Cyprus negotiation
process”
6. Birikim Ozgur says that the “agreement” for Turkey establishing a
“coordination office” in the occupied area “smells
integration”
7. The “EU coordination centre” has similar privileges like the
“youth coordination office”
8. Turkey to undertake the responsibility for the restoration of the
cultural “assets” belonging to the Vakif Foundation
9. SDP held its first ordinary congress; Tunali was reelected in the
party’s leadership
10. “Lefkosia municipality” has approved the annulment of its
previous decision regarding the water from Turkey
11. Turkish Cypriot expat was prevented to visit her grandmother in
occupied Louroudjina because she did not posses a “TNRC
i.d.”
12. Turkish FM invited Lavrov for a meeting in Antalya
13. Yildirim: Russia is Turkey's “eternal neighbor”
14. Turkish aid ship for Gaza arrives at Israeli
port
1. Akinci: “By joining the gas in Israel and the gas in Cyprus it
can be sent to Turkey and via Turkey to Europe”
Illegal Bayrak television (02.07.16) reports that the Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci made statements after the meeting he held with President
Anastasiades within the framework of the negotiations process.
Akıncı said that they remaincommitted to the goal of reaching a
settlement before the end of 2016. Noting that for the first time in the history
of the negotiations the two sides have succeeded in producing a joint paper on
property, he reminded that this was a difficult subject and that the talks will
continue on this chapter.
He also said that the issues of citizenship and residency will be
discussed at their next meeting on the 8th of July.
Akıncı also added that they have agreed in principle that treaties
and agreements signed by both sides in the past will be valid as long as they
are not in violation of the treaty of establishment of the new federal
republic.
Referring to the developments that have taken place between Turkey
and Israel that have agreed to normalize relations, Akinci reiterated his
support to the developments. “By joining the gas in Israel and the gas in Cyprus
it can be sent to Turkey and via Turkey to Europe. This is the most practical,
logical and most inexpensive way. This issue will be one of the important
factors of the convergences between Turkey and Israel. If we solve the Cyprus
problem, all of this will make more sense, can best be implemented, it will be
more practical and all sides will be able to benefit much more”, said Akıncı.
He warned that if the Cyprus problem isn’t solved, then Cyprus may be
left out of this energy equation and this is not a matter only for Turkish
Cypriots but for the Greek Cypriots as well, he
alleged.
2. “Diplomatic sources” say that the “user” has also rights on the
property
Under the title “The user has also rights”, Turkish Cypriot
Kibris newspaper (03.07.16) reports that last Friday the property
issue was discussed for the first time at the leaders’ level in the intensified
negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and that “intensive
debates” were held on the issue of keeping outside the scope of the properties
that could be returned properties which have been developed. Citing
“diplomatic sources”, the paper says that the “general consensus” on
the issue that the “users also have rights” continues to exist.
The paper writes that the above agreement had been announced by the
leaders on 27 July 2015 and that the “diplomatic sources” were surprised by
the statement made by President Anastasiades after the Friday’s meeting, in
spite of the fact that during the meeting discussions were made “within the
framework of the reality that together with the property’s first owner, the
current users rights will also be taken into consideration”.
Commenting on the statement made by President Anastasiades after the
meeting that “it has currently been clarified that the property owner has the
first say”, the “diplomatic sources said: “No decision in this direction was
taken. Such an issue was not even discussed in that meeting. We find
it strange why Anastasiades is trying to create such impression”.
The paper argues that the fact that President Anastasiades reiterated
his “old unilateral position which is outside the framework of the joint
understanding reached on 27 July 2015” is considered as “surprising, untimely
and wrong”.
(I/Ts.)
3. Turkish columnist alleges that Israeli-Turkish gas pipeline may
to pass through the occupied area of Cyprus
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (04.07.16) published an article by Murat
Yetkin under the title:” Israel gas may flow to Turkey via Turkish Cyprus”, in
which he claimes the following:
“The need to transport natural gas found off Israel to EU markets
was one of the main motivations for the normalization deal between Israel and
Turkey, reached on June 26.
The numbers tell that the gas factor was more of a pushing factor for
Israel than it was for Turkey. It seems that gas from Israel will provide middle
term source-diversification for Turkey, besides the more important political
meaning that will come with economic interdependence.
An Israeli source, who requested anonymity, told the Hurriyet Daily
News that the total reservoir of the Leviathan and Tamar gas fields was
estimated to be around 900 billion cubic meters (bcm), some 150 bcm of which is
planned for exports. […]
There is an EU study on carrying the gas to Cyprus, then onto either
the island of Crete or mainland Greece, since the Greek Cypriot government wants
to export gas from its own fields. Feasibility studies show that building
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants for naval transportation would not be
profitable.
A Cyprus-Greece route would need to construct a pipeline of more than
1,100 km, which would pass through the open Mediterranean Sea, partly at depths
of 3,000 meters. On the other hand, a pipeline from Israeli gas fields to
Turkey’s oil and gas terminal of Ceyhan would mean a pipeline of just 485 km
through the relatively shallow waters of the East Mediterranean.
In this case, the Israeli-Turkish gas pipeline will have to pass
through the economic maritime zone of the Turkish Cypriot government. “This may
upset our Greek Cypriot friends, but this is an important economic project for
us and we have to be rational. This is the shortest route,” my Israeli source
said.
But there is still another option, as considered by Israeli planners.
Depending on the future of ongoing talks between the Greek and
Turkish governments on divided Cyprus, a pumping station could be built on the
island to collect both Cypriot and Israeli gas and deliver it to Turkey through
a single pipeline. Girne, on the northern shores of Turkish Cyprus, is around
100 km from the Turkish industrial port of Mersin, which is another 120 km from
Ceyhan. The southern shores of Turkish Cyprus are only 200 km away from Israeli
gas fields. Such a possibility would increase both the economic and political
value of the gas exports, since it would depend on good relations between the
political authorities on both sides of Cyprus. Once a reunification deal is
reached in Cyprus, the gas fields in the Greek south and the Turkish north of
the island could be used for the good of both communities.
The U.S. has been pushing hard for a Cyprus deal under the auspices
of the United Nations, as well as a deal between Turkey and Israel - its two
main allies in the East Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The diversification of gas resources for Turkey and the EU means less
gas being bought from Russia. Every cubic meter to be bought from Israeli and
Cypriot fields (and Egyptian, too) would be subtracted from Russian exports. On
the other hand, if Turco-Russian normalization process proceeds further, the
Russians could reactivate the new South Stream project to sell gas to EU markets
via another pipeline through Turkey and the Turkish economic zone in the Black
Sea, in order to meet the increasing demand in Europe.
[…]”
4. Outgoing Finnish Ambassador: Unbelievable progress was achieved
in the Cyprus problem during the past year
Turkish Cypriot Kibris newspaper (04.07.16) reports that
Anu Saarela, outgoing Ambassador of Finland to Nicosia, has said that
unbelievable progress was achieved in the negotiating process for finding a
solution to the Cyprus problem during the past year. In exclusive statements
to Kibris, Ambassador Saarela noted that the gain from the solution should be
explained to the two communities.
Expressing the view that “every problem has its solution”, she argued
that in order for the Cyprus problem to be solved the civilian organizations
should also contribute to the process in parallel to the efforts of the
leaders.
Replying to a question regarding the course of the economy of the
Republic of Cyprus, the Finnish diplomat expressed the view that overcoming the
economic crisis depends on the Cyprus problem. She argued that in case
Cyprus is reunified, the island will be opened to the world and due to its
potential its economic development will soon start. “A solution in Cyprus is
very important from the economic point of view. The two communities should
preserve their relation at a very good level”, she noted.
She further said that people in both sides of Cyprus walk on the
streets freely and in safety and argued that this situation derives from the
island’s cultural structure.
Finally, she underlined the importance of the two communities knowing
the language of each other.
(I/Ts.)
5. Izcan: “The transformation of Turkey’s foreign policy to a
compromising stance is important to reflect positively on the Cyprus negotiation
process”
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli newspaper (02.07.16) reported
on statements by the chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan, who
in a written statement, expressed the view that the transformation of Turkey’s
foreign policy to a “compromising stance” is very important to reflect also on
the Cyprus negotiation process.
Stressing the need for the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of
Turkey to normalize their ties in order for an early solution to be found on the
Cyprus problem, Izcan added that the normalization of ties between “south
Cyprus” and “north Cyprus”, is also inevitable.
Providing as an example the lack of a common official policy in the
case of the fire in Solea area, Izcan pointed out to the necessity for
cooperation between the sides in order to find solutions to several problems.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (04.07.16) reported
that Izcan, in another written statement, stated that the “northern part” of
Cyprus became a place where words fail and argued that their life and all
sectors in the “country” such as the economy, education and health had
collapsed.
Accusing those who rule the “country” for becoming the local agents
of the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP), Izcan claimed that the
imposition policies implemented in the occupation regime by the AKP have led the
“country” to this situation.
Referring to the establishment of the “theological college” and the
“coordination office” in the “TRNC”, Izcan argued that this would dynamite the
education system in the “TRNC” since the main goal of this is to impose to the
Turkish Cypriot community the Sunni Islam way of living.
(AK)
6. Birikim Ozgur says that the “agreement” for Turkey establishing
a “coordination office” in the occupied area “smells
integration”
Turkish Cypriot Havadis newspaper (04.07.16) reports that
Birikim Ozgur, self-styled deputy with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP),
has said that “officials” from the so-called embassy of Turkey in the
occupied part of Nicosia had been active during the debates for establishing a
“youth and sports coordination office” by Turkey in the occupied area of
Cyprus.
In statements to Havadis, Ozgur noted that “this is interference in
our democracy” and added: “And the content of the agreement politically
smells integration. The youth policies formed in Ankara will be implemented here
now”.
Referring to the economic “protocol” signed between Turkey and the
breakaway regime, Ozgur said: “Let Turkey control us economically within the
framework provided for in the economic protocols which are signed. It is
Turkey’s responsibility, as well as ours, to ensure the efficient use of its
resources. However, it should remain as far as it can from our internal
politics”.
Ozgur described as a “fiasco” the spending policy of the self-styled
government and noted that their internal debt exceeded the five billion Turkish
liras (TL) reaching 114% of their “budget”. According to Ozgur, there is nothing
to be proud about in making the routine payments through external aid given for
the “budget”.
(I/Ts.)
7. The “EU coordination centre” has similar privileges like the
“youth coordination office”
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (04.07.16) reports that
Kudret Akay has been appointed as the head of the “EU coordination centre” as if
June 27, 2016.
Speaking to “TAK” (Turkish news agency” regarding his new duties,
Akay argued that the privileges, which are given to the “sport and youth
coordination office” and caused reactions in the occupied area of the Republic
of Cyprus, are similar to the ones that are given to the “EU coordination
centre”. Among the privileges are the tax exemptions on imported goods, which
will be used for EU projects.
Akay explained that the “law on courts” has been amended in order the
resolution mechanism for disputes as it is defined at the EU agreement
to be enabled. He added that as a result of this, they accepted that the
EU courts are entitled to disputes created in the occupied area of the Republic
of Cyprus and not the “TRNC courts”.
Noting that the diplomatic status of hte “EU programme support office”,
which operates in the occupied part of Lefkosia, has been recognized, Akay
stressed that these are basically very serious issues. He further said that it
has become a rule the recognition of privileges, especially in such agreements
that contain also international support.
Stressing that the relations between EU and “TRNC” should be examined
historically, Akay noted that according to the official position, the EU has
relations with the Turkish Cypriots and not the “TRNC”. He noted that
“this absurd situation is directly related to the Cyprus problem and
has undoubted historical reasons”, claiming that as a result, this makes
difficult the relations between the EU and the “TRNC”.
(DPs)
8. Turkey to undertake the responsibility for the restoration of
the cultural “assets” belonging to the Vakif Foundation
Under the title: “The restoration of Vakif foundation property is
turning over to Turkey”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (02.07.16)
reported that the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) has approved the
“agreement” signed between the “TRNC’s government” and the Turkish government
concerning the protection of the cultural “assets” belonging to the Vakif
Foundation.
According to information acquired by the Vakif Foundation, even
though the above mentioned “agreement” has not came into force yet, since, it
has not been approved by the occupation regime’s “assembly”, the tender process
for the restoration of three mosques in the “TRNC” has been concluded. The
“agreement” envisages among others the restoration of the Selimiye Mosque (Agia
Sofia Church), the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque (St. Nicolas Church) and a Mosque
which is in front of shops.
The “agreement” was signed between the Turkish government and the
occupation regime on November 14, 2004 by the then so-called prime minister
Ozkan Yorgancioglu, writes the paper.
The “agreement” envisages also that all the tenders related with the
projects for the protection of the cultural “assets” of the Vakif Foundation
such as excavations works, restorations, reconstruction works, static
installations and others will open in Turkey and will be opened either for
Turkish companies or for Turkish companies which are composed by a consortium of
Turkish and Turkish Cypriot companies.
Also, according to the “agreement”, Turkey’s Vakiflar General
Directorship will be responsible to finance the project and to cover the needs
for the technical personnel.
Meanwhile, in statements to the paper, Cafer Curcafer, “chairman” of
the “Turkish Cypriot contractor’s union” warned that they will go to
demonstrations if the “agreement” is to be approved.
Stating that they will bring the issue into the agenda right after
the Bayram feast, Curcafer reacted strongly over this development and underlined
the fact that the “agreement” was not approved yet by the “assembly”.
(AK)
9. SDP held its first ordinary congress; Tunali was reelected in
the party’s leadership
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (03.07.16) reported that the
Social Democratic Party (SDP) held its 1st Ordinary Congress on
Saturday.
The chairman of the party, Tozun Tunali has been reelected in the
leadership of the party since it was the only candidate.
(AK)
10. “Lefkosia municipality” has approved the annulment of its
previous decision regarding the water from Turkey
Illegal Bayrak (02.07.16) broadcast that the “Lefkosia Turkish
municipality” has approved the annulment of its previous decision regarding the
water from Turkey.
The “municipality council” gathered yesterday and approved the
annulment of its previous decision. 16 members voted yes to the annulment while
5 members voted against it. The “municipality council” has given authority to
“mayor” Mehmet Harmancı to sign the subscription agreement and to decide whether
or not the “municipality” will be using the water from Turkey during the
transitional phase. During their last meeting on the 8th of June, the
“municipality council” had rejected the 2.30tl pricing of the water that is
being transferred from Turkey.
Afrika (04.07.16) reports that Harmanci commenting on this
development stated: “The protocol has been signed. The Republic of Turkey
determined the price. We struggled a lot to change these condotions, to change
the price but these wishes were not heard”, he stated, adding that they will
continue the struggle.
(CS)
11. Turkish Cypriot expat was prevented to visit her grandmother in
occupied Louroudjina because she did not posses a “TNRC
i.d.”
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (03.07.16), the
Turkish occupation forces in the occupied area of Cyprus have prevented Turkish
Cypriot Nehir Ulucayli to visit her grandmother in the occupied village
Louroudjina, because she did not posses a “TRNC i.d.”.
The paper reports that Ulucayli, who was born and lives in Britain,
wanted to visit her grandmother for the Bayram (religious holiday), was stopped
at the military barricade in the entrance of the occupied village of
Louroudjina, and was prevented to enter the village. Ulucayli informed the
“police” regarding the incident, but still she could not visit her grandmother
who is 80 years old.
(DPs)
12. Turkish FM invited Lavrov for a meeting in Antalya
Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (04.07.16) reports that Turkish
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated that the Turkish and Russian
Presidents, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Vladimir Putin, might meet in person in
either late July or early August in a sign of the determination of both
sides to quickly repair ties.
“We’ll make the preparation for this meeting with our ministers.
There will be decisions taken on the economy. Our ministers [of energy] will
also come together to discuss issues concerning energy,” the minister said.
Çavuşoğlu said he invited Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to
Antalya for a meeting to discuss political ties before important summits,
including the Turkey-Russia High Level Strategic Cooperation slated to be held
in Turkey later this year.
In addition, he stated that Egypt must take some positive steps
with regard to political prisoners and added that he is ready to meet with his
Egyptian counterpart to discuss political ties.
“My statement that ‘I am ready to meet with Egypt’ is nothing new.
But there is a fact that Egypt cannot go on like this. Egypt has to take
positive steps. I can of course talks about these issues with my [Egyptian]
counterpart. There is no problem in this,” Çavuşoğlu told TRT in an interview on
July 3.
13. Yildirim: Russia is Turkey's “eternal neighbor”
Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.07.16) reports that Turkish Prime
Minister Binali Yildirim said that Russia is Turkey’s “eternal neighbor”.
Speaking at an event at the recently inaugurated Osmangazi Bridge crossing Izmit
Bay, Yildirim said: “Russia is our eternal neighbor therefore the temporary
deterioration in our relations is not something any of us
wanted.”
He added: “Our priority target is to remain friends with all the
countries neighboring the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea; to use the
opportunities with them instead of having crises; to increase our trading
relations; to improve our cultural exchanges [and] tourism; and to boost mutual
investments.”
14. Turkish aid ship for Gaza arrives at Israeli
port
Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.07.16) reported that a Turkish aid
ship carrying 11,000 tons of supplies for the Gaza Strip arrived at Israel’s
Ashdod port on Sunday.
Turkish diplomats and Israeli Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson
Oren Rozenblat were present at the port as the Panama-flagged Lady Leyla docked.
The ship carries 10,000 toys and 10,000 packages of food and aid for children in
Gaza. The ship set sail on Friday following a reconciliation deal reached
between Turkey and Israel on Monday after a six-year
hiatus.
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