TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
195/16
11.10.2016
1.
Akinci addresses the 23th World Energy Congress in Istanbul
2.
Akinci holds contacts at the 23th World Energy Congress in Istanbul
3.
Turkey and Russia signed the strategic Turkish Stream gas pipeline
deal
4.
Erdogan: Turkey has the most viable route for the eastern Mediterranean
gas
5.
Israeli Minister set to visit Turkey on Oct 13
6.
Reaction at the “assembly” about the “framework agreement” for the transfer of
electricity from Turkey to the breakaway regime
7.
Izcan and Ozyigit expressed their worries over the “electricity transfer
agreement”
8.
Turkish Cypriot electrical engineers: The connection with Turkey through
undersea cables is a “strategic and economic
necessity”
9.
Durust “invites” President Anastasiades to visit occupied
Morphou
10.
Denktas stated that the “council of minister’s decision” for the rending of a
plot of land in occupied Keryneia to illegal YDU has been
postponed
11.
The occupation regime announces the opening for housing of plots of land in
several occupied villages
12.
“Officials” of the so-called ministry of environment met with officials of the
World Bank and the Ministry of Forestry and Environment of
Austria
13.
Stones from occupied Agios Filonas monastery have been carried
away
14.
The “ministry of tourism” accused the Republic of Cyprus for preventing the
promotion of “TRNC tourism” in Iran
15.
Information about the ships at the illegal “harbors” for year
2015
16.
The Turkish government to change laws for ‘efficient trials’ of coup
plotters
17.
Sertoglu due to Istanbul to meet with Demiroren
1.
Akinci addresses the 23th World Energy Congress in Istanbul
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (11.10.16) reports that Turkish
Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci has argued that the solution in Cyprus will
open new horizons in the field of energy.
According
to a statement issued by his office, addressing yesterday the 23rd
World Energy Congress in Istanbul, Akinci noted that intensive negotiations have
been conducted during the last 16 months with the aim of finding a comprehensive
solution to the Cyprus problem. He alleged that in case the Greek Cypriot
side also “develops a realistic and reasonable understanding” the achievement of
a bi-zonal solution is possible within a short period of time.
Noting
that the basic idea of the energy congress in Istanbul is “share for peace”,
Akinci expressed the view that this understanding could be materialized in the
Eastern Mediterranean with Cyprus undertaking a role. Noting that the common
target is for new horizons to be opened for peace with everyone’s cooperation,
Akinci reiterated: “The United Cyprus Federation, which will be established,
will be able to seriously contribute in the issues of global energy safety and
the access to energy. The natural gas, which will be extracted from the
hydrocarbon recourses discovered in our area, could reach Europe in the most
beneficial and safe way through Turkey with an energy corridor that will be
built”.
Akinci
argued that this will not benefit only the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek
Cypriots, but the prosperity and the gains which will come up will create an
opportunity for putting aside the “unproductive conflicts” and for redefining
the relations of countries which play important role in the area, such as
Turkey, Greece and Israel, on the basis of cooperation and peace.
Noting
that in parallel to the natural gas,
the project of connecting the Middle East with Europe through undersea
electricity cables is on the agenda, Akinci argued that instead of a cable
between Israel, the government-controlled area of Cyprus, Crete and Greece, a
cable between Israel, Cyprus and Turkey would be a faster, cheaper and shorter
distance. “The solution in Cyprus will open new horizons in these fields”,
he argued.
(I/Ts.)
2.
Akinci holds contacts at the 23th World Energy Congress in Istanbul
Under
the title “He became acquainted with Putin”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris
newspaper (11.10.16) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa
Akinci met with various world leaders during the 23th World Energy
Congress which started yesterday in Istanbul.
The
paper publishes photographs of Akinci shaking hands with the Russian
President, Vladimir Putin and posing for the “family photograph” of the
head of states who participated in the Congress. The Presidents of Russia,
Turkey, Venezuela and Azerbaijan, Putin, Erdogan, Maduro and Aliyev were among
the leaders in the picture.
The
paper reports also that before the beginning of the Congress, Akinci met with
Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan.
Under
the title “In the end he was meant to meet with Putin”, Turkish Cypriot
daily Afrika newspaper (11.10.16) reports that Akinci was introduced to
Putin as “president of the TRNC”.
Finally,
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (11.10.16) reports that before
the beginning of the Congress, Akinci held a closed-doors meeting with
President Erdogan. No statement was issued after the meeting which lasted
for about one hour.
(I/Ts.)
3.
Turkey and Russia signed the strategic Turkish Stream gas pipeline
deal
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 10.10.16) reported that Turkey
and Russia signed the strategic Turkish Stream gas pipeline agreement on October
10. The pipeline will carry Russian natural gas to Turkey and on to Europe
under the Black Sea.
During
the signing ceremony with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ministers and experts will continue to
hold bilateral talks after the deal, adding that they will also hold talks
focusing on economy, politics, defence, tourism and
culture.
Erdogan
also said that they reached consensus on the acceleration of the process for the
Akkuyu nuclear plant.
In
addition, Putin also added that the two countries reached consensus on discount
in natural gas prices as a part of the deal. He stated that Moscow also lifted
restrictions on citrus exports.
President
Erdogan also said they discussed Syria and the Euphrates Shield Operation in
detail as well as strategies and cooperation regarding humanitarian aid to
Aleppo. Putin said Moscow was on the same page with Ankara about delivering
humanitarian aid to Aleppo.
According
to the Russian leader, Moscow and Ankara also agreed to intensify military
contacts.
The
signing of the deal came after a bilateral meeting between Erdogan and Putin who
was in Istanbul to attend the 23rd World Energy Congress.
Russia’s
Gazprom and Turkey’s BOTAŞ in 2014 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
for the construction of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, with a capacity of 63
billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year from Russia to Turkey across the
Black Sea.
The
meeting of the two leaders marked the third time after bilateral relations were
put back on track in August since the jet crisis.
This
was Putin’s first trip to Turkey since a bilateral crisis sparked by Turkey’s
shooting down of a Russian war plane over Syria last November. He and Erdoğan
have met on two occasions since a June deal to normalize ties after the plane
crisis in Putin’s home city of Saint Petersburg and then on the side-lines of
the G-20 in China.
Earlier,
speaking at the 23rd World Energy Congress, Erdogan had said Ankara was positive
about the deal.
His
remarks came before a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin,
who also expressed his belief in the pipeline carrying more Russian gas to
Turkey before it reaches Europe.
Putin
said the need to develop the Turkish Stream natural gas project had been
stressed in his talks with Erdogan, adding that Russia also actively planned to
expand it hydrocarbon exports eastward to China, Japan and India.
“Russia
will further interact in energy with all interested parties for mutual
beneficial partnerships on an equal footing,” he added.
Meanwhile,
also speaking at the event Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said his
country’s energy investments in Turkey would reach $20 billion.
Aliyev
said Azerbaijan and Turkey had built energy infrastructure, such as pipelines,
to ensure both countries’ energy security. “On a daily basis, Turkey plays a
crucial role in the energy security of the region,” he added.
He
signalled that growth in Turkey’s prosperity is important not only for Turkey as
a leader in defining energy policy in the world, but also for the rest of the
world.
Aliyev
highlighted projects, which have been implemented in Turkey, to transfer
Azerbaijan’s oil and gas, and said Azerbaijan’s gas will be delivered to global
markets via four projects under the South Gas Corridor totaling $45 billion in
value.
He
hailed the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) as playing a crucial
role in providing energy security in the region.
“We
took the first step for the TANAP in 2012 in Turkey, which is a significant part
of the South Gas Corridor, under the leadership of Azerbaijan and Turkey. The
TANAP is an important agreement and many countries might become a part of this
project,” Aliyev said.
He
also suggested that projects to transfer Azerbaijan’s oil via Turkey should be
stepped up.
4.
Erdogan: Turkey has the most viable route for the eastern Mediterranean
gas
According
to Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 11.10.16), Turkey provides the most
viable route for the distribution of eastern Mediterranean gas, President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan argued on Monday at the 23rd World Energy Congress in
Istanbul.
Noting
that Turkey sits in a region where two-thirds of the world's natural gas
resources are located, Erdogan said that the country has led many projects for
its transport and distribution.
Erdogan
said that Turkey aims to open the fourth gas corridor into Europe with the Trans
Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) project.
He
also said that Turkey aims to produce 10% of its total electricity from nuclear
power, and is looking for means to implement plans for a third nuclear power
plant
He
further added that Turkey plans to increase the contribution of solar, wind and
hydroelectric power in its total electricity production to
30%.
5.
Israeli Minister set to visit Turkey on Oct 13
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 11.10.16), an Israeli
Minister is set to visit Turkey on Oct. 13, the first ministerial level meeting
since relations came to a halt in 2010 after Israel’s deadly raid on a
Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Israeli
Minister of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources Yuval Steinitz
is expected to visit Turkey on Oct. 13, the Israeli Embassy in Ankara said in a
written statement on Oct. 10.
“Minister
Steinitz will meet his Turkish counterpart Berat Albayrak in Istanbul in order
to discuss energy cooperation between the two countries,” the statement
read, adding that the two would meet on the side-lines of the 23rd World Energy
Congress, during which Steinitz is scheduled to deliver the opening remarks for
the Atlantic Council panel titled “A New Landscape in the Eastern
Mediterranean”.
Albayrak
and Steinitz are expected to hold a joint press conference after their meeting
in Istanbul, the Embassy said.
Turkey
and Israel are now set to restore full diplomatic relations, including the
exchange of Ambassadors who were pulled out of the respective capitals after the
crisis.
Steinitz’s
visit marks the first visit at ministerial level between the two countries in
the past six years.
“It
is the result of the rapprochement agreed upon by the two countries. The visit
is the expression of the great potential that exists in bilateral political and
economic relations,” the Israeli Embassy statement read.
6.
Reaction at the “assembly” about the “framework agreement” for the transfer
of electricity from Turkey to the breakaway regime
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.10.16) reports about the discussion that
took place yesterday at the self-styled assembly regarding the signing of an
energy deal to construct an undersea electricity cable link between Turkey and
the breakaway regime.
“Deputies”
of the opposition parties strongly criticized the “government” of the Democratic
Party and the National Unity Party and asked who has information for the
“framework agreement”, writes the paper.
“Deputy
prime minister” Serdar Denktas stated that this is a “framework agreement” and
said that he did not study the agreement but he is aware of its context. He also
said that the “minister of energy” Sunat Atun as well as “prime minister”
Huseyin Ozgurgun have the agreement in their hands and added that for the time
being it is not something to be brought in front of the “assembly”. “That is the
reason I did not bring it here”, he said, adding that all the details regarding
the implementation of the agreement will be discussed at a later point, in 2018.
He
went on and stated that in case a solution is reached the “electricity
authority” will continue to produce electricity and that the “authority” could
be divided in two and an “energy bureau” could be established. He also claimed
that it is essential the electricity system of the breakaway regime to be
connected with Turkey and as a result with Europe, noting that Turkey is
connected for the time being with Georgia and Bulgaria via
electricity.
On
his part Ersin Tatar, “deputy” with the National Unity Party, stated that Turkey
is giving great importance to this project and added that its feasibility and
model will be revealed during studies to be conducted at a later point.
“Deputy”
with the Republican Turkish Party Tufan Erhurman stated that they were informed
about this agreement by the media and added that they do not agree with the
procedure followed. He reminded the other “deputies” about all the mistakes
made regarding the water transferred from Turkey and wondered what will happen
in case similar issues appear with this agreement as well.
On
his part, “deputy” with the Socialist Democracy Party Mehemt Cakici wondered who
will give answers to the questions asked about the context of the agreement. He
went on and said that the electricity authority will be given as present to a
private company and that there is no cooperation with the opposition parties or
the “assembly”, on the issue. “The deputies did not have information on the
issue. This is no democracy”, he said.
(CS)
7.
Izcan and Ozyigit expressed their worries over the “electricity transfer
agreement”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (11.10.16) reports that the chairman of the
United Cyprus Party Izzet Izcan stated that all the details regarding the issue
of electricity transfer from Turkey to the breakaway regime must become known to
the “people”.
Izcan,
who issued a written statement, said that an agreement should not be signed
before the price of the electricity as well as the conditions for its transfer
become known.
On
his part, Cemal Ozyigit, the chairman of the Socialist Democracy Party expressed
his worries over the issue: “We worry. How will the people use this electricity?
Will we have similar or even bigger problems than the ones we experienced with
the water transfer?” he said.
He
also referred to the developments on the Cyprus problem and said that the
negative statements made do not reflect the positive developments on the
negotiations.
(CS)
8.
Turkish Cypriot electrical engineers: The connection with Turkey through
undersea cables is a “strategic and economic necessity”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (11.10.16) publishes a detailed
report prepared by the “chamber of Turkish Cypriot Electrical Engineers”
in which the benefits of connecting the electricity network of the occupied area
of Cyprus with Turkey are explained. Under the title “Connection with Turkey
is absolutely necessary”, the paper reports that the connection with
Turkey will provide safety in the supply, the dependence on fuel oil will cease
to exist and the production cost will decrease.
“Being
interconnected with Turkey through undersea cables is a strategic and economic
necessity”, notes the report
adding that the connection with the electricity system of the
government-controlled area of the island could be useful, but because the price
per kilowatt unit is high, it would not be economically beneficial to purchase
electricity except for cases in which this is obligatory.
The
report says that the most economical of the choices for the cable to be bought
is the cable 154 kV HVAC 3X1000 mm² with 200 MW capacity and that the total
cost of buying this cable is estimated to be 170 million US dollars.
(I/Ts.)
9.
Durust “invites” President Anastasiades to visit occupied
Morphou
Turkish
Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (11.10.16) under the title: “Invitation
from Durust to Anastasiades to visit Guzelyurt [occupied Morphou]”, reports that
the so-called minister of transportation and communication of the breakaway
regime, Kemal Durust, commenting on the recent statements by the President of
the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades that “the return of Morphou to the
Greek Cypriots after the solution is a precondition”, argued that such
statements by a leader who is exerting efforts for a solution, should be
avoided.
“On
the one hand you hold talks for a solution and on the other hand, you put as a
precondition that the return of a region which is within the boundaries of the
TRNC is a sine qua non for you. This is unacceptable”, Durust said, adding also
the following: “I invite once more Mr. Anastasiades to Morphou. Come and inspect
the investments being made in Morphou. They would realize that Morphou as it is
today, is not Morphou they left. It has been developed a lot”.
Supporting
that occupied Morphou has become an “enterprise zone” especially after the
“university investment”, Durust argued the need for the “inhabitants” of the
area to be able to live in security and peace. “It
is out of question to reach to a solution that will bring peace and happiness to
the one side and unhappiness and uneasiness to the other side. The agreement
should bring peace and happiness to both sides”, Durust also said.
Describing
the statements by President Anastasiades as “unfortunate”, Durust said that if
Mr. Anastasiades finds the opportunity to “visit” occupied Morphou, he would
realize what he is talking about.
(AK)
10.
Denktas stated that the “council of minister’s decision” for the rending of a
plot of land in occupied Keryneia to illegal YDU has been
postponed
Turkish
Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.10.16) reports on statements by the
so-called deputy prime minister and “minister of finance” Serdar Denktas who has
stated to the online newspaper Kibris Time that the “agreement” which was
“approved by the so-called council of ministers on September 29, regarding the
renting of a 20 thousand squares meters plot of land belonging to the state to
the founding rector of the illegal Near East university Suat Gursel for a period
of 49 years, has been postponed”.
The
plot of land is located near to the sea in occupied Keryneia area and it is
considered as one of the most beautiful areas in the
"country".
Meanwhile,
speaking to the paper, the so-called minister of tourism and environment
Fikri Ataoglu said that he has no official information about the postponement of
the “agreement” and added that they had asked from the “antiquities department”
about their view on the issue. He further explained that if the above mentioned
plot of land is considered a “protected area”, then the “council of ministers”
should postponed its “decision”.
(AK)
11.
The occupation regime announces the opening for housing of plots of land in
several occupied villages
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.10.16) reports that the so-called minister of
interior Kutlu Evren has announced that the so-called “housing department” will
accept applications until October 31 for the opening of rural plots of land in
occupied villages of Eptakomi, Marathovounos, Komi Kepir, Agios Georgios
Spatharikou, and Louroudgina.
Evaluating
as an “opportunity” of the Turkish Cypriot youth who want to own a house to make
applications, Evren argued that their priority is the “youth people” of their
“country”. He added that at the first stage they will carry out infrastructure
and asphalt works for 1,000 rural plots of land and by the end of 2017 they
will carry out works for another 3, 358 plots.
(AK)
12.
“Officials” of the so-called ministry of environment met with officials of
the World Bank and the Ministry of Forestry and Environment of
Austria
Under
the title: “Important meeting”, Turkish Cypriot daily Democrat Bakis newspaper
(11.10.16) reports that the “director” of the “department for the protection of
the environment” of the so-called ministry of tourism and environment, Abdullah
Aktolga held a meeting with Raymond Muhula, official of the World Bank and with
Herald Marent, Director for Water Affairs at the Ministry of Forestry and
Environment of Austria.
In
a written statement, the so-called ministry said that the meeting took place in
the framework of the works for the development of the effectiveness of the
“state organizations”.
13.
Stones from occupied Agios Filonas monastery have been carried away
Under
the title “Where are Agios Filonas’ stones”, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis
newspaper (11.10.16) reports that teams of the so-called
antiquities and museums department of the breakaway regime in the occupied area
of the Republic of Cyprus have loaded on a truck and carried away last week,
under “police” supervision, historic stones from Agios Filonas monastery in
occupied Rizokarpasso village.
Carrying
away the stones and the method used to carry them away caused reactions among
the inhabitants of the area.
At the same time, questions have been raised as regards the purpose of this
transfer and the place the stones were carried away.
The
inhabitants said that the truck and the crane used during the works for carrying
away the stones caused damage to the mosaics which are located in the historic
site.
Moreover, they asked for explanations as to where the stones have been carried
and the necessary “legal proceedings” to be launched against those responsible
for the damage caused to the mosaics.
(I/Ts.)
14.
The “ministry of tourism” accused the Republic of Cyprus for preventing the
promotion of “TRNC tourism” in Iran
Turkish
Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (11.10.16) reports that the 15-person delegation
of the self-styled ministry of tourism and environment which went to Iran in
order to promote tourism of the breakaway regime, claimed
that it faced difficulties in its efforts and said that this was the result of
the measures taken against them by the Republic of Cyprus.
The
delegation, headed by the “minister of tourism” Fikri Ataoglu and with the
support of the Turkish Airlines, went to the Iranian cities Tehran and Tebriz
and held meetings with 165 travel agents.
Speaking
to Diyalog, Ataoglu accused the Republic of Cyprus of having contacts with the
Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of putting obstacles towards the efforts
to promote the breakaway regime. As a result, he said, the participation in the
events they organized in Tebriz was limited and Iranian police followed their
steps continuously.
Reporting
further on the contacts they held in Iran, Ataoglu said that every year around
20,000 Iranian tourists visit the breakaway regime and added that for the first
eight months of 2016, 16,000 Iranian tourists have already visited the occupied
area of Cyprus. He also stated that this number is expected to be increased
soon.
(CS)
15.
Information about the ships at the illegal “harbours” for year
2015
Turkish
Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (11.10.16) reports that 1,940 ships sailed in
the “harbors” of the breakaway regime and 1,909 ships set sail during 2015.
According
to the paper, the number of ships that received services at the “harbours” was
3,849, while the number of the travellers that received services at the
“harbours” in the same period was 159,760.
The
paper also reports that the ships that sailed at the illegal harbours carried
mostly the flag of Turkey or the “flag” of the breakaway regime. However, ships
that carried the flag of 58 countries sailed at the “harbours”. Among these
countries are: England, Moldavia, Panama, Tanzania, Tongo and Malta.
(CS)
16.
The Turkish government to change laws for ‘efficient trials’ of coup plotters
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 11.10.16), the government is
drafting a package of comprehensive changes in the Criminal Procedures Act and
the Penal Code in order to make the trials of July 15 coup plotters more
efficient, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ has told
reporters.
“The
trials will take place in cities where the coup attempt crimes were committed.
They will be held in many cities and districts. These trials will not be merged
as this will only complicate the proceedings and turn them into a mess,” Bozdağ
said on Oct. 9.
While
investigations into the coup attempt are ongoing, the government is set to make
changes to a number of key articles of the Penal Code and Criminal Procedures
Act, in an attempt to streamline the trial process. These changes include the
following:
-
Laundering of assets acquired as a result of an offense will be moved from the
Penal Code to Anti-Terror Law. As a result, those who commit this crime will
receive a bigger punishment.
-
Military personnel charged with terror crimes, or with attempting to stage a
coup, will be imprisoned in civilian jails instead of military prisons. Military
personnel will be handed to the judicial police and not to the military police
after being caught.
-
With a change in the Criminal Procedures Act, trials will be able to be held in
different locations within the boundaries of a certain jurisdiction.
-
Courts will be able to assess the release appeals of those detained on terror
accusations over the course of 15 days, instead of the current three days.
-
If the court demands an additional testimony from the suspect, this will be able
to be carried out by the police and not necessarily by the court.
-
Judges will have the right to reject the defence’s demand to hear additional
witnesses if they believe that this is simply an attempt to prolong the
proceedings.
-
Instead of reading the entire indictment at the beginning of trail process,
prosecutors will be able to read a summary of the indictment.
Further,
Justice Minister Bozdağ said that the government would likely submit the draft
package to the Parliament this week.
“We
are keen to have the package discussed at the sub-committees. We will welcome
the opposition’s contribution to the package and we are ready to listen if they
suggest changes,” he added.
17.
Sertoglu due to Istanbul to meet with Demiroren
According
to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.10.16), Hasan Sertoglu,
chairman of the “Turkish Cypriot Football Federation (KTFF)”, will fly to
Istanbul on October 13 with a delegation as guest of the President of Turkey’s
Football Federation (TFF) Yildirim Demiroren.
According
to the paper, Sertoglu and Demiroren will meet for the first time since
2012. During the meeting, they will discuss the relations between the two
“federations”.
(DPs)
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