Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-07-14

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu met with Buzek

[02] Eroglu's meeting with Barroso

[03] Ozgurgun on the Cyprus problem

[04] Akansoy on Davutoglu's statement

[05] More protests against the "UBP government"

[06] Members of the Trade Union Platform not to participate at the protest to be organized for Erdogan's visit to the occupied area

[07] Kucuk on the blast at the Naval Base in Mari

[08] The Chinese delegation continue its contacts in the occupied area

[09] Zeyko plot of land in Agios Epiktitos not to be "leased" to Kaya group

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Turkey may freeze EU ties if the Republic of Cyprus takes over the EU presidency in 2012

[11] Fule reacts to Davutoglu's remarks

[12] Bagis met Fule; Cyprus among the issues of discussion

[13] Fule met with Turkish opposition leader Kilicdaroglu

[14] "Cyprus: Two separate states, or a unified state on the horizon?"

[15] Turkish and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers met in Ankara

[16] Turkey's new Government wins vote of confidence

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu met with Buzek

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Eroglu said that he had a sincere meeting with Buzek, adding that he briefed him on the outcome of the Geneva meeting. Eroglu also said that at the negotiation table they are looking for a new partnership which will be established of a founder state based on two equal states, two zones and two communities, adding: "We want this to be achieved. I was satisfied to see that Mr Buzek had the same view."

Noting that Buzek referred to one state with a single international identity, Eroglu also said: "Of course, the partnership state, which will be established if there is an agreement, will be member of the EU and the UN. We embrace this."

Eroglu, who said to Buzek that they should encourage the Greek Cypriot side for an agreement, said that at this point the lifting of the "embargo" should be brought in the agenda.

Eroglu reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side has lost its trust towards to the EU after the Union did not implement the decisions of the EU Council taken in 26 April 2004.

Eroglu explained that while he had a tour of the European Parliament (EP) before meeting Buzek, saw that there were booths for translators of Greek, English, French and Spanish languages. He went on: "As you know, the Republic of Cyprus established in 1960 was based on a partnership between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. However, this Republic is under the occupation of the Greeks. The mother tongues of that Republic are Turkish and Greek and the common language is English. Here in the EP, there is the Greek language but no Turkish. We have conveyed that the EP should have looked into the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus".

Replying to a question what message he gave to the EU, Eroglu said that it is the duty of the EU to give a motive to the Greek Cypriot side for a solution, because the Greek Cypriot side is in comfort because of its EU membership. He added that the Cyprus settlement is expected to be EU primary law.

Noting that he can say that they are closer to an agreement than they were a year ago, Eroglu said: "I know that Mr Christofias expects the elections that will be held in 2013. However, I do not think I have the luxury to wait. For us, October is a very important month."

[02] Eroglu's meeting with Barroso

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Barroso, Eroglu said that they had a very beneficial meeting with Barroso.

Noting that Barroso desires a lasting solution in Cyprus, Eroglu said: "We briefed him regarding our proposals and the initiative that we took at the Geneva summit. We informed him regarding the views of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and our flexibilities. He was satisfied."

Eroglu claimed that the opinion that the Turkish Cypriot side is the side that wants solution is broad in the EU and noted that the proposals submitted in the Geneva meeting are embraced by everyone, Eroglu said that this is an advantage of him.

Alleging that Christofias always tries to use the EU membership for his advantage, Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriots cannot be the victims of the non-solution.

Recalling Davutoglu's earlier remarks on Turkey's ties with the European Union if there is no agreement to reunify Cyprus by the time "Greek Cyprus" takes the EU presidency in 2012, Eroglu displayed solidarity with Davutoglu's remarks and said that the Turkish Minister's statement "reflected the reality".

Reiterating that Christofias should be encouraged for a solution that would be EU primary law, Eroglu said: "Because after the solution, court hearings should end. After the solution, the discussions in courts on the Cyprus problem or the property issue will make no sense." Eroglu also said that Barroso is hopeful for the New York meeting in October.

[03] Ozgurgun on the Cyprus problem

He reminded that "motherland" Turkey has been continuously supporting a comprehensive solution in Cyprus. Ozgurgun stressed that the Turkish Cypriot side will sincerely continue to contribute to the negotiation process in line with agreed initiatives determined during the Geneva meeting, but claimed that the Turkish side's unilateral willpower is not enough for a solution.

Furthermore, Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.07.11) reports that Ozgurgun said that the Greek Cypriot side had always abused Turkey's European Union (EU) membership process and that they sat at the negotiation table not in order to find a solution but rather to take away certain things from Turkey.

Ozgurgun stressed that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's statements made yesterday were "a turning point". Davutoglu's remarks have shown Turkey's stance, Ozgurgun noted. Davutoglu stated that the Republic of Turkey would never consider the "Greek Cypriot administration" an interlocutor if they assumed the EU presidency unilaterally in the second part of 2012, before a solution in the island, and that Turkish-EU relations would freeze in such a scenario.

"The Turkish Cypriot side always took positive steps for a solution and it is a must for the Greek Cypriots to end playing games at the negotiation table and make efforts for a solution," Ozgurgun said. "The Cyprus problem must be solved before 2012. The new partnership in the island, after a comprehensive solution has been reached, should assume the EU term presidency," Ozgurgun added.

[04] Akansoy on Davutoglu's statement

[05] More protests against the "UBP government"

In his statements during the protest, Cafer Gurcafer, chairman of the Turkish Cypriots Constructor's Trade Union said that they will continue their protest in front of the "prime ministry" for weeks in order to protest for the fact that after the meeting they held with "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk in the past, he did not made any concrete steps to solve the sector's problems as he promised.

According to the paper, some of the slogans which were written on the vehicles participating in the protest were "Our fight is a fight for our bread, is an existence fight", "we will not remain observers in the communal annihilation" etc.

Meanwhile, as the paper writes, after the protest begun, "prime minister" Kucuk met with a delegation headed by chairman Gurcafer. So-called minister of finance Ersin Tatar and the so-called minister of transportation and communication Hamza Ersan Saner were also present.

Speaking after the meeting, Kucuk said that the "government" will continue with goodwill the meetings in order for all the problems to be solved.

Speaking also after the meeting, Gurcafer said that the Turkish Cypriot Constructor's Trade Union will not accept for the tenders to be opened in Ankara and asked for the privatizations to suspend until the solution of the Cyprus problem. Referring to the unemployment rate in the occupied area, Gurcafer said that it is disrespect for the existence of the Turkish Cypriots to employ workers from abroad.

The paper writes also that Asim Akansoy, secretary general of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) participated at the protest and expressed his party's support to the Turkish Cypriot Constructor's Trade Union.

Accusing the "government" for closing the dialogue road with the community, he said that the "government" is exerting pressure over the people.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (14.07.11), the "Communal Existence Movement", which is composed by 14 organizations, staged also yesterday a protest in front of the "prime ministry" with the protesters holding "black flags".

Speaking on behalf of the "Communal Existence Movement", Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP), reiterated, inter alia, that the problem in the "country" is the regime and asked for the "government" to resign.

(AK)

[06] Members of the Trade Union Platform not to participate at the protest to be organized for Erdogan's visit to the occupied area

As the paper writes, the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) as well as DP did not decided yet about the stance they will follow on the issue.

According to the paper, the Trade Union Platform is expected to issue a statement within the next days in order to determine what kind of actions they will organize during Erdogan's visit to the occupied area.

(AK)

[07] Kucuk on the blast at the Naval Base in Mari

Referring to the Turkish Prime Minister's visit to the occupied area in order to attend the ceremonies of the breakaway regime for the July 20 Turkish invasion in Cyprus, Kucuk said that Erdogan will arrive to occupied Cyprus on July 19, adding that the Turkish Premier will be hosted in the best way possible. "It is our duty to make Mr. Erdogan as welcomed as possible," Kucuk noted.

Also, commenting on a statement made earlier by a trade unionist concerning Erdogan's visit, Kucuk said that the statement was an indicator that the unionist had exceeded his authorities.

[08] The Chinese delegation continue its contacts in the occupied area

In its statement during the meeting, Ustel said that it is the second time he is meeting a delegation from China in a week, a country which is considered as super power in the world, as he said.

Ustel pointed out that as part of their efforts to make opening to new markets they give a great importance to China and added that the "ministry" is ready to do what is necessary in order to pave the way for reliable businessmen to come and make investment to the "country".

Ustel informed also the delegation about the tourism motivations in the "country" and said that they are thinking to open a tourism office in China. He further informed the delegation about the efforts the "TRNC" is exerting in order to be recognized in China and referred to the contacts they carry out with several state leaders in the Hangzhou Region.

Ustel further said that their aim is for charter flights to be launched with China next year.

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese businessmen delegation, Henry Qin, chairman of the Melongda Group stated that they are carrying out contacts in the "TRNC" in order to look for investment opportunities. He then said that they want to promote the "TRNC" in China.

Qin reiterated the problem that exists with Turkey on visa requirements and stressed the need for the problem to be solved so that to be able to bring tourists to the "TRNC".

[09] Zeyko plot of land in Agios Epiktitos not to be "leased" to Kaya group

According to Cavusoglu, the "council of ministers" postponed the decision for Zeyko plot of land to be given to investors after an interim order issued by the "court".

(AK)

[B] TURKISH PRES

[10] Turkey may freeze EU ties if the Republic of Cyprus takes over the EU presidency in 2012

Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Hryschenko, Davutoglu said that allowing the Greek Cypriot side to take over the rotating EU presidency in July 2012, without a unification deal for the divided island, would "freeze" relations between Turkey and the European bloc. "If the Greek Cypriot administration delays negotiations and assumes the EU term presidency on its own, Turkish-EU relations would freeze," said Davutoglu.

"If this were to happen, it would be out of the question for Turkey to accept the Greek Cypriot administration as its EU interlocutor," Davutoglu noted, adding: "We do not believe that Turkey and the EU can continue relations in a case where the Greek Cypriot side assumes the EU term presidency before a solution is found in Cyprus. I told [EU Commissioner Stefan] Fule that we should therefore take measures [to solve the Cyprus issue] from now on." According to Davutoglu, such measures should be aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus dispute by 2012, allowing a new, unified state to assume the EU Presidency. "The EU and the Greek Cypriot administration are facing a choice between two visions," he said. "It is time to make strategic decisions in Turkey-EU relations," Davutoglu said, adding that Ankara displayed its determination by setting up a European Union Ministry in the new Government. "The same determination should be shown by the EU as well," he said.

Inter alia, the paper reports that speaking to CNN Turk later in the day, Turkish EU Negotiator Egemen Bagis evaluated Davutoglu's remarks, saying: "What he [Davutoglu] wanted to say is that our relations with the EU presidency would be frozen, but it does not affect relations with the EU Commission."

What Turkey expects from EU on the Cyprus issue so as to avoid a crisis during the EU presidency in 2012, is "to support constructive policies of the Turkish side in the Cyprus dispute," an official from the Turkish Foreign Ministry told the Hurriyet Daily News on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (13.07.11) reports on the same issue and, inter alia, writes that speaking in an interview on TGRT broadcaster, Bagis also said that EU candidate Turkey might freeze relations with the European Union if "Greek Cyprus" assumes the EU presidency in July 2012 without a solution to the divided island. "Freezing ties is an option," Bagis noted.

[11] Fule reacts to Davutoglu's remarks

Speaking to reporters after an one-hour meeting with the Group Chair of opposition Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) Selahattin Demirtas, Fule said that he had a very beneficial meeting with BDP officials. "We discussed the reform process and the current political climate in Turkey," Fule said, noting that he has expressed his belief that the BDP can make an arrangement with other political parties and go back to the Turkish Parliament in order to contribute to the reform process in the Parliament.

Asked on what he thought on comments made by Foreign Minister Davutoglu that Turkish-EU relations would freeze if the Greek Cypriots became the EU term president unilaterally in July 2012, Fule said: "It is not the right time for such comments. The period we are in at the moment is the right one for Turkish-EU relations, the reform process and for adding a new momentum to accession negotiations."

[12] Bagis met Fule; Cyprus among the issues of discussion

Holding a joint press conference with Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis in Ankara on Wednesday, Fule said that emphasis on EU membership process in the new program of the Turkish Government is very important and encouraging. He noted that the relations between Turkey and the EU are strong and long-termed. Noting that Turkey had an increasing role in its region and the world, Fule said that this role was important for the EU too. Fule stressed that they would continue to contribute to Turkey's democratic and economic development. Pursuing the EU reform process in Turkey was also important, he added.

Commenting on Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's statements about a referendum in Cyprus in 2012, Fule said that a referendum might be held in Cyprus, adding that a consensus was targeted in Cyprus by the end of this year. Fule said that they desire a united Cyprus prior to 2012, when the Government of Cyprus would take over the EU presidency.

When asked whether a new chapter heading would be opened with Turkey soon, Fule said that they are exerting efforts to open a chapter, adding that three chapters could open at first stage.

On his part, Bagis said that unjust pressures, obstacles and exploitation of the Cyprus problem should be eliminated in Turkey's EU membership process. Bagis, said that Turkey, one more time, showed its determination in the EU membership process by establishing an EU Ministry. "If people still have doubts about Turkey's axis, they should revise their stance," added Bagis.

Noting that the Turkish Parliament would continue to fulfill reforms in the coming period, Bagis said that the reforms would be implemented apart from waiting for the opening of chapter headings in the EU negotiations. "Reforms are important in the aspect of increasing the living standards of the Turkish people," said Bagis, adding that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan focused on EU issue while presenting the government program. "We expect the EU to display a similar determination and at least to fulfill its commitments," he added.

Bagis also thanked for the constructive stance displayed by the EU Commission for enlargement during Turkey's negotiation process. "We expect the Commission to exert more efforts with the EU member states to revive the membership talks of Turkey," said Bagis, and added: "Turkey's future lies in the EU, and EU's future lies in Turkey." He said that Turkey-EU relations were so valuable and strategic that they could not be deteriorated with obstacles and artificial discussions, adding that both sides should leave aside the prejudices. Bagis said that Turkey is loyal to its commitments, adding that there would not be any problems as long as the EU implemented the decision it made unanimously on April 26, 2004.

Noting that they discussed the obstacles in front of the chapter headings during meeting with Fule, Bagis said that they would visit Brussels in September for a more comprehensive meeting.

Bagis said that Fule made some constructive suggestions regarding the visa issue, and Prime Minister Erdogan and other Government officials would assess those suggestions and convey their views during the upcoming meeting in September at the latest.

Furthermore, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (13.07.11) reports that during the press conference, Bagis said that if a divided Cyprus assumes the EU presidency, there would be no change from Turkey's point of view, but the situation would be similar to what was seen during previous term presidencies, when Ankara opened zero chapters in its accession negotiations.

Calling for the EU Commission's support, Bagis said that Turkey cannot be the "excluded child of the EU town" and suggested: "Dialogue, solidarity and honesty" in order to turn a new page. He added that none of the artificial obstacles could sabotage the Turkish-EU relations.

Fule, meanwhile, repeated his calls to Ankara to abide by the Additional Protocol, saying that the EU wants to see progress in Cyprus now that the elections are over in Turkey. "Why is Turkey not fully implementing the Protocol?" he asked Turkish authorities, calling this a key step.

"Turkey also expects the EU to comply with its April 26 commitments to ease sanctions on the northern part of Cyprus," Bagis said in a swift response.

[13] Fule met with Turkish opposition leader Kilicdaroglu

Speaking at the press conference with Kilicdaroglu, Fule said that the Commission was pleased that the CHP's Deputies took their oaths in Parliament after days of deadlock, signalling a return to the legislative process. He emphasized that Parliaments, as centres of democracy, should be inclusive and comprehensive, something that is important for the credibility and functioning of the Parliament for the maintenance of EU-led reforms. "The country's current constitutional shortcomings should be addressed in a new charter," Fule said and called for a strong opposition, which he said was important for the Turkish democracy.

Sources from the meeting said that Kilicdaroglu informed Fule on the "democracy crisis," referring to the oath deadlock in Parliament and said that his party refused to take the oath so as to bring attention to the issue of democracy in Turkey and the world. Kilicdaroglu also requested that the Commissioner stay alert on the events. "Democracy and freedom of the press are in trouble," said Kilicdaroglu.

As it is, reported, Fule, in particular, promised to reflect the opposition's views in the progress report annually released by the EU Commission, sources said. Fule added that the new charter should be drafted through a participatory understanding.

[14] "Cyprus: Two separate states, or a unified state on the horizon?"

"Turkey has long been considering the possible negative implications of declaring to the world that the search for a peaceful solution on an almost 43-year-old divided Cyprus will not yield any result if a solution cannot be found to the problem.

In other words, I understand that if a solution based on a united Cyprus that will bring the Turkish and the Greek Cypriot communities under the umbrella of a single state is not reached, Ankara is prepared to bring to the agenda the division of the island into two independent states. The international community and the big powers such as the US and influential members of the European Union, however, are expected to resist such a decision by Turkey.

Turkey has reportedly begun signalling that if a solution to the problem of this tiny Mediterranean island of Cyprus is not found later this year or early next year, the division of Cyprus into two separate states is inevitable.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, on a visit to the TRNC, a breakaway state recognized only by Turkey, on July 9, came up with the following idea: 'Our target is an agreement [on the ongoing talks on the reunification of the island] on Cyprus that will be followed by a referendum in the first few months of 2012. Therefore, a united Cyprus state can assume the EU term presidency in the second half of 2012'.

Turkey does not recognize the Greek Cypriot administration as a state despite that is was admitted to the EU in 2004 as the sole representative of Cyprus. The EU decision came despite the fact that the Turkish Cypriots approved overwhelmingly a Cyprus peace proposal that was intended to unite Cyprus under a single state where the sovereignty rights of both communities would be respected. Greek Cypriots rejected the peace proposal during the same referendum of 2004. Despite this fact, the EU made a grave mistake by making the Greek Cypriot side a member of the Union solely representing the island. Therefore, any leverage that could be used over the Greek Cypriots to agree on a United Nations peace plan over a united Cyprus state disappeared.

It would be naive to expect from the Greek Cypriot administration after being accepted to the EU as a full member, to agree on any solution that would respect the Turkish Cypriots as being their equal partners under a federal solution.

Turkey's full membership negotiations also stalled when Ankara rejected to open its ports and airspace for the Greek Cypriot administration that it does not recognize. However, deadlock on Turkish membership talks stem mostly from the explicit rejection of mainly Germany and France to Turkey having full membership status in the EU. Instead, these countries suggest a privileged partnership status to be given to Turkey which it categorically rejects.

The EU's reluctance to accept Turkey together with Turkey losing its appetite toward joining the EU due to the Union's negative stance toward Ankara, has slowed down Turkish efforts to meet the Union's democratic criteria set forth.

At the end of the day, Turkey is taken hostage by the Cyprus issue for a long time in its dealings with both Europe and NATO of which it is a member.

Turkey has long based its policy on the unresolved status of the island. This has played into the hands of the big powers within the UN Security Council such as Russia, which has backed the Greek Cypriots as a means to corner Turkey on other issues related to bilateral ties such as the power game in the Caucuses and Central Asia.

Going back to Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu's latest initiative on Cyprus in which he hinted at a deadline for the final solution to the Cyprus dispute by suggesting a referendum for the early months of next year, the Minister has also been showing signs of Turkish frustration.

The Greek Cypriot administration will assume its term at EU presidency in the second half of 2012 for six months. During that period, it will be inevitable to assume that Turkish-EU relations will be further strained.

Davutoglu made clear in his July 9 speech in the TRNC that Turkey wants a unified Cyprus set up by the Turkish and the Greek Cypriots to assume the EU presidency. He did not say what the possible repercussions would be if this does not happen. I guess what may happen, most likely, is that Turkey will declare to the world that the search for a peaceful solution for a united Cyprus has failed if a united Cyprus (both Turkish and the Greek Cypriots) does not take the presidency of the EU.

The current Turkish Government initiated a process in 2004 that saw a shift in the paradigm, not only on Cyprus, but also on all the other foreign policy issues that have yielded positive results by Turkey creating good relations with all of its neighbours. When Turkey changed its policy on Cyprus, it encouraged the majority of the Turkish Cypriots to approve a peace agreement in 2004. But the Greek Cypriots rejected that proposal.

The possible referendum that will be held on the island in the first few months of next year on a Cyprus peace proposal, if it is reached, will lead either to the creation of a united Cyprus state or to the separation of the two communities forever as two separate states.

All the parties interested should prepare themselves for a permanently divided Cyprus with two separate states, if the Greek Cypriots continue to reject any peaceful solution."

[15] Turkish and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers met in Ankara

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Kostyantyn Hryschenko in Ankara, Davutoglu said that a meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries would take place in either in November or December. "We have discussed today bilateral, regional and global issues. We have shared our views about the Ministers who would attend the meeting of the Council," Davutoglu said. "We have talked about the two countries' potential in science and technology and also discussed the matters of space and nuclear energy," Davutoglu said.

On his part, Hryschenko said that they attached high importance to the development of strategic partnership with Turkey, adding that the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council will play a crucial role in developing such a partnership with Turkey.

Asked about a visa liberalization agreement with Turkey, Hryschenko said that the two countries continued talks on the issue of visa.

Meanwhile, Davutoglu told reporters that he was considering to visit Syria soon.

[16] Turkey's new Government wins vote of confidence

In his brief speech after the voting, Prime Minister Erdogan thanked lawmakers and said: "I know we have a busy time ahead. I believe that we will be together in struggle for a bright future under this blessed roof where sovereignty rests unconditionally with the nation." Erdogan went on saying: "Our solidarity and unity here will be an important test for us to carry our country beyond the level of contemporary civilization. We will pass this test together." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article