Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-08-17

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] U.S. Ambassador and Turkish Minister on Cyprus' exploration plans for natural gas

[02] Eroglu alleges that two "sovereign states and peoples" exist in Cyprus

[03] Turkish Cypriot daily alleges that the occupied closed city of Varosha is about to be returned to its legal Greek Cypriot owners

[04] Emine Colak says the "Property Compensation Commission" operates too slowly

[05] Akansoy argues that the Cyprus problem exhausted the international community

[06] Cakici to participate in a panel discussion in London

[07] A delegation from the "Movement for Bright Future" holds contacts in Washington

[08] Turkish Cypriot celebrates the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus

[09] A fire broke out yesterday in occupied Bellapais area

[10] "A critical security meeting in Ankara"

[11] "Erdogan reiterates new era in fight against terrorism"

[12] "PM's challenging remarks"

[13] Turkey launches its first observation satellite

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Statements by the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Frank Ricciardone that the United States will not force a U.S. firm to stop its plans to hold explorations for natural gas in the Republic of Cyprus' southeastern coast, reaction of Turkish opposition parties to Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's remarks that fight against "terror" will escalate once the Ramadan holiday is over, Turkey's relations with Syria after its continuous efforts and warnings to persuade President Bashar al-Assad to put an end to military operations against civilians and other internal issues are some of the main stories covered by today's Turkish dailies.

[01] U.S. Ambassador and Turkish Minister on Cyprus' exploration plans for natural gas

"I am not about to give advice to American companies," U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Frank Ricciardone said in response to a question about whether Washington would urge Noble Energy to stop natural gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean.

Ricciardone only said that Washington would continue supporting Cyprus reunification talks.

The top U.S. envoy made the comments at a press conference with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz.

"We are aware of Turkey's stance on this. Regarding the solution in Cyprus, as always, we continue to support the efforts from both parties," said Ricciardone.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 16.08.11) under the title "Turkey set for nuclear talks with other countries after Japanese setback", reports that Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz reiterated Turkey's concern over scheduled drilling activities of Cyprus in October in eastern Mediterranean and alleged that this behaviour will not be legitimate.

"This is also what international law says. We don't consider drilling in areas that are not defined in exclusive economic zones as legitimate," Yildiz said. The Turkish minister argued also that he hopes that this issue will not bring an additional problem to the matters in the region.

[02] Eroglu alleges that two "sovereign states and peoples" exist in Cyprus

Reiterating the Turkish view regarding an agreement where Turkey's active and effective guarantees will continue and bi-zonality will not be "diluted", Eroglu alleged: "We have extended our hand for friendship and peace and we are waiting for the Greek Cypriot side. Either they will come or let them stop preventing our way and be unfair to us".

Eroglu said that if a solution is not found soon to the Cyprus problem in the way they wish and in the direction of their efforts, another problem awaits the area and the island. He alleged: "It is evident that natural gas and oil fields exist in the area around the island of Cyprus. The Greek Cypriots act assuming that they will be able to use these resources in the way they wish and enter into some relations. We could not accept this. The determination of motherland Turkey and our decision unanimously taken in our Republican Assembly is there".

Eroglu threatened that new problems will be caused on the island in July 2012, if an agreement in harmony with the "realities" is not signed before the Republic of Cyprus's EU term presidency. He argued: "Motherland Turkey has clearly stated through esteemed Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan himself that it will freeze its relations with the EU in case the Greek Cypriot side becomes EU term president in 2012, that it could not accept the Greek Cypriot side as its interlocutor and that not one but two states exist in Cyprus. This statement should seriously be taken into consideration and the sides concerned should persuade the Greek Cypriot side to come to the right way. Otherwise, both EU and Turkey and the negotiations process in Cyprus will suffer great damage from the developments?"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkish Cypriot daily alleges that the occupied closed city of Varosha is about to be returned to its legal Greek Cypriot owners

Citing a reliable source, the paper writes that the bargaining on Varosha continues full speed and it will soon come to light. Recalling information published in the Greek Cypriot press regarding agreement reached between the sides for holding a conference on the Cyprus problem similar to the one held on the Palestinian problem in Camp David, the paper reports that the source argued that with the move regarding Varosha the Turkish side will corner the Greek side and it will be strengthened so much that the Greek side will not be able to cope with it.

The source said that the target is for the two sides to hold a conference in New York in the end of October or in the beginning of November the latest after the completion of the ongoing intensified negotiations, and to reach a framework agreement and find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem with an international conference which will be held before the end of the year. The same source alleged that the agreement which will be reached will be submitted to referendum in the first months of 2012.

The source noted that in return for the opening of Varosha, the illegal Tymvou airport and the occupied Famagusta port will open to international flights and trade under the administration of the EU or the UN. It also said that the withdrawal of the lawsuits of the Greek Cypriots at the European Court of Human Rights against Turkey regarding Varosha is on the agenda, but no definite agreement exists on this issue.

The paper writes that it expects from the "officials" to make a clear statement on these issues.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Emine Colak says the "Property Compensation Commission" operates too slowly

She added: "As long as the European Court of Human Rights exists there, it is always a danger. The institutions will make their demands in Strasbourg and this situation will cause more costs for Turkey. The continuation of the operation of the Commission is wiser and it should be continued".

Colak said that the most applications are filed for properties in the occupied area of Keryneia and in the northern part of Lefkosia.

Meanwhile, the paper reports that until 16 August 2011, the number of the applications submitted to the "Commission" was 1601. According the paper, 179 friendly settlements were reached between the "Commission" and the applicants and other seven cases were concluded in "court". The "Commission" paid 58.231.440 pound sterling to the applicants for their properties and it decided the return of property in one application, exchange and compensation of property in two applications and return and compensation for five applications. The "Commission" decided also return and compensation of property after the solution of the Cyprus problem for one application and partial return of property for another application.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Akansoy argues that the Cyprus problem exhausted the international community

Akansoy argued that "balances have changed" after the tragedy experienced in the government-controlled area of Cyprus [on 11 July 2011]. Referring to President Christofias, he said that it is difficult to foresee what steps will be taken by a leader who faces so many problems and is so weakened.

Akansoy expressed the view that not only the "peoples" of Cyprus are tired, but the international community is also exhausted from the Cyprus problem. He noted that the negotiations started in 1968 and that this is not an acceptable situation.

Akansoy noted that a bargaining is held in the negotiations and both sides will not be fully satisfied when talks are completed, because "both sides negotiate for their ideal". Referring to a recent statement made by the leader of the Democratic Rally Party Nikos Anastasiades, Akansoy said that thinking that the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, will be recognized in case the negotiations fail, is a big mistake. "There is no such development. Therefore, we have to evaluate well the developments", he said adding that they should continue the dialogue for reaching a model that will be protecting the interests of the Turkish Cypriots.

Responding to a question regarding Prime Minister Erdogan's statement on the EU term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, Akansoy argued that actually Erdogan expressed an existing reality and that the message went to the EU. He said that after the victory of Erdogan in the Turkish elections by receiving 50% of the votes, pressure was exerted on him to take some steps in Cyprus. He noted: "Erdogan made a statement in front of this [situation]. As you know Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus. Therefore, in case the Republic of Cyprus holds the term presidency in the EU, there could be no diplomatic relation between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus. The statement by Erdogan on 'the freezing' of the relations, does not mean that the Republic of Turkey will totally abolish its relations with the EU. It means that the relations will be limited".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Cakici to participate in a panel discussion in London

Cakici, who will stay in London until September 19, will also hold various contacts and will visit media organizations.

[07] A delegation from the "Movement for Bright Future" holds contacts in Washington

According to a statement of AYH, the delegation met with high ranking officials of the US State Department's Education and Culture Affairs Bureau, and Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Bureau.

[08] Turkish Cypriot celebrates the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus

In statements yesterday he said he could not think of any other solution to the Cyprus problem except the return to the Republic of Cyprus. Hur was born in a village of Pafos district.

The paper reports that the Republic of Cyprus was officially declared on 16 August 1960, but the Greek Cypriots celebrate it on 1 October.

(I/Ts.)

[09] A fire broke out yesterday in occupied Bellapais area

[10] "A critical security meeting in Ankara"

According to the paper, Davutoglu's face showed that he was not happy with what he was saying what he had to say. He filled in the blanks in President Abdullah Gul's ultimatum letter that he delivered last week to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

He said Ankara had not mentioned a deadline for Damascus to stop opening fire on its own people demonstrating for more rights. But this time, Davutoglu said the Turkish government requested that the Syrian government stop it "immediately".

The paper goes on and reports, inter alia, the following:

"On Thursday, the president will convene the National Security Board (MGK) meeting in Cankaya Palace in Ankara with two main files on the table. One of them is the Kurdish issue and the fight with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The issue is important especially after the latest remarks by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the PKK should wait and see what will happen to it at the end of the holy month of Ramadan if it does not stop killing. Perhaps that was the reason why the PKK did not cause any bloodshed on Tuesday, the 27th anniversary of its first armed action.

But the hot issue on the MGK agenda is Syria. According to official sources in Ankara, the MGK is planning to evaluate at least two scenarios on what to do in Syria if Assad does not make a last-minute move to stop terrorizing his own people. Davutoglu's words the other day saying that Turkey would continue standing by the Syrian people, if not government, clearly shows that helping the Syrian opposition against the Assad regime is being seriously considered.

When considering that only eight months ago the two governments were so close as to organize joint Cabinet meetings and lift visas for each other's citizens, the change is a sharp one.

Erdogan's decision on the Syria policy after tomorrow's MGK meeting might change many balances in the region, if it is noted that Washington was not 'surprised' by Ankara's exhausted patience and Tehran's reaction to Davutoglu's ultimatum to Damascus."

Moreover, Turkish daily Hurriyet (online, 17.08.11) reports that during the MGK meeting, the stance of Turkey on Republic of Cyprus' announcement to launch natural gas exploration in the Mediterranean will be discussed.

[11] "Erdogan reiterates new era in fight against terrorism"

"(?)

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Erdogan repeated his earlier promise in an iftar dinner on Tuesday that the government has launched a new period in fight against terrorism, stressing that the struggle against the PKK will not mean stepping back from democracy and freedoms.

Erdogan said Turkey is making preparation of this 'new struggle' with its every single detail, adding that works to assign professional staff in hot spots are in their final stages.

Stressing that the government will protect the country forever, Erdogan said the state will protect the security, peace and happiness of 74 million citizens without stepping back from democracy, law and freedoms.

On Sunday, Erdogan said push has come to shove for Turkey, indicating that the country will enter a new era in the fight against terror after Ramadan.

'I am saying it frankly. The cost of this will be heavy for them. Those who fail to distance themselves from the separatist terrorist organization in this country are also abetting this crime. They are also doomed to pay the price for that', the prime minister said referring to the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), which has so far failed to deny links with the PKK.

'We are maintaining our patience because of our respect for Ramadan. But, everyone should know that the beginning of peace will be more different after this month of peace and solidarity', Erdogan added.

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy chairman Oktay Vural and other opposition parties criticized Erdogan on Tuesday for his statement that the government will wait the Ramadan to end to start operations against the PKK and urged the government to launch the struggle against the terrorist organization immediately.

(?)"

[12] "PM's challenging remarks"

"Everyone is discussing remarks made by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a fast-breaking dinner earlier this week.

In an open challenge to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has recently stepped up its acts of violence despite the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Erdogan said that push had come to shove for Turkey, indicating that the country will enter a new era in the fight against terrorism after Ramadan. It is certain that the government will pursue a harsher policy against the PKK and launch a military operation to crack down on its members following Ramadan and it is the PKK itself that has brought things to this level.

Radikal's Akif Beki questions the reasons that might have prompted Erdogan to take a harsh line and adopt a hawkish attitude, and says all the reasons are there in Turkey asking for Erdogan to be hawkish. 'Can we say the country is at peace today? No. Can we say the PKK is not involved in acts of violence? No. Has the PKK stopped spilling blood? No. Can resorting to violence have any legitimate reasons? No. Should the state remain silent when its local governors are kidnapped and its soldiers are killed? Of course not. So, it is bizarre to find Erdogan's harsh language strange because he has gotten hawkish. Let's not deceive ourselves, no nation would remain silent and not resort to its weapons in the current circumstances,' says Beki. So, he is suggesting the prime minister has many reasons for becoming hawkish, but the thing that should be questioned is why the PKK is forcing the state to use force. What does it expect from delaying the peace process?

Commenting on Erdogan's speech, Milliyet's Fikret Bila says Erdogan has reiterated once again that a government initiative launched to resolve the Kurdish issue does not mean recognizing the autonomy of the Kurds in the Southeast as expected by the PKK, pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) and the Democratic Society Congress (DTK). 'Demands for autonomy and a federation are not meant for living together but to institutionalize partition. So, it is necessary to understand Erdogan's remarks from this perspective,' says Bila.

As to what might happen in the fight against terrorism after the month of Ramadan, Haber Turk's Fatih Altayli says there will be both a judicial and a military operation against the members of the PKK, the BDP and the DTK. The military operation will aim to strike a severe blow to the PKK, which operates in camps from northern Iraq, while the judicial operation will target members of the DTK and the BDP who are behind the DTK's recent declaration of autonomy."

[13] Turkey launches its first observation satellite

RASAT is a microsatellite imaging mission of TUBITAK-UZAY (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey - Space Technologies Research Institute) in Ankara. The project was funded by the State Planning Office.

RASAT was the first remote sensing satellite that was developed and manufactured in Turkey by Turkish engineers.

One of the purposes of the RASAT program was to further improve the infrastructure required to assemble, integrate and test small satellites in Turkey without receiving any foreign resources in terms of advisors or partners.

The satellite images provided by RASAT will also be used in urban and regional planning, forestry, agriculture, disaster monitoring and for other similar purposes. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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