Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-09-16

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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] Ozersay says delimitation of their "continental shelf" is their first step on the issue of oil and natural gas

[02] Turkish warships will reportedly take any step including opening fire to stop Cyprus' exploration for oil and natural gas

[03] Atalay said that Turkey decided to implement its first steps against the initiatives of Cyprus on oil exploration

[04] Atalay's contacts in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[05] Davutoglu had a phone conservation with Downer on Cyprus problem

[06] Eroglu says his primary task is to protect "TRNC state and citizenship" in the negotiations

[07] The breakaway regime has distributed "citizenship" to 1020 persons since 20098. "Investors from Kuwait to TRNC"

[09] Erdogan: "Israel cannot do whatever it wants in the eastern Mediterranean"

[10] Bagis: "We have not lost motivation in Turkey's EU process"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Tunisia about Turkey's demands on its ties with Israel to be normalized, the escalating tension between Ankara and Tel Aviv, reports about a meeting said to be held between Turkey's intelligence chief (MIT) and senior members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and other internal issues are some of the main stories covered by today's Turkish dailies.

[01] Ozersay says delimitation of their "continental shelf" is their first step on the issue of oil and natural gas

In statements to illegal Bayrak television last night, Ozersay, who participated yesterday in a meeting at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara on the issue of oil and natural gas drilling by the Republic of Cyprus, said that in order for the Cyprus negotiations to succeed, the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to suspend the steps it has started to take, if the Greek Cypriot side postpones or suspends its initiatives.

Assessing the decision taken (yesterday) by the Turkish Cypriot side regarding the debates on natural gas and oil, Ozersay said that according to the Turkish Cypriot side, this issue is directly related to the Cyprus talks and recalled that on 9 September (2011) he had participated in a meeting in Ankara on the same issue. "The step taken today is a natural result of the decisions taken on 9 September", said Ozersay referring to the decision regarding delimiting the "continental shelf" between Turkey and the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Ozersay noted that the decision taken yesterday is the first step and shows the determination of the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey. He argued that the issue concerns the interests of the Turkish Cypriot "people" and no one should expect them to sit doing nothing and watch the activities of the Greek Cypriot side, as he described the Republic of Cyprus.

Ozersay argued that the attempt of the Greek Cypriot side to allegedly cause tension in a period during which intensified negotiations are held is dangerous and claimed that this shows "lack of good will".

Ozersay alleged, inter alia, the following: "Similar steps drag the Cyprus problem into the Middle East problem which is complex in any case and could harm the safety of life and property of many people. That is, the Cyprus problem is turned into a Middle East problem. We, however, do not want crisis. The Cyprus problem is complex enough and we do not need new and problematic actors and the tensions of other regions. We think that with such initiatives and with other artificial crises that will be imported from the Middle East the solution of the Cyprus problem will become more difficult. Therefore, the Turkish Cypriot side is determined on the issue of responding with counter measures to steps taken by the Greek Cypriot side and these measures will be taken".

Ozersay went on and expressed the view that if oil or natural gas is found out, it will be more difficult for the countries involved in the Cyprus problem to convince the Greek Cypriot side on the issue of the solution. He claimed that no one believes the Greek Cypriot side when it says that "these resources belong to both communities".

Pointing out that the latest developments have clearly shown the necessity of reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem, Ozersay alleged, inter alia, the following: "?If these resources are common, we should have jointly taken decisions on many issues including the international agreements for the use of these resources? Everybody should know that the Greek Cypriot side has no right to decide alone especially on agreements and contracts which will dominate over the future and the sovereignty of the island?"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkish warships will reportedly take any step including opening fire to stop Cyprus' exploration for oil and natural gas

Citing information obtained by a reliable source, Kibris writes that Ankara will deploy its fleet in the area, in case the Republic of Cyprus officially launches drilling for oil and natural gas. If the drilling does not stop with the moves of the Turkish warships around Cyprus' 12th parcel named "Aphrodite", it is said that the Turkish warships will take any kind of steps "including intervention with gunfire".

Asked what will happen if Israel interferes in the situation, the same source argued that the scenario prepared by the Greek Cypriot side is in this direction and alleged: "They want to drag the actors in the Middle East into the Cyprus problem and this is a dangerous game". The "official" expressed the view that President Christofias "is playing with fire" and that the negotiations process aiming at achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem will be "blown up".

Meanwhile, Kibris reports that commenting on the agreement reached yesterday between Turkey and the breakaway regime to delimit their "continental shelf", the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement arguing that this was an indication of their determination to protect the "equal rights of the Turkish Cypriot people over the natural resources on the island and its surrounding area".

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (16.09.11) describes as "crucial step by Ankara" the agreement achieved yesterday at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and refers to the developments under the title "Setting forth final opinion for natural gas in scathing terms".

Under the title "Alarm", Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (16.09.11) reports that the drilling in the Mediterranean will start next week. According to the paper, Turkey "is not carrying too far" the threat that its fleet will be deployed in the Mediterranean, but the Greek Cypriot National Guard, as it describes the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus, is ready for conflict.

Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis (16.09.11) refers to the developments under the title "Continental shelf: the answer to the Greek Cypriots".

Referring to the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (16.09.11) wonders whether Israel will risk a "close contact with Turkey".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Atalay said that Turkey decided to implement its first steps against the initiatives of Cyprus on oil exploration

Atalay also said it was Turkey's obligation to take a series of concrete steps with the breakaway regime against current circumstances and recent developments in order to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriots in line with its guarantor state status and position in the island. "And we have taken those steps," Atalay added.

Atalay's remarks came after the Republic of Cyprus' initiatives to explore oil and natural gas in the East Mediterranean.

"This stance indicates insincerity of the Greek Cypriots about settlement of Cyprus problem," Atalay alleged.

Atalay said the Cyprus Government had made an agreement to delimit naval authority zones in the East Mediterranean "as if it was the only government in the island". "Moreover, the Greek Cypriot administration set oil and natural gas licence zones in the south of the island, invited international oil companies, and asked these companies to make explorations," he said.

Atalay claimed that these initiatives harmed the spirit and course of ongoing negotiations aiming to find a comprehensive settlement, and caused a tension in the region. "We have stated many times that this sovereignty-related issue should be left aside until a settlement is found, and Turkish Cypriots also have equal and legitimate rights on natural resources in the island," Atalay added.

Atalay argued Turkey and its breakaway regime had always exerted sincere efforts for a solution, but the Cyprus Government was assuming "provocative approaches" when there was still hope for a solution. Atalay also said Turkey would behave with common sense, but Turkish and breakaway regime's officials had decided to implement the first measures against these initiatives.

"Accordingly, Turkey and TRNC will make a continental shelf delimitation agreement in case Greek Cypriot administration launched drilling," Atalay said.

Atalay said a Turkish delegation, headed by deputy undersecretary of Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, would visit the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on Friday to set framework of cooperation on oil and natural gas exploration in naval areas.

Atalay also noted Turkey and its breakaway regime would review their attitude and take further steps in line with developments.

[04] Atalay's contacts in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

Speaking during his visit, Atalay reiterated Turkey's support to the breakaway regime, adding that Turkish Cypriots' concerns were the Turkish nation's concerns. "We as a strong Turkey will always be by your side supporting you", he said.

Atalay also said that there were many projects they were working jointly with the officials of the breakaway regime, primarily on improving the economy.

For his part, Eroglu said that "Turkey and the TRNC worked together to overcome all difficulties and problems".

Commenting on the Cyprus problem, Eroglu claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue to work with all its good will towards reaching a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. He added that time will tell whether a solution will be possible or not.

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (online, 15.09.11) reported that during a meeting with Atalay, the self-styled speaker of the Assembly Hasan Bozer said that the Turkish Cypriots owe all their achievements to the support extended to them by "motherland Turkey." He also gave the message that cooperation between Turkey and the breakaway regime will continue in the future. He added that Turkey's support and cooperation with the breakaway regime will raise the prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots.

He said that there were two main issues where consensus and unanimity existed in the so-called parliament, the continuation of Turkey's active and effective guarantee and the issue of oil and natural gas exploration off the coast of Cyprus.

For his part, Atalay said that his visit aimed at better understanding the problems of the breakaway regime. He reiterated that Turkey's support to the breakaway regime and the Turkish Cypriots will always continue and that he himself will do all he can to further develop relations between Turkey and the breakaway regime.

Furthermore, Atalay continued his contacts with a visit to the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk. Ankara Anatolia news agency (15.09.11) reported that during the meeting, Atalay argued that Turkey had stronger economy than European countries, adding that Turkey got its current strength from reforms, and Turkey had a more robust economy than European countries today.

"European countries are saying so. There is a growing and strengthening Turkey and we have achieved it with reforms and transformation policies," Atalay added.

Atalay also said Turkey would always stand by the breakaway regime and extend every support, adding that the breakaway regime was successfully implementing its economic program.

Moreover, Atalay said Turkey would do everything it could regarding Israeli and Cyprus initiatives to explore oil and natural resources in East Mediterranean. "I consider it a political manoeuvre in the current political conjuncture, and a reflection of political atmosphere between Turkey and Israel," Atalay claimed.

Atalay argued the Cyprus Government and Israel were using it as a political manoeuvre. "Mediterranean belongs to all of us, and Turkey is very sensitive about this issue both in security and economic sense," he also alleged.

Kucuk, on his part, said the Cyprus Government had not given a positive response to warnings regarding oil and natural gas exploration initiatives. However, he described Atalay's visit to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Middle East tour as a warning.

"As far as we are concerned, the Greek Cypriot administration is in an effort to divide this island by insisting on some of their decisions," Kucuk alleged.

Kucuk claimed not only Turkish Government but also the breakaway regime were trying to establish a united Cyprus, however the Greek Cypriots were just trying to maintain the status quo (divided status) of the island.

Moreover, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (16.09.11), within the framework of his contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus, Turkey's deputy prime minister for Cyprus affairs Besir Atalay paid also a visit to the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and met with the party's chairman Ozkan Yorgancioglu and other "officials".

Speaking during the meeting, Atalay referred to the economic package and asked from CTP to show sensitivity and support the package in the "assembly" in order for the package to be implemented in a better way.

As regards Turkey's economy, Atalay said that Turkey has a very serious economic power today something that is proved by the positive economic indexes and added that Turkey got its current strength after 2001 when it implemented an economic reform package.

Also speaking, CTP's chairman Ozkan Yorgancioglu stated that CTP considers that a lot of things should be done not only in the field of economy but also in the field of democratization and added that together with the people they will exert any kind of effort so that they will create the appropriate conditions in the country.

(AK)

[05] Davutoglu had a phone conservation with Downer on Cyprus problem

Sources said Davutoglu and Downer discussed latest developments on the island as well as settlement talks aimed to find a solution to the island's division.

[06] Eroglu says his primary task is to protect "TRNC state and citizenship" in the negotiations

"We have been continuing the negotiations for nearly one and a half year. [...] My goal is to ensure a viable permanent agreement to Cyprus; to continue efforts for reaching a position where the Cyprus Turkish people, being free and sovereign, will be able to administer their own area by themselves. To ensure an agreement where the least possible number of our people will be displaced, on the condition of Turkey's effective and active guarantees and based on the equality of the two peoples. [...]

This moment there are two separate peoples and areas. Regardless of whether they do or do not recognize us, after all the TRNC state exists and has all the necessary elements of a state: its people, soil, government, parliament, democratic institutions and establishments. [...] At the negotiations table I am saying that time and life has not stopped in 1974, life goes on. Until an agreement is reached the government of this country will continue to execute its activities, political parties coming into power will continue to implement their programs. And one of these activities is the issue of citizenship. Like in every country, TRNC has the citizenship law and will act according to this legislation. [...]

I cannot say that we have reached an agreement point to the various subjects that progress has been made. My wish is for our neighbours to accept the realities from the past until today and find the road to an agreement that will not revive the past under the light of today's existing realities."

[07] The breakaway regime has distributed "citizenship" to 1020 persons since 2009Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (16.09.11) reports that the so-called council of ministers of the breakaway regime decided to grant the "TRNC citizenship" to eight more persons who are of Turkish origin.

Yeni Duzen goes on and writes that despite recent statements by Irsen Kucuk, so-called prime minister, that the "government" of the National Unity Party (UBP) only granted "citizenship" to seven persons, this is not the case. According to the paper, in the last 19 months, from April 2009 when the UBP came to "power" until January 2011, UBP granted the "TRNC citizenship" to 239 persons. In addition, the "citizenship" was granted to 781 more persons during the last six months.

Citing reliable sources, the paper also writes that the number of persons who are granted the "citizenship" in occupied Cyprus is bigger than the number of the babies born. In March 201 persons were granted the "citizenship" while in June this number reached 152. However, notes Yeni Duzen, the exact and official figures are not announced.

[08] "Investors from Kuwait to TRNC"

According to the paper, they have already taken the necessary "permits" for the hotel in occupied Lapithos and the value of the plot they are interested in reaches 1 million GBP. Furthermore, the paper reports that the Kuwaiti businessmen were scheduled to meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, but due to a change in their date of arrival, the meeting was cancelled.

[09] Erdogan: "Israel cannot do whatever it wants in the eastern Mediterranean"

On the third day of his historic visit to northern Africa, Prime Minister Erdogan met Tunisia's transitional government's Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi.

"Turkey is a democratic, secular and social state of law. As for secularism, a secular state has an equal distance to all religious groups including Muslim, Christian, Jewish and atheist people," he said.

Asked about recent developments in the Middle East, Prime Minister Erdogan said: "Turkey's attitude is clear. We extend full support to Palestinian people. As we said on all kinds of international occasions, we are not going to remain silent against Israel's atrocity."

Referring to the Israeli deadly attack on Gaza-bound aid flotilla last year, Erdogan said: "It is impossible to normalize Turkey-Israel relations unless Israel apologizes to us, pays compensation to relatives of the victims and lifts embargoes on Gaza. Earlier, we announced a five-step plan. We have downgraded our relations to the level of second secretary and frozen all deals in defence industry. We are going to defend the rights of the nine people who were killed in the Israeli attack".

Erdogan said that they would assure protection of Turkish vessels bound for Gaza or somewhere else in the international waters. "Israel cannot do whatever it wants in the eastern Mediterranean. It will see our determination. Our frigates, our assault boats will be there," he added.

Moreover, Erdogan said that they aimed at improving their relations with Tunisia in all areas including defence industry. "We also need to improve our commercial and economic relations. We are going to encourage our businessmen to invest in Tunisia. We have to start marine transportation between Turkey and Tunisia. And we have to cooperate in tourism. I believe that Tunisia will emerge as a powerful country following the election in October," he concluded.

Prior to the news conference, a friendship and cooperation agreement was signed by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and his Tunisian counterpart Mouldi Kefi.

[10] Bagis: "We have not lost motivation in Turkey's EU process"

"Turkey has never entered a process in which it could not see the end of the process and it never will enter a process whose end cannot be seen. We consider the end of the process as one based on laws and the acquis. We are ready to go through the process that all other candidate countries did. However, obstacles not placed in the face of other candidates are being presented in Turkey's process", Bagis said.

"We are offended when certain circles propose Turkey a 'privileged partnership' as nowhere in the 110,000 pages of the EU acquis such a partnership was mentioned", Bagis added.

"Our foreign policy is based on a win-win understanding. We are ready to establish a system in which both Turkey and Europe can win", Bagis noted.

"Every time we meet with European officials, the issue of visas comes up. There is no logic in cases of visas in Europe. Visa regulations imposed on the citizens of the Republic of Turkey have no legal basis and no logic. As a member of the Customs Union, our products can be freely marketed in Europe. Yet seeing our citizens waiting for visas in front of European consulates cannot be understood as there is no logic here. No one can explain why the EU is not conducting talks with Turkey on visas when the Union is conducting visa talks with Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Russia", Bagis said.

The main topics of this 29th meeting will be the energy sector, the economic performance of Turkey, and the visa issue. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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