Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-09-30

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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] Erdogan urges the Greek Cypriot side to halt offshore drilling

[02] Eroglu argues that the aim of launching seismic exploration is to protect their "rights" in Eastern Mediterranean

[03] The regime is preparing to grant "citizenship" to thousands of illegal Turkish settlers

[04] Chairman of settlers association evaluates recent developments in "TRNC"

[05] Bagis: "It isn't the end of the world if we don't open a new chapter in EU accession talks for another six months"

[06] Yildiz said that what Turkey did in the Mediterranean was seismic research, not "drilling"

[07] Arinc: "Some of my expressions caused misunderstandings"

[08] Piri Reis will complete its surveys on Monday

[09] Eroglu met with a US official

[10] Turkey's Yildirim due in the occupied area

[11] Residents in occupied Sinta village protested against the construction of stone quarries in the village

[12] "Turkish PM taunts the EU in Skopje"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

The address by the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan to the Turkish nation in which he called on the Republic of Cyprus to halt offshore drilling for natural gas, statements by the Energy And Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz that Turkey is conducting seismic researches and not oil drilling in the Mediterranean, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc's explanations that his statements regarding the telephone conversation between Erdogan and Papandreou caused misunderstandings, the visit of Erdogan to FYROM and other internal issues are some of the main topics in today's Turkish newspapers.

[01] Erdogan urges the Greek Cypriot side to halt offshore drilling

"Those who expect leverage from a crisis or political gain from tension must stop making such mistakes", Erdogan told.

Erdogan claimed that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu presented to the UN Secretary-General a proposal in a bid to offer a fair solution to the offshore drilling standoff in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"The proposal offers, in case the Greek Cypriots insisted on drilling, setting up a committee of Turkish and Greek Cypriots as well as written permissions from both sides on drilling agreements and licenses, and negotiations to determine how the income from hydrocarbon reserves would be shared among the two communities if drilling proved successful in exploring oil or gas," Erdogan said, adding that the proposal also put forward the condition that the hydrocarbon income could not be spent to buy weapons.

"This is indeed a very fair and constructive proposal and a good opportunity to end the crisis. If the Turkish Cypriot proposal is left without a response, neither Turkey nor the TRNC [breakaway regime] will let such a fait accompli in defiance of their rights," Erdogan alleged.

[02] Eroglu argues that the aim of launching seismic exploration is to protect their "rights" in Eastern Mediterranean

In further claims, Eroglu reminded his proposal to the UN Secretary-General in New York after the start of the drilling by the Republic of Cyprus and argued that Ban Ki-moon thought that this proposal was positive. He noted that at the same time, the USA has also stated that this proposal was reasonable and acceptable. He argued that this derives from the "sincere continuation of the will of the Turkish side for a really lasting and just solution".

Eroglu said that the ship named Piri Reis is currently carrying out exploration on behalf of the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, near parcel 12 where the Republic of Cyprus is conducting its drilling. He said that the Turkish side is determined to defend its rights and, if needed, equipment for drilling will be secured, like the Turkish Minister of Energy had stated.

Referring to the Cyprus talks, Eroglu reiterated the Turkish view that the solution to be reached should become primary law of the European Union and noted that in spite of the fact that President Christofias does not accept this, they insist on this issue because it is necessary for the viability of the solution. He said that during their meeting today they would discuss the issue of internal security and if the issue is approached with good will, there is no reason why it could not be solved.

Eroglu said that disagreement exists on the property issue and added that on the issue of territory, the Turkish side wants the displacement of as few people as possible. He argued that the developments in 1974 could not be disregarded.

Eroglu noted that after the meeting on Friday, a give and take procedure could begin on certain issues and added that some things will be further clarified during the two-day long tripartite summit to be held in New York in the end of October.

Eroglu alleged that the UN has also accepted that the Turkish side works with all its power for a lasting and viable solution in Cyprus and argued that this is an important success. He said that they will continue their stance until the end of the process.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (30.09.11) reports that in statements yesterday during the opening ceremony of the agricultural, livestock, dairy products and heavy machinery fair in the occupied part of Lefkosia, Eroglu underlined the importance of land in farming and noted that the territory is one of the most important chapters in the Cyprus negotiations. Referring to the farmers, Eroglu said: "As long as you work these lands and protect them, the foundations of the state become stronger and my strength at the negotiating table increases".

Noting that today they would discuss the issue of the police with President Christofias and that the guarantees would also be brought onto the agenda, Eroglu said that their stance on these issues is known and no one should worry. He alleged that the Turkish side continues its efforts for a mutually accepted agreement and added that they would see on 30 and 31 October in New York if this is possible.

Furthermore, Gunes (30.09.11) reports that in statements during a meeting with the producers of occupied Limnitis area, Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot side wants the opening of a crossing point in Lefka after the opening of the Limnitis-Pyrgos crossing point. Underlining the economic importance of this crossing point for the Turkish Cypriots, Eroglu noted that this issue will again be brought onto the agenda of his meetings with President Christofias.

Eroglu noted that after the tripartite summit in New York, the road which they will follow will be determined. He said that everything has a beginning and an end and argued that his wish is for the Cyprus negotiations to end with an agreement.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The regime is preparing to grant "citizenship" to thousands of illegal Turkish settlers

Cavusoglu noted also that they are carrying out various preparations for citizens of Turkey and added that they will soon issue a statement on this matter. He said that they will give to the citizens of Turkey the "right" to acquire property in the occupied area of Cyprus. He noted that their aim with this is to revive the constructions sector.

Referring to the issue of "citizenship", Cavusoglu said also the following: "The TRNC citizens have sensitivities on this issue. Those who are born on the island expect citizenship. The population of the island is small and the sensitivity on the issue of the citizenship is high. Everyone who lives legally for five years in the country is granted the right to become citizen. In my view this citizenship law should have been adopted many years ago".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Chairman of settlers association evaluates recent developments in "TRNC"

Answering the question whether four "Alexandrettans Associations" seems a lot for the occupied area, Zaroglu said that their people have been exploited for many years by some chairmen of the associations; they were used for their "vote" potential by certain people who looked after their own interest. He further commented that they are being reckoned as a political force, used only before "elections" and then disregarded. He characterized this behaviour as treason and noted that only in occupied Lefkosia area they have 4,000 "voters". Zaroglu also said that they don't plan to become a political party and advised the other associations to sustain form such an idea, since such actions create divisions.

Furthermore, referring to the latest measures that the breakaway regime is willing to implement regarding illegal immigration, Zaroglu said that the proposed white/ green card scheme was racist because it was discriminating. Instead he asked for all the people who have the right to become "citizens" to be able to do so [according to the breakaway regime's regulations, persons residing for 5 years in the "TRNC" have the right to obtain "citizenship"].

Moreover, he said that the "pardon initiative" is a positive measure; however in its current form it does not constitute a solution, because the people who will make use of it, after 3-5 months will again become illegal, argued Zaroglu and said that they should fine employers who employ people illegally and conduct more often checks. He also said that they as association are preparing to assist any fellow Alexandrettan, who does not afford to pay the premium for the pardon and added: "After the pardon, whoever continues to be considered as illegal and must be expelled, we will support this."

Zaroglu, expressing his views on the population rise observed in the occupied area, said that they don't see it as something negative. He argued that they should utilize the work force of the existing persons in the occupied area and said that they don't separate people into "us and them" [Tr. Note: Turkish Cypriots and settlers], but rather as people on the same boat, a boat that they must steer together.

[05] Bagis: "It isn't the end of the world if we don't open a new chapter in EU accession talks for another six months"

"The European Union for the first time is planning to draw a road map to completely remove visa requirements for Turkish citizens, while in the meantime the Union will take steps to ease visa procedures, according to Cecilia Malmstrom, European Commission representative for interior affairs.

The process will start in the fall and will consists of five steps, starting with granting longer duration visas, then multi-entry visas, then shortening the processing time, then reducing the paperwork required, and then extending again or even eliminating visas for certain sectors.

Turkey's European Union Minister Egemen Bagis on Wednesday participated in a session of the European Parliament discussing the Union's visa regime for Turkish nationals. The EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on Wednesday was the first high-level meeting between Turkey and the EU on what Ankara hopes will lead to further negotiations to remove visa requirements for Turks visiting EU member states.

'We are about to embark on a journey. But it will take time. And to begin with, we will ease visa procedures,' said Malmstrom, adding that the EU member states would issue longer-stay, multi-entry visas with shorter issuance periods and less paper work, as well as indefinite visas for certain sectors.

'We have seen the light at the end of the tunnel. All we ask for is an end to the discrimination and equal treatment with other candidate countries,' Bagis said.

Bagis denied allegations that a wave of migration from Turkey to the EU would follow visa exemption, saying that a reverse migration was already underway. 'As a matter of fact, nearly 30,000 Turks returned home within the past few years,' he said.

Responding to a question by a parliamentary lawmaker about Turkey's decision to freeze relations with the EU term presidency when the Greek Cypriot administration [Cyprus Government] assumes the helm if a settlement on the Cyprus issue has not been found, Bagis said that membership negotiations could wait for six months without opening another chapter.

'It isn't the end of the world if we don't open a new chapter in accession talks for another six months, Bagis said."

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (29.09.11) reported that Bagis, responding to a question over the Cyprus offshore drilling for hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean, claimed that the Greek Cypriot side's move was aimed at hurting the settlement talks.

"Oil and gas won't go anywhere. The Greek Cypriot side is damaging the UN and it shoots the EU in the foot", Bagis alleged.

[06] Yildiz said that what Turkey did in the Mediterranean was seismic research, not "drilling"

"We are carrying out a realistic and actual technical research, away from political provocation," Yildiz said.

Yildiz said that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded that either this injustice be ended or the status of this exploration, which was the right of the entire Cypriot people, should be set well. "We will continue our studies unless a backward step is taken," Yildiz added.

Yildiz said what Turkey was carrying out in the Mediterranean was seismic research, not "drilling", and Turkey would launch drilling if it made a significant discovery there.

"Turkey is a strong, developing and growing country, and it will not remain indifferent to this injustice in the Mediterranean," Yildiz said.

Yildiz said what Turkey was doing in the Mediterranean does not mean Turkey ignored its zero problem policy, but meant that it does not remain indifferent to regional developments, adding: "Therefore, technical studies will continue and we will take action according to the result of seismic researches".

Minister Yildiz also referred to Turkey's nuclear energy projects, and said that the Fukushima nuclear disaster affected nuclear talks between Turkey and Japan, and expressed his hope that the Japanese executives would finalize their decision and notify Turkey as soon as possible.

[07] Arinc: "Some of my expressions caused misunderstandings"

Arinc, in a press release on Thursday, said: "In the interview, I wanted to explain Turkey's stance and the friendly atmosphere in a phone conversation between Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Greek counterpart George Papandreou as well as to highlight the issues that were conveyed by Premier Erdogan to Papandreou during the phone conversation."

"Of course, Greece's Premier has also explained his position in the conversation. Unfortunately, some of my expressions caused misunderstandings," he said.

Arinc said that the current level of relations between Turkey and Greece and mutual friendly ties between the Prime Ministers of the two countries is important.

[08] Piri Reis will complete its surveys on Monday

Benli said that the Turkish Cypriots have a right to all the shores of Cyprus and said that Piri Reis will continue its surveys at the G parcel. He stated that they entered parcel 12, a part of which overlaps G parcel.

Referring to Piri Reis, Benli stated that it is now around 80-100 Km off shore of Cyprus and added that connection is sometimes difficult because it is far away from the shores.

He went on and added that war ships have never escorted Piri Reis and that they did not come across any harassment during their sail. He stated that Piri Reis is a survey ship and that until today it has covered a 500 km area of surveys in the spot under research. He also said that they aim to continue the survey until Monday.

Benli alleged that south Cyprus, as he called the Republic of Cyprus, does not have an exclusive economic zone and that the Turkish Cypriots have a right to all the shores of Cyprus.

[09] Eroglu met with a US official

As the paper writes, the meeting took place at the so-called presidential palace. In the meeting present were also the director of Eroglu's "office" Hasan Gungor, his special representative Kudret Ozersay and his spokesman Osman Ertug.

(AK)

[10] Turkey's Yildirim due in the occupied area

According to the paper, Yildirim is to participate in ceremonies related to several projects.

(AK)

[11] Residents in occupied Sinta village protested against the construction of stone quarries in the village

The protesters were holding placards writing slogans such as "The environment is for everybody", "The environment is not a heritage, it is the entrust of the future generation" and other. The protesters demanded also the cancellation of the decision taken for the stone quarries to be built in their village.

As the paper writes, Turgay Avci, chairman of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), as well as Ferdi Sabit Soyer, Sonay Adem and Arif Albayrak, "deputies" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and Teberruken Ulucay "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) were also present at the protest and supported the protesters.

(AK)

[12] "Turkish PM taunts the EU in Skopje"

"Macedonia [FYROM] will enter the European Union before Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday, congratulating Skopje in advance during his visit to the Balkan country.

'On the EU process, I believe Macedonia will enter the EU before Turkey. The process continues at a fast pace. We are a country conducting entry negotiations with the EU. However, Macedonia will enter the EU before Turkey. I hope the EU membership will be beneficial for Macedonia', Erdogan said at a joint press conference with his Macedonian counterpart, Nikola Gruevski, following their meeting in Skopje.

(?)

Answering a question about the conflict between Greece and Macedonia over the latter's name, and Athens' objection to Macedonia's membership in the EU and NATO, Erdogan said, 'Turkey's stance on the issue of name is clear'.

(?)

'It is a natural and constitutional right for Macedonia to use that name. We support Macedonia in this process,' Erdogan said. 'We do not understand Greece's stance and approach to the matter. We do not think Greece's attitude is right. Greece's name is clear. Macedonia's decision to use its name should be respected.'

'On NATO, Greece blocks Macedonian membership. We have extended and will continue to extend support to Macedonia for NATO membership. No one should have reservations on this matter,' Erdogan added.

Gruevski said at the same press conference that the Government cares about the Turkish community living in Macedonia, which is an indivisible part of the country. The two sides have the will to boost relations in all possible fields, the Macedonia Prime Minister added.

'Trade volume between Turkey and Macedonia is around $300 million and this does not reflect the actual potential. We will make every effort to increase this trade volume,' Gruevski said, thanking Erdogan for Turkey's support to Macedonia in all fields. 'Turkey's friendship carries high importance for us,' he said. (?)" TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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