Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-10-05

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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] Eroglu refers to the importance of the message given to the world with the illegal agreement he signed with Erdogan in New York

[02] Eroglu's statements after the negotiations

[03] Bagis accuses the Republic of Cyprus of "stalling the negotiations"

[04] Ozgurgun defends Turkey's "rights" in Eastern Mediterranean

[05] Koca Piri Reis casts anchor in occupied Famagusta-It will continue its exploration in the south of Cyprus

[06] Yorgancioglu said that without Cyprus settlement oil cannot benefit anyone

[07] The Foreign Relations Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly to pay an illegal visit to occupied Cyprus

[08] Columnist wonders if the oil exploration will be the opportunity for a Cyprus settlement

[09] Turkey's Yildirim illegally visits the occupied areas of Cyprus today

[10] Tatar on the occupation regime's economy; He announced the visit of Besir Atalay in occupied Cyprus

[11] The occupation regime exported 870 tons of potatoes to Russia

[12] Consumer Price Index for September increased by 0.82%

[13] "Uneasy days ahead for talks on charter in Turkey"

[14] BDP reacts to recent detentions

[15] Diplomats to hold EU talks in Ankara

[16] Turkey to conduct military drill near Syrian border

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

A speech by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in South Africa sending a stern message to Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, the police raid on PKK's "urban structure" KCK, reports on Piri Reis that is harboured in the occupied port of Famagusta and other domestic issues are covered in today's Turkish dailies.

[01] Eroglu refers to the importance of the message given to the world with the illegal agreement he signed with Erdogan in New York

In statements yesterday to Resat Akar, KIBRIS Media Group's general director and presenter of "Son Durum" [Latest Situation] program of Kibris TV, Eroglu evaluated the developments in the Cyprus problem, the issue of natural gas and oil, the economy of the breakaway regime, the internal politics in the occupied area of Cyprus and the possibility of early "elections".

Noting that the agreement between himself and Erdogan was signed after the Turkish Premier's meeting with the US President, Eroglu said: "This is the point which should actually be evaluated and should not be ignored. It has been an agreement which was included in the agenda of the whole world".

Arguing that Turkey and the breakaway regime are not considering starting provocations and war, Eroglu threatened that "if there is any interference in our exploration ship, we will not leave this interference without response". He also threatened that if the Greek Cypriot side takes steps that it should not take, being encouraged by Israel and Greece, there will definitely be a response.

Eroglu reiterated that he told President Christofias to reconsider any drilling attempts at a time when the Cyprus negotiations are taking place and warned him that "if you take these steps, we have also steps that could be taken". He said that President Christofias replied: "Are you threatening me? I cannot continue the talks under these circumstances".

Eroglu alleged that with the "agreement" he signed with Erdogan the "continental shelf" of Turkey and the "TRNC", the breakaway regime in the occupied areas of Cyprus, was delimited, and argued that the breakaway regime has the power to cooperate with any company in its "continental shelf" and that the day after the signing of the "agreement", they "authorized" the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) to carry out seismic exploration.

He alleged that the vessel Piri Reis carries out explorations using this "authorization" according to international agreements and the law of the sea.

Eroglu said that the existence of natural gas resources in the south of Cyprus was established in a depth of 4.000 meters and reiterated that Piri Reis is carrying out explorations on behalf of the breakaway regime, not Turkey. However, he added that "while we search for our rights, we want to note that Turkey's rights should also not be forgotten". He alleged that Turkey has the strongest fleet in the Mediterranean, but it does not want war.

Eroglu noted that he has submitted a proposal to the UN Secretary-General saying that the explorations should be postponed by both sides until after the solution of the Cyprus problem, and that if this is not accepted, a bi-communal committee could be established for concluding agreements and granting licenses and that the profit from the resources which will be found should be used for financing the comprehensive solution. He said that they suggested the establishment of a fund with these profits "with the knowledge of the Secretary-General".

Eroglu argued that the Cyprus negotiations came to the point of "give-and-take" and claimed that a "give-and-take" process should begin. Giving examples about the "give-and-take" process, Eroglu said that the issue of territory is entered in the UN registers, and that the map and the numbers will be the last issue of discussion and also that the map will be discussed when a four-party or a five-party meeting is held.

Eroglu noted that President Christofias asked the return of 100 thousand Greek Cypriot refugees to their homes (under Greek Cypriot administration) and the return of 65 thousand refugees "among us", as he said meaning under Turkish Cypriot administration. He also said that President Christofias told him that he would not discuss the territory without the return of occupied Morfou to its legal Greek Cypriot owners. "When that day comes, everything will be discussed", he argued.

Eroglu said also that they debated a lot on the property issue and that lately they discussed the governance and power sharing. He argued that the two founding states should have guarantors and that the agreement to be reached should become primary law of the EU. He said that the Turkish Cypriot side wants an agreement by which the least possible people will be displaced.

Eroglu noted that the leaders finished the chapter of economy and agreed that the Central Bank of the federal state will have a director and a deputy director and equal number of Greek and Turkish Cypriots as members (of the administrative council). He said that the presidency of the central bank and of the public service commission will be rotating.

Eroglu said that the most important issues are the territory, property and power sharing. "The Greek Cypriots want almost all of our land", he claimed referring to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He said that until the end of October they will discuss the criteria they determined for the property issue, and that the Greek Cypriots want to have the final say on whether they will return to their properties and that the Turkish Cypriot side does not accept this.

Referring to the internal political developments in the occupied area of Cyprus, Eroglu said that the "opposition" parties are trying to "join forces" and that they could force the "government" to early "elections" in the second half of 2012. He said that the opposition parties are considering abandoning the "parliament" and added that if the main "opposition" party abandons the "parliament", a single party "parliament" could not exist and therefore early "elections" might be held.

Eroglu noted that the "government" faces difficulties in paying the salaries of its employees and that the measures which should have been taken were not taken in time. He argued that wrong steps were made in the beginning and added that they will experience problems in paying the bonus wages (13th).

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu's statements after the negotiations

Making a statement upon his return to his office, Eroglu said they discussed the method of how the give and take process will take place and added: "On Friday we will officially start the give and take process."

The two leaders have covered all of the negotiation chapters over the past 15 meetings held within the framework of the intensified period. Five more meetings are scheduled before the tripartite meeting which will be held in New York on the 30th and 31st of October.

[03] Bagis accuses the Republic of Cyprus of "stalling the negotiations"

"EU countries must stop the Greek Cypriot side from its refusal to open the energy chapter," Bagis told reporters during a meeting with French Ambassador in Ankara, Laurent Bili. Bagis said international community and the European Commission "should notice that the Republic of Cyprus tried to stall ongoing settlement talks in Cyprus", and claimed that the Greek Cypriot move to start offshore drilling aimed to push reunification talks to a dead-end.

[04] Ozgurgun defends Turkey's "rights" in Eastern Mediterranean

Ozgurgun, who is currently in Turkey, told reporters on Wednesday that the Republic of Cyprus had signed oil and natural gas exploration agreements with three countries since 2004, adding that both "TRNC" and Turkey warned the Greek Cypriots about this issue.

"These agreements are invalid when they are signed unilaterally, and they only cause escalation of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, because Turkey is the guarantor country in Cyprus, and it has the longest coastal line with the Eastern Mediterranean," claimed Ozgurgun.

Noting that East Mediterranean-littoral countries had the right to make exploration within the scope of international laws, Ozgurgun alleged that Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots had equal rights. He also added that the first phase of the seismic research conducted by Turkish Piri Reis vessel in the Mediterranean was completed on Tuesday, and the vessel docked at occupied Famagusta.

[05] Koca Piri Reis casts anchor in occupied Famagusta-It will continue its exploration in the south of Cyprus

Star Kibris writes that the ship has completed the first stage of its work, a 1.000 km seismic exploration in the G area as the Turks call a part of a sea area in south of Cyprus and casted anchor in Famagusta port for refuelling and resupplying.

The ship was welcomed at the port by Hamza Ersan Saner, the self-styled minister of transportation and public works who stated that both the Turkish and the Greek Cypriots have rights to the entire surrounding area of the island.

Speaking during a press conference, Hamza Ersan Saner stated that the ship was conducting exploration following the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime. "As TRNC we were considering and hoped that we could conduct these works with the Greek Cypriot administration", he stated and alleged that the Greek Cypriot side did not accept this and therefore the Turkish Cypriots had to continue their works "in the name of protecting their "existence" and their "sovereignty". Replying to a question, he stated that the area that the ship will continue its exploration is not known. "We do not have a clear point. The Turkish and the Greek Cypriots have rights to the entire surrounding area of the island. We will conduct researches wherever our rights are", he stated.

On his part, Professor Dr. Huseyin Avni Benli, Director of the Department of Marine Sciences and Technology at Dokuz Eylul (Nine September) University (DEU), stated that the ship will now start working on a 2.400 km line following orders from the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). He stated that the works will start as soon as possible. He went on and stated that the new explorations will be conducted again in the south of Cyprus and in the so-called G area. He added that Piri Reis will remain in Cyprus for a long time.

In addition, Captain Umut Yenice of Piri Reis stated that the ship completed its exploration in safety and that it was not harassed while conducting its work. He went on and stated that Piri Reis was protected 24 hours per day by frigates and war jets.

[06] Yorgancioglu said that without Cyprus settlement oil cannot benefit anyone

Yorgancioglu also said that the signing of "international agreement" by the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu without the Turkish Cypriots being informed should be questioned, regardless of whether Eroglu had the authority to sign such an "agreement".

[07] The Foreign Relations Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly to pay an illegal visit to occupied Cyprus

During the first meeting of the Committee for the beginning of the new legislative year yesterday, the committee discussed bills which approve international agreements signed by Turkey with several countries.

(AK)

[08] Columnist wonders if the oil exploration will be the opportunity for a Cyprus settlement

"How will the 'drilling crisis' in the Eastern Mediterranean affect the Cyprus talks? Will this new dispute between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots give a new momentum to the efforts for searching a solution in Cyprus or squeeze completely the process? [?]

The Turkish side wants the negotiation process to be completed until the end of this year, thinking that next summer South Cyprus [Tr. Note: he refers to the Republic of Cyprus] will take over the Presidency of the EU. In fact, there is not high possibility that an agreement will be obtained in the last three months of 2011. If this does not happen, then the negotiations will probably be interrupted for good and the two sides will take their own way. In such environment, the 'drilling crisis' is an important factor in the process towards the unification of Cyprus.

Subtitle: new motivation

In fact, this crisis exerts an important point that the sides in the negotiations cannot compromise in no way.

[?]

Subtitle: the 'win-win' principle

This should be a huge attraction for both sides. There is huge pie that Turkish and Greek Cypriots can share thanks to the unification.

Therefore, it is for everyone's benefit, the negotiations to continue with this new motivation, with the 'win-win' mentality.

Otherwise, if the Greek Cypriot side is encouraged by the drilling and continues its unilateral behaviour, it will always remain in a climate of crisis and tension.

If TRNC [Tr. Note: he refers to the breakaway regime] chooses to abandon the union and declare its independence, instead of sharing the natural wealth, it will enter in a continuous dispute and struggle of acceptance of its own legitimate.

In fact, finding oil and natural gas resources in the South-eastern Mediterranean is an opportunity for a final Cyprus settlement. Provided that the sides behave cleverly and courageously?"

[09] Turkey's Yildirim illegally visits the occupied areas of Cyprus today

According to the paper, Yildirim will arrive in occupied Cyprus at 15.30 and is expected to depart at 22.30. Yildirim will participate in various ceremonies in the occupied areas of Cyprus, writes the paper and adds that he will also make several contacts.

As the paper writes, the Turkish minister will participate in laying the foundation of the ILS system at the illegal Tymbou airport. At 17.00 he will meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu and at 17.30 with the so-called prime-minister Irsen Kucuk. Furthermore, at 18.30 he will participate in the opening ceremony of TURCYOS-2 Underwater Fiber Optic Services in occupied Keryneia and later on he will participate in an inter-delegation meeting with Irsen Kucuk at Cratos Hotel. At 20.30 he will have a dinner which is to be given in his honour by Irsen Kucuk and after the dinner he will depart from the occupied areas of Cyprus.

(AK)

[10] Tatar on the occupation regime's economy; He announced the visit of Besir Atalay in occupied Cyprus

Tatar said that the "government" has taken measures and added that despite the global economic crisis, the revenues increased.

Regarding the economic cooperation "protocol" which the occupation regime signed with Turkey, Ersin Tatar said that there are a lot of things that should be done according to the "protocol" and rejected allegations that the protocol was imposed on them.

Ersin Tatar also referred to several other issues related to the economic difficulties experienced in the occupied areas of Cyprus and denied reports saying that the economy of the regime is in a stage of bankruptcy.

Tatar finally underlined the importance of Turkey's support and the important messages given during Turkish officials' visits to the occupied area.

He announced that within the framework of Turkey's policy to watch Cyprus closely, Turkey's State Minister, responsible for Cyprus Affairs, Besir Atalay will visit the occupied areas of Cyprus on October 15.

(AK)

[11] The occupation regime exported 870 tons of potatoes to Russia

Statements on the issue were made by Ragip Ratip, director of the Turkish Cypriot so-called agricultural products council (TUK), during a meeting of a delegation of TUK with the self-styled minister of finance Ersin Tatar.

Ragip Ratip also stated that in addition to Russia and Turkey they exerted serious efforts to sell their products to Europe and other countries. He also stated that this year they participated in the Moscow Agriculture Fair.

[12] Consumer Price Index for September increased by 0.82%

(AK)

[13] "Uneasy days ahead for talks on charter in Turkey"

The Republican People's Party (CHP) assigned Riza Turmen, a former judge at the European Court of Human Rights, to the commission, as well as Suheyl Batum and Atilla Kart, both of whom are legal experts. Batum is especially knowledgeable on constitutional law.

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) assigned former Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin, Ankara deputy Ahmet Iyimaya and Istanbul deputy Mustafa Sentop. All three persons are former academics who specialize in law.

While the members assigned by the AKP are moderate names who have not been very vocal on the new constitution issue, Batum and Kart are known for their tough stance. Kart has been one of the most vocal names in the main opposition party against the AKP and its policies.

Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek's behind-doors' request from the political parties was to assign members capable of compromise and of dialogue as the contrary would hamper the constitution-making process.

Meanwhile, confusion over a meeting between the AKP and the Peace and Development Party (BDP) had not yet been resolved late Tuesday as the Hurriyet Daily News went to print. AKP officials informed members of the press that the meeting would take place Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Parliament, but the BDP swiftly denied the news, saying it had not yet decided on the issue.

The BDP brass convened to discuss the AKP's request for a meeting on the constitution Tuesday afternoon when two BDP officials met with Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin to discuss the imprisonment conditions of Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). There was speculation that the BDP would respond to the AKP's request after observing the government's approach on their requests on Ocalan, whose access to his lawyers was cut two months ago.

Also on Tuesday, the BDP's Bengi Yildiz took his parliamentary oath, leaving the CHP's Isa Gok as the last lawmaker to not take the oath ? apart from eight imprisoned deputies.

[14] BDP reacts to recent detentions

More than 120 people were taken into custody across the country Tuesday in fresh raids against the Kurdish Communities Union (KCK). "If that is the KCK, then I [must] be [its] leader because all the [people] they detained are colleagues from the Peace and Democracy Party [BDP]. As such, how can we conduct mature, reconciliatory political discussions regarding a solution [to the Kurdish problem]? We are also debating this among ourselves," BDP leader Selahattin Demirtas said.

A deputy leader of the BDP, Erkan Piskin, and the party's deputy accountant Salih Yildiz were among the detainees, while several mayors and numerous other regional BDP administrators were also taken into custody as part of the operations. M.K., the alleged Istanbul manager of the KCK who was identified only with his initials, was also detained.

"Every day [the prime minister] is pouring forth directives as if [he were] the country's chief prosecutor [and] picking targets. Every day our friends are being arrested. Our party assembly members, our mayors, [and] all our party employees are being arrested under the name of KCK operations," Demirtas added.

"People are dying on the streets and mountains in these days when we are talking about framing a new constitution. Political genocide operations are underway. There is also a legal blanket for this. Anyone who opens their mouth [or] speaks can be declared a terrorist," BDP co-leader Gulten Kisanak said Tuesday at her party's first group meeting this term. Work on the new constitution would not yield any results before the appearance of a powerful will to peace, the removal of obstacles in the way of democratization, and the freedom of thought and organization, she said. "The AKP police have gone on a hunt for the Kurds. The people will not bow down even if 10,000 people are detained," she added.

[15] Diplomats to hold EU talks in Ankara

The International Commission on Turkey is an independent commission formed by European policy-makers to examine the challenges and advantages of Turkey's membership process to the European Union. Three members of commission ? former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, former Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek, and former Austrian Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Albert Rohan ? were expected to attend a dinner with Turkish EU Minister Egemen Bagis on Tuesday in Ankara. The group will continue intense meetings on Thursday with President Abdullah Gul, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and opposition leaders Kemal Kilicdaroglu and Selahattin Demirtas.

The British Council is supporting the independent commission in partnership with the Open Society Foundation?Turkey. The commission members are expected to discuss recent developments in the Cyprus issue, the Kurdish question and Turkey's accession process to the EU. The commission is expected to release its third report on Turkey in 2012.

[16] Turkey to conduct military drill near Syrian border

"Regarding sanctions, we will make an assessment and announce our road map after the visit to [the southern province of] Hatay, setting out the steps," Erdogan told reporters, adding that he expected to visit the region on the weekend or at the start of next week. Turkey has begun partially implementing some sanctions, Erdogan said, but added that it had chosen not to announce them officially because of the urgency of the matter.

Turkey's military exercises are likely to coincide with Erdogan's planned visit to Hatay. The military said in a statement on its website yesterday that the manoeuvres would take place in the southern province between Oct. 5 and 13. Turkey has earlier said it had stopped two ships carrying arms to Syria. The aim of the exercises is to test "the mobilization and the communication between the ministries, public institutions and the Turkish army in case of a war," said the military. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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