Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-10-31

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 / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Agreement on three chapters has reportedly been reached in the Cyprus talks in New York

[02] Eroglu's statements prior to his departure for New York

[03] Eroglu briefed political party leaders on the Cyprus talks prior to the NY summit; Hasipoglu: No solution could be found

[04] Ozersay said that some issues in certain chapters have been almost closed

[05] Ozgurgun: "The TRNC will not be recognized"

[06] The Minister of Health of Libya signed a cooperation protocol with the hospital of the illegal Near East University

[07] Turkey's NSC argued that oil exploration activities of the Republic of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean complicate the solution of the Cyprus problem

[08] Koca Piri Reis is reportedly about to conclude its explorations in Mediterranean

[09] Turkey's TPAO to launch petroleum drilling in the Mediterranean as of 2012; TPAO to buy a new research ship to search in the south of Cyprus

[10] "Another Cyprus summit"

[11] Erdogan to visit Germany, France in November; Cyprus problem among the matters of discussion

[12] "Phoney republic"

[13] The occupation regime distributed plots of land at occupied Avlona village

[14] A survey shows the influence of the Turkish Cypriot political parties

[15] Rauf Denktas discharged from hospital

[16] Journalist Dogan Harman passed away

[17] Churches in the occupied areas are falling into ruin

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Turkish dailies over the weekend continued to mainly cover the consequences of the earthquake of October 23, in the eastern province of Van, which killed more than 500 persons, as well as the rock music concert which was held to raise money for survivors of the quake. On the Cyprus problem, the papers referred to the tripartite meeting between Cyprus President Christofias, Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu and the UN Secretary-General Ki-moon in New York, the seismic search of Piri Reis in the East Mediterranean, the discharge of the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas from the hospital and the statements by an MP from Sirnak with Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) criticizing the decision taken by breakaway regime's "council of ministers" to expel 18 students of Kurdish origin.

[01] Agreement on three chapters has reportedly been reached in the Cyprus talks in New York

According to the paper, the two leaders have agreed on Economy, Internal Security and the European Union, "except for some minor complications".

The paper, citing information obtained by its general director Resat Akar, who notes that his information comes from "very reliable sources", reports that there is consensus between the two leaders on the three above-mentioned chapters which are ready to be signed.

As regards the economy, it has been agreed that rotating presidency will exist in the Central Bank and the Commission of the Public Service. On this issue there is a small disagreement about the duration of the term of the Turkish Cypriot president, since the Greek Cypriot side wants the Turkish Cypriot term to be shorter.

The paper also writes that a branch office of the Central Bank will be opened soon in the north.

On the issue of the EU funds, it was agreed that the two founding states will be benefited by the funds as "two separate regions".

The two sides have also agreed on the budget of the federal state. According to the agreement, the two sides will contribute to the budget in accordance to their population. In addition, the infrastructure problems of the Turkish founding state will be faced partly by the federal's state budget and by the EU Structural Funds.

Euro will be the currency of the federal state. However, the Turkish lira will be in use one year after the solution.

However, the leaders have not agreed as to whether the agreement in Cyprus will become primary law of the EU.

As regards the Internal Security, two institutions will be established at a federal level. The one will be the federal police and the other will be the common investigation authority. Rotating presidency will exist in these institutions as well. However, when the president is Turkish Cypriot, the vice president will be Greek Cypriot and vice versa.

The numbers of the members of the federal police will be 500, while the number of the common investigation authority will be 300. The common investigation authority will deal with issues like terrorism, money laundry, human trafficking.

As regards the European Union, a common committee will be established, which will be exerting the decisions of the federal government in EU decision-taking mechanisms. The committee will be consisting of four members, two Turkish Cypriots and two Greek Cypriots. Again, there will be rotation in the Brussels permanent representation office of the federal state. When the representative is Turkish Cypriot his assistant will be Greek Cypriot and vice versa.

Equal representation will take place in judiciary.

In addition, it was agreed that the "alarm bell" method will be used in case there is an important disagreement between the two sides. The "alarm bell", which is successfully used in Belgium, will be used for example in case that draft-laws are rejected or accepted by the assembly, and a decision against any community is taken.

Finally, the paper writes that it is expected that an announcement will be made on the reaching of an agreement on these three chapters in the New York meeting. The paper also writes that there is great possibility that the difficult issues are left for an "international conference".

In addition, all the Turkish Cypriot newspapers report today about the New York summit.

Vatan writes that the trilateral meeting has started.

Kibrisli refers to the issue under the title: "Meeting without ties".

Havadis notes that: "They started good in New York".

Gunes refers to: "Critical hours in New York".

Ortam reports on the issue under the title: "One more time".

[02] Eroglu's statements prior to his departure for New York

"We are going with good intentions and the belief that an agreement can be achieved," said Eroglu and reiterated his view that many chapters could be finalized "if the Greek Cypriots act honesty with a solution in mind." He also said that the issues of territory, maps and numbers will be discussed at the very end, which, according to the Turkish Cypriot side, should be a four or five party summit. Therefore they will continue to insist for a date and a decision by the Secretary-General.

Speaking to reporters at Ataturk Istanbul airport, Eroglu repeated that a date must be announced for a four or five party summit since they believe that they have reached the end of the negotiations. He said that in the New York meeting they will try to find compromises in chapters that have not been agreed up to now and also try to produce a solution that will please the "Cyprus Turkish people and Motherland Turkey." Eroglu also claimed that the Greek Cypriot side wants to postpone the solution for 2013.

Moreover, Eroglu made similar statements during breakfast he had with editors from Star Kibris newspaper. The paper reports (28.10.11) that responding to questions, Eroglu said that they have not withdrawn from their positions, especially on the cross-voting, but they just follow different paths in order to make their proposals accepted. "I look at the written records of the negotiations, not what has been agreed in private meetings," said Eroglu and added that Talat did not manage to finalize any chapter; whereas agreement has been reached upon the EU, economy and internal security chapters under his leadership.

[03] Eroglu briefed political party leaders on the Cyprus talks prior to the NY summit; Hasipoglu: No solution could be found

The meeting took place at the "presidential palace".

Speaking to reporters at the end of the meeting, the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) and "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk described the meeting as useful and expressed his party's full support to Eroglu during the summit.

The leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Ozkan Yorgancioglu underlined the need for the Turkish Cypriot side to take on further initiatives for a solution and added that the oil exploration crisis allegedly created by the Greek Cypriot side, will have a negative effect on the negotiations process.

For his part, Democrat Party (DP) leader Serdar Denktas expressed the view that the process in New York will be an arduous one, during which the UN's more effective role within the Cyprus solution process will come into prominence.

The leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) Turgay Avc1
said that the solution process must be concluded somehow, since the Cypriot Turkish side could not wait for a solution for another 40 years.

Also speaking, the Democracy and Trust Party's (DGP) leader Tahsin Ertugruloglu stated that the Turkish Cypriot "people" need to be rescued from the ongoing uncertainty and the "Cyprus national cause" had to be defended at the highest level.

Speaking last to the press, the leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) Mehmet Cak1
c1
said he didn't have any expectations from the New York meeting as he argued that both sides were going to New York empty handed.

Meanwhile, speaking to illegal Bayrak television (29.10.11) about the New York summit, Ertugrul Hasipoglu, general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP) has said that he does not expect any outcome from the New York summit and criticized the Greek Cypriot side's stance during the Cyprus negotiations process.

Referring to the upcoming summit in New York, Hasipoglu said that he is very curious as to what will be discussed during the summit as a timeline has not been initiated during the talks.

Pointing to the UN Peace Keeping Forces on the island, Hasipoglu argued for a long time there has been no need for UNFICYP and expressed the view that the time had come for the Turkish Cypriot side to take a stance regarding the Cyprus issue.

He alleged that it was very clear that a solution could not be found to the Cyprus problem.

[04] Ozersay said that some issues in certain chapters have been almost closed

Claiming that President Christofias and Government Spokesman Stephanou's statements regarding the New York summit are made within the framework of a strategic, Ozersay argued that they want to give the impression that there would not be a successful outcome from the New York summit, and to give the message to the UN that the "negotiation process should be continued as it is".

Ozersay said that there should be a genuine will by both sides if there will be a Cyprus settlement. Claiming that the method of the tripartite meeting started with Eroglu's request, Ozersay said that this format has gained a serious momentum to the process and the Cyprus problem has been put in front of the international players.

Referring to the latest stage of the negotiation process, Ozersay claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side was continuously making new proposals in the last 19 meetings, however, the Greek Cypriot side was continuing to discuss its old proposals.

Noting that important progress has been obtained in the negotiation process, Ozersay said that some issues in certain chapters have been almost closed; there are some others where disagreements still exist. However, he added, the two sides have been much closer than they used to be in the past.

[05] Ozgurgun: "The TRNC will not be recognized"

Claiming that it is very difficult to persuade the Greek Cypriot side, which aims to take over the EU term presidency, for a solution, Ozgurgun alleged that this situation has caused despair among the people and strengthened the non-solution.

(AK)

[06] The Minister of Health of Libya signed a cooperation protocol with the hospital of the illegal Near East University

According to the protocol, which was signed between the Libyan Health Minister and the illegal YDU, 250 beds will be given to Libyan patients.

The paper writes that the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk, the "minister of health" Ahmet Kasif and the YDU founding rector Suat Gunsel were present at the signing of the protocol.

The Libyan Health Minister stated that before visiting the occupied areas, he visited Turkey. He described his visit in the occupied area "a friendly one rather than an official visit". He also stated that he will try to create opportunities for cooperation in more areas between Libya and the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied are of the Republic of Cyprus.

In his statements, Kucuk congratulated Ali Al-Kissa for the "democratic revolution" in his country and said that the regime might invite Libyan businessmen and Kissa to pay an official visit the occupied are of Cyprus soon.

[07] Turkey's NSC argued that oil exploration activities of the Republic of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean complicate the solution of the Cyprus problem

A statement issued after yesterday's Turkish NSC's meeting argued that the Republic of Cyprus's exploration activities for hydrocarbons off the coast of Cyprus were further complicating the solution of the Cyprus problem.

The statement claimed that these attempts were raising tensions among countries in the region.

The statement also said that Turkey will not allow any attempts to pull a fait accompli in the region and will take necessary joint steps with the "TRNC officials", as it described the breakaway regime in occupied Cyprus, to protect its regional rights and interests within the framework of international law.

[08] Koca Piri Reis is reportedly about to conclude its explorations in Mediterranean

In statements on Sunday to AA' correspondent, Prof. Dr. Huseyin Avni Benli, the head of Dokuz Eylul University's Maritime Sciences and Technology Institute, said that the Koca Piri Reis ship had collected data from 2,300-km area in the East Mediterranean. "We have sent the preliminary data we have collected to Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). We will have completed researches in Zone G after a one-and-a-half-day effort," Benli said.

Piri Reis set sail from Izmir's Urla Port on September 23 to the East Mediterranean to conduct geophysical research and collect seismic data allegedly on behalf of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

(?)

[09] Turkey's TPAO to launch petroleum drilling in the Mediterranean as of 2012; TPAO to buy a new research ship to search in the south of Cyprus

TPAO General Manager Mehmet Uysal broke his silence following arguments over who has drilling rights in certain parts of the eastern Mediterranean. Uysal said: "There have been exploration activities for a long time; in fact the American company Esso, now known as Exxon, came to 0
skenderun [Alexandretta] in 1985 and discovered 10 million barrels of petroleum in the G?lcihan-I well but decided to discontinue operations because the price per barrel was $10 back then, which was not economical."

Uysal finds the company's decision correct because of the conditions at the time and noted: "Our studies show an estimated 25 million barrels are present in the area worth $2.5 billion. We plan to dig the well in 2012 and start the first production in the Mediterranean."

Uysal explained that Turkey looked toward the Mediterranean because results from the first seismic research indicated potential reserves in the seabed. "We are about to close a deal with a big international company, which will be a partner in return for covering all expenses. TPAO also plans to buy a seismic research ship that will be used to search for petroleum and natural gas south of Cyprus", Uysal said.

[10] "Another Cyprus summit"

"The two sides on Cyprus have different expectations from the trilateral Long Island rendezvous with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that started yesterday.

The Turkish side, which travelled to New York with some artificial optimistic messages, has some high hopes. These hopes include the Secretary-General declaring after a second day of trilateral summitry today, that sufficient convergence was achieved in the Cyprus talks. Thus, time has come for convening an international conference in December to finish off the security and guarantees chapters, as well as some remaining hitches. The alternative, for Turkish Cypriots should be the U.N. placing responsibility for failure squarely on Greek Cypriots and declaring that the two sides should go their separate ways.

Greek Cypriots as well have some high hopes. In any case Greek Cypriots do not believe that the Secretary-General has the "courage" to declare an end to Cyprus peacemaking efforts. While the trilateral summit, which will end today, will not succeed to provide a resolution to the Cyprus problem, Greek Cypriots believe that with the U.S. and the British, prompting in the background, the Secretary-General will announce another trilateral summit for the first half of next year; a low-gear direct talks process throughout 2012; another summit after the Greek Cypriot presidential elections in February 2013; and following that summit a rehashed and concentrated last ditch effort for a resolution. Turkish Cypriots are totally against this particularly because of the gas drilling in Mediterranean by Greek Cypriots. If Greek Cypriots find a rich gas bed, probably, with the prospect of getting far richer as a result, they will stop seeking any sort of settlement other than division.

As someone who have been following (and indeed living with) the Cyprus problem for the past 40 years or so, I must admit that the Greek Cypriot expectations appear to be more in tune with the climate of the day, while Turkish Cypriot hopes appear to be rather romantic. There are many reasons that make me believe that even if a settlement on Cyprus is ready to be served on a golden plate, for simple conjectural reasons valid on the Mediterranean island, this is not an appropriate time for Cyprus peacemaking.

First of all, while the only success he may achieve might be a Cyprus settlement, since the naval base blast the Greek Cypriot leader is a 'walking dead politician.' Put aside a compromise and painful settlement accord, he cannot deliver anything. Though the constitutional framework does not allow his impeachment (other than charges of treason or some petty sexual offenses) many people doubt whether he can stay in office for another 15 months or so until the February 2013 elections.

Secondly, neither of the two peoples are prepared for a simultaneous referendum on a settlement plan. In 2004 only the Turkish Cypriot side was 'prepared' with the assumption the Greek Cypriots would want a settlement anyhow, the end result was a Turkish Cypriot overwhelming 'Yes' vote and a devastating 75 percent 'No' vote from Greek Cypriots. Now, it is still believed Turkish Cypriots would vote overwhelmingly in favour of a settlement plan. Is there any guarantee for that? No. Greek Cypriots, on the other hand, demonstrated in many public opinion polls over the past year that at least 65 percent would vote no to any settlement. It is probable to have a double 'No' this time if an accord is taken to public vote without proper marketing techniques applied".

[11] Erdogan to visit Germany, France in November; Cyprus problem among the matters of discussion

Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Germany on November 1-2 to attend the ceremonies to mark the 50th anniversary of Turkish-German labour recruitment agreement.

Erdogan will be German Chancellor Angela Merkel's guest during his stay in Germany, and both Erdogan and Merkel will deliver speeches in a meeting on November 2.

Turkish Premier Erdogan and German Chancellor Merkel will head meetings between delegations. Turkey-Germany relations, Turkey's European Union (EU) membership, Cyprus, developments in North Africa and Middle East will be main topics during Erdogan's visit to Germany.

Erdogan and Merkel will hold a joint press conference following the meetings.

Premier Erdogan will proceed to France from Germany and attend the G-20 leaders summit in Cannes on November 3-4.

Participants of the summit are expected to debate ways to strengthen global economic and financial system, economic growth, development, agriculture, food safety, fluctuations in commodity prices, trade, climate change, fight against corruption, employment and social policies.

[12] "Phoney republic"

Kaplan said inter alia: "The state in Cyprus, which you call it 'small homeland' and turn it into a phoney republic, is a banana republic. [...] This land has been turned into a centre for money laundering, mafia and prostitution, then our people should not study in the universities, not take their money, not open their doors, the Ministry of National Education should not accredit their universities. They were afraid that 18 Kurdish students would destroy the country's peace!"

[13] The occupation regime distributed plots of land at occupied Avlona village

Addressing the locals, the "minister for interior and local administrations" Naz1
m Cavusoglu said that the youth of the village would work hard towards raising the standards of the village to that of a city.

He also promised that the "government" would continue its efforts towards giving more land to the youth of the village.

Also speaking "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk for his part, referred to pre-1974 conditions in the village and added that "we must all stake a claim on our lands".

[14] A survey shows the influence of the Turkish Cypriot political parties

The results of the survey are the following:

National Unity Party (UBP): 34.5%

Republican Turkish Party (CTP): 16%

Democrat Party (DP): 11%

Social Democracy Party (TDP): 8%

Freedom and Reform Party (ORP): 3.5%

Democracy and Trust Party (DGP): 2%

Other parties: 2%

Undecided: 23%

[15] Rauf Denktas discharged from hospital

Rauf Denktas was discharged 160 days after he had suffered from partial paralysis.

Denktas was taken to his house in occupied Keryneia. Health equipment has been placed in Denktas' house, and doctors of occupied Keryneia military hospital and a health team from the illegal Near East University Hospital (YDU) will continue taking care of Denktas at home.

Denktas had a partial paralysis caused by an embolism on May 24. After his first surgery in occupied Lefkosia, he underwent another operation at Ankara's GATA on August 25.

Rauf Denktas returned to the occupied area of Cyprus on August 30, and his treatment continued at the "Near East University Hospital".

Denktas underwent another surgery at the "Near East University Hospital" on September 5 due to an increasing cerebral haemorrhage.

[16] Journalist Dogan Harman passed away

On Friday, a special ceremony was held in front of the K1
br1
sl1
newspaper which was owned by Dogan Harman.

He was then laid to rest at the Lefkosia cemetery.

Dogan Harman who was born in occupied Lefkosia in 1950 studied philosophy at the Moscow State University. After returning to the occupied part of Cyprus, Harman worked as a journalist for numerous newspapers for many years. He also served as advisor to former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas and wrote many books on the Cyprus issue.

[17] Churches in the occupied areas are falling into ruin

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (31.10.11) reports that the Church of Panagia Eleousa in the occupied village of Rizokarpasso is also falling into ruin. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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