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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-01-05
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
No. 4/12
5.1.12
C O N T E N T S
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
[01] Statements by Eroglu
[02] Eroglu answered Christofias' interview published yesterday in
Hurriyet
[03] Davutoglu alleges that with the necessary political will, the Cyprus
problem is possible to be solved even in six weeks, not six months
[04] Bagis' comments on President Christofias statements
[05] Kucuk's response to Christofias: "Eroglu is your interlocutor,
not Erdogan"
[06] Izzet Izcan asks for an early federal solution; He accuses Eroglu
for being in favour of confederation
[07] "Onder: TRNC is a so-called state; it is Turkey's rectum"
[08] TBMM approved bill for transporting portable water from Turkey to
the occupied area of Cyprus; Statements by Veysel Eroglu
[09] Kucuk announces visit to Ankara based on health reasons; Turkey's
Forestry Minister to visit the breakaway regime
[10] Akansoy evaluated CTP's contacts in Ankara
TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
Statements by Eroglu after yesterday's meeting with President Christofias,
Davutoglu's statements on the Cyprus problem, Bagis's comments on
President Christofias recent statements, Kucuk's respond to Christofias
that his interlocutor is Eroglu and not Erdogan, statements by Izzet
Izcan and Ahmet Kaptan who criticized Eroglu, reports that Irsen Kucuk
went to Ankara for health reasons, reports that TBMM has approved a bill
for transporting potable water to the occupied area of Cyprus, CTP's
contacts in Ankara, statements by an MP with BDP in Istanbul that the
"TRNC" is a so-called state, and other internal issues are some of the
main stories covered by today's Turkish dailies.
Turkish Foreign Minister's comments on the region prior to his visit in
Iran, the visit of three force commanders to Deputy Prime Minister Bulent
Arinc, the testimony of former Chief of General Staff Ilker Basbug,
compensations to be paid for the 35 victims of Uludere, a draft law
raising compulsory education in Turkey to 12 years and other domestic
stories are the main topics in today's Turkish press.
[01] Statements by Eroglu
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (04.01.12), Turkish Cypriot
leader Dervis Eroglu speaking to reporters after another round of
Cyprus settlement talks with President Christofias on Wednesday, argued
that the Turkish Cypriots were more sincere than the Greek Cypriots
in trying to reach an agreement in the island. He also said that he
wanted to reach an agreement in Cyprus more than Greek Cypriot leader
Demetris Christofias and UN Secretary General's special advisor for
Cyprus Alexander Downer. "This is because the Turkish Cypriots need an
agreement more than the Greek Cypriots", Eroglu added.
"During today's meeting, we discussed the issues of 'Governance and
power sharing' as well as 'Property'," Eroglu said.
"We will try to apply certain flexibility in the hope of reaching an
agreement in Cyprus. The upcoming trilateral summit in New York will
be the venue where we will witness whether or not an agreement will be
possible," Eroglu said.
On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (05.01.12) reports that
Eroglu also replied to reporters' questions.
Asked to comment on Resat Akar's news report titled, "Eroglu wants
to change the name of the state", Eroglu said that his statement was
misunderstood and was not clearly interpreted. He added that some tried
to exploit the issue. However, Eroglu said that he sent the official
record of the discussion to Cakici, leader of the Social Democracy Party
(TDP), and to Yorgancioglu, general secretary of the Republican Turkish
Party (CTP). He explained that the journalists some time use a 'hook'
in their titles, which is not included in the report.
Eroglu also said that he referred to "Cyprus Turkish State", as the name
used in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and in the Annan
plan. He went on to say: "In those days, all the political parties except
from the National Unity Party (UBP) adopted the name, they even passed
a legal amendment in the assembly. Therefore, the sentence that 'Eroglu
does not want an agreement, he will change the name of the state' is
wrong, because I did not mention that the name of the state will change."
Asked whether or not he wants to meet with the Greek Prime Minister,
since Christofias wants to meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan, Eroglu said: "(...) In the past, Turkey's Foreign Minister
made the following proposal when Papandreou was Prime Minister: 'As long
as he wants to meet with Turkish Prime Minister, then let's bring them
together and lets announce that the Greek Prime Minister will also meet
with the TRNC President.' You know that this was not accepted."
Asked to evaluate Christofias' statement "we should not act in such a
way as to create a small Turkey or Greece in Cyprus", Eroglu said that
"The TRNC exists and if there were an agreement, a founding state would
also exist where the Turkish Cypriots would be living, therefore they
would not try to create Turkey or Greece".
Eroglu reiterated that they're trying to reach an agreement where
the Turkish Cypriots will live in serenity and safety under Turkey's
guarantees, in free territory, with freedom and honour, adding that they
will also try to join the EU with this agreement.
[02] Eroglu answered Christofias' interview published yesterday in
Hurriyet
Under the title "Your life was also saved by the Turks", Turkish daily
Hurriyet (05.01.12) publishes an interview with Turkish Cypriot leader
Dervis Eroglu conducted by paper's correspondent in the occupied part
of Cyprus, Omer Bilge.
According to the paper, Eroglu answered President Christofias accusations
of Turkey and the breakaway regime, in his interview published yesterday
in Hurriyet.
The paper reports that Christofias accusations on the natural gas crisis
and the Cyprus problem irritated Eroglu.
Eroglu said: "When EOKA [Translator's note: EOKA B'] staged a coup in
1974, the hunt for communists began and four thousand Greek Cypriots
were killed. I told it to Christofias: 'Your life was also saved by a
Turkish soldier'. He could not reply."
Claiming contrary to Christofias, that the Cyprus talks
continue positively, Eroglu said that although they promised to UN
Secretary-General Bank Ki-moon that they would not talk bad to each other,
Greek Cypriot leader continues to accuse Turkey and the breakaway regime.
Eroglu said: "We submit proposals in order to reach a solution. We also
send the proposals to Turkey's Foreign Ministry. So they will be aware
of them. Until today, they have never objected to our proposals. Turkey
does not interfere. The motherland of Greek Cypriots is Greece, we have
never accused Greece. Christofias says 'we are separate from Greece',
this is not the case."
Commenting on the natural gas, Eroglu said: "When the drilling rig came
east of the Mediterranean prior to the New York summit, I asked that
drilling be postponed. Christofias sent back my written proposal a week
later. Turkey, besides the framework of the agreement it made with the
TRNC, acts on behalf of the Turkish Cypriots. In a short while, Turkey
will start drilling work in the TRNC."
Referring to the Cyprus talks, Eroglu said: "For us, Cyprus talks are
going well. Christofias is trying to change the situation, which has
emerged after 1974 peace operation [Translator's note: Turkish invasion
to Cyprus in 1974]. He says 'I have 165 thousand refugees'. I asked
'37 years have passed since 1974, and no one has died among these
refugees?' He replied 'I count them too'. He wants the land for 100
thousands Greek Cypriots, which means Morphou, Karpasia and Mesaoria's
plain, in the middle of the TRNC. He has not asked yet for Keryneia,
but, if he asks it, I will not be surprised."
Eroglu went on: "We discuss with the Greek Cypriots the 6th chapter. There
is deadlock on the property issue. We submitted a proposal of 60 pages
only on the property issue. The UN embraced it. On the EU issue, so that
an agreement isn't undermined through legal challenges in court over
its status as EU primary law, we have some problems over enshrining it
into the EU constitution. The economy issue has practically finished,
the domestic security issue is almost completed. The guarantorship issue
will be discussed at the international conference. There is a deadlock
on the issue of governance and power sharing. They're trying to backtrack
on the issue of the presidency."
Commenting on the January summit, Eroglu said: "Christofias very clearly
opposes arbitration and a timetable. However, the UN Secretary-General
declared that the negotiations will have an end. We will try so that
we may reach a solution by June, when the Greek Cypriots will take over
the EU's rotating presidency."
Eroglu also said: "President Gul explained, in a nice way, the reality of
the Republic of Cyprus, that it was established as a partnership between
Greek and Turkish Cypriots, however, it turned out today to be only a
Greek Cypriot state. It is true that the Greek Cypriots will take over
the EU rotating presidency as a 'half-state'."
Eroglu added: "Turkey declared that it will suspend its relations with
the EU if the Greek Cypriots take over the EU rotating presidency. In
any case, we will also suspend them because there won't be anything to
discuss with the Greek Cypriots."
Eroglu claimed that Talat and Christofias were quarrelling, adding:
"I say that 'we are friends' and have personal relations with Christofias
and his family. With Mehmet Ali Talat, they used to address each other as
'comrades'. The UN also says that they used to quarrel in the talks by
shouting. I am cool. He came with his wife once to our house; we also
went to their house once. We had a joint dinner with the UN. We are
rivals at the negotiation table. Sometimes I irritate Christofias. But
I have never shouted in talks."
Commenting on the recent statement that the name of the breakaway regime
would change in case of failure of the Cyprus talks, Eroglu said: "Some
media put forward that in case there is no solution, we will continue
with plan B, which is to change the name of the TRNC into Cyprus Turkish
State. While the negotiations are being carried out, it is not possible
to refer to a plan B. Our state exists, our motherland recognizes it. If
there is no solution, we will continue the same way, as how the TRNC
is today. However, constitutional amendments may be necessary. There
are delays at the assembly level. The amendment, regarding the police
falling under civilian control is necessary."
[03] Davutoglu alleges that with the necessary political will, the Cyprus
problem is possible to be solved even in six weeks, not six months
Under the title "Political will is necessary", Turkish Cypriot daily
Kibris (05.01.12) reports on statements by Turkey's Foreign Minister,
Ahmet Davutoglu who has said, inter alia, that there is not any chapter
on the Cyprus problem which has not been discussed or negotiated, adding
that with political will and goodwill the Cyprus problem is possible to
be solved even in six weeks, not six months.
Evaluating the Cyprus problem and the ongoing negotiation talks to
Ankara Anatolia news agency Davutoglu said that among other issues,
the Cyprus problem is one of the most important issues in his monthly
agenda. He also said that Turkey will continue supporting the ongoing
negotiation talks aiming to find a solution to the Cyprus problem and
expressed hopes that a result will come up after the Greentree summit in
New York, a result that will be in the framework of the UN's parameters.
Davutoglu said also the following: "If a result is possible to come
up on the basis of the UN parameters, then an international conference
could take place, maybe at the end of this month or the next month, where
Turkey, Greece and even the UK, as a guarantor power, could participate,
and it is possible for a final result to come up with this meeting,
exactly as it happen during 2004. We are continually exerting efforts
for this. Our message is always directed towards the implementation
of a comprehensive solution in Cyprus, the soonest possible. If this
does not happen and the Greek Cypriot administration continues its
delaying tactics, of course, we will not sit and negotiate with the
Greek Cypriot administration during its EU term presidency. It is also
out of question to participate to the EU' meetings in their capacity
as EU term presidency. [Translator's note: means the capacity of the
Republic of Cyprus which will take over the EU term presidency] ...".
Asked to comment the possibility for tensions escalating due to the
Cyprus EU Presidency, Ahmet Davutoglu alleging first that the Republic
of Cyprus is "an administration which has internationally seized the
title of the Cyprus state," warned that Turkey will not approve the
"continuation of this game" under the EU Presidency.
Davutoglu went on expressing also his hopes that the forthcoming six-month
period will be evaluated in a constructive way. He continued saying:
"After the January summit, it is possible for an international conference
to take place, maybe in February or March, in April or May is possible
for referendums to take place, and as a result of this, the new state
to be established in July 2012. In this case, the President of the new
state, which will undertake the EU term presidency, will be from the
one side and the Foreign Minister from the other side. In this way,
the EU will show that it is a peace project. But if the EU hands over
the EU term Presidency unilaterally to the Greek Cypriots, something
that will reinforce them, then the EU will lose its dignity. We should
speak openly about this", Davutoglu said.
(AK)
[04] Bagis' comments on President Christofias statements
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (05.01.12) reports that Egemen Bagis,
Turkey's EU Minister answered to President Christofias statement that
he is ready to meet with Turkey's Prime Minister and discus the Cyprus
problem. According to the paper, Bagis said that President Christofias
could meet with Turkish officials if Dervis Eroglu, the Turkish Cypriot
leader was present, thus giving the message such a request could be
realised only with a four-party meeting, where Turkey and Greece are
present.
Bagis, reportedly said: "Let President Dervis Eroglu take by hand
Christofias and come, our Prime Minister will meet them," pointing out
that the Turkish side does not accept as its collocutor only the Greek
Cypriot side. Furthermore, according to the paper, Bagis on a more
comic note he said: "If Christofias comes alone, he will eat a fish in
Bosporus. He will say cry 'what can be done, this is Cyprus' situation'
and return."
[05] Kucuk's response to Christofias: "Eroglu is your interlocutor,
not Erdogan"
Under the title "Do not go beyond the limit", Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan
(05.01.12) reports on statements by the so-called prime minister Irsen
Kucuk who has pointed out in his statements, yesterday, after the meeting
of the "council of ministers", that it is the two leader who carry out
the negotiation talks in Cyprus and that Christofias' interlocutor is
Eroglu and not Erdogan.
Commenting on the latest statement made by President Demetris Christofias
that is "We should not act in a way of establishing a small Turkey or a
small Greece in Cyprus" and "if is necessary, I could meet face to face
with Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan", Kucuk reminded to the President,
that his interlocutor is Eroglu and not Erdogan and warned him not to
go beyond the limits.
Kucuk went on saying that Christofias' statement that he wants to meet
with Erdogan is untimely and definitely a way of policy making.
Kucuk reiterated also that within the framework of the "agreement" signed
between the occupation regime's "government" and the Turkish Petroleum
Corporation (TPAO), they will start exploratory drilling on land in 2012.
Referring to the ongoing negotiation talks, Kucuk accused President
Demetris Christofias of showing from the beginning of the negotiation
talks an insincere stance during the talks and then he called on the
President to show sincerity. Kucuk added that if Christofias and Eroglu
show a sincere stance at the negotiation table, then the solution of
the Cyprus problem is possible. "This is a permanent solution. Our
expectation is this", Kucuk added.
(AK)
[06] Izzet Izcan asks for an early federal solution; He accuses Eroglu
for being in favour of confederation
Under the title "Izcan asks for an early solution", Turkish Cypriot
daily Kibris (05.01.12) reports on statements by Izzet Izcan, general
secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), who said that there is not
any other alternative for the Turkish Cypriots than the early federal
solution of the Cyprus problem.
In a written statement, Izzet Izcan accused Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis
Eroglu that with the separatism proposals he submits at the negotiation
table, aiming to a confederation on the basis of two different states,
he leads the negotiation talks to a deadlock. He also accused Eroglu
for rejecting the basis of the federal solution which has already being
agreed, and stated that with Eroglu, the solution of the Cyprus problem
is not possible.
Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (05.01.12),
Ahmet Kaptan, chairman of the so-called civil servants' trade union
(KTAMS), in a written statement yesterday, said that Eroglu, as their
"representative" is exerting efforts not for the reunification of the
island and the solution, but for the division of the island.
Referring to Eroglu's recent remarks that in case of non-solution in
Cyprus, they might continue with a new state and a new constitution,
Kaptan said that these statements sabotage the negotiation process and
it is nothing else but an effort to place a bomb on the negotiation table.
(AK)
[07] "Onder: TRNC is a so-called state; it is Turkey's rectum"
Under the above title, Turkish daily Star Kibris (05.01.12) reports on
statements by Sirri Siraya Onder, BDP's Istanbul MP, during the discussion
of the "Intergovernmental Framework Agreement between Turkey and the TRNC
for covering TRNC's water needs" in the Turkish Parliament. Onder accused
Turkey that it sustains a relationship with Turkish Cypriots which is
against human rights, not containing elements of truth, characterized by
opportunism, lack of consistency and rudeness forcing Turkish Cypriots
into indebtedness.
Referring to Turkey's military invasion he said, inter alia: "Nowadays
approximately 29-30 years after [the "Cyprus operation," as they call the
Turkish military invasion in Cyprus], intervening, in order to prevent
a fascist coup, has turned into a policy of us growing roots there,
of us settling there." He also said that the second mistake brought
upon Turkey was done by Kenan Evren, who declared "TRNC" as a "state"
and said that if he is not tried for what he did during the 1980 coup,
he should at least be tried for this.
Onder continued saying: "Apart from us, in the international community
there is not a single human who calls it [the "TRNC"] a state. Friends
and enemies included. We wake up and we continue for the past 30 years
to say hypocritically to this people the lie, that it is a state. There
is not any other lie in the recent history of the Republic [of Turkey]
that has been told so often.
He went on asking why the Turkish state continues to lie to its people
and said that they try to turn it into the 82th province of Turkey. He
said that they turned this place [the occupied area of the Republic of
Cyprus] into Turkey's rectum, which in order to clean it they have to
bring a lot of water
[08] TBMM approved bill for transporting portable water from Turkey to
the occupied area of Cyprus; Statements by Veysel Eroglu
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (05.01.12) reports that the Turkish
National Assembly (TBMM) has passed yesterday, a bill ratifying the
"Intergovernmental Framework Agreement for covering TRNC's water needs,"
following the relevant "agreement" signed between the Turkish government
and the occupation regime. According to the paper, the bill foresees
transporting potable water from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus.
Speaking during the debate of the bill, the Minister of Environment and
Forest of Turkey, Veysel Eroglu stated, inter alia, that the water to
be transferred to the occupied area of Cyprus, will give life to the
occupation regime. He also added that it is out of question for this
water to be transfer or to be sold to another country.
Also speaking, several MP's of the opposition parties at the Turkish
National Assembly, stressed the strategic importance of Cyprus for Turkey
and the importance of transferring water to the occupation regime. He
underlined the need for the works to be speeded up and completed the
soonest possible.
(AK)
[09] Kucuk announces visit to Ankara based on health reasons; Turkey's
Forestry Minister to visit the breakaway regime
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (05.01.12) reports that the so-called prime
minister of the breakaway regime Irsen Kucuk, travelled yesterday
to Ankara. Kucuk talking to reporters at illegal Tymbou airport
prior to his departure said that he is going to Ankara for medical
examinations. Answering to a journalist's question, he stated that the
purpose of the visit is to check his health and has not planned any
meetings with officials, however they will act according to developments.
He said that that due to a stent placed in one of his arteries two years
ago, doctors advised him to do medical check-ups every six months. Kucuk
said he did his last check in Istanbul last April, however due to his
busy schedule in December he could not take the planned examination,
thus postponing it for this month. He added that after his doctors'
advice he will undergo an angiogram at Ibn-i Sina Hospital. Kucuk will be
escorted by his wife Gulin Kucuk and his executive assistant Guven Arikli.
Moreover, Kucuk highlighting his contacts with various Turkish officials
said that he had a telephone conversation with Veysel Eroglu, Turkey's \o
"Ministry of Forestry and Water Resources (page does not exist)"Minister
of Forestry and Water Resources and discussed the water pipe project from
Turkey. He said that Veysel Eroglu will visit the breakaway regime in
February and repeated that they will inform the public for the project
based on a presentation that was prepared by the Turkish Ministry.
[10] Akansoy evaluated CTP's contacts in Ankara
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (05.01.12) reports that the
Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) delegation started its
contacts yesterday in Ankara by meeting with Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu,
Undersecretary of the Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry. Later on, during
a visit to the headquarters of the Justice and Development Party (AKP)
they met with Omer Celik, deputy chairman of AKP and head of foreign
affairs. The delegation also met with Volkan Bozkir, chairman of the
TBMM's Foreign Affairs Committee. During their visit to Turkey's Grand
National Assembly (TBMM) they also paid a visit to Faruk Logoglu, deputy
chairman of CHP and met with Osman Koruturk, a MP with the Republican
People's Party (CHP).
Upon their return, a member of the delegation and general secretary of
CTP, Asim Akansoy, speaking to the newspaper evaluated their contacts. He
said that the latest allegations regarding the change of the name of
the "TRNC" were discussed during their visit, however, no such thought
exists in Ankara. He said that Ankara's agenda consists of a settlement
for the Cyprus problem through negotiations. He also said that there is
no policy towards recognition of the "TRNC" in Ankara's agenda adding
that during their contacts it was clearly voiced that that CTP's target
for a settlement is shared.
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