Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-06-21

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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] The Turkish Ambassador to Rome wonders why the international community still works for the two communities in Cyprus to live together

[02] Fule's contacts in occupied Cyprus; statements by Kucuk

[03] Yorgancioglu asks Fule new regulations for the Turkish Cypriots and describes the Cypriot term presidency as a good opportunity for carrying the Cyprus problem onto the agenda of the EU

[04] Cerkez thanked Fule for saying that the Cypriot EU term presidency should be turned into an opportunity for a solution in Cyprus

[05] Ertug wants the EU to blackmail the Republic of Cyprus if the latter asks the Union's financial aid

[06] Yildiz said they will share the oil discovered in the occupied area if the Republic of Cyprus shares the oil discovered in the free area

[07] Interview by CHP deputy Logoglu to daily Havadis; Logoglu said that the recognition of the occupation regime is not possible and underlined that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is not a solution

[08] Talat: Eroglu cut off relations with international lobby firms

[09] YODAK participated in an international conference in Madrid

[10] Turkish columnist assesses the Cyprus problem in the current period; he argues that Erdogan's forthcoming visit to occupied Cyprus on July 20 will clarify the future scene

[11] Erdogan met with Hollande in Brazil; Erdogan invited Hollande to visit Turkey

[12] Green light from the EU to start visa exemption talks with Turkey

[13] TSK stated that Turkish army hit PKK targets in northern Iraq

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The Turkish Ambassador to Rome wonders why the international community still works for the two communities in Cyprus to live together

Addressing the same conference, Senator Marco Perduca, member of the Italian Democratic Party and "citizen" of the breakaway regime, recalled that only ten days remained until the Republic of Cyprus's EU term presidency and argued that Italy should support the "cause of the Turkish Cypriots". "Eight years passed since the island's accession to the EU, but 260 thousand Turkish Cypriots have absolutely no rights. The international rights and the human rights should be respected", he claimed.

Another "citizen" of the regime, Senator Paolo Pietro Amato, president of the Inter-parliamentary friendship group between Turkey and Italy, alleged, inter alia, the following: "The one side has everything, while the other side has absolutely nothing. This is a big problem. The Greek Cypriot sector says that the negotiations should go on in order for its status to continue. I ask myself and you: Do endless negotiations have any meaning?"

Amato argued that they should make the voice of the Turkish Cypriots heard and claimed that even though the "TRNC" cannot open an embassy in Italy, Italy could do more on this issue and this would be an important sign.

On her part, Emma Bonino, vice president of the Senate, alleged that promises had been given prior to the 2004 referendum, but afterwards excuses were shown.

The Turkish Ambassador to Rome, Hakki Akil alleged that the accession of the "Greek Cypriots", as he described the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU, was a big mistake and claimed: "The Greek Cypriots think that with their EU accession they have realized Enosis...The following is obvious: the negotiations cannot continue open-ended like this forever. There is a limit. They said 'no' to the Annan Plan. That is, they do not want to live together with the Turks of Cyprus. Why the international community is still working on a plan for the two communities to live together?"

In his address, Novber Vehci Ferit, the breakaway regime's "representative" to Rome, said that the Turkish Cypriots could not live under "embargoes" and "isolations" any more.

The Turkish Ambassador to the Vatican, Kenan Gursoy and many foreign and local guests participated in the conference, which lasted more than two hours.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Fule's contacts in occupied Cyprus; statements by Kucuk

Fule met firstly with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu and "prime minister" and National Unity Party (UBP) leader Irsen Kucuk. After those talks, he met with the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) chairman Ozkan Yorganc?oglu. He did not hold any meetings with the press in the "TRNC".

Fule also met with Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KKTO) members and attended the opening ceremony of the Bandabulya (Municipal Bazaar), restored under the auspices of an EU-financed Partnership for the Future of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.06.12) reported that Fule told reporters on Wednesday during the inauguration ceremony of the EU-funded market place, that Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders must show a powerful political determination for a settlement in their island. "Cyprus in its entirety is EU territory and the Union is dead set to support all constructive efforts to end the division. There is no room for a plan B and the EU fully supports UN-brokered settlement negotiations", he added.

Fule also urged Cypriot leaders to resume efforts to reach a settlement after the Republic of Cyprus' six-month rotating presidency of the EU, which is set to start on July 1st. "Reunification of Cyprus means a united Europe. And it is not a dream but an opportunity to be seized," Fule said.

Under the front page title: "Opening ceremony crisis", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (21.06.12) reports that during the inauguration ceremony of the Bandabulya (Municipal Bazaar) which took place yesterday in occupied Lefkosia with the participation of the European Commissioner Stefan Fule, no "officials" from the so-called government attended the ceremony. The paper underlines that the so-called ministers who did not attend the ceremony left alone the so-called mayor of the occupied Lefkosia Municipality, Cemal Bulutoglulari.

According to the paper, in an effort to communicate with the so-called prime ministry, the message which was conveyed was that the "prime minister did not wanted the participation of anyone to the ceremony". The paper writes that the protest of the so-called government which did not participated to the ceremony, was perceived as a "political" stance against the occupied Lefkosia Municipality.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (21.06.12), in statements prior to the meeting of the so-called council of ministers, "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk, referring to his meeting with the European Commissioner, Stefan Fule said that he had a fruitful meeting with him and added that he discussed with Fule the elections to take place in the "south" as he described the Republic of Cyprus, the EU presidency and the interpretation that in case that the leader of DISI, Nikos Anastasiades wins the elections "the Cyprus problem is to be start from the scratch".

Kucuk went on and said that Fule, who met with Anastasiades, has said that during this meeting Anastasiades did not imply such a thing. Kucuk added that it is not possible for the Cyprus problem to start from the scratch.

Kucuk also stated that he exchanged views with Fule on the projects which are taking place with the EU and added that Fule is to visit again Cyprus the forthcoming month in order to continue his contacts.

(AK)

[03] Yorgancioglu asks Fule new regulations for the Turkish Cypriots and describes the Cypriot term presidency as a good opportunity for carrying the Cyprus problem onto the agenda of the EU

In statements after the meeting, Yorgancioglu argued that the non-implementation of the Direct Trade Regulation caused great disappointment to the Turkish Cypriots and alleged that the regulation should be implemented as soon as possible. Yorgancioglu said that they were expecting new moves by the EU with new regulations and programs in various fields such as sports, culture and education and reiterated the demand of the Turkish side regarding the Turkish language to become official language of the EU.

Yorgancioglu evaluated as "unfortunate" the fact that the "Greek Cypriot side", as he described the Republic of Cyprus, will overtake the EU term presidency as of 1 July. "This period is a good opportunity to bring the Cyprus problem on the agenda of the EU", he argued.

Yorgancioglu said that the financial aid of the EU to the Turkish Cypriots will become more permanent and sustainable within a seven year, instead of one year perspective and expressed their satisfaction with Commission's decision for granting financial aid for seven years. He further said that they told the Europeans that this financial aid should be increased.

Yorgancioglu argued that new chapters should be opened in Turkey's EU accession course, in order for these talks to gain acceleration. He said that they told the Europeans that they appreciate EU's efforts to create a positive agenda with Turkey and that progress in Turkey's accession process will positively contribute to the solution in Cyprus.

Yorgancioglu said that they exchanged views with Fule regarding the recent developments on the Cyprus problem and added that the CTP is insistently continuing to pursue a policy in favour of a federal solution. He alleged that the will of the Turkish Cypriots for a solution continues and added that they "recalled" Fule that the EU should allegedly prepare the Greek Cypriots for a federation.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Cerkez thanked Fule for saying that the Cypriot EU term presidency should be turned into an opportunity for a solution in Cyprus

On his part, Cerkez said that "time has come for the end of the cold war in Cyprus" and thanked Fule for his statement that the EU term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus should be turned into an opportunity for a solution on the island. Cerkez asked for such statements and visits to be made more often, especially during the next six months. He recalled that the EU accepted Cyprus with its entire territory as its member. Cerkez argued that the EU officials should visit the citizens in "north Cyprus", as he described the territory of the Republic illegally occupied by the Turkish army since 1974.

Cerkez said that they were disappointed because the President of the European Parliament (EP) Martin Schulz had not visited the occupied area of Cyprus during his recent visit to the island and alleged that not visiting the occupied area serves the non-solution and encourages the Greek Cypriots.

Cerkez argued that if the tourists are prevented from crossing over to the occupied area of Cyprus, they will not be able to see the investments financed by the EU and the "municipal market" inaugurated yesterday. Therefore, he added, the investments of the EU will mean nothing.

Cerkez said that direct flights have great importance for tourism and higher education, which are the leading sectors in the economy of the breakaway regime and argued that the regime should be included in the Bologna process without delay. He noted that in case a solution on the island is reached, the only way of equalizing the Turkish and the Greek Cypriot economies is to trade with the EU. In case this happens, the cost of the solution will be decreased to the minimum, he argued.

In his reply, Fule said that he shared the views of Cerkez, that the new period should be turned into opportunity, that much more people and much more tourists should move freely through the Green Line and that they should not be stopped with "artificial obstacles". Fule noted that they will encourage all EU officials who visit Cyprus to visit the occupied area of the island as well. He noted that the actual aim is to encourage the solution and absolutely no measure could substitute the solution.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ertug wants the EU to blackmail the Republic of Cyprus if the latter asks the Union's financial aid

"Today the Greek Cypriots need the European financial support system, but what do they do? We asked our European friends this question today. Do these people come to Brussels? No, they are going to Moscow. They leave Europe and go to the Russian Federation?Nearly 40 thousand Russians live in the city of Limassol in south Cyprus and in addition to this, there are also offshore companies the number of which reaches 10 thousand. An enormous money laundering operation is going on. South Cyprus sends to Russia seven billion dollars annually under the name of investments. Our European friends know this, but they show tolerance. Such things should not be tolerated. If you are a member you should act like one".

Ertug also claimed that the Republic of Cyprus "plays the role of the Trojan Horse of Russia" in the EU and on the other handRussia supports the Greek Cypriots in the UN Security Council and vetoes proposals that are against them.

Ertug reiterated the Turkish allegation that if the EU wants to be sincere in Cyprus, it should keep the promises it had made eight years ago to the Turkish Cypriots regarding the lifting of their so-called isolation.

Ertug argued that if the Greek Cypriots are not satisfied with the bargaining for securing a credit from Russia and decide to apply to the EU for help, the Union should put to them the condition of solving the Cyprus problem in parallel to the other reforms. "In case this political will exists in Europe, this condition (solution in Cyprus in response to a rescue package) could of course be put in front of them", he alleged.

Asked what road they will follow in case the efforts for a solution in Cyprus give no result, Ertug replied: "We definitely have various alternatives on our agenda but what is the most obvious is that the current situation will continue by being further established, that is, the two separate states' reality will continue by being further established. If the Greek Cypriots think that this has a cost for us, it will also have a cost for them. They have to take this into consideration as well, because we will not sit with our hands tight. There are political and economic steps which we will take. Brining water from Turkey is on the agenda. It is more important than oil and natural gas?"

Ertug went on and argued that Cyprus's fate will radically change in 2014 when this water will come and recalled that they also carry out explorations for oil and natural gas.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Yildiz said they will share the oil discovered in the occupied area if the Republic of Cyprus shares the oil discovered in the free area

Yildiz made these statements speaking at the foreign relations committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).

"We started oil exploration researches in northern Cyprus. If we find oil there, this is of course a right of TRNC, but southern Cyprus has a right as well. But under some conditions", he said and added that this condition is that the oil that may be found in the discoveries of the Republic of Cyprus to be put at the table and be shared as well.

[07] Interview by CHP deputy Logoglu to daily Havadis; Logoglu said that the recognition of the occupation regime is not possible and underlined that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is not a solution

Giving a hint towards the changing policy of his party on the Cyprus problem, Logoglu said: "Our current policy as of today is that we do not consider the non-solution in Cyprus, as a solution".

Asked to reply whether the recognition of the "TRNC" is possible, Logoglu said: "The recognition of the TRNC is not possible. Neither today is possible, neither yesterday was. It was not possible either in Bangladesh as well?".

Asked to comment on Varoshia, Logoglu said that "Maras" is an interesting question?He said that there are three different statuses in the island, the one is the "TRNC", the other is the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called the Republic of Cyprus and the other is the British bases in Cyprus. Logoglu continued and proposed for a forth status to be established in Cyprus, which it could be an international status for Varoshia; an international consortium could be established for Varoshia, as he said.

Logoglu continued and said that the steps which are to be taken for Varoshia, should be steps that would provide benefits not only to the Greek Cypriots but also to the Turkish Cypriots and added that it is difficult for "Maras" to open under the Turkish control.

Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, Logoglu expressed the view that it is necessary for more efforts to be exerted for the solution of the Cyprus problem. He also said that the negotiations should continue under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General and underlined that their position towards the solution of the Cyprus problem is the traditional and the classic one that "the solution should based on the political equality of the sides".

Logoglu expressed also strong criticism to the policy that the AKP (Justice and Development Party) party follows on the Cyprus problem. Logoglu said that there are some changes forward towards the steps taken by AKP on the Cyprus problem since 2002; he however, characterized those steps as unprogressive.

Logoglu argued that the steps which were taken during the Annan plan period by the AKP, were steps that should had to be taken years ago and supported that it was not possible for AKP to prevent the admission of the Greek Cypriot side to the EU, due to the fact that they delayed to take steps.

(AK)

[08] Talat: Eroglu cut off relations with international lobby firms

Talat stated that when he was "in power" they co-operated with various international lobby firms. However, in the Eroglu era these relations were cut off said Talat, who noted that this cooperation was very useful.

[09] YODAK participated in an international conference in Madrid

The conference took place between 14-15 of June.

[10] Turkish columnist assesses the Cyprus problem in the current period; he argues that Erdogan's forthcoming visit to occupied Cyprus on July 20 will clarify the future scene

"It is assumed that the Cyprus issue was resolved in 1974, when the north of the island was effectively put under Turkey's control, while the south should have secured its future thanks to the legitimacy it would come in connection with international recognition as EU member. However, the parties still hold talks, the matter is an international dispute and Turkey keeps losing time and energy. The issue was not at all resolved in 1974; it has actually become more complicated for all.

Currently, we are experiencing a period in which the issue is becoming even worse due to the EU term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, due to start in July, and the offshore gas and oil discoveries in the south. Let's go through the state of play.

After the EU membership of the south, Greece no longer considered itself the mentor, but is still influenced by the outcome of tensions to the extent that they are relevant to its relations with Turkey.

Despite its size and potential, Turkey has to deal with this 'minor' issue. The feud of the two parties over the island is now directly influencing Turkey. It experiences problems with the south over EU membership talks, and now over fossil fuels, Israeli involvement adding fuel to the fire. Problems with Cypriot Turks' discontent regarding 'quasi-colonial' rule, are ever mounting. In the past, Turkish Cypriots would hold rallies against the Greeks; now their reaction is directed against Turkey. Bluffs suggesting that the north could be annexed or that the navy could be sent to the Mediterranean are not taken seriously. On the other hand, irresolution of the conflict means the continuation of military control of the island, thus a huge obstacle to the demilitarization process in Turkey. Along the same lines, Turkey is unable to deal with the Ergenekon mindset which is still active in the north.

The Greek south is not immune to the Eurozone crisis. President Dimitris Christofias will have difficulties being re-elected. Last summer's conflagration that caused the death of 13 people and a vast disruption of the nation's largest electricity plant, exhausted his credit. The upcoming term in the EU presidency will bring troubles rather than benefits. On the other hand, irresolution means that the south may have to live with 40,000 Turkish troops forever.

The situation in the north is even worse. Even supporters of the government hold that the National Unity Party (UBP) is the weakest and clumsiest party of all, when it comes to reunification talks with Greek Cyprus, daily administration and the tone of relations with Ankara. No serious progress -- compared to the President Mehmet Ali Talat era -- has been made in the talks. The middle class is eroding fast. More closures than openings of new businesses are reported. There is no serious economic activity other than gambling. The economy is fast coming under Turkey's control, as incentives are provided mostly to entrepreneurs from Turkey. The land is provided free of charge; loans are secured from Turkey; the labour force is imported from Turkey and the building material is not subjected to customs regulations. A perfect 'colonial' economy! There is an advisor from Turkey in every ministry supervising decisions.

Despite this, parties have to agree on a solution to tensions in Cyprus, because in this small land there is no solution other than a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation, which has been promoted by Turkey for many years. Moreover, UN Security Council Resolution 367 of March 12, 1975 -- which guarantees the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of the island and its non-alignment -- cannot be amended. Besides, two new strategic parameters have been added to the search for a solution: fossil fuels and water to be transported from Turkey.

These parameters have not been duly appraised. On the contrary, Turkey has tough rhetoric on gas/oil matters, despite the fact that it is a major potential buyer of these fossil fuels. Attention to the new parameters requires the strong will of the parties and the support of third parties. To this end, timing is important. A win by the liberal Nikos Anastasiadis in the presidential elections in February, could trigger positive momentum in the south. Although the presidential elections in the north will be held in 2015, present dissatisfaction with the UBP government and the rise of the opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) may extend the momentum to the north as well. But in the final analysis, Turkey holds the key.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a bold move on January 24, 2004, in respect to the Cyprus issue and cleared the way for the Annan Plan. However, the deep state had blocked any progress toward resolution already in March 2003. The issue was tainted after the rejection of the plan. Prime Minister Erdogan will pay a visit to the island on July 20. He has two options: He will either make some patriotic statements and leave the issue unresolved, or show his determination to tackle the issue in order to make sure that all parties will win in the end. Answer within a few weeks".

[11] Erdogan met with Hollande in Brazil; Erdogan invited Hollande to visit Turkey

The meeting took place on the sidelines of United Nations (UN) Rio+20 summit.

During the meeting, Erdogan and Hollande agreed to open a new page in their bilateral relations, contribute to Turkey's European Union (EU) membership bid, and boost economic ties.

Erdogan drew attention to the fact that the last time a French President visited Turkey was 20 years ago and invited Hollande. Hollande expressed positive views about the invitation.

Premier Erdogan and President Hollande also exchanged views on regional and international topics. They underlined the importance of respect to Syrian people's will, as well as ensuring democratic transformation in Syria as soon as possible.

[12] Green light from the EU to start visa exemption talks with Turkey

Gathering in a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) gave authorization to the EU Commission for the beginning of visa exemption talks with Turkey.

EU sources have said that no EU state objected to the beginning of visa exemption talks with Turkey.

[13] TSK stated that Turkish army hit PKK targets in northern Iraq

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) said in a statement, that the fighter jets bombed several targets in northern Iraq, without giving detailed information with respect to the air operation and the causalities.

The statement also added that at least 26 militants killed in operations in areas close to Iraqi border this week.

PKK militants attacked Turkish military units with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades on Tuesday in south-eastern Turkey, sparking clashes that killed 26 militants and eight soldiers. The attack drew a strong condemnation from Turkey's leaders.

Another 16 soldiers were wounded in the attack in the Dagl?ca area of Hakkari province, which borders northern Iraq's Kurdish areas. (?). TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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