Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-09-25

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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] Reference by Gul to the Cyprus problem at the plenary session of the 68th UN General Assembly

[02] Eroglu is satisfied with the agreement between Turkey and Greece on reciprocal visits of the leaders' representatives to Athens and Ankara

[03] Eroglu meets with the Emir of Qatar and the Azeri Foreign Minister

[04] Ozersay: former President Christofias could not accept a proposal on reciprocal visits of the leaders' representatives to Athens and Ankara

[05] Turkish Cypriot professor argues that Ertug could discuss only the issue of guarantees in Athens

[06] Akansoy described as a "positive development" the latest mobility on the Cyprus problem

[07] Turkish Deputy Prime Minister to attend the opening ceremony of theological college in occupied Mia Milia

[08] ISAD said that Cyprus settlement is a condition for saving the economy of the breakaway regime

[09] Izcan called on Yorgancioglu to disclose Ankara's letter; Mungan: no need of revision of the economic protocol

[10] Changes to the so-called citizenship law may take place in the breakaway regime

[11] Davutoglu discussed Cyprus problem with Asthon on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly

[12] Gul addresses the 68th UN General Assembly giving extra weight on Syria

[13] Turkey gets cold shoulder from Shanghai Cooperation Organization

[14] Turkey, Russia agree to extend simplified customs procedures

[15] Kilicdaroglu to apply to ECtHR against AKP for claims of damages

[16] Turkey reacts against Eurocourt ruling over visas

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Reference by Gul to the Cyprus problem at the plenary session of the 68th UN General Assembly

According to Kibris, during his address at the plenary session of the 68th UN General Assembly, Gul said the following on the Cyprus problem:

"Repeated attempts towards a peaceful settlement have ended in failure, including the rejection of the Annan Plan in 2004. Turkey, as a guarantor, is fully and sincerely committed to finding a just and negotiated settlement. We therefore expect the international community to urge the Greek Cypriots to reciprocate by engaging in result-oriented and time-framed negotiations in good faith. Those who must solve this question are the Turks and Greeks of Cyprus. They must start negotiating as soon as next month, with no ifs or buts. The settlement of the Cyprus question is essential to a stable and peaceful Eastern Mediterranean."

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu is satisfied with the agreement between Turkey and Greece on reciprocal visits of the leaders' representatives to Athens and Ankara

Eroglu called on President Anastasiades to meet with him in New York under the supervision of the UN Secretary-General and immediately launch the negotiations for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem at the level of the leaders.

Eroglu went on and said that the Turkish Cypriot side is examining the letters sent by President Anastasiades to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barosso, and will give the necessary replies.

Meanwhile, according to Kibris Eroglu met with the general secretary of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu at the "Turkish House" in New York. The regime's representative in New York, Mehmet Dana and Eroglu's special representative, Osman Ertug also attended the meeting.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu meets with the Emir of Qatar and the Azeri Foreign Minister

Eroglu's meeting with the Sheikh of Qatar was held at Qatar's representation and his meeting with Mammadyarov at the "Turkish House" in New York.

After the meeting with the Azeri Minister, Eroglu attended a reception hosted by the Turkish Permanent Representative in President Gul's honor.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Ozersay: former President Christofias could not accept a proposal on reciprocal visits of the leaders' representatives to Athens and Ankara

In a statement issued yesterday on social media, Ozersay commented on the recent agreement reached in New York between the Turkish and Greek Foreign Ministers Ahmet Davutoglu and Evangelos Venizelos and argued that the then President Christofias "could not say yes" to this proposal submitted by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon in 2001. Ozersay noted that then the Turkish side had said that it accepts the proposal "if the representatives of the two sides are received in the same status and conditions". He argued that the then President Christofias had said that he needed time to think about it, but he "refrained from giving a positive response" to the UN.

Noting that the agreement is a positive development, Ozersay expressed the view that this "new negotiation modality" will not solve the problems by itself, but it could be "helpful in breaking some artificial perceptions/ prejudices" of the Greek Cypriots about Turkey.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkish Cypriot professor argues that Ertug could discuss only the issue of guarantees in Athens

He argued that the wish of the Greek Cypriot side was realized and the opportunity to complain was taken away from it. He noted that in order to achieve the principle of equality, the Turkish Cypriot side will hold meetings in Greece, but he wondered what Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu's representative, Osman Ertug will discuss with Greek officials.

Sozen expressed the view that Ertug could discuss only the issue of guarantees with Greek officials, because for many years now the doctrine of the "Greek Cypriots decide and Greece supports" is implemented in Cyprus. "Greek Cypriot negotiator Mavroyiannis has many things to discuss in Ankara, but Mr Osman has not many things to discuss in Athens", he argued.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Akansoy described as a "positive development" the latest mobility on the Cyprus problem

Akansoy described as a "positive development" that the special representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu, Osman Ertug should visit Athens for contacts with the Greek government and the Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis should visit Ankara for meetings with the Turkish government.

Commenting on the opening of the occupied fenced off town of Varosha, Akansoy said that the Varosha issue is part of the comprehensive solution and it is not possible to be discussed as a separate issue at the negotiations.

Responding to a question regarding the letter sent by the "government" to Turkey's "Aid Committee" for the economic protocol 2013-15, Akansoy stressed that he doesn't understand why this issue has been discussed so much. He explained that the letter was prepared by experts, who asked to meet with the "prime minister" to discuss some matters be in the protocol.

[07] Turkish Deputy Prime Minister to attend the opening ceremony of theological college in occupied Mia Milia

Meanwhile, Kibris reports also that the self-styled minister of education, Mustafa Arabacioglu inspected yesterday the classrooms of the theological college in occupied Mia Milia. In statements after the visit, Arabacioglu said that when the buildings of the theological college are completed, it would be turned into an educational complex which will have the capacity of hosting 1200 students. He recalled that the groundbreaking ceremony of the building had been held in 2012 and added that the opening will take place on Friday 27 September, 2013. He noted that the building is constructed with the financial aid of "esteemed institutions from the Republic of Turkey", without the Turkish government or the self-styled government of the breakaway regime to pay anything. He said that together with Atalay, Rifat Hisarciklioglu, chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), which contributed in the construction of the complex, and representatives of other institutions which have also contributed, will attend the opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (25.09.13) wonders what messages Atalay will give after the rejection of his demand from the Republican Turkish Party to establish a "coalition government" with the National Unity Party (UBP). According to Halkin Sesi, the general secretary of the primary school teachers' trade union (KTOS), Sener Elcil recalled that the self-styled prime minister Yorgancioglu had been among those protesting against the construction of the theological school when he was in the opposition. Elcil wondered whether Yorgancioglou and the self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas will attend the ceremony on Friday.

(I/Ts.)

[08] ISAD said that Cyprus settlement is a condition for saving the economy of the breakaway regime

Claiming that the implementation of the economic cooperation programme signed between the occupation regime and Turkey is a condition, besides the solution, in order to liberate the economy of the breakaway regime, Sadi said that the sides should sit in the table, discuss the protocol and revise it.

Sadi alleged the Cyprus settlement is a condition for saving the economy of the breakaway regime, proposing that "TRNC" may also unite with Turkey.

[09] Izcan called on Yorgancioglu to disclose Ankara's letter; Mungan: no need of revision of the economic protocol

In a written announcement yesterday, Izcan noted that the "coalition government" of the Republican Turkish Party and the Democratic Party (CTP-DP) is not a transparent "government", as it claimed to be, adding that the concealment of the letter sent to Ankara regarding the economic package is unacceptable.

Izcan wonders why they have hidden from the public this letter.

On the same issue, self-styled minister of finance, Zeren Mungan, said that there is a tight cooperation between the occupation regime and Turkey. He noted that the "ministry of finance" does not need to revise the economic protocol.

[10] Changes to the so-called citizenship law may take place in the breakaway regime

Ulucay said that efforts has started so that, as it was mentioned at the "government program" of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), "TRNC citizenships" to be applied by the self-styled assembly and not by the "council of ministers".

[11] Davutoglu discussed Cyprus problem with Asthon on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly

According to diplomatic sources, Davutoglu discussed Turkey-EU relations with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.

Davutoglu and Ashton also talked about Iran's nuclear program as Ashton is the top negotiator on Iran's nuclear program for the P5+1 countries which have been conducting negotiations with Iran on the nuclear dispute.

Turkish FM also pointed out the Cyprus problem and the latest development regarding Cyprus.

Davutoglu also spoke at the ministers meeting of the initiative of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In the meeting, Iran, Syria and the latest developments in the Middle East were discussed.

Underlining the stockpile of Syrian chemical weapons, Turkish Foreign Minister stressed that not only nuclear weapons in the region but also all weapons of mass destruction (WMD) must be cleared off.

Davutoglu and Al-Faisal discussed the latest developments in Syria and the steps which can be taken for the country's future.

[12] Gul addresses the 68th UN General Assembly giving extra weight on Syria

Addressing the delegates during the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Gul underlined that "the agreement to destroy Syria's chemical arsenal must not allow the regime to avoid responsibility for its other crimes."

Touching upon the function of the whole UN system, Gul said "We all need a strong, efficient, and credible UN." Gul added, "We need a UN fit for purpose in the face of current global realities."

Giving extra weight on Syria, Gul said "No issue facing us is more pressing than the situation in Syria". About US-Russian agreement on Syria, Gul said, "Turkey welcomes and firmly supports the US-Russian agreement to eliminate Syria's arsenal of chemical weapons."

"We cannot forget that chemical weapons were used against Syrian civilians only a month ago," Gul highlighted. Gul urged, "The perpetrators of this crime against humanity must be held accountable and be brought to justice."

Seeing this agreement on Syrian chemical weapons as an opportunity, Gul said "I hope it will be a first step in the formation of a security architecture to ensure the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East."

Criticizing international community, Gul said "Were it not for the use of chemical weapons, would the international community have continued to turn a blind eye to the deaths of more than a hundred thousand people?"

"For how long can we afford to evade our moral responsibility to the people being killed even as we speak?" Gul said. Gul underlined that "The agreement to destroy Syria's chemical arsenal must not allow the regime to avoid responsibility for its other crimes." "It is a disgrace that the United Nations Security Council has failed to uphold its primary responsibility in this case," Gul said. "The Syrian people's cries for help went unheeded," Gul said.

Gul said "What could match the Syrian people's disappointment as they suffered the worst massacre of the twenty-first century as the international community simply looked on?" "We must devise and enforce a political strategy led by P5 and the neighboring countries," Gul said.

Referring to Turkey's candidacy for a non-permanent member of UN Security Council for the term 2015-2016, he said the following:

"Turkey is candidate. [?] If elected, Turkey will bring an independent voice to the Security Council; one that listens to all and tries to find comprehensive and lasting solutions through dialogue."

[13] Turkey gets cold shoulder from Shanghai Cooperation Organization

"They don't want to have Turkey, which they see as a Trojan horse of the West, among them," Murat Bilhan, vice chairman of the Turkish-Asian Center for Strategic Studies (TASAM), has said.

Unwillingness on the part of the SCO -- or one of its full members in particular -- became more obvious in April at the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of which Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu and General Secretary of the SCO Dmitry Mezentsev signed a memorandum of understanding granting Turkey dialogue-partner status in the organization.

That is far from the rank Turkey seeks in the SCO, which brings together Russia, China and other countries in the region in an apparent counter to US influence in Central Asia. Turkey was announced about a year ago as a dialogue partner by the organization, but at the beginning of this year, the Turkish Foreign Ministry made clear that it wants higher status. "Naturally, we wish to become an observer member, [?] to improve cooperation with the organization as much as possible," Selcuk Unal, then Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman, said at a press conference at the end of January.

"One of the [full] members of the organization is against Turkey's admission to the organization," a Turkish official who spoke on condition of anonymity has told Today's Zaman. Although Turkey hoped, after the signing of the memorandum, to get invited to the Bishkek summit, dialogue partners were not issued invitations.

Given the fact that Turkey's position on the Syrian conflict is diametrically opposed to that of leading SCO members like Russia and China, Turkey's foreign policy choices may have had an effect on the SCO's attitude toward Turkey, analysts believe. In a sign of the organization's diplomatic priorities, Russian President Vladimir Putin met, at the 13th meeting of the council of SCO leaders in Bishkek, with Hassan Rohani, newly elected president of Iran, which has observer member status. "Russia may be opposing Turkey's higher status in the SCO because of the country's Syria policy," Yasar Yak1
s, a former foreign minister of Turkey, had previously told Today's Zaman.

[14] Turkey, Russia agree to extend simplified customs procedures

In a written statement on Tuesday, Yazici said that Turkish Ministry of Customs and Trade and Russian Federation Customs Authority had decided to include three more customs checkpoints in "the Green Line" which was first introduced in 2009.

Yazici said the Green Line will be available at Triyebortniye Crossing on the Ukrainian border (beginning on October 15, 2013), Verhkny Lars Crossing on the Georgian border (beginning on January 1, 2014), and Tuapse Port on Black Sea coast (beginning on October 15, 2013).

Referring to the advantages of Green Line, Yazici stated that it will enable benchmark value application and physical examination of the goods to be exempt from custom clearance procedure and shorten the time for custom clearance.

[15] Kilicdaroglu to apply to ECtHR against AKP for claims of damages

Speaking at a meeting with economy correspondents on Tuesday, Kilicdaroglu touched on various topics including Erdogan's criticisms about the CHP, last week's terrorist attack on the police headquarters in Ankara, the democratization package, constitutional amendments and freedom of universities.

In response to Erdogan's statement saying that the CHP is hand to hand with terrorist organizations, Kilicdaroglu accused Erdogan of maintaining close relationships with terrorist organizations, comparing the Prime Minister to catholic religious leader Monk Pierre L'Hermit, who provoked people against Turks and the Islam world, during the Crusades.

Regarding the terrorist attack on Friday evening that targeted buildings belonging to the Security General Directorate in Ankara, the CHP leader recalled the government's statement that they had been following the attackers and asked why they had failed to apprehend them before the attack. "This is an obvious case of conspiracy," Kilicdaroglu stated.

Saying that he has no information on the details of the democratization package, the CHP leader expressed his party's support for the package if it really would bring about democracy. Kilicdaroglu also noted that in order to bring about democracy, the government should change the Sept. 12 coup constitution first. In the meeting, the CHP leader mentioned the freedom of universities, saying it would be wrong to use the police to maintain discipline in universities.

In addition, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily news (25.09.13) reports that CHP accused Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of being the main financer of the radical Islamist groups in Syria, claiming the state's assets have been mobilized for these groups.

"If you bring foreign radical elements into Turkey, train, arm and finance them, then it has a cost," Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal K1
l1
cdaroglu said yesterday at a meeting with economy reporters. Turkey's 900-km border with Syria is only "a border on paper, but in reality those borders have turned into a parking area," said K1
l1
cdaroglu.

[16] Turkey reacts against Eurocourt ruling over visas

In a written statement, Turkey's EU Minister Egemen Bagis underlined that some EU countries who were pushing Turkey to sign the Readmission Agreement to move forward in visa-free travel talks had put the Court under pressure and had issued negative assessments with regard to the case.

"This situation created suspicions about the sincerity of these countries over the visa liberalization process. It should be noted that Turkey will not ignore the positions of these countries during its talks with the European Commission," Bag1
s said in his statement.

Turkey and the European Commission were planning to accelerate a process that would grant visa-free travel rights to Turkish citizens in return for Ankara's signing of the Readmission Agreement. The court's decision is likely to create further difficulties for the parties to advance, due to the growing lack of confidence.

Bag1
s said the court's ruling was mainly political and was aiming at creating new borders within the European continent although the EU claimed to be removing such boundaries. "This decision of the ECOJ is unfortunate as regards the principle of rule of law, one of the most fundamental values of the EU," he said.

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