Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-11-28

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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] Cicek: only an agreement based on two separate states and political equality could be lasting in Cyprus

[02] Eroglu: let's respect each other's interests

[03] Ertug: Turkish Cypriot side is ready to sit at the negotiation table without any conditions.

[04] Talat: A common declaration is a must

[05] Eroglu received the title of Bas Muktar

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnist: Eroglu wants no solution, but continuation of the negotiations until 2015

[07] Columnist criticizes the final decision of the "3rd World Turkish Cypriot congress"

[08] Building up of the undersea pipe line to bring water from Turkey to occupied Cyprus starts next week

[09] Turkish Cypriot Football Clubs association supports Cyprus Turkish Football Association (KTFF) Cyprus Football Association agreement

[10] No decision reached in building 2nd pipeline from Arbil

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Cicek: only an agreement based on two separate states and political equality could be lasting in Cyprus

In statements before the meeting, Cicek argued that the Turkish government has always been by the Turkish Cypriots' side and will continue to do so. "Even if governments change, our policies towards the Turks of Cyprus never change", he noted arguing that they are trying to increase the quality of life of the Turkish Cypriots.

He alleged that Turkey and the "TRNC", as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, have always exhibited a stance in favour of the solution of the Cyprus problem, but the problem has not been solved because of what he called as "intransigent stance of the Greek Cypriots".

Cicek alleged that an agreement based on two separate states and political equality could be lasting, otherwise the solution of the problem is impossible. He went on and claimed: "South Cyprus [Translator's note: this is how he described the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus] has always run away from an agreement until today. Now it is also running away using as a pretext its economic problem. There could be no marriage by force".

Cicek alleged that the accession of Cyprus into the EU without a solution to the Cyprus problem, was a big mistake and because of this so-called mistake "south Cyprus" is allegedly running away from the solution and puts obstacles in the way of both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.

Cicek said that the water problem is one of the most important ones in the occupied area of Cyprus and added that their efforts to overcome this problem have reached their final stage.

In her statements, Siber referred also to the Cyprus problem and argued that the problem exists for half a century. She alleged that they support the solution of the problem, but no solution is possible only if one side wants it. She claimed that the EU has not yet did its bit and claimed: "We are still under embargoes. Because of these embargoes, we could not come to the desired point. The embargoes should be lifted the soonest".

Referring to the "Property Compensation Commission" established by Turkey in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Siber argued that exchange of property should start and if this starts, the Turkish Cypriots will be able "to see further in the future".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu: let's respect each other's interests

Noting that people on both sides continued to cross over through numerous crossing points across the island, Eroglu said that they are now seeking a way to establish a common roof. He added that at least two UN Secretary Generals have put solution plans on the table which the Turkish Cypriot side has accepted while the Greek Cypriot side has not. As a result, the Turkish Cypriot side has demonstrated its willingness to reach agreement, Eroglu argued. "It is now the Greek Cypriot side's turn to make its intention clear. If the Greek Cypriots exerts also this intention, then there is no reason why we cannot reach an agreement," he added.

Eroglu claimed that they, as a Turkish Cypriot side is seeking a settlement, in case the Greek Cypriot side also is seeking a settlement, then there is no reason not to agree, adding: "As long as we respect each other's interests".

Reiterating that although he had been engaged with Cyprus President Anastasiades to resume the Cyprus talks in the first half of October during a dinner, Eroglu said they have not succeeded yet in sitting at the negotiation table. He said that the person who is his interlocutor is in Brussels now carrying out contacts and that they are waiting to see what his stance will be after his return.

Noting that they are trying to strengthen their economy, Eroglu said that the industry in Gaziantep is big and important, so he hopes to be in dialogue with them. He added that in case the Turkish industrialists cooperate with the "TRNC" industrialists, both will benefit.

[03] Ertug: Turkish Cypriot side is ready to sit at the negotiation table without any conditions.

Ertug who issued a written statement, commented on the meeting held between the two leaders of Cyprus last Monday and claimed that the statements made by Greek Cypriot politicians and also the press publications on the issue, were a twisted version of the truth and were used for propaganda. He claimed that this proves that the meeting was not held aiming for finding a common approach but was made for propaganda.

He went on and alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side was expecting that the meeting would help overcoming the difficulties regarding the common declaration and that a date would be set for the negotiations launching. However, President Anastasiades chose the hard-stand behaviour followed the last two months by the negotiator of the Greek Cypriot side Andreas Mavroyiannis, and said that he does not accept the negotiations to continue from the point were interrupted, according to Ertug's claims. He went on accusing President Anastasiades of appearing as a brave man, who said "yes" to the Annan Plan in international circles, but in reality he does not accept elements of the Annan Plan.

[04] Talat: A common declaration is a must

Talat made these statements during a meeting he held with the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen Association (ISAD).

He also claimed that there was no need for a common declaration, however, now, from the international point of view the common declaration became a precondition and big states of the world are now intervening for it.

[05] Eroglu received the title of Bas Muktar

Afrika commenting on the issue writes that there are 53 thousand municipalities in Turkey and 230 municipalities in occupied Cyprus. "So here we do not have a president, we have a headman [?] Let us inform Anastasiades and from now on negotiations on will be held between muhktars", the paper writes.

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnist: Eroglu wants no solution, but continuation of the negotiations until 2015

"The Greek Cypriot negotiating team comments on the TRNC negotiating team: 'Dr. Dervis Eroglu is a hawk, but Osman Ertug, who is sitting next to him, is a bigger hawk?' Actually, this is the situation of the TRNC side that sits at the 'table for the solution'. I am not criticizing. We all know Dr Dervis Eroglu's approach on the Cyprus issue, both before becoming president of the republic and afterwards. What should be questioned now is this.

'Do people want an active effort in the direction of the solution in the Cyprus problem?'

What is the stance of the trade unions for the solution?

Do the civilian organizations have a motivation for the solution?

Or is there pressure in the parliament for the solution? Is the government working for the solution?

When we look at all these, absolutely no meaning is left for the Greek Cypriot side's being motivated. Because there not a motivation in the north. President Eroglu, on whom no pressure is exerted, is doing what he knows best.

The solution and the disturbance, which will be caused by the problems it will bring along, have a cost. Are the people ready to pay this price? According to Dr Dervis Eroglu, 'let the situation continue like this, it is best for the people?'

If there are some people who do not want the situation to continue in this manner, they will show an opposition. However, Dervis Eroglu has won the elections against Talat who said 'solution is necessary'. Is there anyone who is disturbed by Eroglu's victory? I have not seen anyone.

Therefore, Eroglu is doing what is expected from him at the table and outside the table. He is doing what he knows best. And he has established his team accordingly. He is in harmony with Mr Ertug. 'The [negotiating] table should not be dissolved, but solution should not be found?' This is the practice. With the power he has taken from the people. In this manner until 2015?"

(I/Ts.)

[07] Columnist criticizes the final decision of the "3rd World Turkish Cypriot congress"

Incirli writes that instead of trying to be heroic in such meetings, they should take initiatives aiming at a Cyprus settlement. He says, "Beginning with the expression 'legitimate state', what does it mean? (?) Therefore in order for the TRNC to be 'legitimate', its independence and its political identity should be recognized?

Its borders should be clear?

And to be 'legitimate', it should be within the law?

Does TRNC have borders?

No!

It has a ceasefire line? If it was a border, what's the need to negotiate!

The ceasefire line, which is protected by the military with weapons, is not a border.

It is clear that these are not borders of a recognized country? there is a piece of land, which is controlled by the army forces of a foreign state and it exists as the 'TRNC state' on behalf of 'an organization established to safeguard the public interest'?

Yes, it does exist? However, there aren't the proper conditions to call it a 'state'?

The 3rd World Turkish Cypriot Congress is not a useless and unnecessary event.

However, the results of the congress are in question, because they are contrary to the established solution parameters (?)"

Serhat Incirli asks whether the aim of this kind of organizations is to implant in the public mind the idea that the continuation of a status quo must be safeguarded something that isn't internationally recognized or to try to find a political solution to their problem. According to Incirli, the real urgency is to reach a Cyprus settlement otherwise the existence of the Turkish Cypriots is at stake.

[08] Building up of the undersea pipe line to bring water from Turkey to occupied Cyprus starts next week

In an interview with Havadis, Cinar argued that the project will meet the needs of the occupied area of Cyprus in drinking, utility and industrial water until 2040. He said that they planned the project for meeting the needs of the occupied area's population in 2040, which they estimated around 390 thousands.

Cinar said that the total cost of the project will be one billion 200 thousand Turkish liras (TL), that the sea part of the project will cost 630 million TL and that they are approaching the end of the project. He noted that their aim is to provide water to the occupied area of Cyprus as of March 2014.

Cinar noted that the distribution line in the occupied area of Cyprus will reach 475 kilometers and added that they will supply water to the occupied part of Nicosia, the coast line of occupied Keryneia, the area between Famagusta and Trikomo and Rizokarpaso.

Asked whether electricity could also be brought over the same line, Cinar said that electricity will not be brought over the same line. He said that there is a project for transferring electricity from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus, but "it has absolutely no relation with our project".

Replying as to whether natural gas could be transferred through this line in case of an agreement with the Greek Cypriot side, Cinar said that their system has been designed only for carrying water.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Turkish Cypriot Football Clubs association supports Cyprus Turkish Football Association (KTFF) Cyprus Football Association agreement

According to the paper Garip said that the agreement is positive and consists a big step and criticized those who area against it. He stated that this agreement is the only chance Turkish Cypriot football has to be opened to the world.

[10] No decision reached in building 2nd pipeline from Arbil

Sources close to the Prime Ministry said there are still problems with some technical details that need to be solved, particularly concerning the share of revenues gained from the oil trade.

The meeting was also attended by Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz, Minister of Development Cevdet Yilmaz, KRG Deputy Prime Minister Imad Ahmad and KRG Natural Resources Minister Ashti Hawrami.

A preliminary deal over the construction of this pipeline was reached several months ago, but sources close to the deal say the Turkish side is waiting for the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki before concluding it. The visit is expected to take place in December.

Erdogan and Barzani's meeting lasted nearly three hours on Wednesday. There was no press conference afterwards, but according to Prime Ministry sources the two statesmen exchanged views on regional problems as well as on ways to improve bilateral relations between Turkey and the autonomous Kurdish administration. The two also talked about the opening of two new border gates.

The same sources said the Turkish Prime Minister reiterated his oft-spoken desire to maintain and improve relations with all segments of Iraq's fragmented society for the sake of contributing to the country's stability and prosperity.

Although both sides seems to be making strides to calm down tension and reinstitute the long-derailed relations between Ankara and Baghdad, there are still some ambiguities that need to be cleared. The central administration is at odds with the northern Kurdish autonomy over the exploitation and exportation of the region's rich oil and gas resources. Ankara is trying to keep a foot in both camps. KRG President Massoud Barzani was in Turkey a couple of weeks ago, addressing the masses in Turkey's Kurdish-populated Diyarbak?r with Erdogan and calling for regional peace. Turkey is planning to host al-Maliki in Turkey soon and convene the High-Level Strategic Council between the two countries' cabinets for the second time.

Sources noted that Erdogan wants to return a visit to al-Maliki after the council meeting and even extend it to include Kirkuk.

After landing at Ankara's Esenboga airport on Tuesday evening, Barzani told reporters that oil exports to Turkey from northern Iraq may start as early as December this year, but he avoided divulging any further details.

Iraqi Kurdistan is cooperating with firms including ExxonMobil, Chevron and Total to develop its energy industry. Turkey is also on the field with its state-backed Turkish Energy Company (TEC) in partnership with Exxon.

But as Kurdish output grows, with several new fields coming online this year and next, a second pipeline will be needed.

"The second pipeline will be mainly for the heavy oil that will come from the northern fields. Taq Taq and Tawke crude is very high quality and blending the two grades would depreciate the value of both crudes," the source close to the deal said.

Turkish state pipeline company Botas will be instrumental in building the second pipeline, a government source said. A private Turkish company is also interested in the project.

The new pipeline will have a capacity of at least 1 million bpd of crude oil, KRG Minister Hawrami said in Istanbul last week. The exports will be metered independently, he said, inviting all parties -- including Baghdad -- to send auditors to observe the process.

Revenues will be paid into KRG accounts, a source familiar with the plans said. Hawrami repeated that the KRG is ready to send 83 percent of its oil income to Baghdad after deducting the autonomous region's share. But Baghdad views such plans as illegal. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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