Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-11-29

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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 breakaway regime alleges that it is their right to carry out explorations for natural gas in the sea of Cyprus

[02] Nami: The UN resolutions state clearly the basis of the federal solution in Cyprus

[03] Talat: The UN "is far from accepting" the approach that two founding independent states will unite to establish a federation in Cyprus

[04] Denktas: it is said that an improved Annan Plan is being prepared

[05] Eroglu: We want a new state and not a continuation of the Republic of Cyprus

[06] Statement by the regime on the violation of the buffer zone by the Turkish army and Turkish Cypriot farmers in occupied Zodia area

[07] TGP starts again its political activity

[08] Taraf argues MGK ruled to eliminate Gulen organization in 2004

[09] Arinc said that the MGK decision on 2004 was only advisory

[10] Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan sign landmark energy contracts: Sources

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The breakaway regime alleges that it is their right to carry out explorations for natural gas in the sea of Cyprus

"Based on the existing rights of the Turkish Cypriot people on the island's continental shelf, on 22 September 2011, the TRNC Council of Ministers licensed the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) to explore/ extract oil/natural gas in determined fields. Within this framework, the first seismic explorations were carried out in the end of 2011.

TPAO's Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha vessel came to the area in order to carry out more detailed explorations in the licensed fields within the scope of the Agreement signed on 2 November 2011 with the TRNC Government.

The Turkish Cypriots, who are co-owners of the island of Cyprus, like on every issue, have equal and inseparable rights in the exploring, extracting, and managing the natural resources, which are in the island's area of jurisdiction. Within this framework, it is natural for the Turkish Cypriot side to carry out works in the licensed fields it had determined. The reactions exhibited by the South Cyprus Greek Administration based on the rejection of the existence of the TRNC are groundless and unwarranted. When it is recalled that actually it is the Greek Cypriot side the one that threatened stability by launching unilateral actions in the area, it is once again evident that these reactions are deprived of reasoning.

The Turkish Cypriot side has been preserving since the very beginning and is still preserving the belief that the sharing of the island's natural resources could be solved with mutual dialogue and good will. The proposals, which the Turkish Cypriot side submitted to the Greek Cypriot side and to the UN Secretary-General on 24 September 2011 and 29 September 2012 calling for the sharing of the island's natural resources in a fair manner, are still valid. The Greek Cypriot side, which did not give a positive response to these proposals, is continuing its unilateral efforts for exploring/extracting hydrocarbons in the area ignoring the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

The allegation published in the Greek Cypriot press that it is not a coincidence that this initiative of the Turkish Cypriot side coincided with the meeting held the day before yesterday between President Dervis Eroglu and the Leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration Nikos Anastasiades is far from being serious. Those who are interested with the issue know that this kind of works is based on long lasting planning. Moreover, the Turkish Cypriot side's efforts in the direction of resuming the full-fledged negotiations soon within the framework of the UN's good offices mission and the unwillingness of the Greek Cypriot side on this issue are very well known by the international community.

The most correct road to be followed for being able to secure peace and stability on the island and Eastern Mediterranean is for the Greek Cypriot side to be directed towards the resumption of effective negotiations aimed at finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, by putting an end to its policies of increasing tension in the area, and until the comprehensive solution is reached to contribute in carrying out exploration/extraction activities on a common ground which will be determined with a mutual agreement until a comprehensive solution is reached".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Nami: The UN Resolutions state clearly the basis of the federal solution in Cyprus

In statements today during a meeting with a delegation from the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Nami claimed that the Cyprus talks could not resume at the level of the leaders, because of what he called as "obstinate stance" of the Greek Cypriot side on the issue of the joint statement.

Noting that the UN Security Council Resolutions clearly state the basis of the federal solution in Cyprus, Nami said that no side could act outside these Resolutions. He pointed out that a joint statement which will stay loyal to this must definitely come out. He went on and alleged:

"?Of course, neither side could drag the process to a structure outside the framework drawn in the Annan Plan, to which the majority of the people said 'yes'?"

Nami said that the federation which will be established will have a single international identity and its sovereignty will equally originate from the Turkish and Greek Cypriots. He noted that a Turkish Cypriot and a Greek Cypriot founding state with equal status will also exist together with the federal government. He pointed out that the UN Security Council Rresolutions clearly refer to the form of the solution stated in the agreements of 23 May 2008 and 1 July 2008. Nami said that the sides should remain loyal to the convergences achieved after these agreements and try to build something. He noted that the joint statement should mention all these.

Nami said that the EU principles and norms will be valid in the entire island in a federal Cyprus, but bi-zonality will be protected. He argued that a joint statement which will respect all these should be enough.

Nami claimed that Turkey offers them a great support on this issue and added that a solution in favour of everybody's interests should be materialized.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (29.11.13) reports that Nami, commenting on his participation in the ECO's 21st Council of Minister meeting for the first time under an observer status with the title of "foreign minister of Turkish Cypriot state", said that their foreign contacts are a result of a continuous intense efforts beginning from the previous "government".

Addressing the "assembly" of the regime, Nami thanked the Iranian government for its interest and said that during his contacts he had the opportunity to meet with the Iranian President and high ranking officials.

Nami explained that this kind of contacts is possible due to the 'yes' vote of the Turkish Cypriots to the Annan Plan.

Commenting on the process of the Cyprus talks, Nami said that the so-called ministry of foreign affairs follows very close the negotiations. He added that he has close relations with the so-called presidency.

[03] Talat: The UN "is far from accepting" the approach that two founding independent states will unite to establish a federation in Cyprus

Talat went on and said that the UN is "far from accepting" the approach that two founding states will come together as independent states" and recalled that this position [of the UN] is strengthened by the Resolutions of the Security Council [as regards Cyprus].

Talat commented also on the recent meeting between President Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and argued that no result could easily be taken out from the negotiating process through "social meetings". He expressed the view that the efforts to advance or launch the process with "social meetings" are "actually indicating deadlock".

Talat went on and said that he sees no reason in organizing social meetings to declare disagreement and alleged that "this result at the very most was useful for Anastasiades' having the opportunity to complain about the Turkish side before his visit to Europe".

Talat claimed that the Greek Cypriot side exaggerates on the issue of agreeing on a joint statement. He alleged that this has almost become an "obsession" for the Greek Cypriot side and it has been turned into a "necessity" because the international community "plays this game".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Denktas: it is said that an improved Annan Plan is being prepared

In statements yesterday during a meeting with a delegation from Turkey's War Veterans' Association, Denktas alleged that this plan would not be in Turkish Cypriots' favor and that if they gave concessions from their identity, rights, equality and sovereignty, a solution would be achieved "tomorrow morning".

Addressing the war veterans, Denktas claimed: "You came to Cyprus in 1974 and fought for these lands. The Greek administration of south Cyprus has never supported an equal agreement. It is said that an improved Annan Plan is being prepared these days. This improvement will not be for us, of course. If we give concessions from our identity, rights, equality and sovereignty in order for being opened to the world, the solution will be achieved tomorrow morning. However, we are protecting these rights of ours".

Denktas went on and referred to the provisional agreement signed in Zurich between the Cyprus Football Association, the Turkish Cypriot so-called football association, UEFA and FIFA and argued: "This text is not appropriate for the sports of our country. I am opposing to this agreement, because it will abolish our equality rights. This agreement would be tantamount to zeroing the struggle given for years. We have to work for improving the text of the agreement for the Turkish side".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Eroglu: We want a new state and not a continuation of the Republic of Cyprus

During a meeting with a delegation from the War Veterans Society in Turkey, Eroglu argued that they have been carrying out negotiations for an agreement since 1964 adding that neither the Turkish Cypriots nor the world has the patience to wait another 50 years for a solution.

[06] Statement by the regime on the violation of the buffer zone by the Turkish army and Turkish Cypriot farmers in occupied Zodia area

He said that Greek Cypriots cultivate fields in the area "south of the UN" and argued that the Turkish Cypriot farmers grow their plants "in their own area with permission given by the army" and there "is absolutely no violation".

Noting that tension exists in the buffer zone in Zodia, the paper writes that on Saturday, 7 December the Cyprus Farmers Union (EKA) will organize a protest at the barricade of occupied Zodia under the slogan "Together United". According to the paper, the general secretary of EKA, Panikkos Hambas has issued a statement noting that after the agreement of demining the buffer zone in the area, the Greek Cypriot farmers could not cultivate their fields 200 meters in front of the positions of the Turkish army and that Turkish Cypriot farmers started using these fields. He said that during their protest, they will return to their land with tractors. EKA points out that the property rights in the buffer zone belong to the Greek Cypriots and that the Turkish army violated the agreement of demining the buffer zone by giving the fields to Turkish Cypriot farmers, notes Yeni Duzen.

(I/Ts.)

[07] TGP starts again its political activity

Dincoglu, who is again the leader of TGP, said that the aim of the party is to prevent the dirty politics and to erase the victimization, which is a result of the double standards policies. He argued that the current political parties cannot contribute to the economic, cultural and social development of the breakaway regime.

[08] Taraf argues MGK ruled to eliminate Gulen organization in 2004

The MGK ruling reads: "Legislation that introduces heavy sanctions needs to be passed and an action plan needs to be drawn up" in order to block "Nurist activities and the activities of institutions belonging to the Fethullah Gulen group." The MGK ruling, dated 25 August 2004, was signed by the then President of the Republic Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chief of the General Staff Hilmi Ozkok and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul as well as by five other Ministers. That same document was signed by MGK members Aytac Yalman, Ozden Ornek, Ibrahim Firtina and M. Sener Eruygur.

The topic of "Nurist activities in Turkey and Fethullah Gulen" was addressed at the MGK meeting on 24 June 2004. The meeting made 15 separate decisions relating to ending the Gulen Group's activities. The ruling was turned into a two-page document, given a heading and passed on to the relevant people. On 25 August 2004 it was signed by all the Council members and presented to the then President of the Republic Ahmet Necdet Sezer.

Prime Ministry to enforce

In the ruling, which is on record as MGK Decision Number 481, it underscores that a decision was made "to come up with a plan of action" while listing each and every step to be taken by official institutions. It is also stressed that attention needs to be paid to the "psychological operation aspect" of the topic. As for the measures to be applied to the Gulen Community, the Interior Ministry, Foreign Ministry and MIT [National Intelligence Organization] Undersecretary's Offices were tasked with this under the coordination of the Prime Ministry Enforcement and Coordination Board (BUTKK)."

Community schools to be monitored

Here are some of the item headings in the MGK ruling made as an advisory decision in 2004: "The activities both foreign and domestic of the F. Gulen group should be monitored closely by the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the MIT Undersecretary's Office and other pertinent agencies under the coordination of the BUTKK. If the F. Gulen group needs to be closely followed by the state's officials serving abroad additional measures will need to be developed by the Foreign Ministry. The activities of private schools belonging to the F. Gulen group need to be examined and kept track of by the Interior Ministry and the Education Ministry. The suspicious and illegal activities going on in schools belonging to this group should be reported periodically to the BUTKK."

Student homes needs to be obstructed

The MGK ruling reads: "Legislation introducing heavy sanctions needs to be passed." The ruling also places emphasis on "student homes." The MGK ruling emphasized the need to make legislation effective and says: "The activities of the F. Gulen group to gain sympathizers and supporters by means of its 'Student Homes' should be carefully monitored by the Interior Ministry. The practice of 'Student Homes" which give religious education using illegal means and which are a system for gathering supporters by making religion a kind of tool should be obstructed."

Donators should be monitored

The ruling of 25 August 2005 says this about MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) monitoring businessmen who make donation to the Community: "Improper monetary activities and money laundering practices through donations need to be tracked by the Ministry of Finance and MASAK."

Circulars to be withdrawn

One other important detail in the document that grabs the attention is the call to have the circular relating to aid for the National View to be withdrawn. The decision is made to pull two circulars sent by Abdullah Gul as Foreign Minister. In the ruling it calls for the circulars numbered 3846 and 3847, which Gul had sent to the embassies calling for the Gulen schools and the National View to be given assistance, to be recalled.

Reported in Taraf

Alper Gormus was the journalist who first drew attention to the existence of the action plan [decision] made at the MGK to counter the Community. In his "Media Ironic" column in Taraf on 24 February 2012, Gormus wrote an article with the headline: "MGK Rules in 2004 to Monitor the Community." He wrote: "The question is this: If the allegation is true that the decision to purge those cadres within the state that are thought to be connected to the Community was made before MIT Undersecretary Hakan Fidan was compelled to give a statement, just how far back does this decision go? Or, just how long has the rift between the government and the Community existed?" Gormus implied that MIT was working to the detriment of the Community and he quoted the MGK details in the Coup Diaries: "Since 2006 more or less I have been hearing sentences to the effect of the government being uncomfortable with the Community's weight within the state and that it is going to take steps. But just like everybody else I too was unaware that the National Security Council back in 2004 had ruled to have the Gulen Community put under surveillance. Yet, it was. This situation is explained in Ozden Ornek's diaries in the sections detailing the MGK rulings in June and August 2004:

"24 June 2004: The Chief of the General Staff gave a rather weighty talk on the topic of Fethullah Gulen and he accused the government. He said that unless the political will was applied and the matter dealt with there would be a disaster.

"25 August 2004: After the talks held at the meeting that discussed Fethullah Gulen and his organization the decision was made to have this man's activities monitored closely. The decision to have him removed was signed today. I do not know how useful this will be."

Ozden Ornek says, "I do not know how useful this will be' but given the MGK ruling who can assert with confidence that MIT has not be running an operation since then?"

[09] Arinc said that the MGK decision on 2004 was only advisory

Government officials, however, wasted no time in making statements about the MGK decision and said it has never been enforced.

Tension between the government and the Gulen Movement, known in Turkish as "Cemaat" (community) or "Hizmet" (service), escalated recently after Erdogan announced plans to abolish private examination prep schools (dershane), many of which are financed and run by Gulen's followers. Erdogan describes the group's loud objections to his government's plans as "a smear campaign."

Although the Gulen Movement is thought to have had close relations with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) until recently, the daily Taraf claimed the MGK document proved that a decision to "finish" the movement had already been made in 2004.

However, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc told reporters in the northwestern province of Bursa Nov. 28 he was not present in the meeting at the time, but added, "even if such a decision was made, it was only advisory." He also stressed the government definitely did not follow through with the recommendations.

"In 11 years, none of the issues assumed to have been agreed in the MGK document happened and we didn't do anything to hurt these people either," Arinc said.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's chief political adviser, Yalcin Akdogan, took to Twitter to also deny that the government had taken any steps following the MGK decision. "The 2004 MGK decision was declared void by the government and no Cabinet meeting decision or action was taken," he tweeted Nov. 28.

The paper also reported that some had claimed the Prime Minister's recent criticisms of mixed-sex student houses were in fact targeting the Gulen Movement, which is known to provide dormitory-style private accommodation for young people.

[10] Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan sign landmark energy contracts: Sources

The sources said the deals were signed during Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani's three hour-long meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan Nov. 27.

The move is likely to further infuriate Baghdad, which claims the sole authority to manage Iraqi oil and which said late on Thursday that any energy deal with Kurdistan would be "an encroachment on the sovereignty of Iraq."

The Turkish Energy Ministry declined to comment.

Crude flow in the KRG's new pipeline will start very soon, and will link up with the 40 inch-line of the existing Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to be exported to world markets.

The state-backed Turkish Energy Company (TEC), which Ankara set up to operate in northern Iraq, has also signed a contract to operate in thirteen exploration blocks, in about half of those it is teaming up with U.S. giant ExxonMobil.

The contracts also envisage the building of a new oil pipeline and a gas pipeline, aimed to help the region's oil exports to climb to 1 million bpd by 2015. The gas flow is likely to start by early 2017.

Under the deal, payments for KRG's oil will be collected in an escrow account at a Turkish state bank. Once the contractor fees are paid, the balance will remain untouched until KRG and Baghdad reach a deal on the revenue sharing. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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