Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-01-20

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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] Talat describes as unacceptable the agreement signed between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus as regards the British Bases

[02] Turkish Cypriot reactions to the agreement signed between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus as regards the British Bases

[03] Eroglu: Downer started losing his impartiality

[04] Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem

[05] Belgian Ambassador to Turkey: The Belgium model is not for Cyprus

[06] TDP is in favour of the return of occupied Varosha to its legal owners

[07] Compensation Committee: 5,704 applications between 2006-2013

[08] They plan to build a hotel at the area Turkey landed its occupation troops in Cyprus in 1974

[09] Educational flights by the Turkish General Staff were conducted illegally in the occupied area of Cyprus

[10] The first water in the occupied area of Cyprus from Turkey by the end of 2014

[11] More on the Islam "invasion" in the occupied area of Cyprus

[12] FOG TV television station closed down

[13] Turkey says ready to discuss judicial row with EU

[14] Turkish state fund seizes assets of CHP Istanbul candidate Mustafa Sarigul

[15] Turkish police break up protest against law curbing Internet

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Talat describes as unacceptable the agreement signed between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus as regards the British bases

In statements during a television program, Talat assessed many issues. He alleged that former President Christofias had also visited Britain after his election and added that during that visit Britain and Cyprus had also signed a joint declaration, which included many elements that satisfied the Greek Cypriots.

Arguing that the same stance is followed today by President Anastasiades, Talat alleged that President Anastasiades is trying to strengthen his position by postponing the resumption of the negotiations and Britain "opened the door to him again as it seemed in the latest example". "Britain always does this", he claimed and alleged, inter alia, the following:

"While Britain does not even pay the rent for the bases with the pretext that the Turkish element does not participate in the Republic of Cyprus, it is unacceptable to conclude an agreement with the Greek Cypriot side which is possible to reach a dimension that could change the status of the bases. Furthermore, it has not been appropriate at all to state together with Anastasiades expressions, which does not concern Britain at all and create problem in the joint declaration, even though I do not agree with this. I have not examined the issue yet, but I believe that after our competent authorities and lawyers examine the issue, the necessary reaction should be shown. Moreover, according to the news in the Greek Cypriot press, the Guardian (translator's note: the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Cyprus) will be responsible for the Turkish Cypriot properties, which are in the bases, because the laws of the Republic of Cyprus will be valid. That is, the British seem to have presented as a gift the Turkish properties in the bases to the Greek Cypriots. However, finding out the details and carrying out a legal study is absolutely necessary".

Referring to the issue of the joint declaration, Talat argued that the Turkish side should make a call on President Anastasiades for a meeting and claimed that the "joint text" could be prepared within two hours.

Asked whether establishing a federation like a "catholic marriage" would be correct, Talat said that the Turkish side "is not included in the international law" and "it is treated like a community". Starting such discussions before joining the international system would "spoil the image" of the Turkish Cypriot "people", he argued.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkish Cypriot reactions to the agreement signed between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus as regards the British bases

The paper reports that Kudret Ozersay, former special representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader in the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, has said that the importance of the agreement for using and developing these properties should not be ignored and within this framework, the Turkish Cypriot side should undertake an initiative without delay towards the guarantor powers in Cyprus and the United Nations. In statements during a television program, Ozersay argued that if they do not undertake the necessary initiative on this issue, the medium-term and long-term interests of the Turkish Cypriots as a community would be endangered.

Ozersay said that the agreement is a positive step as regards the human rights of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots (or others), who possess immovable property in the area of the bases, but this kind of agreement could create problems "because it does not include the will of all sides concerned".

He claimed, inter alia, the following: "From the moment we accept the thought that the 1960 Agreements could change without our consent, damage will be caused to the spirit of the negotiations for finding an overall solution. Therefore, I think that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey should undertake diplomatic initiative on this issue".

In statements to Kibris Postasi, Mustafa Yektaoglu, former "MP" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has alleged that the agreement is contrary to the 1960 Treaty of Establishment, Guarantee and Alliance. "The agreement is clearly tantamount to violating [the Turkish Cypriot] communal rights", he alleged claiming that transferring 78% of the territory of the British bases to the Republic of Cyprus through an agreement is "contrary to the international law and one-sided in favour of the Greek Cypriots".

Referring to the same issue, international relations professor, Mehmet Hasguler argued that the agreement was a surprise for the Greek Cypriot elite and an effort to create the image that if Britain gives back territory why the Turks should not give as well. Noting that this agreement does not mean that Britain abandons its sovereign military bases in Cyprus, Hasguler described the development as "first official change of the status quo in Cyprus after 1974".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu: Downer started losing his impartiality

Eroglu alleged that the Greek Cypriot side "has put Downer under its influence" by continuously accusing him. Eroglu argued that he could easily say that Downer acts in favour of the Greek Cypriots with his effort to behave impartially, but "we made no such comment until today". Eroglu alleged that they did not say anything because they allegedly want an agreement. "Therefore, I have also actually warned him during our last meeting that 'I've begun thinking that he started losing his impartiality", he added.

Referring to the report expected to be submitted by Downer to the UN Security Council on the issue of the joint declaration, Eroglu said: "We are expecting him to write a report in our favour, because the Greek Cypriots are the side which rejects it, but I do not know whether such a report will come up. You know that there is Russia, China and France which strongly support the Greek Cypriots in the Security Council".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (19.01.14) reported that Davutoglu stated that the solution of the Cyprus problem will be the first step for a comprehensive solution in Eastern Mediterranean. Davutoglu, who was speaking at the 6th annual Ambassadors' Conference held between January 13 and 19 in Turkey, also said that they discussed the latest developments on Cyprus with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, during the latter's current visit to Ankara and added that no one can question the positive attitude of the Turkish side. He also accused the Greek Cypriot side of not having the will for the solution. He also said that ten years ago the "TRNC" was not the same and added that strengthening the economy, the position of the Turkish side at the negotiations is becoming stronger.

[05] Belgian Ambassador to Turkey: The Belgium model is not for Cyprus

In an interview to Cihan news agency, the Belgian Ambassador also said that Belgium supports Turkey's accession into the EU, describing Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Brussels as very positive. He said that Belgium supports the opening of the chapters 23 and 24, however, he added the chapters should comply with the Copenhagen criteria.

[06] TDP is in favour of the return of occupied Varosha to its legal owners

Noting that contrary to the other Turkish Cypriot parties, TDP does not relate the issue of "the ghost city of Varosha" to the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, Afrika writes that, in a statement after meeting with the Initiative for Famagusta, Ozyigit noted that they demand the return of Varosha to its legal owners under the control of the UN and, in return for this, the opening of the port of Famagusta to free trade and of the illegal Tymvou airport to direct flights.

Ozyigit said that even if no step could be taken for the port of Famagusta and the illegal airport, at least Varosha should open for the benefit of the economy. "Both communities will gain from this", he pointed out.

According to the paper, TDP is expected to visit Brussels within the forthcoming days and hold contacts with EU officials. The TDP delegation is expected to put on the table its demands as regards Varosha.

Ozyigit said that they want the UN Secretary ? General to undertake an active initiative towards the resumption of the negotiations and reiterated that they support a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal solution based on political equality within the framework of the UN parameters, with a single sovereignty, single international identity and single citizenship

(I/Ts.)

[07] Compensation Committee: 5,704 applications between 2006-2013

Ii was also announced that 143 million sterling pounds were paid as compensation for the 584 completed cases.

[08] They plan to build a hotel at the area Turkey landed its invasion troops in 1974

The paper writes that the Turkish Holding leased an area of 20 donums of land [Translator's note: a land measure around 1,000 square meters] from Evkaf religious foundation and plans to start building the hotel next year.

With this purchase, notes Hurriyet, the group, which had invested in the field of jewellery, the banking sector (with Creditwest bank) and energy (with the Alpet gas stations) in the occupied area of Cyprus, has entered into the business of tourism.

The president of the administrative board of Altinbas Holding, Vakkas Altinbas has told the Economist magazine that they had "purchased" this place two weeks ago and they would construct the most luxurious hotel of the occupied area at the above-mentioned beach, five kilometres away from the centre of Keryneia.

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (20.01.14) refers to the issue and reports that Vakkas Altinbas stated to the paper, inter alia, the following: "We have agreed with the operator to overtake the beach. We have submitted an application to the Evkaf Foundation's Administration. Our discussions with the Altinkaya Restaurant, which is located there, continue. If we agree, we will apply for a hotel also".

According to the paper, the self-styled minister of interior, Teberruken Ulucay said that Altinbas Holding has applied to Evkaf for leasing the above-mentioned area, but the issue had not come onto the agenda of Evkaf's board yet.

The chairman of Evkaf's board, Huseyin Inan told Yeni Duzen that "there might be an intention" for doing this, but for such long-lasting leasing, the approval of the administrative board is needed first and then the "permission" of the "council of ministers".

(I/Ts.)

[09] Educational flights by the Turkish General Staff were conducted illegally in the occupied area of Cyprus

The paper writes that self-styled officials of the breakaway regime did not comment on the issue but the Turkish General Staff reported on its website on January 16 that educational flights were conducted in the area.

[10] The first water in the occupied area of Cyprus from Turkey by the end of 2014

Project Manager of Turkey's State Water Affairs Department (DSI) Birol Cinar, speaking to the paper, said that until now 2 km of pipelines have already been put in the sea. He added that if the weather conditions are good, they plan to put one more km of pipeline in the sea within a week.

Cinar said that the pipeline will carry 75 milllion cubic meters water from Alakopru Dam to "TRNC" and then a total length of 475 km pipes will distribute the half of the supply drinking water to the occupied part of Nicosia, to the coastline of occupied Kyreneia, and the occupied area between Famagusta, Trikomo and Rizokarpaso.

The rest half of the water will be used for irrigation. The irrigation water will be transferred through a 6 km tunnel to occupied Morphou. From there it will be divided into two parts: for occupied Morphou and occupied Mesaoria.

Cinar noted that the Alakopru dam in Turkey has been completed, only the installation of the mechanic equipment is still continuing, adding that 80% of the 23 km pipeline that will carry the water from Alakopru dam to the Anamur pumping station has been completed, too. All the land works from the side of Turkey will be completed by March 2014.

[11] More on the Islam "invasion" in the occupied area of Cyprus

In statements to Kibris, Dr Ibrahim Capak, the dean of the Theological Faculty of YDU, stated that the first graduates from the school will complete their studies in 2015.

In addition Afrika (18.01.14) reported that the Turkish Cypriot Primary and Secondary School Teachers' Trade Unions, KTOS and KTOEOS respectively, filed a case against the "ministry of education" for the theological school which is constructed in occupied Mia Milia village.

The paper writes that the trade unions react strongly against the Islamic education in the occupied area of Cyprus.

[12] FOG TV television station closed down

FOG TV was established in May 2012 by Hitit Ben firm which was based in the UK.

[13] Turkey says ready to discuss judicial row with EU

Davutoglu said the judiciary issue and all others are on the table in the EU talks, but defended the embattled Erdogan government's response to the corruption scandal that sparked the current political crisis.

Brussels has urged the government to address the corruption allegations in a "transparent" and "impartial" manner, and the Council of Europe has warned that Turkish moves to "politicise" the judiciary would weaken trust in the state and jeopardise democracy.

"Judicial independence is a must," Davutoglu told reporters in the southern Turkish province of Adana. "But the executive has the freedom to develop its own policies," the Foreign Minister said.

"If there is anything that is against the EU standards, we will listen to this, but we will ask one by one how the situation is in Europe, in Spain, in France," he said.

He urged the EU to immediately open Chapters 23 and 24 in membership negotiations -- policy areas governing the rule of law and the judiciary. "Let's negotiate them as soon as possible," he said.

[14] Turkish state fund seizes assets of CHP Istanbul candidate Mustafa Sarigul

The decision was taken after the current mayor of Istanbul's Sisli district failed to repay loans worth $3.5 million taken out from Bank Ekspres in 1998, together with nine other creditors, daily Hurriyet reported on Jan. 17.

In his first remarks after the decision, Sarigul described the TMSF's move as a "provocation".

[15] Turkish police break up protest against law curbing Internet

Police broke up groups of protesters who gathered at the city's main hub, Taksim, and along a main street to denounce the draft bill that would allow Turkey's telecommunications authority to block websites or remove content accused of privacy violations without a court decision, and force service providers to keep Internet users' data for two years.

The bill that includes the controversial law was approved by Parliament on Jan. 16 as many groups, including Turkey's top business association TUSIAD, slammed the government's move as an attempt to curb individual freedoms.

The European Court of Human Rights has said that Turkey's existing Internet regulations were against the freedom of expression. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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