Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-04-11

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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] Eroglu accused the Greek Cypriot side of delaying tactics for demanding to take up the convergence papers again

[02] Ozersay: I don't approve of revisiting the convergence papers

[03] Nami briefed NGOs and unions

[04] Nami: The problem in the negotiating process derives from the lack of political will; We have not discussed Varosha with Rubin

[05] Ozersay and Mavroyiannis meet yesterday at the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone

[06] Ozyigit: "Don't waste time and effort on agreed upon issues"

[07] Levent: The Turkish Cypriot political parties contribute in the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots by boycotting the EP elections

[08] Kurds protest against the violence by the Grey Wolves in the occupied area of Cyprus; Initiative by BDP towards the Turkish Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs

[09] TMT called on the cancellation of the Good Friday mass in occupied Famagusta

[10] Cavusoglu in the occupied area of Cyprus for a series of contacts

[11] Children's Day will be celebrated with the participation of students from 12 different countries

[12] Fule: Events since December cast doubt on Turkey's EU path

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu accused the Greek Cypriot side of delaying tactics for demanding to take up the convergence papers again

Eroglu, replying to "BRT" correspondent's questions on the Cyprus issue during a visit, said that the "two peoples" on the island are in favour of reaching a solution in Cyprus. Eroglu said especially the Turkish Cypriots believe that a solution will be found to the Cyprus problem in the shortest period of time.

"The delaying tactics of the Greek Cypriot side at the negotiations table would harm the people's belief in the solution process. By taking this into consideration we are in a position to continue the negotiations by not ignoring the convergences reached in the past", Eroglu said.

Reminding that the Turkish Cypriot side had put forward bridging proposals while the negotiations process is continuing, Eroglu said ignoring these proposals which were prepared with great effort would be a waste of time.

"Our desire is to continue the negotiations process swiftly, to reach convergences on main chapters by completing the screening process and to put forward written proposals at the table. Following this we should move on to the give and take process. Considering that an agreement cannot be reached without a give and take process, the people's hopes for a solution will be dampened if we don't begin the give and take process soon", Eroglu concluded.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 10.04.14) reported that the technical committees working on the Cyprus issue will convene on Friday afternoon in a meeting by Eroglu at his office.

According to a press release by Eroglu's office, it is reported that during the meeting representatives from the so-called foreign ministry and other "ministries" will also participate. The technical committees will evaluate the recent developments and the focus of the meeting will be on possible ways of increasing coordination between negotiating teams and "government officials".

[02] Ozersay: I don't approve of revisiting the convergence papers

Noting that he had come face to face with an issue that brought him great concern during the last negotiators meeting, Ozersay said that the Greek Cypriot side wanted to revisit some issues where convergences had previously been reached.

"As soon as you revisit one issue, it has a domino effect and the convergences that were reached within 6 years will be lost", said the negotiator. Explaining that this did not mean that the negotiations process had come to an end, Ozersay said that they have begun some initiatives to overcome the negative developments that have taken place.

"I can't say that there is a crisis at the negotiations table. There is a problem with the convergence papers but I can't say there is a crisis. I don't approve of revisiting the convergence papers. After the screening process is completed then in order for the two sides to reach the same point, an agreement must be reached on a common point. For this to happen then both sides must propose things that they haven't previously proposed. This difference can be closed with proposals, counter proposals and bridging proposals", said Ozersay.

He added that the Turkish Cypriot side wants to turn the screening process to the negotiations which will also include the give and take process.

[03] Nami briefed NGOs and unions

Referring to his contacts in the US, Brussels, Strasbourg, Germany, Tehran and Guinea, Nami said that his contacts had been very useful. Noting that the US saw a chance for a solution on the Cyprus issue and wanted to allocate some time for this issue, Nami touched upon also the importance of the EU during the Cyprus negotiations process.

Expressing his view that the leaders meeting once a month and the negotiators meeting once a week are creating distress at the negotiations process, Nami said: "As the Turkish Cypriot side, we expect an intensified period". He said that as the "foreign ministry" they aim to create an active dialogue with civil society organisations by holding meetings at certain times in order to inform them.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 10.04.14) reported that Nami also said that there are question marks regarding the negotiations caused by the "procedure of the process, the frequency of the meetings, Greek Cypriot's past convergences coming back, lack of calendar and Downer's departure from the system".

[04] Nami: The problem in the negotiating process derives from the lack of political will; We have not discussed Varosha with Rubin

In an interview with Havadis, Nami said that the two leaders should meet, give the necessary instructions and pave the way for the negotiations. Replying to a question Nami alleged that some proposals submitted by the Greek Cypriot side "are really their starting positions in the very past years". He argued that the Turkish Cypriot side was disappointed and could not understand why the Greek Cypriot side did not reply positively to the demand for intensifying the negotiations. Nami claimed that the leaders' meeting once a month and the negotiators' meeting once a week is insufficient and alleged that the rejection by the Greek Cypriot side to support the convergences documents formed until today constitute "an important problem".

Nami said that the Greek Cypriot side wants the European Union (EU) to become one of the sides at the negotiating table but the Turkish Cypriot side rejects this demand. He alleged that they could not see very positively [the wish of] the Greek Cypriots to have the EU representative as a side at the negotiating table, "a person from an institution of which they are members and have a say and an influence in his appointment".

Nami said that no pressure is exerted either from the EU or from the USA for the opening of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha prior to the solution. Replying to questions, Nami said that they have not discussed the issue of Varosha during the US Assistant Secretary of State Eric Rubin's recent visit to the island and argued that there is no project by the EU on Varosha and no interference by the USA.

He noted that the debates that are being held now concern the possibility of whether some technical works "having the character of preparations" could start before the solution. Asked what these preparations are, he noted that they concern the condition of the buildings, the infrastructure and the environment. Asked whether these technical works could start, he argued that it is early to say this, adding that first we should overcome this first stage of the negotiations and produce a really positive result in order for the discussion of such issues to start.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (11.04.14), Nami referred to the so-called Property Compensation Commission established by Turkey in the occupied area of Cyprus and said that hundreds of applications by Greek Cypriots have been submitted and compensation has been paid to many of them. "For some of them mutual exchange has been made, it has been a functional commission", he argued adding that after the economic crisis in the government-controlled area of Cyprus, the applications submitted to the commission "exceeded our expectations and anticipations". "The Greek Cypriots see this as an acceptable, just mechanism, this is very important", he alleged.

Referring to the territorial adjustments in a possible solution of the Cyprus problem, he claimed, inter alia, the following: "We cannot know from now which village, which territory will be given to whom when the territorial adjustment will be made. However, the time that passes is turning this adjustment into a more limited one. Ten years passed since the Annan Plan. The TRNC made new infrastructures at the places where the Turks settled, the Turks settled even more in those lands. It has become almost impossible now to make such an adjustment. As time goes by, this possibility is decreasing?"

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ozersay and Mavroyiannis meet yesterday at the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone

The "secret meeting" was held at the House for Cooperation in the buffer zone in Nicosia. Realist correspondent reportedly saw the two negotiators "talking in a very sincere manner". Both of them told him that contrary to what is written in the press "absolutely no tension exists between the sides".

In statements to Realist after the meeting, Ozersay said that this kind of meetings are very important for overcoming possible deadlocks in the negotiations and create a climate for "melting the ice" between the sides. He noted that both he and Mavroyiannis have met with the UN Secretary-General's representative in Cyprus, Lisa Buttenheim, adding that their yesterday meeting was a part of this "chain of meetings".

Ozersay alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side is pushing for the negotiating process, but "it is difficult to say that the Greek Cypriot side is in a hurry". "However, the climate is positive in general", he added.

Referring to the so-called road map announced recently by the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, Ozersay said that the Greek Cypriots have not rejected this road map as a whole.

He went on and argued: "In the meeting I held with Mr Mavroyiannis, he told me that Mr Anastasiades is positive for the cross-visits to Athens and Ankara and he could respond favourably to a possible invitation by the esteemed UN Secretary-General. They [the Greek Cypriots] see positively the bridging proposals we have submitted. Of course, they are afraid of calling this process as 'give and take', but these proposals constitute the basis of a give and take. The main reservation of the Greek Cypriot side is the four-party meeting we think of holding in June. Mr Anastasiades does not see this positively and has reservations about it. However, when we look at the entire road map, it is clearly seen that the Greek Cypriots have not turned on the red light to all the proposals?"

(I/Ts.)

[06] Ozyigit: "Don't waste time and effort on agreed upon issues"

"The time and effort should be spent for finding a solution. This is what people expect to happen", said Ozyigit.

Ozyigit also criticized the Greek Cypriot side for "delaying the process by requesting all disputed issues to be renegotiated instead of continuing the process that began after Downer's 77 pages document about these issues which were discussed for years."

Ozyigit suggested that instead of agreed upon issues, the ones that are unresolved should have been on the agenda. "Especially the 'Governance and Power-Sharing', 'Property' and 'Territory' issues create disagreements. So, I call on both leaders and the negotiators to focus on these instead of wasting time on the topics that were already agreed upon", said Ozyigit.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (11.04.14) reports that Ozygit met yesterday morning with the Italian Ambassador to Cyprus Guido Cerboni. During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and evaluated the upcoming European Parliament elections in May. Deniz Birinci, foreign relations secretary of the TDP was also present at the meeting.

[07] Levent: The Turkish Cypriot political parties contribute in the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots by boycotting the EP elections

"Cyprus is under occupation for 40 years and this is why I am a candidate", said Levent and criticized the foreign policies implemented by the European Union, including its policy for Cyprus.

According to the paper, the Turkish Cypriot political parties, which concentrate on the local "elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus and boycott the EP elections, contribute in the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. It is also argued that the turn out in the EP elections will be low because the Greek Cypriots will want to punish their politicians for the existing economic crisis. If the Turkish side stops being stubborn and decides to participate in the EP elections, writes the paper, the Turkish Cypriots could easily take two seats in the EP.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Kurds protest against the violence by the Grey Wolves in the occupied area of Cyprus; Initiative by BDP towards the Turkish Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs

Citing information by the Turkish Yuskekova news site, Yeni Duzen writes that the co-chairman of the Peace and Democracy party (BDP) in Turkey, Selahattin Demirtas has been briefed by the self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu regarding the students of Kurdish origin who had been attacked and taken into custody. It is also reported that the BDP will undertake the necessary initiatives on the issue towards the Turkish Ministries of National Defense and Foreign Affairs.

(I/Ts.)

[09] TMT called on the cancellation of the Good Friday mass in occupied Famagusta

In a written statement signed by the "TMT Famagusta branch" and the "fighters association", Ergunes claimed that none Greek Cypriot has entered the church since 1957, claiming that the planning mass that will be held at the Orthodox church on April 18, has caused mourning among the residents of the occupied Famagusta. He also condemned the fact that the so-called mayor of Famagusta Kayalp and the "head of the religious affairs department" Atalay will also attend the mass and asked not to give permission for this mass to be held.

[10] Cavusoglu in the occupied area of Cyprus for a series of contacts

Cavusoglu and his delegation will hold meetings with the Turkish Cypriot officials where mutual relations between two "countries" will be discussed, as well as, the implementation of EU acquis Adaptation Program in the occupied area of Cyprus.

During his two days visit, Cavusoglu will meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, "government officials" and representatives of political parties.

Cavusoglu's meeting with Eroglu is scheduled to start at 10.30 am this morning and immediately afterwards the Turkish Minister will meet with the self-styled assembly speaker Sibel Siber. Later, he will meet with self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu.

After completing his contacts in the morning, Cavusoglu will meet with Ozdil Nami and then he will attend a working lunch. Following the working lunch the Turkish Minister will pay visits to UBP (National Unity Party) leader Huseyin Ozgurgun, DP-UG (Democrat Party ? National Forces) leader Serdar Denktas and TDP (Social Democratic Party) leader Cemal Ozyigit. Cavusoglu will attend a dinner at Dome Hotel occupied Keryneia, organized by Yorgancioglu.

On Saturday, Cavusoglu will address a conference at the illegal Near East University (YDU) which is jointly organized by Nami's office.

After the conference, Cavusoglu will meet with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce over a dinner. He will depart from the occupied area of Cyprus on Sunday.

[11] Children's Day will be celebrated with the participation of students from 12 different countries

Explaining that over 360 students from 12 different countries are coming to the "TRNC" to take part in celebrations, Arabacioglu said that these celebrations were creating a platform for children from different racial and religious backgrounds to come together.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, in a meeting with the delegation of children, said that the delegation had a very important role to play as they are representing the "TRNC" abroad.

Self-styled parliamentary speaker Sibel Siber also met with the delegation of children and expressed her belief that the children will represent the "TRNC" in the best possible manner.

[12] Fule: Events since December cast doubt on Turkey's EU path

The Commissioner was speaking on April 10 during the 74th EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee at the European Parliament in Brussels, where EU Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also participated.

"As Commissioner for enlargement, I must admit that events over the past three months have cast doubt on Turkey's commitment to European values and standards. Let me express the sincere hope that the next three months will prove me wrong; that Turkey will fully re-engage in reforms which will bring your country closer to the European Union; that constructive cooperation will allow us to use the immense potential of our relations to the full," Fule said.

The Commissioner criticized new legislation that transferred significant powers over the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) to the Justice Ministry. "This development reverses a previous reform elaborated in consultation with the European Union and the Council of Europe. The changes raise serious concerns over the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and over the separation of powers in Turkey," he said.

Cavusoglu said Turkey is ready to compare the new HSYK legislation to "best practices" in Europe, adding that he won't accept that "Ministers in Europe don't abuse their power but in Turkey they can," warning the EU against applying "double standards."

Commissioner Fule also slammed the "massive transfers of police officers, judges and prosecutors' during the graft probe".

The new Internet law, which has empowered the head of the Telecommunications Directorate (TIB) with the authority to block access to web pages within four hours, was also criticized by Fule.

"In the area of freedom of expression, I regret that the new law on the Internet gives arbitrary power to the TIB. The lack of sufficient protection or legal safeguards of the affected parties is also worrying." he said.

For his part, Cavusoglu said the restriction of social media in Turkey does not aim the freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, Fule praised the opening of EU Accession Chapter 22 on Regional Policy, as well as significant developments in the area of justice and home affairs, including a visa liberalization dialogue, cooperation on tackling irregular migration, and the signing of the readmission agreement last year. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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