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

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozersay and Mavroyiannis will visit South Africa; Meyer might be appointed as UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Cyprus

[02] Eroglu will meet Ban Ki-moon; Ozersay: We are not going to complain about our interlocutor; He confirmed the negotiators' visit to South Africa

[03] Eroglu: My aim is to conclude the negotiations process on the principles that have been put forward by the National Unity Party

[04] Cavosoglu's contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus

[05] A cooperation protocol between Turkey's EU Ministry and the "foreign ministry" of the breakaway regime

[06] Cavusoglu's interview to Kibris newspaper

[07] Nami to visit Ankara next week

[08] Nami informed the British community in the occupied area of Cyprus on how the breakaway regime will help them

[09] Eroglu: The opening of the fenced off town of Varosha is not the only CBM

[10] German Ambassador to Nicosia: The division of Cyprus lasted for too long

[11] New demands for the Green Line Regulation

[12] So-called mayor of occupied Keryneia gave data on the town's population

[13] Two hundred DP members resigned on Eroglu's patronage over the party

[14] German Minister: Turkey is not fit yet for the EU

[15] Erdogan has accused Twitter of tax evasion

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozersay and Mavroyiannis will visit South Africa; Meyer might be appointed as UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Cyprus

The negotiators will listen to the experiences and the views of Roelof Petrus Meyer, who had participated in the negotiating team of the whites in South Africa, struggled in the direction of reaching an agreement and was appointed as Minister by the late South African President Nelson Mandela.

Citing information from a diplomatic source, the paper writes that the UN might appoint Meyer as Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus.

In statements to Milliyet, Mavroyiannis reportedly said that they will see the approach of the people in South Africa towards the peace process and share their experiences.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu will meet Ban Ki-moon; Ozersay: We are not going to complain about our interlocutor; He confirmed the negotiators' visit to South Africa

Replying to questions of illegal Bayrak television, Ozersay argued that the negotiating process "is a process during which the UN behaves equally to the two sides". "Therefore, the esteemed UN Secretary-General discusses the issue with both leaders", he said recalling that the Secretary-General had met with President Anastasiades a while ago in Brussels.

Ozersay went on and claimed: "As Turkish Cypriot side we are not going to complain about our interlocutor. We will share our views for the process becoming effective".

Asked to comment on information that the negotiators of the two communities will visit South Africa, Ozersay said that this visit is organized by the USA and added that during their visit to South Africa between 25 and 29 April they will participate in meetings which will be held in various cities of the country and listen from experts their experiences on issues regarding disputes and methods [for solving disputes]. "We are ready for everything which we think that will contribute in the process. We do not refrain from meetings that take into consideration our rights", he argued.

Ozersay said that Roelof Meyer, former South African Minister and negotiator known for his closeness to late South African leader Nelson Mandela, will undertake an important duty in these meetings. He recalled that Meyer had visited Cyprus in the past and met with Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu.

Asked why South Africa is chosen for these meetings and whether the dispute there will be taken as an example for Cyprus, Ozersay replied that the dispute in South Africa is not very similar to the situation in Cyprus. "They are different", he said and added that during the meetings they will have the opportunity to listen to the experience from other disputes in the world, as well as the negotiations techniques and methods. He argued that the meetings might create an environment that will bring benefits to a more healthy dialogue between the two negotiators in Cyprus. He recalled that they had socially met in Brussels with the Greek Cypriot negotiator and added that the meeting in South Africa should be evaluated within the same scope.

Moreover, according to illegal BRT (online, 13.04.14), Ozersay, Mavroyannis and their accompanying delegations met at the UN controlled buffer zone on Friday and continued their discussions on the screening process.

In a rare moment in the peace talks since they officially began on the 11th of February, Ozersay said that the two negotiators had a positive three hour meeting.

Making a statement on his return from the meeting, Ozersay said that they had discussed the matters relating to federal law and citizenship, the latter being a traditionally key topic of disagreements between the two sides.

"From the point of view of how this new partnership will come about and how the new states will be established, I can say it was an important meeting", said Ozersay.

He said he left the meeting feeling some issues that seemed very difficult or insurmountable could be overcome. "The meeting made me even more optimistic that we can find a way out. It was the longest and most productive meeting yet", said Ozersay and added that there is an understanding of what would follow.

Ozersay said that the two negotiators will go over four or five more issues next Tuesday to complete the screening process where the two sides will state their positions on key issues in the talks

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu: My aim is to conclude the negotiations process on the principles that have been put forward by the National Unity Party

"My aim is not only to conclude the negotiations process, but to conclude this negotiations process on the principles that have been put forward by the Turkish Cypriots and the National Unity Party. Today everyone in the TRNC is talking about an agreement. We are all searching for a viable and permanent solution" said Eroglu.

Reporting on the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (14.04.14) writes that Ozkan Yorgnacioglu, the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and self-styled prime minister criticized Eroglu's statements. Yorgancioglu said that Eroglu's statements are "thought-provoking, exemplary and cannot be accepted". He also said that Eroglu "as president" must embrace the whole (Turkish Cypriot) community.

He went on and reminded the existence of the joint statement, which was signed by the two leaders in Cyprus, which consists of their general views of the Cyprus problem and added that Eroglu has not the right to speak in this way.

Replying to Yorgancioglu's criticism, Eroglu stated that he is aware of his duties as a "president" and knows what the Turkish Cypriots want and what their interests are. He also stated that the solution that is sought must include the UBP principles and to be well matched with the views of the Turkish Cypriots as were expressed for many years.

[04] Cavusoglu's contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus

Speaking at the occupied airport of Tymbou on Thursday night, Nami said that Cavusoglu has a great knowledge of the EU and Europe itself and added that he was sure he will be benefiting from this knowledge during the visit. Explaining that Cavusoglu will come together with civil society organizations and political parties during his stay in the island, he said he has no doubt that the visit will be fruitful.

Also speaking upon his arrival, Cavusoglu noted that this was his first visit to the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) as the Turkish Minister of European Affairs and said: "Hopefully, with your support this visit will be fruitful. We wish to work towards the benefits of Turkey and the TRNC. We had worked together before with Nami at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for both Turkey and the TRNC. I hope now, as the TRNC foreign minister and the Turkish Minister of European Affairs, we will continue our workings with an increasing tempo", Cavusoglu said.

On the same issue, Cavusoglu met on Friday morning with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. Finalizing the negotiations process and holding a referendum within this year were the main issues discussed during the meeting.

Nami, the illegal Turkish Ambassador to the occupied part of Lefkosia Halil Ibrahim Akca and other "officials" were also present at the meeting.

Cavusoglu said they are working towards speeding up Turkey's EU process, however, added that at the same time they have been working towards asserting the rights of the "TRNC".

Expressing full support to the negotiations process which was re-launched following an agreement reached on the joint statement on the 11th of February, Cavusoglu thanked Eroglu for his stance at the negotiations. "We are supporting your views and plans regarding the 4 phase and result oriented negotiations. I hope the Greek Cypriot side will not dilute the process and we will reach an agreement based on the realities of the joint statement", Cavusoglu said.

Reiterating Turkey's full support to a just and bi-zonal solution on the island, Cavusoglu alleged that following an agreement "North Cyprus" will become a member of the EU and added that they have been working for legal guarantees of this.

Cavusoglu also added that besides the works towards bringing the "TRNC" to the standards of Turkey they will continue to provide their support to the projects aimed at further developing the "TRNC".

For his part, Eroglu said that they are in full cooperation with Turkey on efforts towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and reminded that this dialogue continued during the preparation of the joint statement and the start of the negotiations process.

Stating that the EU was important for the Turkish Cypriots, Eroglu alleged that "considering the fact that an agreement to be reached should be a primary law and we need permanent derogations we will need your continuing support."

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots do not desire the continuation of the Cyprus issue forever, Eroglu claimed that they launched the negotiations with this aim however added that the Greek Cypriot leader is resorting to delaying tactics.

Moreover, Cavusoglu paid a visit to the self-styled parliamentary speaker Siber Sibel.

Noting that he would be defending the rights of the "TRNC" and Turkey in the best possible way, Cavusoglu said that close relations with Nami will continue in the future as well.

Explaining that after the 2004 referendum on the island the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly had taken an active role with the participation of two "TRNC deputies" Cavusoglu said that this is an important message given to the EU and the world. He also stressed that the European Union must take positive steps towards removing the reportedly isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots and towards the implementation of the direct trade regulation.

Siber for her part said that the support given to the "TRNC" by Turkey is strengthening the Turkish Cypriots and thanked Turkey for its support.

Claiming that at international platforms embargoes couldn't be placed on the voice of the Turkish Cypriots, Siber said that "it is very clear that there are two separate peoples on the island and that the people have chosen their deputies to represent them in both communities".

Furthermore, self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu gave a dinner in honour of Cavusoglu and his accompanying delegation.

Speeches during the dinner delivered important messages on the Cyprus negotiations process. Halil Ibrahim Akca, self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas, Nami, some "deputies" and other bureaucrats attended the dinner.

Delivering the first speech of the evening Yorgancioglu referred to the support given to the Turkish Cypriots by Cavusoglu at the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly and expressed his delight at seeing that Cavusoglu has advanced to a more active position.

Explaining that Turkey contributed greatly to the solution process gaining momentum and the preparation of the joint statement, Yorgancioglu said that the joint statement had great significance for the solution process.

Noting that they were carrying out the solution process together with the Turkish government Yorgancioglu said: "I believe we will be successful on the Cyprus issue if we work together and I thank Turkey for its support".

Cavusoglu said that he was very pleased with the contacts he held in the "TRNC" and added that on the issue of peace on the island there was a common sincerity among "state and government officials".

Explaining that motherland Turkey will be pleased the most when a just and permanent solution is found to the Cyprus problem, Cavusoglu said: "As always Turkey fully supports the solution process and the TRNC."

Finally, Cavusoglu, in a statement during an interview to the "BRT", expressed his belief that a solution can be found to the Cyprus problem by the end of this year.

Evaluating the EU harmonisation protocol that was signed, Cavusoglu praised the "TRNC's workings" towards this end, and reminded that the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule had voiced this during his recent visit to the island.

Noting that the EU harmonisation period was broad in scope and contained a variety of issues, the Turkish Minister said that Turkey was also working towards opening chapters that still remained closed by fulfilling the necessary criteria.

Explaining that the "TRNC" was benefitting from Turkey's experiences and as the Turkish EU Affairs Ministry they will provide opportunities for the TRNC, Cavusoglu said: "We support you fully in this field".

Pointing to newly re-launched Cyprus negotiations process, the Turkish Minister said that the "TRNC state and government officials were likeminded on the Cyprus issue and that the joint statement that was also supported by Turkey should be supported with the same enthusiasm by Greece and South Cyprus".

Referring to his visit to Greece last week, he said that there was a dominant view that the opportunities that currently exist should not be wasted.

"The European Union and the European Parliament must take some steps towards confidence building measures", said Cavusoglu and added that simple steps such as increasing aid to the Turkish Cypriots during the harmonization process can be taken. He also said that the decisions taken by the European Union in 2004 should also be implemented.

[05] A cooperation protocol between Turkey's EU Ministry and the "foreign ministry" of the breakaway regime

The protocol was signed by the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami and the Turkish EU Affairs Minister and Chief Negotiator Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The protocol aims to develop the cooperation between the "foreign ministry" and the Turkish EU Ministry on issues relating to EU accession and harmonization with the EU acquis communautaire.

For the effective implementation of the protocol undersecretaries and deputy undersecretaries of the two "ministries" will meet at least once a year.

Speaking before signing the protocol, Nami said he was honoured to host the Turkish EU Affairs Minister Cavusoglu. Noting that Cavusoglu has extensive knowledge on the EU, Nami said: "It is obvious that we need to benefit from this knowledge".

Stressing that the Turkish Cypriots were passing through a very important phase, Nami said: "The main target is to finalize the negotiations process which was re-launched with the joint statement by the two leaders and for the Turkish Cypriots to take their rightful position within the European Union".

For his part, Cavusoglu said that they have been working not only to defend the rights of Turkey but also the "TRNC" at every platform upon the instruction of the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding that Turkey has been striving to increase the "TRNC's status" at the international arena.

Expressing full support to the Cyprus negotiations process, Cavusoglu expressed his desire for the negotiations process to be accelerated, not open ended and a just process which will ensure a permanent peace just like Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has proposed.

"As the Turkish EU Affairs Ministry we fully support the TRNC's works regarding the EU matters and this will be confirmed with the signing of this protocol", Cavusoglu concluded.

[06] Cavusoglu's interview to Kibris newspaper

Responding to the questions that were put to him, Cavusoglu said that the new opportunity that exists for the solution of the Cyprus problem must not be lost and expressed the view that the sides must be able to reach an agreement which will equally safeguard their rights and lead to the establishment of peace on the island.

Stressing that Turkey calls for a solution on the basis of the joint declaration Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastassiadis agreed on 11 February, he noted that he disagrees with the view that the discovery of natural gas resources encouraged the new solution process.

Focusing on the recent reports in "southern Cyprus" (translator's note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus) on a package of proposals for the return of Varosha [the fenced off town of Varosha] to the Greek Cypriot side, Cavusoglu affirmed: "That might be useful for Turkey if the EU approach on the opening of the remaining chapters in EU-Turkey talks is sincere. However, what is even more important for us are the achievement of a solution and the establishment of durable peace on the island."

Regarding the negotiations between the two sides, he noted that Turkey calls for talks on all the core issues and the establishment of durable peace through a give-and-take process. Recalling the Greek Cypriot belief that the problem might be solved in 2015, he asserted: "A result can be achieved this year if the two sides maintain a sincere approach on the framework the joint declaration has drawn up."

Cavusoglu stressed that Turkey agrees with Dervis Eroglu's policy in the process and noted: "The Greek Cypriots say that the solution should be postponed until 2015 or until after elections are held on that side. An election era ended and another is about to begin in Turkey. We held our local elections and move to prepare for the presidential elections. We realize reforms and resolutely maintain our position on the Cyprus problem even at this time. The argument that the solution of the problem should be postponed until after the elections on Turkish Cypriot side is wrong."

Asserting that Turkey will fully support the effort the "TRNC" makes to realize its EU adaptation program, Cavusoglu called for measures against the extreme trends on the two sides and noted: "The national parliaments, the politicians, the local officials, and particularly the civilian organizations have very important responsibilities to fulfil on the matter." He concluded by saying that the religious leaders in "southern Cyprus" must adopt a positive approach and convey peaceful messages.

[07] Nami to visit Ankara next week

In statements to illegal Tymbou airport where he bid farewell to Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Mevlut Cavusoglu, who held a three day visit to the occupied area of Cyprus, Nami stressed the importance of a cooperation agreement signed between Turkey's EU Ministry and the "foreign ministry" and announced that he will visit Ankara next week in order to carry out works and discuss ways on how their cooperation will go further.

(AK)

[08] Nami informed the British community in the occupied area of Cyprus on how the breakaway regime will help them

According to the announcement made by Nami's "office", he also talked about "government's plans" regarding ways to overcome the problems that the English community encounter in the occupied area of Cyprus.

"We foresee the establishment of a committee under the auspices of the ministry of interior, which would minimize the bureaucratic procedures and daily problems you encounter", said Nami. He also informed the participants about the "citizenship law".

[09] Eroglu: The opening of the fenced off town of Varosha is not the only CBM

Addressing the committees, Eroglu's undersecretary Hasan Gungor said: "Just as there are committees that are working well with one another to find solutions to problems there are also those that do not function properly".

Explaining that a great duty fell upon the technical committees in order to build trust between the two communities, Gungur said that in this respect the committees have confidence building qualities.

Also addressing the technical committee members Eroglu said that the committees were created in order to carry out result orientated works and added that the decisions taken by the committees are important as it will allow the Turkish Cypriot side to see the future.

Pointing to the confidence building qualities of the technical committees Eroglu claimed that due to the Greek Cypriot side's intransigent attitude, the committees had not been able to work efficiently. "In the new term we will petition for the technical committees to work uninterrupted", said Eroglu and added that the full responsibility of the committees not functioning properly was on the Greek Cypriot side's shoulders.

Touching upon confidence building measures, Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriot side was acting as though the fenced off town of Varosha was the only Confidence Building Measure.

"Varosha being handed over won't create trust between the two sides, it will only allow the Greek Cypriot side to obtain more land", said Eroglu. He also added that the Turkish Cypriot side had put forward proposals regarding confidence building measures to its collocutors.

[10] German Ambassador to Nicosia: The division of Cyprus lasted for too long

In an interview with Havadis, the German Ambassador noted that "the chances of the Cypriots for living in a united, common future must not be taken away from them". She went on and expressed the belief that the Cypriots will choose to live in the united country and have a common future, noting that in case the status quo continues, "the future will bring many uncertainties and problems".

The German Ambassador expressed the view that the energy resources are "a very powerful unifying element". She said that the existing economic crisis in Cyprus could contribute in evaluating the ways of cooperation for intensifying the works regarding the island's hydrocarbon resources.

Asked about the stance of Germany regarding the negotiations process in Cyprus, she reiterated the support of her country to a solution according to the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the principles on which the EU has been established.

"We think that preserving the momentum is very important for being able to achieve further convergences", she added referring to the negotiations and pointed out that finding a federal solution is difficult but not impossible.

The German Ambassador said also that Europe is ready to perform its duty to support the on-going negotiations under the auspices of the UN. She also referred to the role of the USA in the process and described Turkey's role as "constructive in supporting the negotiating process".

(I/Ts.)

[11] New demands for the Green Line Regulation

According to the paper, it was made known that the EU is seeing positively the circulation of the above products to the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus only if this will be in the framework of the GLR and if all the necessary regulations regarding these products are to be implemented.

(AK)

[12] So-called mayor of occupied Keryneia gave data on the town's population

Aygin said that when he undertook duties as a "mayor" of Keryneia in 1994, the town's population was only 8.000, adding that occupied Keryneia's population today reached to 60.000.

Aygin went on and said that no problem of infrastructure was left in occupied Keryneia, adding that all districts in the town have uninterrupted potable water.

Aygin announced also that on April 15, they will carry out the inauguration ceremony of the first part of a major project, one of the biggest projects ever in the occupied area of Cyprus, and this, as he said, will be in occupied Keryneia.

(AK)

[13] Two hundred DP members resigned on Eroglu's patronage over the party

According to the paper, the former DP-NF members were annoyed because of Eroglu's relations with the National Forces part of the Party.

(TR. Note: National Forces consists of former National Unity Party (UBP) members who joined DP some months ago because of the Eroglu-Kucuk arguments within UBP)

[14] German Minister: Turkey is not fit yet for the EU

Speaking to German daily Die Welt, Ozoguz said the recent block of Twitter was an "unthinkable situation" and that recent developments in Turkey were "very unfortunate". She criticized Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for "moving away" from Europe. Ozoguz is set to accompany German President Joachim Gauck on his visit to Turkey later this month.

Asked whether Turkey "belongs in the EU," she said that for now it did "not fit" with the EU and added that it was difficult to read which direction Erdogan is going. However, she added that President Abdullah Gul gave hope with his "different tone".

[15] Erdogan has accused Twitter of tax evasion

Speaking during the inauguration of a biological treatment facility in Istanbul, Erdogan said: "Twitter, YouTube and Facebook are companies established to make profit; these companies are making money. Like any other international company, these companies must also come and comply with tax rules in accordance with my country's constitution and laws." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article