Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-04-15

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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] Reply by the Turkish Energy Minister to President Anastasiades on the natural gas

[02] Cavusoglu: We want the Cyprus talks to be carried out under the auspices of UN

[03] Eroglu on the crossing of the vehicles to the government controlled area of Cyprus

[04] Problems in the breakaway regime's self-styled government; "Critical" decision is expected today by the DP-UG

[05] CTP General Secretary Erk criticized Eroglu's statements that negotiations must take place on the principles of UBP

[06] The political crisis in the Democratic Party continues

[07] Izcan: "Eroglu and the CTP-DP 'government' are acting under Ankara's instructions"

[08] Talat expects no developments on the Cyprus problem; he accuses Eroglu for not interesting on the Cyprus problem

[09] Young Fighters Association warns against April 18 procession of Epitaphios saying that it will protest against it

[10] U.S. Envoy to Ankara discussed regional issues with AKP deputy

[11] Atalay: AKP's candidate for the presidential elections will be Erdogan

[12] "Progress made" in talks between Twitter and Turkey

[13] Columnist believes that Turkey is not mature enough for the EU

[14] Turkey becomes a top 15 military spender

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Reply by the Turkish Energy Minister to President Anastasiades on the natural gas

Yildiz alleged the following: "Of course their partner is the TRNC, not Turkey. The whole of Cyprus should benefit in a fair manner from the wealth which is around the island. The TRNC is an independent state and together with the solution which they could develop jointly, we will continue to contribute positively in this project, but in case this feasibility is not politically secured, the non-solution is by the side of this issue as it always happens. We have been saying it from the beginning, the oil and natural gas, which is produced in exclusive economic zones that have not been clarified according to the international law, in areas the borders of which have not been drawn, must be shared by the whole of Cyprus. Therefore, their partners will be the TRNC, but Turkey is the most important transportation place and consumption point. The esteemed Greek Cypriot leader also says this in his statements. Their partner in the project is the TRNC".

Yildiz went on and claimed that in the use of these resources, Cyprus should be evaluated as a whole and added that this might be either a "partnership" or a "sharing of income", but Turkey is not a side in these processes.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Cavusoglu: We want the Cyprus talks to be carried out under the auspices of UN

"We want the EU to support the solution in Cyprus but we desire that the peace process is carried out under the auspices of the UN."

"Turkey supports the TRNC (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) in every field possible and especially in education and tourism areas there are big investments made by Turkey. In addition, there are investments in the water and energy areas. As you all know we are working on meeting the deadline (20 July) for the Northern Cyprus Water Supply Project".

"We want a permanent and sustainable solution which protects the interest of both communities to be reached in Cyprus. The joint declaration, contributed by many, is a basis for the solution".

"The Cyprus issue has been always put in front of Turkey's EU membership but this is not done to the other countries. The Greek Cypriot side's accession to the EU was against international law and it was a political mistake but EU only comprehended it, 3-4 years after south Cyprus' accession to the EU."

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.04.14) reports that hoping to keep the prospect of making 2014, the "year of the European Union," the Turkish government will launch new "reform packages" following the cascade of tough EU criticism about recent developments, EU Minister Cavusoglu has said at a meeting with the Diplomatic Correspondents' Association (DMD).

Cavusoglu claimed that the EU process would now be higher in Turkey's agenda following the recent local elections, noting that there is also a consensus within EU bodies to open Chapters 23 and 24 of Turkey's accession process.

The EU, for its part, should take steps to reinforce the positive atmosphere created by the packages, Cavusoglu said, specifically calling for the opening of Chapter 15 on energy, Chapter 17 on economic and monetary policy, and Chapter 19 on social policy and employment.

Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule is set to visit Turkey in May and June, in order to establish working groups between the European Commission and Turkey.

The Turkish government will also set up sub-commissions under its EU Ministry, with the participation of officials from different ministries, which will discuss deficiencies and malfunctions regarding EU norms, Cavusoglu said, adding that they had asked the European Commission about attendance from the EU.

Moreover, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 14.04.14) reported that Cavusoglu also said at the meeting that the reason for not opening the chapters is not about the criticism of Turkey by the EU but due to blocks from Cyprus and France.

Demonstrating an optimistic stance, Cavusoglu also said that Turkey expects a solution to the Cyprus issue in 2014 after the resumption of negotiations between the Turkish and the Greek Cypriots early this year in the long-divided island.

[03] Eroglu on the crossing of the vehicles to the government controlled area of Cyprus

Eroglu, for his part, noted that this problem has been ongoing for years and that he has spoken with the EU officials regarding this issue, claiming that at a time when confidence building measures are being discussed, this stance is very wrong.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Eroglu said that he was searching for a solution that the majority of the population would approve of and added that he wanted to reach an agreement that would allow the Turkish Cypriot "people" to live on these lands in peace and security.

[04] Problems in the breakaway regime's self-styled government; "Critical" decision is expected today by the DP-UG

The paper writes that the "deputies" of the party have been divided in two groups and this is why this will be a difficult day for Serdar Denktas, chairman of the DP-UG. During DP-UG's "parliamentary group" meeting yesterday, some "deputies' expressed the view that they should continue the "coalition government with the CTP" and "shelve the alliance with the UBP". The "deputies" called as "UG wing", which had joined the DP after resigning from the UBP, exhibited a totally different stance.

According to the paper's information, Denktas was contented with watching silently the harsh debates, as he reportedly wants both the "coalition government" with the CTP to continue and the alliance with the UBP in the "elections". It is said that in order for the alliance with the UBP to continue, Denktas will have to withdraw the candidacy of Huseyin Alanli in occupied Trikomo "municipality". Political observers have expressed the view that, the decision, which Denktas will take today, will determine both his and his party's political future.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (15.04.14) reports that after the "crisis" in the "government", the DP-UG has started knocking at UBP's door to sound the ground. According to the paper's information, Denktas discussed the issue with UBP's chairman, Huseyin Ozgurgun last Friday over the phone. Denktas has allegedly told Ozgurgun that "in my mind I am done now with the CTP, I am ready for coalition with the UBP". He has also submitted a proposal regarding the establishment of a "government of technocrats" until June. It is reported that the UBP is not positive to Denktas proposal.

Halkin Sesi reports also that in statements to Kibris TV, Ozgurgun gave the message that the alliance with the DP in the "municipality elections" might break down and said: "The DP will either make a sincere alliance with us or will remain in the government. It cannot continue like that".

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (15.04.14) reports that the DP is annoyed by the stance exhibited by the CTP both in the "government" and in the "assembly". Denktas, writes the paper, discussed the situation with the CTP's chairman, Ozkan Yorgancioglu. They discussed the implementation of the "government's protocol" and how the "crisis" could be overcome, but "both sides are annoyed by the developments".

In statements to Havadis, Denktas said that the CTP does not implement the "government's protocol". He added that statements against the "government" are made both by the CTP and the DP and noted that this annoys him. He stated that they have designated Alanli as "candidate" in order to win and they will not step back. Arguing that "a government could anyway not be established with 26 deputies", Denktas said that if the CTP-DP "government" collapses, there is no other alternative than a "coalition" between CTP and UBP or the three-party "coalition" UBP-DP-Social Democracy Party (TDP).

Furthermore, the general secretary of the DP, Hasan Tacoy argued that their colleagues from the CTP do not trust them and added that after the tonight's meeting DP's alliance with the UBP "could be broadened and strengthened to include the government".

Finally, commenting on the issue in his column in Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.04.14), columnist Hasan Hasturer refers to an interview he had with UBP's chairman Ozgurgun and reports that what is expected at this point is the collapse of the CTP-DP "government". He argues that the UBP prefers to establish a "coalition" not only with the DP, but to include in this the TDP. Hasturer expresses the view that the UBP do not trust Serdar Denktas and expects actions from the DP, not words.

Referring to the climate within the CTP, Hasturer writes that the CTP is fed up with the DP and that many persons within the party say "I do not want such a government". "The CTP accepts the breaking down of the coalition with the DP", he notes pointing out that "an important person" from the CTP has said that "this government should collapse" and the CTP should proceed without impediments towards the "municipality' and the "presidential elections".

(I/Ts.)

[05] CTP General Secretary Erk criticized Eroglu's statements that negotiations must take place on the principles of UBP

The Turkish Cypriot leader stated on Sunday that his aim is to conclude this negotiations process on the principles that have been put forward by the National Unity Party (UBP).

Erk said that when the Turkish Cypriots elected Eroglu as negotiator, he sent a letter to the UN Secretary General saying that he will work towards the solution of the Cyprus problem on UN criteria. "Therefore the Cyprus problem will be solved based on these criteria. However, as far as we know, UBP' principles are not parallel with these", Erk noted. He went on stated that if the persons who sit at the negotiation table on the name of the Turkish Cypriots use these kinds of expressions that shows that he is the wrong leader on the position. He also added that he feels like warning Eroglu to do the right job on the right time and in the right place.

[06] The political crisis in the Democratic Party continues

However, writes the paper, there is information that the resignation of 100 more DP members is going to take place soon.

[07] Izcan: "Eroglu and the CTP-DP 'government' are acting under Ankara's instructions"

Stressing that the solution of the Cyprus problem has entered into an important process, Izcan said that serious developments are experienced in this process and added that the Turkish Cypriots should be agents in this.

Referring to the issue of oil and natural gas, Izcan said that national companies of foreign states prepared projects regarding the transportation of Cyprus's and Israel's natural gas to Europe via Turkey and this situation as he said, would be decisive for the future of the Cyprus problem.

Regarding the issue of the Confidence Building Measures and Varosha, Izcan supported that CBM's should be implemented parallel to the comprehensive solution process.

On the issue of Varosha, Izcan stressed the need for Maras to return immediately back to its legal owners and added that the occupied Famagusta port and the illegal Tymbou airport should open under the supervision of the EU. Izcan stressed also the need for Turkey to normalize its relations with the Republic of Cyprus, to implement the Additional Protocol and open its ports. "Simultaneously, veto on Turkey's EU negotiation process should be lifted", Izcan added.

(AK)

[08] Talat expects no developments on the Cyprus problem; he accuses Eroglu for not interesting on the Cyprus problem

Regarding the Cyprus problem, Talat expressed the belief that there would not be any development at the Cyprus negotiation process for the solution of the Cyprus problem until the "presidential elections" and added: "The 'president' is not interested at the moment in the Cyprus problem. He turned again to the internal policy. There are the candidates for the local elections, their supporters and their opponents. He exerts efforts to gather the two parties. He is completely interested in the internal policy. He does not have any interest on foreign policy. It's because of Eroglu that the Democratic Party has won what he lost. Is this a 'president's' job?". He spends his time with the Cyprus problem, he left all the work to his representatives?It is for these reasons that I do not expect anything on the Cyprus problem under these conditions".

(AK)

[09] Young Fighters Association warns against April 18 procession of Epitaphios saying that it will protest against it

The Association issued a statement claiming that the service is a provocation that stimulates the "people" adding that "martyrs will be spinning in their grave" because of it. It also criticized strongly those who gave permission for the service to be conducted and called on the "officials" to cancel it. Otherwise, the association will organize a protest against in.

It also stated that for 58 years now no churches services were conducted inside of the walls area of Famagusta claiming that even before 1958, the epitaph procession was taken place at the churches' yards. The association claims that the reason for this service is to give the message that the inside the wall city of Famagusta is Greek Cypriot and alleged that this cannot be accepted.

[10] U.S. Envoy to Ankara discussed regional issues with AKP deputy

Asked after the meeting whether the topics had also included the U.S.-based scholar Fethullah Gulen, a former ally of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, Ricciardone replied: "We both agreed on the importance of keeping Turkish-American relations on a high level, away from your politics, respectful of Turkish interests and American issues".

[11] Atalay: AKP's candidate for the presidential elections will be Erdogan

A significant turning point in Turkey's history, the upcoming presidential elections will be the first-ever direct elections Turkey's citizens participate in to elect their President. Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay remarked on the AK Party's candidate for presidency as speculations gripped Turkey ahead of the elections.

Speaking on a televised program, Atalay said over the weekend: "The presidential elections are underway. There are alternatives. In my opinion, the AK Party's candidate for the presidential elections by 99% will be Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan".

"The President will not be elected by the Turkish Parliament anymore and Presidents will have a political background. This is healthier than Presidents with no political background. The presidential palace was a formation against the national will, but with the upcoming elections, this image will change," said Atalay, vowing to remove certain tutelages' control over the presidency.

On the speculations that there is a dispute between Gul and Erdogan over the presidential elections, Atalay said there is no crisis in the party and the AK Party will find the most suitable alternative through the consensus. "The presidency issue will be discussed according to the AK Party mechanism," Atalay said. "If Erdogan wants to be a candidate for the presidency, a new government will be set up. President Gul's decision is important, whether he wants to be included in the new government. In the AK Party, every member has trust in each other. There will be no crisis in the party because nobody puts himself before others."

[12] "Progress made" in talks between Twitter and Turkey

A team of senior officials from Twitter's management, led by the company's head of global public policy, Colin Crowell, had a meeting on Monday in Ankara with representatives from Turkey's Information and Communications Technologies Authority (BTK).

Regarding the implementation of Turkey's court decisions, Twitter officials said they would act in a faster and more sensitive way in the future, the PM's office said. "As a sign of goodwill, they implemented five court decisions ahead of the visit."

As to opening an office in Turkey, the PM's Office cited Twitter officials as saying that they were "not categorically against it," but added that they had not reached to a final decision yet.

Access to the site in Turkey was restored on April 3 after the Constitutional Court ruled that it was a violation of freedom of expression.

[13] Columnist believes that Turkey is not mature enough for the EU

Yetkin supports that Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) government will have a hard time to correct Turkey's damaged image in Europe, because what has been happening in Turkey for some time is not only an image problem.

According to Yetkin, "it is also naive to think that when you say there is no corruption and allegations are a part of a 'coup attempt' - without first dealing with the allegations - you expect everyone to buy it. Perhaps for the AKP voters who have integrated their future with Erdogan's, but not the rest; especially not your European partners."

He also wrote: "I was talking to an EU official in a critical position regarding Turkey's half-a-century old membership bid. My source, who doesn't wish to be identified, said something really striking and sad for me to hear. They said the general understanding in the EU Commission regarding the corruption allegations, the way the government handled them, and the result of the March 30 local elections, which were another win for Erdogan, was as follows: Turkish democracy is not mature enough to defend the basic principles behind it.

That was heavy. I asked why. My source gave two main reasons:

1- The government did not apply the basic rules of law, which is to prosecute reported crimes in independent courts. Instead, it tried to divert attention and changed the structure of the judiciary, casting a shadow over the separation of powers.

2- Civil society remained silent and did not force the government to do the opposite, which is 'something unthinkable in a European country'.

So it is not just the government, but also Turkish society that is responsible for this democratic immaturity, unfit to EU standards so far.

That also means that Minister Cavusoglu is trying to 'correct the image of Turkey' after people have thought something like this about Turkey; a really hard job."

[14] Turkey becomes a top 15 military spender

The report said that Turkey's military expenditure totalled $19.1 billion last year, a share of 2.3% of GDP, which ranked it in 14th place in the list, up from 16th the previous year. Between 2004 and 2013, Turkey's military spending increased by 13% in real terms. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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