Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-04-23

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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 expects conclusion of the negotiations with an agreement by the end of the year and a referendum

[02] Turkish Cypriot political parties assess Eroglu's meeting with Ban Ki-moon

[03] The Turkish Cypriots will have the opportunity to apply to the "immovable property commission"

[04] Talat: The Americans are dreaming on the issue of the opening of Varosha

[05] The Turkish Cypriot Civil Society Initiative for Solution sent a letter to Barroso and other EU officials

[06] Eleven years after the opening of crossing points in Cyprus

[07] "International Universities Search and Rescue Council (IUSRC) general meeting -2014" will take place in the breakaway regime

[08] "GAU" signed cooperation protocol with ADDA

[09] Columnist: Eroglu telling a lie

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu expects conclusion of the negotiations with an agreement by the end of the year and a referendum

Eroglu argued that every day that passes finding a solution to the Cyprus problem will become more difficult and alleged that the international community has the duty of securing that "the sides feel the need for a solution at the same extent".

Arguing that the Turkish Cypriot community wants to become a part of the world in the 21st century, Eroglu claimed that it is not just for a "people" who had exhibited their will for a solution ten years ago to be treated like "second class citizens". He went on and alleged: "If the comprehensive solution is one of the ways of fixing this injustice, this unfairness, we are ready for this. However, since we will not be able to find it alone, it is unacceptable to ignore our people, to leave them exposed to discrimination, isolation and embargoes. We want this to be clearly understood?"

Eroglu claimed that the resumption of the negotiations gave them hopes that an agreement will be reached, but in case the negotiations prolong and the Greek Cypriots submit what he called as "excessive demands", this hope will be decreased.

Eroglu said that they are in continuous consultations with Turkey during the negotiating process and added that the Cyprus problem is a "national cause" both for Turkey and the "TRNC", as he called the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He noted that the recent developments in Turkey will not influence this "cause".

Eroglu criticized a statement reportedly made by President Anastasiades during his recent visit to Brussels that a solution to the Cyprus problem could be achieved in the end of 2015 and alleged that if there will be an agreement, this should be concluded the soonest.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkish Cypriot political parties assess Eroglu's meeting with Ban Ki-moon

In statements to Kibris, the vice president of the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG), Serhat Kotak said they could not say many things on Eroglu's contacts because they have no detailed information, but he reiterated the satisfaction of his party with Eroglu's policy.

Armagan Candan, foreign relations secretary of the Republican Turkish Party ? United Forces (CTP-BG) described as "important" the fact that the evaluation of the Turkish Cypriot side regarding the point to which the negotiations have come was submitted to the UN Secretary-General. He noted though that some question marks exist as to whether Ban Ki-moon will be personally involved in the process. He added that the sides "could not create a position that would secure a very serious contribution by the UN Secretary-General" in the process. Candan pointed out that we have witnessed Eroglu's insistence on the issue of the joint statement which was concluded on 11 February [2014] and the fact that this "exercise" lasted for months. He noted that Eroglu's political past is an "indication of his unwillingness for a federal solution". "He has no vision regarding the rapprochement of the two communities", he noted.

Sunat Atun, general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), argued that Eroglu has shown a real leadership during the on-going process. Atun described as useful Eroglu's contact with the UN from the point of view of conveying the Turkish Cypriot views to the international organization.

Mehmet Harmanci, general secretary of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), has said that the Turkish Cypriot side s following a policy aiming at dragging the UN officials into the negotiating process from now on, but the stance of the UN on this issue has not yet been clarified.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The Turkish Cypriots will have the opportunity to apply to the "immovable property commission"

According to this amendment, the Turkish Cypriots will be able to exchange their property left in the "south" with a property in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

The self-styled foreign minister and spokesperson of the council of ministers Ozdil Nami, in a press conference after the meeting, said that the "council of ministers" has decided to send the "law proposal" for "parliament's vote". If the "law" is approved, it will allow Turkish Cypriots to apply to the "immovable property commission" in order to exchange their property in the "south" with the property they own in the "north".

Nami also said: "We have extended the scope of applications to the immovable property commission. Up to this day, only Greek Cypriots could apply, but this has changed. Now, Turkish Cypriots will be able to apply to the Commission too".

Nami noted that the aim of the "regulation amendment" is expressed as following:

"To create the possibility of transfer of property through the method of exchange or purchase and payment of compensation subject to the permission of the council of ministers:

For the natural and legal persons who are the owners of the property right and who want to exchange these properties with immovable properties in the South Cyprus; or

For the natural and legal persons, who are the owners of the right within the scope of the housing, landowner and equivalent property law, but they could not take immovable property in exchange of their immovable property in the North or they could not take adequate rate of equal value; or

For the natural and legal persons, who possess the right of possession or use of the above mentioned Greek Cypriot property with the decision of the council of ministers within the framework of the law regulations."

[04] Talat: The Americans are dreaming on the issue of the opening of Varosha

He argued that some countries, including the USA, have such a dream, but the real situation is not like this. "Varosha is an issue related to the solution of the Cyprus problem", he claimed and added that what is true is that any measure should be aiming at creating confidence.

He added, inter alia, the following: "And this means that the two sides should understand each other, establish dialogue with each other, and create a culture of peace. And what should be done for this is actually known. Instead of pursuing arrangements such as giving Varosha, opening Morfou, starting appointing a Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister in the government, that is, in the Republic of Cyprus, the right thing to do is supporting the establishment of a dialogue between the two communities. That is the communities' learning each other's language, learning to cooperate together, being able to prepare common television programs, being able to establish common universities, that is shortly, without changing, without influencing their positions on the Cyprus problem, the sides should enter into a dialogue with each other and understand each other".

Evaluating the statements by the US Ambassador to Nicosia that the Greek Cypriots should hold meetings with Turkey from now on the issue of transferring natural gas to the EU, Talat argued: "Was his statement on this issue in the above manner? I do not know that, but it is not possible for the Greek Cypriots to meet with Turkey in conditions in which the Turkish Cypriots are absent. Turkey recognizes the TRNC and it recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as South Cyprus Greek Administration. Therefore, it is not possible for the Republic of Turkey to meet with the Greek Cypriot authorities as Republic of Cyprus without the TRNC authorities. This reality will not change, regardless of who says this, the USA Ambassador or the Ambassador of another country or the head of state of another country".

(I/Ts.)

[05] The Turkish Cypriot Civil Society Initiative for Solution sent a letter to Barroso and other EU officials

As the paper writes, the letter dated 18 April 2014, was conveyed to Barosso by the Turkish Cypriot Teacher's Union (KTOS), whereas copies were also sent in English and Turkish languages to the President of the EU Council, Herman Van Rumpoy and European Commissioner, Stefan Fule and the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz.

In the letter, the Turkish Cypriot Civil Society Initiative underlines that it follows the re-launching of the Cyprus negotiation talks with hopes and enthusiasm and stresses that the new process which aims to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and a United Cyprus, should be an irreversible process.

The letter underlines also that the Turkish Cypriot Civil Society Initiative welcomes the Commission's statement after the signing of the Joint Declaration by the two leaders in Cyprus, and its strong determination for the increasing of efforts regarding the preparation of the Turkish Cypriots to implement the EU acquis communautaire.

The Initiative points out in the letter that the "Turkish Cypriot people" support the negotiation process and asks for the cooperation of the EU Commission in order for the Turkish Cypriots to fulfil their responsibilities and achieve the implementation of the EU acquis.

The Turkish Cypriot Civil Society Initiative is composed by several NGO's and trade unions in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(AK)

[06] Eleven years after the opening of crossing points in Cyprus

According to the paper, especially in Agios Dhometios and Ledra Place crossing points the maltreatment by Turkish Cypriot "policemen" as regards the "passport controls" continues since Greek Cypriots and foreigners have to get out of their cars in order to make the "necessary arrangements" needed in order to cross in the occupied areas. The paper writes that things are even harder for foreigners who have to wait for a long time and reports that despite various reactions over the problems occurred, which are becoming even more difficult now that the weather is becoming even warmer, no "official" of the breakaway regime has taken any action.

In addition, the paper publishes statements of various Turkish Cypriot politicians who commented on the anniversary of the crossing points opening.

Former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat stated that dialogue has started between the two communities after the crossing points opening, however now is time for peace. The "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) Tahsin Ertugruloglui stated that he was opened to the opening of the crossing points and that in general was nothing positive or negative. Also the "deputy" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Dogus Derya said that this was a step towards the efforts for a federal solution in Cyprus.

[07] "International Universities Search and Rescue Council (IUSRC) general meeting -2014" will take place in the breakaway regime

According to the paper academicians from 17 universities and 158 students will participate in the meeting.

[08] "GAU" signed cooperation protocol with ADDA

Dr Suat Gunsel, visiting ADDA in Baku, Azerbaijan, as the special guest of Prof. Dr Rasim Basirov, Rector of ADDA, signed a comprehensive cooperation protocol on behalf of Mr Cemre S. Gunsel Haskasap, between the "University of Kyrenia" and the Azerbaijan State Marine Academy.

According to the cooperation protocol signed on 21 April 2014, the parties will fully cooperate on marine transportation and management, marine engineering, marine electronics and communication technologies, marine navigation and marine law as well as exchanging students and academic staff, and organizing social and cultural events.

ADDA, the largest marine education institution of Caucasia, Middle East and Central Asia, holds an ISO certificate and is member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). ADDA offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programs at full extent.

[09] Columnist: Eroglu telling a lie

Kanli notes that this is the demand by the vast majority of the Turkish Cypriots, but he wonders if there are, however, prospects of resolution or a settlement is really discernible.

He writes: "Come on, be realistic! With the current pace of the Cyprus process expecting a quick fix ? which is indeed possible ? is tantamount to searching for water in the Sahara desert." He also added that Eroglu as a politician and a negotiator took the New York media opportunity to press his Greek Cypriot counterpart to become more forthcoming in the talks. Kanli claims: "Eroglu knows far better than anyone that resolution won't be within grasp unless the Greek Cypriots really engage in the process, accept the 77-page 2008-2012 convergences paper prepared by former U.N. special envoy Alexander Downer as ground to work on, agree to a reasonable time table and, if required, U.N. help with bridging proposals." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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