Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-05-09

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] Denktas: Let Turkey become full EU member and we will give up all our demands in Cyprus; Turkey will not be able to carry out military operation in Cyprus

[02] Ertug reveals a five-step road map submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side in the negotiations

[03] Nami: Both communities want a Cyprus settlement

[04] Gungor Gunkan: "The number of applications of the Greek Cypriots to the Immovable Property Commission has been reduced"

[05] The occupation regime has appointed an "honorary attache" in Iran

[06] The Turkish Cypriots are briefed on how to vote in the EP elections

[07] TDP chairman Harmanci expressed the wish Turkish Cypriots to become part of Europe as a community

[08] Davutoglu: Turkey and Israel have substantially overcome problems

[09] Swoboda calls on gov't to show solid evidence of 'parallel state'

[10] Celik claims: Three quarters of Turkish media against AKP

[11] Three journalists released over duration of detention

[12] CHP leader partially renews executive team

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Denktas: Let Turkey become full EU member and we will give up all our demands in Cyprus; Turkey will not be able to carry out military operation in Cyprus

Denktas went on and alleged that the "TRNC", as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, should be integrated with the world and become capable to compete. Arguing that Turkey has some responsibilities on this issue, Denktas claimed that when they are able to carry out free trade with Turkey, they will not care about the so-called isolation allegedly imposed on them by the world.

Describing Turkey as "a strong country", Denktas said: "Let them take Turkey as full member into the EU tomorrow and we accept to abandon everything we demand in Cyprus".

Referring to the negotiations in Cyprus, Denktas alleged: "If there will be an agreement, the most important guarantee for us in this agreement is our state. The moment we abandon this, no guarantee could save our future. Our future is discussed at a table full with big question marks. Let us hope that the Cyprus issue which had been forgotten for a long time will come again onto the agenda with this conference organized today?"

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (09.05.14, online), also refers to Denktas' statements and notes that he argued the following: "Why are we entering Europe as a state? Turkey who is an EU member candidate will not be able to carry out a military operation as part of its guarantor rights".

Reminding that Cyprus was being referred to due to the petrol and natural gas on the island, Denktas claimed: "We are not the only ones who have the right to petrol and natural gas. The longest shoreline in the Mediterranean belongs to Turkey. Besides, all bordering countries must give approval".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ertug reveals a five-step road map submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side in the negotiations

He noted that the second step which they suggested was implementing an effective methodology by holding meetings twice a week or all day long meetings if the Greek Cypriot side did not accept this, focusing on the unsolved main issues in the meetings held either between the negotiators or between the leaders, submitting bridging proposals, preserving the existing convergences and holding new cross-visits to Athens and Ankara in the beginning of May.

The third step provided for a meeting of the sides with the UN Secretary-General in May and the fourth step for the completion of the exercise of submitting bridging proposals in the beginning of June. The fifth and final step provided for holding a multilateral conference in the end of June with the participation of the two sides in Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, the UN and the UK, if the latter wanted. The "final bargaining" would be carried out in the meeting, during which the date of the simultaneous separate referenda could be agreed, in case the meeting ended successfully. He argued that if this meeting fails, the reason of this failure should be discussed and established.

Ertug argued that the Greek Cypriot side has not submitted to the table its own road map, in spite of the fact that it generally reacted negatively to the Turkish Cypriot side's road map, except for some steps.

Referring to what he considers as "some important difficulties of the negotiations", Ertug alleged that among these difficulties are the wish of the Greek Cypriot side for the "new partnership" to be a transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a federation, the fact that the Greek Cypriot side does not accept the rotating presidency and instead of this it proposes a Turkish Cypriot vice president who will not have the right of veto and a cabinet which will be formed by seven Greek Cypriot and three Turkish Cypriot Ministers and which will take decisions with simple majority.

Ertug alleged that the Greek Cypriot side exhibits a maximalist approach on the issue of the territory, demanding that 100 thousand Greek Cypriots should settle on the land which will be returned to them [Translator's note: Under the administration of the Greek Cypriot Federal State] and at the same time 60 thousand Greek Cypriots should have the priority on the issue of deciding whether they want to return to their currently occupied property [Translator's note: under Turkish Cypriot administration].

(I/Ts.)

[03] Nami: Both communities want a Cyprus settlement

Speaking during a briefing meeting with the 93 newly appointed diplomats at Turkey's Foreign Ministry, who are currently at the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, on the Cyprus problem and the policies followed at the negotiation process, Nami said that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem has created a sense of tiredness in the world. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side is trying to change this. Nami also pointed out that the terminology used by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, where he said "one final push" and "time framed effort" are also important.

He further said that the Turkish Cypriots cannot continue to live isolated from the rest of the world regardless if the Cyprus problem is solved or not. He stressed that the Turkish Cypriots will continue their road within a total coordination with Turkey and by building on their obtained gains.

Replying to a question if he believes in a solution despite the "insincerity" of the Greek Cypriots, Nami said: "The Greek Cypriots think the same way with us, they have also reservations because of history".

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 09.05.14) reports that Nami, reminding that the US dropped atomic bombs twice to Japan, Germany and France engaged in bloody wars, said that the nations who managed to make peace can offer better things to their people. "I believe that Turkish Cypriots have the ability to prevent the reoccurrence of past sufferings and pains", Nami added.

Upon another question Nami said: "Both communities want a solution. According to our analysis, the "yes" vote still stands strong in the north and I think there is a similar tendency in the south this time".

Meanwhile, Kibris reports that the self-styled speaker assembly Sibel Siber also briefed the delegation. Siber said that the "assembly" of the breakaway regime has already come into contact with the EU, the PACE, the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the World Parliament Union, adding that they have started to get some concrete gains.

Siber said that while they, as an "assembly" are conducting lobbying activities, they are acting as two communities in Cyprus which is accepted at the international law, adding that at the same time the on-going negotiations are being carried out at the level of the leaders of both communities.

Moreover, Ozkan Yorgancioglu, self-styled prime minister, addressing also the delegation, said that a new opportunity for a solution has emerged due to the richness of the underground resources at the Mediterranean Sea and they should not miss it.

[04] Gungor Gunkan: "The number of applications of the Greek Cypriots to the Immovable Property Commission has been reduced"

According to the paper, in spite of the fact that the Greek Cypriots had shown a great interest during the previous years and especially during the last three years to apply to the "IPC", during the last 6 months the number of applications has been decreased.

The paper points out that there is an allegation saying that the "IPC" has decelerated its works due to the fact that "there are insufficient resources".

The number of Greek Cypriots who applied to the "IPC" on April 2013 was 100 while on April 2014 this number has been reduced to 27. Also, on January, a total of 50 applications were made, while on February the applications were 45 and on March 36.

Also, according to the cases being completed at the "IPC" until today, 17 million 337 thousand meter squares of land became a subject matter. From this land, a total of 11 million 22 thousand meter squares were paid as compensation.

Moreover, 454 thousand 817 square meters of land of Greek Cypriot property were returned to their previous owners while for 6 thousand 151 square meters, it has been decided that they will be returned back, after the solution. Also for 3 million 107 thousand square meters of land, the trials were cancelled due to the fact the Greek Cypriots withdrew the applications.

In statements to the paper, the "chairman" of the so-called Immovable Property Commission Gungor Gunkan said that the main reasons for which there is a decrease on the number of applications of the Greek Cypriots to the "IPC", is because of the economic crisis and the ongoing Cyprus negotiation talks.

Gungor went on and said that the Greek Cypriot politicians have affected also to the decrease of the number of applications by the Greek Cypriots to the "IPC".

(AK)

[05] The occupation regime has appointed an "honorary attache" in Iran

According to the decision taken by the so-called council of ministers, Khosvarian will represent the occupation regime in Iran with the aim to contribute to the establishment of close relations between the two "countries" on issues related to economy, tourism and culture while works will be made for the establishment of a Friendship House between the Iran Islamic Republic and the "TRNC".

(AK)

[06] The Turkish Cypriots are briefed on how to vote in the EP elections

Attalides briefed them regarding the voting procedure and how they should register.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (09.05.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot independent candidate Sener Levent visited yesterday the Head of the Central Electoral Service Demetris Demetriou for the EP elections.

Demetriou told them that 95,213 Turkish Cypriots have a Republic of Cyprus ID card including those who live in the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus and abroad. He added that the Turkish Cypriots, who live in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, and are eligible to cast a ballot for the elections are around to 60.000.

[07] TDP chairman Harmanci expressed the wish Turkish Cypriots to become part of Europe as a community

Noting that the Turkish Cypriots' place is in the EU, Harmanci said that an early, permanent and a just solution to the Cyprus problem is the only way the Turkish Cypriots can take their place in the EU. In his message marking the "9th of May Europe Day" Harmanci celebrated the day of all European nations and expressed his wish for the Turkish Cypriots to become part of Europe as a community.

[08] Davutoglu: Turkey and Israel have substantially overcome problems

Citing Turkey's preconditions for normalization of relations with Israel, he mentioned "lifting restrictions on the whole of Palestine, including Gaza," an apology for the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, and compensation for the victims of the incident. "The apology has been received, and the compensation talks have reached a certain level," Davutoglu said, declining to comment on the exact amount of money that the Israeli government will pay to the families.

[09] Swoboda calls on gov't to show solid evidence of 'parallel state'

In his keynote speech at the Justice and Rule of Law International Symposium in Istanbul on Thursday, Swoboda underlined that Turkish politicians have lost trust in each other. He brought up recent heated discussions that have occurred between politicians, as well as the government's discourse against non-political actors.

He said the EU's criticisms of Turkey are often perceived with animosity by the Turks. "Once you start negotiations, your business becomes our business," he asserted, calling on the Turkish public and the government to be more receptive of the EU's guidance.

[10] Celik claims: Three quarters of Turkish media against AKP

The statements were made by Celik who according to the paper "spared no effort in slamming the media for distorting realities and allying with Freedom House in bashing Turkey and its government".

The spokesman made these estimations as part of his reaction to a recent report issued by the Freedom House that demoted Turkey to the "not free league" in its press freedom index. Celik also directed his criticisms at Turkish journalists who seemed to be happy about the report.

Advising the Turkish media to do some journalism by looking into whom Freedom House is serving, Celik admitted that there were some problems with regard to press freedom in Turkey, but counting it as worse than so many underdeveloped countries was not a show of goodwill, Celik repeated the Justice Ministry's statement that all journalists behind bars were charged with either terrorism or other crimes that have nothing to do with their journalistic activities.

[11] Three journalists released over duration of detention

Erdogan, along with two other journalists, Bayram Namaz and Arif Celebi, had been sentenced to a total of 789 years in prison for 155 alleged crimes by a specially authorized court in Turkey. The Istanbul 20th High Criminal Court ruled for the release of eight suspects, including the three journalists, on the grounds that their pre-trial detention exceeded the legal limit set by new legislation that reduced the limit from 10 to five years. An appeal process is still on-going regarding the case. Erdogan and the other suspects were imprisoned for nearly eight years pending the conclusion of the lengthy trial process.

[12] CHP leader partially renews executive team

The move came after the CHP failed to perform well at the March 30 local elections and on the eve of the upcoming presidential elections in August. The new members of the Central Executive Board (MYK) are Seyhan Erdogdu, Emel Yildirim, Burhan Senatalar and Aytun Ciray. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

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