Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-05-19

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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] Davutoglu: Turkish side is ready to discuss any pragmatic proposal

[02] Davutoglu said that despite their determination for an agreement on Cyprus, their efforts for world recognition of the "TRNC" are continuing

[03] Eroglu stated that he expects Biden's visit to speed up the Cyprus negotiation talks; He met with the "British Resident Society"

[04] Statements by Talat on Biden's visit, the issue of oil and natural gas and Varosha

[05] Ozgurgun on UBP's redlines and claims: The Greek Cypriot side is stalling the clock and prevents a solution to be reached

[06] How the Turkish columnist evaluate Biden's visit

[07] Turkey could benefit from EU bid to diversify energy sources

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Davutoglu: Turkish side is ready to discuss any pragmatic proposal

Eroglu and Davutoglu, noting that Cyprus is going through a process that may lead to a solution and that has the support of many countries, called on the Greek Cypriot side to speed up the process. Eroglu and Davutoglu said that they believe that Biden's visit to the island will contribute to the process and called on other countries to initiate activities that will motivate the process.

Eroglu said that they want with Turkey to take the necessary joint steps to bury the Cyprus problem in history. Expressing his satisfaction for the increased international interest in a solution, Eroglu said that he hopes that Biden's visit will add impetus to the solution process and that a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem will be found soon.

Davutoglu underlined the need to accelerate the negotiations aimed at finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem and to have more frequent talks between the leaders. He said: "The time has come to end this crisis that is more than half a century old."

Quoting the agreement on a joint declaration, the start of real negotiations, and the increase in international interest as three important positive developments of the recent period, Davutoglu said that the fact that Biden will talk to both sides on an equal basis while visiting the island is a sign of this interest and added that this will create a serious momentum toward a solution.

Eroglu and Davutoglu held a joint press conference after their working lunch with the delegations at Eroglu's "office".

Accompanying Eroglu and Davutoglu at the working lunch were self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas, the self-styled Turkish ambassador in the occupied part of Nicosia Halil Ibrahim Akca, self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami, the main opposition National Unity Party (UBP) leader Huseyin Ozgurgun, the Socialist Democracy Party (TDP) leader Cemal Ozyigit, several members of Eroglu's negotiating team, and members of the Turkish Foreign Ministry delegation.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriot side is doing all it can in the substantive talks to achieve results, Eroglu said: "In order for the negotiations to produce results, this process must continue from where it left off. Adherence to past convergences is very important."

Commenting on US Vice President Biden's visit to the island, Eroglu said: "The Turkish Cypriot side wants this visit to add impetus to the negotiation process. As we have demanded for a long time, we want a lasting and feasible solution to be found soon." Eroglu also thanked Davutoglu for his endeavours in this direction.

Recalling that nearly two months have passed since his meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades on 31 March, Eroglu said: "It is worrisome that we have not received even a date for a meeting nearly two months after the last leaders' meeting."

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side wants a "solution as soon as possible," Eroglu said: "If we want to attain a comprehensive solution, we have to focus on the negotiations and we have to finish this job with a road map on which both sides agree."

Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot side has given to the Greek Cypriot side concrete proposals that will lead the two sides to a result step by step and that will allow them to move on to the give-and-take phase of the process. He continued: "However, as you know, these are possible only if the other side accepts them also. We can finish this job with a road map on which both sides agree. I would like to underscore one more time that we are ready for this if the Greek Cypriot side is also ready. In our consultations today, we observed one more time that Motherland Turkey is working with all of its good will for a lasting solution and that it supports a solution. Lastly, I would like to say the following: The Turkish Cypriot side wants to take the required joint steps with Turkey to bury the Cyprus problem in history."

Asked whether "TRNC" [Translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus] "standards" and "flags" will be used during US Vice President's visit, Eroglu said that Biden will be received in the "VIP hall of the office of the president" like all other guests and that "TRNC" and Turkish flags will fly outside the building as they always do.

Davutoglu recalled that an agreement of principle was reached with Eroglu during his last visit in December 2013 to meet at certain intervals for future planning. He said that he is paying this visit now to discuss developments in the last six months within the framework of that agreement and he thanked Eroglu for giving him this opportunity.

Noting that three positive developments have occurred in the last six months, Davutoglu said that the first positive development is the agreement reached by Eroglu and Anastasiades on the "basic framework text for negotiations."

Stating that the joint declaration is a very important document that details the essence and the 60-year history of the problem, Davutoglu said: "This reference document will shine a light on the negotiation process ahead of us."

Davutoglu said that the resumption of the negotiations after a gap of two years is the second positive development. He said: "One wishes that the negotiations could be conducted directly at the level of leaders and that the leaders could meet more frequently."

Davutoglu said that the third positive development is that a strong desire for a solution without delay formed in the international community soon after the negotiations start. He said that the cross visits paid by the Greek and Turkish Cypriot negotiators to Ankara and Athens contributed to the establishment of this strong desire. He added: "This is important in terms of the inclusion in the process of the motherlands, which both communities trust deeply."

Noting that the solution of the Cyprus problem is important in terms of transforming the Eastern Mediterranean into a region of peace, Davutoglu said that US Vice President Biden's impending visit to the island is another sign of the international interest in the attainment of a solution in Cyprus.

Calling on the international community to show the same interest in Cyprus as the United States, Davutoglu said: "Talks by other members of the international community with the two sides on an equal footing would encourage and add serious momentum to the negotiations."

Davutoglu said: "A comprehensive solution in Cyprus is a prerequisite for lasting peace in the Eastern Mediterranean. The reality seen in crises across the world and especially in our surroundings is that these crises may grow at any time if efforts are not made for a solution at the negotiating table in time. For this reason, we have an obligation to preserve this atmosphere that has developed in Cyprus today and that is the source of great hopes."

Calling on the Greek Cypriot side to contribute to the acceleration of the process, Davutoglu said that "they must also respond to the international will and accelerate the process."

Expressing the hope that the positive approach of the "TRNC" will also prevail in "south Cyprus" (translator's note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus), Davutoglu said: "I would like to reiterate one more time that the Republic of Turkey and its government will continue to contribute in every way on the path to a lasting solution."

Commenting on speculation that a development will occur on fenced off town of Varosha in connection with US Vice President Biden's arrival in the island, Davutoglu said: "We have always viewed Varosha as a piece of the comprehensive solution."

The Foreign Minister said: "Nothing can replace a comprehensive solution. When we set out with fragmentary solutions, these piece part solutions create new status quo situations after a while. Then these status quo situations become a hurdle before a comprehensive solution."

Noting that Confidence-Building Measures have their own dynamics, Davutoglu said that, if these are viewed as a basket, the items tossed by the sides in the basket must be of equal level and value. He added that, otherwise, the confidence of one side may increase even as the confidence of the other side decreases. When a reporter commented that there are worries in the Turkish Cypriot community about what may happen to them if Turkey withdraws [from Cyprus], Davutoglu said: "Turkey has always stood by the side of the TRNC. We have never abandoned our brothers and kinsmen here to their fate."

Davutoglu said that the Cyprus problem is a crisis with a belated solution and that it is not possible to solve this problem by spreading the problem over time. He said: "When we have a text on which an agreement has been reached, when everyone has united around this text, we have to work hard to accelerate the process as soon as possible. In this regard, we say in all of our contacts with the other guarantor states, Greece and Britain, and especially the UN that there is a window of opportunity in Cyprus and that we should find a solution without delay before this window of opportunity closes."

Commenting also on the latest verdict of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that Turkey has to pay 90 million compensation to the Republic of Cyprus, Davutoglu said that they don't recognize this state and for this reason they don't find a reason to implement this decision.

[02] Davutoglu said that despite their determination for an agreement on Cyprus, their efforts for world recognition of the "TRNC" are continuing

During the meeting with Davutoglu, Siber said that the meetings have created hopes to the people and added that the meeting of Erolgu with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will lead to momentum in the on-going reunification Cyprus talks.

Nami and Davutoglu discussed and exchanged views on the recent developments on the Cyprus problem.

Underlining that the bilateral relations between Turkey and "TRNC" are deep-rooted, Davutoglu pointed out that the progress made in the negotiations in the last 6 months is praiseworthy and "TRNC diplomacy" is carried on to the international platform more than ever. Davutoglu also expressed that the visit of the Vice President of the United States Joe Biden to Cyprus is the effect of "TRNC's diplomacy".

Repeating that Ankara's determination is an agreement on the island, Davutoglu stressed that in any case, they are also continuing their efforts for world recognition of the "TRNC".

On the other hand Nami pointed out that, following the joint statement the acceptance gained by the international area reached to a higher level with the support of Turkey. "There is a difficult negotiation process ahead of us, but I have no doubt that we will overcome it successfully" he said.

Nami also added that "the visit of Biden is important for explaining their just cause to the world. All of their efforts will be in the direction of actualizing it in this way".

[03] Eroglu stated that he expects Biden's visit to speed up the Cyprus negotiation talks; He met with the "British Resident Society"

Responding to a journalist's question he said that he will hold talks with Biden on 22 May and continued: "Although Ukraine, Crimea, and Russia occupy the world agenda and although Cyprus is not a big problem like them, I think that the world believes that the time has come for an agreement in Cyprus." Eroglu recalled that he frequently said that the problem must be solved this year.

Stressing that US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit program has not yet been finalized, Eroglu noted that he expects the talks that are held to solve the Cyprus problem to gain speed after Biden's visit.

Meanwhile according to illegal Bayrak television (16.05.14) Eroglu met on Friday with members of the British Resident Society, headed by David Brown. The delegation from the society conveyed the problems experienced by British expats living in the "TRNC".

Speaking during the visit, Eroglu said that it was one of his fundamental duties to deal with the problems of "citizens" and foreign nationals living in the "country".

"As we do with all citizens, we shall listen and if possible assist in solving the problems of those who have settled in the TRNC and who have purchased property" he said.

[04] Statements by Talat on Biden's visit, the issue of oil and natural gas and Varosha

Talat was a guest on a TV show where he evaluated the latest development in negotiations. During the program Talat said that positive results can be acquired if 'peace culture' is developed in Cyprus. "Federations are usually formed by two independent states with two aims: To strengthen the defense against outside by joining forces and to sustain economic growth. However the Greek Cypriots do not even want to think about it. We have to understand their concerns and we should not put uncomfortable issues forward", Talat said and added:

"On the other hand the Greek Cypriots should understand that the Turkish Cypriots will carry their current mechanisms to the federation and they should come to terms with the fact that whether the TRNC is recognized or not, Turkish Cypriots will carry their past into the federation. It is important that this is accepted within a culture of peace."

Talat also noted that the Greek Cypriots have serious concerns and they are not confident about the matters related to Turkey. According to Talat all these concerns should be discussed within a peace culture in which two sides can try to understand each other's concerns and help each other erase these concerns.

Noting that the role of the external factors is important for positive outcomes of the talks, Talat said that Biden's visit might be effective in increasing the Greek Cypriots' engagement to the process so that the negotiations can be empowered. "But of course we should not expect Biden's visit to be a major turning point", added Talat.

Talat said that Biden might have opinions on Varohsa but that it would be wrong to overshadow the negotiations by making the issue of Varosha part of the negotiations. "I don't expect the US to do that. If they have a proposal regarding Varosha, these proposals can be discussed at the level of technical committees instead of the negotiation table". According to Talat, if the conditions of opening Varosha are discussed directly on the negotiation table, this would mean delaying the process for at least two years.

Touching upon the possible construction of a gas liquefaction plant in the "south", as he called the Republic of Cyprus, Talat said that such an attempt would not be cost effective as construction of a gas liquefaction plant would be very expensive. "Carrying the gas with pipelines would be the best and most profitable method", said Talat and added: "The US' real interest is the gas in Israel which is much more than the reserves in Cyprus."

[05] Ozgurgun on UBP's redlines and claims: The Greek Cypriot side is stalling the clock and prevents a solution to be reached

Ozgurgun was speaking during a reception organized for the delegation from Istanbul Ayd?n University where he said that UBP has always been the most powerful party in north Cyprus and has its signature on every achievement of the breakaway regime.

Touching upon the negotiation process Ozgurgun said: "It has always been the TRNC who wanted solution and the Greek Cypriots always seek ways to run away from the table. We have four redlines which are: bizonality, two constituent states with political equality and Turkey's guarantorship."

[06] How the Turkish columnist evaluate Biden's visit

Under the title "Will it be Cyprus' year?", Yusuf Kanli writes in Hurriyet Daily News (19.05.14):

"[?] The highlight of the one-day trip to North Cyprus by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu might best be his bold declaration that time has come to end the 50-year-old Cyprus problem. Can there be relevance between the age and the time for the resolution of a problem? Obviously not, but a minister expressing conviction that time has come to end a problem carries incredible importance and naturally boosts expectations to that end.

Is it really the high time, best opportunity, right moment, last chance or whatever for a Cyprus deal? All through the past many decades, somehow many prominent and otherwise effective personalities, including not only Davutoglu and people of his caliber, but many premiers, presidents and at least every American leader since George Bush Sr. have declared many of the past years as the "Cyprus year" but that Cyprus year never came [?]".

Under the title "The Verdict of the ECHR on Cyprus and Its Reason", Dogan Bekin wrote in Milli Gazete (17.05.14):

"[?]At a time when talks between Dervis Eroglu and Nikos Anastasiades have gathered speed in Cyprus, [the ECHR] believes that the time has come to define the future structure of Cyprus openly. [?]

The visit US Vice President Joe Biden will pay to Cyprus next week is driven more by the hydrocarbon and natural gas reserves [around Cyprus] than by the importance of the island. Another important point is that Biden has maintained pivotal relations with all Israeli prime ministers since the time of Golda Meir. Indeed, in a statement to Shalom TV on 28 August 2008, he said: "I am a Zionist." The reason why Biden has found it necessary to make a landing in Cyprus with an entourage of 400 persons is probably hidden in that sentence."

[07] Turkey could benefit from EU bid to diversify energy sources

A spokesperson for EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger said "the Commission has been considering for years that Turkey is sufficiently prepared to start negotiations on the energy chapter," adding, "in our view the chapter could be opened and the Commission has repeatedly expressed this view in public. However, all 28 EU member states need to agree on this unanimously and so far this has not been possible."

The spokesperson continued saying that the problem with the opening of this chapter is the unresolved issue of Cyprus. According to Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, an expert on Turkey at the Canada-based BBA consulting and engineering firm and board-member of the pro-EU-Turkey dialogue group Young Friends of Turkey, said "France has changed its position vis-a-vis Turkey, as can be seen with the opening of chapter 22. Secondly, the situation in Cyprus is changing quickly. This is a result of increased U.S. pressure on the island, while Turkish, EU, local players as well as private companies are pushing for more meetings and negotiations." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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