Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-05-22

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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] Biden: Peace must be your heritage to your children

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers US Vice President's visit to Cyprus

[03] Nami: I oppose to Varosha being equal to confidence building measures

[04] Talat: There is distrust between the leaders

[05] Yorgancioglu evaluates Biden's visit

[06] Besir Atalay: This time the negotiations are continuing fruitfully

[07] Ertug: We cannot afford to waste time on Varosha issue, as it might take 5 years to reach a solution there

[08] Bozkir: The Americans will push the Greek Cypriot side to approve a referendum next September

[09] Erk evaluates Biden's visit

[10] Talip Atalay evaluated his meeting with Biden

[11] Sener Levent demands the annulment of the EP elections

[12] Erk: The EP elections will not benefit the communal rights of the Turkish Cypriots

[13] KTOS urges all Turkish Cypriots to vote during the EP elections on May 25

[14] Siber due to attend a workshop on Cyprus in Ankara

[15] Filori: Three obstacles before Turkey's EU membership

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Biden: Peace must be your heritage to your children

In an interview with Kibris Media Group's general Director, Suleyman Erguclu, the US Vice President pointed out that some good things and positive gestures have been taking place recently in Cyprus and added: "This is the reason for which I am optimistic and one of the reasons for which I decided to visit [the island]. Peace is possible. It is left to you to secure that it will happen. Peace must be your heritage to your children".

Biden said that the USA could assist in the direction of the solution of the Cyprus problem in any way the sides think that is useful and added that in the end only the Cypriots could take the necessary steps for reaching peace. He recalled that the USA continues to strongly support the Cypriot-led process under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General within the framework of his good offices mission for re-unifying the island as a bi-zonal bi-communal federation.

Joe Biden described the Cypriot negotiators' cross visits to Athens and Ankara respectively as "important steps" in the direction of the solution and expressed the hope that both sides will seize the opportunity for real and comprehensive progress this time.

The US Vice President noted that he did not come to Cyprus for exerting pressure on any side and added that he did not believe that an agreement imposed by outside would be realistic. He said that in order for an agreement to be lasting the Cypriots themselves should find a solution which will satisfy both sides.

Referring to the natural gas found in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone, he noted that the Cypriots should decide whether or not this gas will contribute in the solution of the Cyprus problem. He said he agreed with those who believe that the solution of the Cyprus problem would bring economic benefits to both communities and that energy could be a part of it.

He said: "We support the right of the Republic of Cyprus to develop the resources in its own economic zone and we believe in the necessity of the fruits of these resources being shared in a just manner to all Cypriots within the scope of a comprehensive solution?"

(I/Ts.)

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers US Vice President's visit to Cyprus

Under the title "I think this time it will be different", Kibris reports that Biden said he did not come to Cyprus to impose a solution, but to help in finding one. He noted that the solution is in the hands of the Cypriots and noted that one of the reasons of his visit to Cyprus is the fact that he believes that this time the solution process will be different. The paper writes also that after his statements at the airport, the US Vice President visited President Anastasiades in his residence in Limassol. Citing information from the Greek Cypriot press, the paper notes that this visit was not included in Biden's program, but it was materialized at Biden's wish.

Afrika refers to the issue under the title "Biden: I did not come with a solution plan" and reports that Biden said he came to the island on behalf of the USA, not to impose a solution, but to help the Cypriots in finding one. The paper writes that Biden said he has been following the Cyprus problem for the last 40 years and knows that only the Cypriots can decide for their future. According to the paper, Biden said he wanted to clarify one issue and noted: "The USA recognizes only one legitimate government in Cyprus and this is the Republic of Cyprus. The visits and the contacts that I will have everywhere in the island will not change this reality. My position, the position of the USA and the position of the whole world is the same on this issue?" The paper refers also to the "extraordinary security measures" taken in Larnaka.

Under the title "The solution is in you", Yeni Duzen reports that the US Vice President Joe Biden is in the island for his "historic visit". The paper refers also to the statement that the USA recognizes only the government of the Republic of Cyprus as the only legitimate state in the island. It also refers to the statement that the time has come for the reunification of Cyprus under a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation and that the story of Europe in the 20th century is a story during which barricades fell. He said that peace is always possible. He added that the media had reported that he would come having the solution of the Cyprus problem in his bag, but he did not come to impose a solution. According to the paper, Biden described as "positive" for the solution the climate in Cyprus. Yeni Duzen also refers to the out-of-the program meeting with President Anastasiades in Limassol.

Diyalog covers the visit under the title "There is no imposition" noting that "Biden, who stated that he has been following the Cyprus problem for 40 years and that he did not come with a solution plan in his pocket, tried to allay concerns". The paper uses also the following subtitles: "Two airplanes land in three minutes" and "The Republic of Cyprus is the only legitimate government".

Under the title "There is no solution in my bag", Havadis writes that Biden's message to the leader was clear. Havadis covers the issue under the following subtitles: "I have come to help", "Biden: "Peace is always possible", "He emphasized on the joint statement" and "Special importance to energy!"

Under the title "Biden came, he came with empty bag" Kibris Postasi writes that as soon as he arrived, Biden seriously tried to emphasize that he had nothing regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem in his bag and exerted an effort to drew attention to other issues outside the Cyprus problem refraining to refer to the USA's position on the solution of this problem.

Under the title "Historic visit", Halkin Sesi reports that Cyprus received a high ranking US official after 52 years. The issues to which the paper attaches importance are the same as the papers mentioned above. The same parts from Biden's statements are reported on the front pages of the rest of the papers' under the following titles:

Detay: The "expected guest" came

Star Kibris: He said his bag was empty

Kibrisli: Biden met with Anastasiades outside the program

Volkan: Will the TRNC be ignored because the Greek Cypriots wanted so?

Vatan: Biden came

Bakis: "I did not come with a solution plan"

Gunes: The climate is appropriate

Ortam: He will only help!

(I/Ts.)

[03] Nami: I oppose to Varosha being equal to confidence building measures

In statements to a television station, Nami argued that the USA's aim is to call on the sides to speed up and intensify the negotiations and added: "I hope this will be a good visit for the whole of the island and both sides will benefit from it". He said that the interest of the USA in Cyprus was secured with the positive climate created after the joint statement and noted that the American officials have stated that a positive atmosphere for the solution exists from the point of the internal balances in the island.

Nami claimed that the Greek Cypriot side wants to bring onto the agenda the issue of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha and similar issues during Biden's visit instead of speeding up the comprehensive solution. "We do not see this as healthy approach, because in both sides of the island the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots want a comprehensive solution", he argued adding that confidence building measures does not mean Varosha. "I am one of the strongest supporters of confidence building measures", he alleged and added that he supported the participation of the trade unions, the employers and other organizations in such activities. "However, I oppose to Varosha being equal to confidence building measures", he noted arguing that such measures could be valuable if they turn into projects concerning various fields of life.

Nami said that both the internal and external factors have matured for a solution in Cyprus and alleged that the Greek Cypriots do not respect the "joint papers of the past".

Nami noted that the American officials have prepared some proposals which they find balanced and shared them with the two sides. He added that he does not believe that the Americans would enforce anything at a point where no understanding is created between the sides on the issue of Varosha. He said that neither the Turkish Cypriots nor the Greek Cypriots will accept this.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Talat: There is distrust between the leaders

Commenting on the Confidence Building Measures, Talat said: "Confidence building measures are important, however the most important issue is trust between the leaders".

Talat also elaborated on his meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades. "Neither Anastasiades nor Eroglu trust one another", said Talat and added that he requested Anastasiades to take the negotiations to the leaders level and to increase the impetus.

"I gave examples to Anastasiades for CBMs and told him that language and communications are the two areas where CBMs can be practiced. I also suggested to him that we should work on communication technologies for phone calls between the two sides. I would not call it 'roaming' agreement as it is affiliated with inter-state communication but rather call it 'cooperation agreement' to prevent any misunderstandings", said Talat.

[05] Yorgancioglu evaluates Biden's visit

Reminding that the US Vice President will not only be meeting with the leaders on the island but will also be meeting with civil society organizations in Cyprus, Yorgancioglu said that this is a very balanced move by the US.

Touching upon claims that the upcoming Eroglu-Biden meeting had encountered some obstacles due to the flag and symbols, Yorgancioglu said that the location of the meeting isn't important, what's important is that Biden is meeting with the Turkish Cypriot person who has been chosen to handle the negotiations process.

[06] Besir Atalay: This time the negotiations are continuing fruitfully

Atalay's comments on Wednesday came during a press conference in Ankara, as Biden was set to arrive in Cyprus on the first trip of a sitting American Vice President there since 1962.

''This time the Cyprus negotiations are going efficiently,'' Atalay said. ''We see the constructive contributions by the EU and the U.S. as actually helpful.''

Moreover, according to illegal Bayrak television (online, 21.05.14), Atalay noted that the active role of the United States in the solution of the Cyprus problem is positive.

Reminding that the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus recently, Atalay said consultations on Biden's visit will continue between Turkey and the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) during the self-styled assembly speaker Sibel Siber's visit to Ankara on Friday.

"We are closely following the developments regarding the US Vice President's visit. We are hopeful of the negotiation process this time round. As you know Turkey and the TRNC has always played a constructive role in the negotiation process and we are continuing with this policy", Atalay claimed.

[07] Ertug: We cannot afford to waste time on Varosha issue, as it might take 5 years to reach a solution there

"A US Vice President's visit after 52 years is a positive move. We hope that it will add momentum to the Cyprus negotiations," Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Erdoglu's special advisor and spokesperson Osman Ertug told Today's Zaman. He also said that Biden's visit had attracted international attention to the island and made it more visible as well as showing the US's interest in a comprehensive solution in Cyprus.

On the Varosha issue, Ertug said they cannot afford to waste time on it, as it might take five years to reach a solution there. He recalled that the Turkish Cypriots would like a solution before the end of this year. "Varosha can only be part of a comprehensive solution," Ertug added.

[08] Bozkir: The American will push the Greek Cypriot side to approve a referendum next September

According to Bozkir, Congress seems more interested in recent escalation in Ukraine and Russia's growing influence in the region rather than Turkish domestic politics and demanded wider Turkish support for western bloc concerning the issues.

Another important topic that members of congress have been supportive of is the Cyprus negotiations. In response to a question on the U.S.'s role in Cyprus reunifications, Bozkir, who is also a former ambassador and a career diplomat, said that the Obama administration showed substantial efforts to resolve the issue whereas the EU had failed to succeed.

"Everyone is over here supporting the reunification of the Island," Bozkir said. "People are happy to see the progress and I think the Americans will push the Greek administration to approve a referendum for the future of the island next September."

On the same issue, according to Turkish Anatolia news agency (21.05.14), Bozkir, told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday in Washington that the main reason for the raised expectations over the Cyprus issue is because the economic welfare gap and income between the two sides on the island has shrunk.

Bozkir, underlining that newly discovered offshore natural gas reserves are also a catalyst, said Turkey is the most viable option for transporting the resource through pipelines to international markets.

"Biden's visit will increase the pace of the peace talks in a positive manner, as he respects the leaders of both sides of the island equally," he said.

[09] Erk evaluates Biden's visit

"America has natural gas, geopolitical and economic interests in Cyprus therefore it will support a solution that benefits its interests" said Erk and added that the leaders in Cyprus by taking this into account, must give priority to their peoples' needs and interests when finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

[10] Talip Atalay evaluated his meeting with Biden

Evaluating the meeting to the "BRT", Mr. Atalay said that he had found the opportunity to convey to Biden the problems being experienced in the field of religion. "We had problems obtaining permission to cross over to the Hala Sultan Mosque in South Cyprus and we purposely put forward the need for religious leaders to use religious unity and abstain from politics" Atalay claimed.

He also said that during the meeting he had stressed the need to work together in order to create hope and therefore remove the psychological barriers between the communities.

Atalay added that Biden too supports this view and said that the United States attaches great importance to hope and fully supports developments in this area. "The common understanding at the meeting was to be positive on the current issues, put forward the real problems, fully support to the peace process on the island and do whatever is necessary for Cyprus to become an island of peace" said Atalay.

[11] Sener Levent demands the annulment of the EP elections

Referring to the publication of the Turkish Cypriots' voter list on the internet, Levent describes this list as "disgrace" and argues that "the right of the Turkish Cypriots to vote has been usurped'. He goes on and writes that many Turkish Cypriots called Afrika complaining that they could not find their names in this list.

Turkish Cypriots such as the general secretary and the president of the teachers' trade union (KTOS), Sener Elcil and Guven Varoglu respectively, academician Umit Inatci, Afrika columnist Faize Ozdemirciler and the chairman of the "municipal" worker's union, Savas Bozat could not find their names in the list.

Levent, who is an independent candidate in the elections, reports that his son's name was also not included in the list.

In his daily column under the title "These elections must be annulled", Levent reports that 58,637 names are included in this list and that Demetris Demetriou, officer at the general Election Board, told him that only the Turkish Cypriots who when they had applied for Cypriot identity card stated that they live in the occupied area of Cyprus were included in the list.

(I/Ts.)

[12] Erk: The EP elections will not benefit the communal rights of the Turkish Cypriots

Erk claimed that according to the 1960 Constitution, the right of vote and be elected of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots are implemented separately, adding that everyone has to hold elections and elect their representatives in their own area.

[13] KTOS urges all Turkish Cypriots to vote during the EP elections on May 25

In the written statement signed by the General Secretary of KTOS Sener Elcil it is stated that there are those who are unable to see the reality, that only 60,000 are the Turkish Cypriots from the 176,000 voters, when you analyse the population structure in the "north" of the island. So, he made a call to all the Turkish Cypriots to vote in the elections in order not to become the minority.

In the statement, it is also noted that "the Turkish Cypriots are political equal with the right given to them by the international agreements of the Republic of Cyprus and no force can change this right."

"Why don't you say openly the reality that the political rights of the Turkish Cypriots within the separatist TRNC, which so much you praise, are in a minority stage? Or do you afraid of the Turkish officials who endow your seats at the government?"

[14] Siber due to attend a workshop on Cyprus in Ankara

According to the statement by the "parliament" the opening remarks will be delivered by Siber and the Parliamentary Spokesperson of the Turkish Parliament Cemil Cicek.

Siber will be flying to Ankara tomorrow and will hold meetings with Cemil Cicek and Deputy Prime Minister, who is also in charge with Cyprus Affairs Besir Atalay, in the framework of her Ankara visit.

Siber, who is expected to return on 24th of May, will be accompanied by her executive assistant Ahmet Muratoglu.

[15] Filori: Three obstacles before Turkey's EU membership

"There are three obstacles [to Turkey's EU membership]. The first one is Turkey itself. Turkey is not acting quickly enough in terms of democratic reforms. I can even say it's going backwards," he said in remarks to a group of Turkish businessmen in Brussels.

Filori said the second problem is that Turkey is not well known by people in the EU. "People in Europe do not know Turkey very well. We are aware that Turkey is a modern country with a high rate of employment. However, Europeans are not used to a country such as Turkey, with its variety of people," he noted, adding that European prejudice towards Turkey will diminish in time as long as Turkey remains a modern and dynamic country.

According to the senior EU representative, Cyprus is also one of the major problems for Turkey's EU bid. "There is a [Greek-Cypriot] leader who has said 'Yes' to the Annan plan for the first time. It's a great opportunity and all sides should be supportive," Filori said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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