Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-08-27

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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] Statements by Ozersay after yesterday's meeting with Mavroyiannis

[02] Serdar Denktas' new proposal on the fenced off city of Varoshia: "Closed Maras to become a film platform"

[03] TDP delegation met with Cyprus President

[04] Izcan criticizes the policies of the "government"

[05] Ozersay responded to criticism by Nami on his possible "presidential candidacy"; Nami accuses him of being unethical

[06] Yorganc?oglu attends AKP's 1st extraordinary congress in Ankara

[07] Chinese table tennis players met with Yorgancioglu

[08] Kanli comments on Erdogan's visit to the occupied area of Cyprus

[09] Columnist wonders whether there is something new in the "New Turkey"

[10] Turkey and Japan signed a $1.7 billion liquefied gas project with Turkmenistan

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Statements by Ozersay after yesterday's meeting with Mavroyiannis

In statements upon his arrival at the "presidential palace" after the end of the meeting, Ozersay said that the negotiation process will enter into a new stage from now on, adding that during yesterday's meeting, they evaluated their different views and discussed the elements of the new stage of the talks.

Stating that the elements which were discussed during yesterday's meeting will be then approved by the two leaders, Ozersay added: "If the two leaders approve them, and if they further agree on new elements, they will bargain them and they will connect them with the points where convergences are not reached yet".

Ozersay went on and said that apart from the preparation of a meeting of the two leaders which will take place on September 2, they also discussed in general which will be the role of the newly appointed UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, how he will contribute to the Cyprus negotiation process, in which frequency the talks will take place and the steps that could be taken for the speeding-up of the process.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side considers the appointment of Eide as a very important step, Ozersay said that it is important that Eide has been appointment right before the launching of the new phase of the talks.

(AK)

[02] Serdar Denktas' new proposal on the fenced off city of Varoshia: "Closed Maras to become a film platform"

Denktas who carries a series of contacts in Turkey, made the above statements during a meeting he held with reporters of Milliyet and Vatan newspapers.

In statements on the Cyprus problem, Denktas referred to the issue of the fenced off city of Varosha (Maras), which is one of the issues which is most discussed at the negotiation talks with the Greek Cypriot side and said that since the Greek Cypriot side rejects their proposal for the reconstruction and resettlement of the city of Maras under "Turkish Cypriot authority", another proposal they have as he said is for the "closed city of Maras to turn to a film platform".

Underlining that 2024 is the year of the solution, Denktas stated that the "Greek Cypriots will knock Turkey's door in order to export the natural gas they found in Europe, and this process will occur in 2024", as he argued.

Supporting that no solution will be found in the near future, Denktas alleged that the Greek Cypriot side is not taking any steps for the solution, contrary to the Turkish Cypriot side.

Referring to the occupation regime's ties with Turkey, Denktas said that "it is not right the approach; we give the money and what we say should be done".

(AK)

[03] TDP delegation met with Cyprus President

The delegation consisted of TDP leader Cemal Ozyigit, the self-styled deputy with TDP Zeki Celer and the party's Foreign Relations Responsible Deniz Birinci.

Speaking to the press after the meeting which lasted for an hour, Ozyigit said that they had discussed a wide range of issues on the Cyprus problem, including the fenced off town of Varosha, the issue of rotational presidency and the upcoming leaders' meeting next week on the 2nd of September.

Expressing the view that the ongoing Cyprus negotiations will be entering a critical phase when talks resume next month, Ozyigit said that they expected the two leaders to take important steps during this period.

Stating that they are hopeful about the change in the political leadership in Turkey as well as the preparations of the two sides, Ozyigit said that they had conveyed to Mr Anastasiades their party's expectations during the new phase of the talks.

Pointing out that the 11th Feb. dated Joint Declaration agreed upon by the two sides was an important basis for the talks, Ozyigit said that they had shared this view with Mr Anastasiades.

Explaining that they had also discussed the issue of rotational presidency as well as the opening of the occupied port of Famagusta and the occupied airport of Tymbou to international trade and flights in exchange for the return of the fenced off town of Varosha to its original owners, Ozyigit said that they had been informed that the Cyprus Government supported the idea of the opening of Famagusta port in exchange for the return of Varosha.

He also said that the Greek Cypriot side was working on a proposal regarding the occupied airport of Tymbou (Ercan), adding: ""The Greek Cypriot side remains open on the issue of Ercan".

Stating that they had held a very important, meaningful and useful meeting with the Cyprus President, Ozyigit expressed the hope that the talks set to resume next week will be concluded with a lasting solution.

Responding to a question regarding reports in the Greek Cypriot press that Turkey was sending its research vessel the Barbaros to the Northern coast of the island ahead of next week's visit to the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ozyigit refrained from commenting, stating that there was nothing yet to confirm these reports.

Ozyigit also said that Erdogan's upcoming visit had created great expectations on both sides of the divide.

[04] Izcan criticizes the policies of the "government"

Izcan stated that the so-called government of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is remaining silent to the hunger strikes that are going to take place after the 1st September by the unions against the "immigration law", adding that "the government is remaining silent on all topics. Actually the real problem is that there is not a government in sight."

Izcan stated that the "parliamentary and election system" as well as the whole of politics has collapsed. "A government which does not follow the plans that it makes, but takes actions to the directions from the Ankara government, is not different than the other governments in relation to social, economic and political relationships with the Ankara government. During the time of this government politics has been made dirtier. This government is a political liar in the eyes of the people. Our people are aware that the appropriate conditions are formed to change the collapsed system. This momentum will only take place with the people's confidence. The United Cyprus Party is ready to do whatever it takes to make this struggle reach success, and will continue to do whatever it takes," he said.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (27.08.14) reports that Izcan said that the BKP will support the "candidacy" of Mustafa Akinci in the "presidential elections" that will be held next year. He added that they will extend their cooperation in the "local elections" to the "presidential elections".

[05] Ozersay responded to criticism by Nami on his possible "presidential candidacy"; Nami accuses him of being unethical

Replying to the paper' questions on his possible candidacy at the forthcoming "presidential elections" which are scheduled to take place in the occupied area of Cyprus on April 2015, Ozersay said that "he will announce his decision on this issue when the appropriate day comes".

Stating that his priority at the moment is on the one hand the progress of the Cyprus negotiation talks and on the other hand the struggle for solving the problems experienced in the "country", Ozersay added that it is obvious that even the possibility of being a candidate creates uneasiness to some politicians which are supporters of the current status quo and who are not in favor of a "change".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (27.08.14) reports on statements by so-called foreign minister Nami to a program broadcast by AS TV regarding the possible candidacy of Ozersay.

In his statements Nami said, inter alia, that Ozersay's statement that he might be a candidate for the "presidential elections" is unethical. He said that Ozersay's possible candidacy for the presidential elections would mean that the negotiations are not handled properly as Eroglu and Ozersay can be considered as rivals.

Nami went on and added that this situation should be clarified by October.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (27.08.14-online in English) reports that Ozersay responded to Ozdil Nami's comments on his possible candidacy on social media and said that Nami was acting emotionally and therefore his analysis were not healthy.

Ozersay wrote: "I just mind my own business, I do whatever my position requires me to do and I will continue to do so."

"I don't think Mr Nami is in a position to make a healthy evaluation of my candidacy. I say this because he constantly complains for not being part of the negotiations in the way that he wishes; he complains that I don't visit his office every other day; and plus his party will also nominate their candidate. So I don't think he is in a position to make a healthy evaluation. Therefore, I suggest that everyone stop acting and speaking emotionally and focus on their own positions.

I act with the awareness of my responsibilities as the negotiator. This is the reason I avoid talking about my possible candidacy. If the possibility of my candidacy bothers some politicians already, I wonder what they would say if I officially run for the elections."

(AK)

[06] Yorgancioglu attends AKP's 1st extraordinary congress in Ankara

Yorgancioglu is attending the congress upon an invitation from AK Party.

Yorgancioglu is accompanied by "prime ministry's executive assistant" Huseyin Gursan.

Yorgancioglu and Gursan are expected to return to the occupied area of Cyprus tonight after completing their contacts in Ankara.

[07] Chinese table tennis players met with Yorgancioglu

The "President of the Girne Sports Association" Ahmet Aknar and the "Association's Vice chairman" Ziya Tuzel were also present during the visit.

Speaking during the visit, Aknar said that the visiting squad of table tennis players were from Beijing and Xi'an and had been in the "TRNC" since the 20th of August.

Explaining that they had been discrete about the camp due to the reportedly international embargoes, Aknar reminded that China was the motherland of table tennis.

Aknar concluded his remarks by asking for the "government's" support for the further development of table tennis in the "country".

For his part, Yorgancioglu said that such visits were important in gaining experience as well as promoting the "country".

"It's important for our young table tennis players to learn and gain experience from the world's leading countries in the sport. We thank you for this" he added.

Also speaking, the coaches of the Beijing and Xi'an table tennis teams said that they were pleased to be in the "TRNC" and were interested in further improving relations.

[08] Kanli comments on Erdogan's visit to the occupied area of Cyprus

"On his second working day in office, on Sept. 1, Turkey's new President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will make his maiden foreign trip to the 'TRNC' (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus). Turkish Cypriots are proud that Erdogan will be making his first visit as President to 'northern Cyprus' and thus 'will demonstrate to friends and foes' that Turkey will continue to remain committed to the wellbeing, security and prosperity of its Turkish Cypriot brethren. Greek Cypriots, on the other hand, expect the new Turkish President to deliver some 'meaningful contribution' to efforts aimed at reaching a settlement to the over half a century-old problem of power sharing between the two 'peoples' of Cyprus.

The very fact that Erdogan will be travelling to northern Cyprus just days after he officially takes over the presidency on Aug. 28 will of course be a very strong message regarding not only of the commitment to supporting Cyprus settlement efforts, but more so not to leave the Turkish Cypriot 'people' out in the cold under any condition. Even if Erdogan is not appreciated much among the Turkish Cypriot population of 'north Cyprus' because of his rather rude reference to Turkish Cypriots as a people 'fed by Turkey'? three unprecedented anti-Turkish hegemony and anti-Erdogan rallies were held in Nicosia in 2011 ? there is full confidence in Turkey and a firm belief that Ankara will never ever abandon the Turkish Cypriots.

(?) Erdogan has also been on record declaring that any Cyprus settlement must be based on the 'reality' of the island, reflect the 'bi-communality and bi-zonality' agreed by the two 'peoples' in past high level agreements and include Turkey's effective continued security guarantees for the Turkish Cypriot 'people'. He has also been stressing that the Turkish Cypriots cannot wait out in the cold forever for the Greek Cypriots to agree on a compromise resolution. If they do not want a compromise federal resolution, then the Turks may opt for Plan B. What that 'Plan B' is was never elaborated on, but from time to time Turkish officials stress that if achieving a federation is not possible, then the two 'peoples' should consider a velvet divorce and a two-state resolution on the island.

Particularly Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu ? who Erdogan announced would succeed him as party leader and Prime Minister this week ? has been rather vocal on the issue and has been stressing that if a federation is not possible, it would be normal for the two 'peoples' to walk their separate ways and continue on with their separate states.

(?) Erdogan most likely will make the same emphasis on the equality of the island's two 'peoples' and express his firm support to resolution efforts, which should not be limited to a federation, but must encompass the possibility of two states as well.

(?) Will Erdogan's visit or the appointment of new special advisor help energize the process? Unlikely, the Greek Cypriots are just not interested in a resolution."

[09] Columnist wonders whether there is something new in the "New Turkey"

"The Justice and Development Party (AK Party), which has always been led by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is now the elected President, has promoted itself with the motto of the 'New Turkey'. Erdogan has been using the phrase in all of his speeches, including televised ones, and public rallies in order to describe the change brought by the 12-year-rule of the AK Party.

According to the AK Party and its followers, the 'New Turkey' is an expression used to describe the collapse of the longstanding Kemalism-dominated mind-set of the top state bodies and the state finally embracing conservative Muslims, including headscarved women, which it had discriminated against in the past.

(?)

In a Tuesday piece, Bugun daily columnist Nuh Gonultas questioned this notion of a 'new Turkey'. "What is new in the 'new Turkey'?" asked Gonultas, adding that he considers the rhetoric of a 'new Turkey' to be a tool of propaganda, a huge lie designed to exempt the government from the law. Gonultas stated that this discourse helps the AK Party government use its power more effectively against the public.

According to the columnist, by saying that Turkey is not the old Turkey but a new one, the AK Party government wants to say: 'Now we have the power. We are the law, justice. We are the legislative, executive and judicial branch.' What the AK Party officials mean by the new Turkey is certainly not an improved and powerful Turkey which scares its enemies and gives confidence to its allies, Gonultas commented.

The columnist listed a number of questions in his column, including: 'Is the new Turkey a country whose passport is respected throughout the world? Can the new Turkey protect itself against attacks without help from NATO? Can a word from the new Turkey's officials stop the Israeli violence? Has democracy improved in the new Turkey? Has the violence against women been reduced in the new Turkey? Have Turkish officials stopped violating the law? Has the new Turkey made ground-breaking discoveries in science and technology?'

Nazli Ilicak, a columnist with the Bugun daily, examined the 'new Turkey' in her Tuesday piece by looking at the foreign officials who have been invited to the presidential inauguration ceremony scheduled for Aug. 28. "We see that Turkey's credibility in the West has severely dropped," Ilicak said, adding that no Presidents, Prime Ministers or leaders from a developed country are attending the ceremony. The columnist wrote that the Presidents who are set to participate in the ceremony are from Albania, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Gambia, Kazakhstan, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Somalia, Togo, 'TRNC', Turkmenistan and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Parliament Speakers of Azerbaijan, Ghana and Ivory Coast, and the Prime Ministers of Belarus, Georgia, Jordan, Morocco, Niger and Pakistan are also invited to the event, Ilicak said. 'Where are Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and the US?' Il?cak asked, adding, 'This is what the 'new Turkey' is'."

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 26.08.14) reported that Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian will attend President-elect Recep Tayyip Erdogan's inauguration ceremony in Ankara on Aug. 28, according to the country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Tigran Balayan.

According to media reports, Nalbandian will use the occasion to clarify whether Erdogan will accept an invitation to take part in the official commemorations in Yerevan of the 100th anniversary of the mass killings of Armenians that Turkey denies as genocide.

Nalbandian will be making only a brief visit to Ankara for the inauguration ceremony, and no bilateral meeting is planned at the moment, a Turkish diplomat told the paper.

[10] Turkey and Japan signed a $1.7 billion liquefied gas project with Turkmenistan

The project will be implemented by Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Turkey's Ronesans Endustri Tesisleri.

The plant will process annually 1.785 billion cubic meters of natural gas, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov said. "The oil and gas sector is one of the main elements of our economy and today as demand for natural gas and its derivatives is growing that is why we participating in such international projects," he added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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