Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-09-30

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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] Cavusoglu discussed the Cyprus problem with Ban Ki-moon

[02] Eroglu: I don't think about the "presidential elections" at this moment

[03] Akinci announces his vision in view of next year's "elections"

[04] Yorgancioglu: The natural gas reserves off the island has put the Turkish side in a better position this time

[05] British High Commissioner Todd visits KTTO

[06] Erk: "We will administrate this water"

[07] The "Union of the Relatives of Missing Persons" demands by all countries involved in the Cyprus problem to open their archives

[08] The breakaway regime participates in the South African Solar Challenge 2014 race using its "flag"

[09] One more case of cheating by a constructor in the occupied area of Cyprus

[10] Yildiz will visit Moscow to discuss Russia's economic investments in Turkey

[11] Barroso: I would like chapters 23 and 24 to be opened as soon as possible

[12] Turkish tanks take up position on Syrian border

[13] Erdogan: Drugs to spread if religious courses abolished

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Cavusoglu discussed the Cyprus problem with Ban Ki-moon

Ban stated that the UN will continue to offer their assistance to the Cyprus negotiations and added that more progress must be made in the issues where conciliation was achieved before. He also referred to the appointment of Espen Barth Eide as the new UN Special Envoy and added that Eide is very capable and will give acceleration to the progress.

On his part, Cavusoglu stated that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu have demonstrated their will for a solution and stressed the importance of taking confidence building measures.

[02] Eroglu: I don't think about the "presidential elections" at this moment

Evaluating his contacts in New York in a press conference upon his arrival at the occupied airport of Tymbou, Eroglu said that he had no time to think about the upcoming "presidential elections" as he is concentrating on the 3rd phase of the Cyprus negotiations process that they had entered. He added: "At this moment I am not in the position to think about the elections. With the arrival of Eide, there is a hope for acceleration of the negotiations. It is an aspect. My focus is on the proposals I will submit on the table, the proposals that the Greek Cypriots will submit on the table, and to intensify our works regarding these with my team. For this reason I am not thinking about the presidential elections."

He concluded by saying that when the day comes and makes his decision regarding his "candidacy" then he will not keep it secret from his "people".

[03] Akinci announces his vision in view of next year's "elections"

Akinci announced his vision on four fields, writes the paper, adding that he said that in case he is "elected" he will follow a policy focused on the solution of the Cyprus problem. Akinci expressed the belief that Confidence Building Measures (CBM) which will further facilitate the comprehensive solution should be submitted at the negotiating table. He underlined the necessity of producing new formulas that will "overcome the difficulties in the sea and air transport" in return of the opening of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha.

"If you look at what is said, everyone wants a solution, but if you recall that in the past those who say these had been saying that 'the non-solution is a solution', a big difference arouses", he noted. He further added that it is difficult to believe that those who rejected the plan submitted in 2004 are now in favour of the solution. "How can you find a solution with politicians who say that 'I am not giving back even a single small stone'" he wondered and pointed out that consistency should exist between words and deeds.

Akinci argued that the Greek Cypriot side should also seriously seek a solution and alleged that the Greek Cypriot side, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, "unilaterally" joined the EU due to what he called as mistakes by the Turkish side ten years ago. He claimed that everyone, Turkey, Greece, the EU and the Greek Cypriots took what they wanted during that process. Only the Turkish Cypriots remained outside, he argued.

Referring to the natural gas reserves found in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the economic crisis experienced in the government-controlled area of the island, Akinci described these two elements as being "encouraging" for a solution and added: "The big states have always a Plan B. Other formulas could be produced here. Therefore, we have to be alert and to definitely push for a rational federative system which targets the feasible".

Akinci criticized the fact that a visit of a technical committee could not be realized to the occupied fenced off city of Varosha because of the proposal to include a Greek Cypriot member in this committee and argued: "Behaviours that go beyond the ordinary are needed [for the Turkish Cypriot side]. You cannot take a step otherwise. The Greek Cypriot side also needs to go beyond the ordinary. They are at the position of being the only owners of the Republic of Cyprus for years. However, the approaches which you will bring should push them to the solution".

Akinci said that his second "vision" is a healthy relation with Turkey, a relation with "a distinctive personality". He argued that the "institutions and organizations" of the Turkish Cypriots should be accepted and treated as equal by Turkey. Within this framework, the "institutions" of the "TRNC" should be administered in a better way, he said, referring to the cases of the Turkish Cypriot "airlines", the occupied Nicosia "municipality" and the "Cyprus Airport Services".

Referring to his other two "visions", Akinci noted that the third one is that the "president" should be impartial and not interfere in the internal affairs of the political parties and the fourth is that the "people's" problems, such as the environment, employment, preventing traffic accidents e.t.c., should become the priority of the "president".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Yorgancioglu: The natural gas reserves off the island has put the Turkish side in a better position this time

Evaluating the Cyprus talks, Yorgancioglu said: "'Turkish Cyprus' currently has a better advantage in the peace talks, as opposed to its situation in past negotiation processes, which all failed". He also said that Anastasiades should prepare the Greek Cypriots for a joint solution on the island, adding: "I don't think that they are working hard enough regarding this matter. As talks are going on for a settlement, they should also explain to their own people what a potential settlement might be like".

He also said that the natural gas reserves off the island, coupled with conflict in nearby countries, has put the Turkish side in a better position this time.

If the island turns up good amounts of natural gas, it will most likely have to be transported through Turkey to Europe, giving both the Greek side and the EU an important incentive to push for a comprehensive settlement on the island.

He said that the island's natural resources can improve the quality of life for both "peoples" and increase their income. "We believe that it is time that this turns into practice and not stay as a thought anymore. This is an outcome expected not only by Turkish and Greek Cypriots, but also by Turkey, Greece and EU member states."

He said that "Turkish Cyprus", whose residents voted in favour of the reunification Annan plan, was motivated by the prospects of an EU membership. Greek Cypriots voted against the plan. "We missed the train at that time," he said. "This happened because the Greek Cypriots were admitted [into the EU] before a settlement was achieved, but now there is the natural gas option, which will improve the quality of life of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots."

He concluded that the two leaders should be persistent and determined to bring the peace talks to a successful completion.

[05] British High Commissioner Todd visits KTTO

Speaking during Todd's visit, Toros expressed his gratitude for High Commissioner Todd's visit. Sharing information about the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce's history and the chamber's activities and operations, Toros also touched upon the Cyprus negotiations. He stressed the importance of the period and stated that as KTTO they have been putting significant effort for the business world to contribute.

Toros also informed Todd about the chamber's activities aiming to increase the trust between the two communities, stating that they will continue their activities regarding this subject, carrying out all duties on their part. Toros also asked for the British High Commissioner's full support so that they can realize their activities.

Speaking during the meeting, Todd thanked Toros for the briefing regarding KTTO's activities and the roles the chamber has undertaken during the negotiations.

[06] Erk: "We will administrate this water"

"We will administrate this water", Erk stated and added that the Turkish Cypriots are capable of doing so and it would be a tragedy if they transferred this right to someone else. "From time to time there are statements by Turkish officials that we cannot do this job; I say that we should have confidence in our ability", Erk said.

Asked if the "minister of environment and natural resources" Hamit Bakirci, who said that the Turkish Cypriots have not the necessary knowledge and infrastructure to administrate the weather should resign, Erk said that Bakirci should resign.

[07] The "Union of the Relatives of Missing Persons" demands by all countries involved in the Cyprus problem to open their archives

As the paper points out, the union was established with the aim to function towards the direction of contributing and encouraging the efforts for finding the missing persons and to contribute to the formation of a news system on the issue.

The union proposed further the establishment of an "Investigation and Confrontation of the Truth Committee" stressing that 50 years are enough for them to wait.

According to the Union, the autonomous Committee of Missing Persons (CMP) confronts the issue of the missing persons as a "job", adding that this situation increases their pain.

The Union underlines also that they believe that the fate of their relatives is hidden into the archives of the Republic of Cyprus, the "Turkish Cypriot administration", Greece, Turkey and the UK.

(AK)

[08] The breakaway regime participates in the South African Solar Challenge 2014 race using its "flag"

According to the paper, the founder of YDU Suat I. Gunsel stated that the breakaway regime participates in the race as "TRNC" and with its own "flag".

[09] One more case of cheating by a constructor in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the paper, the residents of the apartments of this site were shocked by this decision and expressed fears that they will live a similar disaster with that of Kulaksiz case.

The paper points out that the spokesman of the residents of the Olivia Site, Izzet Turkmen has stated that the residents bought their apartments in 2008 by a developer called Mithat Paksoy and explained that the residents were deceived by this person who went bankrupt.

(AK)

[10] Yildiz will visit Moscow to discuss Russia's economic investments in Turkey

Speaking at the World Economic Forum's Special Meeting entitled "Unlocking Resources for Regional Development" in Istanbul, Yildiz said that he will visit Moscow on Wednesday to discuss Russia's economic investments in Turkey.

The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project is estimated to cost around $20 billion and a total of $3.5 billion worth of equipment is expected to be used in the construction process, of which $1.8 billion will be spent this year alone.

If the project license is approved, the reactor construction is estimated to begin in 2016, and be operational by 2020 with the entire plant being fully operational by 2023.

Yildiz also said that despite the political instability in the Middle East, the conflicts will not prevent Turkey becoming an energy hub in the near future. "With the international projects that Turkey participates in, the country will shine as a symbol of stability in the region and will continue to make such projects lighten the political burden," he added.

[11] Barroso: I would like chapters 23 and 24 to be opened as soon as possible

"EU's enlargement will continue because a bigger Europe is a stronger Europe," he said, touching upon Turkey's bid to join the union, ongoing since negotiations began in 2005.

Barroso, former Prime Minister of Portugal, added: "I would like new chapters to be opened as soon as possible, in particular chapters 23 and 24." These chapters focus on the 'judiciary and fundamental rights' and 'justice, freedom and security.' Opening discussions on these areas is expected to be the first step in re-launching the long-stalled talks.

Barroso also identified Turkey as the largest recipient of pre-accession assistance, receiving 4.8 billion euro ($6.1 billion) between 2007 and 2013. It will receive a further 4.5 billion euro over in the next six years.

[12] Turkish tanks take up position on Syrian border

At least 15 tanks were positioned, some with their guns pointed towards Syrian territory, near a Turkish military base just northwest of Kobane. Plumes of smoke rose up as shells hit both the eastern and western sides of the city.

More tanks and armoured vehicles moved towards the Syrian border after at least two shells hit Turkish territory on Sept. 29, without causing damage.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that ISIL fighters had advanced within five kilometers of Kobane on Sept. 29. "It is the closest distance ISIL has come so far," said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the London-based monitor.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Parliament is set to discuss joining the anti-ISIL coalition. The government said Sept. 29 it was likely to submit motions to parliament within 24 hours requesting extended mandates for military action in Iraq and Syria, so Ankara can join the U.S.-led international coalition against ISIL militants.

"The motions have not yet been sent to parliament. They may come tomorrow," Parliamentary Speaker Cemil Cicek was quoted as saying by NTV television. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said the motions will be debated on Oct. 2.

[13] Erdogan: Drugs to spread if religion courses abolished

Speaking at a symposium on combating drugs in Istanbul, Erdogan defended religious education in schools by saying that children with a lack of religious and moral education tried to fill the "gap" with other things. "Sometimes they use drugs, sometimes violence and sometimes organized violence, which turns into terrorism," he said.

The existence of a religious culture and classes on morality must not be opened to discussion, said Erdogan, adding that religious education in schools helped in the fight against "drug addiction, terrorism, violence, racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia."

Erdogan also said compulsory physics and chemistry courses are not being questioned by the European Union, while they question the necessity of compulsory religion classes.

Erdogan's remarks came after a European Court of Human Rights' (ECHR) ruling on Sept. 16 which stated that the Turkish education system is "still inadequately equipped to ensure respect for parents' convictions" and therefore violated the "right to education," in a case that stemmed from Alevi complaints about mandatory religion classes.

Erdogan slammed the ECHR decision. "This is an incorrect ruling and there is no similar example in the West," the President said. "The mandatory physics classes, the mandatory chemistry classes are not sources of debate anywhere around the world, but everybody talks about the religious courses." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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