Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-10-08

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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] Eroglu: We do not intend to keep the Greek Cypriot side at the table by force

[02] Ozersay accused the Greek Cypriot side of looking for an "excuse" to abandon the negotiation table

[03] Nami: The decision for not participating in the negotiations should be re-evaluated; The USA's interest for Cyprus decreased

[04] Reaction statements by "officials" of the Turkish Cypriot political parties on the suspension of the Cyprus negotiation talks actions that might become obstacles and prevent stability and

[05] 'Turkish corvette is still observing the drilling activities in Cyprus' EEZ

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnists: Turkey wants to be "master of the north and partner of all" in Cyprus; Does Turkey demand share from Cyprus gas?

[07] Ozersay no longer the negotiator

[08] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the suspension of the negotiations

[09] An initiative by the "culture attache" in Germany to obtain vehicle for disabled persons through the Lions Club

[10] Erdogan calls for ground operation against ISIS

[11] CHP leader Kilicdaroglu: "Turkish army should stay out of Syria; I believe the government is still helping ISIL"

[12] Fourteen persons killed in ISIL protests across Turkey as curfew declared in six provinces

[13] Turkish Minister: "If Turkey does not become a member of the free-trade agreement, it will not maintain its EU custom union agreement

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: We do not intend to keep the Greek Cypriot side at the table by force

In statements during one of his meetings, Eroglu alleged: "We want the negotiations to continue in an intensive manner and reach an agreement. If they come to the table we will continue the discussions, but if they do not, we do not intend to make them sit at the table by force".

Arguing that the decision taken by President Anastasiades and the Greek Cypriot political parties was wrong, Eroglu claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side wishes for the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table the soonest.

"We do not know whether the Greek Cypriots will continue this stance, we will have to find this out", he said and added that the person who would inform them on this is UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide. "Of course we will see whether shuttle diplomacy will start, if the Greek Cypriots do not continue the negotiations", he added.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (08.10.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu issued a written statements and claimed that the Greek Cypriot side's decision to suspend the negotiations "is a wrong attitude".

"With attitude south Cyprus has shown that they are insincere in their attempts to find a solution for the Cyprus problem through negotiations. [?] Saying that Turkey has violated the right of sovereignty to justify their decision does not comply with the realities of the Cyprus problem and this is a testimony to ignore the Turkish Cypriots rights and law", Eroglu stated.

He also claimed that the Greek Cypriot side's attitude shows that they are not sincere in their attempts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem through negotiations. "We, with the realities of Cyprus as our basis, like yesterday are here today for a solution," he said and added that after evaluating the issue in more depth, he will make the necessary statements to the public.

[02] Ozersay accused the Greek Cypriot side of looking for an "excuse" to abandon the negotiation table

In a statement to Al Jazeera, Ozersay evaluated the decision by the Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades to withdraw from the negotiations because of Turkey sending warships to the area where hydrocarbon exploration activities are now being carried out.

Ozersay said: "I talked with Mavroyiannis and the UN representative. Mavroyiannis told me that 'as the current conditions continue, it is not possible to have a meeting on the level of leaders or negotiators; we will only meet with the UN'. Besides, the UN SG`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide will meet with Mavroyiannis at night and he would have met with me this morning. We will continue our contacts with the UN. After this, the situation will become clearer."

Ozersay claimed: "Anyway, I think that they were not willing when we arrived at the bargaining stage, they found an excuse for this situation. [?] The interesting thing is that although they created this actual situation, they themselves suspended the negotiation process in connection with the drilling activities."

According to the paper, some officials from Turkey's Foreign Ministry speaking to Al Jazeera said that they are waiting the detailed statement by the Greek Cypriot side, and they will determine Turkey's stance after their discussion with the "TRNC" (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus).

[03] Nami: The decision for not participating in the negotiations should be re-evaluated; The USA's interest for Cyprus decreased

Meanwhile, in an interview with Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (08.10.14), Nami commented on his and Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu's contacts in New York and Washington. Covering the interview under the title "USA's interest to the problem has decreased", the paper writes that Nami said that both of them were not able to hold high level contacts in New York and Washington.

Nami claimed: "As it is known, US officials had held high level meetings with the Greek Cypriot leader in New York, but this opportunity was not given to president Eroglu this time. In the same manner, I could not have the opportunity to reiterate the high level contacts I had held the last time. I can say that this stance of the USA has casted a big shadow on their wish to actively contribute in the negotiations".

Nami said that within the framework of his contacts in the USA, except for discussing the Cyprus problem and the negotiations with the officials he met, he also took up the issue of investment opportunities in the occupied area of Cyprus, their bilateral relations and the issue of establishing stronger ties between the EU and the Turkish Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Reaction statements by "officials" of the Turkish Cypriot political parties on the suspension of the Cyprus negotiation talks

Speaking on the issue, the secretary-general of the Democratic Party-National Forces (DP-UG) Hasan Tacoy stated that the Greek Cypriots have caused the collapse of the process and added that they are trying to benefit from all occasions in order to turn this situation against the Turkish Cypriots.

Tacoy alleged that the leader of the "Greek Cypriot administration" as he called President Anastasiades was looking for excuses to leave the negotiating table and this time, he used, the excuse that the Turkish Naval Forces' war ships violated the drilling area. "Our party condemns this attitude" said Tacoy and added that the Greek Cypriot side is unwilling for a solution. He underlined that the only thing the Greek Cypriots want is to be the only dominants in the region. "They unilaterally left the negotiation table", he said and stressed that they will be waiting to see the steps to be taken by the Greek Cypriot side on the issue of the transferring of the natural gas.

Tacoy also called the world to evaluate this attitude and take it seriously into consideration.

On the same issue, the chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP), Huseyin Ozgurgun alleged that the Greek Cypriot side never wanted a solution on the Cyprus problem.

Evaluating the Greek Cypriot side's decision, Ozgurgun expressed the opinion that he does not consider that the talks are ended. He however, said that he believes that the development experienced is a temporary crisis which will be overcome.

Ozgurgun stated that Turkey's stance in this development is very important and stated that it is very well known that the Greek Cypriots are not proceeding at the negotiating table with goodwill. "It would be wrong for the Greek Cypriot side to use this event as a trump card. They should immediately reverse this decision so that result- oriented talks to take place", Ozgurgun said.

Also, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in a written statement yesterday expressed the belief that the issue of the natural gas should be a catalyst and could contribute to the efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. The party stressed the need for all sides to evaluate actions that might become obstacles and prevent stability and peace.

Moreover, the secretary-general of the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) Kutlay Erk, in statements yesterday about the latest developments, called on President Anastasiades and all the political parties in the "south" to revise their decision. He also called on the United Nations to intervene immediately in order to prevent a crisis and added that the efforts exerted by the Greek Cypriot side to step in to this situation the USA and the EU would be very dangerous.

Erk reminded that we should all focus on the efforts to find a viable and lasting solution which will be mutually accepted by both sides in the island. He then reminded of the fact that the Greek Cypriot side rejected the proposal the Turkish Cypriot side submitted at the negotiation table for the establishment of a common committee on the issue of the natural gas and continued unilaterally to their drilling activities.

Erk stated further that Eroglu's statement which joyfully welcomed the stance of the Greek Cypriot side regarding the negotiations is far away and does not reflect the sensitivities of the Turkish Cypriots on the issue. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side's stance, despite the negative developments, should be clear and decisive, so that this controversy issue to be overcome.

(AK)

[05] 'Turkish corvette is still observing the drilling activities in Cyprus' EEZ

According to a statement issued by the Turkish Armed Forces, the Turkish warship has been assigned with duties within the framework of the so-called Mediterranean Shield Operation.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnists: Turkey wants to be "master of the north and partner of all" in Cyprus; Does Turkey demand share from Cyprus gas?

Under the title "Master of the north, partner in the south", Tugyan [?] wonders the following:

"Question 1: What kind of sincerity in the 'solution efforts' is Turkey sending warships to the area when the negotiations were about to pass into a new stage?

Question 2: Is it possible for Turkey not (being able) to predict that the Greek Cypriot leadership would take such a step in case it sent the two ships to the area?

Question 3: Is it possible for the intention of the ships continuing their 'observation' duty, in spite of all the reactions, to have actually forced the Greek Cypriot leadership to take this very step?

Question 4: What step would Turkey take, if warships under the Republic of Cyprus' flag reached the open sea of Mersin? [?]

I agree that the Republic of Cyprus' research activities for natural gas are not 'very peaceful activities'. It is obvious that this negatively influenced the negotiating process. However, as I have said above, I think that there is no possibility for the warships positively influencing this process.

There is also the issue of 'rights-legal rights' and it seems to me that we have to look at this issue a little bit. I had asked [this question] in 2011, when the Greek Cypriot government started searching for energy resources in the southwest area of the island, after signing the Exclusive Economic Zone Agreement with Israel: Was Papadopoulos wrong? On the one hand you will say that 'there is no state named Republic of Cyprus' and on the other you will demand what had been promised to you in the establishment agreements and the constitution of this state which you say that 'does not exist'. On the one hand you will establish a separate 'state' in the north part of the island and say that 'the TRNC will live forever' and on the other you will say that 'we also have rights in the Republic of Cyprus'. Yes, the Republic of Cyprus established in 1960 is the state, was the state of both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots! Very well, what about the TRNC? Whose state is this? Have things not changed a little as of the moment the TRNC was established? Have we not left that state and configured in another state? Have we even not said that 'There is no such state as the Republic of Cyprus' and erased it from our wording? Have we not come up with a state name turning the Republic of Cyprus into South Cyprus Greek Administration? Then which state, which rights [we are talking about]?

As far as Papadopoulos is concerned, it is definite that as Turkish Cypriots we are not seeing him with sympathy, either because of his identity as EOKA member, or his views regarding the Cyprus problem, or his actions during the duties he undertook since the establishment of the state of the Republic of Cyprus or the stance and political line he followed during his presidency. However, as they say 'kill the hero, but do not treat him unfairly'. During the Annan Plan period, Papadopoulos said the following in order to explain the stance of the Turkish side: 'They want to be master of the north and partner of all' [Translator's note: This expression is used in the English language]. [?] Yes, the situation is exactly this: master of north, partner of all! [Translator's note: This expression is used in the English language]. Was Papadopoulos wrong?"

Commenting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot columnist Basaran Duzgun, writes inter alia, the following in Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (08.10.14):

"[?] 'The Republic of Cyprus' has held drilling many times in its exclusive economic zone. What happened now and warships were sent to the area? And what is important, on whose behalf [Turkey] sent these warships? Turkey is serious, said President Dervis Eroglu. This caused confusion. Does Turkey demand a share from the natural gas which will come out in Cyprus? What we have been told until today is that the Turkish Cypriots have rights on this gas. And that Turkey is a protector of this right. What does it mean now that 'Turkey is serious'? That is, does it mean that 'I do not care, but Turkey wants so'? And let us leave Eroglu and look at the actual issue. What are these warships, what is this tension?.."

(I/Ts.)

[07] Ozersay no longer the negotiator

The statements is as follows: "We are going through a sensitive and critical period regarding the Cyprus issue. During several interviews with the press, upon the questions regarding the presidential elections Dervis Eroglu had noted that he had focused on the negotiations and that therefore he would give his decision about the elections earliest in November. On the other hand Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay who was appointed in February has announced his candidacy. Eroglu had a meeting with Ozeray and informed him that it is more convenient if he goes back to his position at the Eastern Mediterranean University. Eroglu will announce the appointment of a new negotiator within the coming days".

[08] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the suspension of the negotiations

President Nicos Anastasiades for the suspension of the Cyprus negotiations:

Kibris: "The negotiation process has stopped".

Vatan: "The Greek Cypriot site has withdrawn from the negotiations". The paper also claims that there was a warning from the Greek Cypriots that the barricades can close.

Halkin Sesi: "The negotiations are collapsed".

Gunes: "Ozgurgun: The Greek Cypriots have no intension for reconciliation".

Diyalog: "Warning for war". The paper writes that the former chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Ferdi Sabit Soyer warns that the natural gas in Cyprus could be a cause for war.

Afrika: "The barricades can be closed down as well". The paper writes that the Greek Cypriot site reacted strongly against the Turkish ship that was observing seismic researches in Cyprus' shores.

Bakis: "The Greek Cypriot site suspended the negotiations".

Star Kibris: "The Greek Cypriots threw the towel".

Ortam: "The Cyprus problem came to the 'natural gas" state".

Kibrisli: "Anastasiades is closing all the barricades!".

Volkan: "Greek Cypriots withdrawn from the Cyprus talks".

Detay: "War ship arrived to Limassol and Larnaka and the peace talks have been suspended".

Kibris Postasi: "Gas made them leave". The paper writes that the Greek Cypriot site which unilaterally conducted gas research, now decided on its own to withdraw from the negotiations".

Yeni Duzen: "Negotiations are pending".

Havadis: "Gas impact on the negotiations".

[09] An initiative by the "culture attache" in Germany to obtain vehicle for disabled persons through the Lions Club

[10] Erdogan calls for ground operation against ISIS

"I am telling the West dropping bombs from the air will not provide a solution. The terror will not be over ... unless there is cooperation for a ground operation," Erdogan said in a televised speech in the south eastern province of Gaziantep that was simultaneously translated into Arabic for the crowd. "Months have passed but no results have been achieved. Kobane is about to fall," he told an audience mainly composed of Syrian refugees in the city's Islahiye camp.

"We are following the attacks on Kobane and other towns where our Kurdish brothers live with great concern," Erdogan said. He added that the number of refugees in Turkey from the Kobane region had now risen to 200,000. "We just want peace in this region," he said. "Turkey is on guard and well-equipped for any threats directed against itself," he added.

Erdogan again called for a no-fly zone above Syria and a safe zone to host refugees, and said that moderate rebel groups fighting against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should be trained and equipped to defeat ISIL.

[11] CHP leader Kilicdaroglu: Turkish army should stay out of Syria; I believe the government is still helping ISIL

Speaking to the Hurriyet Daily News in a telephone interview, Kilicdaroglu said Turkish soldiers should not enter Syrian soil and added that he believed the Turkish army is of the same opinion.

The CHP head accused Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of using the fight against ISIL as a justification of the government's first priority, overthrowing the Syrian regime. He said President Erdogan, meanwhile, was trying to build an "extraordinary leader" image for himself through a "cheap war" in Syria.

Kilicdaroglu also said: "I believe the (Turkish) government is still helping ISIL. There is some information showing that some of the weapons and money ISIL has is of Turkish origin. ISIL spokesmen do not refrain from speaking about that [assistance] openly. If you pay attention, you will notice that U.S. Vice President Joe Biden did not apologize for saying that Turkey had helped [ISIL]; he apologized for making a conversation between himself and Erdogan public that was supposed to be confidential. The statement from the U.S. shows that too".

[12] Fourteen persons killed in ISIL protests across Turkey as curfew declared in six provinces

At least 10 people were killed during the clashes between groups with opposing views about the situation in Kobane, security sources told Hurriyet. Most clashes happened between the suspected members of Hizbullah and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The highest death toll was in the south eastern province of Diyarbakir, where suspected members of Hizbullah allegedly strafed a crowd of protesters. An association building belonging to Hizbullah was subsequently attacked.

Turkish Interior Minister Efkan Ala, who was accompanying President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a visit to Gaziantep, said violence was not a solution. "Violence will be responded to," Ala said. "This eclipse of reason should end immediately and streets should be emptied. Otherwise this issue will have unforeseen results."

[13] Turkish Minister: "If Turkey does not become a member of the free-trade agreement, it will not maintain its EU custom union agreement Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (08.10.14) reports that Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci stated: "If Turkey doesn't become a member of the free-trade agreement between the U.S. and the EU, or concludes a simultaneous free-trade agreement with the U.S., it would be impossible for Turkey to maintain its custom union agreement with the EU".

The talks in Ankara followed criticism from Turkish officials who argue that the TTIP between the EU and the U.S. effectively opens Turkey's markets to imports, but blocks it from the tax advantages associated with exporting goods to the same states. He said that any meaningful partnership established between the U.S. and Turkey should be based on economic partnership first. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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