Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-10-22

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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] Davutoglu: Let's talk about the two states scenario

[02] Eroglu: We follow every step that the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo takes

[03] Bozkir: We will in absolutely no way permit such sudden moves by the Greek Cypriot side in our EU accession course

[04] Nami believes that the joint Cyprus-Israel naval exercise do not contribute to the peace process in Cyprus

[05] CTP and UBP on the naval exercises

[06] Ozersay evaluates the crisis on the Cyprus talks

[07] Akinci: The crisis should be overcome through diplomacy

[08] Talip Atalay stressed the need for the negotiations to continue

[09] Eroglu and Akca on the so-called universities

[10] A warning system for submarines on the underwater pipeline

[11] Claims that tourism firms like Hilton, Sheraton and Marriott are interested to invest in the breakaway regime

[12] A French firm will undertake the occupied Pentadaktylos mountains rehabilitation project

[13] The AASRC to organize two international conferences in the occupied area of Cyprus

[14] Davutoglu: Stricter police measures do not contradict EU

[15] CHP: Turkey is turning into a semi-open prison

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Davutoglu: Let's talk about the two states scenario

He also alleged that if this is not accepted and if there are claims by the Greek Cypriots that "the explorations on the south is ours, because we are the owners of the south, while the Turks own the north," then this is the time to discuss the two-states scenario "Turkey is the biggest country in the East Mediterranean. Within this framework it has the power to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots", Davutoglu stated.

Davutoglu made these statements after holding a briefing meeting with the Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz.

"We kept the solution period and the negotiations in such a way that, even though the Cyprus problem was an issue which should be solved by the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, we performed activities which could be taken in hand within the unity of the island. During the first activities performed in the south, Eroglu, Turkey and north Cyprus offered for the activities to be carried out together. We warned the international society and international energy companies. 'The Turkish have a right over these resources too,' we said. 'Let the activities commence together around one commission and let this source act as a catalyser for peace,' we said. However, the Greek Cypriots continuously struggled to take the rights into their hand with a one-sided approach. With patience we waited for these to mature, so that a solution could be found to the Cyprus problem through the negotiations, and that this issue would be solved within that framework. In fact we made the greatest possible jest. We said that the water coming from Anatolia by pipe lines could be given to south Cyprus. So, while we said that the pure Anatolian water which belongs to us, could be shared with south Cyprus without anything in return, they claimed that the natural gas and energy sources which the Turkish Cypriots have a right over can only be used by them," Davutoglu claimed.

Davutoglu also claimed that the activities taking place by Barbaros were only seismic explorations and added that the necessary protection precautions of the Barbaros Vessel are already taken, so no one should try to create a crisis. "If we are going to remain agreeable regarding a solution, then as the guarantor states, our neighbour and friend Greece and Great Britain and the international society should come to the table so that this issue can be solved", he stated and added referring to the Greek Cypriot side: "You encourage lack of solution, withdraw from political negotiations, and then as if blackmailing Turkey you come close to carrying out other meetings and then you claim that Turkey is responsible for this. This is not a situation we can accept. With the agreements between Turkey and north Cyprus we have rights to carry out seismic explorations. And we will always use this right. We wish that a solution will be made soon and such disputes be left behind, so that we can create an East Mediterranean and an island of Cyprus in peace and harmony. But no one can accept that this is prevented and then such claims are made", Davutoglu alleged.

[02] Eroglu: We follow every step that the Greek-Greek Cypriot duo takes

In a written statement issued by his "office", Eroglu called on the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table for a solution instead of following a policy on taking once more advantage of this crisis.

Reminding that the "continental shelf delimitation agreement between Turkey and the TRNC" (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus), Eroglu said that the activities of the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa vessel are within the framework of transferring authority by the "government" to the TPAO (Turkish Petroleum Corporation, the national oil company of Turkey). He added that the declaration by the Greek Cypriot side for Barbaros' activities as illegal does not agree with the realities.

Eroglu said: "Our people should not worry", adding that he continues his efforts to protect their rights without deviating from their vision supporting an agreement taking under consideration the security, the prosperity and happiness of the Turkish Cypriot "people". He repeated that they follow the latest developments from diplomatic and military aspects, so nobody should worry about it. He added that they clarify down to the last detail with accurateness. He claimed that their stance, their willing for settlement and their proposals are clear, but they cannot consent to the violation of their rights.

Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot side is closely following the decisions of the Cyprus National Council, the Israeli and Russian naval exercises in the East Mediterranean and the diplomatic or political measures that the Greek Cypriot side will take in response.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriot side is continuing its work to counter any possible steps or political initiatives to be taken by the Greek Cypriot side, Eroglu claimed that it is the Greek Cypriot side which is responsible for the current situation.

Reminding that the Turkish Cypriot side has twice proposed to the Greek Cypriot side to take up the issue of hydrocarbons at a joint committee and that the Greek Cypriot side has rejected both proposals, Eroglu alleged that the Greek Cypriot side's excuse to abandon the talks on the ground that its sovereignty has been violated is meaningless, particularly in line with the fact that Turkey and the "TRNC" are not signatory parties to the 1982 Convention on the Law of Sea.

Eroglu alleged: "We have already agreed with the Greek Cypriot side at the negotiating table that any natural resources will be jointly owned by the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots, that their management will be under the authority of the federal government and that the agreements regarding their management will have to be approved by the parliament with a qualified majority vote which will safeguard the rights of the Turkish Cypriot side. When this is the situation, the Greek Cypriot side's unilateral sovereignty claim is proof of its insincerity. According to the established principles of the Law of the Sea, in semi-enclosed seas like the Eastern Mediterranean, the restriction of sea areas would only be possible by determination of provinces through agreements between the related coast states." Eroglu also claimed that the stance adopted by the Greek Cypriot side is not right since it has not signed such an agreement with the "TRNC" and Turkey.

Alleging that as a result of the "intransigent approach" of the Greek Cypriot side, the Turkish Cypriot side has signed a "continental shelf delineation agreement" with motherland Turkey, Eroglu said that the "TRNC government" had issued a licence to the TPAO.

"The surveys conducted by the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa vessel are within this context and the Greek Cypriot side's claims that these are illegal do not reflect the realities. Our people should have their mind at rest. The safety, prosperity and happiness of the Turkish Cypriot people are being protected and efforts towards protecting our rights without deviating from our vision for peace and a solution are continuing", Eroglu concluded.

[03] Bozkir: We will in absolutely no way permit such sudden moves by the Greek Cypriot side in our EU accession course

Bozkir, who was replying to a journalist's question, stated that Turkey is doing its job and is progressing as regards the EU bid. "We are expecting the rejection of the demand that no more chapters should be opened, that will be presented by the Greek Cypriot administration before the EU. In this way, the EU would have to fulfill its responsibilities to us. In this context, we have started the process which will be continued in the same power and with the same determination", Bozkir stated. "Chapters are progressed as if they have been opened in Turkey", he stated adding that in the next two years they will open and close all the EU chapters.

[04] Nami believes that the joint Cyprus-Israel naval exercise do not contribute to the peace process in Cyprus

Stressing the need for the international community not to remain silent regarding the suspension of the Cyprus negotiation talks by the "leader" of the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, Nami added that the Turkish Cypriot side will insistently continue to make callings on this issue.

"The Greek Cypriot side should revert from its mistake, and try to solve these issues via dialogue and peace", said Nami calling at the same time all countries to support this effort.

Nami alleged that some countries, instead of supporting the re-launching of the negotiation process, they act in a way by disregarding the Turkish Cypriots' rights. He accused also the Greek Cypriot leadership for being insincere towards the continuation of the Cyprus negotiation talks and said that their demands to return to the table revealed several times to be artificial and nothing more than petty excuses.

Describing the naval exercises by Russia and Israel as steps which do not contribute to the peace process in Cyprus, Nami said that there is a need to refrain from holding such exercises which raise tensions and to focus on achieving a settlement.

Nami pointed out that the international actors play an important role in the emergence of a crisis in the region. "The international community keeps on giving the message to the Greek Cypriot administration that it is the legitimate government and sovereign power on the island and that they can do as they want. This only serves to further encourage the Greek Cypriot side's intransigence", Nami alleged.

Nami also called on the international community to change its stance and decide whether it wants tension in the region or to support a formula for compromise.

(AK)

[05] CTP and UBP on the naval exercises

Pointing out that the hydrocarbon exploration activities are just another aspect of the Cyprus problem, Erk said that the only place to solve this issue is at the negotiating table.

Speaking to the "BRT" on the recent tension being experienced in the Eastern Mediterranean, Erk admitted that there is a crisis in the region but pointed out that this should be examined carefully.

"A crisis has irrupted because Turkey had deployed warships in the area but the Greek Cypriot side in its letter to the UN makes no reference to these ships. The warships in the area do not only belong to Turkey. There is also Russia's 6th fleet. There is the French. Why were the French given a base in Paphos? Why were they given a naval base? It is because the French too have warships in our waters. After all, the French have their coast in the Mediterranean. So in conclusion there is already a strong presence of warships in the area", he said.

Also commenting on claims that Turkey had violated the Greek Cypriot side's sovereignty by issuing a Navtex, Erk claimed that the sovereignty which the Greek Cypriots are crying over does not only belong to them. He claimed that since 1964, the Greek Cypriots have been exercising the island's sovereignty on their own which is the essence of the Cyprus problem.

Erk alleged that the biggest tension in the area has been triggered by the Greek Cypriot side abandoning the negotiating table.

On the same issue, the Secretary General for the main opposition National Unity Party (UBP) Sunat Atun said that the naval exercises being carried out by Israel and Russia in the Eastern Mediterranean is thought-provoking.

Speaking to "BRT", Atun claimed that conducting such manoeuvres with the excuse that the Turkish research vessel, Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha is conducting seismic surveys in the area does not serve in the interest of achieving a peaceful settlement on the island.

"We are following closely the naval exercises being carried out by Russia, Israel and South Cyprus. One would ask what in the world are the Russians doing here. Everyone who supports and desires peace in Cyprus should ask the same question" he said.

"The Barbaros is conducting seismic surveying in line with a permit issued by us. It's clear where the ship is conducting its survey", alleged Atun, pointing out that one could see where the ship is through satellite surveillance.

Claiming that any steps taken in the seas around the island is bound to change the island's status; Atun warned that any changes to be made to the current situation by the Greek Cypriots will be met with reciprocal steps from the Turkish side.

[06] Ozersay evaluates the crisis on the Cyprus talks

Alleging that "the Greek Cypriot authorities" (as he refers to the Cyprus Government) is not volunteering to share the natural resources they obtain from the seas, Ozersay claimed that regarding the sharing of the natural resources the current discourse of the Greek Cypriot leadership is different from their earlier politics and discourse. He added: "The Greek Cypriots who joined the EU without a solution are saying; 'if I can obtain the resources without a solution then why should I share.' The whole issue is the dispute over sharing."

Noting that the current statements regarding the issue reflect a change in their policies, Ozersay said that "south Cyprus (as he refers to the Republic of Cyprus) is not only uncertain about its statements but also with its political opinion. Previously Anastasiades had said that the wealth in the seas belong to the people of Cyprus, to the Turkish Cypriots as well. As a response to this we said 'ok let us form a mutual committee.' They declined this offer. Within the politics of south Cyprus there is also a change in their discourse. Now they are saying; 'There resources belong to the Republic of Cyprus'."

Ozersay claimed that according to international law, it is the people who have a right over the natural resources, not the governments, adding that according to international law "the people are in the foreground, not the states".

Ozersay also claimed the following: "They are trying to blend this right into the Republic of Cyprus frame. This is a change of statements and politics. This will not hold water for a long. Until a new partnership is formed, there should be a sharing of the resources. If they do not agree on this, then we should take initiatives that will compel south Cyprus."

Noting that there is a delay in the comprehensive solution, Ozersay said that the international actors had shifted their focus on Ukraine and the Middle East. He stated that in such a situation we should focus on what we are going to do. As an example, he referred to the water arriving from Turkey and how its distribution and usage is to take place.

Ozersay noted that the politics focused on the left and right has collapsed, stating that parties which assert themselves as leftist perform politics on privatization and parties which assert themselves as rightist follow national politics, harassing the "people of the country". "When I think of all of this I think that standing on the left and the right has lost its meaning. The Turkish Cypriots are struggling to exist. A stance reflecting our own independent will should be portrayed not only against the Greek Cypriots, but against all the other actors and our relationship with Turkey. It is not important to stand on the left or the right, what is important is to stand next to a person. This is a humanist stance. Believe in democracy and the supremacy of the law, this is a humanist stance," he said.

In a question directed to him, Ozersay said: "Ozersay is his own man. And I am never throughout my life going to be someone's man. If we are still waiting to hear what Turkey is going to say to us, then all I have to stay is that we deserve to be managed. If we can eliminate our relationship with Turkey from general expressions, and we can sit and talk on the base of an international agreement, putting the benefits of the society in the centre of life then we can persuade Turkey."

[07] Akinci: The crisis should be overcome through diplomacy

In his interview, Akinci inter alia, said that the crisis occurred in the negotiation talks as well as the escalation of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean after Turkey has sent its warships, is not benefiting anyone and stressed the need for this crisis to be overcome through the diplomatic way.

Supporting that it is obvious where such crises will lead us if there will not be a solution on the Cyprus problem; Akinci said that it is proved that the solution can be the only formula from which the two sides could be benefited from.

Akinci said further that at the moment what is necessary is to show a will-power for a solution and added that with desire and determination the crisis is possible to be solved.

Referring to the issue of the oil and natural gas, Akinci said that we can achieve the reunification of Cyprus by utilizing the oil and natural gas. "It is possible for the two communities to be benefited from this wealth, however, the solution of this issue is not in the seas with warships but on the table", said Akinci.

[08] Talip Atalay stressed the need for the negotiations to continue

Avoiding to make direct comments on the Greek Cypriot side's stance to leave the table after the latest crisis occurred, Atalay said: "We should never be the side that will leave the negotiating table" and added: "As a principle, we want the negotiation process to continue. The country needs a permanent peace for its future. And this is urgent. We support the continuation of the efforts that will lead to peace. Of course, the mutual rights and responsibilities should be taken into consideration", Atalay said.

"We are not pleased by any negative approaches, no matter from whom they come", Atalay added.

Asked to evaluate the Archbishop Chrysostomos II, support to the President Nikos Anastasiades regarding his decision to leave the negotiating table, Atalay reminded that the dialogue between the two religious leaders is taking place in the concept of "peace" and thus, he stated that he would not communicate with the Archbishop via the press. He added that he would definitely discuss with him the issue privately.

(AK)

[09] Eroglu and Akca on the so-called universities

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Eroglu stressed how important the "universities" are for the "TRNC" and said that the "country has become a country of universities", stressing the need for the number of the "universities" and the "students" to be increased more.

Stating that the number of students at the "universities" has reached to 60-70 thousand, Eroglu said that their goal is for the number of students to reach to 100 thousand and added that in order to reach their goal, the "governments" should prepare the necessary infrastructure and also should undertake duties in order for all the deficiencies to be overcome.

Also speaking, the so-called Turkish ambassador stated that the "TRNC" has become an "island of education" and pointed out that the general number of students in the occupied area of Cyprus is more than 72 thousand.

Akca also said that during the last 3 year an increase of 67% has been observed on the number of students and stressed Turkey's contribution in the "university sector".

(AK)

[10] A warning system for submarines on the underwater pipeline

Speaking to the Anatolian News Agency, the Turkish Minister said that an early warning system for submarines will be installed on the 80km centrepiece of the pipeline which is to be suspended as much as 280 meters under water.

Eroglu said that the warning system will be installed following recommendations and consultation with the Turkish Navy. He said that the system will also detect any possible leaks in the pipeline.

Once completed, the pipeline will become the world's longest undersea water pipeline, a project to bring freshwater from Turkey beneath the Mediterranean to the "TRNC".

[11] Claims that tourism firms like Hilton, Sheraton and Marriott are interested to invest in the breakaway regime

Asikoglu alleged that these investments will take place in February or March 2015.

He further claimed that one of these firms wants to construct hotels in the breakaway regime and some others requested to run hotels that already exist. He said that the firms want to construct hotels in occupied Famagusta, Keryneia and Vokolida; however he gave no information regarding which of the tourism firms made these demands.

The paper, citing information writes that hotels that already exist in the breakaway regime are making efforts to buy the name of hotels that belong to big tourism firms like Sheraton, arguing that Sheraton is already building a hotel in occupied Agios Epiktiktos village and that Hilton was to continue the construction of a building that has already started to be built by another firm in occupied Lapithos.

In addition, the paper writes that the chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot Hotel Owners Union", Huseyin Aktig also confirmed information that great tourism firms are interested to make investments in the breakaway regime; however he said that no official statements were made on the issue for the time being.

[12] A French firm will undertake the occupied Pentadaktylos mountains rehabilitation project

The paper which writes that Siniat is a French-based firm, reports that Beriro along with the "director" of the "geology and mines department" Mustafa Alkaravli inspected the area and exchanged views on the issue of the rehabilitation of the area.

In statements after the inspection, Beriro stated that the area has been abandoned for a long time and is in danger and that in a very short time the proper rehabilitation project will be determined.

[13] The AASRC to organize two international conferences in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the paper, the first conference which is called "International conference on global development" is planned to take place on March 26-28, 2015 at occupied Bellapais. However, no further information is given by the paper on the second conference.

(AK)

[14] Davutoglu: Stricter police measures do not contradict EU

Davutoglu, addressing his parliamentary group on Oct. 21, said that the reforms - criticized by many as draconian - aim to protect private life, individual rights and freedoms.

The Prime Minister dismissed criticisms that the draft bill would give too much power to the police and said the legislation aimed at ending the ambiguity over the use in demonstrations of "weapons of violence". All measures will be "in line with EU standards and based on universal standards," he said.

However, all of the proposed reforms, Davutoglu said, must first be approved by the European Union Harmonization Committee in the Turkish Parliament.The bill would pave the way for harsher penalties for those who resort to violence during demonstrations.

"Every act that turns into violence will be considered a crime," he said, adding that the police would henceforth "treat as potential criminals" all those who cover their face with the intent to commit violence. "The penalty for possession of weapons, which now ranges from six months to three years, will be increased to 2.5 to four years," he said.

However, the government will be able to take further measures in social media if the "act of violence becomes widespread," Davutoglu said.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry will take over the personnel assignment responsibility for the Gendarmerie and Coast Guard forces. The Interior Ministry will be authorized for all issues other than military means.

In line with the reshaping of the government's self-styled "new Turkey", there is a need to restructure Ministries as well, Davutoglu stressed in his speech, adding that he had been briefed by all ministries to determine the necessary reforms.

[15] CHP: Turkey is turning into a semi-open prison

"Now they are bringing in a new code. It offers fines for those who cover their faces [in protests]. But there is already a fine for this. Why are you cheating the people?" Kilicdaroglu said.

"The country is at risk of being turned into a semi-open prison," he added, also criticizing the government's poor record on freedom of expression.

"Can journalists write freely in Turkey?" the CHP head asked, ruling out recent claims by a Cabinet member that there was "no political pressure on press".

Kilicdaroglu also expressed outrage over the annulment of the huge corruption probe that included senior government figures, likening the prosecutor who annulled the probe to Nazis.

Ekrem Ayd?ner, a prosecutor from the anti-terror and organized crime unit of the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office, decided on Oct. 17 not to proceed with the case against 53 graft suspects in the Dec. 17 investigation.

"If there is no proof of bribery and corruption in this file, then there is no proof in any corruption file on earth ? There lies corruption worth 247 billion liras and this prosecutor sees no evidence," he said.

The corruption case was also on the agenda of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli at his party's weekly parliamentary group meeting. Bahceli questioned what would now happen to the 1.5 million liras found during a search in the house of Interior Minister Muharrem Guler's son, along with the $4.5 million found stashed in shoeboxes in the house of former Halkbank General Manager Suleyman Arslan. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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