Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-11-06

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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: The Greek Cypriot side demands the return of all the villages in the Karpassia region

[02] Nami met with Pittella in Brussels

[03] Izcan: Eroglu tries to intimidate the people

[04] Turkish Cypriot columnists criticize Eroglu for the leak of a map allegedly submitted by the Greek Cypriots on the territory issue

[05] Ozgurgun alleged that the Greek Cypriot side submitted a map on the table asking for the return of occupied Zodia village

[06] Ozersay responded to the criticisms he received for his suggestion of opening Varosha under "Turkish Cypriot control"

[07] Arinc to visit the occupied area of Cyprus on the anniversary of the breakaway regime's UDI

[08] Hochstein: There is a window of opportunity in the energy market; If a political solution is reached in Cyprus, the results will be great

[09] The "KTEZO" gives data on the working population and the economic situation in the occupied area of Cyprus

[10] Former president of Besiktas announced the suspension of an investment in the occupied area of Cyprus

[11] Davutoglu to visit Australia for the G20 summit

[12] Turkish Justice Minister: No party closure in politics anymore

[13] The newly established Turkish Democratic Development Party has ties with the Gulen movement

[14] New document reveals corruption in building of Erdogan's "Ak Saray"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: The Greek Cypriot side demands the return of all the villages in the Karpassia region

Alleging that the intention of the Greek Cypriot side is to use the natural gas as a weapon, Eroglu said: "While some circles think that the presence of natural gas will contribute to the solution, it seems that the natural gas will be the biggest obstacle before the agreement."

Meanwhile, Eroglu, in an interview to the journalist Resat Akar published in the Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog (06.11.14), repeated that the Greek Cypriot leadership was looking for an excuse to abandon the negotiations.

Eroglu said that the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades had not submitted a map during the negotiation process; however, he submitted a list for the return of some villages, which were not included in the Annan plan. He explained that the Annan plan envisaged the return of only four villages from the Karpassia region, but according to this list, now the return of all the villages has been demented. He added that these kinds of approaches are unacceptable.

Referring to the "presidential elections April 2015), Eroglu said that he will announce his decision after the "celebrations" of the anniversary of breakaway regime's Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) on the 15th of November.

[02] Nami met with Pittella in Brussels

After completing his contacts in Tel-Aviv, Nami with a delegation went the day before yesterday to Brussels.

Nami met yesterday with Gianni Pittella, President of the European Parliament Socialists and Democrats Group, within the framework of his contacts in Brussels.

According to a press release by his "office", Nami informed Pittella that "the Cyprus negotiations have reached an impasse with the withdrawal of the Greek Cypriot leader from the negotiating table, and called on the European Union to take initiatives to enable the negotiations on the island to recommence". Nami further claimed that it is unacceptable for the negotiations to be suspended for any reason, adding that the raised tensions in the region stem from the unilateral actions of the Greek Cypriot side, and that Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades should be persuaded to return to the table so that the Cyprus issue can be resolved.

Nami also met with high-level officials from various political groups within the European Parliament, such as the Greens, Conservatives and Reformists and Christian Democrats, and voiced the responsibilities of the European Parliament in order to overcome the current impasse. Nami underlined the significance of the Parliament becoming organized in a way which would contribute to the comprehensive settlement negotiations, and the importance of refraining from displaying unilateral approaches. Nami and his delegation will continue their contacts in Brussels today.

[03] Izcan: Eroglu tries to intimidate the people

In a written statement issued yesterday, Izcan claimed that Eroglu is playing with the hopes of the people in order to be able to be "re-elected" as "president". Izcan explained that the UN and the Greek Cypriot side have denied that the map, which Eroglu is referred to, exists. In addition to this, Izcan reminded that Eroglu himself denied that they have discussed until now the issues on map and territory. He added that Eroglu's strategy is to intimidate the "people".

[04] Turkish Cypriot columnists criticize Eroglu for the leak of a map allegedly submitted by the Greek Cypriots on the territory issue

Writing in Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (06.11.14) in his column under the title "The lie of the map and a real map", Erdogan Ozbalikci reports that Eroglu's recent statements that the Greek Cypriots have asked for the return of certain areas are "unfortunate" and "should be very well thought upon". He noted that the leak of an "imaginary map" by some journalists was a very big provocation aimed at instigating the people. Ozbalikci writes, inter alia, the following:

"Some of our sources of information participating both in the Turkish and the Greek negotiating delegation insist that no map was submitted to the Turkish Cypriot side during the negotiations. The main principles of how the property and the territory issues would be discussed were debated, but the issue of the map had been left for later.

It should be recalled that while a great majority of the Turkish Cypriots had said 'yes' to the Annan Plan, Dervis Eroglu and his team participated in the 'no' front with all their power. Respecting Dervis Eroglu's worldview is one thing and not opposing to what he says is another. If there will be a solution in Cyprus, everyone should get used to the reality that return of territory to the Greek Cypriots will definitely be made. (?)

With this map provocation it was very well shown that today, more than any other time, we need a leadership which will follow a political line that will unite the Turkish Cypriots with the world as people having equal rights over the entire island, instead of instigating the publication of non-existent maps".

Moreover, writing in his column in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (06.11.14), Mert Ozdag reports that the above-mentioned map is "a map created by Eroglu's men aiming at the elections" and such a map "has never come onto the agenda in the negotiations after the Annan Plan". Under the title "How many times lies are told? How Many?" refers to other cases during which Dervis Eroglu had allegedly lied in the past. The columnist argues, inter alia, the following:

"It is obvious that the issue of the map is a propaganda game towards the elections. The aim is to encourage people voting Eroglu by creating panic in the areas which will be given to the Greek Cypriots. Will such a method be effective? It may be in some areas. In some other areas it will not be. However, why such a great president enters into such an ugly game? (?)

Writing in the same newspaper, Tumay Tugyan describes as "not surprising" the unofficial statement made yesterday by the Greek Cypriot side declaring Eroglu's allegation regarding the map as false. Under the title "Trusting your leader", she notes that according to information shared by a source close to the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Cyprus with some Turkish Cypriot journalists, the Greek Cypriot side had put no map on the negotiating table.

She argues that by using the issue of the map Eroglu was planning on "killing two birds with one stone". She expresses the view that Eroglu's first aim is the so-called presidential elections to be held in April 2015 in the occupied area of Cyprus. "It is very obvious that Eroglu's election propaganda will mainly focus on this issue and draw the profile of a leader who does not allow for the rights of the Turkish Cypriots to be seized by the Greek Cypriots", she writes noting that the second aim is to launch an early "no campaign" for the possible later stage of the negotiations.

She argues that "a trade of fear" will be carried out by Eroglu regarding the territory and the property which "is one of the issues on which the Turkish Cypriots show the most sensitivity".

The third aim, she notes, is to increase the expectations of the Greek Cypriots and make sure that President Anastasiades "will be booed" as a "person giving concessions", in case he accepts something less than the above-mentioned map.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ozgurgun alleged that the Greek Cypriot side submitted a map on the table asking for the return of occupied Zodia village

Speaking during the visit, Ozgurgun referred to the Cyprus negotiation process alleging that the "Greek Cypriot side submitted a map on the table, demanding the return of all the villages which were always "Turkish" throughout the history, including Zodia".

"Stating that this is not possible to happen", Ozgurgun assured that the UBP will continue to protect the "Turkish Cypriot's land".

Reminding of the forthcoming "presidential elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus, Ozgurgun recalled their calling to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu to decide for his "candidacy" and said that Eroglu should continue to be the leader of the Turkish Cypriots.

(AK)

[06] Ozersay responded to the criticisms he received for his suggestion of opening Varosha under "Turkish Cypriot control"

Ozersay stated that his suggestion was not one that he had made recently, but one that he had spoken of before. "When we negotiated the issues that depend on south Cyprus' will we were always disappointed", Ozersay said and added that the opening of Varosha would be a positive step "during a time that the negotiations have collapsed".

"If you open Varosha, transfer it to civil management, connect it to the Famagusta Municipality, and give the lands to the former owners, this will bring economic revival to both sides in the area," he said adding: "Not the Greek Cypriot leadership but the Greek Cypriot community is my respondent".

Ozersay also claimed that the suggestion of Varosha is one step ahead of the present status quo, stating that it will be received positively internationally. "On one hand the linking of a military area to civil management, on the other hand the elimination of the status quo, and taking the Greek Cypriot society as the respondent! And most important is the economic revival of the area", he alleged.

[07] Arinc to visit the occupied area of Cyprus on the anniversary of the breakaway regime's UDI

Arinc, who stated during the meeting that Turkey will always continue its supports towards the breakaway regime, also said that he will meet again with Berova on November 14-15, during the celebrations for the "establishment" of the breakaway regime.

[08] Hochstein: There is a window of opportunity in the energy market; If a political solution is reached in Cyprus, the results will be great

In an exclusive interview with Kibris, Hochstein, who is visiting the Republic of Cyprus and yesterday met with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Energy, noted that his duty was to recall to the people the results of their actions and expressed the view that if a political solution is reached in Cyprus, the results will be great. Noting that both sides in Cyprus should decide that they will return to the negotiating table, he argued that the important thing here is to return to the negotiations.

The American official said that after hydrocarbon resources were found in Cyprus, there have always been statements saying that they should be marketed for the benefit of all Cypriots and added that this is an important message both for America and Cyprus. "I was pleased because of the continuation of the position of the government of Cyprus that the income to be obtained will be used for the benefit of the entire people on the island", he noted.

Asked whether his visit to the island means that the USA has given the "green light" for the cooperation between Cyprus, Egypt and Israel in the energy field, Hochstein replied that the USA wants all countries in the area to cooperate with each other, because in the very end this will be in everybody's interest. He noted that the cooperation between Cyprus, Greece, Egypt and Israel is good, but it would be even better if Turkey was included in this cooperation.

Asked whether the scenario of currying [the Cypriot] gas to Europe through Turkey was still on the agenda, Hochstein said: "It must definitely be. However, some steps must be taken. The USA is closely working with Turkey and Azerbaijan on the issue of sending the Azeri gas to Europe. This is a flagship project for us. The USA is looking with Turkey and Azerbaijan for diversity in the supply of gas to Europe. Cyprus and Israel could also play a role in the diversity of the supply of gas to Europe. I think that this role could be played if political progress is secured as regards the dispute and the problems between Cyprus and Turkey (?)".

(I/Ts.)

[09] The "KTEZO" gives data on the working population and the economic situation in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the paper, speaking during the press conference, the chairman of the "chamber" Mahmut Kanber and the "general coordinator" Hurrem Tulga stated, inter alia, that the number of population which is able to work in the occupied area of Cyprus is 120 thousand, adding that half of this population work under the minimum wage while the 20% of this population is unemployed.

Stating that the per capital income including the income from the casinos and harlotry is 15,000 US dollars Tulga added that 95% of all sectors in the occupied area of Cyprus are in a situation of bankruptcy.

(AK)

[10] Former president of Besiktas announced the suspension of an investment in the occupied area of Cyprus

Bilgili referred to the project and said that they are on the verge of withdrawing this investment due to several bureaucratic problems that appeared. "We have made plans to make an investment of 150 million euro. We've planned to build a 350 room complex with a golf course. Cyprus had the potential to become a new Monte Carlo. However, we came across with a lot of bureaucratic problems. We agreed with Marriot hotel chain to solve them. We signed an agreement for joint investment. We started the investment, but due to several difficulties we confronted, we are on the stage of abandoning the investment. (?) Cyprus is not an easy place for investments. The banks do not give loans. Instead of five months for a project to be approved, it takes 2,5 years. I think that we should not take further risks for this investment", Bilgili said.

(AK)

[11] Davutoglu to visit Australia for the G20 summit

Commenting on the visit, Davutoglu said: "Turkey is not a company that can only deal with internal crisis. It does not rely on the support of the IMF. It is a country that can rationally manage its own economic growth and can resist global crises. Our economy is sustainable and Turkey has become a country that has achieved exemplary statistical data in terms of financial budget discipline," and added: "Not only is the domestic economy a success, Turkey is now standing strong and has achieved sustainable, rational growth despite the political turmoil and clashes in the region," said Davutoglu.

[12] Turkish Justice Minister: No party closure in politics anymore

After the government criticized the HDP for its "harsh" and "uncompromising" political rhetoric following the party's call for street protests on Oct. 6-7, which morphed into violent clashes between pro and anti-PKK groups and killed dozens of citizens, HDP Deputy asserted that the HDP will be closed.

Dismissing those allegations, Bozdag said, "As the AK Party [Justice and Development Party], we are against the doctrine of closing political parties" adding that Turkey used to be one of the worst countries in terms of closing political parties, making the country what Bozdag called the "cemetery of political parties."

[13] The newly established Turkish Democratic Development Party has ties with the Gulen movement

Idris Bal, who now serves as an independent deputy, has submitted a petition to the Interior Ministry for the establishment of a new party called the Democratic Development Party. Bal said roughly two weeks ago that they were preparing to set up a new political party and emphasized that the party will include people from all strata of society. Speaking to journalists, Bal said that they had been working to set up the party for almost two years.

It is expected that the new party will aim to attract voters from center-right and center-left circles. Former Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputies Hakan Sukur, Ertugrul Gunay, Idris Naim Sahin, Erdal Kalkan and Hasan Hami Yildirim, who resigned from the party shortly after the Dec.17 and Dec.25 operations, are also likely to join the new political party.

[14] New document reveals corruption in building of Erdogan's "Ak Saray"

Similar arguments have been raised in the Parliament by the Republican People's Party (CHP), based on the findings in a Court of Accounts report, the agency responsible for auditing public spending in Turkey. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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