Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-11-17

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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 Arinc and Eroglu during the military parade for the celebrations for the 31st establishment of the breakaway regime

[02] Cicek and Arinc' contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus

[03] Messages by Turkish officials for the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the breakaway regime

[04] Berova met with Deputies from Kosovo

[05] Turkish warships and airplanes violated for one more year Cyprus' territorial waters and airspace for the UDI

[06] The "TRNC Friendship Group of the British Parliament" continues its contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; They met with Nami and Toros

[07] Korkut: "Turkey is the best route for Israeli gas delivery"

[08] Yildiz: "The natural gas discovered or to be discovered belongs to the whole of Cyprus"; Barbarros Hayettin Pasa to continue its seismic exploration activities

[09] Davutoglu discussed the Cyprus problem with Ban on the sidelines of G-20 summit

[10] The number of the Greek Cypriots who apply to the "Compensation Committee" has been reduced in the last three months

[11] Resignations from DP-UG

[12] Former CHP Deputy Tarhan to form a new party named "Anatolia Party"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Statements by Arinc and Eroglu during the military parade for the celebrations for the 31st establishment of the breakaway regime

Arinc stated that the decision for leaving the negotiation table creates doubts as regards the sincerity of the Greek Cypriot side for reaching a solution ofthe Cyprus problem.

He stated that "the patience and wisdom that Turkish Cypriots have showed from 1963 until today is a source of pride for the Turkish nation and despite all the difficulties experienced, Turkish Cypriots managed to preserve its existence as a community and to defend their state". He went on to add that the Turkish Cypriot side exerted many efforts for a just and permanent solution which will safeguard the rights and the political equality of the Turkish Cypriots during the Cyprus negotiations which were launched in 2008, stopped in 2012 and were re-launched in February 2014.

"As a motherland state we provided every support so that the procedure is successful", he stated. He also claimed that Turkey hoped that this "last chance" for reaching a solution will not be lost, however, in a time that a progress was expected under the UN auspice, the Greek Cypriot side started the efforts of finding natural gas, pretending as if it is the sole owner of the island of Cyprus. "Turkish Cypriots have also rights on the natural resources in the area and Turkey will defend these rights", Arinc stated and claimed that the seismic researches conducted by Turkey in the area are taking place in the framework of the jurisdiction provided to Ankara by the "TRNC government", which according to Arinc is determined to safeguard the basic rights of Turkish Cypriots. "Cyprus does not need more tension, but the creation of a new climate for a solution and co-operation", he stated.

Finally, he claimed that despite the efforts for reaching a solution, they will continue at the same time to exert efforts in strengthening the economy of the breakaway regime in order to move on to the future.

On his part, Eroglu alleged that "the efforts made by the Greek Cypriot side on the natural gas issue are not made for the realization of the dream of cooperation, as this is expressed in the Common Statement issued by the two leaders in Cyprus, but in order for the Greek Cypriots to gain an advantage against the Turkish Cypriot side and to continue the status quo at the island on their favor".

Eroglu also alleged that despite the fact that the Greek Cypriot side appears to be in favor of a federation solution in Cyprus, in reality it has no intention of sharing the sovereignty of the common state and the international representation with the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the "citizenship" issue, he reiterated his position that they make no discrimination against any "TRNC citizen" and added that this has to be accepted.

He claimed that during this period the Turkish Cypriot side did not accept any map and that there is an understanding that these issues will be discussed at the end of the procedure. He said that the only reason that the Greek Cypriot side did not present a map was due to the stance of the Turkish Cypriot side. He also said that "they will never allow for a significant number of people to become refugees again, or to lose their job and experience a new trauma".

He also claimed that if the Greek Cypriot side succeeds in its goals this will increase the tension and will create more distance between the two communities in Cyprus. He also called on the UN, USA and EU to exert pressure on President Anastasiades to return to the negotiation table which is according to Eroglu the place to discuss and to find solutions in every issue.

[02] Cicek and Arinc' contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus

The high level officials from Turkey represented Turkey at the "Republic Day" celebration for the UDI.

Speaking during the visit, Cicek pointed to the importance of the "sovereign state" established by the Turkish Cypriot "people" and added that there is one reality on the island and it is that for 50 years the Cyprus issue has not been solved.

"The Turkish side is striving to find a permanent solution but the Greek Cypriot side is persisting with its insincere stance, its making things more difficult and its insisting on being a unilateral owner of Cyprus", said Cicek and praised the Turkish Cypriot side for its efforts towards finding a solution, but alleged that nothing can be achieved unilaterally.

"Unilateral efforts will not yield positive results. We support the Turkish Cypriot side's efforts but the world must see the realities on the island", said Cicek and claimed that the Greek Cypriot sides' unilateral membership to the EU was a grave mistake and only fuelled the Greek Cypriot side's intransigent stance.

He said that Turkey will support all efforts towards peace in Cyprus but noted that the "reality" that there are "two equal peoples and two separate states" on the island, must be accepted otherwise peace cannot be achieved.

Also speaking, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc for his part presented to Eroglu a written message by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and expressed the hope that the Turkish Cypriot "people" will live in increased prosperity in the future as well.

Eroglu for his part said that he was honored to see the high level delegation in the "TRNC" and expressed his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu for their constant support.

Meanwhile, the "speaker" of the so-called assembly Sibel Siber met with Cicek, Arinc and Kasirga and his accompanying delegation.

The so-called Turkish Ambassador to the occupied area of Cyprus Halil Ibrahim Akca was also present at the meeting.

Speaking during the visit, Cicek said that they aim to increase the rights and awareness towards the Turkish Cypriot "people" at international organizations and stressed that they will continue to support efforts towards strengthening the "TRNC".

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Cicek said: "Whether a solution will be found or not, Turkey will continue with its efforts towards further strengthening the TRNC".

Evaluating the European Parliament's decision against Turkey, he said" "I condemn the decision. Their stance is not fair. If the Cyprus problem remained unsolved, they will also bear a responsibility on this."

For his part, Ar?nc said that the Turkish people were supporting the rightful struggle of the Turkish Cypriot "people" as well as a solution on the island.

Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot "people" had always displayed their sincere will for a solution and this was proved by voting "yes" to the Annan Plan, he expressed the belief that the negotiations process will resume.

Also speaking, Siber reminded that the "TRNC" was a 31 year old young "state" and added that it continues on its path with hope and dynamism.

Explaining that have reached to this point after their long struggle for existence, Siber said "the international isolation and our efforts towards becoming part of the international community are continuing. We are working towards strengthening our identity and organizational structure as well as the prosperity of the people."

Meanwhile, Siber also met with the Pakistani Deputy Mehr Isht?aq Ahmed, the Deputy from Kosovo, Muferra Sinik and the Deputy from Kyrgizia, Fikrim Damka who are illegally visiting the occupation regime for the UDI "celebrations".

[03] Messages by Turkish officials for the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the breakaway regime.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stated in his message that the Turkish Cypriot "people", work towards finding a just and permanent solution for the Cyprus problem so that Cyprus can become a place of peace and prosperity in the region.

The Turkish Prime Ahmet Davutoglu stated that it is sad that both the Greek Cypriot side and Greece do not have the will for a solution in Cyprus and added that it is essential for the Turkish Cypriots to reach a future of safety and prosperity, becoming a member of the international community.

The former President of Turkey Abdullah Gul stated that the reaching of a just, permanent solution, based on political equality of the two "people" can be safeguarded with a new political partnership.

The Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, stated that all the institutions in Turkey are supporting the "TRNC".

Finally, the head of the Turkish Armed Forces General Necdet Ozel stated that the Turkish armed forces will continue to support the fair cause of the Turkish Cypriots.

[04] Berova met with Deputies from Kosovo

According to the paper, the delegation is composed by the Deputies Muferra Sinik, Fikrim Damka and Mahir Yagcilar.

Speaking during the meeting, Berova said that they exchanged views on the political developments in the "country".

Reminding of the fact that there is a great number of students from Kosovo who are studying in the "TRNC", Be rova said that they are exerting efforts for this number to increase. "The deputies from Kosovo are carrying out both a courtesy visit to the TRNC, and also a visit in order to be briefed about the TRNC's universities", Berova added.

AK

[05] Turkish warships and airplanes violated for one more year Cyprus' territorial waters and airspace for the UDI

According to the paper, the demonstration by the Turkish acrobatic airplanes took place in occupied Keryneia in front of Dome Hotel.

During the same day two vessels of the Turkish Naval Forces, TCG Gelibolu frigate and TCG Burakreis submarine anchored at the tourist harbor of occupied Keryneia and remained opened for the public to visit.

Furthermore, the TCG Bora assault boat was also open for visits at the occupied Famagusta port.

As the paper writes, the demonstration by the "Turkish Stars" attracted a huge number of "citizens" and tourists.

AK

[06] The "TRNC Friendship Group of the British Parliament" continues its contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; They met with Nami and Toros

Speaking during the meeting, Baroness Meral Huseyin Ece who headed the delegation said that they have come to the "TRNC", as he called the occupation regime, in order to be informed about the latest developments and to help the Turkish Cypriots on the issues of justice, equality, and human rights when they return to the UK.

Ece also reiterated that they are always ready to help and support the Turkish Cypriots.

Nami on his part, thanked the delegation over their visit to the "TRNC" and pointed to the important mission fulfilled by the "UK Parliament's TRNC Friendship Group" for the Turkish Cypriots. Nami said: "Your being the voice of the Turkish Cypriot's just cause is of vital importance to us".

Indicating that their diplomatic work has reached a stronger level with the support of their friends, Nami thanked the members of the delegation for their support until today and added that their cooperation will continue also in the future.

The delegation of "UK Parliament's TRNC Friendship Group" is composed by Baroness Ece, Lord Harrison, Lort Kilclooney and Lady Doris Butterworth.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (16.11.14) reported that the above mentioned delegation met further with the chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" ("KTSO"), Fikri Toros.

According to a statement issued by the "KTSO", the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and the issue of halloumi were discussed during the meeting.

Speaking during the meeting, Toros referred to the issue of halloumi and said that halloumi cheese is one of the most important cultural products of both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. He also stressed the need for this issue to be evaluated in a way that will encourage both sides to cooperate regarding the geographical registration of halloumi.

Toros stressed further the need for the EU to undertake an initiative and develop a mechanism for finding a solution on halloumi cheese product, supporting that the EU has also a responsibility on this issue, due to the fact that it unilaterally accepted "south Cyprus" as an EU member.

AK

[07] Korkut: "Turkey is the best route for Israeli gas delivery"

"The most practical route for the delivery of Israeli natural gas to Europe is through Turkey" said Korkut.

While one of the options is to deliver the gas through "southern Cyprus" to Greece and to Europe, the other viable option is to use the route through "northern Cyprus" to Turkey and then to Europe.

"Delivering the Israeli gas through southern Cyprus is not feasible" Korkut claimed, adding that the cheapest and most practical way to transfer the gas to Europe, is through Turkey.

Referring to the trilateral meetings held between Israel, Egypt, Greece and the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called the Republic of Cyprus, in November to discuss a strategy for the natural gas resources in the eastern Mediterranean, Korkut said: "This project is only possible with a resolution of differences between the two sides. Unfortunately, tensions have so far outweighed resolve".

(?)"The TRNC has equal and sovereign rights on the island's natural resources and will not change its policies," Korkut added, pointing out that Turkey and the "TRNC" are determined to find a solution on the Cyprus problem.

"A technical committee should be formed so that the two sides may discover, extract, and share the hydrocarbon reserves of the island", he concluded.

[08] Yildiz: "The natural gas discovered or to be discovered belongs to the whole of Cyprus"; Barbarros Hayettin Pasa to continue its seismic exploration activities

Yildiz pointed out that the natural gas discovered or that will be discovered by the "TRNC" or the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called the Republic of Cyprus, belongs to the whole of Cyprus and added that the natural resources should be exploited in a fair manner in a united Cyprus.

AK

[09] Davutoglu discussed the Cyprus problem with Ban on the sidelines of G-20 summit

According to the Turkish Prime Ministry, during the meeting with Ban, the Turkish Premier discussed issues relating to Syria and Cyprus, along with international counterterrorism efforts.

Later, Davutoglu departed from Brisbane for the Philippines to pay an official visit to the Southeast Asian country on November 17 and 18.

[10] The number of the Greek Cypriots who apply to the "Compensation Committee" has been reduced in the last three months

The paper writes that in October 2013, 101 applications were made to the "Compensation Committee", while in October 2014, only 27 applications were made. The paper notes that this is the smallest number of application since the "Compensation Committee" started to operate and notes that during the last five years the Greek Cypriot interest has declined: In 2011, 1926 applications were made, in 2012, 1601 applications, in 2013, 1337 and for the first ten months of 2015, only 303 applications.

The paper writes that the fact that Greek Cypriot interest is very low it is shown from the fact that in August the "Committee" did not make any rulings at all. However, the paper adds that for the first ten months of 2014 the "Compensation Committee" paid 37 million sterling liras as compensation to Greek Cypriots who applied to it.

[11] Resignations from DP-UG

According to K?br?s Postas?'s sources, Kasif, Bakirci, Serdaroglu and Gunuz decided to resign but have not yet informed their party about their decision.

However, no information was given whether the resigned "deputies" will join another party.

AK

[12] Former CHP Deputy Tarhan to form a new party named "Anatolia Party"

On Friday, Tarhan, applied to the Interior Ministry to form a new political party after her resignation in late October. It was reported that the party she is about to form is called the Anatolia Party with a logo featuring a sunflower.

In the press statement she issued after her resignation, Tarhan blamed the CHP's administration for their "wrong and weak policies" that she claimed are not representative of the people's sentiments and were not made with winning elections in mind.

The former center-right Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) member, Yunus Yunusoglu, who will reportedly take charge of party organization in the Anatolia Party, said that they do not aim to split the CHP.

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