Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-11-25

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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 proposed a to-be-founded private company on the drilling activities in Cyprus

[02] Eroglu does not think that Eide will bring a new proposal during his visit to Cyprus

[03] Olgun holds contacts in London; He claims that "the rights of the Turkish Cypriots cannot be connected with the solution"

[04] Britain's aid to the Turkish Cypriot community reached 4.2 million pounds sterling since 2004

[05] Cicek: European Parliament resolution is unacceptable

[06] Yorgancioglu, Nami and Mungan due to Ankara for contacts

[07] Damdelen: "Turkey's oil exploration activities in the Republic of Cyprus' EEZ are contrary to the international law"

[08] Turkish Cypriot daily reports that the occupied port of Famagusta is the refuelling address for ships carrying refugees

[09] Environmental disaster is visible in occupied Pentadaktylos mountains and in occupied Keryneia by the quarries

[10] The "Turkish Cypriot chamber of civil engineers" attended a fair in Dubai

[11] An EU delegation inspected the works for the construction of the Social Activity Centre in occupied Kioneli

[12] Erdogan: Gender equality is 'against nature'

[13] Turkey expands food exports to Russia

[14] Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Turkey in December

[15] Turkish columnist accused Erdogan of not allowing opposition media groups to follow the press conference with Biden

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Cavusoglu proposed a to-be-founded private company on the drilling activities in Cyprus

"Now, we have new proposals. We have made this offer: As the states do not want to be a counterpart to each other until a resolution comes into being, let's allow a private company to be founded and have searches conducted by that [company]," Cavusoglu said.

Both the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and the "Greek Cypriot administration" (editor's note: as he refers to the Cyprus Government) have the right to conduct oil search activities, Cavusoglu said late on Nov. 24, but he underlined that Ankara is against unilateral searches by the Greek Cypriots while peace talks between the two sides are on the table.

"When they drill, we send the ship. If they stop, we will stop", Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by the semi-official Anadolu Agency, responding to questions from lawmakers at Turkish Parliament's Planning and Budget Commission, which is reviewing the Foreign Ministry and the EU Ministry budgets as part of ongoing deliberations on the 2015 Central Governance Budget Law.

[02] Eroglu does not think that Eide will bring a new proposal during his visit to Cyprus

Noting that during their telephone conversation he felt that Eide was not very optimistic, Eroglu claimed that Eide said that he would "inspire" the Greek Cypriot leader to return to the negotiations.

Eroglu described as positive the fact that Eide's visit to the island coincides with the British Minister for Europe David Lidington's visit and added that he expects Lidington to express Britain's views to both sides, but especially to the Greek Cypriots "who is the side which left the negotiations".

According to Kibris, Eide is expected to meet with Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG) this morning and tomorrow with Eroglu.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Olgun holds contacts in London; He claims that "the rights of the Turkish Cypriots cannot be connected with the solution"

Noting that they had a very constructive meeting and a useful dialogue, Olgun said that they told Lidington that the Turkish Cypriot side is at the negotiating table for finding a federal solution in Cyprus and submitted proposals for a solution based on federation within the framework of the joint declaration of 11 February 2014.

"We noted that the unilateral behaviors do not serve the federation", he argued and added that they also stressed the importance of power sharing. Furthermore, noted Olgun, they expressed the view that the two sides could cooperate on the hydrocarbons issue as they manage to cooperate on matters as regards the cultural heritage and the missing persons.

Olgun said that he met also with the Labor Party's Deputy and Shadow Minister for Europe, Pat Macfadden, to whom he described the 'perspective of the Turkish Cypriot side" and replied to his questions.

Olgun noted that he will stay in London until 28 November and hold various meetings at the Parliament and the House of Lords.

Meanwhile, under the title "Turkish side's rights cannot be connected with the solution", Kibris publishes exclusive statements by Olgun, who argued that three alternatives exist before the sides on the issue of the Cyprus negotiations: The first is the continuation of the existing deadlock, the second is the sides to simultaneously stop their activities without injuring their esteem and the third is to accept the proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side and establish a committee on the hydrocarbons' issue.

Olgun alleged that the first alternative is a situation created by the Greek Cypriot side and argued that it is not possible for the Turkish Cypriot side or Turkey to accept "the single sovereignty of the south", as he described the Republic of Cyprus and commit themselves that they will not send an explorations vessel to the area in the future. In the second alternative, he argued, the hydrocarbons issue will be included in the negotiations after the sides stop their activities and focus on the negotiations process to be able to solve the problem.

Olgun claimed that the proposal submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side since 2011 as regards the establishment of a committee on the hydrocarbons' issue has a legal ground and alleged that the joint declaration confirmed that the Turkish Cypriot side is one of the sources of sovereignty in Cyprus and that none of the sides could establish its authority over the other.

Olgun alleged that the proposal submitted by the Greek Cypriot side to the Turkish Cypriot leader regarding the convergences achieved during the period 2008-2012 on the issue of administrating and sharing the income acquired from the island's natural resources concerns the period after the solution of the Cyprus problem. He further claimed:

"The hydrocarbon issue is a matter concerning the present. There is a difference between the two. The execution of the rights of the Turkish Cypriot side cannot be postponed for the period after an agreement. My expectation from the near future is positive. The Greek Cypriot side and the international community are annoyed from the current situation. The reason for this is the fact that the hydrocarbons are seen as the way out from the economic crisis and there will be serious repercussions in all fields, including the hydrocarbons, in case a solution is reached. What makes me optimistic is the fact that both sides equally need an agreement and have come to the point of being equally harmed by the status quo, something which will secure a solution. I think that we are close to this. The Turkish Cypriot side is at this point, but of course it does not accept being a community?"

Referring to the possibility of the tension in Eastern Mediterranean turning into a hot conflict, Olgun argued that this is a very low possibility, but "Greece and Egypt have not taken any step for making a continental shelf delineation agreement, if they do this, it might be a reason for war".

Olgun argued that the two states which behave reasonably in this area are Turkey and Greece and the confirmation of this reason is expected during the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's forthcoming visit to Greece.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Britain's aid to the Turkish Cypriot community reached 4.2 million pounds sterling since 2004

The question had been submitted by Lord Kenneth Maginnis, who asked the Minister to evaluate the situation of the human rights of the Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus since 1960. Baroness Anelay said that the human rights of both communities have been affected by the inter-communal tension and added that the British government shares the UN's view that the ongoing division of the island constitutes an obstacle for all Cypriots fully enjoying their human rights.

Replying to another question, Baroness Anelay noted that Cyprus and Turkey accept the political, economic and security benefits of the solution and claimed that both community leaders have repeatedly reiterated their wish for the reunification of Cyprus. She said that they encourage the communities to continue their dialogue under the auspices of the UN for reaching a comprehensive solution.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Cicek: European Parliament resolution is unacceptable

Cicek made the remarks in a letter to European Parliament President Martin Schulz.

The European Parliament in a Resolution on Nov. 13 "demands Turkish vessels operating in waters in and around the EZZ of Cyprus to be withdrawn immediately."

"The rights to natural resources found on the island are equal and indisputable for the Turkish Cypriots, which the Greek Cypriots and the international community should accept this," Cicek said.

Cicek emphasized that it is important to make a joint decision regarding the use of natural gas and oil resources in offshore areas.

"I want to say that the European Parliament's Resolution is completely unacceptable", Cicek said, adding: "We hope the European Parliament will contribute to the solution of the dispute".

[06] Yorgancioglu, Nami and Mungan due to Ankara for contacts

According to information acquired by the "press and public relations office of the prime ministry", Yorgancioglu will be accompanied by the so-called foreign minister Ozdil Nami, the so-called minister of finance, Zerem Mungan and the "undersecretary" of the "prime ministry" Huseyin Gursan.

Yorgancioglu will meet this afternoon with Davutoglu. Afterwards, Davutoglu and Yorgancioglu will give a joint press conference, while later Yorgancioglu and his accompanied delegation will attend a dinner hosted by Davutoglu.

Yorgancioglu and his delegation are expected to return to the occupied area of Cyprus tomorrow after completing their contacts.

(AK)

[07] Damdelen: "Turkey's oil exploration activities in the Republic of Cyprus' EEZ are contrary to the international law"

In the statement, Damdelen said that both communities have rights on the natural resources in the island, adding, that this is undisputable.

Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, Damdelen stressed the need for the talks to be resumed without any preconditions and called Turkey and Greece to withdraw their vessels.

Damdelen stressed further the need for the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkey to focus on the efforts for finding a fair solution on the Cyprus problem. "Ways out that are against the international law, will not benefit either the Turkish Cypriot community or the Greek Cypriot community and Turkey", Damdelen said.

Stressing that Turkey's oil exploration activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus are contrary to the international law, Damdelen added: "Turkey should focus only on the solution of the Cyprus problem, should develop good ties with its neighbors and play an important role to the energy scenarios in the region. Steps which are based on brutal force may open the path for alternatives, without Turkey".

Claiming that it was wrong for the Greek Cypriot side to withdraw from the negotiation process and insist on its stance, Damdelen pointed out that the existing controversies can be solved with negotiations and not with tension and war. "The negotiation process is the basis for forming a political and economic future for Cyprus", Damdelen added.

(AK)

[08] Turkish Cypriot daily reports that the occupied port of Famagusta is the refuelling address for ships carrying refugees

The same source noted that parallel to the increasing violence in Syria, during the last four months the number of refugees desperately trying to escape from war or refugee camps they are placed has also doubled. In a desperate attempt to save their lives or the lives of their loved ones refugees pay high amounts to human smugglers who then board them on ships that most of the time are not suitable for such trips.

According to the anonymous source, the Tanzanian flagged cargo ship, which was carrying refugees, was at the Famagusta Port 15 days ago for refuelling, food and other needs and then left for Mersin port where the refugees were embarked on board.

According to the same source the Tanzanian flagged ship is only a cover and Turkish authorities are very well aware of these incidents but they overlook to these tragedies. The source also said that another ship is currently anchored at the Famagusta occupied port for refuelling and still waits there after the tragic refugee incident over weekend. "These ships come to our ports on a routine basis as undercover or they cruise around our waters. Turkey overlooks o these incidents", the anonymous source added.

[09] Environmental disaster is visible in occupied Pentadaktylos mountains and in occupied Keryneia by the quarries

Speaking to the paper on the issue, the chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot association of Biologists", Dilge Ozerdem called the "authorities" to take measures and said that the most important problem is the lack of the appropriate control towards the owners of the quarries.

(AK)

[10] The "Turkish Cypriot chamber of civil engineers" attended a fair in Dubai

According to the paper, the "chamber" participated in the show with a 29-person team. Around 2,750 firms from 70 different countries attended the show.

(AK)

[11] An EU delegation inspected the works for the construction of the Social Activity Centre in occupied Kioneli

According to the paper, the project for the construction of the Social Activity Center is financed by the European Commission, local and other international organizations within the framework of the UNDP.

The project is expected to be concluded within this year.

(AK)

[12] Erdogan: Gender equality is 'against nature'

"When we are able to look at human beings from the point of view of justice, then the elimination of discrimination between women and men would be possible in a much more fair, humane and conscientious way. What do women need?" Erdogan said November 24, delivering a speech at an international gathering in Istanbul aimed at discussing women's rights and freedoms.

"Sometimes, here they say 'men and women equality.' But 'equality among women' and 'equality among men' is more correct. However, what is particularly essential is women's equality before justice," Erdogan said at the Women and Justice Summit hosted by the Women and Democracy Association (KADEM).

"Equality is turning the victim into an oppressor by force or vice versa. What women need is to be able to be equivalent, rather than equal," the President said. He also reiterated an argument he voiced in the past, announcing: "You cannot bring women and men into equal positions; that is against nature because their nature is different".

"For example, in work life, you cannot impose the same conditions on a pregnant woman as a man," Erdogan said. The Turkish president has consistently exhorted women to have at least three children, while also terming abortion "murder" and railing against Caesarean sections.

He also used the occasion to stage a strongly-worded attack on "feminism and feminists," claiming that they "reject the concept of motherhood". "Our religion [Islam] has defined a position for women [in society]: Motherhood. Some people can understand this, while others can't. You cannot explain this to feminists because they don't accept the concept of motherhood," he said.

Women rights activists and lawyers constantly criticize the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, which was led by then-Prime Minister Erdogan from 2003 until he was elected to the presidency in August, for the increasingly conservative and authoritarian political culture they say it is fostering.

Turkey ranked 120th of 136 nations in the World Economic Forum's 2013 Gender Gap Index, down 15 places since 2006, while a 2011 U.N. report indicated that Turkey's domestic violence rates are almost twice those in the United States and 10 times higher than in some European countries.

[13] Turkey expands food exports to Russia

Minister Mehdi Eker said: Turkey's share of Russian imports increased in the first 9 months of the year compared with the same period last year. We predict a further increase next year."

Turkey is a major supplier of food and agricultural produce to Russia with $1.68 billion worth of trade last year.

After the U.S. and EU imposed sanctions on Russia for its role in the conflict in Ukraine, Russia retaliated with restrictions on the importation of food from the European Union and other western countries in August. The restrictions created big opportunities for Turkey and Latin American nations like Brazil, which increased food exports to Russia.

In the first nine months of the year, Turkey's exports to Russia were valued at $4.5 billion with the main export products being textiles, yarn, fabrics, manufactured goods, vegetables and fruit.

Turkish exports to Russia totalled $7 billion in 2013. Russian exports to the country stood at $19.4 billion in the period of Jan.-Sept of 2014.

[14] Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Turkey in December

According to Turkey's presidential press office, the Council was founded in May 2010 as part of an intergovernmental cooperation mechanism and laid the foundation of a strategic partnership between Russia and Turkey.

The Council will hold its fifth meeting in Turkey's capital, Ankara. During the meeting, bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues are expected to be discussed, the press office said.

One of the Council's aims is to increase the trade volume between the two countries to $100 billion by 2020.

Putin is also scheduled to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit.

[15] Turkish columnist accused Erdogan of not allowing opposition media groups to follow the press conference with Biden

Aslan, inter alia, wrote: "(?) The theatricality of this press conference derived not only from the fact that there is a significant faction of Turkish media on which an 'embargo' has been placed by Erdogan, but also because the reporters who were actually present weren't even given the opportunity to ask questions. Though perhaps this doesn't matter at all since even had such an opportunity been provided, none of those present would ever dream of asking anything that might make life difficult for Erdogan.

When Erdogan spoke about how Turkish-American relations are built on a foundation of 'shared values', he seemed to literally be mocking our intelligence.

For even those with their heads buried deep in the sand these last few years know that Turkey, under a Justice and Development Party (AK Party) monopoly, is one in which press freedoms, a whole raft of democratic practices and principles, and human rights of all sorts, have been trampled. And so how could the head architect of this political regime be praised for 'shared values' with the US?

I am quite sure that though Biden knows all these, he decided to dodge the issue rather than having to slap Erdogan's face with the facts. Because at the top of the list of things Biden came to press Turkey for, was not democracy but in fact more Incirlik. That the Obama administration, which embraces one of the coldest and most pragmatic versions of realpolitik that we have seen, is ambivalent when it comes to democracy is certainly not surprising. While Washington sheds a lot of alligator tears over Turkey's dubious slide into an autocracy, it weeps real tears of grief when it comes to Ankara's hesitancy to allow the use of Incirlik. After all, in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the US needs Turkey. Which is why they feel obliged to work with whoever holds the stamp of power in their hands, no matter how distasteful they may find this to be.

And so we spent the better part of these last few days listening to Biden and his Turkish counterparts talk on and on about how strong the Turkish-American alliance is these days. These are the white lies of diplomacy at their best. The truth is that Washington is hugely irritated with Ankara, as Ankara is with Washington.

(?)

In short, until the US gets the level of support it wants from Turkey in the fight against ISIL, it will continue to play 'see no evil, hear no evil' when it comes to democracy here.

(?)

The influence that Incirlik holds in US relations with Turkey is similar to the influence petrol holds over US relations with autocratic regimes throughout the Middle East. Both factors?Incirlik and petrol?tend to put a damper on any criticism that might otherwise seep through. But in the end, the West's overlooking of Turkey's slide into autocracy in the name of trying to gain a tactical victory over ISIL could open the way towards significant strategic losses in the long term, for both Turkey and the West. For to wit, as the anti-democratic tendencies in Turkey take root deeper and deeper, this country may well become even more distanced from its alliance with NATO as well as the US and the EU. And as this happens, it may create the political and social groundwork that is perfect for a faster and stronger spread of radicalism. (?)" TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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