Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-01-15

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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] Turkish Foreign Minister on the Cyprus problem and ties with Russia

[02] Statements by Cavusoglu and Eroglu at a joint press conference in the occupied part of Nicosia

[03] Cavusoglu met with Nami, Yorgancioglu and Siber

[04] Eide: I did not deceive anyone regarding the renewal of the NAVTEX

[05] Cicek met with IPU' President; He asked for the "speaker" of the so-called assembly of the occupation regime to be invited to IPU's meetings

[06] Akinci holds event for his "presidential campaign"

[07] So-called foreign ministry demands explanations from the "KTFF" concerning the transferring of a Greek Cypriot football player to a Turkish Cypriot club

[08] "Vaccination is the remedy for the animals contracted with LSD disease and not their killings"

[09] The occupation regime participates to a tourism fair in the Netherlands

[10] Turkish PM calls reprinting of Charlie Hebdo cartoons "deliberate provocation"

[11] Turkish court rules to block web pages featuring Charlie Hebdo cover

[12] Turkey moves to ban Twitter, Facebook again

[13] The Turkish government introduces transparency reform package to combat irregularities

[14] Freedom of speech in Turkey is limited every passing day

[15] Demirtas: HDP will run in national election as a party

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkish Foreign Minister on the Cyprus problem and ties with Russia

Cavusoglu pointed out that both Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration are undergoing political change, "This is the biggest obstacle to constructive steps for the politicians in both countries."

Cavusoglu made the remarks in an exclusive interview with The Anadolu Agency's Editors' Desk at its headquarters in Ankara.

He also stated that Turkey's relations with Russia does not mean that Ankara recognizes the annexation of the Crimea. The Foreign Minister also said that Turkey is making an effort at establishing dialogue between Kiev and Moscow. Russia is Turkey's largest trading partner after Germany, Cavusoglu pointed out.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (15.01.15) reports that Cavusoglu, in his interview to A.A., reiterated Turkey's proposal on the issue of exploitation the natural wealth in Cyprus. He said that they proposed to establish a joint committee, but the Greek Cypriot side rejected it by saying that this means recognition of the "TRNC" (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus). Cavusoglu added that they proposed the establishment of a private committee, which was rejected again.

He went on saying that now Greece also stepped in and wonders how they can find solution with Athens. He added: "First, let us put an additional article at the joint declaration of February 11. Then let us resume the negotiations and let us finish this job. We accept this. Let us deposit the right of the Turkish Cypriot people into a trust account under the protection of the UN or the World Bank. We accept these, as long as we find a solution. However, once more the Greek Cypriot side did not pass the sincerity test. We hope that they will understand soon their mistake and we will find a solution. The negotiations will continue too."

[02] Statements by Cavusoglu and Eroglu at a joint press conference in the occupied part of Nicosia

In his statement, Cavusoglu argued that the solution of the Cyprus problem is one of the priorities of the Turkish foreign policy and it will continue to be so. Cavusoglu claimed that Turkey will continue to support the so-called efforts of the Turkish Cypriot side for a solution and the UN initiatives. He alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side shows the necessary political will for the negotiations reaching a result the soonest and added that this is not possible only with the efforts of the Turkish side.

Referring to the hydrocarbons explorations in the Republic of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Eastern Mediterranean, Cavusoglu said that it would not be possible not to react against what he called as "the unilateral activities which the Greek Cypriot side carries out without taking into consideration the Turkish Cypriot side's legitimate rights and interests". He alleged: "After the Greek Cypriot side left the table, we put forward constructive proposals together with the TRNC. We aimed at discussing the natural resources issue in a manner which will protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and at the return of the Greek Cypriots to the negotiating table".

Noting that they have worked on these proposals with Greece and UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, Cavusoglu claimed that after the end of their seismic explorations [in Cyprus' EEZ] and of the [illegal] Turkish NAVTEX on 30 December, they were expecting the Greek Cypriot side, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, to end its drilling activities, but the Greek Cypriot side renewed its NAVTEX and expanded the area in which it carries out its activities.

"With the statement issued on 5 January, we saw that the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades stance has not changed", he alleged claiming that after this statement the self-styled government of the breakaway regime decided to continue its activities in the area with Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa vessel within the framework of the license it had granted to Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO)." Now we are expecting for the Greek Cypriot side to correct its mistake the soonest", he argued alleging that the Greek Cypriot side should return to the negotiating table adopting a clear stance on the issue of a new partnership, which will be formed on the basis of political equality with the free will of the "two peoples".

He claimed: "Our priority is for a just solution to be reached to the Cyprus problem in a manner which will guarantee the political equality of the Turkish Cypriot side. We see as indispensable the protection of the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot side, mainly the natural resources".

According to Cavusoglu, what is the Turkish side actually opposing is what he called as "unilateral drilling activities of the Greek Cypriot side. Replying to a question, Cavusoglu said that it is not important who carries out the drilling activities, that is, whether these activities are carried out by a private company or the state, adding that what is important is the sharing of the income.

In his statements, Eroglu said that they have submitted a proposal to the Greek Foreign Minister and the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister regarding the establishment of a company by Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots which will have a say on everything regarding the natural gas, from its extraction until its marketing.

Referring to the Cyprus talks, he alleged that in spite of what he called as negative stance of the Greek Cypriot side, the Turkish Cypriot side tries to leave the door for the negotiations open and continue its constructive stance. He said that the Turkish NAVTEX ended on 31 December and that Eide asked the Turkish side not to take any step or make an announcement until 5 January. He alleged that they responded positively to Eide's request in order to give an opportunity to his efforts until 5 January. In spite of this, he argued, the statement issued by President Anastasiades on 5 January asked the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey to accept what he called as "the sovereignty of the Greek Cypriot side", knowing that neither Turkey nor the Turkish Cypriots would accept this and that sovereignty lays in the foundation of the Cyprus problem. He alleged that this demand aimed at President Anastasiades "camouflaging" his abandoning the negotiating table and therefore the solution at the most critical stage of the discussions, the process of the give and take.

Eroglu argued that both the UN Secretary ? General and the international community see the current period as the last chance for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and expressed the hope for the term of office of the UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus to be renewed for the last time in the end of this month.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Cavusoglu met with Nami, Yorgancioglu and Siber

Speaking after the meeting with Cavusoglu, Nami said that Cavusoglu's visit had been very fruitful as he had found the opportunity to discuss in depth particularly the Cyprus problem and issues relating to the two "governments".

Claiming that they as the "TRNC" and Turkish government have done everything they could to persuade the Greek Cypriot leader to return to the negotiations without any preconditions, Nami alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side's strong will to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem has not changed adding that both Cyprus and the region is in dire need of a settlement.

"We are forming policies on a wide spectrum. We hope that South Cyprus (editor's note: the Republic of Cyprus) will follow a similar example and focus on the solution process that we are much in need of and not on the hydrocarbons issue", Nami alleged.

Cavusoglu, for his part, pointed to the importance of the timing of his visit, stating that this visit's main purpose is to show Turkey's never ending support to the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish Cypriot "people".

"If the Greek Cypriot side wants a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem then it must return to the table without any preconditions", claimed Cavusoglu, adding that Motherland Turkey will never allow the Turkish Cypriot "people" to be victimized and that all collocutors have been made aware of this fact.

During his visit to Yorgancioglu, Cavusoglu reiterated that Turkey as in the past will continue to support and defend the just cause of the Turkish Cypriot "people".

"We will continue to work to strengthen the TRNC's economic infrastructure and for it to take its rightful place amongst the international arena", said Cavusoglu.

Yorgancioglu, for his part, said that they are very pleased with the stance displayed by the Turkish government regarding the solution process of the Cyprus problem and added: "The Turkish Cypriot people have rights on the island and in its natural resources. We are working together so that the Turkish Cypriot people can exercise these rights".

Speaking after the visit with Siber, Cavusoglu said that he had found the opportunity to exchange views regarding the latest developments on the Cyprus issue during his visit in Cyprus. "We have found the opportunity to discuss in detail the latest phase reached in the Cyprus negotiations process and the efforts that have been made after the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades withdrew from the talks", Cavusoglu added.

"Within the framework of my visit I also found the opportunity to discuss the TRNC's economic development, growth and international status among other topics" he said.

Siber, for her part, claimed that although the "TRNC" is under isolation and reportedly embargoes, it is an existing entity with democratic institutions, adding: "Listen to the voices of our democratically elected representatives, listen to us. We are a society that wants peace and has a strong will towards a solution. Therefore the international community should hear our voice and not prevent our international recognition". She concluded by saying that hopefully common sense will prevail and the problems of the people will come to an end.

[04] Eide: I did not deceive anyone regarding the renewal of the NAVTEX

According to the paper, Eide responded to the claims that he deceived and made false promises with regards to the renewed NAVTEX, on the day Cavusoglu visited illegally the occupied area of the island. A Greek Cypriot top level official told Kibris Postasi recently that Turkey had deceived Eide and he in turn passed on the information to the Greek Cypriot side; Eide denied these rumours. Cavusoglu upon being reminded about the statement during his visit, noted that the claims were untrue.

Cavusoglu pointed out that they had made several moves with Eide alongside Greece; however they were opposed to the Greek Cypriots' positions on exploration work. No one is denying the Turkish Cypriots' rights ? Anastasiades despite saying this, is not protecting those rights, Cavusoglu added.

[05] Cicek met with IPU' President; He asked for the "speaker" of the so-called assembly of the occupation regime to be invited to IPU's meetings

As the paper writes, the Palestine-Israel issue and the Cyprus problem were the matters of discussion.

Speaking during the meeting, Cicek said that the "Greek Cypriot administration" as he called the Republic of Cyprus is represented to international organizations of behalf of the whole island, while, as he alleged, the "TRNC" which is in favor of peace and in spite of the fact that it had proved it during the period of 2004, is under "isolation".

Claiming that it is because of the Greek Cypriot side's intransigent stance that it was not possible for peace to be reached in the island, Cicek said that the "TRNC" attends the European Council meetings and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Islamic Cooperation Organization (ICO) only as an observer and stated the following: "My request is for the speaker of the TRNC assembly to be invited to IPU' meetings. This is not fair to happen, it conduce to unfair results and punishes those who support peace".

According to the paper, Chowdhury noted very carefully Cicek's words about the "TRNC".

(AK)

[06] Akinci holds event for his "presidential campaign"

In his speech, Akinci said that many people noted that he had been successful as "mayor" and it was time for him to take the "presidency". He also said that the Turkish Cypriots are calling for change.

Akinci went on to say that a solution based policy is needed as the status quo is full of threats. He pointed out however that the two sides needed to understand one another in order to move forward and said that a solution is also an economic way out. Akinci explained that it was necessary to take an initiative on the matter of Varosha ? as this would lead the way for employment for the youth and give the public a breathing space. This could be carried out under UN observation.

He noted that as well as the Cyprus problem, the "president's" duties also extended to the community and their issues. Akinci said he wanted to be part of the internal matters.

On relations with Turkey, Akinci said this is of the utmost importance and added that relations depend on mutual respect. He pointed out that in relations with Turkey, you should not be the one that surrenders or fights but one that negotiates; he noted there is a need for civilianization and democratization and it is time to get over the motherland-child country understanding. "Let's live as people", he said.

[07] So-called foreign ministry demands explanations from the "KTFF" concerning the transferring of a Greek Cypriot football player to a Turkish Cypriot club

The paper reports that the UN's Security Council, issuing a report six months ago regarding the opening made by the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation (KTFF) which envisaged the transferring of Vasiliou to the club, welcomed this action and evaluated it as very positive. The UN's report said further that this gesture was a positive development that would contribute to the peace in football.

The paper describes as tragic-comical the fact that the so-called foreign ministry has discovered the Vasiliou issue after six months from the UN report and has asked for explanations on the matter from the "KTFF".

(AK)

[08] "Vaccination is the remedy for the animals contracted with LSD disease and not their killings"

According to the paper, the cost for the vaccination of the 66 thousands cattle in the occupied area of Cyprus is approximately 500 million TL, however, the paper points out that the LSD disease vaccine is not found yet and adds that as soon as it will be found it will be delivered from Turkey.

The paper writes that the so-called veterinary department has already launched efforts in order for the transferring of vaccines from Turkey and it is expected that these to be transferred in 15 days.

In statements on the issue, the chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot animal breeders union", Mustafa Naimoglulari referred to the meeting which was held yesterday with the participation of all related organizations and pointed out that it would not be enough the vaccination of the animals contracted with the LSD disease to take place only in the "north" but also in the "south" as well. "There are also animals in the buffer zone. And for this reason, the vaccination of the animals in the south is a precondition. At the same time, the newborn animals should be vaccinated as well".

(AK)

[09] The occupation regime participates to a tourism fair in the Netherlands

The fair opened yesterday and will remain open until January 18. The occupation regime attends the fair with its own stand.According to a statement issued by the so-called ministry of economy, tourism, culture and sports, several tour operators, tourist agents, aviation companies and media representative from different countries attend the fair.

The occupation regime has distributed tourist maps, CD's and several leaflets for its promotion. As the paper writes, the number of visitors last year was 125 thousand while this number is expected to see an increase for this year.

(AK)

[10] Turkish PM calls reprinting of Charlie Hebdo cartoons "deliberate provocation"

Cumhuriyet's move to print a selection of Charlie Hebdo caricatures has "nothing to do with freedom of expression," Davutoglu said on Jan. 15.

"Freedom of the press does not mean freedom to insult. In particular, if it is an insult against a Prophet who has been a 'mercy to the worlds,' and who has a much greater meaning than our personalities and characters, this is not freedom of the press," Davutoglu said, using a verse from the Quran when using the description "mercy to the worlds." "It is obvious that people who can even take an insult against them with tolerance and patience cannot take it to the same extent when there is an insult against the Prophet. If some are printing a caricature that features an insult to the Prophet, when this is the situation, when there is such sensitivity in Turkey, then there is a provocation here," he added.

[11] Turkish court rules to block web pages featuring Charlie Hebdo cover

The Diyarbak?r 2nd Criminal Court of Peace blocked access to the web pages of some online news portals for republishing the cover of the magazine's new issue, which portrays the Prophet Muhammad.

A lawyer from the Diyarbak?r Bar Association, Ercan Ezgin, filed a petition on Tuesday with the Diyarbak?r 2nd Criminal Court of Peace, requesting a media ban to be issued against the websites that republished the new Charlie Hebdo cover. Considering the petition of the lawyer, the court decided to block access to the web pages.

In addition, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (15.01.15) reports that AKP Deputy Yalc?n Akdogan accused Cumhuriyet of "open provocation" for its support to the French magazine. Minutes after Akdogan's message, a group called the Muslim Anatolian Youth openly urged its supporters to attack Cumhuriyet. The newspaper itself featured the threats as its headline story in the evening.

[12] Turkey moves to ban Twitter, Facebook again

Twitter has quickly removed the content, while many other websites have not yet complied.

On Jan. 2, 2015, two Syria-bound trucks belonging to Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) were stopped by a prosecutor who sought to have the gendarmerie search the vehicles. The following month, a Turkish court issued a ban on the publication of news related to the incident. A number of documents were leaked online on Jan. 13. The signed proceedings related to the search allegedly show that arms belonging to MIT were found in the trucks. Speculation has been rife that the arms were destined for jihadists in Syria.

On Jan. 14, Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) recalled a March 2014 government decree that banned the coverage of the issue, referring to Law No. 6112. According to an article in the law, Turkey's prime minister or a cabinet minister has the authority to impose a gag order on the media "in cases obviously required by national security or when public order is very likely to be broken."

[13] The Turkish government introduces transparency reform package to combat irregularities

The package, which aims to adopt EU norms in transparency, was discussed in Tuesday's cabinet meeting, which also assessed the 10th development plan and structural transformation for strong and balanced growth. Aiming for the government's 2023 targets, Davutoglu said: "The new reform package is to serve and meet the needs of Turkish citizens and to protect their judicial rights through transparency." He added: "Transparency must not only be seen as a matter of political organizations because transparency is a matter of a mindset. The battle against corruption is also a matter of belief. We have recently signed an agreement with the U.N. regarding combating corruption." Regarding the freedom of the media, Davutoglu said that Turkey established a law that follows EU standards.

The new Public Transparency Package includes numerous topics especially emphasizing the transparency of government institutions, judiciary and other authorities.

[14] Freedom of speech in Turkey is limited every passing day

Hurriyet Daily News (15.01.15) reports that a Turkish model has been questioned by a prosecutor for allegedly "insulting" President Recep Tayyip Erdogan" on her Instagram account, after she shared a satirical poem published in a popular magazine.

Merve Buyuksarac, an industrial designer and writer who was crowned Miss Turkey in 2006, went to testify at the courthouse in Istanbul's Caglayan neighborhood on Jan. 14. Buyuksarac told the prosecutor that she "may have quoted a poem" from the weekly humour magazine Uykusuz, but deleted it soon afterward when one of her friends warned that such messages could bring about criminal procedures in Turkey.

In addition, the paper also reports that Turkey's media watchdog has fined two music channels for airing music videos with scenes of sexuality, citing Turkish Sexual Health Institute head Cem Kece's controversial recent remarks on homosexuality. The Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) fined Genc TV for the music video of Elliphant's "One More," which features a scene of two women kissing.

[15] Demirtas: HDP will run in national election as a party

The HDP has occupied the Turkish political agenda due to the ten% threshold, as its votes hover around the threshold. Following the Constitutional Court's decision not to lower the ten-percent election threshold for political parties to enter Parliament in recent weeks, polls were issued asking whether the party would be able to pass the election threshold. In the interview, Demirtas announced that the HDP's votes are around 9.5 %. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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