Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-02-06

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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] President Anastasiades spoke to Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Press: "I am ready for the solution"

[02] "To trust Anastasiades!"

[03] "If only we had that kind of a leader"

[04] Bozkir: Cyprus problem is close to a solution

[05] An "amendment law" on the sales of land property by foreigners is sent to the "assembly"

[06] TDP "deputy" calls the occupation regime's government to take measures for the protection of halloumi/hellim cheese

[07] The "north Cyprus Turkcell" to cooperate with Peter Services Firm in order to bring to the occupation regime Russia's Telecom latest technology

[08] Tailwind Airlines aims to fly tourists to the occupied area of Cyprus

[09] A protest by residents of the occupied village of Louroudjina, because they have to go through military control before entering their village

[10] Five Turkish Cypriot companies participated in the Fruit 2015 Logistica Fair in Berlin

[11] Turkey published the election districts and the number of MPs for the 2015 general elections

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] President Anastasiades spoke to Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Press: "I am ready for the solution"

"The Greek Cypriot leader noted that the rights of the Turkish Cypriots on the natural resources were guaranteed in the Talat-Christofias agreement and Hristofias-Eroglu convergence and that he accepts these and he is ready to discuss to which percentage the income which will be secured from the natural resources will be shared between the communities", writes the paper adding that President Anastasiades said that he considers the solution of the Cyprus problem as his "vision and debt" and added: "I want the young generations, which represent the future of our country to be rescued from being forced to live in a divided country and to have the fundamental freedoms which the European citizens have. There is only one single plan for this: The transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international identity".

Under the banner front-page title "NAVTEX lie", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (06.02.15) reports that responding to the paper's correspondent who recalled that everything which is experienced today including the NAVTEX instruction by Turkey had been experienced in 2011 but the then President Christofias did not abandon the negotiating table, President Anastasiades said that the above-mentioned NAVTEX was then limited to the northern sea area of Cyprus. The paper argues that contrary to what President Anstasiades said, the NAVTEX document of 2011 shows that Piri Reis vessel's exploration area included the south sea of Cyprus and the parcel 12 in which Noble Energy was conducting explorations then.

"Anastasiades stated that the only condition for continuing the negotiations is the departure of Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa vessel from Cyprus", writes the paper adding that the President said: "If the NAVTEX is annulled today and Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa returns to Turkey today, tomorrow I am ready to sit at the negotiating table". The paper covers the press conference on its front page and four inside pages.

Under the front-page title "My health is okay, I am ready to return to the dialogue", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (06.02.15) reports that President Anastasiades wondered why the crisis in the negotiations was caused by the Turkish NAVTEX before the beginning of the substantial negotiations and why threats regarding a Plan B and a "two state solution" are coming onto the agenda. According to the paper, when asked to comment on the forthcoming "elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus, the President replied that "the Turkish Cypriots will decide according to their will, I will work for a solution with the newly elected leader".

Under the front-page title, "'See the will of the candidates for a solution'", Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (06.02.15) argues that President Anastasiades gave a message as regards the "elections" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus by saying that the Turkish Cypriots "should see the intentions, the wishes and the will of the candidates and decide". The paper writes that President Anastasiades said that if he returned to the dialogue under the existing circumstances, he would recognize Turkey's right to interfere. Asked whether the Greek Cypriot people would throw him out of the Presidential Palace if he returned to the negotiations in spite of Barbaros vessel's presence, the President joked and said: "They would not only throw me out of the Palace, they would hang me".

Under the banner front-page title "If it were you, would you stay?" Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (06.02.15) reports that President Anastasiades expressed the belief that there is no other option than the negotiations and a federal solution which will be reached in the end of these negotiations. The President noted that he wants to continue the negotiations and find a solution for both communities, but the conditions do not permit this. According to the paper, President Anastasiades said that the reason for withdrawing from the negotiations was not the Turkish NAVTEX or Barbaros vessel. He asked: "Put yourself into our place. If Greece was a powerful country and had its warships going around the north sea [of Cyprus], would you be able to negotiate with us under these conditions?"

Under the title "The entire fault belongs to the NAVTEX", Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (06.02.15) reports in its inside pages that President Anastasiades explained why he withdrew from the negotiation table and said that "if there is good will, I am ready to solve the problem".

(I/Ts.)

[02] "To trust Anastasiades!"

Noting that President Anastasiades said that his health is fully recovered and that he is ready to return to the negotiations, Incirli writes, inter alia, the following:

"[?] I perceived as follows the message he has given: 'In 2004 during the period I said yes to the Annan Plan, I acted with courage in spite of the different and hard views in my own community. With the same courage, I am now also determined for the solution. I was elected President of the Republic as a result of alliance with DIKO. DIKO reacted against the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014. I would choose either the majority in the parliament or the solution with the Turkish Cypriots. I chose the solution with the Turkish Cypriots. I am experiencing problems today because of DIKO's reaction in the Parliament. I am determined to return to the negotiating table?'

Very well, how will Anastasiades return to the table? The Turkish side says 'he should come unconditionally'. Anastasiades says that 'the Turkish Cypriots have every kind of rights and no one can prevent these rights' and adds: 'They have rights in the hydrocarbons as well, but after the solution. Moreover, Mr Eroglu has never brought this issue to the table.'

'Very well, why and how Turkey issued the NAVTEX on 3 October 2014?' No one from the Turkish Cypriot side gives a 'clear' answer to this question. It only waffles.

Anastasiades gives in a very clear way the message that 'I will not return as long as threats continue'. The NAVTEX of 3 October 2014 is the reason of the interruption of the negotiations. [?]

According to the Greek Cypriot leader, in 2011 Turkey issued the NAVTEX with its Piri Reis vessel 'only for the north side'. However, now with an 'unexpected' NAVTEX only six days before the beginning of the negotiations that they decided to launch on 9 October 2104, it came close by the European companies which are holding explorations in the south. The following example was very impressive for me: 'If Greece was powerful and brought its warships in order to impose some things to the Turkish Cypriots, would it be good?'

Anastasiades argues that the Turkish vessels, Barbaros and the frigates, came close to the platforms or the companies which hold explorations with the aim of 'imposing' [some things]. He believes that. Is he wrong? 'If we want respect, we must show respect', he says. 'There is absolutely nothing which we cannot share with Turkey', he adds.

He notes that let a solution be reached and he is not against carrying natural gas to Europe through Turkey. [?]

Now, I want to ask you: Is Anastasiades wrong? Let me reply on my behalf: Anastasiades is not wrong. In 2004, in a manner which we all had appreciated, he proved his courage and said yes to the Annan Plan in the worst situation, by being declared as traitor. In spite of the pressure of DIKO, by whose support he had been elected, Anastasiades accepted the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014 and dared to come to a difficult situation in every critical voting in the Parliament. He declares that he fully accepts the right of the Turkish Cypriots as regards the hydrocarbons as well as Talat-Christofias agreement and the Eroglu-Christofias 'convergence' afterwards. 'Let us sit and discuss the percentages', he says.

His only demand is Turkey not to issue NAVTEX and not to send its ships in the parcels they leased to private companies, that is, in the Republic of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone that is in the sovereign area of a state. Who will benefit if a solution is found? Anastasiades says that 'we will win, the Greek Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriots, Turkey, Greece, the countries of the region and the international community will win'. Is he not right? Is it possible not to agree with this? [?] Very well, I am trusting Anastasiades? YES, just like in 2004!"

(I/Ts.)

[03] "If only we had that kind of a leader"

Following is an abstract from the article:

"(?) Has he (Tsipras) made any mistake? Has he said something wrong? Has he asked for a solution which is different than that you want? Has he not referred to a "bi-communal, bi-zonal federal Cyprus" as well?

So, for what this anger and these charges?

What did you expected actually?

Did you expect him not to make any reference at all to the invasion and the incursion?

You are they only ones in this world that you say that this island is not under invasion?

Nobody except you? Have you got angry because he said that we have to get rid of the outworn guarantorships?

Are your guarantoship not one hundred years-old?

Maybe you are not still aware of this?

Whatever it happened, it happened because of these garantorships?

(?)

Of course we should get rid of them?

Furthermore, those guarantorships are not beneficial, not only for us, but also for the whole world and the humanity?

Just opposite each other with the most unprogressive and the most obscured regimes?

(?)

Get a look to the government in Turkey and at the same time to the government in power today in Greece? You cannot place them side by side?

(?)

Say why you got angry? Because he said that Barbaros should go? It should not go? What is doing in Cyprus territorial waters? Firstly, it is used as a pretext in order for us to be presented as miserable, but in fact it should be used as a kind of uprising?Or maybe you consider that it protects our rights there? Since when Turkey which has blown up everything we do, cares more about us than itself?

You should be sorry for getting angry with Tsipras?If only we had that kind of leader as well?".

(AK)

[04] Bozkir: Cyprus problem is close to a solution

Bozkir claimed that the process will become more meaningful if Greece takes on more responsibility on the Cyprus issue.

Bozkir came together with journalists at the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C following the end of his contacts in the US capital.

Claiming that the Cyprus issue like the EU is a 50 year problem for Turkey, he said that they are trying to keep the Cyprus solution process and the EU process separate from each other. He added: "The Cyprus issue is approaching a solvable situation. The Joint Declaration signed in February 2014 in a way involves the elements of a solution. Today, since its parameters are known, the solution of the Cyprus problem is easier than the solution of the Syrian, Ukrainian and Palestinian conflicts."

Stating that the natural gas reserves said to exist in Cyprus are causing problems, he pointed out that there might be less natural gas reserves than initially expected.

The Turkish Minister also alleged that the most suitable route to transfer the gas is via a pipeline over Turkey, adding that this will be for the benefit of all parties involved.

"I guess we can expect to see more positive developments in the future. There is nothing illogical in our statements. It is out of the question for us to withdraw the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa vessel before the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people are safeguarded", he stated.

Responding to a question, Bozk?r said that the first impression they got from the new government of Greece is positive and added that the process in Cyprus could gain momentum if Greece approaches the issue more positively and takes on more responsibility towards achieving a settlement.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.02.15) reports that Bozkir, speaking at a gathering at the German Marshall Fund in Washington, said that the continued partition of the divided island is a "shame". "Turkey is ready to solve this problem. We will do whatever necessary," he said.

Referring to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, Bozkir said that Turkey stands to lose roughly $5 billion per year in direct losses alone if it is not included in a final free trade agreement between the EU and the U.S.. He added that Turkey "cannot afford the damage that would be caused" to its economy, stemming not only from direct losses, but also from increased unemployment and other economic fallout.

[05] An "amendment law" on the sales of land property by foreigners is sent to the "assembly"

In an interview to the paper, Ulucay said that they prepared an "amendment law" in order to change this and they have already sent it to the "assembly". He explained that they have accelerated their efforts in order to solve the difficulties that foreigners face in land property purchases.

[06] TDP "deputy" calls the occupation regime's government to take measures for the protection of halloumi/hellim cheese

In statements during the meeting of the so-called assembly yesterday regarding the halloumi/hellim cheese, Celer said that in spite of the decision which was taken in 2009 as a result of the efforts exerted by the "Chamber of Industry", that the halloumi/hellim should be produced only in Cyprus and the legal regulations made by the Turkish government envisaging that it is an offense the production of halloumi in other place besides Cyprus, the production of halloumi/hellim in Turkey, still continues.

Celer explained that there are totally 17 companies which produce the halloumi cheese in the "TRNC" and Cyprus and also 19 Turkish companies in Turkey. He added that the production of hellim with the "TRNC" origin in Turkey's markets is lower than 50% and wondered what the so-called Republican Turkish Party- Democratic Party (CTP-DP) government does about this issue.

Celer recalled that after the efforts exerted by the "Chamber of Industry" in 2009, the Turkish Patent Institute in Turkey has registered the halloumi and decided for the registration of the product under the name "hellim" and its geographical registration to be the island of Cyprus and not any other place. Celer stated that the provision envisages further that in case the halloumi cheese is produced in another place besides Cyprus, there will be charges of 2-4 years imprisonment and a penalty from 600 million- 1 billion TL, or the closing down of the company which committed this crime for at least one year.

Celer continued and called the so-called government to protect the local producers on the issue, underlining at the same time that although there are legal regulations, the Turkish companies still continue to produce the halloumi/hellim cheese in Turkey.

Pointing out that the halloumi/hellim product is the most important source of revenue for the economy, Celer stressed the need for the necessary consultations to be made and added that they will continue with legal procedures in case that no result is to be yield.

Referring to the report published some months ago from the "Chamber of Industry" regarding the halloumi/hellim cheese, Celer said that the reports included some important elements. He stressed that the proliferation of the local production would reflect positively to the agriculture and stockbreeding.

Stressing the need for the "state" to undertake measures for the protection of halloumi/hellim, Celer asked from the "government" to make openings and with "legal regulations" to protect their rights on the issue of halloumi both from Turkey and the "south".

Also speaking, the so-called minister of agriculture and energy Onder Sennaroglu agreed with Celer's positions and views on the issue of halloumi/hellim and added that hellim production is the biggest local production in the "county".

Stating that the geographical registration of hellim was made in Turkey and referring to the big controversy in the EU about the issue, Sennaroglu said that they exert extensive efforts for the protection of their rights.

Sennaroglu supported that the "government" works hard on the issue of hellim and added that the "Chamber of Industry" as well, has launched legal initiatives on the issue.

He stated further to the contacts carried out in Ankara by a delegation of the so-called government and the "chamber" regarding halloumi/hellim's registration.

(AK)

[07] The "north Cyprus Turkcell" to cooperate with Peter Services Firm in order to bring to the occupation regime Russia's Telecom latest technology

In statements on the issue, the general director of the "north Cyprus Turkcell" Aybars Karaatmaca said that with the cooperation of an international firm, they will transfer all the continual renovations of technology in the "TRNC" with the aim to improve the quality of services to their clients.

Karaatmaca explained that the "north Cyprus Turkcell", since its establishment in 1999 has worked with a lot of international trademarks including the Peter Service Firm and referred to the importance of the investment which is to be made in the "country" as a result of their cooperation with the Peter Service Company.

According to the agreement, the engineers of the Peter Service Firm will be connected online with the systems of "north Cyprus Turkcell" and will improve the technological system of Turkcell, including the subscription and accounting systems e.t.c.

(AK)

[08] Tailwind Airlines aims to fly tourists to the occupied area of Cyprus

The Tailwind Airlines, which started their flights in 2009 with Turkish-English partnership, made their first trip to "north Cyprus" this week with a flight carrying 186 passengers from Leipzig, Germany.

Tailwind Airlines have been flying mostly between Europe and Turkey for the last 6 years.

[09] A protest by residents of the occupied village of Louroudjina, because they have to go through military control before entering their village

For the time being, the only road that connects the occupied village of Louroudjina to the rest of the occupied area in the Republic of Cyprus passes through the occupation military zone and the residents are obligated to show their "ID cards" to the military personnel in order to reach their homes.

Residents likened their village's situation to an "open air prison".

The protesting residents said that the "government" has promised them to solve the road issue and that they are disappointed with the lack of improvement. The self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, who met with the protesters, told them that the "government" started a tender process two months ago and that as soon as the process is completed a new road that does not pass through the military zone would be built.

Speaking during the protest, the self-styled mayor of occupied Louroudjina Hasan Barbaros said that they will follow the process.

Meanwhile, the protesters were holding plackets reading "Je suis Louroudjina".

[10] Five Turkish Cypriot companies participated in the Fruit 2015 Logistica Fair in Berlin

The participating companies were: Alnar Narcilik Ltd., Akdeniz Narenciye Ihratcilar Birligi, Cypfruvex, Ekosis Ithalat ihracat and Sadik Kilic Tarim and Ticaret Ltd.

[11] Turkey published the election districts and the number of MPs for the 2015 general elections

The board, according to the decision published in Tuesday's edition of the Official Gazette, determined the number of MPs for each election district relying on the December 2014 Population Registration System of Turkey's statistical institute.

The latest population census published by the Turkish Statistical Institute on Dec. 31, 2014, says that Turkey has a population of 77,695,904. Turkey will be divided into 85 election districts in 81 provinces with a total of 550 MPs.

According to the decision, provinces that have less than 18 MPs will be in one election district, provinces with 19 to 35 MPs will be divided in two election districts and provinces with more than 36 MPs will be divided into three election districts.

The designation says that Izmir, from where 26 MPs will be elected relying on population statistics, will be divided in two election districts.

Ankara, from where 32 MPs will be elected, will be divided into two election districts and Istanbul, from where 88 MPs will be elected, will be divided into three election districts.

Compared with the last general elections held on June 12, 2011, the number of MPs which will be elected from Ankara, Istanbul and Bayburt will increase. On the other hand, the number of MPs to be elected from Elazig, Kutahya, Manisa, Mus and Ordu will decrease.

Separately, the Turkish Prime Ministry published a letter calling on all civil servants to plan their annual leaves taking into consideration the dates of the election process.

According to the Turkish constitution, the general elections are held on the last Sunday before fulfilling four years from the last general elections.

The last elections were held on June 12, 2014, while this year's elections will be held on June 7. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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