Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-03-23

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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] Nami said that he does not regard as possible the Greek Cypriots to earn 1,400,000 euro per day from natural gas

[02] FIFA rejected TFF application; Statements by Sertoglu

[03] Bozkir: "Turkey expects important steps to be taken on the Cyprus problem in the near future"

[04] Eroglu said that settlers will be citizens of a partnership state after an agreement is reached

[05] Sibel stated that illegal settlers will remain in Cyprus after a solution

[06] Akinci calls on Sibel's supporters to vote for him in the second round of the "presidential elections"

[07] Yorgancioglu evaluated the last five-month "government's performance"

[08] Olgun said that there is a window of opportunity for resumption of the Cyprus talks in April

[09] Serdar Denktas: "We will develop the intellectual tourism in North Cyprus"

[10] Gulle met with the President of AEMH

[11] The breakaway regime participated in a tourism fair in Sweden

[12] "International conferences" are hosted in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[13] Report about five abandoned hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus

[14] Ocalan renews call for PKK talks on ending armed campaign

[15] A rift between Turkey's government and President Erdogan on the Kurdish issue

[16] Turkey to provide $50 million loan and $10 million grant to Ukraine

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Nami said that he does not regard as possible the Greek Cypriots to earn 1,400,000 euro per day from natural gas

Nami explained that it is not difficult to estimate that the income, which will be gained in 2018-2020 period, will be lower in comparison with the revenue of today's energy markets, because the diversity of the world energy sources as the discovery of shale gas will be increased and will affects the prices.

Replying to a question on why the the Greek Cypriot side signs unilateral agreements with companies on the drilling activities since both communities will profit by the revenue of the natural gas found in the EEZ of Cyprus, Nami claimed that the rights of the Turkish Cypriots are not limited only to the revenue of the hydrocarbons, but the Turkish Cypriot side should be included to all stages of the involved processes regarding the extracted and developed resources including the agreements with the companies, adding that they voice this to every platform. Nami reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side has put constructive proposals on the negotiating table regarding this issue.

Referring to the Cyprus talks, Nami said that they, as Turkish Cypriot side, expects the return of the Greek Cypriot side at the negotiating table without preconditions and the resumption of the Cyprus talks without losing more time.

(DPs)

[02] FIFA rejected TFF application; Statements by Sertoglu

According to the paper, FIFA wrote in the replying letter that it has rejected the TFF' application providing as an excuse that the "Turkish Cypriot Football Federation did not see positively this attempt by the TFF".

Commenting on the decision to Kanal Sim yesterday, the chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot Football Association" (KTFF) Hasan Sertoglu said that FIFA's response was the expected one. "The reasons for the decision have not yet conveyed to us. We are expecting them to come within the week", Sertoglu said.

Sertoglu stated also the following: "Our struggle will continue, until we teach the TFF a lesson to act together with us and our administration. They did not think that FIFA would send us a letter to inform us; they were deceived. We do not have a problem with the people of Turkey. Our fight is with the TFF administration which insists on overlooking our existence".

(AK)

[03] Bozkir: "Turkey expects important steps to be taken on the Cyprus problem in the near future"

Replying to reporters' questions after his contacts, Bozkir referred, inter alia, to the Cyprus problem and expressed hopes that important steps will be taken in the near future towards the solution of the Cyprus problem. "If the Cyprus problem is solved, 17 chapters will be able to open for negotiations. In that case, Turkey's EU negotiation process will be refreshed. Of course, we will be able to understand at that point, whether the deadlock has been created because of the Cyprus problem or because of the stance of some countries which are hiding behind the Cyprus problem", Bozkir said.

(AK)

[04] Eroglu said that settlers will be citizens of a partnership state after an agreement is reached

Eroglu, who made these statements in the framework of his election campaign, said that he is the politician who knows "the people's will and expectations". Referring to the "demands" made by the Greek Cypriots at the negotiations, Eroglu claimed that the "demands" as regards property are "outrageous" and added that there is no way the Turkish Cypriots to abandon any soil. "The Greek Cypriots does not want the Turkish army to stay. They even make a distinction between those who came from Turkey and those who are married with Turkish Cypriots. They desire so many things", he claimed, adding that bargaining is not made this way.

Eroglu also claimed that some time ago the National Council conveyed and took a decision which means that the Republic of Cyprus will continue after a solution. "According to me this is so totally wrong and against the UN parameters", he claimed adding: "What is the purpose of making negotiations if we were to live under the Republic of Cyprus?".

Finally he accused the Greek Cypriot side of saying that the (illegal) settlers who came from Turkey 40 years ago, should go back and claimed that for the "TRNC" these people are considered "citizens" and they will not go back in case of a solution: "Our citizens will still be citizens of a partnership state after an agreement is found", he claimed.

In addition, Gunes (21.03.15) reports that Eroglu stated that the negotiations will be launched after the 19 April "presidential elections" and added that President Nikos Anastasides will find Eroglu in front of him at the negotiation table. He also said that one of the main issues at a solution to be found will be "the equal status of the two founding states" and added that common announcement of 11 February is at the table.

(CS)

[05] Sibel stated that illegal settlers will remain in Cyprus after a solution

Sibel made this statement replying to questions during a speech she delivered at the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University.

She said that the settlers are "TRNC citizens" and claimed that there is definitely no issue for sending them back. She alleged that this is against any implementation of Human Rights and added that the settlers who came to the occupied area of Cyprus after 1974 even voted in the Annan Plan, adding that "the EU and the UN are aware of this".

(CS)

[06] Akinci calls on Sibel's supporters to vote for him in the second round of the "presidential elections"

Akinci who was speaking at a television program at Kibris TV, stated that if there is going to be a second round, Dervis Eroglu and Mustafa Akinci will pass to the second round and added that those who will vote for the candidate of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Sibel Siber for the first round, will support his candidacy in the second round.

(CS)

[07] Yorgancioglu evaluated the last five-month "government's performance"

(?)Speaking to reporters, Yorgancioglu pointed to the investments and incentives increased for 2014 and explained that totally 4,000 young people had been employed.

Referring to the tourism sector, he said that there has been a record increase of 11% on the number of tourists visiting the occupation regime in 2014 comparing with last year and added that totally 795 thousand tourists have visited the "TRNC" in 2014, while the hotel capacity has been increased to 49%, as he claimed.

Referring to the revenues from the tourism sector, Yorgancioglu said that there was an increase of 4.64%, compared with last year and added that the revenues have reached to 644 million 700 thousand dollars.

On the economy, Yorgancioglu alleged that they have succeeded to bring the economy at a point where it can stand on its own feet and noted that whilst the budget deficit was 357 million TL in 2014, this was reduced to 32 million 400,000TL for this year.

On the matter of Ercan airport's privatization, he noted that the only loss incurred there were the 4-5,000 trees which had to be cut down to build the new runway. "However 20,000 new saplings are going to be planted in order to overcome this loss", he said.

Yorganc?oglu also pointed out that a number of restoration projects including the Othello Castle and the Apostolos Andreas Monastery are progressing steadily.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (21.03.15) reports that commenting of the works of the so-called foreign ministry, Yorganc?oglu said that most of the "minister's works" and diplomatic initiatives over the past five months were concentrated on the resumption of the stalled negotiations process.

Pointing out that they exerted efforts and held intensified diplomatic contacts with US officials, the UK, the UN and other involved parts in order to persuade them on the "wrong stance" of the Greek Cypriot side towards the issue of the hydrocarbons, as well as its decision to leave the talks, Yorgancioglu added that they also conveyed to the UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide, constructive proposals, regarding the return of the Greek Cypriot side to the table without any preconditions.

Yorgancioglu also stated that their efforts towards the directions of the resumption of the talks still continue. He also referred to their intensified efforts together with the cooperation of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade (KTTO) both in Brussels and in the island, on the issue of halloumi/hellim.

Commenting on the water transfer project from Turkey, Yorgancioglu said that the project is going as planned and added that it is near of its completion.

(?)

(AK)

[08] Olgun said that there is a window of opportunity for resumption of the Cyprus talks in April

Olgun said that ways of better utilisation the window of opportunity mentioned by the UN Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide and how a future crisis can be averted was amongst the issues discussed at the conferences. He added that the works on technical dimension are continuing on when the Cyprus talks may resume and that they are continually in contact with Eide. Olgun also said that they exchanged views on what is needed to be done in order to get successful results from the Cyprus talks. He noted that a Cyprus settlement will contribute to the solution of economic problems of both communities.

Referring to the hydrocarbon issue, Olgun said that they discussed in the conferences how both sides need to refrain from unilateral actions on hydrocarbon exploration activities and how the negotiations can be structured in the period ahead as to avert any future crisis. Olgun explained that the international arena sees a window of opportunity in Cyprus at the present time and supports this process. He stressed that the resumption of the talks has nothing to do with the "presidential elections" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. Olgun claimed that there is an opportunity to resume the Cyprus talks in April, reminding that the NAVTEX issued by Turkey will end on April 5 as well as the second drilling in Cyprus' EEZ plot 9.

(DPs)

[09] Serdar Denktas: "We will develop the intellectual tourism in North Cyprus"

Denktas attended for the first time the Moscow International Exhibition Travel & Tourism (MITT).

In statements to AA' correspondent, Denktas explained the plans they have prepared aiming to promote the "tourism" in the "TRNC" and said: "We want the development of intellectual tourism in North Cyprus and not a massive tourism.

Pointing out to the importance of various cultural assets and the good weather climate conditions in Cyprus, Denktas said that it is also important for tourists the fact that they provide high level quality services in very low prices.

Denktas alleged that the attraction of tourists in the "TRNC" will contribute to its recognition.

(AK)

[10] Gulle met with the President of AEMH

According to information given by the so-called ministry, Gulle informed De Deus about the works to establish a new health system in the "TRNC".

De Deus will deliver a speech at a conference which will take place in the occupied area of Cyprus about hospital's administration and health systems.

Translator's note: The paper does not provide further information about the conference.

(AK)

[11] The breakaway regime participated in a tourism fair in Sweden

According to the paper information leaflets in English and Swedish were distributed by in the pavilion of the breakaway regime.

(CS)

[12] "International conferences" are hosted in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

EBA, which granted Dr Suat Gunsel, founding rector of "YDU", with the Socrates Award, selected the "YDU", as the University of the Future for 2015.

According to a press release by "YDU", the opening speeches of the conference, will be delivered by the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, Prof. Dr John Netting, President of EBA, and Dr Suat I. Gunsel.

Also, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (21.03.15), the 4th international education sciences symposium was held at the illegal Girne American University (GAU) between 19-21 of March, 2015. Approximately two-hundred (200) local and foreign scientists at the symposium from 19 countries attended the symposium.

(DPs)

[13] Report about five abandoned hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus

The paper writes that these are the Seaside Hotel, the Mimoza Hotel, the Sea View Hotel, the Majestic Hotel and the Rebecca Hotel which all together have a 1000-bed capacity and worth millions.

Claiming that the "state" is mourning over the hotels left in the fenced off city of Varosha, but at the same time does not pay attention to the value of the hotels mentioned above, Havadis writes that the Seaside Hotel has been out of order for 15 years, Mimoza Hotel for 3 and adds that Sea View Hotel, the Majestic Hotel and the Rebecca Hotel "have been left to die". It also claims that efforts for investments for these hotels failed due to "government's" lack of interest.

(CS)

[14] Ocalan renews call for PKK talks on ending armed campaign

"History and our people are demanding from us a democratic solution and peace in line with the spirit of the age," Ocalan said in a letter read out to a crowd of tens of thousands attending Nevruz celebrations in the south-eastern province of Diyarbak?r. "We are entering an era of living in peace and brotherhood," Ocalan said in the message, read out both in Kurdish and Turkish by two politicians from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

Ocalan said that the PKK's three-decade armed campaign was not in vain but added that it has reached an "unsustainable" level, calling for a PKK congress to determine its "political and social strategy in harmony with the spirit of the new period".

The PKK leader's 2-page letter came as part of a settlement process, which consists of secret talks between Ocalan in his prison in Imral? island off Istanbul and state officials, particularly representatives from the National Intelligence Agency (MIT).

The message is a confirmation of a call by Ocalan in late February on the PKK to convene a congress to discuss laying down its arms on the basis of a 10-article declaration that sets out rather vague steps for democratization of Turkey and resolution of the Kurdish issue.

[15] A rift between Turkey's government and President Erdogan on the Kurdish issue

"We love our President, we know his power and are also aware of the services he will give but please do not forget that there is a government in this country," said Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc on March 22.

Arinc said that as a Minister of the government he would defend Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu against threats which could wear him out as the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is preparing for the June 7 general elections, adding that the nation would want a strong government and a decision mechanism before the elections.

Stating that Erdogan's choices and the issues he sent signals about are very important for them, Arinc added that the government has a responsibility towards the parliament and the nation. "If it is the government which rules the country then the government should surely be very strong in its decisions and operations, and this strength needs to be known by the public," said Arinc.

This is Arinc's second criticism towards Erdogan, who said on March 20 he did not approve the formation of a monitoring committee as part of the Kurdish peace process, although the government and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) had reached a deal on it.

Erdogan said that he reads the news in the newspapers and expresses his obvious opposition to the development, although it marks an important milestone in running the peace process.

Upon Erdogan's remarks, Arinc said on March 21 that Erdogan's words were emotional and personal. "His statements that 'I didn't like it' or 'I don't approve this and that' are his emotional remarks. The responsibility belongs to the government and we can regard his statements as his personal views," Arinc told reporters on March 21.

Arinc's statement constituted the first public and straight criticism against the President by the government, signalling a disagreement between Erdogan and Davutoglu.

Arinc made this statement on the very day Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), publicized a fresh call on the PKK to hold a congress as soon as possible to discuss the disarmament of the organization.

(DPs)

[16] Turkey to provide $50 million loan and $10 million grant to Ukraine

During his visit to the fourth meeting of High Level Strategic Council between Turkey and Ukraine, Erdogan made exclusive remarks regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and economic relations with the war-torn country. "Turkey is ready to further improve its strategic partnership relation with its friend and neighbour Ukraine" Erdogan said.

"We have expressed our views on Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea, on every platform" Erdogan added, and expressed Turkey's support for Ukraine to improve its relations with European institutions.

Erdogan wished for peace to be achieved urgently and a solution to be found based on Ukraine's territorial integrity. "We support the consensus signed in Minsk on February 12 and we wish for a holistic practice of precautions package" Erdogan stated, referring to the ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists along with humanitarian issues and political and economic status of Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

(DPs) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/ AM)

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