Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-05-05

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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] Akinci after his meeting with Eide: "An important opportunity has arisen"

[02] Ozdil Nami officially assumed duties as the Turkish Cypriot side's negotiator

[03] The team of the new Turkish Cypriot leader is appointed

[04] CTP party assembly will designate the new "foreign minister"

[05] Former Turkish Foreign Minister Turkmen praised Akinci for his will for solution and said that Cyprus is no longer a two communities problem

[06] Commentaries in Turkish press view the need for Turkey to revise Cyprus policies

[07] Yildiz: the natural gas cannot be submitted to the world with an enforcement project

[08] Ozgurgun described as unacceptable the membership of the KTFF to KOP

[09] The French Ambassador to Cyprus visited the KTFF

[10] The occupation regime was represented at the SMIIC' meeting in Dubai

[11] New Cittaslow office was inaugurated in occupied Agios Sergios

[12] Erdogan, waving Quran, implicitly asks crowds to vote for AK Party

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci after his meeting with Eide: "An important opportunity has arisen"

Speaking in a joint press conference after his meeting with Eide, Akinci said that an opportunity which was lost 10 years ago during the EU process is captured again. He also said that with his election, a new positive atmosphere has been created within the Turkish Cypriot community, the Greek Cypriot one as well as within the international community.

Eide also said that the talks are representing the best opportunity after 10 years for resolving the Cyprus problem and added: "I feel a new positive air. I believe that this process will reach a real solution". He noted that he had a rather constructed meeting with Akinci.

Akinci said that the Cyprus talks will resume after the meeting with Cyprus President Anastasiades on Monday night and they will discuss with Eide how they can push forward the new process.

Akinci said that he had a beneficial meeting with Eide, adding that it was not possible to enter in details in their first meeting, but they discussed how the process can be progressed. He also said that he hopes to resume a positive and constructive process for the future of both sides in Cyprus.

Noting that he will visit Ankara on May 6, Akinci said that it will be very beneficial for them to talk with the Turkish officials, meaning that the works to be carried out in the upcoming process will be in a close cooperation and consultation. In this sense, they will hold the visit on Wednesday, Akinci added.

Akinci said that he will hold a second meeting with Eide on Friday, May 8.

Eide, for his part, said that the UN, who intends to go until the end of this process, has thought all the dimensions of the problem.

Noting that they will inform the concerned sides on their views particularly on the guarantor ship issue, Eide said: "As I said, this is a Cypriot process. However, some issues regarding the guarantors should also be included in this process."

Eide said that he will announce the date of the resumption of the Cyprus talks, after the meeting with both leaders on May 11. He repeated that the owners of this process are the Cypriots.

He further said that Turkey and Turkish officials share the view that a Cyprus settlement will be also for their benefit.

(DPs)

[02] Ozdil Nami officially assumed duties as the Turkish Cypriot side's negotiator

As the paper writes, the former negotiator Ergun Olgun handed over the negotiator post to Nami in a ceremony which took place yesterday at the presence of the newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Akinci thanked Olgun for his contribution and services as negotiator.

On his part, Olgun congratulated Akinci for his election victory and expressed optimism for the solution of the Cyprus problem. "I believe that the motivation for the solution of the Cyprus problem has increased and a fair and lasting solution which will ease the fears of both communities and will satisfy the need of both sides is possible", said Ergun.

Also speaking, Nami thanked Olgun for their cooperation while serving at the "ministry" and assured that he will continue to serve and respect the Turkish Cypriot's rights and interests.

(AK)

[03] The team of the new Turkish Cypriot leader is appointed

[04] CTP party assembly will designate the new "foreign minister"

Supposedly, the names, which are featured, is the name of the general secretary of CTP Kutlay Erk, as well as the names of three "deputies" with CTP, Armagan Candan, Tufan Erhuman and Mehmet Caglar.

The paper also reports that there is also the possibility the post to remain empty for almost two months until the general assembly of CTP.

Asked to comment on this, Erk said that the issue will be discussed in the party assembly and be evaluated.

(DPs)

[05] Former Turkish Foreign Minister Turkmen praised Akinci for his will for solution and said that Cyprus is no longer a two communities problem

Turkmen stated that reaching a solution in Cyprus after the election of Mustafa Akinci is very possible and added that Akinci has the mind to fight for the solution despite Erdogan. He said that Akinci, who he described as a liberal pro-solution politician is the choice of the "people" in the "TRNC" for a solution. "Despite the polemic he faces Akinci will fight for the solution and Turkey must be pleased with this", he said, adding that Turkey must respect and support Akinci.

He went on and said that the Cyprus problem is no longer "a two community" problem since the issue of natural gas came into the picture and added that in order for "northern Cyprus" to be benefited from the natural gas, it must be a part of a federal, single state.

He said that he was surprised to watch the issue of motherland-daughter land country that occurred between Akinci and Erdogan, and said that the Turkish President's reaction on the issue was rather hard and not necessary.

He added that the solution of the Cyprus problem will help Turkey's EU bid and added that Turkey needs the EU even more nowadays.

Turkmen said that President Nicos Anastasiades is a pro solution politician as well and that negotiations will continue from the point that were left. He added that the solution will be similar to the Annan Plan and added that the establishment of a federal state consisting of the federated states is very possible.

(CS)

[06] Commentaries in Turkish press view the need for Turkey to revise Cyprus policies

Under the title "Here is the Chance", Fehmi Koru writes the following in HaberTurk (04.05.15):

It seems that had it not been for the Presidents' war of words, Cyprus would not have come onto our agenda at all?

Despite the fact that Mustafa Akinci, known for his "leftist" and "pro-solution" identity, he came out of the presidential election on the island with a victory amounting to 60.50%. An important political incident is going to take place on Cyprus, which we know as the "baby homeland," there is going to be a parliamentary or a presidential election, and this is not going to be discussed both beforehand and afterwards in Turkey? It is astonishing. It used to be that, before every important event involving Cyprus, programs that lasted until morning would be broadcast on the TV channels in this country?

But we are so caught up in our own internal affairs that the latest election, held in two rounds just two weeks apart, and which appears likely to bring about fundamental changes on Cyprus, which is believed to be of strategic importance for Turkey, did not even come onto the agenda of the debate in the country.

Until, that is, criticisms directed at the newly elected President Mustafa Akinci, accompanied by the term "baby homeland," came out of the mouth of President [Recep] Tayyip Erdogan, and his Cypriot counterpart ? even if he did not abandon courtesy ? then gave a response that did not stop short of saying what he had to say?

The war of words can be considered an indication that Ankara had been expecting a different result to come out of the ballot boxes.

For Turkey, Cyprus has for quite some time now not been in its old place in the ranking of priorities. [?] Did the AKP not look for ways of overcoming the impasse that had taken place because of the historical personality of [former Turkish Cypriot "President"] Rauf Denktas by using the "Anan Plan"?

Did the fact that the great majority of the Greek Cypriots voted "no" in the referendum (2004) on the plan, which bore the name of the [former] UN Secretary General, and which drew support of 75% from the Turkish Cypriot side, not cause great pleasure for Ankara?

Did Turkey's theses not begin to be listened to more attentively in the international arena in conjunction with the (2005) election of Mehmet Ali Talat to replace Denktas as KKTC ["Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus"] President?

We know that the answers to all of these questions are "yes." Diplomacy is the art of making the best of every new situation.

The election of Mustafa Akinci to the office of the KKTC Presidency, with high support from the people on Cyprus, could also bring a diplomatic easing similar to the situations that came about following the Anan Plan and the past election of Talat to the same office. On condition, of course, that the mistakes that prevented the moral high ground that was gained in those periods from being crowned with a "solution" are not repeated?[?]

Akinci's presidency could shift the balances once again in favor of the KKTC and Turkey. And the most positive impact of this would be felt no doubt by Turkey and the politicians in Ankara. [?]

Let us see the realities, and let us revise our foreign policy, beginning with our stances regarding Cyprus, along the lines of the rational principles that became evident immediately following the 2002 elections.

Under the title "Cyprus taboo in Turkey", Nuray Mert writes the following in Hurriyet Daily News (04.05.15):

"The Cyprus issue has long been a taboo in Turkey, and Cyprus is still a matter of national interest that is not to be discussed freely. Apart from legal and psychological pressures, this taboo has been created by the nationalism of the left and right. After all, it was the coalition government of Islamist National Salvation Party (MSP) and the social democratic Republican People's Party (CHP), who were the champions of militarily intervention in 1974.

[?]

The recent presidential elections in northern Cyprus could be a new chance for a political solution in Cyprus, since the left-wing, pro-solution Mustafa Akinci won a majority. Nonetheless, the political circumstances have dramatically changed in Turkey as a result of the governing party's authoritarian and nationalist sway. That is why Akinci's statement on the need for more equal relations with Turkey in his victory speech outraged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his supporters. Erdogan and some AKP politicians reacted in a very patronizing way by reminding Akinci that it was Turkey who saved Cypriots and that Cyprus needs Turkey's economic assistance. Moreover, Akinci and indeed his voters were accused of being Western pawns against Turkey. Some political observers think that the severe reaction of the governing party is due to the coming elections and the need for nationalist votes. It can be partly true, but the nationalist understanding of the Cyprus issue in terms of Turkey's strategic interest is not particular to the governing party but the expression of a more popular view. After all, the governing party's support for the Anan plan was opposed at the time (2004) by many secular nationalists and social democrats.

In short, as the authoritarian and nationalist sway of the President and his governing party seems to have become an obstacle in the way of a peaceful solution in Cyprus, it is also the Turkish nationalist view in general on the Cyprus issue that has become another hindrance on fostering supportive public opinion concerning a peaceful solution in Cyprus. It is time to start questioning the so-called "conquest of Cyprus," inquire why the military intervention turned into de facto partition and Turkish settlement on the island and ask the opinions of the Turkish Cypriots on the "forced isolation" from the world and so on.

Unless we feel brave enough to engage in an open discussion on those matters without fear of being accused of treason, we will further contribute to the sufferings of the Turkish Cypriots. Unless we are more concerned by the welfare of the islanders rather than Turkey's so-called "strategic interests," the prospect of a peaceful solution in Cyprus will continue to be held ransom by the populist politics of Turkish nationalism. Moreover, under the circumstances, the Cyprus issue will once again be a pillar of authoritarian politics in Turkey."

[07] Yildiz: the natural gas cannot be submitted to the world with an enforcement project

Addressing the "Geopolitical energy arena, shifting dynamics" conference in Ankara, Yildiz said that Turkey is located in a close region to the countries that produce oil and natural gas, adding that this situation is the cause of new opportunities but also for problems. He claimed that the political situation of Turkey, Israel, the Greek Cypriot Administration, as he refers to the Republic of Cyprus and the breakaway regime in Cyprus reveals certain impasse regarding the energy projects. Yildiz claimed that it is against the international law to make activities in an area that has not become prominent yet in the international law, meaning the EEZ's. He added that the natural gas and the oil belong to the whole people of Cyprus.

(DPs)

[08] Ozgurgun described as unacceptable the membership of the KTFF to KOP

Evaluating to the paper the statements made by the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot "football association" (KTTF) Hasan Sertoglu that they have completed all preparation for their membership to KOP and convey their demand to FIFA, Ozgurgun said: "If there is KOP, there is also the KTFF. These two are equal, and if both participate to a common league with equal conditions, then we do not have any objection. A two federation, bizonal system should exist in Cyprus and above this one federation. These two federations will have equal status and will establish a joint federation and attend a joint league. This is the solution. They, however, say to us: come and fall under KOP. The message they sent to us is to 'give in'".

Ozgurgun added also the following: "They say to us today that the Turkish Cypriots should be under the umbrella of the Republic of Cyprus and to continue the existence of the Republic of Cyprus. What they propose is a political solution and this is unacceptable", said Ozgurgun.

(?)

(AK)

[09] The French Ambassador to Cyprus visited the KTFF

During the meeting which lasted for an hour, Sertoglu and Florent discussed the developments related with the process of membership of the Turkish Cypriot "football federation" to the Cyprus Football Association (KOP).

The new draft regulation of the "federation" which was prepared taking into consideration FIFA and UEFA's regulations was also being discussed during the meeting. After the meeting, the French Ambassador wished Sertoglu success to the process, writes the paper.

(AK)

[10] The occupation regime was represented at the SMIIC' meeting in Dubai

According to the paper, the "ministry" was represented by the "general coordinator" Orcun Kamali and the economist expert Mehmet Uluc.

(AK)

[11] New Cittaslow office was inaugurated in occupied Agios Sergios

Speaking at the event, Soyer, who is also deputy head of the World Cittaslow Organisation, stated that he had started on this journey with the Agios Sergios "municipality" two years ago and that it was exciting that "the TRNC flag flew alongside 30 other countries in Holland".

[12] Erdogan, waving Quran, implicitly asks crowds to vote for AK Party

Erdogan recalled that CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu suggested he was "exploiting the Quran like Evren did," referring to Kenan Evren, the leader of the military coup d'etat in 1980 and a former president. " Kilicdaroglu, I have grown up with the Quran and I live with the Quran," the President said, holding a copy of the Quran in his hand and showing it to the crowd. "What place the Quran has in your life is obvious," he added, apparently addressing Kilicdaroglu.

Erdogan also had some pointed words for HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtas.

Turkish daily Today's Zaman newspaper (05.05.15) reports that Erdogan waving a copy of the Quran while addressing the crowd at a rally in Siirt province on Monday, has been criticized for abusing Islam for political purposes and seeking support for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party).

Similarly, Erdogan, who also held a copy of Quran as he addressed the crowd in the largely Kurdish-populated city of Diyarbakir on Saturday, is being accused of misusing religion for political gain and of favouring the AK Party, violating the impartiality that his presidential title requires according to the Constitution. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

(CS/ AM)

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