Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-05-25

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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's interview to Daily Sabah; He evaluated the new negotiation process as the last chance which should not be wasted

[02] Bozkir on the Cyprus problem and Turkey's "red lines" for the EP's Report

[03] Interview to Havadis by the French Ambassador

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press covered the walk of the leaders in the old town of Nicosia

[05] A Turkish Cypriot columnist publishes an allegedly unknown story about the minefields in the occupied area of Cyprus

[06] Serdar Denktas fear? that his party may be dissolved after the recent 'elections results"

[07] Cinar: "53% of the sea water pipelines is completed"

[08] "Istanbul Technical University in TRNC" signed a tenancy agreement with the "ministry of environment"

[09] PACE to increase seats allocated to Turkish delegation from 12 to 18

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Cavusoglu's interview to Daily Sabah; He evaluated the new negotiation process as the last chance which should not be wasted

Following is an abstract of Cavusoglu's interview:

Q: How do you evaluate the EU Progress Report? As you know, the report was postponed until June.

R: EU Turkey Reporter Kati Piri is doing the best she can to prepare an objective report; however, there are many suggestions for changes in the report. Unfortunately, there is a trend of animosity towards Turkey in the EU. They are trying to reflect this animosity in the report. Nevertheless, there is no benefit in unrealistic criticisms and assaults. Turkey will not accept this kind of offensive action. We welcome criticism, but only if it is constructive. We are hoping that the report will be a balanced one; the Ministry of the EU is also following this report closely.

Q: Negotiations have started again in Cyprus. There are some statements from the "southern Cyprus administration" that Turkey's blockade in entering the EU may be lifted. What are your comments on this subject?

R: Cyprus is not a criterion in Turkey's official negotiations with the EU; however, it is usually discussed. The EU is trying to serve it as a criterion, but we do not accept it. We have stated this in the Association Council meeting; nevertheless, it is still a de facto part of the negotiations. Our expectation from the EU is the removal of political obstructions.

There is a positive attitude in Cyprus that should be utilized, especially by the Greeks. In my opinion, a permanent solution in Cyprus is much more important than opening a new chapter in EU accession. While they do not provide an alternative for each other, I would prefer stability. It is an issue that has been ongoing for 50 years. Therefore, these statements are as important as they are encouraging. This positive attitude has to last. We are more determined than ever in the resolution of the issue. We hope that the Greek part of Cyprus also maintains its determination for a resolution, and then we will have a solution.

Q: How do you evaluate the new negotiation process in comparison with the previous ones?

R: There is only a more positive attitude now. As a significant difference, this is the last chance. This last chance should not be wasted.

(?)

Q: There is speculation about the safety of the elections. How do you evaluate these speculations?

R: Turkey's elections are successful in regards to security. The 10% threshold might be controversial; it creates a perception that the ruling party is at an advantage, as it is in Europe. (?)

The most prominent obstacle in a safe and free election is the PKK and its extensions' oppression on our Kurdish citizens in eastern and southeastern Anatolia. They threaten our citizens with violence if they give their vote to a candidate other than theirs. (?)As long as there is pressure and oppression from the PKK and its extensions, the elections cannot be free. While elections are to be held transparently, freely and democratically, they try to obstruct it. (?)

Q: Turkey's number of representatives in Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will be increased. What are your comments on this subject?

R: When I was the chair of the assembly, I had suggested that Turkey must be represented with 18 MPs. While I had the right to increase the number during my presidency, I especially did not increased Turkey's number of seats against the possible allegations of being biased. Now, we have accomplished the required procedures to increase the number of our seats; hopefully, we will represent Turkey with 18 seats.

Turkey deserves this on the premise of its population. (?)As one of the founding countries of the Council of Europe, we thought that an institution which has an important role and we have spent a great deal of effort, should not face financial issues; therefore, we became one of the 'Grand Payer' countries. While there were five 'Grand Payer' countries which were the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Russia, with Turkey it is now six. This will eventually be important for Turkey's role in the council.

[02] Bozkir on the Cyprus problem and Turkey's "red lines" for the EP's Report

Referring to the EP draft report, Bozkir expressed hopes that there will not be any items that may displease them in the report, but, if there are, as he said, they will declare that they do not accept this report, which is not binding in any event.

Referring to Turkey's red lines for the EP report, Bozkir said: "First, the inclusion of any comments to the effect that the PKK [Kurdistan People's Congress, KGK] may be removed from the list of terrorist organizations. The second is the events of 1915. Any recommendation that these events are recognized (as genocide) would make the report unacceptable to us. Our Permanent Representative at the EU, Mr. Selim (Yener) is waiting in Brussels to return the report if this happens. On the other hand, we can 'live with' the draft we have in our hands. In its present form, we will use some parts of it and ignore others."

He further said: "We learned during our conversation that this year's report went through a more painful drafting process compared to previous ones. No fewer than 400 amendment motions were submitted for the report, the first draft of which was released in December. This is a record for the EP's Turkey reports. Some of the motions were submitted repeatedly for 85 times. The Minister said that the reason for this comedy was that anti-EU and anti-Turkey groups gained ground in the elections that reshaped the EP".

Bozkir also commented on the negotiations that resumed recently between the "TRNC" and the "Greek Cypriot sector", as the Republic of Cyprus is called by the paper and stated that he was unprecedentedly optimistic about the negotiations that are going on in Cyprus this time.

Bozkir said that one reason for this level of optimism is the fact that, this time, the negotiations are not starting from scratch. He noted that the sides agreed on the parameters of a solution in February 2014 and that this has created a very serious opportunity. Noting that he finds the pro-solution posture of the United States important, Bozkir said: "The solution of this problem that has persisted for nearly 50 years may be a small success for the world but Cyprus may have a butterfly effect on the solution of other bigger problems."

(?)

[03] Interview to Havadis by the French Ambassador

Replying to questions, the French Ambassador referred to the so-called presidential elections held in the "TRNC" and stated that the "election results" have proved that the Turkish Cypriots have voted for the solution and for a political change.

Ambassador Florent stated that the Turkish Cypriots have sent three important messages with the "election result". Firstly, that they want a political change and a new leader, secondly, their desire for a solution on the Cyprus problem and thirdly that they want more balanced ties with Turkey.

Asked to comment on the resumption of the Cyprus negotiation talks and what he considers as different this time, Florent stated that this time there is trust and confidence amongst the two leaders, Mr. Anastasiades and Mr. Akinci. He said that this is an important factor which becomes stronger with the fact that the two leaders share the same vision for the solution.

Asked to evaluate the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and especially the change of the visa procedures at crossing points, announced by the Turkish Cypriot side, the French Ambassador described the CBMs as very encouraging and very beneficial for both communities' daily lives. He stated that those measures will contribute to the further development of trust between the two sides and expressed the belief that they will contribute to the negotiation process as well.

Concerning the issue of the fenced off city of Varosha, Florent stated that this issue is both complicated and at the same time very symbolic.

Stating that it is very important for steps to be taken towards Varosha, Florent stressed the need for those steps to be well planned in order not to become an obstacle to the negotiations and added that the discussions on the Varosha issue could take place in parallel with the negotiation process.

Stressing that the both leaders' main priority and aim is to reach to a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, the French Ambassador said that the forthcoming 2,5-3 months are very important as regards the progress to be achieved at the talks.

Stating that both sides' expectations are very high this time, Florent expressed hopes that both sides will do all necessary in order not to bring disappointment.

The French Ambassador stated that his country has always supported the efforts for the reunification of Cyprus and said that France will continue to provide any kind of support towards these efforts.

Asked to reply what are the messages he received behind closed doors as regards whether Turkey's willingness for a solution is sincere or not, the French Ambassador said that the messages they received from Turkey is that Turkey is ready and wants the solution of the Cyprus problem. He, however, said that the picture will become clearer after the June elections in Turkey.

(AK)

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press covered the walk of the leaders in the old town of Nicosia

Under the banner front-page title "Common target is an early solution", Kibris reports that the leaders gave "a strong message for the solution to the communities". The paper writes that the leaders walked in Arasta area first, in the occupied part of Nicosia and had coffee and traditional ekmek kadayif sweet at Buyuk Han Caravanserai. Noting that afterwards the leaders had traditional zivania [Tr. Note: A traditional Cypriot alcoholic beverage] at a coffee shop in Faneromeni Square, the paper reports that they both stressed that their common target is solving the Cyprus problem the soonest.

Under the title "Cheers to peace", Havadis writes that "the wind of peace blew" and that a message of hope was given.

Under the title "Let no evil eye touch them", Afrika reports that the leaders increased the hopes of the people in both sides for peace and writes that "Cyprus, which is full of pain, experienced one of its historic days". The paper writes that President Anastasiades gave a present to Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami for his birthday on Saturday.

Halkin Sesi covers the issue under the title "Historic visit" and refers to a "90 minute peace tour".

Kibrisli uses the title "Ekmek kadayif did good".

Vatan describes the visit as "meeting that increases hopes by the two leaders" and referring to "an important message by Akinci reports: "We do not want to experience disappointment once more".

Detay covers the issue under the title "They had Cyprus coffee and zivania"

Yeni Bakis and Kibris Postasi refer to the issue under the title "Let no evil eye touch them".

Star Kibris writes that "They drank the coffee of peace at Buyuk Han".

Diyalog refers to a "Cry for love and peace" and Yeni Duzen to a "historic day".

Also, the Turkish newspapers covered on Sunday (24.05.15) the walk of Anastasiades and Akinci as follows:

Under the banner front-page title "Cheers to peace", Milliyet reports that Akinci and Anastasiades had a walk in the market and the "diplomacy of coffee and zivania" was held.

Hurriyet reports on the issue under the title "First time in Cyprus" and writes that for the first time since 1974, the Turkish Cyrpiot leader Mustafa Akinci and the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades have walked together the Turkish and Greek markets in Nicosia. Hurriyet Daily News (online) uses the title "Rival leaders of Cyprus drink Zivania in divided capital".

Under the title "A historic meeting: a Greek Cypriot leader in the TRNC for the first time" Sabah reports that it is the first time that the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades has crossed to the "TRNC" officially. Daily Sabah (online) covers the issue under the tile "Turkish coffee breaks the ice between Cypriot leaders as they tour Nicosia" and writes that "the leaders of the Greek and Turkish parts of Cyprus strolled through Nicosia on Saturday and drank Turkish coffee together, demonstrating their intent on improving relations on the divided island after the start of a new round of peace talks this month".

Cumhuriyet uses the title "They made a toast to peace" and writes that "the two leaders promised a 'quick solution'".

Today's Zaman (online) refers to the issue under the title "Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders enjoy coffee in divided capital".

(I/Ts.-DPs)

[05] A Turkish Cypriot columnist publishes an allegedly unknown story about the minefields in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to Baskaya, the responsibility for the establishment and the cleaning of the minefields belonged to National Guard's 70th Engineering Battalion, which during the period between the first and the second phase of the Turkish invasion established minefields in the square area between the villages of Vouno and Mia Milia and left some passages between these minefields.

Baskaya told Tolgay that during an evening in the beginning of August, the coordinates of the areas where minefields existed and the passages were conveyed to the units of the National Guard with a message through a wireless radio. The 20-member interception unit of TMT, which was established in 1964, caught this secret message and managed to decode it. The decoded message was conveyed to the TMT operation center and the units of the Turkish invasion army used this information during the second phase of the invasion on 14 August 1974 and passed through these passages to reach Famagusta.

According to Baskaya, after the invasion a mine cleaning operation was conducted upon an order by the Turkish occupation army's command. This operation lasted for days and hundreds of mines were found and destroyed in various areas.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Serdar Denktas fears that his party may be dissolved after the recent 'elections results"

According to this information Denktas does not want to leave the "coalition government" since he believes that the minute his party is withdrawn from it, its internal balances will be put in danger and the party may be dissolved. In addition, Denktas is afraid that the members of the National Unity Party (UBP) that left the UBP some time ago and joined DP, will return to their party. The paper writes that UBP is getting ready for a new period with its forthcoming election council and the changes planned for its structure and condition that will make it much more appealing for its former members to re-join its ranks.

In addition, Havadis newspaper (25.05.15) reports that Serdar Denktas stated that during the time he served as "deputy prime minister and minister of tourism", some of the decisions he took were blocked by the "Turkish Republic Aid Delegation committee". He stated that his will as a "government official" were not respected at all by the "committee" which could make its own decisions on various issues.

(CS)

[07] Cinar: "53% of the sea water pipelines is completed"

Speaking to the paper, Cinar announced that the works for the water storage reservoir constructions in Turkey have already been completed and within the month the works for the reservoir constructions will also be completed in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Cinar reiterated that their aim is the water to arrive by "July 20".

(DPs)

[08] "Istanbul Technical University in TRNC" signed a tenancy agreement with the "ministry of environment"

According to a press release by the "ministry", the self-styled minister Dincyurek said that this agreement is a step forward to the development of the "university". He added that they support the efforts of the "university" for the development of research and the increase of learning capacity.

The "ITU-TRNC rector" prof. Dr Ercan Kahya, for his part, said that this tenancy agreement is an important step.

(DPs)

[09] PACE to increase seats allocated to Turkish delegation from 12 to 18

Gross said it was "entirely justified and fair to increase the number of seats, given that Turkey now has the third-largest population in Europe," according to a press release published on Friday.

The allocation of seats in PACE, which is based in Strasbourg and brings together 318 parliamentarians from the 47 nations of the Council of Europe, has been based solely on the criterion of population size since 1949.

According to the press release, the Turkish delegation to the Assembly with its 18 members "would become the same size as those of France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom, joining them as the equal largest delegation in the Assembly."

For the change to come into effect, both statutory organs of the Council of Europe must give their approval. The Assembly said that it hoped that the Committee of Ministers, the Council of Europe's Ministerial body, would be able to finalize its approval process -- which involves altering the Statute, the Council of Europe's founding text -- in time for the opening of the Assembly's third part-session, according to the press release. PACE undertakes four part-sessions a year to discuss issues relating to the jurisdiction of PACE.

The press report also noted that the Standing Committee "also voiced its support for the introduction of Turkish as a working language in the Assembly -- alongside German, Italian, Russian, and the two official languages of English and French -- but said this depends on receiving additional funds in its budget to cover the extra cost". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK/ AM)

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