Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-10-07

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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] Colak carries out contacts in Washington

[02] Veysel Eroglu: "Our wish is the private sector to administrate the water in Cyprus"

[03] Turkish Cypriot "municipalities": If we do not administrate the water from Turkey our people's will is questioned

[04] Debates on the administration of the water from Turkey continue

[05] Statements by Sucuoglu on the water issue and the occupation regime's tourism

[06] Tusk reiterated EU support on the Cyprus settlement

[07] Turkish Cypriots living abroad want the right to "vote and be elected" in the occupied area of Cyprus; Interesting statements by Ozyigit

[08] CTP Foreign Affairs Committee wants to see Deryneia crossing-point opened

[09] Tomatoes with pesticides harmful for health were sold to the government-controlled area of Cyprus

[10] Eroglu intervenes prior to the UBP congress, urges all party members to solve their problem through dialogue

[11] Erdogan warns Russia against losing a 'friend like Turkey'; Turkey 'ready to hear' Russian military officials' explanations for air incursions; Davutoglu: Only 2 of 57 Russian airstrikes targeted ISIS

[12] The EU and Turkey yet to agree on action plan to tackle refugee crisis

[13] Turkish warplanes harassed by unidentified MIG-29 aircraft

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Colak carries out contacts in Washington

During her first day of contacts in Washington, Colak met with White House and U.S. State Department officials, to whom she conveyed information regarding the latest developments of the Cyprus problem and negotiation process, and exchanged views on the matter. She also met with US Senator Roger Wicker, as well as various media based in Washington.

Furthermore, Colak attended a dinner hosted by Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Washington Serdar Kilic.

On her second day of contacts in Washington, Colak participated in a round-table discussion at the Centre for American Progress think-tank. Consultants from the U.S. Congress, representatives of prominent think-tanks in Washington, policymakers and media representatives also attended the meeting. During her speech at the meeting, Colak briefed them on the recent developments of the Cyprus issue and the ongoing negotiation process.

In her speech Colak stated that the negotiations are at a significant turning point and that a pro-solution government is present in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, adding that with the election of Ak?nc?, a new window of opportunity has emerged. Colak also argued that within the context of the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014, structured meetings are continuing in a very positive and constructive atmosphere in a result-oriented manner and stressed that the sides have substantially agreed on the issues of governance, legislative and the judiciary and have made progress on the issues of the European Union and economy.

Colak pointed out the necessity to secure the bi-communal and bi-zonal structure of a comprehensive settlement within the European Union Law and commented on the property issue, which is one of the most important chapters currently being discussed at the table, by underlining the importance of formulas which would not jeopardize the socio-economic structures of both sides in the island. Colak added that it is observed that the international community has started to work towards creating financial resources to fund a solution.

Commenting on the issue of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) which are undertaken in parallel with the negotiations, Colak claimed that the implementation of these measures are of crucial importance and that the Turkish Cypriot side remains committed to reach a comprehensive settlement. Colak underlined that a solution to be reached on the Island would also contribute to peace and stability in the region and would pave the way to creating an atmosphere of cooperation on the energy reserves in the region.

[02] Veysel Eroglu: "Our wish is the private sector to administrate the water in Cyprus"

"Our wish is the private sector to administrate the water", reports on statements by the Turkish Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs Veysel Eroglu, who in statements during a visit he paid yesterday to Afyokarahisar, replying to a journalist's question, referred to the water transferred project, and stated: "The water already flows in Cyprus?Testing works were launched already. Our aim is by the 20th of this month to be put into use. Our esteem President and Prime Minister are expecting the appropriate date".

Eroglu also stated that their wish is that highly qualified persons from the private sector to be responsible for the administration of the water and added: "Turkey has spent 1 billion 600 million TL for this project. It is a very huge project. Of course there is also the matter of its management. There are the operation expenses of the pump station, the expenses of the purification plant, the electricity expenses and others. All these should be covered", Eroglu said.

"As you know, Turkey provides some services by means of the private sector. The municipality could inspect, the government could inspect? Let's create a group for inspections, but the private sector should be responsible for the management. We have made an Operate-Transfer investment. And they do not have any problem with this. Right now the water flows in Cyprus. From the Alakopru Dam to the Gecitkoy-Panagra Dam. The testing work for the water was already launched. Our President and Prime Minister expect the appropriate date. Our wish is to hold a ceremony in Alakopru. Afterwards, we will hold the inauguration ceremony at Panagra in the Gecitkoy purification plan. All these will be solved with mutual discussion".

Eroglu stated further that the water from Turkey will give life to Cyprus. He reiterated that their wish is the water to be administrated by the private sector and added that they have already choose a key personnel composed by 13-15 persons who are training in Turkey and in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(AK)

[03] Turkish Cypriot "municipalities": If we do not administrate the water from Turkey our people's will is questioned

Referring to the transfer of water to the occupied area of the island, Benli argued that Turkey has made an important investment that will "change the flow of history" aiming at bringing 75 million cubic meters of water annually. "Let us not allow for this very important development and enthusiasm to be shadowed by various debates", he noted adding that it is unthinkable to administrate the water outside the principle of "being locally administrated". "In such a case, the reason of the existence of the local administrations, our people's will, comes to the point of being questioned", he noted.

Benli said that "BESKI" will undertake the administration and organization of both the water from Turkey and all the water resources on the island at 'local admirations" level.

Referring to the recent debates on the issue of administrating the water from Turkey, Benli said: "We will be the center of the solution and progress and not the crisis. The Turkish Cypriot community has the competence of undertaking the water administration from the point of view of both knowledge and skills, as well as of capacity and experience".

Benli said that there will not be any serious change and no increase in the price of the water in case it is administrated by "BESKI". He noted that in case "BESKI" is not given the administration, 360 "municipality" workers will lose their jobs and the price of water will increase.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Debates on the administration of the water from Turkey continue

Basin-Sen, BES, Cag-Sen, DAU-BIR-SEN, DAU-SEN, Dev-Is federation, Guc - Sen, Koop - Sen, KTAMS, KTOEOS, KTOS, Tip-is, Turk-Sen Federation and Vergi ? Sen trade unions signed a joint statement saying that the water project "has developed outside the will of the Turkish Cypriots" and pointed out to the debates on the administration of the water.

Meanwhile, in statements to Kibris, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, self-styled minister of transport, said yesterday that the Turkish Cypriots lack the equipment and the infrastructure to administrate the water from Turkey. Ertugruloglu, who comes from the "minor coalition partner" National Unity Party (UBP), noted that they disagree on this issue with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), their "coalition partner". He argued that the Turkish Cypriots have not the capacity to administrate the water.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (07.10.15) reports that Serdar Denktas, chairman of the "main opposition" Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG), said that they should stop debating the issue, because financial power and people having the knowhow are needed for administrating the water. He added: "A part of the government, under the name of 'we will administrate it' says 'let us give the job to the municipalities'. This is not a debate of being able to manage it or not. They have not the power. The company established by the municipalities can make the investment in barely 20 years. [?]".

According to Denktas, the important thing is to start using the soonest the water from Turkey. He said that giving the administration of the water to only one company would create monopoly and expressed the view that they should give it to many companies, adding that this should be valid for all the water resources and not only for the water that came from Turkey. He argued that it would be correct to divide the occupied area of the island into two or three regions and invite tenders for each one of them as regards the administration of the water.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Statements by Sucuoglu on the water issue and the occupation regime's tourism

Referring to the issue of the administration of the water, Sucuoglu said that instead of the choice of the privatization of the water, it is necessary for a wide base administration to be established under the control of the "state" and with the "municipalities" to have the right of participation. He added that of course the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) opposes to this and supports that they should have the responsibility for the administration of the water. He added that what should be done is together with Turkey to re-evaluate this issue.

Supporting that the water transfer project from Turkey is of strategic importance for the "TRNC", Sucuoglu added that unfortunately some circles in the "TRNC" think negatively towards this issue.

Sucuoglu stated further that 40% of the water from Turkey will be allotted to the region of Morfou for the production of citrus fruits whereas the other 60% will be distributed to the occupied part of Nicosia and afterwards to all the other districts.

Referring to the issue of the tourism of the occupation regime, he said that their aim is from the 7 million Turkish tourists to attract to the island at least 700 thousand. Supporting that they will be able to achieve this through advertisement and promotion, Sucuoglu said that they will intensify their efforts towards this direction.

Sucuoglu reminded also of the fact that they had apply to Turkey in order to declare the 2016 as the "TRNC year" in Turkey and added that Turkey promised to support them on this issue and as he said they have promised them that the Council of Ministers in Turkey will discuss this matter in their next meeting.

The so-called minister said further that at the moment the bed capacity in the "country" is 19-20 thousands and added that their aim is the number of tourists who are visiting the "TRNC" to reach 3 million. "That will mean that the bed capacity will reach to 35-40 thousands. If we achieve this, then I consider that we will become a country able to stand on its own feet", claimed Sucuoglu.

(AK)

[06] Tusk reiterated EU support on the Cyprus settlement

In a joint press conference with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following their meeting in Brussels, Tusk also said that they wish the reinforcement of the relations between EU and Turkey, as well as the progression of Turkey's accession talks.

(DPs)

[07] Turkish Cypriots living abroad want the right to "vote and be elected" in the occupied area of Cyprus; Interesting statements by Ozyigit

Addressing the workshop, self-styled prime minister Omer Kalyoncu said that there is a need for a communication mechanism with the Turkish Cypriots living abroad and added that this will contribute in their lobbying activities.

The leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Mehmet Ali Talat expressed the view that the priority is for the Turkish Cypriots living abroad to participate in the political life of the countries in which they live and intensify their lobbying activities there. Noting that the population living in the occupied area of Cyprus is about 300 thousand persons and that the Turkish Cypriots living abroad are about 600 thousands, Talat argued that it would not be possible to accommodate their demand to vote adding that the e-government infrastructure needed for this does not exist. Talat agreed that the Turkish Cypriots living abroad should be given the right of being elected in the occupied area of the island.

The leader of the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG0 Serdar Denktas argued that it is not acceptable not to give the Turkish Cypriots living abroad the right to vote in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that while they were making use of the "plundering regime" caused by the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island and they were "arbitrarily distributing the citizenship contrary to the international law and agreements, we have not discussed why our citizens who went abroad went there and how they could return back, we ignore it". He noted that the TDP is in favor of making the necessary "constitutional amendment" that will allow the Turkish Cypriots living abroad to vote and be elected in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[08] CTP Foreign Affairs Committee wants to see Deryneia crossing-point opened

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the CTP expressed support to the ongoing work being carried out for the opening of the Deryneia crossing-point as part of confidence building measures agreed by the two leaders earlier this year.

A statement issued by the committee said that the opening of the Deryneia crossing-point will have a positive impact on the area.

The statement pointed out the opening of the crossing point will not only ease travel for people on both sides but will also make important contributions to the social and economic structure of the area. "Such initiatives will also help bring the two peoples together and to build confidence between the two communities" the statement read.

[09] Tomatoes with pesticides harmful for health were sold to the government-controlled area of Cyprus

The self-styled ministry of health announced that pesticides beyond the limit were traced in beans, grapes and pomegranates.

A reliable source told Kibris Postasi that the above-mentioned tomatoes were sold to the government-controlled area of the island through the EU's Green Line Regulation after acquiring the permission of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.

The source said: "The Chamber of Commerce permitted the tomatoes to be sold in the south [Translator's note: This is how the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus is described]. The tomatoes were forwarded and sold in the market in the south. This sale, which has been made without carrying out any control, creates a situation that shakes the trust between the two communities".

The paper refers also to information published in Greek Cypriot "Fileleftheros" newspaper saying that "the National Guard is nourished with Turkish tomatoes".

(I/Ts.)

[10] Eroglu intervenes prior to the UBP congress, urges all party members to solve their problem through dialogue

Stating that he feels discomfort because of the situation and the quarrels within the UBP, Eroglu called the candidates for the UBP leadership and the representatives of the party to meet and establish a dialogue in order to find solution to their problems.

Stating that he does not support any of the candidates, Eroglu stressed the need to try to find an agreement towards the issue of the member's list.

Supporting that the UBP is a very important political formation which aims to the prosperity and security of the Turkish Cypriot "people" under the umbrella of the "TRNC state", Eroglu said that the party is obliged to succeed for the Turkish Cypriots and in order to implement its historical mission.

(AK)

[11] Erdogan warns Russia against losing a 'friend like Turkey'; Turkey 'ready to hear' Russian military officials' explanations for air incursions; Davutoglu: Only 2 of 57 Russian airstrikes targeted ISIS

Addressing a joint press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel in Brussels on Tuesday, Erdogan said: "If Russia loses a friend like Turkey, with which it has conducted many businesses, it will lose a lot".

His comments came on the same day as NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels on Tuesday that Russia's violation of Turkey's air space "does not look like an accident".

"NATO has taken a stand against this and I believe [the alliance] will continue to do so because an attack on Turkey is also an attack on NATO," Erdogan said.

The Turkish President also reiterated his calls for a regime change in Syria, adding that Assad was still in power despite "being responsible for the death of 350,000 people" because he was being backed by Iran and Russia.

With Turkey's snap elections set to take place in less than a month on November 1, Erdogan appealed to Kurdish voters in Turkey by saying that it was the Turkish government's duty to serve them.

"My Kurdish citizens and the separatist terrorist organization, PKK, are not the same; the Kurdish citizens are my citizens, it is our duty to serve them," he said.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Sabah (online, 07.10.15) reports that Turkish Foreign Ministry (MFA) said in a written statement on Wednesday that the Russian Ambassador was summoned to the Ministry once again, and was told that Turkish and Russian officials can hold a meeting in Ankara to prevent further airspace violations from happening in the future.

"It has been strongly emphasized to the Russian Ambassador that what is essential is that violations into Turkish airspace do not repeat themselves," the Foreign Ministry's statement said.

The Russian Ambassador was also reportedly summoned on Saturday and Monday over the incidents.

The Kremlin said Tuesday it hopes the violation of Turkish airspace by Russian fighter jets does not affect the countries' relationship.

"We hope the incident does not affect the development of our cooperation," spokesman Dmitriy Peskov said at a news conference in Moscow. "Russia-Turkey relations are various and have deep roots."

Peskov was responding to a question about whether the incidents over the weekend would threaten the planned Turkish Stream gas pipeline from Russia.

NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, said on Tuesday that Russia has not offered the alliance "any real explanation" over its violations of Turkish airspace, adding, "For NATO, the violation of Turkish airspace by Russia does not look like an accident."

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 07.10.15), under the title "Turkey 'ready to hear' Russian military officials' explanations for air incursions", reports that Turkish military officials are "ready to meet" with their Russian counterparts to get "explanations" for recent violations of Turkish airspace and to find what kind of measures they will take to prevent further breaches, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanju Bilgic said on Oct. 7.

The Foreign Ministry "invited" the Russian Ambassador in Ankara on Oct. 6 and lodged the proposal, according to a written statement from Bilgic.

The Ministry conveyed that Turkish military officials were ready to listen Russian military officials in Ankara to "hear their explanations about violations and the measures they are taking to prevent a repeat of similar incidents," said the spokesman.

Bilgic also said a "working group" between Ankara and Moscow on the issue was not on the agenda of talks either between military authorities or in the Foreign Ministry.

A Russian Defence Ministry official had earlier claimed that Turkey's Defence Ministry suggested to Russia on Oct. 6 that the two sides should consider creating a joint working group to coordinate actions related to Russia's air strikes in Syria.

Moreover, Turkish daily Sabah (online, 07.10.15), under the title "Turkey's PM Davutoglu: Only 2 of 57 Russian airstrikes targeted ISIS", reports that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday that he does not want the conflict in Syria turned into a crisis between Russia and NATO nor into a Russian-Turkish dispute.

But Turkey, a member of the alliance, will not compromise on the security of its borders or air space, Davutoglu said at a school opening in Istanbul in comments broadcast live by state TV. Russia has breached Turkish air space since launching air strikes in Syria last week.

Only two of Russia's 57 air strikes in Syria have hit ISIS, while the rest have been against the moderate opposition, the only forces fighting ISIS in north-western Syria, Davutoglu also said.

[12] The EU and Turkey yet to agree on action plan to tackle refugee crisis

The draft action plan with short- and medium-term measures seeks to address the unprecedented refugee crisis by strengthening collaboration between the EU and Turkey in two parts under which the EU intends to mobilize up to 1 billion euro for 2015-16 to support Turkey while Ankara intends to step up cooperation with Bulgarian and Greek authorities and open six refugee reception centres.

According to the first part of the plan, Turkey and the EU will share the refugee burden and create better living conditions for refugees already in Turkey. In addition, both parties accept to address key factors that cause the refugees to move from Turkey to the EU through irregular channels. Moreover, the EU also intends to support existing member state and EU resettlement schemes and programs, which could allow refugees in Turkey to enter the EU legally.

As for the second part of the plan, Turkey and the EU will work to prevent the flow of irregular refugees to Turkey and departures of irregular refugees and migrants from Turkey to the EU. While the fight against criminal networks involved in smuggling migrants will be stepped up, there will be further measures against casualties at sea. In addition, Turkey will seek to further intensify cooperation with the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex).

The EU praised Ankara's efforts, saying: "Turkey is making commendable efforts to provide massive humanitarian aid and support," and cited that more than 6.75 billion euro has been spent by the Turkish government on the issue.

It was declared that the implementation of the draft action plan is set to start immediately and will be monitored by the European Commission and the Turkish government. In addition, the implementation of the plan is said to accelerate the visa liberalization process as both President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker agreed on Tuesday. The plan is also expected to boost relations between Turkey and the EU should both parties fulfil what is required of them.

Juncker handed the draft action plan to Erdogan on Monday. With both sides agreed to the plan in principal, it still remains to be seen whether there will be any difference of opinion on the details.

Speaking at a joint press conference with European Council President Donald Tusk, Erdogan called on the EU to take responsibility. "From the very beginning Turkey shouldered this responsibility on behalf of the international community. We see more recently that EU countries are coming face to face with the Syrian crisis," he said.

[13] Turkish warplanes harassed by unidentified MIG-29 aircraft

In a written statement on Oct. 6, the military also said Syrian anti-aircraft batteries put Turkish jets conducting a border patrol under a radar lock for four minutes and 15 seconds on Oct. 5.

Meanwhile, the paper also reports that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) have been "actually waging a war" for the last few months, a top commander has said, referring to military operations launched against bases of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq.

Air Forces Commander Gen. Abidin Unal referred to air strikes against PKK camps, "ongoing since July 23," during a speech at a ceremony for the 64th anniversary of the foundation of the Air Force Academy.

"Today, the Turkish Air Forces are actually waging a war. More than just a medium-scale war, it is fighting on two fronts," Unal said late on Oct. 5.

"In sum, we have used over 2,000 modern ammunitions and have struck over 1,200 targets. I want to emphasize that our intelligence units, through reconnaissance, and our analysts have designated those 1,200 to 1,500 targets," Unal said, praising the performance of the Turkish Air Forces. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/ AM)

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