Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-12-01

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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] Statements by Davutoglu at Esenboga airport prior to his departure for the "TRNC"; He reiterated that the Cyprus current negotiations constitute the last chance for solution

[02] Akinci: We will not be the community living with minority rights in a Greek Cypriot island

[03] Ozgurgun: There are issues in Davutoglu's suitcase

[04] Dursun Oguz is the new General Secretary of UBP

[05] Illegal YDU signed a cooperation protocol with a Malaysian Institute

[06] New AKP government received vote of confidence

[07] Davutoglu urged Russia to reconsider sanctions and reiterated that Turkey will not apologize

[08] Erdogan stated that he will step down if Russian oil claims proved

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Statements by Davutoglu at Esenboga airport prior to his departure for the "TRNC"; He reiterated that the Cyprus current negotiations constitute the last chance for solution

Pointing to the strong bilateral ties between Turkey and the "TRNC", Davutoglu said: "We will make preparations and plans for the forthcoming period and on steps to be taken in order to develop our bilateral ties on the highest level. At the same time, we will discuss in detail together with Akinci and his negotiation team the latest stage of the ongoing Cyprus talks which were resumed on 15 May 2015".

Explaining that the issue was discussed in depth during the EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Davutoglu said: "We consider this negotiation process the last chance for an outcome on the Cyprus problem. All parties involved should mobilize all the means at their disposal and use their influence towards reaching a bi-zonal solution based on the political equality in the island, within the framework of the UN parameters. Turkey and the TRNC expressed their strong will on this issue very clearly. The support we gave to the Annan Plan in 2004 and the 'yes' vote of the Turkish Cypriot people to the Plan, in spite of the negative vote of the Greek Cypriot sector were not sufficient for the establishment of peace on the island. It is of great importance, that first the UN and then the whole international community contribute to the efforts for reaching a viable solution and support the intensified negotiation talks in the next months".

Davutoglu underlined that despite the so-called embargoes, the restrictions imposed on the "TRNC" and the economic crisis, the "TRNC"'s outstanding performance and economic development continue. He also expressed the view that the "TRNC" is more stable than ever and can look to the future with hope.

Referring to the water transfer project, Davutoglu described it as an important step and a turning point for the "TRNC".

Noting that prosperity and stability in the region are very important in light of the developments in Syria, Davutoglu added: "While there are several crises globally right now, the Cyprus negotiations are the only thing which is moving in the right direction. We hope that these negotiations will yield a positive result and that all together, with the support of the two peoples, we will put an end to this half century crisis", Davutoglu said.

(AK)

[02] Akinci: We will not be the community living with minority rights in a Greek Cypriot island

In a meeting with a delegation from Turkey's Journalists Federation, who are currently in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, headed by Yilmaz Karaca, and a delegation from the Association of Journalists, headed by Resat Akar, Akinci stressed that in order for the Turkish Cypriot "people" to be able to approve any agreement, they will first look at security. Noting that every community wants to live free, Akinci argued that for this to happen, the federation should be also based on the equality of the two communities. He added: "For this reason, we will look first for our freedom and whether our freedom is guaranteed". Akinci further said that the Turkish Cypriot "people" sees political equality as the third most important issue and added: "We will not be the community and the people, who will live with minority rights in a Greek Cypriot island. We are talking about a bi-zonal federal structure based on two founding states and about a new Cyprus in a federate structure where we will live in security as free communities, based on political equally."

Akinci briefed the hosted journalists on the history of the Cyprus talks, and the stage they reached. Akinci said that an agreement can be found to form a bizonal, bicommunal federal structure, under the conditions created after 1974.

Referring to the Cyprus talks, Akinci said that they are carrying out the talks under six chapters. He added that a progress was achieved in some chapters. He further said that he does not consider everything to be rose-tinted, however, everything is not dark and gloomy either. He explained that there are difficulties and positive things. The two sides will be satisfied if they will manage to overcome these difficulties in an accepted framework. He explained that their effort, their condition, after all these years, is that the Turkish Cypriot "people" should take its place among international law.

Referring to the natural resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, Akinci said that the natural resources instead of increasing tensions will lead to cooperation and progress relations between Turkey, Israel- Egypt and the European Union. Akinci added that the transportation of natural gas through Cyprus to Turkey will be the most sensible and cost efficient thing to do.

Akinci also said that If an agreement is reached in Cyprus then the water that comes from Turkey to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus can also be shared with Greek Cypriots and expressed the hope that positive developments will continue to take place during the Cyprus negotiations process.

(DPs)

[03] Ozgurgun: There are issues in Davutoglu's suitcase

Ozgurgun stated that this is a custom visit, since every Turkish Prime Minister's first visit abroad is always to the breakaway regime. "However I think that there are many issues in the Turkish Prime Minister's suitcase", he stated, adding that the water project and the economic protocol between Turkey and the breakaway regime must be discussed.

(CS)

[04] Dursun Oguz is the new General Secretary of UBP

According to the paper, Cemal Bulutoglulari was elected as general secretary of the occupied Lefkosia district.

(CS)

[05] Illegal YDU signed a cooperation protocol with a Malaysian Institute

The protocol provides for cooperation in the fields of education, research and projects development.

(CS

[06] New AKP government received vote of confidence

Turkey's 64th government got 315 votes in favor and 194 against in Monday's confidence vote.

(?)

[07] Davutoglu urged Russia to reconsider sanctions and reiterated that Turkey will not apologize

Speaking at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Davutoglu said that Turkey does not intend to escalate the situation regarding the downing of the Russian warplane, while he underscored once again that Turkey would not apologize to Russia over the incident.

"The protection of borders, airspace is a national duty, and Turkey will not apologize to Russia over the downed jet for carrying out this duty," Davutoglu said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the sanctions on Saturday amid deteriorating relations between Ankara and Moscow since Tuesday's downing of a Russian Su-24 bomber over the Turkish-Syrian border.

The package of sanctions included bans on some Turkish exports, a prohibition on the hiring of Turkish nationals from next year and a suspension of visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.

Davutoglu noted, however, that Ankara is "ready to talk" with Moscow to prevent similar incidents in the future, while he urged Russian citizens to continue visiting Turkey, which is a country referred to as 'second home' by some Russian tourists.

"We will not escalate the tension, we will never do anything that will be seen negatively by Russian people", Davutoglu added.

(?)

Davutoglu insisted that a violation occurred and that Turkey had repeatedly warned Russia about incursions into its airspace.

"We also made very clear that the Turkish-Syria border is a national security issue for Turkey. So it was a defensive action," Davutoglu said. He repeated Turkish assertions that there were no IS fighters in the area.

"We have been telling our Russian friends that their bombardments against civilians on our border is creating new waves of refugees which do not go to Russia or to any other country but coming to Turkey", Davutoglu said and added: "Turkey, after each bombardment, (is) receiving more and more tens of thousands of refugees from Syria. Turkey is a country paying the price of this crisis."

Stoltenberg also supported Davutoglu's statements noting that NATO allies fully support Turkey's right to protect its airspace and borders. "All allies fully support Turkey's right to defend its airspace", Stoltenberg said.

[08] Erdogan stated that he will step down if Russian oil claims proved

Erdogan made the pledge while talking to reporters at a climate change summit in Paris.

"As soon as such a claim is proved, the nobility of our nation requires [me] to do this. I will not remain in this post. But I am asking Mr. Putin, would you remain?", Erdogan said.

Erdogan was responding to Russian claims that Turkey helps fund Daesh through oil purchases.

The claims were made in the wake of the shooting down of a Russian military jet over southern Turkey on November 24. "It is obvious where we legally buy oil and natural gas from", Erdogan said and added: "Everyone must know that we are not that disreputable to make such a deal with terrorist organizations". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK/ AA)

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