Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-02-11

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Cavusoglu reiterated that the current opportunity in Cyprus is the last chance for the solution of the Cyprus problem

[02] Evaluation of the contacts of Siber and the "assembly delegation" in Ankara

[03] The debate on the water issue still continues

[04] Ozgur: Bringing electricity with cable from Turkey will trigger peace in Cyprus

[05] Ozgurgun argues that if there is a Cyprus settlement under the current conditions, there will be a conflict in Cyprus

[06] The Dutch Prime Minister expressed hopes towards the developments on the Cyprus problem

[07] Incentive certificates in 43 investment projects in 2015

[08] Illegal GAU university signed a cooperation agreement with Kirgizstan's State Law Academy

[09] Erdogan to the US: "Hey America, you cannot make us recognize neither the PKK nor the PYD and the YPG"

[10] Erdogan and Davutoglu condemned the UN over the refugee crisis

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Cavusoglu reiterated that the current opportunity in Cyprus is the last chance for the solution of the Cyprus problem

Touching upon the Cyprus issue during a presentation he gave at the Plan and Budget Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly yesterday, Cavusoglu stated also the following: "Hopefully, this year will be a solution year in Cyprus. We keep saying that the current opportunity in Cyprus should not be missed. This is the last chance".

Noting that the negotiations process had been continuing in Cyprus, he said although the two sides made progress on many issues, thorny issues like property and territory still existed.

"The Immovable Property Commission in the TRNC was established following the European Court of Human Rights' decision against Turkey. Thanks to this commission we have managed to solve pretty much of this problem. If it had a better budget, more cases could be solved. Especially after the economic crisis in south Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot citizens wanted to take their money. We are also contributing to the solution of the problem. We started to give water to the TRNC in October. We want to increase the capacity of the water so that we can provide water to south Cyprus and even to other countries in the region in the future. Discussions over the management of water still continue", Cavusoglu said.

"We have registered Turkey's rights on natural gas reserves in the region at the United Nations. Therefore, no one can claim a right in the Eastern Mediterranean without the existence of Turkey. We did this to defend the rights of the TRNC when the Greek Cypriot side started bilateral drilling activities", Cavusoglu alleged.

Reiterating Turkey's full support for a solution in Cyprus which will be based on the UN parameters and within the framework of a new partnership of two founding states, Cavusoglu added: "Hopefully, 2016 will be a solution year in Cyprus. We keep saying that the current opportunity in Cyprus should not be missed. This is the last chance".

[02] Evaluation of the contacts of Siber and the "assembly delegation" in Ankara

According to the written statement, during the bilateral meetings of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the "TRNC assembly", the issue of sharing information and experience was discussed, as well as the need for increased cooperation. The statement stated that they agreed also on the in-service training and enabling information sharing of some committees. It also noted that an agreement was taken towards enabling the information sharing between the EU Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the "EU committee of the assembly".

During the meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also participated. They exchanged views and evaluated the issues of terrorism and refugees regarding the neighbourhood region. On the Cyprus issue, it was stressed once more that the Turkish side continues to do its part on reaching a just solution in Cyprus and this determination will continue.

The statement added: "It is pleasing to see the positive reflection of the current positive atmosphere on the peoples of the island towards reaching a viable, comprehensive solution in Cyprus".

During the meeting with Erdogan, where the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Ismail Kahraman accompanied also the delegation, many issues were discussed and particularly the Cyprus problem. Emphasis was given on the point reached at the Cyprus talks and on the issues of property and territorial adjustment, which are the most difficult of the negotiation process. "During the meeting it was stated that the Greek Cypriot side's emphasis that the Annan Plan is not on the table naturally involves the territorial adjustments. The importance of a solution to be found in Cyprus should be based on the two founding states was also stressed", the statement read.

Discussing the geographical protection of halloumi, it was explained that there are a lot of difficulties in the exportation. It was also mentioned that the "citizenship law" is in the agenda now of the "related assembly committee" and with this "law" many people will gain the "citizenship right". The statement said that "it was stressed that giving citizenship to the rightful people is a major human right".

In the meeting, Erdogan said that the water project is a huge project and the water can be given also to "South Cyprus" (translator's note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus) as a peace project.

(DPs)

[03] The debate on the water issue still continues

The chairman of UBP, Huseyin Ozgurgun hastily convened a meeting of his "ministers". During the meeting, a briefing was asked by the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cypriot Affairs, Tugrul Turkes. They also called Talat, who told the UBP "ministers" that he has no objection to the "government's' decision and that "if the municipalities approve it by majority, they will have the authority". This calmed down the situation, but the chairmen of the two parties are expected to meet again today to prevent the crisis from getting bigger.

According to the paper, two proposals came up during the four "ministers'" contacts in Turkey: The one is the proposal that the "ministry of finance" will guarantee the purchase of the water so that the cost of the water not to be burdened by the consumers and the other is a proposal which ignores the powers of the "municipalities" over the water and transfers the administration to the "government" with an "international agreement".

The CTP "ministers" totally rejected the second proposal and the UBP "ministers" were not positive to the proposal providing for the abolition of the "municipalities' law" and powers on the water administration.

A "purchase guarantee" was demanded by the "ministry of finance", because some "municipalities" rejected using the water and the increased cost from the reduction of the demand would be loaded on the shoulders of the population of the "municipalities" which will use the water. Therefore, the water from Turkey will be distributed to all areas which are included in the system and if the sales of water are below the guaranteed quantity, the difference will be covered by the regime's "ministry of finance". It is said that the "municipalities" of occupied Nicosia, Gonyeli and Dikomo are not positive for being included in the system.

The crisis within the "government" was temporarily overcome upon mediation by the self-styled ministers of interior, Asim Akansoy, finance Birikim Ozgur and education Kemal Durust.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.02.16) reports that the four "ministers" who had held contacts in Ankara on the issue of the water administration briefed 28 "mayors" last night on the result of their effort. After the meeting, the 'mayor" of the occupied part of Nicosia, Mehmet Harmanci wrote in his social media account that "in brief the privatization of the administration of the water was accepted" and that the choice given to the "municipalities" is "only on paper".

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.02.16) reports that according to information from "reliable sources" the agreement reached in Turkey provides for the distribution and the collection of revenues in the water administration by a private company or companies and "control" by the "TRNC state".

The paper cites a statement made by the chairman of the "Water Committee", Bektas Goze who said that the water from Turkey stopped flowing into the dam in the occupied Panagra village for the last one week, because of "technical reasons". Goze noted that the water will not flow into the dam for a few more days.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Ozgur: Bringing electricity with cable from Turkey will trigger peace in Cyprus

In an interview with Anatolia news agency, Ozgur evaluated the contacts which four self-styled ministers recently had in Ankara regarding the water transferred from Turkey to the occupied area of the island through undersea pipelines.

Recalling that Israel and Cyprus have launched a project of interconnecting their electricity lines, Ozgur said:

"It is very well known that the export way is not only for the natural gas, but it is at the same time fertile with some developments such as turning the natural gas into electricity and transferring it to Europe through Turkey. I can say the following on this point: If an electricity cable project starts immediately between Turkey and the TRNC and at the same time an equivalent step is taken, we will seriously contribute in the project launched between south Cyprus and Israel. It will also be a step which will help us entering into the interconnected system in Eastern Mediterranean. Therefore, we want an electricity cable which will be installed between Turkey and the TRNC".

Arguing that this cable will contribute only to peace, Ozgur alleged: "The electricity cable between our countries will trigger the solution in the whole of Cyprus and peace. We want this. Launching and completing this project is a matter of prestige for our countries. Just like the water project".

Ozgur claimed that the only alternative of the Greek Cypriots on the energy issue is cooperating with Turkey now and alleged that the Greek Cypriots realized that "this is the way of reason". "With the electricity cable between the TRNC and Turkey, it will be possible to transfer Eastern Mediterranean's gas to Europe", he argued pointing out to the "serious energy import problem", which Turkey and the regime are facing. He said that with the electricity cable they will save a lot from the "national" wealth.

Referring to the preparation of the Turkish Cypriots for a possible solution of the Cyprus problem, Ozgur said that their motivation is very high for preparing for a solution, but "we are working for a structural transformation in the economic field with the aim of standing on our own feet either there is or there is not a solution in Cyprus". He noted that in case of a solution, the so-called embargoes implemented on the "TRNC" will be lifted and they will be able to benefit from more EU funds.

Referring to the water issue, Ozgur said that within the forthcoming days an "agreement" will be signed with Turkey that will be determining the rights and the responsibilities of the enterprise which will be assigned with the duty of administrating the water after the build-operate-transfer bid.

Ozgur argued that Turkey has fulfilled its obligations as regards the project for transferring water to the occupied area of Cyprus and pointed out that "this is the first time that water is transferred from one country to another with undersea pipelines".

Referring to the so-called economic program between Turkey and the regime for the period 2016-2018, Ozgur argued that because of the so-called isolation implemented on the "country" for many years, Turkey's donations and credits are important. Arguing that they need radical reforms, he called on Turkey to conditionally support them in these reforms and after some years to fully stop supporting them, as a result of establishing a system that could stand on its own feet. "I think that this will be an important move which will contribute to the solution and peace in Cyprus", he added.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ozgurgun argues that if there is a Cyprus settlement under the current conditions, there will be a conflict in Cyprus

Speaking at a television programme, Ozgurgun noted that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and his negotiating team have remained passive, adding that they should give answers to all the statements that esteemed Anastasiades has made.

Commenting on the issue of Turkey's Cyprus policy, Ozgurgun said that if Turkey is removed from them, then the course would become even much worse. He added that Turkey has a lot of investments here (translator's note: in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and one of them is the water project. He further said that he has close contact with high officials in Turkey.

Furthermore, illegal Bayrak television (online, 11.02.16) broadcast that Ozgurgun, referring to their "government partnership", said that they are not thinking about their party interests but the interest of the public.

Touching upon the "government workings", Ozgurgun said that if the continuation of the "current government" is desired then the mechanism must be more efficient. "Both parties must show that they are here for the people and not for their own interest. We are on the same page with our partner on this issue. We have 39 'MP's' that means we have 75% of the sole of the 'government', meaning we can do everything for the benefit of the 'people'", Ozgurgun added.

On the water project, the UBP leader claimed that the water problem has been solved by Turkey. "Turkey invested 1.5 billion Turkish liras and solved the problem. This island is barren but we are lucky that Turkey realised such a project" said Ozgurgun and added to waste such a thing would be a pity.

(DPs)

[06] The Dutch Prime Minister expressed hopes towards the developments on the Cyprus problem

Speaking during a press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Hague, Rutte replied to a question concerning the solution of the Cyprus problem and said: "We are hopeful towards the developments on the Cyprus problem. The ongoing process proceeds step by step. And of course, as the EU term Presidency we follow closely the developments. There are positive developments in Cyprus in this period. We will together follow how this will proceed on in the following months", Rutte said.

(AK)

[07] Incentive certificates in 43 investment projects in 2015

The self-styled director of "DPO" Odul Muhtaroglu said that the number of incentive certificates which were given in 2012 were 17, in 2013 21 and in 2014 22. He explained that with the investments that will be completed as a result of the 43 incentive documents in 2015 approximately 1 billion 454 million 331 thousands 835 TL of fixed capital investment will be materialized. Fourteen of the 43 investments will take place in the part of occupied Lefkosia, 10 in occupied Famagusta, 8 in occupied Keryneia, 6 in occupied Morphou and 5 in occupied Trikomo.

(DPs)

[08] Illegal GAU university signed a cooperation agreement with Kirgizstan's State Law Academy

According to the paper, the agreement envisages common work in the fields of academy and culture.

The agreement was signed by the "rector" of the illegal GAU Prof. Dr. Kutsal Ozturk and the rector of the KSLA, Prof. Dr. Kanat K. Kerezbekov.

(AK)

[09] Erdogan to the US: "Hey America, you cannot make us recognize neither the PKK nor the PYD and the YPG"

"Are you on our side or the side of the terrorist organizations?" Erdogan asked the U.S. on Febryary 10, as tensions between the two NATO allies have flared over the PYD, which Washington supports in its struggle against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria.

Turkey regards the PYD and its military wing, the People's Defense Units (YPG), as an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is designated as a terror organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States.

"Hey America, you cannot make us recognize neither the PKK nor the PYD and the YPG," Erdogan said.

"We know these [organizations] very well. We know Daesh very well too," he said, using an Arabic acronym for ISIL. "But since you haven't been able to recognize them up to this day, the region is drenched in blood," Erdogan said, adding: "What kind of partnership is this? They are keeping silent in front of us but in our absence they say 'We don't look it that way'".

[10] Erdogan and Davutoglu condemned the UN over the refugee crisis

"The event taking place in Syria has now turned into a deportation, genocide. It is exemplary that those who regard refugees as bogeymen have turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the [Syrian President Bashar al-]Assad regime, which is the reason for this problem. What does the United Nations say? 'Open your door to those massed at your door.' What are you for then? What is your use? Is it that easy?" Erdogan asked on February 10.

"We have taken 3 million Syrians and Iraqis into our home. How many did you take? Which country took them in?" he asked, adding that the U.N. had provided $455 million to Turkey compared to the $10 billion Turkey had spent on the refugees since 2011.

Without openly naming them, Erdogan quoted foreign officials as saying, "Bring your project, we will give support."

"The project, the income, the camps, everything is in the open. They are personally coming, seeing and visiting and still saying 'Bring a plan, bring a project.' Give it up, are you mocking us?" Erdogan asked.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (10.02.16) Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu has lashed out at the United Nations after it demanded the country open its borders to tens of thousands of more Syrian refugees, accusing it of being "two-faced."

"I see calls by several parties including the United Nations Security Council that do not move a finger to solve the crisis in Syria and that are not able to say 'stop, that's enough' to Russian bombardments as two-faced," Davutoglu said during a press conference with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte in Hague.

Davutoglu underscored that no third party had a bearing on Turkey's decision to open its borders to tens of thousands amassing on the Turkish border.

"The Turkish-Syrian border as well as our hearts and our home are all open to Syrians," Davutoglu added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(AK/AM)

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article