Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-03-09

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] Davutoglu: We are very close to a solution both in the Aegean and in Cyprus

[02] Piri: The EU should do whatever is possible to support the solution in Cyprus

[03] Bulgarian MEP says that the EU has not undertaken an active role in the occupied area of Cyprus until today

[04] Talat: The "economic cooperation protocol" for the period 2016-2018 has been sent to Turkey

[05] The breakaway regime is participating in the Tourism "ITB Berlin Fair"

[06] "National History Museum" to be opened in the breakaway regime with the assistance of Cicek

[07] Davutoglu: Turkey's game changing proposal, has the potential to tackle the refugee crisis

[08] Turkish columnists on Turkey's refugee plan

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Davutoglu: We are very close to a solution both in the Aegean and in Cyprus

In statements after the meeting Davutoglu said that they discussed very sincerely and in a friendly way the problems in the Aegean and Cyprus as well as the minority rights and added: "[?] I thank Mr Tsipras for the understanding and cooperation which he exhibited in all consultations. We are very close to the solution both in the problems in the Aegean and in Cyprus. By showing strong will, we can overcome the problems accumulated for decades and turn the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean into a center of attraction. [?]"

According to the paper, the Greek Prime Minister said that they agreed that the Cyprus problem should be solved in a just and lasting manner on the basis of the UN resolutions and within the framework of the EU.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Piri: The EU should do whatever is possible to support the solution in Cyprus

In joint statements to Havadis and the Cyprus News Agency, Piri noted that she is certain that the EP will ask from the European Commission to ensure the adequate financing for supporting a solution in Cyprus, adding that an agreement in Cyprus would be a very important development not only for the island but for Europe as well.

Replying to a question, Piri said that the fact that Turkey's accession talks are not advancing quickly and effectively during the past decade has no relation with the developments in Turkey itself, but with the political developments in European countries such as France and Germany.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Bulgarian MEP says that the EU has not undertaken an active role in the occupied area of Cyprus until today

Pointing out to the two leaders in Cyprus, Kucuk argued that this is the last chance for a solution in Cyprus in these conditions and alleged that Turkey playing a bigger role in the EU would be positive for Cyprus. He claimed that if a referendum for the solution in Cyprus is not held in 2016 it will not be possible to take a result, alleging that "Turkey's target is evident, what Turkey wants is the unification of the island".

"We want to see both Turkey and the other Balkan countries in the EU", said Kucuk adding that they support the Republic of Cyprus' application for the Turkish language to become an official language of the Union. Referring to the concerns that this will be a costly and troublesome procedure, Kucuk argued that "in any case democracy is not an easy and cheap thing".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Talat: The "economic cooperation protocol" for the period 2016-2018 has been sent to Turkey

In statements to Kanal Sim television yesterday, Talat noted that some reforms are included in the package and support is to be provided for these reforms. Talat said that he does not know how Turkey will reply on this issue.

Referring to the self-styled electricity authority of the regime (KIB-TEK), Talat recalled that Turkey wants "KIB-TEK" to be separated and the distribution and the revenue collection to be privatized. Pointing out that there will be a disagreement with Turkey on this issue, Talat noted that the "government" argues that the "KIB-TEK" should be automated.

Talat said that he does not understand Turkey's logic on this issue and added: "What is the logic of the distribution and revenue collection being privatized now? There is no problem in the revenue collection now. I do not know whether they will insist again on this issue, because when the protocol in 2012 had been signed, the KIB-TEK could not collect the revenue properly".

Referring to the occupied ports and the self-styled telecommunication authority, Talat said that different models could be considered on them.

(I/Ts.)

[05] The breakaway regime is participating in the Tourism "ITB Berlin Fair"

The "ministry of tourism" along with travel agencies, the "Turkish Cypriot hotel owners union" and the "Turkish Cypriot tourist guides union" are taking part in the delegation of the breakaway regime which is headed by the "minister of tourism" Faiz Sucuoglu who is expected to hold various contacts in Germany and to participate in various meetings. He will mainly meet with German tourist operators and exert efforts to increase German visitors in the occupied area of Cyprus, writes the paper.

In statements to Kibris, Sucuoglu said that they have been prepared for a month now for the tourism fair and noted how important their participation to the fair is.

(CS)

[06] "National History Museum" to be opened in the breakaway regime with the assistance of Cicek

The "National History Museum" will be constructed with the assistance and encouragement of the Turkish politician and businessman Cemil Cicek who served as Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA).

According to the paper, the museum will cover the 445 years of Turkish Cypriot history in Cyprus and will be opened on July 20.

(CS)

[07] Davutoglu: Turkey's game changing proposal has the potential to tackle the refugee crisis

"It was a fruitful negotiation process," he said in reference to the summit, which ran into early hours of Tuesday.

Davutoglu said there will be a dramatic decrease in the number of refugees crossing to Greece within a month. "Once they realize they will be sent back, they will not even attempt to make the crossing," he said, adding: "This does not mean Europe will stop taking in refugees just because the flow has ended. Europe will continue to admit a designated number of refugees."

Concerning the agreement on increasing the amount of EU funding for Syrians in Turkey from 3 billion euros to 6 billion euros, Davutoglu said he told the European leaders that the cost of hosting the refugees was constantly increasing and that all the cost of the remittance process and sending migrants back to their countries should be borne by the EU. "This means an extra 3 billion euros. [European officials] didn't mention it in their post-summit remarks because they need a summit decision for approval. They need to prepare for March 18. Europe will make 6 billion euros available, 3 billion euros for 2016 and 3 billion euros for 2017 and 2018. Additionally, we asked for the opening of membership negotiation chapters 15, 23, 24, 26 and 31. Cyprus is resisting. We will see how these will be finalized on March 18."

Davutoglu said Parliament needs to approve nine separate laws to ensure Turkish citizens could benefit from the lifting of the EU visa requirement. He also said European leaders had to pressure Cyprus to consent to the visa plan.

[08] Turkish columnists on Turkey's refugee plan

Under the title "Turkey's move likely to shift balances within EU, columnist Murat Yetkin writes the following in Hurriyet Daily News (09.03.16):

"[?] Turkey has raised its offers and demands regarding the plan to secure control over the migration from Syria (and elsewhere) into the EU, thus reactivating Ankara's relations with the EU.

The original plan was initiated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her Oct. 18 visit to Istanbul to meet Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The plan suggested the following:

1) A 3-billion euro fund to hold Europe-bound migrants in Turkey.

2) Visa-free travel for Turkish citizens within the Schengen states simultaneous with the implementation of a re-admission agreement between Turkey and the EU.

3) Reactivation of Turkey's EU membership negotiations by opening up six new chapters, including those blocked by the Greek Cypriots.

4) Inviting the Turkish government back to EU summits as a candidate country. [?] There wasn't even unanimous agreement within the EU on Merkel's original plan. Despite her realistic efforts, some EU countries declined any agreement with Turkey that could reactivate Ankara's practically frozen membership process.

[?]

What Turkey was suggesting regarding the sharing of immigrants, particularly those illegally using or having used the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece, appears to have pleased not only Merkel but also European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council head Donald Tusk. [?]

Bit if the EU leadership cannot convince all EU leaders, it could mean fiasco for the union, with unpredictable consequences not only regarding the flow of immigrants. [?] Again, the consequences of this would not be limited to the refugee problem."

In addition, under the title "Turkey's refugee plan offers breakthrough", Serkan Demirtas also writes the following in Hurriyet Daily News (09.03.16):

"[?] the Turkish government surprised EU leaders with a new and ambitious package of proposals.

Ankara's proposals consist of its willingness to readmit all irregular migrants crossing to the Greek islands from Turkey, to station immigration and liaison officers to help facilitate the processing of readmission cases. [?]

In return, the EU will pay an additional 3 billion euros to Turkey by the end of 2018, will realize the lifting of visa requirements for Turkish citizens in the Schengen zone (by the end of June at the latest, instead of October), will work to open new chapters, and will cooperate with Turkey to create safe areas inside Syria for the future settlement of new refugees.

One of the most important differences between the action plan crafted on Nov. 29, 2015 and the plan on March 7 is that while the former aimed to stem the flow of refugees from Turkey to EU countries, the latter focuses on stopping the flow of irregular migrants. This should be regarded as a very drastic and bold change in Turkey's position, which was appreciated by a number of EU leaders during the summit.

[?]

However, there are serious questions before the full and efficient implementation of the latest plan. The first is the legality of the agreement to send people back to Turkey without guarantees for their protection, as cited by international and European law. The U.N. and international organizations immediately voiced their concerns about the fact that the agreement does not underline the protection of asylum-seekers in their return to Turkey.

Another problem is the fact that it will not be easy to convince Greek Cyprus to lift its veto on the five negotiation chapters that Turkey demands to be opened from the EU.

A third problem is the serious disagreement between EU countries on refugee quotas, with a number of countries - especially Central and Eastern European countries - voicing opposition to the resettlement of Syrians. [?]

If agreed to and implemented in an efficient way, this plan would put an end to the growing tragedy of refugees by imposing a legal order on those who want to be settled in EU countries, therefore saving the lives of thousands of asylum-seekers and solving a tragic humanitarian problem. Equally important, the successful realization of this plan would further increase the level of cooperation between Turkey and EU states. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(CS/AM)

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