Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-04-24

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] Ertugruloglu completed his visit to Qatar; He met with the chairman of the Qatar Businessmen Association

[02] Denktas: "Barricades' opening was like a revolution"

[03] Talat is pessimistic on the Cyprus talks

[04] "Turkey starts seismic exploration in eastern Mediterranean"

[05] TESPAM' chairman evaluated Turkey's oil exploration activities in the EM

[06] YKP evaluated the referendum result in Turkey

[07] Members of FETO have allegedly been granted "citizenship" in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" will have the "production control mechanism of hellim" in the occupied area of Cyprus

[09] KTOS held contacts in London

[10] Regional administrator of the Islamic Development Bank is visiting the breakaway regime

[11] Turkey says it may suspend migrant deal with EU

[12] A survey shows that only a "coalition government" could be established again

[13] Ship's latter in the occupied Famagusta port build in colonial times collapsed

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ertugruloglu completed his visit to Qatar; He met with the chairman of the Qatar Businessmen Association

Ertugruloglu said that very good relations exist between Qatar and Turkey and within this framework Qatari businessmen could cooperate with Turkish Cypriot businessmen. Ertugruloglu briefed Al Thani on the higher education and tourism sectors in the occupied area of the island and told him that their economic development continues with Turkey's support, in spite of the "isolation and the embargoes".

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (24.04.17), Ertugruloglu gave a press conference in Doha at the breakaway regime's "representation office" in the Qatari capital. Ertugruloglu reiterated the allegation that a solution in Cyprus does not seem possible as long as the Greek Cypriot side does not respect the "rights" of the Turkish Cypriot "people", does not see the Turkish Cypriots as "equal partner" and considers them as a minority. He claimed that the negotiations have no chance to succeed in their current form and that the Turkish Cypriots "do not have another 50 years to be stolen from them".

Referring to the natural gas reserves in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), he alleged that the Greek Cypriots ignore the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people" and that this is unacceptable. Replying to a question, he wondered how could a solution be reached with this Greek Cypriot mentality and alleged that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side will not allow steps which will ignore the "equal and legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people".

Finally, Gunes reports also that returning from his tour in the Gulf countries, Ertugruloglu met at Istanbul Airport with Elsad Iskenderov, chairman of the Dialogue and Youth Forum of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). According to a statement issued by the self-styled ministry, the efforts for "TRNC's" becoming observer of OIC's Youth Forum were discussed. Iskenderov briefed Ertugruloglu on his organization's work.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Denktas: "Barricades' opening was like a revolution"

"I have no regrets" Denktas stated, claiming that they had to create a climate which would strengthen the relations between the two communities and that the opening of the barricades was a big step towards this direction.

He also said that the way the relations between the two sides were strengthened since the opening must be examined and added that "motherland Turkey" supported this development since the opening of the barricades could lift the "claim" that Turkey was preventing Titina Loizidou from going to her house.

"I announced this decision after a meeting of a ministers' council but nobody believed it. The Greek Cypriot side was totally surprised and unprepared. They did not believe that we could do it. And (Tassos) Papadolpoullos started telling to his citizens not to cross to the north. [?] The National Unity Party (UBP) of the coalition government was against this step. An agreement was reached after a meeting held on April 21 at the presidential palace", Denktas stated.

He also added that the then Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas was convinced on the issue and this strengthened his decision. However, the then Turkish President Abdullah Gull visited the breakaway regime three days before the decision for the opening for the barricades was taken.

(CS)

[03] Talat is pessimistic on the Cyprus talks

Talat further said that he personally believes that the correct course was not followed in order to overcome the crisis which was created by the Cyprus Parliament's decision to celebrate a 1950 plebiscite seeking union with Greece and added that not only two months were lost from the process but also the trust problem among the two leaders has been increased in such level that cannot be hidden anymore. Talat claimed: "The two leaders don't trust each other. This is also reflected by their statements. The Greek Cypriots continue to bring in the agenda anyway issues that the Turkish Cypriots are very sensitive."

Commenting on Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's statement that the Cyprus talks can be concluded within few months, Talat argued that the Cyprus talks cannot be concluded, because the election campaign for the Cyprus presidential elections has already started. He claimed that it seems that there will not be a result until the elections and it is unknown what the conditions will be after the elections. He mentioned that there is also a crisis around the corner due to the "unilateral" hydrocarbon explorations.

(DPs)

[04] "Turkey starts seismic exploration in eastern Mediterranean"

The Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa, a seismic vessel that was acquired late in 2012 for $130 million, started the exploration works. The ship will be in the area until May 31, according to sources from the Energy Ministry.

Energy Minister Berat Albayrak announced early April that Turkey would conduct seismic studies for oil and gas drilling activities, noting that exploration would occur in two areas in the Black Sea and two in the Mediterranean.

"We will open two wells for each in these seas with a drilling ship on an annual basis. We plan to buy another ship over the year," he said, adding that the new ship would later on join the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa.

Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa, which previously conducted seismic works in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, can collect 2-D and 3-D seismic data and examine geological structures up to eight kilometres below sea level.

[05] TESPAM' chairman evaluated Turkey's oil exploration activities in the EM

Referring to the reactions expressed by the "Greek Cypriot administration" after the recent statements made by Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak that Turkey will sent in the Eastern Mediterranean the MTA Oruc Reis vessel to carry out research activities, Akyener claimed: "The Greek Cypriot administration oil exploration activities in the fields claiming that belong to it will cause security problems and prevent the peace in the region. The steps undertaken by Turkey in the framework of its strategy to determine and develop its domestic resources will yield important results. Turkey will possess its marine spaces which are violated illegally by the Greek Cypriot administration together with several American, Qatari and Norwegian companies. Thus, Turkey will not lose its rights in the Mediterranean in a possible solution of the Cyprus problem. The Greek Cypriot administration will be forced to suspend for some time its works for the development of Aphrodite field. As a result of Turkey's attempts in the Mediterranean, the discovering of new resources in related potential fields will completely change the balances in the region".

Akyener expressed further the view that Turkey's oil exploration activities will affect also the Cyprus negotiation process since as he claimed it is an undesirable situation for the Greek Cypriots. He also alleged that the foreign companies should not have cooperated with the Greek Cypriots but with Turkey which is "the strongest country in the region". "The foreign companies should enter into negotiations for partnership with Turkish companies. This would be a more profitable choice for foreign investors politically, economically and financially", Akyener also claimed and stressed the need for Turkey to act with determination in the future. "Heading towards the right direction in the region, will help Turkey reinforce its hand not only on its policy on Cyprus but also on Syria and the Aegean", Akyener further alleged.

(AK)

[06] YKP evaluated the referendum result in Turkey

Stating that they are watching Turkey entering into dangerous waters, the party warned that if Turkey's economic instability and problems increase, this would lead the county into disaster.

The party underlined the need to be ready in the "TRNC" to confront unexpected situations and recalled the investigations which took place in the past in the "police" for linking allegations of "police members" with the FETO organization. The party underlined further that whenever excessive powers rules; there is lack of democracy, justice and security.

(AK)

[07] Members of FETO have allegedly been granted "citizenship" in the occupied area of Cyprus

Citing information from reliable sources, the paper reports that after the coup FETO members, most of which deal with the constructions sector, came from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus, where they were granted the "citizenship" of the regime.

It is said that a businessman from Antalya, whose father in law is FETO's imam in the above-mentioned city, was settled in the occupied area with his wife after the coup and was granted the "citizenship". The businessman's father in law is currently under custody in Antalya accused of being involved in FETO.

Meanwhile, the inquiries regarding FETO are continuing within the "police" of the breakaway regime. The inquiries are held by a "special team" established in August 2016. It is said that the depositions of 60 "police officers" have not been completed yet and that some "police officers'" assets and bank accounts are being investigated.

(I/Ts.)

[08] "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" will have the "production control mechanism of hellim" in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the "decree", Cirali said that the "authorization" of the "production control mechanism of hellim/halloumi" has been given to the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry".

Cirali also noted that the enterprises in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, which do not produce accordingly to the proper conditions, will be closed down after a warning.

(DPs)

[09] KTOS held contacts in London

According to the paper, KTOS was represented by its general secretary Sener Elcil who participated as a speaker at the assembly of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) which was held in Manchester.

Elcil met with William Holden, the head of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on Cyprus Affairs, as well as with the former Deputy of the Labour Party Andy Love and Deputy Fabian Hamilton.

(CS)

[10] Regional administrator of the Islamic Development Bank is visiting the breakaway regime

The cost of the project will be 3 million Turkish Lira, according to the paper and the Bank is expected to contribute with the amount of 200,000 Dollars.

In the framework of his contacts, Almarzouki, also held a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot Craftsmen and Trade Union.

(CS)

[11] Turkey says it may suspend migrant deal with EU

In an interview with private news channel CNN Turk on April 22, Celik said that Turkey was doing its part in the deal with EU. He said that the refugee deal between the two sides would continue if the EU accepted Ankara's fresh offer that would be submitted in May.

"If they accept our proposal, the [refugee] deal would be completed in a positive way, otherwise it would come to a standstill," he said.

While the plan successfully reduced refugee flows, the European Commission demanded Ankara to fulfil seven outstanding criteria out of a total of 72, including "revising legislation and practices on terrorism in line with European standards". Ankara has repeatedly ruled out any such revision.

Celik said that it was Turkey's right to get a visa-free regime from the EU since Ankara had done its part of the agreement.

He further alleged that Turkey rescued the European Union and its political map by taking care of millions of refugees.

[12] A survey shows that only a "coalition government" could be established again

Responded to the questions "which party would you have voted for if the elections would held this Sunday?" the results showed that there would be again a "coalition government". The turnout in the "elections" would only be 63,3%.

The distribution of the votes would be as follows according to survey conducted on February and April 2017:

Party February 2017 April 2017

UBP - National Unity Party 36,1 37,95

CTP - Republican Turkish Party 19,8 20,85

HP - People's Party 16,9 13,95

TDP ? Social Democracy Party 9,4 10,95

DP ? Democratic Party 8,9 7,65

YDP ? Revival Party 3,3 3,85

BKP ? United Cyprus Party 1,9 1,95

YKP ? New Cyprus Party 1,6 1,65

TKPYG ? Communal Liberation Party - New Forces 1,3 1,20

According to the survey, only five political parties would be able to pass the 5% threshold and enter the "parliament". The "seats in the parliament" would be distributed as follows:

UBP: 22

CTP:11

HP:8

TDP:6

DP:3

(DPs)

[13] Ship's latter in the occupied Famagusta port build in colonial times collapsed

According to the paper, a fish boat along with a speedboat worth 200,000 Turkish Lira were sunk as a result.

The paper further noted that the occupied port is in a very bad condition and is a victim of the unsolved Cyprus problem.

(CS)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(DPs/ AM)

Copyright (C) 2017 Press and Information Office, All rights reserved.

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