Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-05-10

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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] Ak?nc? met with Muller

[02] A Turkish warship is accompanying Barbaros vessel

[03] Atun evaluates Barbaros' gas exploration activities

[04] Ozgurgun: "It is high time the Turkish Cypriot side to continue on its own path"

[05] Eroglu: I do not believe that an agreement will be reached in Cyprus

[06] Atun met with a delegation of the Kocaeli Chamber of Commerce; The Turkish Minister of Customs and Trade to be "visiting" the occupation regime

[07] Ozgur: "Black money are hurting TRNC economy"

[08] Ancient Famagusta walls lost between grass and garbage

[09] Operation for finding FETO members started in the breakaway regime as well

[10] Berova to carry out contacts in Ankara

[11] Erdogan discussed the Cyprus problem with May over the phone

[12] Erdogan: "Turkey wants to carry on its EU membership bid on win-win basis"

[13] Bahceli calls on AKP government to swiftly reinstate death penalty

[14] Israel's Delek group seeks to conduct natural gas exploration in Turkey

[15] Wikipedia applies to Turkey's Constitutional Court over access ban

[16] HDP lawmaker Nursel Aydogan loses seat in Parliament

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ak?nc? met with Muller

As part of his contacts on the island, Muller met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Ak?nc? this morning.

During the meeting, Muller provided information about the work they carried out on the economic and social impacts of a possible solution to the Cyprus problem.

Ak?nc? for his part touched upon the importance of accelerating the work carried out with the aim of strengthening the implementation of a possible federal solution.

Ak?nc?'s "special economy adviser" Prof. Dr. Omer Gokcekus and his "special adviser on diplomacy and EU Affairs" Erhan Ercin were also present at the meeting which was held at the so-called presidential palace in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

[02] A Turkish warship is accompanying Barbaros vessel

Citing confidential sources, the paper reports that while there are allegations that the warship is a Turkish vessel, which belongs to NATO, the Cyprus coastguard continues the warnings to Barbaros. On the other hand, the "Bravo Supporter" vessel, which has been announced that it will accompany Barbaros in the region when the NAVTEX was issued, started its duty by leaving the occupied port of Famagusta yesterday at the evening hours. It has been observed that Bravo, which is participating in the ongoing research in the area between south of occupied Karpasia peninsula and Famagusta port, is following Barbaros.

(DPs)

[03] Atun evaluates Barbaros' gas exploration activities

He also reminded that the proposals put forward by the Turkish Cypriot side on the natural gas issue were left unanswered at the negotiating table.

Atun further alleged that "Turkey had started exploration activities on land and within the territorial waters of the TRNC within the framework of the permission granted by the TRNC government".

Noting that despite all of these developments there are some circles in the "TRNC" which try to gloss over the "Greek Cypriot Administration's" stance, he alleged: "Our lands, territorial waters and natural resources are not unclaimed. It is our responsibility to claim our natural resources."

In response to the criticisms against the "government", Atun reiterated that they shared the same vision and opinion with Turkey in the field of energy. He also announced that the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa seismic research vessel will continue with its activities in the area.

He further claimed that during the time when the warning was issued by the Cyprus coastguard, the Barbaros Hayreddin was 3 miles off the South coast of the occupied Karpasia natural park, located exactly at the coordinates 35 degrees 36,500 North and 34 degrees 32,500 South.

Atun also alleged that "the vessel was within the area authorized by the TRNC".

Commenting on the tensions caused by the playing of the "Janissary March" by the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa Vessel in response to the warnings from the Cyprus coastguard, Atun claimed: "Those who reacted to the Janissary March were those who turned a blind eye to the sovereignty claims of the Greek Cypriots. This is a serious contradiction. The Greek Cypriot Administration will conduct research in 12 blocks which they determined on its own, will sign agreements with other countries, will act without any concern and will construct a terminal. None of these actions will be seen as a threat for the negotiations process but the presence of the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa vessel which is pursuant to the agreement signed with motherland Turkey will be perceived as a threat? It is not possible for us to act with this guilty psychology".

Atun further claimed that the main intention of the Greek Cypriots is to leave Turkey out of the game and to usurp the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people".

Atun also stressed that they supported all the activities of the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa Seismic Research Vessel.

Asked whether the second drilling license was issued or not, he said the second drilling license was within the plans of 2014 but added that such permission had not been given yet.

Atun also explained that an area within the occupied Lefka - Agia Eirini -Morphou triangle (Lefke-Akdeniz-Guzelyurt) located on the western coast was determined for the second drilling phase which will be on land.

He also alleged that the general aim of the Turkish side is not to engage in conflict but to secure its commercial and economic interests.

[04] Ozgurgun: "It is high time the Turkish Cypriot side to continue on its own path"

Ozgurgun further claimed that the Greek Cypriot side is proving at every platform that it did not want a settlement on the island.

Ozgurgun made the above statements during a visit paid to the "Sonmezler society".

Speaking during the visit, Ozgurgun alleged that the Turkish Cypriot "peoples' struggle" for existence was not over. "Perhaps those days of conflict are over?.but our political struggle continues", Ozgurgun said.

Alleging that the failure to continue with the conference on Cyprus in Geneva is a proof that the Greek Cypriot side is moving further away from a settlement, Ozgurgun claimed that it is high time the Turkish Cypriot side to continue on its own path. "If it has become apparent that a settlement will not take place there is no point in waiting forever and to continue this situation of uncertainty. The Turkish Cypriot people is not without alternatives" he alleged, adding that the Turkish Cypriot people lived in peace and freedom following the heroic resistance put up in occupied Kokkina, Lefkonoiko and Lapathos.

[05] Eroglu: I do not believe that an agreement will be reached in Cyprus

Eroglu stated that he is very often accused that he is not pro-solution. "But I have seen the true face of the war. Therefore I want a solution; but not any kind of a solution", he said.

Eroglu further stressed the close relations between Turkey and the breakaway regime noting that they cannot abandon each other.

He went on and allegedly accused the Greek Cypriot side for holding the Turkish Cypriots side waiting for years at the negotiation table.

(CS)

[06] Atun met with a delegation of the Kocaeli Chamber of Commerce; The Turkish Minister of Customs and Trade to be "visiting" the occupation regime

Speaking during the visit, Atun alleged that the "TRNC had grown rapidly in recent years, particularly in the field of tourism and the education sector".

"Today, the TRNC, with its airport that serves 4 million passengers annually, its accommodation of over 1 million tourists a year and the hundred thousand or so students enrolled in its universities has become an important market" Atun alleged, adding that the "industrial and manufacturing sectors" were not only ready for the island but for new markets also.

Stating that the sectors which wanted to take their place in the globalizing world were also ready for economic cooperation, Atun added that as "ministry" they supported these producers.

Atun also expressed the belief that important outcomes will be obtained from the KOBIGEM Summit which will be held in the "TRNC" between the 10th and 11th of May with the illegal participation of the Turkish Minister of Customs and Trade Bulent Tufekci.

Oktay for his part stated that they were carrying out visits to neighboring countries with the aim of seeking opportunities for cooperation abroad.

He said that they come to the "TRNC" following their recent visit to Italy.

[07] Ozgur: "Black money are hurting TRNC economy"

He also called on the "government" to take measures against this issue, claiming that the steps taken so far are not sufficient.

He went on and said that money laundry in the "TRNC" worries Turkey as well and said that some Turkish firms go the breakaway regime for tax purposes and in the name of this they set up open firms in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(CS)

[08] Ancient Famagusta walls lost between grass and garbage

According to the paper, the even one-meter long grass is preventing the thousands of tourists who are visiting the area to reach the monuments and are destroying the view.

Kibris further reports that the surroundings of the Saint Mary of Bethlehem Church as well as the prison of famous poet Namik Kemal are also neglected.

(CS)

[09] Operation for finding FETO members started in the breakaway regime as well

In the framework of this operation many persons are already under arrest, according to the paper.

(CS)

[10] Berova to carry out contacts in Ankara

According to a statement released by the "education ministry", Berova who will be departing for Ankara tonight will first visit the Exhibition of the Lefkara Course which is being organized jointly by the Etimesgut Municipality and the "TRNC embassy" in Ankara tomorrow.

He will then meet with the President of the Council of Higher Education (YOK) Prof. Dr. Yekta Sarac. On Thursday, Berova will come together with the "president" of theTurkish Republic Student Selection and Placement Centre (OSYM) Prof. Dr. Omer Demir and later on he will meet with the Turkish Minister of National Education Ismet Y?lmaz.

Berova will return to the occupation regime on Thursday evening after completing his "contacts" in Ankara.

[11] Erdogan discussed the Cyprus problem with May over the phone

The leaders discussed the efforts for peace on Syria and the Cyprus unification process, as well as EU matters and bilateral ties, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Erdogan and May emphasized the importance of moving bilateral relations further in each area, the sources added.

A Downing Street statement said May spoke to Erdogan "to express her wish to deepen cooperation on a range of issues," underlining the importance of their strong security partnership".

May welcomed Turkey's "constructive role in helping to establish de-escalation zones" through the Astana talks.

The two leaders "reaffirmed their desire to explore the opportunities presented by Brexit," the statement added, with a particular nod on cooperation for Turkey's domestic fighter jet project.

May and Erdogan will meet at the NATO summit in Brussels later in May.

[12] Erdogan: "Turkey wants to carry on its EU membership bid on win-win basis"

"Our country, which has historically, geographically and culturally been a part of Europe for centuries, has the will to continue its EU membership process, which it sees as a strategic target, based on mutual respect, quality and a win-win concept," Erdogan stated.

Erdogan added that cooperation developed with the EU at the peak of the migrant crisis in 2016 was the "most concrete and up-to-date example" of the country's aspirations.

"Our wish is to carry our cooperation with the EU to the utmost level in fields such as migration, economy, energy, the customs union and membership negotiations," Erdogan further said.

Erdogan pointed out that the EU's success story is being "seriously tested" at a time the global uncertainties have risen. "The ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaty this year was held in a pessimistic mood with the Union's future being discussed, rather than celebrations," he added.

"Without a doubt, the biggest threat to the future of the Union is that exclusionary discourse has become a tool of populist politics across Europe. Social diseases such as discrimination, cultural racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia, unfortunately, are spreading around the continent," Erdogan said, adding that far-right parties that have been increasing their votes "have taken Europe's socio-political life prisoner."

"We see that many European politicians, in the name of short-term gains, keep their silence against these movements threatening the Union's founding principles and Europe's joint future," added Erdogan.

Erdogan congratulated all Turkish citizens and Europeans on Europe Day, while wishing a prosperous future to the European Union.

Meanwhile, Turkish EU Minister Omer Celik stated that the country wanted to enhance ties with the EU instead of speaking about "concerns."

"We believe in the common values and benefits of the European Union and Turkey," Celik said in a statement to mark Europe Day.

"We desire to speak on which fields we can cooperate, instead of speaking on 'concerns,' with the European foundations and the member countries, in the coming period," he said.

He also said that Turkey was ready to support the EU in its current difficulties. "Despite the current turbulence experienced by the EU, the EU will be shielded from this as long as it adheres to its strong and deep-rooted values and principles," he added.

[13] Bahceli calls on AKP government to swiftly reinstate death penalty

"Once again I declare my determination. The MHP is present with its full power for a proposal or a draft that will be prepared and accepted in Parliament after discussions regarding the imposition of the death penalty," Bahceli said in a parliamentary group meeting on May 9. "It is waiting for this issue to be closed swiftly."

The reinstitution of the death penalty was brought to the agenda repeatedly ahead of the April 16 constitutional referendum, particularly by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who promised to approve any constitutional amendment that would bring back capital punishment. Erdogan said the people were demanding the penalty from the government, especially after the July 2016 coup attempt.

"Is the death penalty a social demand? Yes. Will the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) support it? Yes. Will the President approve it if the law is conveyed to him? That is a 'yes' too. Then we should not wait, sing in someone else's tone or be late. Instead, we should show what Turkey is and will be by declaring to everybody her independence," Bahceli said, eliciting applause from party members in the group meeting.

The death penalty has not been implemented since 1984, while Turkey formally abolished capital punishment in 2004 as part of reforms to ease Turkey's accession to the European Union.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said in March that any return of the death penalty in Turkey would be a "red line" in the country's stalled EU membership bid.

Bahceli criticized Europe's position on the issue. "Now some European countries say they will not allow a possible referendum concerning the death penalty. So much so that they argue and state that capital punishment is against all the values of European countries. So, is it a part of European values to give support to terrorist organizations?" Bahceli wondered.

[14] Israel's Delek group seeks to conduct natural gas exploration in Turkey

The CEO of Delek Group Yossi Abu said that they believe there are more oil and natural gas resources in the region while emphasizing that the launching of Turkey's natural gas exploration activities in the Mediterranean was an important step by the Turkish government.

"As a company that is highly experienced in exploration activities in this particular region, we are very happy to invest in Turkey's focused efforts in natural gas exploration and production," Abu said.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), he asserted that Delek Drilling is the exploration and production wing of Delek Group, one of Israel's largest corporate groups that operate in various sectors.

Pointing to the fact that the company has, for the past two decades, conducted exploration and production activities predominantly off the shore of Israel, Abu said: "Israel has continued its oil and natural gas exploration activities through long-term government structures and companies for a long time and Delek Drilling began operating after the privatization of the energy sector in the mid-1990s".

The Delek CEO said that Turkey's natural gas exploration activities in the Mediterranean are the second most important step taken by the Turkish government after explorations in the Black Sea. "We believe that there is potential for more oil and natural gas resources to be uncovered in the region [the Eastern Mediterranean]; therefore, the steps taken by the Turkish government to launch natural gas exploration activities in the Mediterranean are very important. I think there is potential for exploration of more oil and gas off the shores of Turkey. We are very happy to invest in natural gas exploration and production in Turkey as a highly experienced company in exploration activities in the region." He also highlighted that if the Turkish government allows, they will also assist with seismic analyses and other research activities.

Earlier, a Turkish seismic ship embarked on explorative surveys on April 21 in the eastern Mediterranean for oil and gas resources and will continue conducting test drillings until May 31. The explorations form part of the "assertive course of explorative and sounding works," announced by Turkey's Energy Minister Berat Albayrak.

Abu also noted that they were closely monitoring developments in the Turkish natural gas market, reiterating the government's recent introduction of a comprehensive strategy program for the energy sector.

Stressing that one of the key points in the new strategic program is the diversification of suppliers, Abu stated that Israel can play a crucial role in this regard with gas from the Leviathan and Eastern Mediterranean reserves, adding that this will be a new source for the Turkish market.

(?)

Abu said that the company is now moving towards the second stage of the project, under which gas can potentially be sent to either liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Egypt or offered to the Turkish market.

"Therefore, we are frequently visiting Istanbul and Ankara. There are ongoing talks on these two alternatives and I really see a window of opportunity to construct a pipeline from Israel to Turkey," he said. "We are holding very constructive talks with the government through the Ministry of Energy, and we remain deeply committed to this project. This strikes a real balance between Turkey's needs and what we can provide."

(?)

With a possible agreement likely to be signed between Turkey and Israel within the framework of the normalization process, which gained momentum in the second half of last year, the option of transferring resources from the region to international markets through Turkey has also improved. Following a visit by Israeli Minister of National Infrastructure, Energy, and Water Resources Yuval Steinitz to Turkey last October, the two countries initiated dialogues for the proposed natural gas pipeline project. Leviathan and Tamar, Israel's largest natural gas fields are estimated to hold some 800 billion cubic meters of natural gas reserves. Minister Steinitz had announced that besides these two, another 2.2 trillion cubic meters of natural gas were yet to be discovered in the region.

[15] Wikipedia applies to Turkey's Constitutional Court over access ban

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) stated on April 29 that it had blocked access to Wikipedia, citing a law allowing it to ban access to websites deemed obscene or a threat to national security.

The Ankara 1st Criminal Court of Peace later ordered the ban after Wikipedia's administration refused to remove two pages claiming that Ankara channeled support to jihadists in Syria.

The application to the Constitutional Court comes four days after the same court rejected an appeal by the Wikimedia Foundation against the decision.

In its petition, the online encyclopedia referred to European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the Constitutional Court rulings on freedom of expression.

Wikipedia also noted that it was unlawful to block access to the whole platform just because of some content, adding that it was clearly a violation of ECHR and Constitutional Court decisions as well as the principle of proportionality.

The foundation had appealed against the ruling on the grounds that freedom of expression had been violated.

However, the court rejected the website's appeal on May 5, saying freedom of expression can be "restricted in some cases" and citing the country's ongoing state of emergency since the July 2016 failed coup attempt.

BTK head Omer Fatih Sayan had previously also stated that it was impossible to grant access to Wikipedia "unless Turkey's judicial decisions are implemented."

[16] HDP lawmaker Nursel Aydogan loses seat in Parliament

The decision came after a court in the southeastern province of Diyarbak?r sentenced the former lawmaker in January to four years, eight months and seven days in prison on charges of "carrying out terror propaganda" and "committing crimes on behalf of a terror organization despite not being a member" for participating in the funeral of an alleged member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in 2011.

When asked in court why she participated in the funeral of a PKK member, Aydogan said: "Hundreds of bodies were arriving in Diyarbak?r between 2011 and 2012. The funerals were for people who worked for our party. I knew most of them."

In May 2016, the Turkish Parliament approved a law stripping its members of immunity from prosecution, which allowed prosecutors to impeach members of Parliament who face investigation.

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