Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-05-25

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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] "Eide threw the ball to the leaders"

[02] CTP asks from the Republic of Cyprus to reexamine the natural gas drillings in Cyprus' EEZ

[03] TKP reminds of the leaders' promise to reach a solution

[04] Political parties' representatives made proposals to Eide

[05] Power blackout by "KIB-TEK" caused several problems in the occupation regime

[06] Erdogan: EU cannot treat Turkey like a beggar

[07] Cavusoglu: It is time for EU to decide on Turkey

[08] German lawmakers cancel visit after Ankara refuses meetings

[09] French journalist held in Turkey on hunger strike

[10] Two more "universities" to be "founded in the TRNC" by September 2017; Data on the number of "universities"

[11] Ozyigit warned "officials" about the bad situation of the occupied port of Famagusta

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] "Eide threw the ball to the leaders"

Noting that they are facing matters such as the order of the issues, the method, which different issues and which points could be discussed in Geneva, Eide referred to existence of political differences which should be respected. Recalling that the Geneva Conference will be held under the UN auspices, Eide argued that a conference would be pointless if the two leaders did not put in order in Cyprus what they want to do on the issues which stand in front of them.

According to the paper, when asked whether he had submitted any proposal to the leaders as regards the method, Eide replied that the convention of the Conference in Geneva depends on the leaders and refrained from undertaking any responsibility on this issue. He argued that it is the job of the leaders to find a common ground and that he is only assisting. Asked on when the Geneva Conference will take place, Eide pointed out that this is not the actual problem.

Asked what the unsolved issues are and when a result could be achieved on these issues, Eide said that it is possible to reach a result on these issues by the end of the week and added that this is what he wishes.

(I/Ts.)

[02] CTP asks from the Republic of Cyprus to reexamine the natural gas drillings in Cyprus' EEZ

According to the CTP, when the 1977-79 High Level Agreements, the Resolutions of the UN Security Council which put forward the solution parameters, the agreements between former leaders Talat and Christofias, the joint declaration of 11 February 2014 and the "important convergences" achieved until today in the negotiations between Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci and President Anastasiades are evaluated as a whole, it comes up that a distance which should not be underestimated has been covered on the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Noting that it is absolutely necessary for steps to be taken at this stage in the direction of having results, the CTP argues that the reason and the responsibility towards the current and the future generations necessitates that the convergences achieved until today should not be wasted and the climate created as a result of long lasting efforts should not be poisoned, as claimed, because of the developments especially on the hydrocarbon issue.

Arguing that the island's natural resources are a common property of both communities, the statement expressed the view that these should be used as an opportunity for cooperation and profit for both communities and not as an element which will poison the mutual trust.

The party alleges: "It is obvious that the reexamination by the Greek Cypriot side of its plans and timing as regards this issue with such an approach will create positive results, when the support offered by the Republic of Turkey on the solution is taken into consideration".

(I/Ts.)

[03] TKP reminds of the leaders' promise to reach a solution

In a statement issued yesterday, the TKP argued that distancing from the solution and heading towards creating a basis for conflict with nationalistic statements is observed. "The statements made by the two leaders after their last meeting are not giving hope", notes TKP adding that the rules of courtesy and the use of a peace language have been abandoned.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Political parties' representatives made proposals to Eide

Oguzhan Hasipoglu, responsible for foreign affairs of the National Unity Party (UBP), said that Eide should define clear the last stage and if he does not inspire it, then he should prepare a report mentioning that the UN's peace talks have collapsed.

Erdogan Sorakin, general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), argued that both the leaders and the guarantors should continue with Eide's shuttle diplomacy, and a conclusion should be reached.

Afet Ozcafer, general secretary of the Democratic Party, noted that Eide should state openly the Greek Cypriots' preconditions.

Kudret Ozersay, leader of the People's Party (HP), argues that bravely Eide should reveal in a clear view if someone stands in his way to take results and to shoulder the responsibility. He added that Eide should also make fair evaluations.

Cemal Ozyigit, leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), argues that Eide should arrange a meeting without preconditions.

Mehmet Cakici, leader of the Communal Liberation Party – New Forces (TKP-YG), said that Eide should be clear. He should safeguard the solution of the problems and this conference should happen.

(DPs)

[05] Power blackout by "KIB-TEK" caused several problems in the occupation regime

According to the paper, several schools, "health services", "ministries" and "state departments" are without electricity since May 23. The "ministry of finance" which is included into the list of the power cuts paid their bill yesterday.

Other "ministries" which are affected from the power cut practice are: The so-called ministry of economy and energy, the "ministry of tourism", the "ministry of education", the "ministry of agriculture and natural resources" and the "ministry of interior".

The paper underlines that several problems occurred during the 48 hours blackout, especially in the fields of education and health.

(…)

(AK)

[06] Erdogan: EU cannot treat Turkey like a beggar

The EU cannot perceive Turkey as a beggar at its door but should instead decide on the union's future perspective with regards to its membership, Erdogan said.

"We don't aim to break away from the EU, but the EU shall take its responsibilities, too. The EU cannot see Turkey [as] a beggar. It does not have such a right... that's what we'll tell them," Erdogan told reporters before he departed for Brussels on May 24.

Erdogan said that he would ask EU officials about their vision regarding Turkey's membership in the union, noting that the bloc appeared to favour Turkey's "withdrawal from the negotiation talks of its own accord."

"We say that if you have that [opinion], you make the decision. We won't make the job more difficult," he said.

Ankara has been doing its best to meet the EU's acquis communitaire and expects a return from the Union, Erdogan said.

The meeting aims to bury tension and set a positive but realistic agenda between Ankara and Brussels so that Ministers and officials can continue to work on practical issues, a Turkish official told the Hurriyet Daily News.

Erdogan was disappointed about the EU's failure to open a new negotiation chapter for Turkey's accession process despite a previous commitment by Juncker, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. However, the current climate in the EU is not promising for the opening new chapters or policy areas with Turkey, amid the objection of several member states.

The Turkish President had earlier said Brussels had "no other option" than to open new chapters in Ankara's long-stalled accession talks, which began in 2005 but have progressed at a snail's pace due to concerns over its human rights record, blockage by Cyprus, and reluctance among some European countries to admit a largely Muslim nation.

Erdogan stated that Ankara would reconsider its position on joining the bloc if it was kept waiting much longer and if the current "hostile mentality" of some member states persists.

Ankara and Brussels are expected to focus on upgrading the Customs Union and implementing the refugee deal if the meeting of the leaders produces a positive outcome.

[07] Cavusoglu: It is time for EU to decide on Turkey

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano in Rome, Cavusoglu said that EU membership remained a strategic goal for Turkey, although the process had long been delayed and added: "When [Turkey's] EU process started I was not born yet. It is a [nearly] 60 year-process. I am not 60 yet... (…) It is now time to make a decision".

Cavusoglu said that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would meet with top EU officials in Brussels on Thursday, and these meetings were important for the future of Turkey-EU relations. He added that Turkey's relations with the bloc is not just restricted to membership but involves other issues including migration, and the fight against terror.

The Minister recalled the refugee deal signed between the 28-member bloc and Turkey in March 2016, which he said, contributed to a 99% drop in the number of illegal migrants to the continent.

Cavusoglu added Turkey is a "very important country" in the fight against terror, as well as other issues including Syria.

Turning to Turkey-Italy relations, Cavusoglu said both countries had been affected by illegal migration and "paid a high price". "We are cooperating to solve this problem. Today we have decided to form a joint working group to fight against [human] smugglers," he said.

Italian Foreign Minister Alfano, for his part, said they had a long discussion with Cavusoglu about the fight against terror. "Turkey is at the front in the fight against terrorism," he said, adding that Italy and Turkey would further cooperate in this area.

[08] German lawmakers cancel visit after Ankara refuses meetings

Claudia Roth, a Green Party lawmaker and Vice President of the Bundestag (German lower house), said Turkish officials had informed her that the German delegation would not have access to Parliament in Ankara or security guards.

"It was thought that the visit was not an appropriate at this time, so we declined their requests for the meetings," a Turkish official told the Hurriyet Daily News on condition of anonymity.

The cancellation of the visit comes amid strained relations between the two NATO allies that have deteriorated over Turkey's refusal to allow German parliamentarians' access to troops based at the Incirlik air base. Germany, in response, warned that it could move its troops elsewhere, with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel accusing Turkey of "blackmail."

"Yesterday we received the information that the highest level on the Turkish side considers that at the moment it is not suitable for German members of Parliament to conduct political discussions in Turkey," Roth said and added: "This is de facto a rejection of political dialogue. It is a red card for the German Parliament".

Roth, a member of the opposition Greens, was due to head the four-member delegation from three parties on a May 25-28 visit to Ankara, Diyarbak?r and Istanbul.

The lawmakers were planning to meet with Turkish lawmakers, journalists, representatives of the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of EU Affairs and human rights activists in Ankara, with the Governor, members of the city council, and representatives of civil society in Diyarbak?r, along with a visit to the Turkish Parliament.

[09] French journalist held in Turkey on hunger strike

Photographer Mathias Depardon was detained on May 8 while working on a report in Hasankeyf in the southeastern province of Batman for the National Geographic magazine.

He has been held in detention despite reports that he would be deported.

"Mathias has decided to start a hunger strike and he is now on his third day", Erol Onderoglu, RSF representative in Turkey, told AFP.

RSF said it was informed of the beginning of the hunger strike by the journalist's Turkish lawyer, who was not immediately available for comment.

After his detention, Depardon was transferred to a centre run by the immigration department in the southeastern province of Gaziantep where he has been held despite a deportation order issued on May 11. "We still do not know why this expulsion decision has not been enforced," said Onderoglu.

A French diplomatic source told AFP that the Turkish authorities have given no response to requests for consular access, including by telephone.

The Turkish authorities say that Depardon was working without a valid press card, as his request for a renewal for this year had not been granted. "This could lead to him being expelled", said Onderoglu.

But the authorities have said he was detained for "propaganda for a terror group" - a reference to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - and this could lead to a judicial investigation, he added.

RSF and 19 news organizations for which he has worked wrote last week to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, requesting Depardon's immediate release. "There is no ground to detain or deport Depardon. He should be allowed to continue his work in Turkey," the letter said.

Depardon was working on images concerning the fate of Hasankeyf, a historic town much of which will be under water or risk damage in the next years because of the development of the Il?su Dam project.

Supporters say the project will drastically improve energy supplies and prosperity for the southeast, but critics fear it will destroy heritage.

[10] Two more "universities" to be "founded in the TRNC" by September 2017; Data on the number of "universities"

In statements to the paper on the issue, the "director" of the "higher education and foreign relations department", Ziya Ozturkler explained that two more "universities" submitted applications to the "higher education planning, evaluation, accreditation and coordination council ("YODAK") on October 2016 in order to be "given license" of "operation" and adds that their "preliminary license" is expected to be "approved" by the so-called assembly as envisaged by the "new higher education law".

The first "university" is called "International Aydin University". Ozturkler explained that if the necessary "permission of its establishment" is provided, the "university" will open its main campus in occupied Trikomo, while, at the same time it will open another campus in occupied Keryneia (for graduate decree studies and for studies for doctorate").

Meanwhile, according to the paper, there are allegations that the "International Aydin university" has already rented a 3000 meter squares plot of land in occupied Trikomo where it will be located.

Ozturkler stated further that the 15 "universities" "operating" in the "TRNC" are the following:

The "Eastern Mediterranean University"-("DAU)- founded in 1979

The "American University of Keryneia"- ("GAU)-founded in 1985

The "Near East University" –("YDU")- founded in 1988

The "European University of Lefka"- ("LAU")- founded in 1990

The "International Cyprus University)- ("UKU")- founded in 1997

The "Middle East Technical University- north Cyprus campus"- "ODTU"- founded in 2003

The "Istanbul Technical University in the TRNC"- founded in 2011

The "University of Mediterranean Karpasia("AKUN")- founded in 2012

The "Keryneia University"-founded in 2013

The "Cyprus Ilim University"- ("KIU")-founded in 2013

The "Cyprus American University"- ("KAU")-founded in 2014

The "Cyprus University of Social Science"- ("KIS-BU")-founded in 2014

The "Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University" ("KSTU")-founded in 2016

The "International Final University"- ("UFU")-founded in 2016

The "Ada Kent University"- ("AKU")-founded in 2016

(AK)

[11] Ozyigit warned "officials" about the bad situation of the occupied port of Famagusta

Ozyigit warned that the "port" is in danger of collapse since it confronts several problems of infrastructure and called the officials to undertake measures the soonest possible in order to avoid sad events.

Pointing out that the "people's" lives and health is in serious threat at the "port", Ozyigit described the situation at the "port" as heartbreaking. He called the "officials" to prepare the soonest possible a "master plan" for the "port and the city", adding that the TDP will continue exerting efforts for the solution of the problems at the "port" and also its "position" against the "privatization of the port".

(…)

(AK)

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