Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-07-10

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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] Erdogan: "There is no point in insisting on the UN parameters for the solution of the Cyprus problem"

[02] Turkish PM evaluates Crans-Montana

[03] Turkey criticizes Greek FM's statements on Cyprus talks

[04] Akinci: Eide will not continue his duties

[05] Ozgurgun evaluates Crans Montana conference

[06] Turkish Cypriot political parties evaluate the failure of the Conference on Cyprus

[07] Turkish Cypriot columnist: "Everyone should take their regiments and go"

[08] Turkish columnist: "Cyprus cannot be abandoned"

[09] Havadis paper argues that an "incident" may occur due to the drilling in Block 11

[10] Turkish professor comments on the failure of Cyprus talks in connection with Turkey's gas potential

[11] Sunat Atun to participate in the 22nd World Petroleum Congress

[12] Self-styled minister of labor to attend the OIC conference

[13] Only 16 "applications" were submitted to the "immovable property commission" in 2017

[14] Self-styled municipalities association participate in the Council of Europe's congress in Ukraine

[15] Atalay has been arrested in Turkey for allegedly having links with FETO organization

[16] Austria bans entry of Turkish economy minister

[17] 'Justice Rally' marks new beginning, according to Turkey's main opposition leader

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Erdogan: "There is no point in insisting on the UN parameters for the solution of the Cyprus problem"

Pointing to the vital importance of the Cyprus problem for the security, future and economy of the Mediterranean region, Erdogan alleged that Turkey, as a guarantor country had exerted great efforts for reaching a fair, comprehensive and viable solution.

Erdogan further claimed that not only during the period of the Anan plan but also in the current process Turkey and the "TRNC" were one step ahead and had tried their best for a just, comprehensive and viable solution, but that despite their efforts, the Cyprus conference ended with no result. "There was no response to Turkey's and the Turkish Cypriot side's sincere, honest and moderate moves", Erdogan alleged, claiming that they feel very sorry for the outcome.

"After our long-lasting efforts, it is obvious that it is impossible to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem within the UN parameters. There is no point in insisting on these parameters. There is no point to continue along this path", Erdogan further argued.

Recalling the 2014 Joint Declaration Agreement, Erdogan alleged that the Greek Cypriot side has given up from this declaration, adding the following: "Turkey will continue contributing for the solution of the Cyprus problem using different parameters. We expect all interested sides to do the same. In case there is not any acceptable result, we will definitely start thinking along the lines of a plan B or plan C. Of course, we will make the necessary evaluation on this issue and share the outcome of this evaluation with our interlocutors", Erdogan further said.

(AK)

[02] Turkish PM evaluates Crans-Montana

Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Y?ld?r?m claimed that Turkey would continue its positive attitude towards finding a permanent solution to the dispute.

"Either through the United Nations or other organizations, if they want a permanent, fair and equal solution on the island, we will always continue to be constructive," he said and added: "Turkey will use international law to protect the rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and our brothers living there."

He alleged that Turkey had made every effort to resolve the Cyprus problem since the beginning of the talks and proved its sincerity towards peace.

"Turkey showed clearly to the United Nations, the European Union and other guarantor countries that it is the side that is seeking a solution sincerely," he said. "However, after the referendum in 2004, South Cyprus's unilateral full membership to the European Union actually paved the way for the present situation", said Y?ld?r?m.

"Unfortunately, the Greek Cypriot side did not show the expected constructive attitude towards a solution, with the ease of being a member of the European Union" alleged the Turkish Prime Minister.

He also referred the natural gas resources. "There are natural gas resources surrounding the island and we will never allow one side of the island to claim ownership of this", alleged Y?ld?r?m.

[03] Turkey criticizes Greek FM's statements on Cyprus talks

"It was not possible to accept Turkish intervention rights on the whole island. The dream and plan for a solution to the Cyprus problem remains alive," Kotzias said, sharing his quotes through his Twitter account.

In a written statement, spokesman Huseyin Muftuoglu responded to Kotzias, saying that Turkey attended the conference in Crans-Montana "with the goodwill and constructive attitude we had been displaying since the very beginning of the negotiation process, with the aim of reaching a just and sustainable comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue."

"During this meeting, which was the last conference, we exerted sincere efforts for two weeks towards a settlement," he said. "As for the answer to why the Conference on Cyprus failed, it can also be seen from the remarks shared by Greek Foreign Minister Mr. Kotzias yesterday (July 7) on his Twitter account."

Muftuoglu said that Kotzias "seems to have forgotten that he, with the attitude he displayed, was the one responsible for the fact the conference in January lasted no more than a day.

"The uncompromising and non-constructive attitude that underlies Minister Kotzias' remarks was displayed throughout the entire conference by the Greek Cypriot and Greek sides," the spokesman said. "The conference has demonstrated yet again that it will not be possible to reach a settlement in the absence of good faith and political will."

[04] Akinci: Eide will not continue his duties

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (08.07.17) reported that in statements on Friday at Crans Montana, Akinci expressed his regret about the collapse of the Cyprus negotiating process but added that his side was at ease, because it was the "biggest architect of the convention of the five-party conference". "We continued our effort for a bi-zonal federal structure in security and freedom but we could obviously not adopt a structure without these characteristics and we could not suggest this to our people", he claimed and alleged that while the Turkish Cypriots were submitting proposals at the table the others [the Greek Cypriots] were packing their luggage to depart.

"The luggage of the others not our luggage was ready for departure this morning", he claimed, reiterating the view that "there will be no such opportunity again, it will be very difficult to have again an opportunity like the one we have lost".

Akinci argued that in Crans Montana it was possible to create an environment in which both sides would win and that they came close to that point but the conference ended negatively and both sides lost. He claimed: "It is not the end of the world. We will find a way to live in Cyprus as an honorable community in an honorable manner. We will manage to do this".

Akinci reiterated the view that they had exerted the last effort of their generation and that things would be much more difficult for the ones to come, noting that it was the previous generations that led Cyprus to this situation.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ozgurgun evaluates Crans Montana conference

"The UN parameters that we believe in are a federation that is bi-communal. There is has equality and two states. However, these were not received well or reciprocated at the talks", said Ozgurgun and alleged that the time had come for the UN to also accept that these parameters did not for Cyprus and declare this fact.

Claiming that in order for the "country" to develop a vision, it was necessary to believe in the he said: "Thinking that if there is no agreement nothing is possible in the country is just a waste of time".

He said that entrepreneurs and well educated Turkish Cypriots deserve the same rights as Greek Cypriots, Ozgurgun added that the Turkish Cypriot people wished to live in a federal structure with equal status as Greek Cypriots.

He alleged that the Turkish Cypriot people had always approved a just solution to the Cyprus problem and had proven this by voting in favour of the Annan plan in 2004.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (10.07.17) reports that Ozgurgun alleged that the Greek Cypriot side has accepted neither the political equality of the two "peoples", nor the establishment of two founding states. He also stated that reaching this point after 48 years of negotiation means that was time to leave the negotiating table.

He added that the time had come for the Turkish Cypriots to follow their own path and alleged that the issues of security and peace were the most important issues. He also said that the guarantees of "motherland Turkey" were red lines for them and that they would not allow the withdrawnal of a single Turkish soldier.

[06] Turkish Cypriot political parties evaluate the failure of the Conference on Cyprus

Tahsin Ertugruloglu, self-styled foreign minister, argued that the efforts to establish a federation within the UN good offices mission parameters had reached an end, adding: "As good neighbours, we should find new ways to live side by side in peace. In a written statement, Ertugruloglu alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey had exhibited a well-intentioned and in every way constructive stance. He claimed that the reason of the failure was the Greek Cypriot side's refusal to share authority on the basis of political equality with the Turkish Cypriots. He further claimed that "this is not the time to apportion blame but rather the time to face the realities on the ground and as the 50-year-long negotiation process has shown beyond doubt, that the respective positions and the visions of the two sides on the resolution of the Cyprus issue are diametrically opposed, a whole new approach must be adopted particularly by the international community regarding the peaceful co-existence of the two peoples on a side-by-side basis".

On the same issue, the leader of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan said that the failure of the Conference on Cyprus may create serious tensions calling on both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides to be calm. Commenting on Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's statement that this was the last conference on Cyprus, Izcan said that such statements included danger and no one would benefit by seeking new "adventures".

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (08.07.17) reports that the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhurman said that the desired result from the Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, did not come about. He added that despite the outcome, they would not be overwhelmed with sadness, would not confine themselves to complaints and would not be conformists. He further said that they should evaluate the results rationally and calmly. He concluded by saying that they should try more than in the past to safeguard a future within peace for their children.

(DPs)

[07] Turkish Cypriot columnist: "Everyone should take their regiments and go"

"The Turkish and Greek regiments and the British have been making fun of us for the past 50 years. They spend millions and destroy our lives so that Cypriots do not make peace. And this is why UNSG Antonio Guterres said recently in Crans Montana that 'everyone did everything they could but there was no result, […]. It is absolutely for this reason that he did not say that this issue collapsed because of the guarantors. Because the UN has lost its influence and esteem before the world problems. […]

[…] I want to refer to president Mustafa Akinci. He came in front of the cameras and said 'we did everything, think what we wanted, it is not correct that this issue collapsed because of the army and security'. Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades, however, had accepted our only precondition, the rotating presidency. That is, Akinci has sacrificed us all to the propaganda he established from the very beginning. From the very beginning, he has put on the table that he possesses surveys, that the Turkish Cypriots want Turkey's active and effective guarantees and that they will not say 'yes' without these. That is, from the very beginning, he has followed a road in the control of Turkey in order for this job not to happen. Which was the survey that they put on the table? What kind of question had been asked in this survey? For example, had the Turkish Cypriots been offered a more modern formula in which they would feel secure instead of Turkey's active and effective guarantees? No, never! Mr Akinci […] said also the following in the same speech: 'The negotiations took time, now we will exert more effort for the internal problems, we will try to strengthen our ties with the world'. Wow! Look at Akinci, as if he is not the same man who had made the general to tremble! The only thing left for him to do is to say in tears that we will have the TRNC recognized together with Turkey! Let us cry! Turkey's Cavusoglu was in the same spirit with Mr Akinci. He even went a step further by saying that 'the UN parameters collapsed'. That is, he said, that the values which the international community accepts have been razed to the ground. That is, he said, that they have no such worry as Cyprus' territorial integrity and that Erdogan, Yildirim and Akinci will determine the way to follow from now on. In any case, the Cypriots' will is out of the question. Very well, how come Turkey garnishes Cyprus' division while it says that Iraq's and Syria's territorial integrity must be preserved in order for a Kurdistan not to be established? […] And in this game we saw that Turkey, with the West's support, opposes to a federal solution in Cyprus. It is obvious that they can get nowhere by accusing the Greek Cypriot side because no one will support Turkey which shouts that 'I will maintain troops' on the island in such a period. […] If you have the courage, you should go to a referendum and ask us whether we want Turkey's, Greece's and Britain's guarantees. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[08] Turkish columnist: "Cyprus cannot be abandoned"

According to Ortayli, the second important factor, which necessitates Turkey's presence in the area, is Israel's interest in the wealth around Cyprus. He notes that Israel has "an important military force" and technologically is the most advanced element in the area. The third reason is that they cannot leave "unattended" an area of conflict such as Syria.

Noting that the Greek Cypriots wanted to demilitarize the whole island, the columnist writes:

"However, even if we change this area, the number and the composition of the refugees, it is not possible to keep it out of military control. No one accepts this. Even the former colonial power which evacuated that place did not accept this and kept bases. We must also have unseen bases there. Now we do not know what will happen. Say that the two communities of the island were unified, we withdrew and left the local Turks side by side with the inhabitants of the south. Do you have any proof as regards the picture which will come up? Therefore, these are things which will be established only with time and with observation. […] It is very important for Cyprus to live as a cosmopolitan island and a place of transport. […] The Eastern Mediterranean culture is a colorful culture and Cyprus' Hellenic element is not the only ingredient of this culture […]. Why should we accept that the island will only become Hellenic and European? […]

There is a Turkish element in Cyprus. It is said that this Turkish element feels antipathy towards Turkey because of the population which had been established there afterwards. These rumors may be exaggerated. Even if they are not exaggerated, the measures to be taken are evident. First we must ensure tranquility among ourselves. Before the others, we must ensure the balance of the population established on the island. Except for these, there are also 15,000 Turkish emigrants from Bulgaria who came to Cyprus. […] Therefore, it is evident that we have to adjust our policies in Cyprus".

(I/Ts.)

[09] Havadis paper argues that an "incident" may occur due to the drilling in Block 11

The drillship "West Capella", which will carry out the drilling in Blok 11 on behalf of French Total in consortium with Italian Eni, passed Rodos island and is on its way to Cyprus within a day distance. It will be in the Block on July 11 and on July 13 it will carry out a drilling test. According to the paper, the drilling will officially start on July 16.

Meanwhile, the paper further reports that when it first reported on the launching of drilling by Total in Block 11, Turkey's Energy Ministry immediately announced that it would also carry out exploring and drilling in the Mediterranean sea within 2017.

Claiming that Block 11 is not part of the area, where the Turkish Cypriot side claims to have rights and the fact that Block 11 is in the open sea, the paper argues that these reasons remove the obstacles for sending Turkish war vessels to the area and that the Greek Cypriot side concerned about this.

(DPs)

[10] Turkish professor comments on the failure of Cyprus talks in connection with Turkey's gas 'potential

[…]

"Israel looks forward to getting opportunities to sell its gas. Going to Egypt is not an option, as it has its own new discoveries. The European and Turkish markets are attractive for Israeli gas. Building a pipeline from the field directly to Greece is not feasible, but bringing it first to Turkey and coupling it with the Turkish grid is an attractive option. This brings another source", he stated.

Asked if the failure on Cyprus talks could create a problem on this issue, he replied as follows:

"The Cyprus problem does not hinder the building of a pipeline from international waters off Cyprus directly to Turkey. I've spoken to Israeli counterparts and different experts in international maritime law and they say the Greek Cypriots cannot legally hinder this."

[11] Sunat Atun to participate in the 22nd World Petroleum Congress

The congress titled 'Bridges to our Energy Future' is taking place at the Istanbul Congress Centre and will continue until the 13th of July.

The Turkish Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Berat Albayrak organized the 5 day congress.

Self-styled minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun is taking part in the congress.

"Atun is being accompanied by his undersecretary Emin Bilgen, Private Secretary Hurside Baybora, President of the Board of Directors of K?b-Tek Hasan Cetin Ercen and K?b-Tek Director Gurcan Erdogan".

[12] Self-styled minister of labor to attend the OIC conference

Prominent issues topping the agenda include countering terrorism, extremism and Islamophobia, and the latest developments on the regional and international scenes. The meeting which is taking place in Abidjan is being attended by the "minister of labor and social security" Hamza Ersan Saner.

Saner is being accompanied by Hasan Varoglu from the "foreign ministry" and Ahmet Orun who is his press advisor.

The OIC Foreign Ministers meeting in the Ivory Coast will last for 2 days.

[13] Only 16 "applications" were submitted to the "immovable property commission" in 2017

According to the paper, there is decrease of 68% if compared with last year. The applications to the "committee" had been dramatically reduced. The number of Greek Cypriot applications to the "committee", since its "establishment" in 2006, has reached 6,327. 15,83% of them were solved, writes the paper, while 5, 324 cases were suspended.

(AK)

[14] Self-styled municipalities association participated in Council of Europe's congress in Ukraine

According to a statement released by the "association", they took part in the monitoring committee meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

Making a statement during the meeting the head of "association" and "mayor" of occupied Geunyeli Ahmet Benli "called for the Turkish Cypriot local administrations to be monitored, inspected and guided".

The council said that they would take this request into consideration.

Benli's speech was for the first time included in the official agenda and his speech was circulated in 46 different countries, according to Bayrak.

[15] Atalay has been arrested in Turkey for allegedly having links with FETO organization

Invoking reliable sources from Turkey, the paper writes that Atalay has been arrested during an operation held in Diyarbakir and was later transferred to Mersin to be interrogated.

(AK)

[16] Austria bans entry of Turkish economy minister

"I can confirm that [Austrian] Foreign Minister [Sebastian] Kurz has in fact forbidden the Turkish economy minister from entering the country," the spokesperson said.

Last week, the Netherlands also banned Deputy Prime Minister Tugrul Turkes from attending a similar event in the country to commemorate the failed coup with Turkish citizens living in the country.

[17] 'Justice Rally' marks new beginning, Turkey's main opposition leader says

"Everyone should know this very well. July 9 is a new step. It's a new climate, a new history, a new birth," K?l?cdaroglu said during the "Justice Rally" in Istanbul's Maltepe district, which brought together hundreds of thousands of people.

"The final day of the 'justice march' is a new beginning and a new step. It's not the end of a march. It's a day of peace and a joint will for life," he said.

The CHP, under the leadership of K?l?cdaroglu, launched its march from Ankara on June 15 after its Istanbul deputy Enis Berberoglu was sentenced to 25 years in prison on June 14 on charges of providing daily Cumhuriyet with video footage purporting to show weapons-loaded National Intelligence Agency (MIT) trucks heading to Syria.

The march was initially planned to end in front of Maltepe Prison, where Berberoglu is held, but the party decided to hold a large rally instead.

During his speech, K?l?cdaroglu said they had carried out "the most peaceful political act in history."

"We walked for nonexistent justice. We walked for the rights of victims, jailed lawmakers and journalists […]", he said.

He described the post-coup attempt measures, which came with the state of emergency declared on July 20, 2016, as "the July 20 civil coup." After walking for a total of 450 kilometers from Ankara to Istanbul, the 69-year-old K?l?cdaroglu walked alone for the final kilometer of the "justice march."

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