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

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

CONTENTS

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: Imposing "tariffs" serves only the deterioration of the climate

[02] CTP criticizes Ertugruloglu for imposing "tariffs" on the supplies sent to the enclaved persons and his statements

[03] Burcu on the report of the UN Secretary General's Good Offices Mission

[04] Criticisms on the "coalition government" for "granting citizenships" unquestionably

[05] Reactions on Ertugruloglu's latest statements

[06] Atun alleges that the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops concerns Turkey's defence and security

[07] Reactions against the "e- protocol" between Turkey and the breakaway regime which exposes personal information of teachers and students

[08] Self-styled minister of education: "It is only natural to use the same time zone as Turkey"

[09] Inflation increased to 10,31%

[10] Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that it supports Spain's territorial integrity

[11] KRG vote tops agenda at Erdogan-Rouhani summit

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: Imposing "tariffs" serves only the deterioration of the climate

"In spite of the reality that the 1975 conditions do not exist anymore after the facilitation of the crossings between the sides in 2003, demanding tariffs from the food sent, as if he has no other job to do, serves for nothing else than in further deteriorating the climate", argues Akinci, who describes as "unacceptable" the fact that the views of the "presidency" had not been taken into consideration when taking this decision and similar decisions, which could influence the Cyprus problem and the relations between the two communities.

Akinci argued that his demand for postponing the imposition of "tariffs" and evaluating the issue in a joint meeting at his "office" was disregarded. "This kind of decisions have no difference from shooting our own foot, at a time when all circles concerned with the Cyprus problem appreciated the constructive approaches of the Turkish Cypriot side during the process", he alleged and criticized the stance of the regime's "government".

"Unfortunately my discussions with the prime minister and the deputy prime minster on this issue gave no result", he said adding that the failure of the negotiations in Crans Montana does not abolish the need for finding a mutually accepted solution to the Cyprus problem and that as long as the problem continues, the search for a solution will also go on.

"Finding ways for the two communities to peacefully live on this island under every condition will continue to be a joint responsibility for all of us", he said noting that within this framework and especially when no negotiations are held, behaviours which cause further tension in the relations of the two communities should be avoided.

"After the opening of the gates for mutual crossings in 2003, it is true that there are no people who could be described as enclaved in the TRNC", he alleged and expressed the view that "it is not wrong to search for an agreement with the Greek Cypriot side and the UN for developing a new understanding in the interpretation of the 3rd Vienna Agreement made in 1975". "However, before achieving such an understanding it is not correct to cancel an existing practice with a unilateral decision", he added.

Akinci alleged that there was an escalation during the past few days in the "outdated" approaches of the Greek Cypriot side, which underestimates the Turkish Cypriots and describes them as "a minority". He claimed that all these should be explained to the international community and that behaviours which put the Turkish Cypriot people in a difficult position are unnecessary. "Such a behavior, especially during these days when the UN Secretary-General Guterres' report is expected to become official, benefits nothing else than harming the just position of the Turkish Cypriot people", he alleged.

(I/Ts.)

[02] CTP criticizes Ertugruloglu for imposing "tariffs" on the supplies sent to the enclaved persons and his statements

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (05.10.17) reports that the CTP issued a written statement yesterday criticizing Ertugruloglu for his actions and statements. Referring to Ertugruloglu's statement that one option before the Turkish Cypriots is to adopt the "Monaco model" [Translator's note: See Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 04.10.17, Item 6], the CTP argued that Ertugruloglu has no right and authority to create "artificial agendas" such as the "Monaco model", which have not been discussed in the "parliament" or other "organs" that have the capacity to "represent" the Turkish Cypriots.

The party noted that Ertugruloglu appeals to tension and harms the international reputation of the Turkish Cypriots and added that the threats that if necessary they will strike the foreign companies, which search for hydrocarbon resources in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are not binding for the Turkish Cypriots.

Noting that Ertugruloglu's stance regarding the supplies aid sent to Greek Cypriot and Maronite enclaved persons created "serious reaction" within the Turkish Cypriots, the CTP added: "Lastly, the fact that today only medicines, from within the supplies which were carried by the UN, could cross over to the north, shows in the most evident manner the point which Ertugruloglu's effort to raze the reputation of the Turkish Cypriot people to the ground has reached. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Burcu on the report of the UN Secretary General's Good Offices Mission

Akinci's sposekman Bar?s Burcu, Turkish Cypriot Negotiator Ozdil Nami and other "officials" participated in the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Burcu said they discussed the draft report of the UN Secretary General's Good Offices Mission.

"As stated by our president earlier, the general expectation was that the UN Secretary General would not blame any of the sides. Our request, wish and desire are that a complete and accurate account of what took place is reflected in the report" Burcu said.

He also reminded that this expectation was shared with the UN Secretary General Guterres earlier.

Alleging that the draft report did not blame any of the sides as expected, Burcu said: "However, the Turkish Cypriot side's constructive stance will become clearer and more understandable if what took place is reported openly and accurately. It will also become obvious that the negative developments were not caused by the Turkish Cypriot side".

He also added that during the meeting they conveyed the Turkish side's evaluations to Spehar on shortcomings and areas in the draft report which needed to be changed. "We also asked her to convey our demands to the UN Secretary General" he said.

Burcu also said that the Turkish Cypriot side's views will be shared more comprehensively with the public once the final report is issued.

[04] Criticisms on the "coalition government" for "granting citizenships" unquestionably

In a written statement, Izcan further said: "The statement by deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas that 'if it is needed, they will also grant the citizenship to some persons who do not have the characteristics to obtain a citizenship', is a clear proof that the phenomenon is getting out of the law. Under these circumstances, the determination of a joint stance all the democratic forces is unavoidable. At the end of this work, the north part of Cyprus will be turned into a province of Turkey and we will live the example of Hatay for the second time. The single aim of the UBP-DP government is to increase the number of voters until the April 2018 elections and to continue the order of profiteering, loot and exploitation by placing new voters in places where they lost people's support…"

Izcan concluded by saying that "history will forgive those who do politics above the existence of the Turkish Cypriots".

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis newspaper (05.10.17) reports that Tozun Tunali, vice chairman of the Communal Liberation Party – New Forces (TKP-YG) said that "granting citizenship" to Mustafa Aydin, owner of the Aydin University operating in Turkey , in one day, is unacceptable.

Tunali also noted that this "decision" is a great injustice towards the people who have been waiting for years now in the "country" and also eliminates the sense of justice. He criticized the "coalition government" that it sweeps the "law" and democracy. He called them to correct these issues and to develop a policy that will spread the justice in the "country".

On the issue of "granting citizenships" in the occupied area of Cyprus, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (05.10.17), on its front page under the title "Citizens in crowds!", reports that the bulk of "citizenships" in the "interior ministry" has been increasing. On the one hand is the process of those who are new "citizens" and on the other hand is the expectancy of those who have not been "citizens" even though they are going and coming for years now.

The paper also reports that on the one hand are those who have been living in the island (the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and on the other hand are those who obtain "exceptional citizenship" with a meeting of the "council of ministers".

(DPs)

[05] Reactions on Ertugruloglu's latest statements

Referring to Ertugruloglu's statement that the Turkish war vessels in the Mediterranean may strike the ships, which continue their drilling activities on behalf of the Greek Cypriots, Fikri Ataoglu, self-styled minister of tourism and environment, wondered on what grounds Ertugruloglu made such a statement and added that the idea of Turkish war vessels striking ships that belong to the Greek Cypriots is out of question.

Commenting on Ertugruloglu's statement that they would transfer their "powers" to Turkey in the fields of foreign affairs and defence, Ataoglu said: "This decision is a decision that can only be taken jointly by the government and the parliament. It is not a decision that Ertugruloglu can take alone. We do not agree with this opinion".

Erdogan Sorakim, general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that Ertugruloglu tried really hard to cause tension in the existing relations and added: "There is a separatist policy and hate speech in these statements". Sorakim stressed that Ertugruloglu had always supported the policy of division (Taksim).

Cemal Ozyigit, leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP), said that Ertugruloglu declared himself as a war god and added: "Everyone knows that the foreign minister has always had an anti-solution and an anti-peace identity. He was worried when Akinci was elected as president that there would be a solution, but he was relieved when Crans-Montana did not yield results. (…) Besides, the minister confirms our saying by saying that if it is needed we will strike the American companies. I cannot know how the minister can have the nerve to say such things and who backs him (…) but regardless, we need peace songs and not war tam-tam".

Commenting also on Ertugruloglu's statement that they would transfer their "powers" to Turkey in the fields of foreign affairs and defence, Ozyigit criticized Ertugruloglu that what he said was wrong, especially as "foreign minister". He added that they should develop their relations with Turkey in the level of equality based on mutual respect, but they should manage their institutions by themselves. "But Mr Minister, as I understood, is talking about connecting with Turkey indirectly and implicitly. I have difficulties to understand this mentality. In short, we do not overlap the minister, but let us have a democratic, secular structure, towards the west and let us establish good relations with Turkey based on mutual respect".

Ersin Tata, "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP), referring also to Ertugruloglu's recent statements, said that his statements had never been discussed in the party committee, adding that these statements reflected only his own personal views. He further noted that he personally did not like their autonomy structure to be depended on Turkey, but his personal view is to be two different states in Cyprus under the EU roof.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (05.10.17) reports that the general secretary of the Revival Party (YDP) Bertan Zaroglu supported Ertugruloglu's statement to transfer the "powers" in the fields of security and foreign affairs to Turkey. He also argued that YDP's proposal was to bring in the agenda the plan B and to apply "Nahcivan model".

(DPs)

[06] Atun alleges that the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops concerns Turkey's defense and security

Addressing a conference in Istanbul, Atun also alleged that the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation army from Cyprus will mean "surrendering these lands". "This does not concern only the inhabitants of the island. It is also an issue which is closely relevant to the defence of Turkey's southern borders and its security", he claimed.

Noting that water's place in the field of energy is important, Atun argued that now they are working on "global projects" with Turkey and recalled that they transferred water from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus with undersea pipelines. He alleged that this is a project which has taken into consideration the government-controlled area of Cyprus as well, "but at the same time it means very important political power". "In its continuation, this could produce solutions to the water problem of the region by being extended to Israel and Jordan", he alleged describing it as "a project of global character".

Referring to the issue of electricity, Atun claimed that they are working on this project and that transferring electricity from Turkey with undersea cables will bring sustainability to their economy.

Atun referred also to the researches for oil and natural gas in the Mediterranean and recalled that they have "given the privilege right" to Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) to carry out such researches for a period of 30 years. He alleged: "The researches carried out on land were substituted by seismic explorations in the sea. We assume that during the last months of 2017 or in the first months of 2018, a drilling platform will come to the TRNC's territorial waters in the Mediterranean, drilling will be carried out and we will reach the gas reserves in that area and take our rights which the Greek Cypriot side tries to usurp".

Referring to the Israeli natural gas, Atun said that this should be transferred to Europe through a pipeline from the drilling platform and alleged that the only way for this to be feasible is a pipeline through Turkey. "In order for realizing this, they are connected to our drilling platform and from there to Ceyhan", he claimed.

Atun also alleged that all these projects bring the breakaway regime into the "energy equation", increase Turkey's power in this corridor and move the Cyprus problem from the political to the energy axis.

Moreover, Atun referred to Turkey and the Cyprus problem and alleged: "Turkey is our main state, it is our motherland. Turkey's interests are tantamount to the TRNC's interests. Therefore, when the Cyprus issue is evaluated, we act in the perspective of Turkey and not only of the northern part of the island, and by foreseeing the next 50 years. […] They were saying 'the Turkish army should be withdrawn, Turkey should abandon its guarantees, give territorial concessions'. The withdrawal of the Turkish army is tantamount to surrendering these lands. This is not related only to the security of the inhabitants in the island. It is also an issue which is closely relevant to the defense of Turkey's southern borders and its security. Demanding Turkey to abandon its guarantees is tantamount to ending the existence of the Turks in the island of Cyprus. […] We do not intend to give concessions from or motherland's guarantees. In any case, our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said: 'We will not withdraw even one Turkish soldier. Turkey will not abandon its guarantees. We do not have territorial concessions'. This means that the Cyprus issue should be discussed within the framework of different parameters and not the current ones. From this point on, we should either take the path of recognition or discuss a new system and model".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Reactions against the "e- protocol" between Turkey and the breakaway regime which exposes personal information of teachers and students

The paper writes that the "minister of education" Ozdemir Berova asked permission from the "presidency of e-government application" for the personal data of students and teachers to be used and sent to Turkey causing the reaction of the education secretary of KTOS (Turkish Cypriot Primary Teachers' Trade Union) Burak Mavis who stated that it is not acceptable for one "state" to transfer this kind of personal information to another state. He also stated that this is against both personal and education rights.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis (04.10.17) reports that the chairman of the People's Party Kudret Ozersay, also criticized this development saying that he does not find these practices to be right.

(CS)

[08] Self-styled minister of education: "It is only natural to use the same time zone as Turkey"

Speaking on a TV program on BRT, he argued that "Turkey is the TRNC's only window to the world".

"We share intense social, economic, political and cultural relations with Turkey. It is only natural that we remain in the same time zone with Turkey as a result of these relations" he alleged.

Touching upon his earlier remarks that changing the clocks will result in jet lag and the criticisms that followed, Berova complained that there was a lot of misinformation going around. He alleged that it was scientifically proven that humans experience difficulties in adjusting to time changes.

[09] Inflation increased to 10,31%

(I/Ts.)

[10] Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that it supports Spain's territorial integrity

"Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Huseyin Muftuoglu, in Response to a Question Regarding the Referendum Initiative of Regional Government of Catalonia:

We are closely following the developments regarding the Regional Government of Catalonia's referendum initiative on October 1st, 2017. We regard the respect for territorial integrity of Spain as fundamental. It is important to comply with the laws of Spain and avoid resorting to violence in this process.

We believe that Spain, with whom Turkey has long-standing bonds of friendship and alliance, will overcome such challenges and establish a national dialogue environment through a democratic approach."

[11] KRG vote tops agenda at Erdogan-Rouhani summit

"This kind of development will isolate the Kurdish regional government," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani.

"From this moment forward, more decisive steps will be taken. As Iran and Turkey - and the central [Iraqi] government - there are still heavier steps for us to take," he added.

"We do not recognize the illegitimate referendum of the northern Iraqi regional government. Turkey shares some 350 kilometers of its borderline [with the KRG]. Iran is to the east, central Iraq is to the south, and Syria is to the west. Why did northern Iraq hold this referendum? There is no country in the world that recognized it other than Israel. A decision made while sitting at the table with the Mossad [Israeli intelligence agency] cannot be legitimate, it is illegitimate," Erdogan said.

Israel denied Turkey's previous accusations of involvement in the vote but has welcomed the Sept. 25 KRG vote for independence.

"We will not accept changing borders in the region," Rouhani said at the news conference.

"We want security and stability in the Middle East ... The independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan is a sectarian plot by foreign countries and is rejected by Tehran and Ankara," he said.

"The wrong decisions made by some of the leaders of this region must be compensated for by them. Turkey, Iran and Iraq have no choice but to take serious and necessary measures to protect their strategic goals in the region," Rouhani added.

The nonbinding referendum - in which the Kurds reportedly voted more than 90 percent in favour of a break with Iraq - will not immediately result in independence.

But it has set alarm bells ringing in Baghdad, where the government has said it is determined to prevent a breakup of the country, as well as in Iran and Turkey,

A flight ban halted all international flights from servicing the Iraqi Kurdish territory's airports last week.

Iraq's central bank eased financial restrictions imposed on the KRG over its independence vote after receiving a pledge of cooperation from Kurdish banks, Reuters quoted an Iraqi banking source as saying on Oct. 4.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, said on Oct. 4 that Russia was exercising a policy of "non-interference" and using cautious rhetoric after the independence referendum in order not to explode the situation in the region.

Putin, speaking during an energy forum in Moscow, also said it was in no-one's interest to cut off oil supplies from the KRG, as Ankara has threatened to do in the aftermath of the vote.

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