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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-03-26Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review-24-26.03.18 No. 59/18[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESSContents
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS[01] Akinci alleges that the EU became a tool for the "Greek Cypriot side's wrong policy"Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (26.03.18) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has alleged that the EU has become a tool for the "Greek Cypriot side's wrong policy". Addressing the 14th Tulip Festival in the occupied area of Cyprus yesterday, Akinci referred to the summit between the EU and Turkey which will be held today in Varna and claimed that the Turkish Cypriots want improvement of Turkey's relations with the EU, because this will be good both for Turkey and the EU but for Cyprus as well. He argued that the Turkish Cypriots want peace in the whole world and good relations "with the other half of the island"."We do not want to experience tension in our seas. We want to act with an approach by which everybody to demand their rights [and] share power, the common state, the wealth and everything with an equal understanding", he alleged arguing that he felt the need to recall this because of what he called as wrong policy of the Greek Cypriot side and the "fact" that the EU has become a tool of this policy. Akinci said that the EU took a decision a few days ago and condemned Turkey because of its attitude, which is allegedly aimed at "protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people in Eastern Mediterranean". He claimed: "What else can be expected from Turkey in an environment in which the Turkish Cypriot people are ignored? We say come and let us discuss the natural gas issue, let us establish a joint committee and they say to us no, this is our sovereign right. They say that in the future we will open an account for you and deposit an amount of money for you. Can this be such an understanding of partnership?" Akinci reiterated the Turkish side's view that the Turkish Cypriots should have participated from the stage of planning until the stage of extracting the natural gas and claimed that this is necessary for turning Cyprus into an island of peace and stability, building bridges of peace and turning the area into a sea of stability. He alleged that a peace project cannot be built on the island by excluding Turkey and by ignoring the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people" both on the issue of the political power and the natural resources. "The EU cannot contribute in this peace project by behaving in this manner", he alleged and added: "I wish for the messages which we send from here to be correctly understood. Otherwise, it is not possible to succeed by continuing the understanding that 'we took Resolutions from the UN, we excluded the Turkish Cypriots, we condemned Turkey, and now we use the EU platform and achieve the same so -called successes, we condemn Turkey in the EU, we manage to ignore the Turkish Cypriots' rights'. What will be succeeded by such a mentality is the further establishment of the division on this island. [?]" Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (25.03.18) reported that Akinci described the recent decision of the EU Council as "a new nail in Cyprus' division" and called on the EU to quickly correct its so-called mistake. Addressing a ceremony in the memory of Osman Orek, first Minister of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus and former "prime minister" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the island, Akinci wished for the EU to contribute in peace and stability in the area by recognizing the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and by not ignoring Turkey's "legitimate rights and interests". Otherwise, he claimed, what happened until today will continue happening "by taking more concerning dimensions". Noting that he will continue to struggle for the Turkish Cypriots to take their rights, Akinci alleged that in the past, instead of giving their rights to the Turkish Cypriots and of making an honorable agreement, the "Greek Cypriot administration" was dealing with taking decisions condemning Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots in the UN Security Council and the General Assembly. After every decision the Greek Cypriots were celebrating as if they had achieved a victory, he argued and alleged that the same situation exists today in the EU. He claimed that the substance of the EU Council's decision was the wish of the Greek Cypriot side to corner Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots. (I/Ts.) [02] Turkey Condemns European Council ConclusionsTurkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (23.03.18, http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no-85-ab-zirvesinde-kabul-edilen-karar-hken.en.mfa) published the following press release regarding the European Council Conclusions:"We regret the wording of yesterday's European Council Conclusions on Turkey condemning Turkey's 'illegal actions' in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea and underlining "full solidarity" with "Cyprus" and Greece. Such wordings solely based on the Greek Cypriot and Greek claims are unacceptable and create an opportunity for some other countries to hide behind them as well. The EU's expression of unconditional solidarity to a country based solely on membership status regardless of the legitimacy of the country's position shows the EU's incapacity to remain objective in the Cyprus issue. As long as this stance continues, it will not be possible to accept the EU even as merely a third party in the Cyprus issue. We find it peculiar that our NATO allies within the EU support the actions of the Greek Cypriot Administration that do not comply with the international law. At the same time, they adopt a discourse that is far away from showing any solidarity with Turkey, a country devotedly fighting against various terrorist entities that also constitute a threat to the EU. Turkey is working to create a positive agenda in its relations with the EU. Adopting such conclusions with the pressure of some member countries will not contribute to the improvement of our cooperation." [03] Turkish Minister for EU Affairs Omer Celik evaluated the European Council ConclusionsThe Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (26.03.18 https://www.ab.gov.tr/51201en.html) published the following:"Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Omer Celik responded to the European Council Conclusions on Turkey in his statements made over his twitter account. Minister Celik stated: "It is not possible for us to accept these statements made in European Council Conclusions on Turkey immediately prior to the EU-Turkey Summit to be held on 26 March in Varna. We see the EU-Turkey Summit to be held on 26 March 2018 to be a significant opportunity to advance our relations. We expect the same positive and constructive approach from the EU. However, when solidarity takes over legality and equity, then no one can talk about legitimacy. Solidarity is meaningful only when it is legitimate." Minister for EU Affairs Celik invited the EU to be sincere and said "It is unfortunate that those who said that Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration were responsible for the failure of the Crans Montana talks held for the resolution of the Cyprus issue now make this statement. We will go to Varna with constructive understanding based on sincerity and goodwill. We expect for the EU to adopt the same understanding." [04] Erdogan spoke with Macron on Hydrocarbons issueIllegal Bayrak television (24. 03.18, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=hydrocarbons-issue) broadcast that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan referred to the hydrocarbons issue in the Eastern Mediterranean and claimed that "Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus's legitimate rights need to be protected".He made the statement while carrying out a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues and the topic of hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean were also taken up. [05] Turkish dailies on Varna Summit; Erdogan will reportedly blame the Republic of Cyprus for the non-solution of the Cyprus problemTurkish daily Milliyet newspaper (26.03.18) under the title: "Crucial summit with the EU in Varna", reports that a crucial summit is taking place today in Varna, Bulgaria between Turkey and the EU.According to the paper, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet the European Council President Donald Tusk, the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, whose country currently holds the EU term Presidency, to discuss the relations between Turkey and the EU. Erdogan is expected to point out once again that Turkey's EU membership is a strategic goal for Turkey, while at the same time, he is expected to ask from the EU to fulfil all promises given to Turkey. The meeting between the EU and Turkey is projected to give new momentum to Ankara's strained ties with the bloc as it will be an opportunity to work on disputed issues and take some concrete steps. Turkey's EU path is expected to be discussed in detail into the table, the paper writes, adding that along with the Refugee Agreement signed on March 18, the latest developments in Iraq and Syria and regional and international issues, including Cyprus will be discussed. Erdogan will point out during the summit that EU full membership is a strategic goal for Turkey. He will futher underlinthat Turkey has done all necessary from its part and that it is now expecting from the EU to undertake steps towards Turkey's EU path. On the issue of visa liberalization, Erdogan will express the view that the EU follows a wrong stance on this issue. Erdogan is also expected to demand from the EU to undertake steps for visa liberalization and accelerating the delivery of financial aid to Syrian refugees. Moreover, Turkey's demand from the EU to update the Custom Union Agreement, the issue of the opening of new chapters and cooperation on the fight against terror will be further discussed. [?] Another important issue to be discussed during the summit is the Cyprus problem. Several EU officials have condemned Turkey regarding Cyprus. Erdogan will voice to the EU that Turkey has done all necessary regarding the Cyprus problem and will further point out that the only responsible for the non-solution is the spoiled "Greek Cypriot administration". The EU officials are also expected to bring into the agenda for discussion the drilling activities in the Mediterranean, writes the paper. On the same issue, Turkish daily Cumhuriyet newspaper (25.03.18) under the title: "Bargaining in the absence of principles" reported that the main issue of discussion during Turkey's-EU summit in Varna will not be focused on democracy but on mutual interest. According to the paper, following are what Turkey wants from the EU: 1) The full membership perspective to be preserved 2) Update of the Custom Union and steps to be undertaken towards visa liberalization, 3) Support on the issue of fight against terrorism and solution on the refugee problem 4) To provide the soonest possible the uncommitted help What the EU wants? 1) Steps to be undertaken on the basic freedoms and the rule of law 2) To produce solution on the problems experienced in the Aegean and the Mediterranean between Turkey and the "Greek Cypriot administration", especially on the natural gas 3) To produce solution on the issue of Turkey's foreign policy as diverges from the EU lines (AK) [06] Ozersay announces that they will lift the "customs duty" imposed on the aid sent to the enclaved Greek Cypriots and the Maronites living in the occupied area of CyprusTurkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (25.03.18) reports that Kudret Ozersay, self-styled deputy prime minister and foreign minister, announced that the "customs duty", which has imposed on the humanitarian aid sending by the Republic of Cyprus to the enclaved Greek Cypriots and to Maronites and living in the occupied area of Cyprus, will be lifted.In statements to the press prior the "cabinet meeting", Ozersay said that "they do not want the Greek Cypriot and Maronites minorities living among the Turkish Cypriot community to be used as a political material". Reminding that they, as government, have already said that they will bring an order to the aid, which has been sent by the Republic of Cyprus to the Greek Cypriots and the Maronites in the "TRNC", Ozersay added that they will take a step by lifting the "customs duty" imposed on the humanitarian aid. Ozersay explained that they will inspect the goods sent by the Republic of Cyprus in terms of quality and quantity with the mediation of the UN in order to overcome the difficulties of the goods to be sold. He further said that it is forbidden to sell this financial aid and added that they will attach on the goods labels with warnings in more than one language and will also distribute brochures. Furthermore, Ozersay noted that they will apply a modern, civilized approach on this issue. (DPs) [07] Motion to the UK Government to implement direct flights from UK to "North Cyprus"Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (26.03.18) reports that Councillor Nesimi Erbil of Enfield Council in London tabled a motion to the Council meeting on 21st March, 2018, to pressure the UK Government to lift the obstacles which are applied to direct flights from the UK to "North Cyprus". In the motion it was reported that approximately 60 thousands Turks are living in Enfield Council.The paper publishes the motion: "Motion in the name of Councillor Nesimi Erbil Many people from Cyprus came to the UK and settled in Enfield in the 1950s. Many of these people travel to Cyprus due to their family ties and homeland. Most of them are travelling to Cyprus via third countries, due to the restriction for direct flights in some parts of Cyprus (Northern Cyprus Ercan International Airport [occupied airport of Tymbou]). These travellers are mostly elderly, children, disabled and etc. These people are travelling long hours and also have to stop to change planes to continue their journey. Which means more than 10 hours to reach Cyprus and paying double fees for their journey. The above travellers are seriously affected by the distress caused by change overs and long flights. So that people are not suffering from these issues, we as the Councillors representing Enfield residents should take this matter seriously and pressure the Government to take action in relation to this matter. As a member of this Council, I am calling the Council to: Raise this issue as a priority with the UK Government Take action to implement direct flights from UK to Cyprus[occupied area of Cyprus]." (DPs) [08] AKP Deputy Chairman: "It is the Greek Cypriots who have always run away from the negotiating table"Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (25.03.18) reported the that Justice and Development Party (AKP) Deputy chairman Mehdi Eker held an illegal visit in the occupied area of Cyprus and met with "representatives" of several NGO's and with the "representative" of the AKP in the "TRNC" Mehmet Demirci.In statements to ADA TV, Eker claimed that Turkey has always supported a fair, viable honorable bi-communal solution on the Cyprus problem, accusing the Greek Cypriot side of being the side which has always left the table. Reiterating that Turkey will continue supporting and be always by the side of the Turkish Cypriots in order to be able to live in freedom and prosperity, Eker recalled the transferring of water from Anatolia to the "TRNC" and argued that Turkey will continue implementing several projects in the "TRNC", similar to the "water transfer project". (AK) [09] AKP opened a new "representation office" in occupied LefkaTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (26.03.18) reports that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has expanded its activities in the occupied area of Cyprus by opening a "new representation office" in occupied Lefka.According to the paper, after the opening of a "representation office" in the occupied part of Lefkosia, the AKP party has established an "organization" in Lefka and opened "new office" near the Social Democratic Party (TDP) headquarters. The paper underlines that the "government", especially after the lynching activities occurred against the paper, choses to remain silent against the AKP expansion in the "TRNC". The paper calls so-called foreign minister Kudret Ozersay and the so-called minister of labor Aysegul Baynbars to make statements on the issue. (AK) [10] Ozersay comments on the removing of tiles which came from the occupied area of CyprusAccording to illegal BRT television (26.03.18, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=ozersay-criticizes-gc-side), Kudret Ozersay, self-styled deputy prime minister and foreign minister, has criticized the "Greek Cypriot administration" [as he refers to the Cyprus Government] after the mosaic flooring at a school in Limassol, was ripped out after it was learned that the tiles were imported from the "TRNC" within the framework of the Green Line Regulation.Through his social media account, Ozersay claimed that the incident revealed that the Greek Cypriots cannot even tolerate goods imported from "North Cyprus" within the framework of the Green Line Regulation. "The barriers in the minds can only be overcome through developing economic relations. I believe that this incident reflects this very same thing", he argued. Ozersay also stated that the second announcement saying that the flooring had been removed for technical reasons was not convincing. "This is why the Turkish Cypriot side is insisting that the Greek Cypriot leadership and the Greek Cypriot side should change its mind-set", he claimed. [11] They allegedly need 500 million sterling pounds to "Turkify" occupied MorfouUnder the title "270 thousand donums, 500 million sterling pounds", Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (24.03.18), reported that 500 million sterling pounds would be enough for fully "Turkifying" occupied Morfou area, which is one of the areas discussed in the Cyprus negotiations as a so-called concession by the Turkish side. The paper argued that in order for this to happen, the "government" should pass the "improvement tax law" from the "assembly" and create resources for the payment of compensations to Greek Cypriot refugees.In statements to the paper, Ayfer Erkmen, chairman of the "immovable property commission" ("IPC") set up by Turkey in the occupied area of Cyprus, said that the total of occupied Morfou is 270 thousand donums [Translator's note: A land measure of about 1000 square meters] and that 365 Greek Cypriot applications have been submitted to the "IPC" for 50 thousand donums of this land. "If at the first stage we conclude these 365 files, the one fifth of Morfou's land will pass to the Turkish title deed department", he argued claiming that after this development other Greek Cypriot refugees from Morfou will get into action. Describing as "groundless" the "allegations" published in the Greek Cypriot press regarding the validity of the "IPC", Erkmen argued that the payments continue and will be intensified with the approval of the "budget". He claimed: "The court does not pay money. It takes decisions. Their execution depends on the government. It is true that there is a slowdown in the payments. The cost of the 166 decisions which have been taken is around 76 million sterling pounds and this is still waiting. We were told that these payments would be made as soon as the budget passed. [?]" Noting that 22 applications were filed during the last month, Erkmen said that 12,2 million sterling pounds were given to the "IPC" in the "budget" which is "very few money". "With these numbers, the cost of the 166 decisions can be paid in five years", he noted adding that Turkey has brought onto the agenda the "improvement tax" in order for these payments to be made. He said that during the "government's" recent visit to Ankara, the proportion of 15% was discussed regarding this "tax". Arguing that the information that Greek Cypriots sell their occupied properties to EU citizens is correct, Erkmen said that the occupied Greek Cypriot properties are one million 463 thousand donums and that applications for approximately 8% of this immovable property have been filed to the "IPC". He claimed that priority should be given to the compensation of property and added that 51% of the 365 applications filed for occupied Morfou area were completed. He alleged: "The more land is Turkified, the right of the Greek Cypriot side to demand land in the north will be abolished. Especially Morfou. It is an area of 48 thousand 393 donums. This must be bought immediately. We must start primarily from Morfou. [?] The Greek Cypriots continuously make a call for the return of Morfou. If we Turkify it the soonest, Morfou will also be lifted from the negotiating table. After they sell their property, why should the Greek Cypriots come to the north??" (I/Ts.) [12] The 2017 tourism revenue in the occupied area of Cyprus was 850 million dollarsAccording to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (26.03.18), the tourism revenue in 2017 was 850 million dollars in the occupied area of Cyprus. The paper publishes the following table regarding the tourism revenue (million dollars) the last ten years according to data by the "ministry of tourism and environment":2007 381 2008 383,7 2009 390,7 2010 405,8 2011 459,4 2012 571,9 2013 613,4 2014 679,4 2015 697,7 2016 739,4 2017 850 (DPs) [13] Erdogan calls Bogazici University students involved in Afrin protests 'terrorists'Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (25.03.18 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-calls-bosporus-university-students-involved-in-afrin-protests-terrorists-129241) reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 24 criticized anti-war students at Turkey's top university, calling them terrorists following a fight that erupted on campus over Turkey's "Operation Olive Branch" in Afrin.Speaking in the northern Black Sea province of Samsun, Erdogan said "communist, traitor youth" tried to mess up a student stand opened by "religious, nationalist, local youth" at the public Bogazici University. Erdogan announced an investigation was launched into them and said "we won't give these terrorist youth the right to study at these universities," the Associated Press reported. On March 19, a group of students opened a stand distributing sweets dubbed "Afrin delight" to commemorate fallen soldiers in Turkey's cross-border operation in Syria. Another group protested against them, holding anti-war banners. Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency said a fight broke out and 12 people were later detained. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION (CS/ AM) Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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