In a statement he made via his social media account, Ozersay said that he had met with the Greek Cypriot negotiator in New York and this time met with him in Limassol to discuss different issues and exchange views.

"In Cyprus for the past 50 years we have been negotiating what is going to happen in the future and carrying out theoretical discussions and therefore we have not been able to live in the now. We have been passing on the opportunities to understand one another. I give great importance to carrying out direct dialogue without proving anything to the United Nations or any other international actors" said Ozersay via his social media statement.

[06] Ozersay: "Morfou is exploited politically"

Ozersay's words came during a meeting organised by his Peoples' Party in occupied Morfou.

Also present at the meeting was the HP Secretary General Yenal Senin, the "minister of public works and communication" Tolga Atakan, the "minister of interior" Aysegul Baybars , "deputies" from the party as well as other party officials.

Speaking during the meeting, Ozersay said that political parties had used Morfou for political reasons.

"My view on the issue is that the more we discuss whether or not Morfou will be given away as a concession the further we drag ourselves down. We don't need to discuss this issue for another 50 years and waste our lives. To discuss such an issue in the absence of a negotiations process will only harm us and encourage uncertainty. Opportunity should not be given for this issue to be exploited politically" he said.

Also touching upon the negotiations, the HP leader said that the issue of maps was one of the sub-chapters in the talks.

"It would be wrong and inappropriate to discuss maps, particularly when both sides withdrew from the table the maps they had presented in the last negotiation process which had collapsed. If we insist on this issue no progress can be achieved" he said.

Ozersay added that it would be wrong to use this issue for propaganda purposes.

"What needs to be done is to further develop and strengthen Morfou" he argued.

[07] Samani speaks on negotiations process

Speaking on BRT, Samani said that "the 5 party conference which had convened as a result of Ak?nc?'s efforts had forced the Greek Cypriot side to truly face the facts of the settlement which was being negotiated at the table".

"This was made official with the Secretary General's latest report. For the first time in the history of the negotiations process, a UN report stated that an open-ended process was no longer supported" she said.

Stating that Akinci will be seeking clarification from President Anastasiades about his latest ideas and proposals, Samani said: "I don't think there will be any problems if he (Anastasiades) has ideas that could be useful, especially if he is saying that some powers or authorities should reside with the constituent states. However if this approach is aimed at removing the Turkish Cypriots from the process of the active participation in the decision making process in the new partnership state, then it is out of the question for us to accept this.

She also said that the upcoming meeting between the two leaders will reveal the true intentions of the Greek Cypriot side.

"If the Greek Cypriot leader intends to start a new open ended process, to resume unilateral hydrocarbon exploration and to continue the status quo, then all will be revealed at the leaders upcoming meeting."

[08] Arikli: "Those who attack Cavusoglu are Turkey's enemies"

In a written statement, Arikli said that since the establishment of YDP, they have been saying that the thesis of federation has been a dead end and that the time for a plan B has come. He further argued: "Now, Turkey says new things, the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades says new things, even the UN Secretary-General in his report said that new things should be said. But some circles, who say that they are speaking on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people, still insist singing the old songs. In that case, this people will leave them in the past and continues on its way. These people cannot tolerate meaningless negotiations for another 50 years. I thank personally and on behalf of my party Mr Cavusoglu, who has expressed this clearly and made it Turkey's official thesis".

(DPs)

[09] Confiscation against Havadis is seen as an effort to silence the press

Havadis had published statements about Nevzat made in Turkey by Neriman Nadir, the spouse of K?br?s newspaper's owner Asil Nadir. Nevzat had filed a "lawsuit" against Havadis in March 2015. The paper appealed against the "decision" providing for payment of compensation to Nevzat. The confiscation took place before the "decision" as regards Havadis "appeal" to be taken.

The chairmen of Turkish Cypriot journalists' union and press employees' trade union, Sami Ozuslu and Ali Kismir respectively stated that they will use any kind of "legal and organizational power" against the silencing of the press and the violation of the freedom of the press.

In a joint written statement, Ozuslu and Kismir expressed their concern about "the planned attacks" carried out against the press by various circles recently. They described the confiscation against Havadis as a "frightening incident" and argued that the attempt to confiscate the paper's computers violates "article 29" of their "constitution", which provides for protection of the instruments of the press.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Denktas on "loose federation" and the economic crisis

Referring also to the economic crisis and the difficult times that they are all going through, Denktas said that the "public sector" will receive a 22.5% increase in salaries in January next year.

Noting that everyone was experiencing the consequence of the economic crisis, he added that "the treasury was feeling the impact of the crisis considerably".

Explaining that he had told trade union representatives during a meeting held recently that they would not be able to reflect the rise in the cost of living for October, November and December in the salaries, Denktas said they are preparing the "state budget" accordingly. He added: "However still, we will be raising the salaries of the public sector, pensioners and those who receive social welfare benefits by 22.5% as of January".

Stating that they are trying to get over this difficult time through their own means, he criticized the approach of civil society organizations and the trade unions. He further argued: "There is a big reaction from the trade unions and the civil society organizations. That's why I've recently said that they were the biggest supporters of the status quo and my assessment was not wrong. They want the continuation of the current situation. There are some among them who argue that I should ask for more money from Turkey when I tell them that we cannot give more, our funds are limited. When we ask for more, then they tell us that they don't want Turkey's money or influence. Unfortunately there are such organizations. I treat everyone equally and I meet with all of them. I believe our future is bright. We will see better days".

(DPs)

[11] "International CEO Forum 2018" in occupied Kyrenia

According to the paper, the theme of this year's conference is "DFIs and the Green Economy". More than a hundred CEO and Directors from 40 countries will take part in the Forum.

(DPs)

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Ozersay: Only aim of Turkish Cypriots is to protect their rights

The interview is as follows:

"Kudret Ozersay asserted the importance of evaluating the root cause of the dispute over Cyprus, which has continued for decades without a solution.

Turkish Cypriots never sought to escalate tensions and conflict but only tried to protect their rights, which is why they should not be expected to be mere spectators during the resolution process, Ozersay said.

Turkish Cypriots are only trying to protect their rights, Kudret Ozersay […] said, referring to conflict resolution process within the Mediterranean island of Cyprus that has been continuing for decades now.

Speaking to Daily Sabah, Ozersay asserted that the Turkish Cypriots never sought to escalate tensions and conflict but no one should expect them to be a mere spectator while the Greek Cypriots realize defense and military cooperation with countries such as the U.S., Egypt and Israel. He added that the Turkish Cypriots are taking their own countermeasures with the aim of deterring other countries from trying to take advantage of them.

"Now, they're trying to make the U.S. side with them via military cooperation. What we have issues with is that they're claiming Turkey is a threat to them in the Eastern Mediterranean due to the dispute in maritime jurisdiction. They allege that they're trying to thwart this so-called threat," Ozersay said.

Deeming these claims as baseless, he affirmed that Turkish Cypriots are only trying to protect their rights and will not allow any kind of fait accompli. In terms of maritime jurisdiction and the natural gas reserves found in the Eastern Mediterranean, Ozersay said that international powers acknowledge that these resources also belong to Turkish Cypriots.

Regarding the disputed sea territories, Ozersay explained that they have a slightly different approach than Turkey.

Affirming that Turkish Cypriots are willing to cooperate with Greek Cypriots over disputed territories, he stated that Turkey does not allow any action to be taken in territories it has claims to.

"Turkey won't allow vessels that are there for excavations; Turkey either won't allow them access or force them to leave. This is done by deterring these vessels. In this respect, our policies are similar with a few minor divergences. These policies shouldn't be confused with each other. There are territories on the south of the island where Turkey doesn't have stake. We'll hold excavations there as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus together with Turkish Petroleum," he added.

Last week, the Turkish Navy stopped a Greek frigate from harassing a Turkish research ship in the Eastern Mediterranean. The seismic and drilling vessel Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa was carrying out research activity, as had been previously announced, on the Turkish continental shelf of the Guzelyurt Research Coast off the Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Turkey has consistently contested the Greek Cypriot administration's unilateral drilling activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, saying Turkish Cypriots also have rights to their sources around the area.

Earlier this month, Ankara voiced criticism against the move of the Greek Cypriot administration in the Eastern Mediterranean, inviting energy giants to bid for a license to explore in the area designated as Block 7, one of the blocks located in the unilaterally declared Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated previously that the move disregarded the inalienable natural resource rights of Turkish Cypriots, the co-owners of the island.

[…]

Speaking on the current state of affairs between the TRNC and Greek Cypriot administration, Ozersay expressed that negotiations have been interrupted. He touched upon the United Nations report which underscores certain conditions for the reiteration of negotiations, deeming it realistic but lacking in certain aspects.

"The report states that both parties should discuss whether they have a common ideas and vision regarding the future of Cyprus. Similarly, the U.N. says both administrations should agree on the definition of a rapprochement before initiating negotiations. I believe this is a realistic approach. Moreover, the report suggests that both parties should also determine how the negotiations will go on. In short, it should be mutually agreed what is being negotiated and how it will be negotiated. However, the report lacks in terms of the root cause of the disaccord; there is an ethnic disaccord we can talk about," he said.

Stressing on the importance of addressing the root cause, Ozersay stated that it should be researched thoroughly and indicated that the U.N report did not have any evaluations about the said root cause. He stated that the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tasked his representative to uncover the root cause of the issue and whether a common vision exists between the two parties in Cyprus.

In this respect, he indicated that the root cause was not included in the report for various reasons such as not to discuss the issue at the U.N. Security Council, not to take a risk or the secretary-general not willing to risk his own reputation on this matter.

Ozersay underscored that they have been negotiating with the Greek Cypriot administration to form a federal structure for almost 50 years.

"Federal partnership means having equal access to administration, political power and wealth. This requires both a constitution and a federal understanding which is ready to share. In 2004, during Annan's term, the U.N. prepared a report which was not ratified by the Security Council. Nevertheless, this doesn't make what the report states incorrect. In the secretary-general's report, it's stated that the Greek Cypriots aren't ready to share the administration and wealth with the Turkish Cypriots after the referendum. For this reason, if we're to discuss federal partnership and focus on federal partnership in negotiations, we need the Greek Cypriots to shift their mindset toward a more participative state, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also stated," he said.

Ozersay also talked about the loose federation proposition by the Greek Cypriots. According to him, this proposition foresees a smaller government in terms of authority while clearly indicating that the Turkish Cypriots will have the lesser role in administration and wealth as the Greek Cypriots are not ready to share power equally.

"They expect us to make concessions in terms of political equality, active participation, decision making and representation. In return, they want to share the authority in a different way. This approach is something we're accustomed to for almost 50 years; they're talking about federal partnership while clearly expressing that they don't want to share the authority with the loose federation proposition," he said.

Ozersay asserted that a different and creative kind of a federation model could be discussed if the political and sociological basis for it was there. Deeming the loose federation proposition as an uncreative approach, Ozersay signified that its implementation would perpetuate the vicious circle even though it may acknowledge the root cause and the Greek Cypriots unwillingness to share the power.

He urged that this matter should be discussed with sincerity while adding that both parties should agree on the methodology, schedule and consequences of the negotiations.

"Regardless of a paradigm shift, the Greek Cypriots should ask themselves whether they are ready to share the administration and wealth with us, which is an indispensable component of federal partnership," he said.

Ozersay stressed that the Greek Cypriot administration has been ruling the island like a unitary state without any concession or compromise, with certain exceptions, due to its EU membership after 2004.

"For this reason, the negotiations for federal partnership are mostly rendered hypothetical and conjectural. This is the situation. I don't believe the Greek Cypriots have internalized the idea that, despite the difference in their populations, Turkish Cypriots are their equals politically," he continued.

Asserting that the Turkish Cypriots never sought to escalate tensions and conflict, Ozersay stated that no one should expect them to be a mere spectator while the Greek Cypriots realize defense and military cooperation with countries such as the U.S., Egypt and Israel. He signified that the Turkish Cypriots are taking their own countermeasures with the aim to deter.

"I have met with Turkey's minister of defense three times within a month or two. I can say that these meetings were productive; we have a similar understanding. Greek Cypriots are allowing other countries to use their military bases in the region. Through this, they are trying to make France and Italy side with them. They have tried the same with Russia in the past by buying S-300s and deploying them in Cyprus. Now, they're trying to make the U.S. side with them via military cooperation. What we have issues with is that they're claiming Turkey is a threat to them in the Eastern Mediterranean due to the dispute in maritime jurisdiction. They allege that they're trying to thwart this so-called threat."

Deeming these claims as baseless, he affirmed that Turkish Cypriots are only trying to protect their rights and will not allow any kind of fait accompli. In terms of maritime jurisdiction and the natural gas reserve found in the Eastern Mediterranean, Ozersay asserted international powers acknowledge that these resources also belong to Turkish Cypriots.

"Let's say we have a glass of water there. After saying that this glass of water belongs to the two of us, you're deciding whether this water should stay in the glass or in a plastic cup, whether this water would be consumed cold or hot, or how much of it will be consumed and preserved without asking. It's contradictory. If these natural resources belong to the two of us, together we need to agree on the administrative processes, how it should be extracted and which international powers will extract them. Yet, you decide which company should extract it by itself, decide the share of the company, through which route should the resource be transferred and with an FLNG [floating liquefied natural gas] platform or a pipeline. This is a matter which concerns the political, economic and strategic future of Cyprus. If you're so willing to resolve the Cyprus issue, you shouldn't decide on all these matters by yourself."

Ozersay stated that Turkish Cypriots are open to negotiations on these matters and ready to cooperate, if the Greek Cypriots are open and ready as well.

"However, if you're not ready, we will make our own deals. We reached an agreement with Turkey regarding the delimitation of continental shelf as you've done with other countries. We have licensed Turkish Petroleum as you've licensed Total, Eni and ExxonMobil. We're realizing seismic explorations just like you. Now, you're saying that you will excavate, so will we. This is valid for all territories belonging to the Turkish Cypriots," he asserted.

Regarding disputed sea territories, Ozersay affirmed that Turkish Cypriots are willing to cooperate with Greek Cypriots disputed territories and also he stated that Turkey does not allow any action to be taken in territories it has claims to.

"Turkey won't allow vessels that are there for excavations; Turkey either won't allow them access or forces them to leave. This is done by deterring these vessels. In this respect, our policies are similar with a few minor divergences. These policies shouldn't be confused with each other. There are territories on the south of the island where Turkey doesn't have stake. We'll hold excavations there as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus together with Turkish Petroleum," he added.

Ozersay stressed that the TRNC's foreign policy is closely tied with the Cyprus issue while it is not limited to it.

"I'm 45 years old; since my birth, I'm entangled in this issue. This issue is older than me. For instance, I've been in negotiations with three U.N. secretary-generals, four Greek Cypriot leaders and three TRNC presidents. In terms of our legitimate rights and interests, we've an overlapping foreign policy with Turkey; we always signify this fact. However, there's more to our foreign policy. Firstly, we want to eliminate Turkish Cypriots' international isolation. Secondly, we want to increase TRNC's international visibility by joining all possible platforms to express Turkish Cypriots' expectations, outlooks, sensibilities and demands along with participating in issues the world faces. This is what our foreign policy seeks. For instance, we want to contribute to the counterterrorism efforts and cooperate in finding refugees shelter, help them safely reach secure destinations. We're cooperating with U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees for some refugees who left Syria," he s aid.

Asserting that not being recognized by other countries is not an excuse to shy away from global issues such as the refugee crisis, Ozersay expressed the TRNC's willingness to contribute and cooperate. He affirmed that they do not allow criminals who have committed a crime in another country to settle in the TRNC.

"If a criminal who has committed a crime in their own country escapes and tries to relocate in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we won't allow it. The TRNC isn't a 'safe haven' for criminals; we are always ready to cooperate in these matters. These countries may not have extradition agreements with us as they don't recognize our sovereignty; however, both the police and intelligence services have become more open to cooperate with us recently. In return, we're proving that we're a trustworthy partner by extraditing people who have committed crimes and are sought by Interpol," he said.

Talking about the TRNC's relations with Turkey, he stated that the two parties are close and direct.

"I visit Ankara as TRNC's Foreign Minister. Similarly, Mr. Cavusoglu visits Lefkosa. We come together with him in New York from time to time. I also meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I have recently met with the vice president along with Dr. Ibrahim Kal?n. Therefore, it's our priority to have direct and active relations at the highest level with Turkey instead of complaining about issues on the media to send a message," he said.

Regarding the deadlock in Cyprus that has been ongoing for 50 years, Ozersay stressed that rapprochement is possible if all parties agree on a resolution. He asserted that they are against the usage of force for the resolution of the issue.

"We have been putting effort to find an extensive resolution. We'll surely have a positive outlook on the matter; however, what we should do is to seek cooperation with all parties, including Greek Cypriots, in a peaceful manner. We have to have a modern and civil approach. Yet, first we have to create a TRNC which serves its people in the best way possible, making them feel good to be a part of it. I believe when the TRNC becomes a better state in terms of economy and administration, this negative atmosphere will disperse even if the desired rapprochement fails. Societal morale could only be consolidated with a well-functioning state," he said.

Ozersay also signified the importance of the TRNC's visibility in the international community. He expressed that he has met with the U.N. secretary-general along with foreign diplomats during his visit to New York.

"We're an observer of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). I've made a speech at their meeting. We're an observer of the Economic Cooperation Organization. We're there to express who we are, what we want and what our position is in global issues. We're the modern, open-minded Turkish Cypriots. Explaining our position through TRNC institutions, being in contact and cooperation with everyone is our ideal foreign policy," he continued.

Lastly, Ozersay asserted that Turkish Cypriots have reasonable demands such as securing the future of the island. In this respect, he stated that Republic of Turkey is the TRNC's most important strategic partner and stalwart ally."

[02] Erdogan, Trump hold phone conversation on Khashoggi

According to a statement by the presidential press office, Erdogan and Trump agreed on the Khashoggi case need to be cleared up with all aspects.

President Erdogan earlier on Oct. 21 said that he will make a statement on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi on Oct. 23 during his party's group meeting at the parliament.

Erdogan on Oct. 21 vowed to reveal within days the "naked truth" over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as Riyadh said it did not know the whereabouts of his body and that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had been unaware of any operation to murder him.

The Turkish leader's statement came the day after Saudi authorities conceded Khashoggi had been killed inside their diplomatic compound in Istanbul.

"We are looking for justice here and this will be revealed in all its naked truth, not through some ordinary steps but in all its naked truth," Erdogan told a rally in Istanbul.

The sources also said that two leaders' phone conversation included pastor Andrew Brunson, cooperation in fight against terrorism and the roadmap on Syria's Manbij.

[03] Erdogan vows broadening rights, freedoms

"We will continue to work on expanding rights and freedoms, as well as improving democracy, although some people have made a habit of distorting the reality," Erdogan said at an opening ceremony for the Turkey Youth Foundation (TUGVA) headquarters in Istanbul on Oct. 21.

Under his leadership over the last 16 years, the AKP government has never intervened with people's lifestyles and has not narrowed the freedoms of any ethnic or religious group, Erdogan said. "Those who are disturbed by Turkey's last 16 years are the ones who have lost their privileged status," he said.

Erdogan's remarks came as Turkey has recently engaged in a new diplomatic campaign to mend ties with the EU by pledging new promises in regards to boosting democracy. Turkey had convened the Reform Action Group last month after a three-year break and signaled its readiness to revive stalled accession talks. The EU, however, wants to see concrete actions in the fields of freedom of expression and rule of law along with political statements.

"Terror organizations and their supporters are also the ones who have lost their grounds in the last 16 years," he said, stressing that Turkey was on the eve of a new era.

Erdogan condemns ethnic discrimination in Diyarbak?r visitErdogan condemns ethnic discrimination in Diyarbak?r visit

"The name of this era is the Era of Resurrection. It is when the idea of a great Turkey will again be put in practice. This is of course also related with our geography but it is never about expansionism," Erdogan said.

Turkey's main objective is to defend a global system where all the oppressed and sufferers will live in comfort, peace and safety in the world, the president said, highlighting this as Turkey's main principle with regard to the ongoing turmoil in Syria as well.

"Look at what the head of the main opposition said in the United Kingdom yesterday [Oct. 20]. 'We will send all Syrians back to their country when we come to power.' Does this person have anything related to humanity? Only an inhumane person would say this," he said.

In an address to the Oxford Union over the weekend, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal K?l?cdaroglu called on all countries to cooperate in bringing peace to Syria.

"Syria and its roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, need to be reconstructed. All this must be done and the EU has to lend support to this end. Only after that we will send Syrians back to their home. We are not going to send them in the middle of a war but to a country where they can live humanly. Developed countries and Turkey have a responsibility for the reconstruction of Syria. We have embraced and sheltered four million Syrians who had not been accepted by any European nation," K?l?cdaroglu said.

[04] Giant refinery opens in Turkey's Izmir for $6.3 bln investment

The $6.3 billion Star Refinery will help cut Turkey's dependence on imported refined oil products. It will also boost Turkish refining capacity by 30 %.

"In opening Star Refinery, Turkey and Azerbaijan will take brotherly strategic ties to the next level," Erdogan said during his speech, adding that this refinery was "the largest greenfield investment in Turkey of the last 30 years."

"This refinery will enable Turkey to make $1.5 billion savings on an annual basis," he noted, adding that more than 1,100 jobs would be created at the refinery.

Aliyev said bilateral relations between the countries have been at the highest level, adding that this was quite normal for people who have been together for centuries.

He also noted Turkey and Azerbaijan showed a strong political will in drawing an energy and transportation map of Eurasia.

"Our signatures take place under these maps, which require big investments," Aliyev said, signaling new investments together with Turkey.

The refinery, which started construction in 2011, is located near the campus of one of Turkey's top-ranking industrial enterprises, a container port and the country's leading petrochemical company PETKIM, owned by SOCAR.

Turkey's total refining capacity will go up by 33 % to reach 40 million tons per year after Star Refinery becomes fully operational, according to officials.

The plant on Turkey's Aegean coast would have the capacity to process about 10 million tons per year (200,000 barrels per day) of crude.

The plant is expected to produce 1.6 million tons of naphtha and 420,000 tons of xylenes. It will also produce about 4.8 million tons of diesel, alongside jet fuel, petroleum coke, reformate, sulphur and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Turkey produces a surplus of gasoline but relies on imports of diesel, with consumption of the fuel growing by about 7 % a year and is expected to reach 25 million tons in 2019.

Tupras, Turkey's only refining firm, has four plants across the country with combined processing capacity of 28 million tons (560,000 bpd).

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(CS/AM)

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