Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-11-13

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

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Ak?nc?'s press conference: "The federal settlement is the 'only way forward'"

[02] Tatar: "Ak?nc? is in conflict with Ozersay and Turkey"

[03] Turkish Cypriot daily on the opening of Deryneia and Apliki crossing points: "Barricades collapse one by one"

[04] Statements on the opening of Apliki and Deryneia crossing points

[05] Greek Cypriot enclaved woman was unjustly treated, says "ombudsperson" Dizdarli

[06] Ozersay briefed foreign media correspondents on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and the hydrocarbon issue

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: "The wealth of Cyprus belongs to the Cypriot people and should be shared accordingly"

[02] Columnist Munir reportedly says that Anastasiades said to Cavusoglu that he is ready to agree with Ankara to transport gas to Europe through Turkey

[03] Oktay discusses bilateral ties with the Italian PM

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Ak?nc?'s press conference: "The federal settlement is the 'only way forward'"

According to illegal Bayrak television (13.11.18- http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=akinci-says-federal-settlement-only-way-forward), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, alleged that the time had come to decide whether to settle the Cyprus problem under a federal roof or to continue the status quo.

Speaking at a press conference last night, Akinci said that the conference was not intended to respond to Anastasiades' own press conference held last week.

He then called the Greek Cypriot side to be open and clear and stated that the only thing that could reunify the island was a federal solution.

Pointing out that all efforts to date had failed to produce a settlement in Cyprus, Ak?nc? said that it was time now for the two sides on the island and the third relevant parties to conduct a healthy evaluation of the reasons for not being able to reach the desired outcome.

Expressing his view that the failure to reach a settlement did not lie in the solution model or its parameters, Ak?nc? alleged that the reasons for a settlement were obvious. "Everyone is aware of this fact. The reasons are obvious. The Turkish Cypriots will never accept being a minority in a unitary state governed by the Greek Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots will never accept the idea of a two-state solution", Akinci argued, supporting that this is why the bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution was the only formula.

Pointing out that the continuation of the status quo harboured threats for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, Akinci stated that the reasonable thing to do was to establish an agreement within the framework of a federation.

Drawing attention to the fact that the solution to be found, will be based on the political equality of the two communities, Ak?nc? pointed out that political equality has been engraved in numerous UN decisions, Secretary General reports and in the 11 February 2014 joint declaration as well as in many of the convergences reached between the two sides. "The fact that sovereignty will emanate from the two communities equally; the fact that the two constituent states will have equal status and will have equal powers and the fact that the relationship between the two communities will not be based on a majority-minority relationship, are decisions that had been agreed upon between the two sides" he further alleged.

Ak?nc? claimed that political equality did not mean equal number of representation but rather effective participation in all organs and all decisions of the federal state.

Referring to the example used by President Anastasiades last week, "suggesting that Turkish Cypriots should not have a say in natural gas decisions because they wanted a pipeline to go through Turkey instead of Greece", Ak?nc? alleged that this example showed that neither the Turkish Cypriots nor Turkey had a place in energy policy even post-solution. "Anastasiades now considers the agreed effective participation of Turkish Cypriot ministers in the cabinet as void. Second, he does not see energy matters as being of vital importance to Turkish Cypriots ?"

"In his own expression, Mr. Anastasiades accepts the concept of a positive vote to Turkish Cypriots in matters that are vital to them. In this respect, natural gas belonging to Cyprus and its transfer will be a matter for the Greek Cypriots even after a federation is established. Can there be a logical explanation to this?" Akinci wondered.

Stating that throughout his entire political career he considered the aim of a federation feasible under the current circumstances, Akinci added that is why "I wonder when I see the Greek Cypriot leadership viewing federation as a painful compromise."

"The current reunification model is a logical solution that can unite the two communities who have been living separated for over four decades", Akinci added.

"However, there is also the reality that a federation is a voluntary union and it cannot be done by force. If one side is not ready for it, then this fact must be openly stated so. There is no need for aggressive attitudes" he argued.

Alleging that the Greek Cypriot side throughout the course of the negotiations process until today, had always adopted a position in favour of a stronger central government, Ak?nc? supported that even if the powers of the constituent states were to increase, the remaining powers at the federal state could not be taken on the basis of simple majority. "This is something that the Turkish Cypriot side will never accept" he said.

Pointing out that the UN Secretary General's Temporary Special Envoy Jane Holl Lute is expected to visit the island before the end of the year to complete the terms of reference, Ak?nc? said that the question that needed to be answered was, "whether we will allow the future to be unclear and open to dangers, become the reason for new generations to face pain and anguish, or assume our responsibilities and act accordingly. Can we succeed and instead of sharing new pain in the future, share powers and prosperity? This is the question we have before us that must be urgently answered", Akinci concluded.

[02] Tatar: "Ak?nc? is in conflict with Ozersay and Turkey"

Turkish Cypriot daily Nacak (13.11.18) reports that the leader of the National Unity Party Ersin Tatar claimed that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci is in conflict with Turkey and the "minister of foreign affairs", Kudret Ozersay, as regards the Cyprus problem.

Tatar criticized Akinci saying that the fact that Akinci insists that he will not discuss other kinds of solution other than federation, at a time that the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades says that Turkey put alternative solutions on the table and when Ozersay says that there is no common vision with the Greek Cypriots, "is a big mistake".

According to Tatar, Akinci's current stance, that only federation can be discussed is in conflict with Turkey. Tatar claims that this development is taking place now, while a year ago it was published on the press that Akinci sees positively the existence of two states (in Cyprus) within the EU and Akinci did not deny the article.

"Akinci ignores the stance of the Greek Cypriot leader. We believe that Akinci must see the realities and suggest alternative kinds of solution to the Greek Cypriot side during his contacts with officilas from other countries and the UN"

(CS)

[03] Turkish Cypriot daily on the opening of Deryneia and Apliki crossing points: "Barricades collapse one by one"

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (13.11.8) in its front page and under the tile: "Barricades collapse one by one" covers extensively the opening of the crossing points in Deryneia and Apliki and writes that the Greek Cypriots went yesterday to Deryneia in order to attend the event holding flags of peace.

Also, a huge number of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots attended the event yesterday, writes the paper, adding that the preparation works for the opening of the crossing points continuing until the last time before the opening.

Teams of the "municipality" of occupied Famagusta performed cleaning works in the area, while at the same time they removed the old transmission towers which were located 1km away from the crossing points. Also, the inhabitants of occupied Famagusta who were waiting for a long time for the opening of the crossing points went earlier to the area asking to cross over. However, as the paper points out, the "military personnel" who were on duty there, did not permit them to cross before the scheduled time.

According to the paper, the occupation regime's army stood back at 11' o clock turning over its "authority" to the so-called police.

The paper refers further to the short-lasting tension which occurred in the free areas of the Republic, after a group of participants from the racist right wing party "ELAM" opened a placard saying: "barricade of shame! You may be able to forget but we do not forget".

The paper publishes also a lot of photos from the event.

(AK)

[04] Statements on the opening of Apliki and Deryneia crossing points

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (13.11.18) reports that Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in a written statements, expressed happiness over the opening of Apliki and Deryneia crossing points, reiterating that the "party will continue its struggle until a mutually accepted federal solution in the island is reached, and until this small until cannot be divided". The party expressed hopes that the opening of the crossing points will contribute to the rapprochement of the two communities and will further ease their social, economic and cultural cooperation.

Also, in statements to the paper, the "mayor" of occupied Lefka Aziz Kaya pointed out that Apliki crossing point has opened after a struggle of 15 years. "The crossing point is ready but there are still some deficiencies", Kaya said, adding that their goal is to overcome these deficiencies within the next months.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.11.18) reports that the chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan, in a separate statement, welcomed the opening of the new crossing points, describing this development as a step towards the demolition of the status quo. "Our basic target is to lift the physical division which exist in our country", Izcan said, reiterating at the same time the need for the resumption of the negotiation talks that will yield a positive outcome on the Cyprus problem.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (13.11.18) reports that so-called deputy prime minister and "foreign minister" Kudret Ozersay, in exclusive statements to illegal BRT on the opening of Apliki and Deryneia crossing points, said that this is a positive development.

Supporting that the "government" together with all the involved "ministries" extended efforts using all means available to them for the opening of the crossing points, Ozersay argued that this positive development is an outcome of those efforts.

Recalling the so-called government's previous statement that they would not accept the crossing points not to open simultaneously, Ozersay said the following: "At the end of the day, we succeeded the simultaneous opening of the crossing points. This is an outcome of the government's decisive stand", he argued.

Ozersay alleged further that they will back the opening of more crossing points if "the conditions are suitable". He claimed that in spite of their continuous previous callings to the Greek Cypriot side and their concrete proposals, the Greek Cypriot side continues its discrimination on the TRNC's citizens crossings. The Greek Cypriot side acts in a discriminatory way and this is something which annoys the Turkish Cypriot side. Besides some exceptional cases, the Greek Cypriot side does not allow to a great majority of TRNC's citizens from Turkey to cross over to the south. This is a wrenching and disturbing situation for us", Ozersay said, expressing hopes that the Greek Cypriot side will show a more positive approach against the proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side on this issue.

(AK)

[05] Greek Cypriot enclaved woman was unjustly treated, says "ombudsperson" Dizdarli

Under the title "Historic decision by ombudsperson Dizdarli", Turkish Cypriot Afrika (13.11.18) newspaper reports that self-styled ombudsperson Emine Dizdarli published yesterday her report regarding an application made by an enclaved Greek Cypriot woman named Niki Nikola Lythrangomitou Kasapi from occupied Rizokarpaso, who had applied to her because her [Kasapi's] initiatives towards the self-styled interior ministry as regards the settlement of the issue of another person living in her house remained fruitless.

Dizdarli reached the conclusion that Kasapi had been unjustly treated by the "ministry's" actions.

Dizdarli's report notes that Kasapi lived in the aforementioned house in occupied Rizokarpaso given to her by her father after 1974 and that she applied to the "title deed department" of the regime and was granted a "title deed" for the house, but she had been threatened by other inhabitants of the village and from time to time was forced to live in Limassol with her children. The report writes that other persons were settled in Kasapi's house and that Kasapi applied to the "ministry of interior" on 16 February 2016 to overcome this problem, but received no reply. The "ministry" described Kasapi's property as "abandoned" and gave permission for the procedure to advance and for another person to settle in the house, notes the report.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Ozersay briefed foreign media correspondents on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and the hydrocarbon issue

According to illegal Bayrak television (13.11.18-http://www.brtk.net/ozersay-konuk-medya-mensuplarini-bilgilendirdi/) so-called deputy prime minister and "foreign minister" Kudret Ozersay briefed today the media correspondents who are illegally visiting the occupation regime on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the "unilateral declaration of independence",

According to illegal BRT, 17 foreign media representatives visited today Ozersay in his "office" and were briefed on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side on the hydrocarbon issue and the future of the United Nation Peace Keeping Forces (UNFICYP) in Cyprus.

After completing the briefing, Ozersay also answered journalists' questions.

(AK)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan: "The wealth of Cyprus belongs to the Cypriot people and should be shared accordingly"

Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (13.11.18http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/saudi-intel-shocked-after-listening-to-khashoggi-killing-tape-erdogan-138809) reported that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in statements to journalist upon his return from Paris where he attended the ceremony to mark the centenary of Armistice Day, referred, inter alia, to the recent tension in the Eastern Mediterranean over the hydrocarbon explorations in the contested areas between Turkey, Greece and "Greek Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is called, which involves foreign companies like the U.S.'s Exxon Mobil, defining the issue as a conflict of interests.

"The U.S.'s Exxon Mobil and Greek Cypriots are holding a joint work. The U.S. gives the impression that 'You can do whatever you like except entering this area.' We have started our explorations from the north [of the Mediterranean]. We will have two explorations and two seismic research vessels. One of them will be in the Black Sea and the other in the Mediterranean," Erdogan said.

"Turkish vessels will continue their exploration activities in the region under the protection provided by the Turkish navy", Erdogan said, stressing that the wealth of Cyprus belongs to the Cypriot people and need to be shared accordingly.

"But we don't talk about distributing the revenues after all the agreements are done. The authorities of the TRNC should also be involved when these agreements are being made," Erdogan added.

[02] Columnist Munir reportedly says that Anastasiades said to Cavusoglu that he is ready to agree with Ankara to transport gas to Europe through Turkey

Columnist Metin Munir, writing in Turkish online newspaper T24 (13.11.18, http://t24.com.tr/yazarlar/metin-munir/dogu-akdenizde-sular-isinmiyor-soguyor,20812), argues that according to reliable sources, Anastasiades reportedly said in a meeting he had with Foreign Minister Cavusoglu a short time ago that he is ready to agree with Ankara to transport gas to Europe through Turkey.

Under the tile "The waters in the Eastern Mediterranean do not warm up, but cool down", Munir reports that gas will give a great impetus to the solution of the Cyprus problem and contrary to the public opinion, water is not heating up in the Eastern Mediterranean, it is colder, in the following commentary:

"President Erdogan thinks that in international relations, there is no other way but to punch the table and threaten. Lately he turned his anger to the Greek Cypriots and major oil companies. For several years, the Greek Cypriots have been parcelling out their exclusive economic zone in the sea and giving it to the international oil companies with contracts.

(?) Now eyes are turned to the west of the island. In the west, Egypt found an enormous amount of gas in the region neighbouring to the Greek Cypriots. Shortly after, in this neighbouring area, ExxonMobil-Qatar Petroleum partnership will open two wells. Qatar Petroleum is the state-owned company carrying out all oil and gas operations of Qatar.

There are two other companies in the west working for the Greek Cypriots: Italian Eni and French Total.

These activities threaten Erdogan for two reasons:

? First, according to Ankara, some regions, where gas is sought, are within the economic zone of Turkey and not the Republic of Cyprus.

? Second, the Turkish Cypriots, namely the TRNC (the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus), have rights in all the sea areas, where the Greek Cypriots have claims. On this issue it is unacceptable for the Greek Cypriots to run the show without the Turks.

The rights of states in the seas are determined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to this, the regions where Greek Cypriots claimed rights belong to them. But Turkey has not signed this Convention. She doesn't feel compelled to recognize the territorial waters of the contract and the boundaries of the continental shelf.

In a world where the thinking 'might is right' prevails instead of what is just, it is impossible to predict what happens in the end. But what can Turkey do?

(?)

ExxonMobil's partner in this initiative, which will start drilling operations within a few days, is Qatar, who is the best friend and protector of Erdogan. When Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Emirates last year declared an embargo to Qatar, Turkey sent troops there. It was the first country to penetrate the embargo.

Why didn't Erdogan want Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to stay away from Cyprus?

Why doesn't he want to be pulled out now?

There are no answers to these rules. In fact, I don't have one either, and I cannot find out because Erdogan will not invite me to a half-billion dollar super-luxury plane that the Emir of Qatar gave him as a gift.

ExxonMobil is the world's largest oil and Gas Company and is American.

I don't think that the Turkish navy should try to prevent this company's activities at sea and Erdogan will start a new fight with Trump, which he fixes with a great effort.

So what is the purpose of this noise?

Unfortunately, I will not be able to enlighten you. Probably for domestic consumption.

The issue of gas is not the same as the propaganda on the Turkish side.

The Greek Cypriots are unaware that they cannot 'eat' the gas they will find without satisfying Ankara.

If a large amount of gas is found - which is very likely - they will share their income with the Turks and use it to finance the situation of the Cyprus problem.

According to reliable sources, Anastasiades said in a meeting he had with Foreign Minister Cavusoglu a short time ago that he is ready to agree with Ankara to transport gas to Europe through Turkey.

Gas will give a great impetus to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Contrary to public opinion, water is not heating up in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is getting colder."

(DPs)

[03] Oktay discusses bilateral ties with the Italian PM

Turkish daily Sabah (12.11.18-https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2018/11/13/vp-oktay-discusses-bilateral-ties-with-italys-pm-conte) reported that Vice President Fuat Oktay discussed on Monday bilateral ties with Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, according to a presidential source.

Oktay and Conte met in Palermo ahead of an international conference on Libya, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

During the closed-door meeting, the top officials spoke about ties between Turkey and Italy.

Oktay and Conte also discussed the need to find a lasting solution in Libya, stressing its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political unity.

They also held talks on the rapid completion of joint projects and launching new projects between Ankara and Rome.

On Nov. 12-13, Palermo is hosting an international conference on Libya attended by Libyan political groups based both at home and abroad.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(AK/AM)

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