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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-06-18Cyprus 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, 15-18.06.19 Contents[A] Turkish Cypriot Press
[B] Turkish Press
[A] Turkish Cypriot Press[01] Ak?nc? gives interview to Hurriyet dailyAccording to illegal Bayrak television (18.06.19-http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=akinci-gives-interview-to-hurriyet-daily), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci reiterated the Turkish side's position that Turkey and the "TRNC" cannot be expected to abandon their rights in the region.Akinci alleged that a way out of the current problem regarding hydrocarbons could be found through international law. In an interview to the Turkish daily Hurriyet, Ak?nc? accused the Greek Cypriot side of exploiting its international recognition and EU membership to conjure support for its actions in the Eastern Mediterranean. "The Greek Cypriots are trying to win the support of countries by issuing licenses to companies such as ExxonMobil, Total and ENI. In return, the Greek Cypriots get a pat on the back. They are making a historical mistake," Ak?nc? claimed. Referring to the issue of arrest warrants for the crew of the Fatih, Ak?nc? alleged that nothing could be achieved by resorting to scaremongering tactics. Ak?nc? reiterated once more the allegation that it was essential to establish a joint committee to deal with the issue of hydrocarbons so that the Turkish Cypriots would be included in the process. He added that Turkey should not be excluded from the energy equation in the region as it has the longest coastline in the eastern Mediterranean. "Turkey is not a country which can be contained to its own shores. No one should expect Turkey or the TRNC to relinquish their rights in light of these realities. Since the Greek Cypriots refuse to discuss this issue, both Turkey and the TRNC are left with no choice but to take steps to protect their own rights," he argued. Ak?nc? alleged that it was important to be strong not only at the negotiating table but on the ground as well. "No one should expect the Greek Cypriots' unilateral moves to go unanswered," alleged Ak?nc?, claiming that the Turkish Cypriot side's goal was to achieve stability in the region and Cyprus not through military means but through peaceful moves. Regarding US's pressure on Turkey to cease its activities, Ak?nc? claimed that the US was approaching the issue from its own perspective and interests. He went on to claim that no one could question Turkey's or the TRNC's efforts to protect theirown rights and interests when even a country like the US which was thousands of kilometers away sees itself entitled to have a say on the matter. "The US officials we meet with, tell us that Turkey's drilling activities are provocative. I ask them if they tell the Greek Cypriots that their unilateral actions are wrong. Being a global power doesn't mean you can ignore the rights of one side completely and give your full support to the other. The US should not encourage wrongful steps but should support steps that will support stability," Ak?nc? added. Ak?nc? also alleged the EU was repeating the mistake it made in the past by siding with the Greek Cypriots on the energy issue. "The EU had accepted the Greek Cypriots into the bloc before a solution had been found. Unfortunately, the energy issue which could act as a catalyst for a solution is being transformed into a source of conflict and tension. International actors encouraging the Greek Cypriots' unilateral actions are only helping raise these tensions. A historical opportunity is being wasted by repeating the same mistakes of the past," he alleged. "The Greek Cypriots are building alliances in the region in an effort to exclude Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots from the energy equation. To leave Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots out of the picture goes against the historical and geographical realities", Akinci alleged. He further claimed that it was not possible to achieve stability with these alliances formed between "south Cyprus", Greece, Israel, Egypt and the US. "If this gas is to be transported to Europe via a pipeline, the shortest, cheapest and most practical way to do it will be through Turkey and Greece," he supported. "To bring up an illogical project such as the East-Med project which envisages transporting the gas from south Cyprus to Greece via Crete is part of these efforts" he further claimed, alleging that the current quagmire could and should be solved through diplomacy and that the discovered resources should be used for cooperation among the countries of the region. Ak?nc? concluded by repeating his view for the need of a joint committee to deal with the hydrocarbons issue. "This committee could operate under the supervision of the UN. There are similar committees that currently operate on other matters. However, the Greek Cypriot side is running away from all forms of dialogue on the issue, only recognizing its own authorities and sovereignty. Anyone who expects us to abandon our political and economic rights is naive," he alleged. [02] Turkish Foreign Ministry replies to Greek Prime MinisterTurkish Cypriot newspaper Volkan (18.06.19)reports that the Turkish Foreign Ministry has alleged that Greece and the Republic of Cyprus were "misusing" their membership to the European Union (EU).In a written statement, the ministry reacted against Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' demand regarding sanctions on Turkey by the EU because of its actions in the Eastern Mediterranean. "The messages given by our side at the highest level are very clear. We are preserving our determined stance on this issue", the ministry argued. (I/Ts.) [03] CHP condemns MED7 positions on Cyprus and the AegeanTurkish Cypriot newspaper Volkan (18.06.19)reports that Unal Cevikoz, vice chairman of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Turkey, has commented on the joint declaration adopted at the 6th Summit of the South European Countries members of the EU (MED7) on the issues of the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus and said that they condemned the approaches, which "ignore Turkey and the TRNC". In a written statement, Cevikoz noted that they were concerned by paragraphs 18, 21, 22 and 23 of the joint declaration issued in Malta and alleged that the style and content of the declaration did not serve the lasting and comprehensive solution in Cyprus."It is obvious that those who think that Turkey and the TRNC will make a step backwards from their just positions by being influenced by the threatening expressions, are mistaken", he argued expressing the view that the reason for this development is the "wrong policies" of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which "isolated Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean". He argued: "In order for Turkey to prevent being isolated and ineffective in the Eastern Mediterranean, the ground for dialogue with the countries of the region should be created quickly. Within this framework, our ambassadors in Cairo, Damascus and Tel Aviv as well as our Chief Councillor at Jerusalem should quickly return to their duties. Turkey should put onto the table the declaration of its Exclusive Economic Zone in the Mediterranean, by calculating all possibilities in order to make a comprehensive evaluation the soonest. The AKP government should the soonest abandon the efforts of transforming into gains in the internal policy the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue and defend with determination Turkey's interest and the TRNC's rights […]". (I/Ts.) [04] Tatar slams EU summit declaration; Claims t Turkish Armed Forces vital for Turkish CypriotsAccording to illegal Bayrak television (17.06.19-http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=tatar-slams-eu-summit-declaration) so-called prime minister Ersin Tatar slammed an EU summit declaration, saying the bloc "cannot be fair and impartial" on the Cyprus issue.In a written statement, Tatar argued that "no one would dissuade Turkey and the TRNC from protecting their rights through threatening statements." "The EU countries have shown once again with the decision they took that they cannot be fair and impartial on the Cyprus issue and Turkish Cypriots should trust them neither with their security nor WITH the protection of their rights," Tatar alleged in a written statement. He further alleged the declaration's statement on Cyprus took sides with its Greek residents and that those who took the decision do not want reconciliation on the island. Claiming that "the EU which accepted the Greek Cypriot Administration who seized the rights of Turkish Cypriot people with guns and massacres since December 1963 and refused all solution opportunities could not reach anywhere by taking decisions which leave the rights of Turkish Cypriots to the Greek Cypriots", Tatar argued further the following: "Those who attempt to threaten Turkey despite international law should know that it was not possible for them to contribute to a just, permanent and viable solution in Cyprus by putting forward a pro-Greek manner." Reiterating that Turkish Cypriots are also living in Cyprus, Tatar alleged: "We hold exactly the same rights as the Greek Cypriots. Our claims in the Eastern Mediterranean are as rightful as the Greek Cypriot side's." "Those who do not realize this reality cannot make any contributions to the solution of the Cyprus problem" Tatar alleged further. "If the EU countries really desire a solution in Cyprus then they should not ignore the current realities and ignore our rights and views", Tatar added. Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (15.6.19
http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=tatar-says-turkish-armed-forces-vital-for-tcs)
broadcast that Tatar has alleged that the Turkish Armed Forces' presence
in Cyprus was essential for the existence of the Turkish Cypriot "people".
Speaking during a courtesy visit paid to him on Friday by the "commander
of the Turkish peace forces in Cyprus major general" Y?lmaz Y?ld?r?m,
Tatar claimed that the Greek Cypriots continued to pursue an armament
campaign, stressing the need to be prepared.
Tatar stated also that both sides had equal rights and interests on the
island. "However, the Greek Cypriots are acting as if they are the sole
owners of the island," he argued.
Supporting that the "Turkish peace forces in Cyprus" is the sole guarantor
of the security of the "TRNC" and the Turkish Cypriot "people", Tatar
expressed his gratitude to "motherland" Turkey.
Noting that Turkey's second drilling vessel would come to the area within
the forthcoming days, Aktay alleged that this second vessel would be a
concrete indication that the "unilateral steps" of the Greek Cypriot
side, which "ignore the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people", would
not be allowed.
(I/Ts.)
Ozersay alleged that President Anastasiades "drew attention" to the fact
that new and different things could be discussed and discussed these
things with Turkey. He further wondered why the Turkish Cypriots could
not discuss these things and put new ideas onto the table, as well.
He also alleged that if the whole of Cyprus was in the EU but the EU
laws were suspended in the occupied area of the island, models providing
for the gradual accession of the breakaway regime into the EU should
be discussed.
(I/Ts.)
"After Turkey's defeat in Syria and Iraq, it is using the Turkish Cypriots
in northern Cyprus, which is under its occupation, as political hostages
for the forthcoming Istanbul rerun elections. Turkey follows a policy
of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem with unacceptable proposals,
aiming to take possession of the whole of the island by hiding behind
the rights of our community", Elcil said.
(AK)
Donmez said that Fatih vessel was continuing its drillings for natural
gas in the area named Finike-1 in the open sea of Cyprus and that the
depth of the water there was around 2,300 meters. He added:
"Our drilling at the moment has exceeded 3,000 meters. Our targeted
depth is to go down to around 5000-5500 meters below the surface of the
sea. We have a daily working program of approximately 100-120 meters. We
will reach the targeted point around the end of July. Of course there
is something we have been saying from the beginning. There are no
guarantees in this job. We do not have the opportunity to know what is
there and what is not there before carrying out a drilling. Of course
we are hopeful there as well. Those who try to throw Turkey outside the
energy equation in the Eastern Mediterranean realize that there is no
realistic solution without Turkey, but they cannot say it".
Reiterating the allegation that Turkey would defend the rights of their
kinsmen in Cyprus and the "TRNC", Donmez claimed that they were in favour
of a "fair sharing".
Noting that they were carrying their operations to a great extent with
local personnel, Donmez said that they were continuously increasing their
local personnel and added that they would continue their drillings with
Fatih and Yavuz vessels both in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
Donmez recalled that Turkey possessed also two seismic exploration vessels
and that Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa vessel continued its seismic explorations
in the areas licensed by the "TRNC" and area licensed by Turkey.
(I/Ts.)
"The joint declaration from June 14's South EU summit in Malta reflects
the national positions of Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration,
which do not comply with U.N. principles on solving the Cyprus issue
or the rules of international law", said a Turkish Foreign Ministry
statement.
"These statements do not have any value, meaning or effect for us,"
the Ministry said, alleging that the declaration is yet another example
of how Greece and the Greek Cypriots abuse their EU membership and some
EU countries have become instruments for that.
The statement added that it also "clearly" exposes the reason why the EU
and the EU members cannot be regarded as "impartial and reliable actors"
within the settlement of the Cyprus issue.
The Ministry reiterated further that the Cyprus issue can only be resolved
if the political equality of the Turkish Cypriots is ensured and the
security needs of the Turkish Cypriots are met. "The reason behind
the failure of the settlement of the Cyprus issue for 56 years is the
unwillingness of the Greek Cypriots to share the power and wealth,"
it alleged.
"Moreover, they should acknowledge that the Turkish Cypriots have equal
rights on the natural resources of the island," it added.
The statement also underlined that Turkey's determination to protect its
rights within its continental shelf and the equal rights of the Turkish
Cypriots on the hydrocarbon resources of the island continues as before,
and that Turkey have taken necessary steps to this end and will not
hesitate to do so.
The 6th South EU Summit was held in Malta on June 14 with the
participation of France, Italy, Spain, Malta, Portugal, Greece, and the
"Greek Cypriot administration", [Translator's note: as the Republic of
Cyprus is referred to].
"The French President wants us to withdraw from here. What are you
doing there? We are a riparian state and we are a guarantor. Who are
you?" Erdogan asked.
On the "Greek Cypriot administration" issuing arrest warrants for the
crew of the Turkish-flagged drillship Fatih in the Eastern Mediterranean,
Erdogan claimed such warrants represent "false hopes." "We chose not
to sit and watch but to struggle for the interests of our country and
nation" Erdogan stressed.
Speaking to journalists during his return from Tajikistan where he
attended the 5th Summit of the Heads of State of the Conference on
Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, Erdogan once
again slammed Macron. "Those who have the right to speak about the
Eastern Mediterranean can speak. When did France have the right to
speak on the Eastern Mediterranean? Do they have coast in the Eastern
Mediterranean?" Erdogan said.
"We are one of the guarantor countries in Cyprus. Greece and the United
Kingdom are also the guarantor countries. What is France doing there?" he
said.
He further alleged that the people living in Cyprus, whether Turks or
Greeks, had "equal rights and shares."
Erdogan was speaking to reporters prior to his visit to Tajikistan's
capital Dusanbe, where he attended the 5th Summit of Heads of State of the
Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
"Turkey is not reducing its troops in northern Cyprus," Erdogan said,
adding that the country "does not need permission from anyone" on
the issue.
Commenting on an attack on a Turkish army's observation point in Syria's
Idlib on Thursday which left three soldiers wounded, Erdogan said:
"Turkey will not remain silent if Syrian regime continues to attack
observation points in Idlib."
On the Turkey-U.S. cooperation in Manbij Erdogan said: "Our partner,
the U.S., did not keep its promise on Manbij [...] However, it doesn't
mean that we give up on the Manbij issue, we keep all our plans and we
will continue to do."
"Earlier on June 16, Assad regime forces attacked a Turkish observation
post in Idlib, Syria- with no casualties- and was retaliated upon by
heavy weapons", Turkey's Defense Ministry said.
"Turkey won't tolerate Syrian regime harassment of its soldiers,"
Cavusoglu told a ceremony inaugurating a Foreign Ministry office in Hatay,
a southern Turkish province bordering Syria.
He stressed that Turkey "will teach them their place."
On June 15, the Turkish military sent reinforcements to another
observation post in Idlib near Zawiya, which was targeted by regime
forces last week, leaving three Turkish soldiers wounded.
Although Turkey and Russia have agreed to stop acts of aggression
and turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone, the Syrian regime has
consistently violated the cease-fire, launching frequent attacks inside
the de-escalation zone.
On Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems, Cavusoglu
reiterated that Turkey absolutely will not accept any U.S. impositions
on the deal.
(…)
Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency
(17.06.19-https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkish-russian-defense-ministers-discuss-syria-/1506925)
reported that Turkish and Russian Defense ministers exchanged views on
Monday in a telephone call on measures needed to ensure peace, stability
and a cease-fire in Syria.
Hulusi Akar and Sergey Shoygu stressed commitments to the Astana and
Sochi peace deals, the Turkish Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The two Ministers also discussed regional security issues.
(…)
According to information received from Spanish diplomatic sources, the
country will extend the deployment of its missiles in Turkey's southern
Adana province until the end of this year.
The extension process will be officially announced after an approval
from the NATO.
Spain's Patriot air defense missiles have been deployed in Adana since
2015 after Turkey's request for NATO assistance.
The warrants were issued as part of a probe into the terror group's
clandestine network in the Turkish Armed Forces by prosecutors in western
Izmir and central Konya provinces.
Izmir prosecutors issued arrest warrants for 65 suspects, according to the
source who asked not to be named due to restriction on speaking to media.
The suspects include 48 on-duty soldiers who were found to have
communicated with "covert imams" of FETO via payphone.
Konya prosecutors issued arrest warrants for 63 more suspects, another
judicial source said. They had also been in contact with the imams.
Also, security operations were carried out across 30 provinces.
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(AK/E.H)
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