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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-07-16Cyprus 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-16.07.19 No. 131/19 Content[A] Turkish Cypriot Press
[B] Turkish Press
[A] Turkish Cypriot Press[01] Erdogan: "Turkey as a guarantor country has a say on the defence of the rights of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots"According to illegal Bayrak (15.07.19, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=erdogan-says-trncs-rights-will-be-protected), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey was taking steps as a guarantor country to protect the rights of the "TRNC" [the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus]."Our stance on this issue is firm and we shall continue to maintain that stance to the very end," Erdogan told reporters on Monday. The Turkish President said that Turkey's drill ships were being protected by the Turkish navy and air force. "Our drones are constantly patrolling the skies so we're not interested in all the commotion that's going on in the area. We are focusing on our own operations. What do you mean by this? We have our brethren in North Cyprus. Then we have the Greek Cypriots in the south and there are three guarantor countries. Turkey as a guarantor country has a rightful say onr the defence of the rights of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. The EU has become part of this equation but has failed to do its part. So has the UN. The biggest example of this was the talks held in Burgenstock. None of the promises made were kept," he claimed. Erdogan alleged that the EU had failed to honour its promises to the Turkish Cypriots following the referendum on the Annan Plan, adding: "While 65% of Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of the plan and 75% of Greek Cypriots rejected the plan, the north was excluded from the EU while the Greek Cypriots were made full members. Unfortunately, the EU has failed to provide the support it promised. So after all this, it's not possible for us to accept this entire racket caused by the EU. What is the EU saying now? It will be imposing sanctions on Turkey. Do what you feel you must. But you failed to defend the Turkish Cypriots' rights and did not honour your promises". [02] Tatar: Greek Cypriots should be more afraid of a hot conflictIllegal Turkish Cypriot Bayrak (16.07.19, http://www.brtk.net/basbakan-tatarsicak-catismadan-en-fazla-guney-kibris-korksun/) broadcasts that Ersin Tatar, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has argued that "south Cyprus", as he described the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus, should be "more afraid of a hot conflict" in the area. In statements to Anatolia news agency, Tatar claimed that the Turkish nation never abandoned its "rights" because some circles said some things. He alleged:"What is appropriate for an honourable nation is to search for its rights. The Turkish Cypriot people trust the Republic of Turkey until the end. Reference is made to tension here. From time to time some things come onto the agenda saying that a hot conflict could happen. South Cyprus should be more afraid of a hot conflict. In case of any tension or, God forbid, of a conflict, south Cyprus is the one which will actually lose. [?] I once more express from here our trust as Turkish Cypriot people to the Republic of Turkey and its administrators. This process is really administrated well". Reiterating the allegation that after the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus the Turkish Cypriot "people" had taken roots on the island and established their own "state", Tatar claimed that even though the world did not recognize it, they should make the world accept it, "because a reality exists here". Noting that during his recent meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci they discussed the negotiating process with the Greek Cypriots, Tatar alleged that whether the agreement would be a confederation, a federation or two states, this did not matter because "we have a separate state in the north and no power could eliminate this state". Tatar argued also that the "agreements" made between Turkey and the "TRNC" turned Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots into a power in the area. Arguing that the dream of the Greek Cypriots and Greece was for the whole of Cyprus to join the EU, Turkey to withdraw from the island and the Turkish Cypriot "people" to become minority, Tatar alleged: "As long as our resistance and determination continues in this manner, it is not possible for them to come to the table with us. Opposing views exist among us, those who support federation and their worldview is difference than ours. According to them, the Turkish Cypriot people can live on the basis of equality within the EU and without Turkey's guarantees. However, the people in general are on our side. I believe this. Our people in general think that the TRNC should be strengthened as a state and we should continue under Turkey's active and effective guarantees". (I/Ts.) [03] Burcu criticizes EU sanctions on TurkeyIllegal Bayrak (16.07.19 http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=presidents-office-criticizes-eu-sanctions-on-turkey) reports that Bar?s Burcu, the spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, said that "the Greek Cypriot side which is continuing with its unilateral hydrocarbon activities despite all our warnings has left the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey with no choice but to continue with their own drilling activities".Burcu said that Ak?nc? had presented the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades last week with a detailed proposal to set up a joint committee for the co-management of the island's resources with the aim of de-escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. "This proposal is a proposal which would have provided alternatives on energy diversity and security which the EU seeks," said Burcu. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side's expectations from the EU was to encourage the Greek Cypriot side to assess their offer in a serious manner. "The EU did just the opposite by imposing sanctions on Turkey. These steps will not contribute to solving the problem and are unfair and unacceptable," Burcu added. Furthermore he said that the EU not only did not contribute to reducing tension in the Eastern Mediterranean but was not doing anything to contribute to a solution in Cyprus. "The way out of the current deadlock and reducing tensions does not pass through punishment but through fair cooperation and dialogue," he concluded. [04] Ozersay and Tatar stated that EU's stance is disrespectful towards the will of Turkish CypriotsIllegal Bayrak (16.07.19, http://www.brtk.net/ozersayabnin-tutumu-kibris-turkunun-iradesine-saygisizliktir/) reports that the so-called foreign minister Kudret Ozersay stated that the decision taken by the EU Foreign Affairs Council regarding Turkey is a new example of imprudence that tries to ignore the will and the rights of the Turkish Cypriots in the natural wealth in the Eastern Mediterranean.Ozersay who made a post in one of his social media accounts, saying that the call made by the EU that the issue of the natural wealth in the region to be discussed between the Greek Cypriots and Turkey shows disrespect to the Turkish Cypriots. He went on to add that the fact the there was no mention of the Turkish Cypriots is proof that the EU is not neutral neither as regards the Cyprus problem nor as regards the natural wealth issue; therefore it cannot and should not undertake any role on these issues. Ozersay also warned that such an approach cannot protect the stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. "If the Greek Cypriots who are the owners of these sources can benefit from them prior to the solution, then why is the benefit of the Turkish Cypriots from them connected with the condition of the solution?", Ozersay asked. "We are making the call to extract these resources together, manage them together and cooperate regarding this issue. We have been doing this since 2011. If the European Union, which does not see opportunity in this, continues its approach [?] then throughout these summer months, we will be waving at each other from the platforms which are next to each other. Because if the EU actors will not use their leverages for cooperation in the area, we will use our own leverages through the licenses we have given in a peaceful but determined and result focused way", he stated. In addition, referring to the same issue, so-called prime minister Ersin Tatar (16.07.19 http://www.brtk.net/basbakan-tatar-ab-aldigi-bu-kararla-rum-cabalarina-katki-saglamistir/), said that as the EU Foreign Affairs Council always does, this time as well, it showed its disrespect to the existence and the will of the Turkish Cypriots. He also claimed that as much as the EU tries to ignore the Turkish Cypriot "people" and put efforts for Turkey to be the interlocutor of the Greek Cypriots on the issue of the hydrocarbons, the realities are there and according to them "there are two sovereign people, two states and two separate republics in Cyprus". Tatar also said that the decision had contributed to the Greek Cypriot side's aim of benefitting from the status quo by leaving the issue unresolved and called on the EU to pay attention to the proposals put forward by the representatives of the Turkish Cypriots "rather than taking these decisions against Turkey". [05] Burcu hopes Akinci's proposal on the hydrocarbons to be evaluated "with sensitivity" ? A proposal of nine pointsTurkish Cypriot newspaper K?br?s (16.07.19) reports that the proposal submitted by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on the hydrocarbons to President Anastasiades through the UN consists of nine points. Citing information by reliable sources obtained by illegal TAK news agency, the paper writes that the proposal provides for the establishment of a joint committee, the working mode and the competencies of this committee, the sharing of the income by creating a joint fund and the situation of the existing licenses. In the proposal it is said that the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots are co-owners of the island and have equal rights on the natural gas resources, from which both communities should benefit "simultaneously and fairly".The proposal also provides for the equal participation of the two communities in the committee under UN supervision adding that international experts on energy issues could be invited if necessary. At the same time, it argues that the basic principle that a possible agreement on the hydrocarbons would not harm the existing positions of the sides regarding the Cyprus problem should be accepted. Meanwhile, a written statement on the issue was made yesterday by Baris Burcu, Akinci's spokesman, expressing the hope that the Greek Cypriot leadership would evaluate Akinci's proposal "with the necessary sensitivity". Noting that Akinci has many times referred to the establishment of a joint committee on the hydrocarbons, Burcu claimed: "This proposal for a joint committee, which has been on the table since 2011, was prepared in more detail and comprehensively this time by taking into consideration the developments that happened since then. During this preparation, consultations with both the TRNC government and Turkey were made. [?] Our president wishes to discuss this proposal, which was submitted with the aim to create the ground for consensus taking into consideration the escalating developments under the circumstances we are in, during the meeting he will hold with Mr Anastasiades in the near future. [?]" (I/Ts.) [06] Diplomatic source confirms discovery of hydrocarbons by FatihTurkish Cypriot newspaper K?br?s Postas? (16.07.19) reports that a high ranking diplomatic source has confirmed the information published recently in Greek Cypriot newspaper "Phileleftheros" saying that Turkish petroleum (TPAO) had discovered natural gas in the sea of Pafos during the ongoing drilling activities of Fatih vessel."It is true that Turkey found something. If some things are written on this issue, they would not turn up to be false", the source said asked to comment on the information that Fatih had discovered a resource of 170 billion cubic meters in the above-mentioned area. The diplomatic source noted that according to the first findings, this information could be correct, adding that "it is true that Turkey discovered something" and that official announcements on this issue could be made by TPAO. (I/Ts.) [07] Izcan: "Separatist policies are being put forth in Cyprus"Turkish Cypriot daily Haberator (16.07.19) reports that the chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan, in a written statement said that in secret meetings in Cyprus, efforts are exerted to put forward separatist policies. "The two state solution policy in Cyprus under the umbrella of the EU is a dream", added Izcan.Stating that it is unacceptable to support a "two state solution" in Cyprus, Izcan said also the following: "When it suits your interests, you say that the hydrocarbon resources in Cyprus belong to both communities, but when it suits you, you say that the Greek Cypriot side is not our collocutor and you consider that you make politics with this, as it happen with the issue of Maras", [Translator's note: fenced off city of Varosha]", Izcan said. Izcan added further that the future of Cyprus is the struggle for a common country and a united federal Cyprus. (AK) [08] Tatar: "The government will not be tricked into a new negotiations process that will force Turkish Cypriots to abandon Turkey's guaranteesAccording to illegal Bayrak television (16.07.19, http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=tatar-issues-message-on-1974-coup-anniversary), Ersin Tatat, self-styled prime minister, in a message on 1974 coup anniversary, argued that it was not possible to understand the current situation without examining what happened in Cyprus on July 15, 1974, and before then.Criticizing those who attempted to usurp the rights of Turkish Cypriots by creating, as he said, false hopes of a federal settlement in Cyprus, Tatar claimed: "We must take steps to strengthen our country's economy and take our place within the international arena. We are just as sovereign as the Greek Cypriots. If they have a state so do we. If they have rights over the island's hydrocarbon reserves we too have rights. We do not want to have to relive the bitter experiences of the past". Tatar further argued that "the government will not be tricked into a new negotiations process that will force Turkish Cypriots to abandon Turkey's effective and active guarantees and allow Greek Cypriots to achieve their goals". "Any new negotiations process must not be open-ended and must be subject to a timetable. An understanding must be reached not to put any obstacles before the Turkish Cypriot side if any such talks fail," Tatar added. Tatar also said that the Greek Cypriot side must accept the creation of a joint committee on hydrocarbons which the Turkish Cypriot side has been proposing since 2012. [09] Turkish "ambassador" says FETO is carrying out "serious" operations in occupied CyprusTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika (16.07.19) reports that the so-called Turkish ambassador in the occupied area of Cyprus Ali Murat Basceri stated that the FETO organization is powerful in the occupied area of Cyprus and has not been "cracked" completely.Speaking at a press conference held yesterday at the Turkish "embassy" in the occupied part of Nicosia, Basceri said that they will continue all efforts to put an end to the FETO organisation's activities abroad and added: "It has become clear that Turkey has dealt the organisation a serious blow with its efforts. One of the first places the organisation members abandoned was the TRNC. We know for a fact that the organisation carried out serious operations in the TRNC at one time. We are faced with a very sinister organisation. There are secret members of these terrorist organisations in Turkey as well." Replying to a question whether there are any difficulties or obstacles for "deporting" people from the occupied area of Cyprus to Turkey, Basceri said that the lack of "anti-terrorism law" creates some problems in their work in the "TRNC". He explained that "TRNC citizens" cannot be deported to Turkey, but they are trying to overcome the problem, adding that "there would be a result through the discussions made by the legal institutions of the two countries". [10] Data on "crossings" from and to the occupied area of CyprusTurkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (16.07.19) reports that during the first five months of 2019, 1 million 636 thousand 402 foreigners have crossed from several entry points in the occupied area of Cyprus while during the same period, 155 thousand 525 people used either the illegal Tymbou airport or marine transportation.The majority of foreigners who used the "entry points" in the occupied area of Cyprus are Greek Cypriots, British and Greeks. In addition, tourists mostly Germans, British and French had used either illegal Tymbou airport of marine transportation, adds the paper. -Following are the numbers of people who entered and exited the occupation regime from crossing points: Greek Cypriots 886,281 UK nationals 148, 605 Greece nationals 76, 191 Turkish Cypriots coming from the UK 18, 826 Germany nationals 50,367 Romania nationals 55,391 USA nationals 9,814 China nationals 4,031 France nationals 20,632 -Number of passengers who entered or exited the occupation regime either from illegal Tymbou airport or by using marine transportation: Greek Cypriots - UK nationals 11,105 Greece nationals 617 Turkish Cypriots coming from the UK 5,192 Germany nationals 27,282 Romania nationals 495 USA nationals 1,367 China nationals 737 France nationals 9,486 [B] Turkish Press[01] Cavusoglu: "Turkey to send 4th ship to Eastern Mediterranean"According to Turkish daily Yeni Safak (16.07.19, https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-to-send-4th-ship-to-eastern-mediterranean-fm-3495611), Turkey will increase its activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and it will send 4th ship to the region, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday."If you [EU] take such decisions against Turkey, we will increase activities [in the Eastern Mediterranean]. We have three ships in the Eastern Mediterranean. We will send the 4th one as soon as possible," Cavusoglu said at a press conference in North Macedonia. Cavusoglu's remarks came a day after the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted conclusions on the Turkish drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. (?) Cavusoglu said that "there is no need to take seriously" the conclusion, adding that the EU knows that its decisions against Turkey are not possible to implement. (?) [02] Turkey says EU decisions will not affect its energy activities off CyprusThe Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (16.07.19, http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no206-ab-disiliskiler-konseyi-nin-aldigi-kararlar-hk.en.mfa), released the following statement regarding the conclusions adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council:"The conclusions adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council yesterday (15 July) will in no way affect Turkey's determination to continue its hydrocarbon activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. (?) As we have repeatedly emphasized in the past, our hydrocarbon activities in the Eastern Mediterranean have two dimensions: the protection of our rights on our continental shelf, and the protection of the equal rights of the Turkish Cypriots, who are co-owners of the island, over the hydrocarbon resources of the Island. Within the first dimension, it is not possible for Turkey to start talks with the Greek Cypriot Administration [editor's note: as they refer to the Cyprus government] to delimit maritime jurisdiction areas before the settlement of the Cyprus issue. (?) The interlocutor of the Greek Cypriot Administration is the TRNC, not Turkey. It is not possible for the EU to understand and make a constructive contribution to the Cyprus issue unless it acknowledges these facts, and regards the Turkish Cypriots, not as a minority, but as the co-owner of the Island. As to the second dimension, the solution is only possible if the rights of the Turkish Cypriots are guaranteed. In this context, the comprehensive cooperation proposal of Turkish Cypriots, made on 13 July 2019, which is also fully supported by our country, is an important opportunity for a solution. The EU's preference for taking decisions against Turkey, rather than making use of this opportunity and encouraging the two sides to come together on the island with regard to the hydrocarbon resources, is ineffective, unrealistic and unconstructive behaviour. Our country will continue to protect both its own rights and the rights of Turkish Cypriots with determination, and will further boost its activities to this end. (?)" [03] Erdogan: "Those who support the opposite side on issues concerning the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Aegean are being fooled"According to Turkey's state news agency Anadolu (15.07.19, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/july-15-coup-bid/turkish-president-marks-3rd-anniversary-of-coup-attempt/1532483), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing the public at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on the third anniversary of the July 15 failed coup attempt on Monday, said that no network of traitors or terrorist organizations can disrupt the unity, solidarity and brotherhood in Turkey. (?)Erdogan claimed that those who support the opposite side on issues concerning the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Aegean are being fooled. He slammed those who see Turkey's struggle in the diplomatic, economic and military realms "as simply a political fight". On the issue of Russia's S-400 air defence system, Erdogan said eight missiles have already arrived in Turkey and there are more to come. "All S-400 defence missiles will be deployed by April 2020," he said. Erdogan said this was a joint investment with Russia and that the S-400s were the most powerful defence system. (?) [04] Cavusoglu and Mogherini discuss the situation in Eastern MediterraneanTurkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (15.07.19, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-eu-discuss-eastern-mediterranean-144984), under the title "Turkey, EU discuss Eastern Mediterranean", reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and the EU Foreign Policy Chief, Federica Mogherini, discussed the situation in Eastern Mediterranean over a phone call, diplomatic sources said on July 15.Mogherini, the EU's high representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also confirmed early Monday that she had talked to Cavusoglu "about Turkey's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean". She said the EU member states will discuss the issue, as well as Iran's nuclear deal, immigration, and situations in Africa and Libya. Cavusoglu also talked to his Finnish and Swiss counterparts on July 14 on the same issue. (?) [05] Turkey continues to receive Russian S-400 componentsAccording to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (16.07.19, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-continues-to-receive-russian-s-400-components-144994), Turkey on July 16 has continued to receive Russian S-400 missile defence system, as the tenth plane landed on an airbase in the capital Ankara, Turkey's Defence Ministry said.On Twitter, the Ministry shared a photo of the Russian plane carrying the air defence hardware at the airbase on the outskirts of Ankara, and said: "The tenth plane landed at the Murted Airbase." The delivery of components of the S-400 long-range air defence system is ongoing, it added. All S-400 defence missiles will be deployed by April 2020, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 15. (?) [06] Turkey is building 137 new prisons; a total of 69,496 arrests were made since the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016According to Turkish news portal Turkish Minute (15.07.19, https://www.turkishminute.com/2019/07/15/justice-ministry-says-turkey-building-137-new-prisons/), Turkey has been building 137 new prisons with a capacity to house 88,367 inmates, according to the Justice Ministry, the Gazete Duvar news website reported.As of early July the country had 353 prisons with a 218,950-inmate capacity, the Ministry said in response to a parliamentary question submitted by Onursal Ad?guzel, a Republican People's Party deputy. In the last two years 45 district prisons were closed and 27 new facilities that can accommodate 16,500 inmates were opened, the Ministry said. The Ministry, meanwhile, declined to disclose the cost of the new prisons. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data, 318 out of every 100,000 people are in jail in Turkey, Ad?guzel said, adding that Turkey ranks third after the United States and Israel. Ad?guzel also criticized the government for awarding tenders for new prison facilities to pro-government construction firms. As of January, Turkish prisons were 121% over capacity, according to the Ministry. Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah (16.07.19, https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/07/15/over-300000-operations-carried-out-against-terrorists-since-fetos-failed-coup-attempt-in-2016), under the title "Over 300,000 operations carried out against terrorists since FETO's failed coup attempt in 2016", reports that Turkey's Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday that Turkey has carried out more than 300,000 counterterrorism operations since the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016. Speaking at a dinner hosting the families of veterans and those who fell victim to the failed coup, Suleyman Soylu said that Turkey lost many innocent lives over the years in its fight against traitors and terrorists who aimed to divide the country, with a total of 324,243 operations conducted in three years. Soylu said a total of 69,496 arrests were made against all terrorist organizations, while 5,778 terrorists were neutralized in the last three years. "We conducted 9,903 operations against the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO) in 2019," he said. "This country has suffered a lot from betrayals. Whatever you call terrorism and to whatever source you attribute it, we will eliminate terrorism from these lands and we intend to make Turkey the world's safest country," he added. Soylu underlined that besides Turkey's battle against terrorism, it has also been dealing with irregular mass migration and combating global drug trade. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION (DPs/EH) Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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