Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-10-21

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Erhurman explains CTP's "three-leg vision"

[02] Tacoy: We will continue the drillings until we obtain a result"

[03] Tatar: "If an agreement is to be reached in Cyprus, this should be based not on political equality but on sovereign equality"

[04] Objection by the Turkish "embassy" to the "regulation on residence and visas"

[05] UBP, CTP and DP increased their percentages, shows a public opinion poll

[06] Developments regarding "presidential elections" to affect the so-called government

[07] Arikli supports that the forthcoming "presidential elections" would be a race between federalists and the supporters of a two-state solution

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan says "they will know the Turkish nation as they did before in Cyprus"

[02] Cavusoglu: "Turkey to resume operation if YPG/PKK does not withdraw in 35 hours"

[03] Turkish FM strongly denies use of chemical weapons during Syria operation

---

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Erhurman explains CTP's "three-leg vision"

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni D?zen (21.10.19) reports that Tufan Erhurman, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has stated that during the forthcoming period, his party would follow a "three-leg road map" or "a three-leg vision", which consists of: 1) finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem the soonest, 2) a proactive foreign policy and 3) the creation of an economy which stands on its own feet.

In statements to illegal TAK news agency, Erhurman argued that since 1970, the CTP had been following a policy for finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem based on federation. He further noted that this approach was based on the conclusion that this was the attainable solution under the current conditions, because the UN had always searched for a federal solution, something which created an accumulation within ten years, both as regards the UN parameters and the agreements reached between the leaders during the negotiations.

Erhurman said also that if a solution was to be found to the Cyprus problem, this would happen through negotiations. He argued that there was not any aspect of the Cyprus problem which had not been discussed and that it was clearly seen where the sides could agree and where they could not. Therefore, he added, after Crans Montana the CTP supports that if the negotiations will resume, it would not be correct to resume a new process similar to the previous ones and that this process should be result oriented and not open-ended.

Erhurman also alleged that by putting forward new concepts, President Anastasiades "attempted to cause confusion" and gain time "to spoil the positive climate and the moral advantage obtained by the Turkish side after Crans Montana".

Explaining the "proactive foreign policy" which his party plans to follow, Erhurman gave as example the Annan Plan period and the establishment of the "Immovable Property Commission", which, he argued, the Turkish Cypriot side unilaterally established in a manner that made use of the European Convention on Human Rights, by holding direct contacts with international organizations and with Turkey's "serious aid". Arguing that with this step they secured the "much stronger defense" of the Turkish Cypriot positions at the negotiating table, Erhurman claimed that if the negotiations entered into deadlock now the Turkish Cypriot side could take unilateral steps in consultation with international organizations, such as the opening of the occupied fenced-off city of Varosha and other issues through confidence building measures.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Tacoy: We will continue the drillings until we obtain a result"

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (21.10.19) reports that the so-called minister of economy and energy Hasan Tacoy stated that they will continue their drillings in the Eastern Mediterranean until they obtain a result.

He made these statements speaking at a conference in the University of Kastamonu of Turkey. "If there is natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean, and there is natural gas, we will find it", he stated. He also said that they will made a drilling up to a 5,500 meters depth in plot 7 of Cyprus 's exclusive economic zone and added that the most logical rout of transferring natural gas from the Mediterranean to Europe is through Turkey.

Referring to the Turkish operation in Syria, Tacoy stated that they observe with pride the determination that Turkey "and all their nation" showed, as he stated, to the operation. "We saw that all the world realize that Turkey was right", he stated. He also said that they tried to explain this right and also how right Turkey was in 1974 to intervene after the coup d'?tat in Cyprus. "We hope that they will understand it now [?]" he said, adding that Turkey's action gave a free area to the Turks living in Cyprus.

(CS)

[03] Tatar: "If an agreement is to be reached in Cyprus, this should be based not on political equality but on sovereign equality"

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (19.10.19) reported that so-called prime minister Ersin Tatar, speaking to a radio channel in the occupied area of Cyprus, alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side realizes in a different way a federal solution in Cyprus than the Greek Cypriot side does. "For this reason, if an agreement is to be reached in Cyprus, this should be based not on the political equality but on the sovereign equality of the two sides", Tatar claimed.

Referring to the so-called violation of the "Turkish airspace" by three Greek fighter jets which took place as he said the other day within the framework of exercises conducted by the Greek Cypriot side and Greece, Tatar said that they have already expressed their reaction over this incident. He went on accusing the Greek Cypriot side of spending money for armament, claiming that its purpose is not defense but attack.

Tatar condemned further the Greek Cypriot side for its "unilateral activities in the Eastern Mediterranean", alleging that "it is inevitable for the TRNC to cooperate with the Turkish Republic in order to safeguard the Turkish Cypriot people's rights and interests".

Asked to reply whether he would be "candidate" in the forthcoming "presidential elections" to take place in the occupied area of Cyprus, Tatar stated the following: "Presidency is an important authority, I don't have such thoughts right now. As government, we have many things to do. However, I would act taking into consideration the current developments and my party", Tatar said. (?)

(AK)

[04] Objection by the Turkish "embassy" to the "regulation on residence and visas"

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kibris(21.10.19) reports that Aysegul Baybars, self-styled minister of interior of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that the Turkish "embassy" in the occupied part of Nicosia had submitted an objection to the "prime minister's office" regarding some articles of the "regulation on residence and visas", which is expected to enter into effect on 23 October 2019.

Speaking to Kibris TV, Baybars noted that the objection had not been made directly to her "ministry" and that it concerned in general the fine of three minimum wages which someone should pay depending on the period of their staying in the occupied area of Cyprus. She said that the issue that caused concern had been the ability of those staying in the occupied area to pay this sum of money.

According to Baybars, the new "regulation" would address the calls for implementing stricter control to the entry in the "country". She also said that for years they could not carry out planning regarding the population in the occupied area of the island and that therefore they faced problems. Noting that this issue had been discussed for years, Baybars added that in order to be able to carry out a planning, they should pass the "regulation on residence and visas".

(I/Ts.)

[05] UBP, CTP and DP increased their percentages, shows a public opinion poll

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kibris(21.10.19) reports that according to the results of a public opinion poll carried out every three months by the Center for Migration, Identity and Rights' Studies (CMIRS), the percentage of those saying that they would not vote in a possible "election" in the occupied area increased from 24,1% in June 2019 to 27% in September 2019. The number of undecided voters also increased from 12% to 13,5% in the above mentioned period.

Referring to the six parties represented in the "assembly", the paper writes that the National Unity Party (UBP), the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and the Democratic Party (DP) increased their percentages, while the People's Party (HP), the Social Democracy Party (TDP) and the settlers' Revival Party (YDP) showed a decrease. Moreover, the research shows also the percentages of the Cyprus Socialist Party (KSP), the United Cyprus Party (BKP), the Communal Liberation Party ? New Forces (TKP-YG) and the New Cyprus Party (YKP). The responses to the question "which party would you vote for if elections were held next Sunday" are seen in the following table:

Party	June 2019 %	September 2019 %
UBP	21,8	24,71
CTP	9,8	11,9
HP	3,0	2,29
DP	2,7	3,66
YKP	2,7	0,69
YDP	2,0	0,46
TDP	1,4	1,37
KSP	0,07	0,46
BKP	0,05	0,23
TKP-YG	0,05	1,14
Mixed vote	18,9	10,53
Undecided	12,0	13,5
I will not vote	24,1	27

Meanwhile, the same newspaper reports on 20.10.19 that asked which "institution" they trusted the most, the participants in the survey in September 2019 replied the "ombudsman" with 3,71 points out of 5 points, followed by the "police" with 3,68 points (comparing to 3,48 three months ago) and the "president of the republic" with 3,60 points (comparing to 3,06 three months ago). "Judiciary" is at the fourth place with 3,54 and the media at the fifth place with 3,43 points. The least trustworthy "institutions" were the political parties with 2,95 points, the "government" with 3,04 and the "assembly" with 3,05.

Finally, on19.10.19 the paper reports that the participants in the survey said that economy was their most important problem. "People are focused on the economy and are almost not interested in anything else and came to the point of becoming apolitical", notes the paper, adding that those who think that the economy of the "country" will deteriorate are 57,65% of the participants in the survey in September 2019, comparing to 69,41% in June 2019.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Developments regarding "presidential elections" to affect the so-called government

Under the title: "No decision to be made in October", Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog (21.10.19) reports that the basis of the National Unity Party (UBP) want the party's leader, "prime minister" Ersin Tatar to be a candidate for the "presidential elections" which will take place in April 2020; however this development could break the "coalition" between UBP and the People's Party (HP) of Kudret Ozersay in case the latter is not supported for the "presidential elections".

According to the paper, the basis of UBP exerts pressure to Tatar to run for the "elections" and although the "prime minister" rejected this demand in the beginning, he now says that he will respect any decision the party's organs take.

The paper, citing information by an official of UBP, reports that the party will not be able to take any decision in October adding that while some UBP members want Tatar to be the party's candidate, they also worry about the impact such a decision could have to the "coalition government" between UBP and HP.

Ersan Saner, the general secretary of UBP stated that they will start the procedure of making a decision on the issue by the end of October bearing in mind the best interest of the "people".

In addition, Ozersay made statements on the issue, saying that the "2020 elections" are not party' elections but elections of the "people". He also said that his party has not decided who it will have as a candidate yet.

(CS)

[07] Arikli supports that the forthcoming "presidential elections" would be a race between federalists and the supporters of a two-state solution

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (21.10.19) reports that the chairman of the Revival Settler's Party (YDP) Erhan Arikli, in statements during a conference organized by the "Eurasia Strategic Research Center" ("ASAM") entitled: "Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus", supported that the forthcoming "presidential elections" to be held in the "TRNC" next year would be a race between the federalists and the supporters of a two- state solution. Arikli went on to claim that the USA and the EU would intervene in this race, supporting that Turkey should not intervene in this race since every time that Turkey interferes this has the opposite outcome. "Us who support the TRNC should know that we have the potentials to win this race", Arikli claimed.

Arikli went on to claim that the aim of all powers of evil is an Eastern Mediterranean without Turkey and a Cyprus break- off from Turkey. He added that their policy during the "presidential elections in the TRNC" would turn towards this direction.

(AK)

---

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Erdogan says "they will know the Turkish nation as they did before in Cyprus"

According to Turkish daily newspaper Sabah (20.10.19, https://www.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2019/10/20/teroristlerle-koyun-koyuna-yatanlar-mi-bize-zincir-vuracakmis), Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at a mass opening ceremony held in central Kayseri province of Turkey, said: "[If agreement with the U.S.] is not implemented, then we will continue crushing heads of terrorists a minute after 120 hours [operational pause]."

He further said: "It looks like they don't know the Turkish nation. But they will. They will know us as they did in Canakalle, a century ago at the War of Independence. They will know us, as they have before, in Cyprus, in the Operation Euphrates Shield, in the Operation Olive Branch and in Arfin. Either they will courteously know us, or they will learn their lessons. But at the end they will know this nation, this state, they will know its steel will. (?)

Moreover, Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet Daily News (21.10.19, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-urges-us-to-ensure-withdrawal-of-ypg-pkk-147749) reports that the Turkish President said on Oct. 20 that Ankara expects the U.S. to facilitate the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from northern Syria, and warned of the operation's resume otherwise.

Speaking at an anti-smoking program held in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "We expect our American allies to keep their promises this time."

He said that a total of 765 YPG/PKK "terrorists", including seniors, were neutralized as part of the country's counter-terrorism campaign in northern Syria. Erdogan argued that 1,500 square-kilometres of the territory have been rescued from the terror group.

Erdogan went on to say that Turkey made the agreement with the U.S., not YPG/PKK terrorists, and some parties sought to distort this fact.

Stressing that Turkey would enjoy YPG/PKK's withdrawal from the safe-zone territory, Erdogan said Ankara would take the safe-zone area under protection, adding: "We studied well, all projects are ready."

In the meantime, Erdogan and British Prime Minister held a phone conversation on Oct. 20 regarding the political developments, according to the Turkish presidency communications directorate.

In an official statement, the Directorate of Communications said Erdogan and Boris Johnson discussed bilateral ties and regional developments. (?)

Under the title "Turkey doesn't have eyes on anyone's land, Erdogan says", Turkish daily Sabah (21.10.19, https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/10/21/turkey-doesnt-have-eyes-on-anyones-land-erdogan-says) reports that Erdogan, addressing the TRT World Forum which is taking place on Oct. 21-22, said that Turkey has no eyes on anybody's land, but is currently carrying out an operation in northeastern Syria for security interests.

"Others may have different interests in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Africa and the Balkans but Turkey is there [in Syria] only because of solidarity with our brethren," the President said and added: "This is a virtue that those who think a few drops of oil are more important than blood."

[02] Cavusoglu: "Turkey to resume operation if YPG/PKK does not withdraw in 35 hours"

According to Turkish daily newspaper Yeni Safak (21.10.19, https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-to-resume-operation-if-ypg-pkk-does-not-withdraw-fm-3503370), Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that "Turkey's counter-terror operation in northern Syria will resume if YPG/PKK terror group does not withdraw from the region".

"We have 35 hours left. If they don't withdraw, our operation will resume. This is also what we agreed with the Americans," Mevlut Cavusoglu said, in his opening speech at the TRT World Forum which kicked off in Istanbul. (?) "If all the YPG/PKK elements withdraw from this region, we can halt the operation," he added.

Cavusoglu claimed that Turkey is against terrorist organizations, not Kurds, referring to the ongoing operation. Turkey has never used chemical weapons in its history, he argued, responding to a smear campaign by YPG/PKK supporters. (?)

[03] Turkish FM strongly denies use of chemical weapons during Syria operation

According to Turkish news portal Turkish Minute (19.10.19, https://www.turkishminute.com/2019/10/19/turkish-fm-strongly-denies-use-of-chemical-weapons-during-syria-operation/), the Turkish Foreign Ministry has denied allegations suggesting that the Turkish military used chemical weapons during its nine-day incursion into northern Syria, describing the claims as "slanderous".

"Baseless allegations that Turkey used chemical weapons within the scope of the Peace Spring Operation were made in some international media outlets yesterday and today. We categorically reject these flagrant slanders stemming from disinformation by the terrorist organization," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hami Aksoy claimed in a statement on Friday in response to a relevant question from a journalist. (?)

Kurdish officials accused Turkey of using "unconventional weapons" in the conflict on Thursday ? a few hours before the ceasefire was announced ? and called for international inspectors to examine the injured.

Aksoy also said no chemical weapons exist in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) as stated on various previous occasions. (?)

Meanwhile, Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet Daily News (20.10.19, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/pkk-ypg-terrorists-violate-safe-zone-deal-20-times-147717) reports that the PKK/YPG terrorists have violated the safe zone deal with the U.S. 22 times since it came into effect on Oct. 17, according to Turkish Defence Ministry on Oct. 20.

The Ministry also said a Turkish soldier was killed and another one injured during a patrol when PKK/YPG terrorists attacked them in Syria's Tal-Abyad region east of Euphrates River.

Security forces retaliated against the terrorist attack within the exercise of their right to self-defence, the Ministry added in a statement. (?)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(DPs/ EH)

---

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article