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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-12-27Cyprus 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, 24-27.12.19 Contents[A] Turkish Cypriot Press
[B] Turkish Press
[A] Turkish Cypriot Press[01] Solution in Cyprus a necessity for the area, says AkinciTurkish Cypriot newspaper Haberci(27.12.19) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci has said that finding a solution in Cyprus was a necessity for the area. Addressing a reception he hosted for journalists for the New Year, Akinci noted that they were watching the tension experienced in the Eastern Mediterranean and added that "it is possible for us to advance on the road of reason and peace in our area". "Instead of all sides loosing, it is possible for us to find formulas with which all sides could win", he said arguing that for this reason the existing possibilities should be evaluated in the best possible manner.Referring to the tripartite meeting held between the two community leaders and the UNSG in November in Berlin, Akinci expressed the view that "we have reached an important point in Berlin" and added: "I do not want to sell false dreams and paint a rosy picture, I want everyone to know that we are not in pitch-black scenery". Noting that the UNSG was determined to contribute in the solution process, Akinci reiterated his satisfaction with the statement issued after the above-mentioned meeting and argued: "If determination is exhibited in this direction, if political will is exhibited, but if all sides do this and behave with determination, it is possible of course to reverse the process which is being going on especially in the Eastern Mediterranean". Reiterating the view that it was possible to find a "just solution" in which political equality and effective participation in the decisions would exist, Akinci said that this solution had stopped being a necessity only for the two communities and that it had become a necessity for the area as well, "because the formula to overcome the problems in the Eastern Mediterranean is to find a solution in Cyprus". (I/Ts.) [02] Tatar: "The establishment of a naval base in Trikomo will be evaluated"According to illegal Bayrak television (26.12.19, https://www.brtk.net/basbakan-tatar-haber-turke-konuk-oldu/), so-called prime minister Ersin Tatar described as right the steps taken by Turkey in the Eastern Mediteranean, adding that "Turkish Cypriots are serving in the same ship with Turkey and thus they always support these steps".Speaking in a televised interview to Habertürk while in Istanbul, Tatar claimed that when the water in the Eastern Meditteranean warmed up, their ties with Turkey had become stronger. Replying to questions regarding Turkey's preparation works to send troops to Libya, Tatar expressed the belief that the Turkish Armed Forces, together with Turkish officials will evaluate in the best way this matter and the Turkish government will handle this issue in the best way. He went on to say that, he does not believe that after this development, tension in the area will be increased. Asked to reply whether Turkey will establish a naval base in the "TRNC", Tatar said that the issue of establishing a naval base in occupied Trikomo would be evaluated and described the decision for the unmanned aerial vehicles (UVA's) that have been stationed in the "TRNC" as a correct decision. Referring to the Cyprus problem, Tatar claimed that they have exerted great efforts for reaching a federal solution. With a possible agreement, Turkish Cypriots will become a part of international law, embargoes will be lifted, but, the price for this would be zero troops and zero guarantees, meaning that the TRNC would be diluted", Tatar argued, adding that they should think of alternative solution models, including the model of a two state solution under the umbrella of the EU. Replying to questions on Varosha, Tatar reiterated the allegation that "Maras [Translator's note: fenced off city of Varosha] is located within the boundaries of the TRNC". He further argued that it is out of the question for an agreement to be reached on the return of Maras since no agreement has been reached in the last 45 years. He also claimed that the works for the opening of Varosha partially are ongoing. Moreover, according to illegal Bayrak television
(26.12.19-https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=pm-tatar-speaks-to-tgrt-haber),
so-called prime minister Tatar, evaluating the latest developments on the
Eastern Mediterranean on TGRT Haber in Turkey, claimed that the Turkish
Cypriots had the same rights as Greek Cypriots over the resources in
the Eastern Mediterranean.
Pointing to the importance of the memorandum of understanding signed
between Turkey and Libya, Tatar alleged that Turkey had foiled the plans
of western countries by signing this agreement.
Highlighting the importance of relations between Turkey and the "TRNC",
Tatar said that relations between the two countries will develop
further and that the Turkish Cypriots will benefit economically from
the development of these relations.
Also, according to illegal Bayrak television (26.12.19-
https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=pm-tatar-says-cooperation-with-turkey-important)
Tatar highlighted the importance of strong cooperation between Turkey
and the "TRNC" in developments taking place in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Tatar was speaking at the traditional New Year's ball of the Turkish
Economy Journalists Society in Istanbul.
He said that the importance of the "TRNC" in the Eastern Mediterranean
had emerged once again.
Tatar pointed out that Turkey with its population of 82 million and an
1800km coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean played a leading role in
the region.
He alleged that Turkey must remain strong concerning the fair distribution
of resources in the region.
Furthermore, illegal Bayrak television
(26.12.19-https://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=tatar-speaks-on-upcoming-election)
broadcast that the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP), and so-called
prime minister Tatar touched upon the upcoming "presidential elections"
in April 2020 during a television program he attended yesterday.
Stating that the election process was a race and that the people will
be deciding on whom to elect, Tatar said, "I possess all the necessary
qualities required to become president. I can talk about the Cyprus
issue anywhere in the world and I can share my views on the economic
matters. My work pace, my public relations skills and grasp of all these
outstanding issues can be clearly seen", he argued.
Stressing that the UBP's authorized bodies will have the final say
regarding his nomination; he said a decision will be produced by the party
assembly in the first week of January. "We are in government right now
and we just passed the 2020 annual budget. The UBP's authorized bodies
will have the final say. The people will choose their next president,"
Tatar said.
He added that he had an obligation to be successful if tasked with
this duty.
In statements to Kibris PostasiTV, Ozersay reiterated the view that in
parallel to searching for a solution to the Cyprus problem, "we should
start a cooperation which will help build trust between the two states
and help the Greek Cypriot side to come closer to sharing".
Ozersay argued that the philosophy of cooperation between the two
sides on some issues before finding a solution was reflected in
the last two reports of the United Nations on Cyprus and added:
"It will also be included in the UN report which will be published
in January. What does the UN report say? The sides should carry out a
dialogue for cooperation without getting stuck on the recognition or
the non-recognition. This is a view which we have been supporting for
some time now. EUofficialsaswellhaveestablishedthis".
Noting that cooperating on the natural gas issue was difficult
but not impossible, Ozersay referred to the cooperation between
the two communities in the fields of returning criminals and
electricity. Recalling that cooperation in electricity started in 2011,
Ozersay argued: "This is the most tangible example for the fact that the
sides could cooperate before the solution. This cooperation has become an
institution afterwards. Since we can buy and sell electricity, electricity
is an energy issue and the natural gas is also an energy issue".
Ozersay reiterated the allegation that Turkey and the "TRNC" had achieved
a balance in the Eastern Mediterranean and everybody started seeing that
the Greek Cypriots could not reach the desired point in the natural gas,
because Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots would take steps and stop or
balance the situation, if the international community did nothing. He
also claimed the following: "What have we seen due to this balance we
have achieved? That the natural gas could be discussed before finding a
solution. That if the two sides started to cooperate, this could lead
us to a different partnership. When will they accept this? When they
feel the need or pressure is exerted on them".
(I/Ts.)
Erhürman shared his views on the issues at the panel organized by the
"department of international relations at the Girne American university's
faculty of political science".
Speaking during the panel, Erhurman recalled that the Turkish Cypriots
had endured great hardships and waged an incredible struggle to reach
where they are today.
Touching upon the negotiations process, Erhürman argued that a federation
was the best possible model for a solution to the Cyprus problem under
the current circumstances.
Alleging that the Greek Cypriot side constantly made up excuses in
response to efforts to reach a federal settlement, Erhurman added that
the recently discovered hydrocarbons in the region could be used to
motivate the Greek Cypriot side towards a settlement.
Erhurman said further that the latest developments in the Eastern
Mediterranean had made the region less peaceful. "It is important that
we transform the discovery of hydrocarbons into an opportunity to build
peace," he added.
Touching upon the issue of Maras [Translator's note: Fenced off city of
Varosha], Erhürman said that the issue needed to be taken up in accordance
with international law and that any other step that disregards this
approach would be a mistake.
Speaking to reporters following a cabinet meeting at the Presidential
Complex in Ankara on Tuesday, Kalin said: "Turkey will continue to
support Libya's legitimate, internationally recognized government,
and will not forsake the Libyan people."
Dismissing criticisms against the maritime deal signed between Turkey
and Libya, Kalin stated that the pact contains nothing to disturb third
parties.
"When Israel, Egypt, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot administration
[Translator's note: the Republic of Cyprus] met and made deals on a
project in the Eastern Mediterranean excluding Turkey, no one questioned
this", Kalin added.
"It is out of the question to make any concessions or to abandon this
national cause," Akar said while addressing a military award ceremony
in Ankara.
Akar said that Turkey expressed and demonstrated at every opportunity its
desire for good neighbourly relations, peace and respect in compliance
with international law. He also reminded that Turkey was a guarantor
state in Cyprus.
"Turkey, to date, has fulfilled all its responsibilities and obligations
as a guarantor country on the basis of the Treaty of Guarantees. It shall
continue to do so from this date onwards," he said, adding that Cyprus
was of utmost importance for Turkey and that making any concessions on
the issue was out of the question.
"We are only pursuing our rights and interests. We have made it clear,
we shall be protecting both," he added.
Touching upon the agreement signed between Turkey and Libya, Akar said
the agreement signed with Libya's Tripoli-based Government of National
Accord (GNA) was in accordance with international law.
"It is only natural that we cooperate and assist a country with which
we have cultural and historical ties to overcome the hardships it is
currently experiencing. This is what we are doing," he said.
In statements on the side-lines of a meeting of the AKP on Tuesday, Celik
claimed that Greece was trying to isolate Turkey in the Mediterranean. He
alleged that with the MoU with Libya, Turkey demolished the wall attempted
to be built in front of it in the Mediterranean.
(I/Ts.)
In a written statement on the issue, Hakki said that the foundation had
submitted the first "pilot case" on Turkish Cypriot property issues at the
ECHR and argued that if they won this case, the way for tens of similar
cases would open and "the Greek Cypriot government might be forced to
establish a mechanism similar to the property Compensation Commission
that we have".
He noted that similar cases were examined at the district courts in
Larnaka, Limassol and Pafos and added that their target was to take
these cases to the ECHR.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot newspaper Haberci(24.12.19) publishes
statements made by Hakki to journalist Serhat Incirli under the title
"We will go to the ECHR for our properties in the south". In these
statements Hakki argued that the decision of the Supreme Court of the
Republic on this case had offered the Turkish Cypriots "a case similar
to the Loizidou v. Turkey decision". "The Greek Cypriot government will
be the defendant this time", he alleged.
(I/Ts.)
The nine-person party central executive committee was also determined
through elections held on Monday.
Hayri Orçun, Mustafa Arabacioglu, Hande Kayasal Çelikten, Tözün Tunali,
Nevzat Nevzat, Ali Tunçtasli, Cemsal Ataoglu, Inanç Babaliki and Türker
Yüksel will be serving on the committee.
Erdogan's remarks came at a meeting of provincial heads at headquarters
of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in Ankara.
"Turkey will lend all manner of support to the Tripoli administration
which is fighting Haftar", Erdogan said.
"They are helping a war baron, we are responding to the invitation of
Libya's legitimate government. That is the difference," he stressed.
About the military support deal Turkey and Libya's UN-recognized
Government of National Accord (GNA) signed on Nov. 27, Erdogan said that
a motion for military support to Libya will be submitted to the Turkish
Parliament when it opens after recess.
"We have signed the memorandum of understanding, and we are concluding
the Military Security and Cooperation Agreement. I hope we will ratify it
in our Parliament on Jan. 8 or 9, and thus we will respond to [Libya's]
invitation," he said.
Erdogan added: "We go where we're invited, we don't go where we're
not. Now, given that we have such an invitation, we will respond."
(
)
Erdogan also criticized the main opposition Republican Peoples' Party
(CHP) outlook on the AKP government's steps taken in the Eastern
Mediterranean.
"When Turkey began natural gas exploration in the Mediterranean the CHP
was opposed to it. They mocked us, claiming that not even a bucket of oil
had been found. There activities and efforts require patience. Exxon
Mobile spent $200 million searching for hydrocarbons in the Black
Sea. When they couldn't find anything they left. The main opposition
just gave the Greek media the opportunity to mock us," he said.
Erdogan added they will do everything necassary to protect the rights
and interests of the "TRNC"
Erdogan also urged Europe to take action in the face of a humanitarian
crisis in Syria's Idlib province.
"European countries need to shoulder the responsibility to ensure
stability in Idlib and prevent another wave of mass migration,"
Erdogan said.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Tunisian counterpart Kais
Saied during a surprise visit to Tunisia, Erdogan said that the turmoil
in Libya is affecting not just itself but also neighboring countries
like Tunisia. "I believe Tunisia will make valuable and constructive
contributions to efforts to achieve stability in Libya," Erdogan said.
"Greece having a say in the Turkey-Libya deal is out of the question,"
he added.
He also said during his visit, that he and Saied would discuss steps to
start a political process after a cease-fire in Libya and how Tunisia
might help.
(
)
"Even if there are ground soldiers, it [Turkey's possible military
support] does not mean any harm. It will help the Libyan people to be
in security and stability of the country," Ahmed Abdulgader told Anadolu
Agency in Ankara, following a panel on Libya.
The Ambassador said that Turkey's possible military support to Libya
will be for the benefit of the Libyan people.
"When Turkey needed help during the Cyprus issue, Libya was one of the
countries that supported it," he said, adding that Turkey also answered
Libya when it needed help.
Abdulgader also underlined that Turkey and Libya are not only friendly
nations but also brothers.
(
)
The paper reports further the following: "The plans to establish a
naval base follow the TRNC's approval of the use of Geçitkale Airport
[Translator's note: occupied Lefkonoiko airport] as a base for Turkey's
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) operating in Eastern Mediterranean,
over a request by Ankara.
The Turkish team of experts, which consists of members of the Turkish
Armed Forces, are surveying Famagusta, an area 35 to 40 kilometers
away from Iskele Strait [Translator's note: occupied Trikomo]", the
report added.
"The plans include the construction of new military quarters and naval
facilities, but it does not include an ammunition store, the Turkish
military forces in northern Cyprus reportedly told the prime ministry
office".
The Turkish Armed Forces protect Turkey's seismic exploration and
drilling vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean with submarines, drones,
armed drones and fighter jets.
While Turkey currently uses the Aksaz Naval Base Command in Marmaris,
which is the closest naval base in the region, the establishment of a
smaller and closer, naval base on Cyprus would speed up the activities
and logistics.
"A naval base on the island is also expected to boost the rapid deployment
force of the vessels and speed up their maintenance, repair and supply
support while allowing long-term deployment of naval and air elements",
the report further adds.
(
)
At its opening ceremony, Cavusoglu said that Turkey will enhance its
relations in the new era with Asian countries while continuing its trade
with Europe.
"On the one hand, Turkey will continue the process of integration with
Europe and maintain its key position in NATO that is the world's most
powerful alliance. On the other hand, Turkey will continue playing a
key role as the westernmost Asian and the easternmost European country,"
he added.
He emphasized that Turkey links the two continents and is a bridge
between the East and the West.
Highlighting that Asia is becoming the world's economic center, Cavusoglu
said that Turkey wants to further enhance its relations with Asia in
multiple dimensions.
Turkish Foreign Ministry on Aug. 6 launched the new initiative called
Asia Anew with the aim to improve ties with Asian countries in different
areas. The initiative is being viewed by experts as shaping Turkey's
future diplomacy.
The decision was taken on Dec. 26 by the General Assembly of the
Constitutional Court for Wikipedia, the world's largest Internet
encyclopedia.
Following this decision, the website, which has been inaccessible since
April 2017 in Turkey, is expected to be accessible.
On April 29, 2017, the Information and Communication Technologies
Authority (BTK) said it had blocked access to Wikipedia in Turkey,
citing a law allowing it to ban access to websites deemed obscene or a
threat to national security.
The Constitutional Court ordered Ankara 1st Criminal Court of Peace,
which made the decision on access ban, to unblock Wikipedia.
Following the ban, Wikipedia applied to Turkey's Constitutional Court
on May 9, 2017, after its appeal against the ruling that blocked access
to it was rejected by a local court.
In 2018, Wikipedia launched a social media campaign with the hashtag
"WeMissTurkey" to press for the removal of the block.
Due to the ban on access to the site, the individual application to the
Constitutional Court by Wikimedia Foundation was replied by the Court
on Dec. 26 as a violation of freedom of expression.
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(AK/ EH)
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