Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-09-14

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] "Crucial" meeting in Ankara on the exploration for oil and natural gas

[02] Ozgurgun accuses Greek Cypriot side of lack of honesty in the negotiations

[03] Yorgancioglu: Eroglu's proposals and attitudes deepen the non-solution

[04] Turkish ambassador alleges that EU should warn Cyprus over gas crisis

[05] Bagis commented on Israel's Air forces switch into "Alarm B": "Turkey's sensibility is well known"

[06] Atalay due to visit the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[07] Eroglu meets with association of Turkish Cypriots living abroad

[08] Efforts by the occupation regime to promote its potatoes to the Russian market

[09] The entrance fee to occupied Rizokarpaso's "National Park" is removed

[10] "Israel blocks peace in Mideast, says Erdogan"

[11] Erdogan said Turkey and Egypt should raise trade volume to $5 billion

[12] "Report: Israel no longer 'friend' for Turkey's F-16s, warships"

[13] Columnist says Turkish government wages a religious war

[14] "Diplomatic hardball in the eastern Mediterranean"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

The visit of the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan to Egypt and his statements in favor of the recognition of the Palestinian state, the escalated tension between Turkey and Israel and other internal issues are some of the main stories covered by today's Turkish dailies.

[01] "Crucial" meeting in Ankara on the exploration for oil and natural gas

According to the paper, a new development was added last night to the allegations that vessels of the Turkish fleet sailed in the Mediterranean Sea. The correspondent of Kibris reports that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold an important meeting tomorrow in order to determine its attitude towards the explorations for oil and natural gas by the Republic of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot leader's advisor and special representative, Hasan Gungor and Kudret Ozersay respectively will participate in the meeting on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot leader.

Citing a reliable source, the paper writes that Turkey is determined to act against possible developments not with the intention of causing war, but to use all its power to prevent unilateral developments. Arguing that Turkey and the breakaway regime will jointly determine their strategy against the initiatives of the Republic of Cyprus, the paper points out that the tomorrow's meeting is extremely crucial.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozgurgun accuses Greek Cypriot side of lack of honesty in the negotiations

He also alleged that this is the reason why Greek Cypriots think that their collocutor is Turkey, when the main collocutors are Turkish Cypriots and added that they are ready for a solution but it is difficult to reach a solution with "this Greek Cypriot mentality." Additionally, he claimed that Cyprus' exploratory drilling in its EEZ proves that the Greek Cypriot side does not behave honestly in the negotiations and added: "We already thought that they never sat on the [negotiations] table with honesty. They continue the negotiations in order not to be named as the side which left the table."

[03] Yorgancioglu: Eroglu's proposals and attitudes deepen the non-solution

In a written statement issued yesterday, Yorgancioglu argued that the ongoing negotiations under the UN umbrella with the aim of finding a federal solution in Cyprus are led into a dead-end. Yorgancioglu called on the leaders to "undertake their historical responsibilities" and "exhibit a real will in the direction of the solution".

Yorgancioglu alleged that Eroglu took over the negotiations 1.5 year ago "from a point at which the whole world was accepting that the solution was very close". He expressed the view that Eroglu's consequent mistakes have offered on a golden tray the opportunity to the Greek Cypriot side to postpone the process and accuse the Turkish side.

Yorgancioglu said that instead of directly overtaking the responsibility of carrying out the negotiations, Eroglu seems to have transferred this duty to his special representative.

Noting that they do not know the views of Eroglu as regards the solution and the overcoming of the deadlocks, Yorgancioglu accused Eroglu of aiming at satisfying the forces which oppose to the solution and get rid of their criticism.

Yorgancioglu said: "Instead of helping in the solution of the problem, the president [Tr. Note: Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu] generally protects the current structure with the aim of not becoming the side which walks away from the table, and deepens the non-solution with the proposals he submits and the attitudes he assumes sometimes in order to hinder or eliminate the agreements reached until now".

Referring to the statement made yesterday by Eroglu regarding his proposal on the issue of the citizenship in a possible federal state, Yorgancioglu noted that Eroglu, who was saying that he would remain faithful to the principle of the secrecy of the negotiations, announced to the press what he demanded on the issue of the citizenship. He said that this happened for the first time in the history of the talks and created further problems in the negotiations which were already problematic. Yorgancioglu pointed out that Eroglu did not feel the need to announce his demands on the chapters of Governance and Power Sharing, EU, Property and Territory on which many meetings have been held until today.

According to Yorgancioglu, the UBP "government" wants to grant the "citizenship" of the regime to tens of thousands of persons and Eroglu approves this silently. In such environment, he added, the statement made by Eroglu yesterday is an indication that his priority is not the success of the negotiations, but to satisfy some other circles.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (14.0911) refers to the issue under the title "Yorgancioglu accuses Eroglu, not Ankara".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish ambassador alleges that EU should warn Cyprus over gas crisis

In an interview with the EUObserver on 12 September, Selim Kuneralp said: "Europe, which has an interest in this, should say to the Greek Cypriot authorities that it is inadvisable to raise the stakes, because they are raising the stakes. We are not the ones who started exploration in disputed waters ... the EU can tell the Greek Cypriots they have to be reasonable.

These are resources that belong to both communities on the island ... and until such time as this has happened [an agreement on how to share them] we feel it is highly inappropriate for exploration to begin."

Asked by EUobserver whether Turkey would use warships to stop Noble from going ahead if necessary, Kuneralp said: "I hope it will not come to that and the Greek Cypriots will see reason? I didn't mention warships. I think it's better to hope that reason will prevail."

He reiterated that EU-Turkey relations would be put on hold when Cyprus takes over the rotating EU presidency in the second half of 2012. With each presidency currently holding around 20 sectoral meetings with EU countries and EU candidate countries, such as Turkey, on its home territory during its six-month tenure, Kuneralp said Turkey will not come, adding "We would definitely not attend any such meetings that fall in the future period of the Greek Cypriot presidency, so relations, would in effect, be frozen."

Referring to Turkey-Israel relations following killing of nine Turkish citizens on board a Gaza-bound flotilla last year, Kuneralp said the Turkish navy would probably help in any future efforts to break Israel's maritime blockade on the strip.

"As far as I know, there are no plans to send another flotilla. But if the blockade on Gaza is maintained, there will be talk of another flotilla [before long]. We would not allow a repetition of last year's events and there would be some sort of military escort, but we're not there yet," he added.

[05] Bagis commented on Israel's Air forces switch into "Alarm B": "Turkey's sensibility is well known"

"Turkey's sensibilities are well known", he stated and added that he leaves Israel to figure what the potentials of Turkey are.

Bagis was speaking at the EU Performance Audit Manual conference which was held in Ankara.

[06] Atalay due to visit the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[07] Eroglu meets with association of Turkish Cypriots living abroad

The chairman of the association Ali Ratip Dogruer said that their association is as a bridge between "citizens living abroad and the TRNC." He added that their main objective was to assist Turkish Cypriots facing problems on investing or returning back for settlement.

[08] Efforts by the occupation regime to promote its potatoes to the Russian marketTurkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (14.09.11) reports that Olgun Amcaoglu, the director of the so-called ministry of finance, went to Russia yesterday, searching for customers for potatoes and oranges grown in occupied Cyprus. According to the paper, Amcaoglu is escorted by Cemal Redif, the director of the Cypfruvex Ltd.

[09] The entrance fee to occupied Rizokarpaso's "National Park" is removed

(I/Ts.)

[10] "Israel blocks peace in Mideast, says Erdogan"

"(?)

Recognition of a Palestinian state is an 'obligation' rather than an option", Turkish Prime Minister RecepTayyipErdogan said in Egypt on Tuesday, calling on all Arab states to support Palestine's U.N. membership bid this month.

'Recognizing the Palestinian state is not an option, it is an obligation,' Erdogan said at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, the first stop on a trip that will also take him to Tunisia and Libya.

'Before the end of this year we will see Palestine at the United Nations in a very different situation,' the Prime Minister said. 'It's time to raise the Palestinian flag at the United Nations. Let's raise the Palestinian flag and let that flag be the symbol of peace and justice in the Middle East. Let's contribute to securing well-deserved peace and stability in the Middle East.'

(?)

In his speech, Erdogan also said Turkey supports the National Transitional Council of Libya and that the country should be represented in the United Nations with the members of the NTC. Referring to the Libya policies of some Western countries, he added: 'The reason why I say all this, is not because I think about the rich resources of Libya, unlike some other countries do. I say all this because of my love for my brothers in Libya.'

Addressing Arab foreign ministers as he kicked off a three-nation 'Arab Spring' tour, Erdogan also referred to the uprisings that swept Tunisia, Egypt and Libya and continue to rock Syria. 'The legitimate demands of the people cannot be repressed with force and in blood,' he said. 'Freedom and democracy and human rights must be a united slogan for the future of our people.'

Erdogan, a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause who has become a strident critic of long-time ally Israel, said Turkey and the Arabs must 'work hand in hand with our Palestinian brothers'.

'The Palestinian cause is the cause of human dignity', he said.

Commenting on Turkey's dispute with Israel, Erdogan said it is 'out of the question for Turkey to normalize ties with Israel' unless Tel Aviv apologizes for last year's deadly aid flotilla raid, pays compensation to the families of its victims and lifts the blockade imposed on Gaza.

'The biggest obstacle against peace in the Middle East is the mentality of the Israeli government. The Israeli people are under the blockade of the Israeli government,' Erdogan said.

(?)

'Israel sees itself above the law,' he said, accusing the country of 'turning a deaf ear' to Turkey's demands. Earlier this month, Ankara expelled the Israeli ambassador and suspended all military ties and defence trade over Israel's refusal to apologize for the flotilla raid.

(?)"

[11] Erdogan said Turkey and Egypt should raise trade volume to $5 billion

"Our businessmen actually have 1.5 billion USD of investment volume, and we are encouraging them," Erdogan told a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Essam Abdel Aziz Sharaf in Cairo.

Erdogan said 280 businessmen were accompanying him during his visit to Cairo, and he was willing to bring Turkish and Egyptian businessmen together. "I believe that these two strong countries are capable of preparing a bright and peaceful future for the region," Erdogan added.

[12] "Report: Israel no longer 'friend' for Turkey's F-16s, warships"

"Turkey's Military Electronics Industry (ASELSAN) has produced a new identification friend or foe (IFF) system for Turkish jet fighters, warships and submarines and the new software, contrary to the older US-made version, does not automatically identify Israeli planes and ships as friends.

The new IFF has already been installed in Turkish F-16s and is expected to be installed in all Navy ships and submarines, according to the paper. It will be fully operational when it is installed in all military planes, warships and submarines.

The F-16 jet fighters, purchased from the US, came with pre-installed IFF software that automatically identifies Israeli fighters and warships as friends, disabling Turkish F-16s from targeting Israeli planes or ships. ASELSAN-made IFF, will allow Turkish military commanders to identify friends and foes on the basis of national considerations.

Turkey was unable to make modifications to the friend or foe identification codes in US-made F-16s, while Israel was given a different version of the software allowing Israeli authorities to make modifications. Israel was also authorized to view the version given to Turkey, according to Star.

(?)"

[13] Columnist says Turkish government wages a religious war

"This time, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan thinks the Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara was a casus belli. And so are Greece's naval and air territorial claims. And so is Cyprus's natural gas exploration venture. We probably have more casus bellis, kept somewhere in a governmental closet, and that's called the 'zero problems with neighbours' policy. One would not wish to think about a 'problems with neighbours' policy.

But let's hope that the Iranians are not smart enough to launch a "humanitarian aid flotilla" bound for Gaza, and the Turkish Navy will not have to protect it, risking clashes with the Israeli Defense Forces. If it did so, Tehran would probably hit three, not two, birds with one stone: Israel, Turkey and the United States.

According to 0
brahim Kalin, a senior foreign policy advisor to Mr. Erdogan, this is all about 'Turkey's resolve to protect the rights of its citizens.  The demand for an apology and compensation can be hidden behind this clich?, diplomatic wording. But what about the equally persistent Turkish demand for the removal of the naval blockade of Gaza? Since when are the Gazans Turkish citizens?

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said that 'No country is above the law. 'That's good. And Prime Minister Erdogan has said that 'Israel is a spoiled child. 'Right? Wrong. Because it sounds like Abdullah Ocalan speaking of peace. They are the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of a country that has carried a big U.N. tag that reads 'the official occupier of Cyprus' on it for the last 37 years ? and it's the same country where more than 40,000 lives have been lost in civil war?

Sorry, Messrs. Erdogan and Davutoglu, you are not convincing. This is precisely a religious war. Surely it would not have been so, had you equally cared for the non-Muslim Tamils during the Sri Lankan civil war, or the Jewish victims of Hamas's terror campaign, or for the Russian victims of Chechen terrorists in Beslan ? or elsewhere in Russia.

There is a reason, a very good one indeed, why Western protestors of Israel's policies merely chant political slogans while Turkish (and Arab) protestors almost always chant Quranic hymns and Islamic slogans during their protests of 'Zionism. '

You may be too shy 'to call a cat a cat.  But I shall call a cat a cat: Sorry, gentlemen, this is a religious war, and one has to be an Islamist, not just a Muslim, to subscribe to it. Like Mr. Erdo
an's good friends Hamas do.

Remember Mr. Erdo
an saying earlier this year that 'calling them (Hamas) terrorists would be disrespectful to the will of the Palestinian people? 'Which man of peace, unless in Jihad, would ally with an organization whose charter declares members to be Muslims who 'fear God and raise the banner of Jihad in the face of the oppressors?' [...]"

[14] "Diplomatic hardball in the eastern Mediterranean"

"(?)

Egypt, which has long viewed itself as the leader in the Arab world, will have to accept (for now at any rate) that there is a new leader in town. Turkey's influence has risen steadily with its growing economic might and its assertive policy in the region and has drawn praise from many Arabs. However, while Egypt may presently be in flux, it likely that in future there could be rivalry between the two states. Currently Egypt is not in a position to play such a role.

It also seems unlikely to me that Egypt will be overly willing to make joint agreements or align policies with Turkey over Israel. Since signing its peace treaty with Israel, Egypt has received billions of dollars in US military and other aid, so the ruling generals, face a balancing act when responding to public calls for a more assertive policy towards Israel.

(...)

Over the last couple of years, Turkish foreign policy has been attracting much praise by the West, no more so than in Brussels. Turkish Foreign Minister AhmetDavutoglu's 'zero problems with neighbours' strategy has been applauded time and time again. During the Arab Spring Turkey has emerged much stronger and more confident, and proud of its Turkish model, which has been praised by the West with hopes that budding new leaderships would be keen to work to replicate the democracy and values of Turkey. However, with the increase in tensions with Israel and negative rhetoric towards Greek Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean, due to begining exploratory drilling for gas in October, this particular element of Turkey's neighbourhood policy is creating some unease.

Here in Brussels there are concerns and questions over where Turkey is heading with this. Although so far the EU has not really commented on the Israeli situation they are watching it carefully. However, the EU has warned Turkey over issuing threats to EU member state Cyprus, urging Ankara to refrain from any kind of friction that could negatively affect the settlement of the decade's old Cyprus problem. Turkey continues to state that as a guarantor state it has the right to monitor the waters in the Eastern Mediterranean. Indeed it would seem that Turkey seems to have taken on the role of the policeman in the Eastern Mediterranean and perhaps should take some time to reflect on how all of this is affecting its much praised neighbourhood policy." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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