Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-09-28

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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] Bagis claims stonewalling Cyprus deal would have consequences

[02] Bagis' meeting with Kucuk

[03] Bagis' lecture at "DAU"

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Bagis' statements in the occupied area of Cyprus

[05] Eroglu argued that the "agreement" signed between Turkey and its breakaway regime had a remarkable impact

[06] Kucuk: "I believe the government has been alienated"

[07] Turkish military commanders to illegally visit the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] "UN's Ban says natural resources of Cyprus belong to both communities"

[09] Erdogan: "Turkey's interests in the seas reach from surrounding waters out to Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean"

[10] Piri Reis started conducting surveys at Parcel 12-Yeni Duzen: The parcel was not included at the map of the "continental shelf delimitation agreement"

[11] Ozkan Yorgancioglu continues his contacts in the UK; Statements on the oil and natural gas explorations

[12] Avci expresses support to the signing of the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" and urges for unity and solidarity

[13] Akansoy accuses the Turkish Cypriot leader of acting alone

[14] Fule's concern over the tension in Eastern Mediterranean

[15] Davutoglu: "We don't have designs upon any country's natural wealth"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Statements by the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey's interests in the seas reach from surrounding waters out to Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean, during a ceremony for delivering to the Turkish navy the first domestically made warship, reports that the Koca Piri Reis vessel started its surveys at the parcel 12 where the platform of the American Noble Energy company is located, statements by Egemen Bagis in the occupied area of Cyprus and other internal issues are some of the main stories covered by today's Turkish dailies.

[01] Bagis claims stonewalling Cyprus deal would have consequences

Bagis said the Cyprus Government should immediately halt offshore drilling for oil and gas reserves around the island and take necessary steps to ease tensions "in the light of its past experiences about Turkey's determination".

"If the Greek Cypriot drilling yields a result, Turkey and the TRNC [breakaway regime] would not hesitate to do what is needed. Do not make a mistake: we know how to stand up for our rights," Bagis said.

Responding to a question on the course of Turkey's relations with the EU under the Cyprus presidency, Bagis said Turkey would not participate in the meetings of the European Union presidency until the Cyprus Government hands over the post.

"Turkey's EU process is 52 years-old. We would not be bothered if it was delayed for another six months. We will resume our relations with the EU presidency after the Greek Cypriot helm is over," Bagis said.

Ozgurgun said on Tuesday that the "TRNC was sitting at the negotiation table for agreement and solution", adding that "Bagis' visit to TRNC was a great support to the Turkish Cypriots".

Alleging that the Cyprus Government was trying to prevent a solution and the Turkish Cypriot side was sad over it, Ozgurgun claimed: "We are at the table for agreement and solution. We keep assuming a positive stance for solution. Exploration for oil and gas is an artificial issue. Drilling must be stopped."

Replying to a question, Ozgurgun said that authority given to TPAO to make research gave a message that the Turkish Cypriots have rights on the natural resources in the island.

[02] Bagis' meeting with Kucuk

Alleging that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Erolgu had presented the UN Secretary-General in New York with constructive proposals on the issue, Kucuk said that they had unfortunately learnt through the Greek Cypriot press that these proposals were rejected by the Greek Cypriot side.

"We, as the Turkish Cypriot side, are always extending our hand in cooperation", he claimed, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side was currently supplying electricity power to the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus following a blast at a military base earlier in the summer.

Kucuk also said that the Turkish Cypriot side was against the introduction of any issues at the talks which could disrupt the negotiations process.

Bagis, for his part, reiterated his country's support to the Turkish Cypriots. Claiming that Eroglu and Erdogan signed an historic "agreement" in New York, Bagis also praised the "Turkish Cypriot side on the steps taken to harmonize its laws with that of the EU".

On the Cyprus issue, Bagis said that Turkey will continue to support a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus.

[03] Bagis' lecture at "DAU"

"Turkey is standing by the TRNC [breakaway regime] and all peoples in the island are equal owners of the natural resources in this island", Bagis claimed.

Bagis claimed that the international community had taken the message they had to take when Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at the United Nations (UN) that "Turkey would do what it had to do if the Greek Cypriots were not stopped".

"We are no more speaking, but we are taking action now, and we will continue to do so", Bagis said.

Bagis said Turkey wanted a genuine solution in Cyprus, and believed a settlement would make the island a region of prosperity. "Nobody should doubt that Cyprus is our national cause, and nothing is above our national cause," he said.

Bagis said that 70% of energy resources Europe needed today was either in north, south or east of Turkey, i.e. unless somebody found the ways to transfer those resources through mobile networks, it would be impossible for Europe to access to energy resources without Turkey's contribution.

Moreover, Bagis said Cyprus had an important place in EU's future as the EU could not have a future independent from Cyprus, arguing "European Union's maintaining its sustainability in this new world conjuncture is indexed on TRNC [breakaway regime] and Turkey, and an EU without Turkey and TRNC will be incomplete in its international relations."

Bagis also alleged that "Turkey and the TRNC had all experiences and elements that could solve Europe's problems and the EU could become a platform of international peace and tolerance if the TRNC and Turkey became a full member". He also said that he would hold talks in Strasbourg following his visit in the occupied area, and he wanted to give a "settlement" message.

[04] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Bagis' statements in the occupied area of Cyprus

Under the title: "They will fall into the hole they opened', Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (28.09.11) reports that Bagis gave a "very hard message" to the Greek Cypriots and Israel who carry out explorations for oil and natural gas and said that "Turkey and the TRNC know very well to protect their interests". The paper writes that Bagis argued that the Greek Cypriot side "provokes" with its explorations during a period in which the Cyprus negotiations are intensified.

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (28.09.11) refers to the statements made by Bagis under the title: "Pearls by Egemen Bagis" and reports that Bagis, who met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Erolgu, the self-styled prime minister Kucuk and the so-called foreign minister Ozgurgun stated that "the natural gas of the island is not soda pop to absorb".

Under the title: "Mediterranean's gas has not run away", Turkish Cypriot Haberdar (28.09.11) reports that Bagis alleged that the Greek Cypriots are the only responsible for the increase of the tension in the Mediterranean because of the explorations for oil and natural gas.

Under the title: "Pearls by Bagis", Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (28.09.11) reports that Bagis joined the officials from Turkey who say that they do not recognize the Republic of Cyprus. According to the paper, Bagis said: "The Greek Cypriot administration of south Cyprus is non-existent for us". However, argues the paper, in practice and in the international relations things are different, as Turkish teams play with Cypriot teams and Turkey established trade relations with Greek Cypriot businessmen. Noting that "Bagis on the one hand said that the TRNC and not Turkey is the one who carries out explorations and on the other spoke on behalf of the TRNC", Ortam writes: "Bagis, who stressed that the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) on behalf of the TRNC and not Turkey is the one who carries out explorations in Cyprus's open sea, said: 'If the Greek Cypriot sector suspends the explorations it launched with Israel, we shall show the same sensitivity. However if they continue this provocation, they know very well what Turkey's stance will be'".

Under the title: "Bagis: I do not know where Piri Reis is", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (28.09.11) reports that when asked where Piri Reis vessel is at the moment, Egemen Bagis replied: "I do not know, I am not a sailor".

Under the title: "We are strong and right", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (28.09.11) reports that Bagis argued that the side which prevents lasting peace on the island will pay the price for this.

Under the title: "'They will fall into the hole they opened'" Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan reports that "Bagis came and departed after giving his message to south Cyprus". "The future of the EU is not independent from Turkey and the TRNC. The EU without TRNC and Turkey is a 'crippled duck'", argued Bagis according to the paper. Vatan reports also that Bagis referred to Cyprus's EU term presidency and said that they will not have relations with a country which they do not recognize. He recalled that no chapter in Turkey's negotiations with the EU was opened during the Hungarian term presidency as well. "We have not become smaller" [when no chapter opened], he argued adding that during Cyprus' term presidency they will also not open any chapter but they will continue their reforms and development.

Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (28.09.11) reports that Bagis sent a "clear message to the Greek Cypriot side on the issue of oil" during his all day long contacts yesterday in the occupied area of Cyprus. The paper covers the issue under the following front-page titles: "'They will fall into the hole they opened'", "The gas is not a soda pop to absorb", "It is not Turkey which carries out the exploration" and "Message to the Greek Cypriots: Make a step backwards".

Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis (28.09.11) covers the issue under the title: "Do not open your own hole" and refers to "hard messages" by Bagis to the Greek Cypriots.

Under the title: "Our message is: solution, solution, solution", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (28.09.11) reports that Bagis argued that their target is a lasting solution on the island and that those who prevent this solution will pay the price. "The message we want to give to the world is solution", he claimed.

Referring to the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (28.09.11) reports that Bagis gave the massage that they will not allow fait accomplis in the Mediterranean.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Eroglu argued that the "agreement" signed between Turkey and its breakaway regime had a remarkable impact

Claiming that an "agreement" he and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had signed in New York had made a remarkable impact, Eroglu added: "The agreement is very important in the sense that it demonstrated both our resolve and Turkey's determination on this particular issue".

Eroglu said he was scheduled to meet Christofias again on Friday to take up the issue of police force in a united Cyprus state.

[06] Kucuk: "I believe the government has been alienated"

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (28.09.11) reports that Kucuk met yesterday with a group of journalists over breakfast and evaluated the latest agenda. Kucuk complained that in the oil and natural gas research initiative they, as "government," were left in the shadow of the "presidency" and said that they should have been in New York. "Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun should have been in New York with the President," argued Kucuk.

Furthermore, he pointed out that his "government" was not present to a meeting in Ankara that took place before Eroglu's trip to New York and said that he is under the impression that the "government" has been excluded.

[07] Turkish military commanders to illegally visit the occupied area of Cyprus

(I/Ts.)

[08] "UN's Ban says natural resources of Cyprus belong to both communities"

"UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has confirmed during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu that the natural resources of Cyprus island belong to both Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities, a view Turkey voiced in the past few months as a response to unilateral offshore drilling by Greek Cypriots in Eastern Mediterranean.

Ban and Davutoglu had talks in New York on Tuesday where the two leaders discussed a variety of developments in the region, including recent developments in Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey is using its navy and air force to escort a ship conducting oil and gas exploration off Cyprus in the latest development in a disagreement over the ownership of the disputed island nation's natural resources.

(...)

'We will try all channels of peace, but we will also protect our country's interests until the end', Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey said on Tuesday at an unrelated ceremony to mark the delivery of the first Turkish-made corvette warship to the navy.

(?)

Turkey says any natural resources found offshore should belong to both communities.

State-run Anatolia news agency reported on Tuesday that diplomatic sources said that Davutoglu briefed Ban on progress on the peace talks between the Cypriots to reunify the long divided island and developments surrounding the Eastern Mediterranean. Ban also told Davutoglu that he will convene both Cypriot leaders in October in New York. (?)"

[09] Erdogan: "Turkey's interests in the seas reach from surrounding waters out to Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean"

"A Turkish seismic ship arrives in one gas zone off Cyprus as Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan vows to defend Turkey's maritime interest.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would take all necessary measures to defend its rights over natural resources in the sea during a ceremony to launch Turkey's first domestic warship. The Turkish research ship Piri Reis meanwhile entered block 13 off Cyprus where Greek Cypriots are continuing natural gas exploration with US company Noble, Turkish Foreign Ministry sources confirmed.

Amid rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey's first domestically made warship was formally delivered to the Turkish Navy.

'Turkey's interests in the seas reach from surrounding waters out to Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean', Erdogan said adding that Turkey would take all the necessary measures to defend its commercial interests and its rights over the natural resources in the sea. 'We have sent the Piri Reis [a Turkish exploration vessel] to the Eastern Mediterranean for research activities. We will continue to bring into action anything that our national interests require without any hesitation', Erdogan said, during the ceremony on Tuesday as the TCG Heybeliada, was launched in Istanbul's Pendik Navy Yard. As Erdogan continued his harsh rhetoric over the gas drilling operation of Greek Cyprus [Republic of Cyprus], the Turkish research ship Piri Reis entered block 13 off Cyprus where Greek Cypriots are continuing natural gas exploration with US company Noble, Turkish Foreign Ministry sources confirmed. Sources added that the Piri Reis was only 60 kilometres away from the Greek Cypriot drilling platform. Erdogan has already said the Turkish ship will be escorted by the Turkish Navy; the Turkish frigate Yavuz set sail from its Turkish Mediterranean base two days ago to escort and conduct patrolling duties.

Despite Erdogan's words, Defence Minister Ismet Yilmaz said tensions were decreasing in the Eastern Mediterranean. 'After Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou called Prime Minister Erdogan [Monday] and they talked on the phone for one hour, the tension decreased and things began returning to normal in the Eastern Mediterranean," Y1
lmaz told the Hurriyet Daily News.

President Abdullah Gul said Turkey was now building its own warships with its own engineers, workers and technicians, which in the past it had to buy from other countries and he is proud of this fact. 'Even the countries whose national income is way behind ours have decided to make nuclear weapons because their rivals have done so,' Gul said. Gul also said: 'Nobody wants war, war is the worst case scenario, but if you want to maintain peace and stability you also have to be ready for war'."

Moreover, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 27.09.11), under the title: "Turkish ship explores near Greek Cypriot gas rig", reported, inter alia, the following:

"Turkey said on Tuesday it was exploring for gas in an offshore zone where Greek Cyprus started drilling last week, the latest step in a battle over Mediterranean resources that overshadowed the resumption of peace talks for the divided island.

On Sept. 23, Turkey dispatched its only research vessel, the Piri Reis, to the Eastern Mediterranean.

'Piri Reis, escorted by warships, has started research in the same area where Greek Cypriots are exploring,' Omer Celik, deputy chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) who oversees foreign affairs, said on Twitter.

'We have shown clearly to everyone that we will not allow the Eastern Mediterranean to become a Greek Cyprus-Israel goal,' Celik said in another message. (?)"

[10] Piri Reis started conducting surveys at Parcel 12-Yeni Duzen: The parcel was not included at the map of the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" Turkish daily Hurriyet newspaper (28.09.11) reports about the Turkish Koca Piri Reis vessel, which is conducting seismic surveys for oil drilling in the Mediterranean sea and writes that the vessel approached yesterday the drilling platform of the American Noble Energy company from a distance of 40 Km (25 nautical miles).

Piri Reis will conduct researches in seven big parcels around Cyprus, including the zones which were divided into plots by the Republic of Cyprus, writes the paper and adds that the first target of the vessel was the Aphrodite parcel which was rented by Noble Energy. The Aphrodite parcel which is numbered as 12th overlaps the G area in which Piri Reis started its surveys.

In addition, Hurriyet publishes statements by Umut Yenice, the captain of the Koca Piri Reis ship, who said to Ankara Anatolia news agency that the vessel reached its destination about 50 miles (80 kilometers) off Cyprus the day before. He went on and added that the works of the ship continue 24 hours per day without a break.

Hurriyet also reports that one of the most important corvettes of the Turkish Naval Forces, the TCG Bodrum F 501, sailed off from the Mediterranean from Mugla port of Bodrum yesterday. The paper writes that no information where known about the corvette's route.

Reporting on Piri Reis' researches, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (28.09.11) citing information by an official of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirms that Piri Reis entered the "critical region" as it calls the parcel number 12 and writes that the basic of the area that Piri Reis is conducting its researches is the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime. He went on and added that since Turkey is the country with the longest shore line has naturally rights at the Mediterranean.

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (28.09.11) under the title: "Where to?" writes that there are not clear information about the route Piri Reis is following as regards its surveys. The paper writes that looking to the ship's route it seems that is heading to parcel number 12. However, this area is not included in the map appearing at the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" signed between the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. According to the agreement, the area of surveys was in the northern part of Cyprus and is shown at the "agreement" map. "It is not known why Piri Reis is getting off to the south of Cyprus", writes the paper.

[11] Ozkan Yorgancioglu continues his contacts in the UK; Statements on the oil and natural gas explorations

Evaluating to the paper the latest developments on the issue of natural gas and oil explorations in the Eastern Mediterranean, Yorgancioglu said that in case the Greek Cypriots would finally reach oil and natural gas, then it is necessary for the incomes to be put in a bank account which would be under the UN supervision, so that for the incomes to be used by the two communities after the solution, in order to cover their needs.

Yorgancioglu further said that they do not opposed to the "agreement" being signed by Turkey and the "TRNC" for the "delimitation of their continental shelf", however, they are opposed to the method being used for the signing of the "agreement".

Yorgancioglu spoke also on the possibility of "early elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus and said that "early elections" are inevitable since the "UBP" does not have the power and the ability to bring solution to the problems of the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the ongoing negotiation process, Yorgancioglu supported also that the tensions created with the launching of the oil exploration activities of the Greek Cypriot side, affected negatively the solution process. Yorkancioglu added further that he does not expect for a hot incident to take place after Turkey's initiative, however, he referred to the tension which was created in the region and said that the oil exploration works will create problems between the two communities and will further complicate the creation of peace in the island.

Supporting that the Turkish Cypriots have rights on the oil and natural gas, deriving from 1960, Yorgancioglu expressed criticism to Dervis Eroglu and the "UBP government" for their stance towards this issue. Yorgancioglu added also the following: "Mehmet Ali Talat has been accused by president Eroglu and the UBP for not defending the rights of the Turkish Cypriots when he agreed with Christofias during the negotiations on the issues of international federal structure, common sovereignty and single identify. If Eroglu and the government allege that the Turkish Cypriots have also rights in the oil, then they should be willing to accept the common sovereignty and the single identity".

Meanwhile, according to the paper, Yorgancioglu, in the framework of his contacts in the UK, met with David Burrows, MP with the Conservative Party and chairman of the Friends of Cyprus Group at the European Parliament (EP).

As regards the meeting, Yorgancioglu said that they exchanged views on the Cyprus problem and especially on the issue that the Greek Cypriot's side oil exploration activities should be done after the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Speaking to a press conference in the UK, Yorgancioglu further said that the launching of oil drilling activities by the Greek Cypriot side in a period that the negotiation process continues, is not right, adding that the Turkish Cypriot's rights are being ignored.

Regarding Yorgancioglu's contacts in the UK, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (28.09.11) reports that Yorgancioglu met also with Wayne David, MP with the UK's Labour Party and EU Shadow Minister and with Andrew Love, MP with the Labour Party in Edmonton and member of the Friends of Cyprus Group at the European Parliament. The ongoing negotiation process, the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the need to increase the bi-communal dialogue for the rapprochement of the two communities in Cyprus was among the subjects being discussed, writes the paper.

(AK)

[12] Avci expresses support to the signing of the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" and urges for unity and solidarity

In a written statement, Avci stressed the need for unity and solidarity in the "country and nation", especially in this critical period, as he said, in order to confront the "unilateral, irresponsible and stimulating efforts which are exerted by Greek Cypriots the recent weeks aiming to turn the East Mediterranean into a battlefield".

Calling all involved parties, from the "president, to the prime minister, the ministers, the leaders of the political parties and NGO's" to behave taking into consideration this responsibility they have [Tr. Note: to keep the unity and solidarity in the "TRNC"], Avci accused the "Greek Cypriot leadership" for implementing delaying tactics at the negotiation table on the one hand, and for trying to make bargaining with other powers on the issue of the vital interests of Turkey and the "TRNC".

Avci went on saying that the signing of the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" by motherland Turkey, as he described Turkey and the "TRNC's president" in New York during the period that the UN's General Assembly was taking place, gave an important message both to the world and the Greek-Cypriots as well.

Avci stated also that the ORP will continue to support the current policy, the agreements and all the efforts which are carrying out together with Turkey with the aim to protect the vital interest and the future of the "country". He also rejected the efforts which are directed to use this issue as an instrument for domestic policy.

(AK)

[13] Akansoy accuses the Turkish Cypriot leader of acting alone

Also commenting on the negotiations process, Akansoy said the following: "We said that we will lend our support, but he [Eroglu] conducts the negotiations by himself together with Ozersay. He does not inform the parliament or the parties in a satisfying way. He does not believe in the necessity of a solution. They evaluate the case as a technical issue and meet with Christofias for the sake of not leaving the negotiations table."

Akansoy also expressed his reservations regarding Eroglu's statement to the UN Secretary General that the "give and take" process could start and said that it is pleasing; however they should put a question mark, because this process is the last point. Additionally, since they do not have any information, he wondered whether such a statement reflects a convergence in the negotiation chapters or it is just a power game of the two sides.

[14] Fule's concern over the tension in Eastern Mediterranean

"The Cypriot sides have agreed to hold a round of intensified talks. Now we want to see them focus on a comprehensive settlement", Fule told a session of the European Parliament.

Fule called for dialogue to settle differences between the sides, saying that "escalation of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean serves in no one's interests".

[15] Davutoglu: "We don't have designs upon any country's natural wealth"

Speaking to reporters in New York regarding Cyprus Government's oil drilling efforts in Eastern Mediterranean, Davutoglu said: "However, we assume an attitude if a country attempts to unilaterally use the natural resources of a state whom we are making guarantorship".

When asked whether Turkey's harsh attitude towards the Cyprus Government as well as Israel contradicted its efforts as a mediator and as co-chair of Alliance of Civilizations, Davutoglu said that international peace initiatives, mediation and the Alliance of Civilizations were reflections of Turkey's values in the international platform while Turkey's reactions to problems in its region were the efforts to make a balance between those values and the realities.

"The values we are defending are obvious; human rights, democracy, freedom, stability and peace", claimed Davutoglu, adding that certainly Turkey had to take every measure against the countries which threatened and ignored those values. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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