Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-11-22

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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] President Anastasiades and Dervis Eroglu will meet on Monday

[02] Erdogan has reportedly supported the provisional agreement on the unification of Cyprus football

[03] Davutoglu discusses Cyprus with the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN; He says Turkey has a two-legged policy on Cyprus

[04] Eroglu reiterated his well-known positions in the 3rd World Cyprus Turks Congress

[05] Talat: Both sides should be flexible

[06] Izcan: All the international players want a Cyprus settlement

[07] The regime extends for two more years the period for applying to the "Property Compensation Commission"

[08] The breakaway regime is ready to share water from Turkey with the Republic of Cyprus

[09] Suat Kilic: We support "TRNC's" decision on football

[10] Kasif: the plans for the "Tymvou airport" will change completely

[11] Files regarding the "Turkish Cypriot Judo Hapkido and Kickbox Federation" sent to international Judo organization for recognition

[12] Gul: Turkey's involvement in Cyprus gas reserves project would contribute to the resolution Cyprus problem

[13] Yildiz: Turkey aims to double energy use in 10 Years

[14] Lebanese PM makes surprise visit to meet with Erdogan for regional talks

[15] AKP is punishing those who criticize its decisions regarding prep schools' closure

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] President Anastasiades and Dervis Eroglu will meet on Monday

The statement said that the idea for a meeting between the leaders came up during their telephone conversation when Eroglu called to express his and Turkish Cypriot community's condolences to President Anastasiades for late President Clerides death. The statement goes on and says that afterwards the representatives of the leaders discussed and agreed on the details of the meeting.

Eroglu's statement describes the realization of the meeting as "a positive development in the direction of the continuation of the full-fledged negotiations within the framework of the UN Secretary-General's good offices mission from the point they had been left, something which was the expectation of the Turkish Cypriot side for a long time".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Erdogan has reportedly supported the provisional agreement on the unification of Cyprus football

According to Yeni Duzen, Erdogan said, inter alia, the following on Cyprus in the above-mentioned statements:

"South Cyprus knows what north Cyprus will say. In the same manner north Cyprus knows what south Cyprus will say. Let us all sit at the negotiating table and put an end to this issue. Perhaps at the end we will have a united island. Because when it is said that Cyprus is in the EU, reference is not made to a united island. In the past few days, an agreement was signed between the football federation of north Cyprus and the football federation of South Cyprus on the issue of representing the entire island and participating in the football events as a single team. I want to see the positive influences of this step in the political process as well".

Meanwhile, referring to the same statements, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (22.11.13) reports that Erdogan said that the guarantor powers and the two sides in Cyprus should work until a solution is reached on the Cyprus problem.

Erdogan noted that during the last meeting of G-20 in Saint Petersburg, he discussed the Cyprus problem with the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, to whom he submitted his "solution proposal" as regards the Cyprus problem, recalling that the effort in this direction "has taken too long".

Erdogan said that he told Ban Ki-moon that the process which started with former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan continued with himself (Ban Ki-moon), but no solution is found. In spite of all these, he added, the leaders of "south Cyprus" and "north Cyprus", as he described the Republic of Cyprus and the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the island, could sit at the negotiating table and exert efforts for the solution. Noting that as guarantor powers they could also participate in this effort, Erdogan added: "As Turkey, Greece and Britain let us take place in this effort and end our meeting by solving this long lasting problem? I am proposing not to end the efforts until a solution is found".

Erdogan went on and said that sincerity and leaving preconditions aside are needed for "the efficient solution" of this problem. Arguing that both sides know what each other will say, Erdogan noted that for this reason there is no need to "delude each other". He argued that everyone should be forced to sit at the negotiating table and put a "sound end" to this problem. He noted that a "whole Cyprus" should come out as a result of this process.

Erdogan said that when reference to Cyprus is made in the EU, what is meant is not the whole island. He added: "A 'Green Line' is still dividing Cyprus in two. Therefore, it appears that they deceive themselves".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Davutoglu discusses Cyprus with the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN; He says Turkey has a two-legged policy on Cyprus

On his part, the Deputy Secretary ? General noted that they are also uneasy because of the delay of the solution and that the UN Secretary-General's special adviser for Cyprus, Alexander Downer is exerting intensive efforts to revive the process.

Davutoglu described Eliasson as his "close friend" and added that they are working very closely. He noted that during their meeting they would have the opportunity to discuss all issues, including Syria. He said that they want to make Istanbul a UN city and added that Eliasson and Ban Ki-moon offer them a great support on this issue.

Meanwhile, addressing the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) within the framework of the discussions of his ministry's budget, Davutoglu made a presentation on the changes in the international situation during the past one year and the developments on the main principles in the Turkish foreign policy. He noted that they faced difficulties with Syria, "south Cyprus" [as he described the Republic Cyprus] and Armenia. He added that they follow a two-legged policy on the Cyprus problem. On the one hand they are strengthening the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, he said, and on the other they allegedly encourage the peace talks on the island.

Davutoglu said that an opportunity was created after the presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus and added: "As soon as the negotiations between the leaders in Cyprus start, the representative of the TRNC will visit Athens and the representative of the Greek administration of south Cyprus will visit Ankara and we will conduct activities that will further increase these relations. We want to accelerate the negotiations process within the forthcoming months".

Davutoglu noted that while all these happened, they have strengthened the "TRNC". He added that the number of the "representation offices" of the breakaway regime abroad has reached twenty and per capita income increased from 4.409 dollars in 2002 to 16.000 dollars now.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Eroglu reiterated his well-known positions in the 3rd World Cyprus Turks Congress

"We as the Turkish Cypriots are not condemned to continue negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side. We will not and cannot sit for another 50 years at the negotiating table", he said. He went on and added that UN had stated that a small window of opportunity still remained and he accused the Greek Cypriot side of not returning to the negotiating table for 9 months now.

"They are insisting on a joint statement. They want a joint agreement that will contain everything they desire and no mention of what we want will be given room", Eroglu claimed.

"We are all for a solution based on political equality one that will safeguard our sovereignty and also bi-zonal federation that will continue the guarantee agreements", he concluded.

In addition, Bayrak also reported that delivering the inaugural speech at the congress the Chairman of the congress Vedat Celik informed the participants regarding the foundations workings and summarized their aim as wanting to bring Turkish Cypriots who are living abroad, under the one roof.

Touching upon the situation of Turkish Cypriots living in Cyprus Celik alleged the following: "The Turkish Cypriots have been subjected to live under inhumane condition for the past fifty years and even though they voted in favor of the Annan plan they are still being subjected to embargoes. We are here to promote the existence of the Turkish Cypriots to the world'.

Touching upon the Cyprus problem he expressed the view that the only way to come to an agreement would be one based on sovereignty and a confederate structure.

"Foreign ministers undersecretary" Hilmi Akil read out self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami's statement during the session.

Next, Democrat Party (DP) Representative Serhat Kotak alleged the DP will only accept a solution that safeguards all the rights of the Turkish Cypriots including their right to self-determination, based on equal sovereignty and Turkey's active and effective guarantees.

Self-styled parliamentary speaker Sibel Siber said that the weakest point in the 50 year history of the Cyprus issue was lobbying.

[05] Talat: Both sides should be flexible

Evaluating the latest stage of the Cyprus problem, Talat noted that the reciprocal statements have become harden the last days, wondering: "If you introduce with mutual and certain lines what the solution will be even before the resumption of the Cyprus talks, what will you discuss?".

Asked to comment what will prevent the Greek Cypriots, whose property has been returned by the "immovable property commission", to settle down to their own houses, Talat said that the settlement issues may be discussed again, adding that there are some alternatives, however, it is not right to talk about them outside the negotiation table.

Talat also said that Turkey's Foreign Ministry's announcement regarding a new plan was expected, claiming that this announcement means that Turkey is ready for solution. He noted: "The important thing is the Greek Cypriot side to be ready," touching the importance of the EU member countries to be incentive.

Noting that both sides can make concessions, Talat said: "I prefer the word flexible instead of the word concession". He went on saying that he is amazed that how the joint declaration could not be prepared and he queries how a comprehensive solution could be done fair when this joint declaration could even be prepared.

Commenting on the developments regarding the football in the island, Talat argued that the views of FIFA become flexible after the referenda of the Annan plan. He argued that according to the provisional agreement on football, the so-called Turkish Cypriot Football Federation (KTFF) will participate in the CFA (Cyprus Football Association) General Assembly, adding that the breakaway regime should be supportive. He also said that they should not be the ones who close the door and they should also obtain the maximum of the gains before disposing it.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (22.11.13) reports that Mehmet Ali Talat, delivering a speech at the 3rd "World Cyprus Turks Congress" which was held in occupied Keryneia, said that the Cyprus problem, which is an old problem, has been internationalized. He added: "For this reason, we cannot find a solution by ourselves. The Turkish and Greek Cypriots cannot solve the problem by discussing it between them". Talat argued that the solution of the problem will be an international one.

Referring to the Cyprus talks, Talat said he believes that the Cyprus problem can be solved. He argued that the "TRNC" will replace as an equal side of the founding share in a solution and the aim to exalt the "TRNC" will become reality.

[06] Izcan: All the international players want a Cyprus settlement

Commenting on the latest political developments at a television programme, Izcan said that for USA it is important the shipping of natural gas and oil reserves found in Cyprus to be materialized in a secure way, for this reason, they want the shipping to be made through Turkey.

Referring to the Turkish Cypriots, who with their "separatist policies" have dragged them to bankruptcy, Izcan said that these nationalists, who defend the "TRNC" status, have condemned the Turkish Cypriots to live in isolation.

Izcan said: "These defenders of the status, who describe themselves as nationalists, carry passports of the Republic of Cyprus in their pockets. When they use these passports, osmosis cannot happen until the solution of the Cyprus problem, but when we reach an agreement with the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) and we acknowledge the chance to our youth to play sports in the international fields, then osmosis happens". Izcan suggested that, the Turkish Cypriots should support taking some steps that will dissolve their isolation with the implementation of confidence building measures in order to reach a comprehensive solution. Izcan added that their duty is to support the implementation of the confidence building measures, which will be taken parallel to the completion of the negotiation process and will surmount the problems that they face.

[07] The regime extends for two more years the period for applying to the "Property Compensation Commission"

(I/Ts.)

[08] The breakaway regime is ready to share water from Turkey with the Republic of Cyprus

The water to come to occupied Cyprus from Turkey via "Water Provision Project" - a project consisted of under-the-sea pipelines that will carry water from Turkey to the breakaway regime - can be called "peace water" he said, adding that "Water is a problem of southern Cyprus as well and we can share our water with them if a deal is reached."

Bakirci underlined that the breakaway regime is very content for Turkey's help on the water issue by saying, "with this help, we know that the relation with our motherland (Turkey) will go on forever."

[09] Suat Kilic: We support "TRNC's" decision on football

During a meeting with the so-called deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas, Kilic claimed that the "embargoes" imposed on the island are illegal and immoral, arguing "Whatever decision the TRNC authorities take regarding the development of football in the island, we will endeavour that this decision will be materialized."

Denktas, for his part, argued that as federation they will not accept to take part as member under the Greek Cypriot administration.

[10] Kasif: the plans for the "Tymvou airport" will change completely

Kasif said that the project will be implemented as a continuation of the existing building; otherwise it cannot be implemented at all. He added that a tunnel is necessary for the building, which will be built in front of the existing building.

Kasif said that they haven't delivered to the company, which has taken the contract for the occupied airport of Tymvou, the place that the terminal will be built, adding that because of this, some delays have occurred. In case the present project won't change, then they should invest 50 million TL for the army transfer. He concluded by saying that in case of annulment of the contract, they will have to face legal problems.

[11] Files regarding the "Turkish Cypriot Judo Hapkido and Kickbox Federation" sent to international Judo organization for recognition

According to the paper, the head of the Turkish Jude Federation Fatih Uysal referred to the initiatives of recognition of the Turkish Cypriot Judo Hapkido and Kick box Federation" and said that the files of the federation were sent to the International Judo Federation (IJF) and to the European Judo Federation (EJF). "The necessary efforts for the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot Judo Hapkido and Kick box Federation will be made", Uysal stated.

(TR. Note: Hapkido is a Korean martial art)

[12] Gul: Turkey's involvement in Cyprus gas reserves project would contribute to the resolution Cyprus problem

"You must closely follow the middle- and long-term strategic projects developed to carry Caucasian, Central Asian and Middle Eastern natural gas ... to Europe through Turkey. We believe these projects will help the consolidation of Europe's security, stability and welfare, in addition to maintaining our energy security," the president said in a speech delivered on the first of the two-day Atlantic Council Energy and Economy Summit organized in Istanbul.

Expressing his regret that the energy chapter in the negotiations between the EU and Turkey had not yet begun, Gul called on the union to step up to the plate regarding the issue.

"I believe it's important to underline that energy is one of the blocked chapters in our membership negotiations with the EU. Despite our efforts, this is a great contradiction and is unfortunate. No doubt, the side that should resolve this contradiction is the EU," he said.

Stressing that the country's geographical location put it in the heart of the continent's energy sources, Gul also said Turkey would be the most reasonable and feasible route through which to carry resources recently discovered in the eastern Mediterranean, which are estimated to be more than 3.5 trillion cubic meters.

"Turkey has begun to voice its eagerness to be involved in the transportation of natural gas reserves discovered by Greek Cyprus and Israel to Europe, which has been seeking to diversify its energy sources to relieve dependency on Russia" Hurriyet reports. According to Gul, Turkey's involvement in such a project would contribute to the resolution of regional problems, including the Cyprus problem.

Considering Turkey has had rough relations with both of those countries, many analysts warn against the challenges of such an alliance in terms of the economy.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish daily Saban newspaper (22.11.13) reports that speaking at the same summit, Gul stated that due to Turkey's geographical location, Turkey would be the most reasonable and feasible route through which to carry resources recently discovered in Cyprus, which are estimated to be more than 3.5 trillion cubic meters.

[13] Yildiz: Turkey aims to double energy use in 10 Years

The minister also stressed an investment of $17.9 trillion should be made by world's states as 1.3 billion people have still not met with electricity and energy.

Reminding that renewable energy resources, energy efficiency and several other issues were debated in recent meeting of International Energy Agency, Yildiz stressed their model partnership with US would continue in several energy projects also at the technological level.

Yildiz noted for the normalization of Iraq and the increase of its incomes as a whole, the projects must be developed without making any division between the north, south, east and west of the country. Turkey's agreements with central Iraqi government and its contracts with the northern regional part of Iraqi government were attached to the "normalization process of Iraq."

[14] Lebanese PM makes surprise visit to meet with Erdogan for regional talks

According to information obtained from Lebanese sources, Mikati visited Ankara to have a working lunch with Erdogan and to discuss several issues concerning the two countries. Security cooperation between Beirut and Ankara, which is concerned that the escalating situation in war-torn Syria could affect Lebanon, was expected to be the main topic in the agenda of the meeting.

Arab diplomatic sources told Today's Zaman that the instability in Lebanon and the Sunni-Shiite conflict in the politically volatile country would dominate the talks, adding that the Lebanese side would appeal for Turkey's help for mediation between conflicting sides in the country.

Mikati is visiting Turkey for the first time after the release of two Turkish pilots who were kidnapped in Beirut by militants in early August and were freed in mid-October as part of a three-way deal that saw nine Lebanese pilgrims abducted in Syria released from captivity. When asked whether the visit was related to the latest bombings near the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, a Lebanese senior diplomat replied that in addition to the security situation in Lebanon, the issue of the Turkish pilots and the Syrian crisis would be on the agenda.

The visit also comes after Tuesday's bombings near the Iranian Embassy in Beirut which killed at least 23 people, including the Iranian cultural attache, wounding scores more and causing severe damage to the embassy and nearby buildings.

[15] AKP is punishing those who criticize its decisions regarding prep schools' closure

A statement released by the AK Party said that Bal was referred to the disciplinary board on the grounds of "giving speeches that conflict with party politics," implying that it may have been due to tweets Bal sent last week.

Kutahya deputy Bal last Thursday tweeted his opinion that prep schools serve an important purpose in leveling educational disparities. In another tweet he added: "A private company cannot be opened or shut down under orders. As the market will not work as per orders, this structure will continue underground."

While Bal's expulsion process continues, other AK Party deputies have also raised their voices against the government plan to shut down prep schools. Two deputies from the AK Party have rallied against the draft law on prep schools, claiming that it would violate the right to free enterprise and the right to an education.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed on Wednesday the government's earlier announcement that it is working on legislation to shut down all existing prep schools, arguing that they operate as a second education system. Opponents of the plan have noted that the existence of prep schools is a consequence of the many inadequacies of Turkey's schools and education system, and said that by offering tutoring at affordable prices, prep schools help low-income students enter university.

In addition the paper also reports that Turkey's state media regulatory body has denied a claim that it is considering a hefty fine for media reports that criticize the government as part of an intense debate over the closure of prep schools.

Taraf said in its report that the experts of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) have already started to inspect media reports they deem as critical of a government move to shut down prep schools.

RTUK said in a statement on Thursday that the watchdog routinely monitors broadcasts and that it may resort to legal recourse to deal with violations of media rules. But it denied in the Taraf report that special attention is being given to the prep school debate. "Reports in this regard are completely false," the statement concluded.

Finally, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (22.11.13) reports that Bulent Kenes, the editor-in-chief of English daily Today's Zaman, has become the target of a smear campaign on social media for his stance on the government's plans to shut down prep schools and stories in his paper criticizing some government policies.

The latest criticism against Kenes stems from his strong opposition to the closure of the courses that prepare students for high school and university entrance tests. A hashtag that demanded Kenes be removed from his post became a trending topic on Twitter last week.

Kenes was first targeted due to the stories published in Today's Zaman during the Gezi protests in June and the following weeks. A poll published by the daily in mid-June that said the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) votes dropped to 35 percent drew anger from the party's supporters.

"Unfortunately, the lynching campaigns in the media have recently become a part of my life," Kenes told the Hurriyet Daily News yesterday. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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