Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-01-16

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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] Yilmaz: It has been put to the UN record that Turkey has legitimate rights and jurisdiction in certain waters to the west of Cyprus

[02] Turkish MFA spokesman on the joint statement

[03] Downer withdraws from his Cyprus duties; Ertug asked from Downer an "impartial report which will reflect the realities"

[04] Nami: We are trying to create a new Cyprus

[05] Eroglu: Turkish Cypriots want to live under their own administration and to maintain a strong relationship with motherland Turkey

[06] Denktas: an improved Annan Plan will come before us

[07] Initiatives for the representation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP

[08] Kasif held contacts in Ankara on improving the telecommunications infrastructure of the breakaway regime

[09] Bakirci: Closing down the quarries could cause great increases which will shake the price balance in the constructions' sector

[10] Ozyigit met with the Danish Ambassador to Lefkosia

[11] The breakaway regime is participating in the "Vakantiebeurs 2014 Tourism Fair" in Holland

[12] Erdogan tasks Turkish Ambassadors to tell the "truth" on corruption probe

[13] Tanju Bilgic appointed as the new spokesman of Turkish MFA

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Yilmaz: It has been put to the UN record that Turkey has legitimate rights and jurisdiction in certain waters to the west of Cyprus

Addressing the session, he alleged that the Republic of Cyprus has signed continental delimitation agreements with neighbouring countries by ignoring the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

Claiming that none of these agreements were valid or binding for Turkey or the breakaway regime, Yilmaz said that this position had been conveyed to the UN and published as UN documents. "Particularly it has been put to the record that Turkey has legitimate rights and jurisdiction in certain waters to the west of the island", he said.

Also reminding that a continental delimitation agreement had been signed with the breakaway regime on the 21st of September 2011, Yilmaz alleged the following: "It is not possible for third countries to conduct any activity in areas in the Eastern Mediterranean of which we exercise sovereign rights over without the consent of our country. We are openly and clearly stating this".

[02] Turkish MFA spokesman on the joint statement

Claiming that the Greek Cypriot side has not taken the necessary steps for a settlement, Gumrukcu noted: "One of our fundamental priorities is to find a just and comprehensive solution the soonest possible on the Cyprus problem, which enters its 50th year. We make rigorous efforts with the TRNC (trans. Note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) toward this. However, the Greek Cypriot side could not exert the necessary political will towards this.

Regarding the resumption of the talks in the island, no concrete result has been achieved from the on-going efforts. The Turkish side on this issue has adopted a constructive stance and has accepted the reconciliation formula proposed by the UN. The Greek Cypriot side has not approved yet the text of the joint statement that they have been working on. We expect from the international community to give support to the resumption of the negotiations and to take concrete steps towards the solution.

A just and comprehensive solution in Cyprus will create a positive dynamic for the entire Eastern Mediterranean region. It is important that all concerned sides move towards this understanding and to support the efforts of the Turkish Cypriots for peace."

[03] Downer withdraws from his Cyprus duties; Ertug asked from Downer an "impartial report which will reflect the realities"

Citing diplomatic sources, Afrika writes that Downer said that "Cyprus has been the most difficult problem I have dealt with". It is said that Downer will be appointed to another duty by the Australian government. It is not known whether a new special adviser of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus will be appointed, notes Afrika.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (16.01.14) refers to the issue and reports that the contract of Downer, which ends by the end of this month, will not be renewed. A source that wishes to remain anonymous told Kibris that the reason for this development is the criticism against Downer by the Greek Cypriot side and especially by President Anastasiades. The source argued that the "last straw" was the statement by President Anastasiades to ANT1 television that Downer was not objective and the fact that Greek Cypriot political parties said that Downer lost their trust. According to information acquired by the paper, Downer has been appointed to the post of the Australian High Commissioner to London.

Furthermore, Kibris reports also that Osman Ertug told its correspondent, Osman Kalfaoglu that they had a very "useful and sincere" meeting with Downer yesterday. Ertug said that during the meeting they asked from Downer to submit to the UN Security Council a report which will be "impartial and reflecting the realities". Ertug alleged that the only valid proposal at the table now is the one submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side on 14 December. He said that they asked from Downer to persuade the Greek Cypriots to accept this proposal, or in case this does not happen, to include in the report to the Security Council that they [the Turkish side] are ready to start negotiations without a joint declaration.

Ertug argued that the point at which the negotiations on the joint declaration reached "is not appropriate for the other side's submitting any proposal". He said that in case Downer does not prolong his visit, their meeting yesterday would be the last one before the submission of the report to the Security Council.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Nami: We are trying to create a new Cyprus

During a visit to the "Cyprus Turkish public workers' trade union" (KAMU-SEN), Nami noted that the public is more interested to be informed on the Cyprus problem compared to the past, adding that although the negotiations are carried out by the Turkish Cypriot leader, the "government" has always have a saying due to its administration with the "parliamentary system of the country".

Noting that the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs has enough accumulation of knowledge and experience, Nami added that the "ministry" supports the Turkish Cypriot leader and gives importance to harmony. He also claimed that it is not possible to explain to the world about the just case of the Turkish Cypriots without the support of the Turkish Republic.

Nami said that all joint statements made until now are focused on encouraging the leaders for a solution and added that the important role of the non-governmental organizations in this regard should not be ignored.

Noting that the search for a bi-zonal, bi-communal solution in Cyprus has been going on for an eternity, Nami said that the efforts regarding the text of the joint statement has been developed for the last three months. He went on saying that UN General Secretary Advisor on Cyprus Downer came to the island in order to remove some difficulties and he hopes that he will succeed it.

Nami said that they are trying to create a new Cyprus, which does not forget the past, takes lessons from the past, but does not live in the past. Nami also added that a solution in the island will help to solve the economic and social problems in both sides.

Pointing out that even the USA is carrying out a perfect diplomacy, Nami added that no country can live isolated from the world.

[05] Eroglu: Turkish Cypriots want to live under their own administration and to maintain a strong relationship with motherland Turkey

Speaking during a ceremony on the anniversary of Fazil Kucuk's death, Eroglu claimed that the Greek Cypriots were aiming to create a structure which would bring the Turkish Cypriots under their domination and control. Also that they [they Greek Cypriots] were demanding more territorial concessions than those envisaged in the Annan Plan and were totally opposed to the continuation of Turkey's active and effective guarantee. "This is not possible", Eroglu said.

"The Turkish Cypriots want to live under their own administration and to maintain a strong and healthy relationship with motherland Turkey. This was the vision of Kucuk and Rauf Denktas" he said.

[06] Denktas: an improved Annan Plan will come before us

In a statement issued by his "ministry', Denktas alleged that regardless of what the Turkish Cypriot side does, regardless of how much good will it shows, the Greek Cypriots will demand more than the proposals accepted by the Turkish Cypriots.

Denktas claimed: "What is whispered to us lately is that an improved Annan Plan will come before us. The Greek Cypriot community had said 'no' to the Annan Plan. For this reason, an improved plan will definitely be in favour of the Greek Cypriot people".

Denktas alleged that the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu exerts "self-sacrificing efforts" on the issue of the negotiations and that the Greek Cypriot side refrains from taking steps on the Cyprus problem trying to have Turkey as its interlocutor instead of the Turkish Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Initiatives for the representation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP

The delegation, consisting of self-styled deputy of the Republican Turkish Party ?United Forces (CTP-BG) Armagan Candan, self-styled deputy of the National Unity Party (BP) Ersan Saner and self-styled deputy Hasan Tacoy, exchanged views with Cavusoglu on the Cyprus problem and evaluated the relations of Turkey-EU-Cyprus.

According to information from the self-styled assembly, the delegation, which met also with officials from the political groups of the EP, brought into the agenda issues regarding the resumption of the Cyprus talks, the representation of the Turkish Cypriots to the EP and what the Turkish Cypriots expect from the EU.

Moreover, Candan of CTP met also with Hannes Swoboda, Chairman of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), when he participated at their meeting as "observer".

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (16.01.14) reports that the delegation followed yesterday the plenary session of the EP. Candan said that within the framework of his contacts, he met with the President of the EP Martin Schulz. He stressed that during their contacts in Strasbourg they tried to bring the issue of the representation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP with the "observer" status in the agenda. Candan added that they briefed them on the latest stage of the Cyprus problem and they submitted proposals for the improvement of the paragraph regarding Cyprus in Turkey's Progress Report.

Noting that the Conference of the Presidents of the political groups of the EP will convene in four months, Candan said that it is important the issue of the representation of the Turkish Cypriots with the "observer" status in the EP to come into the agenda as a concrete issue. He added that they have taken initiatives for this. Candan also said that the political groups at the EP should make concrete steps on this issue and bring it on the agenda at the Conference of the Presidents.

The delegation was expected to meet with the Deputy of the Liberal Democrats Party Baroness Sarah Ludford this morning. Meanwhile, the EP Socialist Group will visit Cyprus at the end of January and will have also contacts in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

[08] Kasif held contacts in Ankara on improving the telecommunications infrastructure of the breakaway regime

Kasif met with the Turkish Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communication Lutfu Elvan and is set to meet with the Turkish Minister of Environment and Urban Planning Idris Gulluce.

Projects to develop the ports and to improve the telecommunications infrastructure as well as road safety standards in the breakaway regime dominated the agenda of Kasif's meetings.

Speaking during the meeting, Elvan said that his government is ready to extend its support to the breakaway regime which places the establishment of a "TRNC national airline" amongst its priorities. He also said that his ministry will continue to support projects and investments in motorway and other infrastructure projects both technically and financially.

[09] Bakirci: Closing down the quarries could cause great increases which will shake the price balance in the constructions' sector

In a statement issued yesterday by his "ministry", Bakirci replied to questions on the issue during a television program he had participated. Bakirci said that the important thing is for the quarries to operate in a "scientific and proper manner" and added that the "disappointing picture" that came up today is derived from the lack of sufficient controls after "permits" were granted.

Bakirci said that the fact that the quarries are near to settlements because of the small size of the occupied area of Cyprus, the excessive number of the "permits" granted and the "insensible methods" implemented have turned the quarries into one of the most important environmental problems in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Noting that they were preparing projects to "rehabilitate" the quarries, Bakirci said that closing down the quarries would be tantamount to creating a process that could have increases which will shake the price balance in the constructions' sector. He added: "However, 16 quarries are more than these needs. We will talk with the owners of the quarries. We will work on the issue of their operating together at the same places with the method of unification. This will contribute to a more quick development of the rehabilitating process which we will materialize".

(I/Ts.)

[10] Ozyigit met with the Danish Ambassador to Lefkosia

The latest developments of the Cyprus problem and other issues which are on the agenda were the main topics of the discussion at the meeting.

[11] The breakaway regime is participating in the "Vakantiebeurs 2014 Tourism Fair" in Holland

This is the fourth biggest Tourism fair in the world with 1.400 participants writes the paper.

[12] Erdogan tasks Turkish Ambassadors to tell the "truth" on corruption probe

"A very important task falls on your shoulders. We expect you to exert more effort to defeat this treacherous plot targeting Turkey by telling your counterparts the truth. I request you to underline that what's going on is not a corruption operation but a coup [against the government] in the form of a corruption operation," Erdogan said.

[13] Tanju Bilgic appointed as the new spokesman of Turkish MFA

The move came after Levent Gumrukcu, former spokesperson to the foreign ministry was appointed as Turkey's Ambassador to Georgia. Bilgic will assume his new post late January.

Bilgic earlier worked at the Cyprus economic and political units of the Ministry. He served as the Counsellor in Turkey's permanent representation to the Council of Europe. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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