Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-03-13

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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] Eroglu: The Greek Cypriot proposals on territory "do not sound good"

[02] Akca: The water from Turkey will start flowing on 20 July

[03] Nami's meetings with Congressmen, World Bank officials and the Deputy UN Secretary-General

[04] Caglar called on PACE to support the creation of a United Federal Cyprus

[05] CTP's decision on the "government"

[06] Atalay continues his contacts in Geneva

[07] A team from the Estonian State Television to shoot a film in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] A British MP invited the occupation regime's representative in the UK to attend an event

[09] "Detay" will be the sixteenth daily Turkish Cypriot newspaper as of 17 March

[10] Turkey's MFA claims that the EP Resolution was biased on the Cyprus issue

[11] Thousands bid farewell to Gezi victim Berkin with anti-Erdogan slogans

[12] Gul approved the closure of private preparatory schools

[13] Netanyahu seeks to improve relations with Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: The Greek Cypriot proposals on territory "do not sound good"

Eroglu claimed that during the negotiations, which started in 1968, some solution plans that were satisfying the Turkish Cypriots came up, but no solution could be reached because of the stance of the Greek Cypriot side.

Eroglu went on and alleged that the important thing is to defend the "TRNC state", as he described the breakaway regime established as a result of the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus. He claimed that every nail driven in the occupied northern part of Cyprus "shows the permanency of the Turkish Cypriots on these lands and their rightfulness".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akca: The water from Turkey will start flowing on 20 July

"Its primary aim is to provide quality water to the Turkish Cypriot people and to secure that this is sold in reasonable prices", he argued adding that the plan is for this water to be filtered after its use in order to be used again in the agricultural production, but some problems exist on this issue. He noted that one of the problems is the necessary sewage water network for gathering the waste and leakage water and the fact that half of this installation has not been built yet. He said that these issues should be settled before the water from Turkey comes to the island.

Akca noted that according to the prices of electricity in the occupied area of Cyprus, this water could not be used in the agriculture, as the cost is "very serious". He said that the cost of the agricultural water in the occupied area of Cyprus is twice as high comparing to the prices in Turkey due to the difference in the electricity unit prices. Akca added that one solution of this problem would be to bring electricity from Turkey with cables to the occupied area of Cyprus, but "this is a naive view". He noted that it could be possible to solve the problem with "more complicate, more developed projects" produced by Turkey, the "TRNC", the civilian organizations and the private sector. Otherwise, the water that will come will be a "little bit loss", he argued.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Nami's meetings with Congressmen, World Bank officials and the Deputy UN Secretary-General

Within the framework of his contacts, Nami met yesterday at the US Congress with high ranking officials of the Democratic Party. Expressing satisfaction with his contacts, Nami said: "In our meetings it was clearly said that the efforts for a solution are closely followed and that America will support the solution with all its possibilities. It was important that they stated that their close interest will continue from now on as well".

According to the paper, Nami said that he has evaluated his contacts in the USA over a telephone conversation with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu and that they are in "close coordination with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Nami noted that Davutoglu wanted to be informed about their meetings in Washington. He added: "We informed him in depth about our contacts. We mutually consulted on his contacts in New York. As Turkish side, we are working as a team in a sense that we support each other".

Nami went on and said that during their contacts in Washington they had the feeling that "special importance" was attached to them and added that the importance of the process in Cyprus was shown with their visit to USA.

Nami stated that tomorrow afternoon he will meet with the Deputy UN Secretary-General in New York.

Meanwhile, according to Kibris, the self-styled prime minister of the regime, Ozkan Yorgancioglu referred yesterday to Nami's contacts in Washington and argued that "activity" is seen in other countries regarding the Cyprus problem. He claimed that during Nami's contacts the "will of the Turkish Cypriot side for a solution was appreciated".

Yorgancioglu said that Nami will meet also with officials from the World Bank. Asked about the agenda of this meeting, Yorgancioglu noted that the main issue will be the financing of those who will make investments in "the country" in a possible solution. Yorgancioglu pointed out that Nami's meeting with President Obama's advisor at the White House had not been in the former's program. Yorgancioglu argued that Nami's meetings are an indication that the self-styled government works towards a solution to the Cyprus problem.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Caglar called on PACE to support the creation of a United Federal Cyprus.

During the meeting, Caglar touched upon the Cyprus issue by saying that a positive atmosphere had been created once the two leaders of the multi-cultural island of Cyprus signed the joint agreement.

Pointing to the importance of finding a bicommunal, bizonal solution with "two founding states" in Cyprus, Caglar said: "Alongside the two communities on the island, a joint statement that was supported by the guarantor countries and the UN is an important step towards progressing a federal solution on the island."

Emphasizing the significance of not wasting the positive atmosphere and opportunity that has arisen by the joint statement, Caglar called on PACE to provide support for Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to create a United Federal Cyprus.

Claiming that the Turkish Cypriots have for nearly 50 years not taken place on the international platform, the CTP-UB "deputy" expressed the belief that if a solution is found to the Cyprus problem, the Turkish Cypriots will gain their rightful place in the international arena.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (13.03.14) reports that Caglar, during the meeting, made a complaint to PACE that the Republic of Cyprus passed a law, where only the Greek place names should be used in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He also said that the Turkish language is still not an official language in the EU. He added, however, that he will not touch other problems in order not to spoil the positive atmosphere on the Cyprus talks.

[05] CTP's decision on the "government"

Pointing to the need to reach a point where the "government" can better serve the people, Yorgancioglu said that they would bargain with the Democrat Party National Forces (DP-UG) to establish a timeframe where changes can be made to some laws and the constitution.

"DP-UG and UBP collaboration is a concern for us and it could have negative repercussions on the Cyprus issue. All parties should understand that they cannot stand against us during local elections and their actions prove that they do not have faith in their own candidates", said Yorgancioglu.

Explaining that it is natural to have some problems within the "government", Yorgancioglu said that what is important is to find ways to overcome these problems.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (13.03.14) reports that the CTP party assembly has decided to stay in the "coalition government" under four conditions. First, the "government" should make reforms in "laws" and in the "constitution" within a timeframe. Second, the Cyprus problem should be based on the "government programme". Third, the amendments of the "constitution" should be submitted for referendum. Fourth, the "laws" regarding the political parties, the referendum and the "elections" should be edited again.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (12.03.14) reported that CTP General Secretary Kutlay Erk, speaking after the Central Executive Board meeting which lasted till early hours of morning, said they decided to stay in the "government", despite the union of right wing parties.

Erk said: "We made promises to our voter base before 28 July elections and we want to change the constitution. We will put pressure on our coalition partner and we will make the reforms. We will push for a referendum for the elections and the ballot measures. We want to keep our promises."

[06] Atalay continues his contacts in Geneva

Within the framework of his contacts, Atalay will be attending a panel on peace organized by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

The event, which will take place on Thursday at the UN headquarters in Geneva, will be attended by the religious leaders in Cyprus, including a representative from the Greek Cypriot Orthodox Church.

Speaking to "BRT", Atalay said that there will be opportunities to hold contacts at the UN headquarters ahead of the panel discussion.

Pointing out that the panel carried great importance in symbolic terms; Atalay said that it will be the first time the issue will be taken up amongst the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot religious leaders.

Stating that religious leaders should stay away from politics and that the language of religion should be used for reconciliation, Atalay said: "We must create a safe environment where people from all walks of life can come together".

Meanwhile as part of his contacts Atalay, who visited Turkey's consulate in Geneva, met with the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of Religious or Belief Heiner Bielefeldt.

[07] A team from the Estonian State Television to shoot a film in the occupied area of Cyprus

As the paper writes, the so-called ministry will meet the expenses from the "Development and Promotion fund" of "2014 annual budget", with the aim to develop the "country's tourism".

(AK)

[08] A British MP invited the occupation regime's representative in the UK to attend an event

As the paper writes, the "representative" of the occupation regime in the UK, Oya Tuncali and her husband and the "3rd secretaries of the TRNC representation" Mujde Inancoglu and Tahir Tahir attended the event after an invitation sent by Mr. Rosindell.

(AK)

[09] "Detay" will be the sixteenth daily Turkish Cypriot newspaper as of 17 March

The paper's slogan is that "realities are hidden in the details" [Translator's note: The English translation of "Detay" is "detail"]. Detay will consist of 32 pages.

According to Oshan Sabirli, "Detay is determined to be a beautiful example of peace journalism". "We will defend the rights of women, men, young people, old people, children, homosexuals and migrants", he noted.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Turkey's MFA claims that the EP Resolution was biased on the Cyprus issue

According to the press release, "the Ministry welcomes that the EP Resolution on Turkey, prepared this year again by Dutch Christian Democrat MEP Ria Oomen-Ruijten, confirms that Turkey, with its economy, strategic location and important regional role, is a strategic partner of the EU and has a significant role for EU's economic competitiveness, as noted in the EU Commission 2013 Enlargement Strategy.

The Resolution indicates that significant reforms had been accomplished since last year. It welcomes the opening of Chapter 22 -Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments, as well as the initiation of the process pertaining to visa-free travel of Turkish citizens to Schengen countries and the signing of the Readmission Agreement on 16 December 2013. Referring ? as Turkey does ? to the importance of Chapters 23-Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and 24-Justice, Freedom and Security for the reform process, it is stated that the transmission of the opening criteria regarding these chapters would provide a roadmap.

It is noteworthy that the Resolution calls upon considering the opening of Chapter 15-Energy in the context of Turkey's importance on this matter.

We welcome the above mentioned points as they show the importance given by the EU side to Turkey's accession process and support our view that an impetus must be provided to the negotiations through opening new chapters.

However, the Resolution shows that the EP continues its biased approach on the Cyprus issue. Indeed, the understanding reflected in the Resolution is a sign that the EP is unfortunately far from comprehending and supporting the vision that will lead to the prevailing of peace and cooperation in Cyprus and in the region in an environment where the UN negotiation process restarted with the efforts of the Turkish Cypriot side and the active support of Turkey and at a time when hopes and efforts towards settlement have intensified."

[11] Thousands bid farewell to Gezi victim Berkin with anti-Erdogan slogans

Hundreds of demonstrators, who mostly chanted slogans against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AK Party), were taken into custody during the protests.

In the interim, a resident was killed by gunfire in a clash between anti-government protesters and residents in Okmeydan? neighbourhood, where Berkin Elvan's house is located, the Hurriyet daily reported.

According to police, Burak Karamanoglu, 22, was killed when protesters opened fire at residents.

As the dramatic day came closer to an end, the death toll rose to two as a police officer died of heart attack in eastern Turkey due to excessive tear gas earlier in the evening.

Meanwhile, columnist Balcicek Ilter has resigned from the pro-government Turkiye daily for its coverage of the death of Elvan. The daily suggested on its front page on Wednesday that the death of Elvan was just an excuse to terrorize the streets. Ilter tendered her resignation in protest and wrote a farewell piece for readers of the daily.

However, the Turkiye daily did not publish her final column. "If we cannot even share our pain and we cannot cry out after the loss of a child hand in hand, it is hard, friends," Ilter wrote in her unpublished piece, which was posted online by several websites.

[12] Gul approved the closure of private preparatory schools

Gul signed into law a controversial government bill closing all private tutoring centres, dershanes, by September 2015.

According to the new law, dershanes will be allowed to operate until September 1, 2015, before being converted into conventional private schools by June 2019.

Meanwhile, Erdogan said that the state schools would provide extra tutoring to students for free on weekends.

[13] Netanyahu seeks to improve relations with Turkey

In his statements to the Anadolu Agency (AA), Netanyahu expressed his interest in restoring relations with Turkey.

In an interview with Daily Sabah, Ufuk Ulutas, the director of foreign politics at the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), evaluated Netanyahu's recent remarks and stated there seems to be a serious effort by the Israeli side to improve their relations with Turkey, as they slowly fulfil the conditions demanded by Turkey, evident by the official apology made by Prime Minister Netanyahu to Erdogan. According to Ulutas, the discovery of energy and natural gas resources in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean is a significant factor motivating Israel to improve its relations with Turkey. "In particular, there is significant pressure on the Israeli government by private corporations to find common ground and cooperate with Turkey," said Ulutas, noting that diplomats involved in natural gas resources are also interested in improving relations with Turkey.

Geopolitically, Turkey currently plays an important role as there is no other alternative to deliver the natural gas through a pipeline planned to be made through Turkey, strengthening Turkey's position in the process. The dynamics brought about by natural gas is also thought to play a major role in Turkey's involvement in the resolution of the conflict in Cyprus, which has split the island between the Turkish and Greek sides. On the other hand, Ulutas stated that Turkey is willing to improve relations with Israel if the latter fulfils the three conditions requested by Turkey and explained there are three ways the relations could potentially be shaped between the two countries.

Natural gas found in Cyprus is seen to be one of the defining factors of the issue and experts claim the resolution of the conflict in Cyprus will not be sufficient to provide a passageway through Turkey for the export of natural gas to Europe and necessitates the normalization of relations between Turkey and Israel. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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