Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-04-07

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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] Self-styled presidency releases statement on the Cyprus problem

[02] Eroglu: Everyone must know that I will never say 'yes' to the enforcement of an agreement that will increase our hardships

[03] Ozersay evaluated Moscow visit

[04] Ozgurgun: Morphou will always remain Turkish soil

[05] Talat argues that there is no progress in Cyprus negotiations

[06] Cavusoglu: Turkey will leave its EU accession hope to Italy's EU presidency period

[07] Nami: Varosha is part of the comprehensive solution

[08] Cakici accused Eroglu of giving false hopes on the Cyprus talks

[09] All Party British Parliamentary Group for the "TRNC" supports the recognition of the Turkish Cypriots' rights

[10] Siber asked the international community to listen to the Turkish Cypriots

[11] KAR-Is Trade Union met with Nami

[12] Caglar and Ertugruloglu at PACE's meeting in Strasbourg

[13] Turkish Cypriot press reports that a Turkish flag has been burned during a Cypriot football match

[14] Turkish daily writes that Gul wants UN post if Erdogan is elected President

[15] Election to be re-held in Agri- CHP appeals to top board for cancellation of Ankara vote

[16] The alcoholic beverage industry suffering from prohibitive legislation in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Self-styled presidency releases statement on the Cyprus problem

According to the statement, the policy that was agreed upon by all circles (in the Turkish Cypriot side) is being carried out at the Cyprus negotiations process adding that this must be defended by all otherwise it will seem as though there are two leaderships in the "country" and this will be used against the Turkish Cypriots. It also added the importance given by Eroglu to the protection of the "unity and solidarity of the Turkish Cypriots" and underscored that different views should not be used to divide the community but instead used to protect rights and "laws".

Referring to the joint declaration it is noted that Eroglu carried out a variety of contacts with different circles before facilitating an agreement on the joint declaration.

"The President is only concerned about the Turkish Cypriot peoples interests so once the Greek Cypriots return to the table and when the time is right, the President will share the realities with the people", the statement says.

[02] Eroglu: Everyone must know that I will never say 'yes' to the enforcement of an agreement that will increase our hardships

Addressing the 34th Congress of the Turkish Cypriot Farmers' Union, Eroglu claimed that they are ready to accept an agreement which will protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and added: "If an agreement will be made, both sides must come out with gains. Such agreement is a good agreement, an agreement which I will accept", he argued.

Eroglu alleged that the time has come for an agreement on the basis of the "realities" in Cyprus and claimed that "no one has the right to ignore that the Turkish Cypriot side is still victimized and lives under isolation and embargo, in spite of so many realities that have been experienced and the fact that it has many times exhibited its stance in favour of an agreement".

He went on and alleged: "A big injustice is being committed against our people in Cyprus. The world, which is regarded as civilized, by punishing us ignoring the intransigent stance of the Greek Cypriot side, serves the Greek Cypriot dreams and not peace. We are ready to accept with good will an agreement which will protect the rights of our people. However, this does not mean that we will say yes to things that will lead the Turkish Cypriot people, our farmers and peasants to misery".

Eroglu described as "unacceptable" for them an agreement which will deprive them from land that will allow them to develop their agriculture and economy and cause uncertainty within the people as to where they will settle and what will happen.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozersay evaluated Moscow visit

As part of his contacts, Ozersay said that he had met with the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's 4th Department in charge of European Affairs Andrey Maslov as well as other high ranking officials dealing with Cyprus Affairs. The Turkish Cypriot negotiator also evaluated his Moscow contacts on a program aired on TRT-Turk.

Speaking in the program, Ozersay said that the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team "was conducting an active and multilateral diplomacy with all international actors and parties involved in the Cyprus peace process".

He added that he had found the opportunity to conduct productive meetings with officials from the Russian Federation, Ozersay stressed the importance of conveying the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side to international actors. He said that it was very important that international actors perceived these positions correctly. He also said that it was "disturbing and disappointing" to see that the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiadis complained to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about the Cyprus Turkish side.

In addition Ankara Anatolia news agency (05.04.14) reported that Ozersay told AA that Russia as a permanent member of the UN Security council was closely following the developments on the Cyprus issue.

"It would be possible to say that especialy in the past three years the relationship between Russia and the TRNC in respect to the comprehensive solution efforts on the island, has become institutionalised. Thanks to this the TRNC has found the opportunity to explain what it wants directly to Russia", said Ozersay. "What's important is to establish a diplomatic initiative that will overcome the prejudice that has been created as regards to us'", said Ozersay.

[04] Ozgurgun: Morphou will always remain Turkish soil

Speaking during a 'solidarity ball' organized by UBP Guzelyurt (Morphou) District Headquarters, Ozgurgun said: "In 2012 we had a helicopter tour above Lefka and Morphou with our mainland's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and he said 'Morphou will never be returned'." Ozgurgun also added that the day they toured with Erdogan was the day when the construction of the double-lane road between Morphou and Lefka started. "Mr. Prime Minister's words are clear. He said 'this area will always remain as Turkish soil'".

[05] Talat argues that there is no progress in Cyprus negotiations

Talat strongly criticised the current management of the Cyprus negotiations process describing it as a disaster and said that if it continues in this manner an outcome won't be reached. "There is no such thing as the leaders' coming together", said Talat and added that the negotiators were doing all the work.

He argued that due to the fact that the negotiators of the two sides are carrying out meetings and not the leaders on the island, the negotiations process had been brought down a level. He also argued that the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay is not only carrying out the negotiations process but he is also carrying out international contacts and travelling around the world. "It looks like Ozersay has taken on the role of President", Talat said, adding that this is a faulty approach. He also referred to the benefits of the international contacts that are being held by the "foreign minister" Ozdil Nami will have for the country.

Touched upon the state of affairs of the Cyprus negotiations process, Talat said that "it is a calamity". "With the way it is going, forget about this June it won't even be concluded by June ten years from now", said Talat. He said that the subjects on convergences that have been reached upon, have not been announced, and added that the reason behind this is because no convergences have been reached'.

Noting that he has no hope that a solution will be reached this year, Talat said "hopefully I will be wrong and the Cyprus problem, with a surprise will be on the path towards a solution".

[06] Cavusoglu: Turkey will leave its EU accession hope to Italy's EU presidency period

Cavusoglu said that Turkey's expectations to open the EU chapters appear to have not been met. He said that even though Greece showed it psychologically supports Turkey's EU path, the EU does not seem eager to open these chapters ahead of the EU Parliament elections. Referring to Italy's taking over the presidency of the EU in the second half of 2014, Cavusoglu said that Turkey will leave its EU accession hope to Italy's EU presidency period.

Alleging that the chapters Turkey aimed to open are blocked by Cyprus, Cavusoglu said: "There is common ground towards opening the chapters, but who will persuade Southern Cyprus on this issue? With all this in consideration, the issue appears not to be solved ahead of May elections [EU Parliamentary elections]."

Claiming that the Cyprus problem was brought to the agenda during the meetings, Cavusoglu said that the reconciliation process which had begun between Turkey and Cyprus was praised and supported in the meeting.

[07] Nami: Varosha is part of the comprehensive solution

Meanwhile, Kibris recalls that in earlier statements to the paper the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, Kudret Ozersay had said that the issue of Varosha could come onto the table within the framework of confidence building measures. However, the paper notes that sources close to the Turkish Cypriot leader's office have not confirmed whether an issue regarding Varosha will be discussed during Rubin's visit.

Moreover, the self-styled mayor of occupied Famagusta, Oktay Kayalp stated that if Varosha opens today, a period of five years is needed for people being able to settle in the city and therefore it would be positive if such work started before the solution from the point of view of gaining time. "What is important is the comprehensive solution and no argument which will postpone, delay or prevent the comprehensive solution must find no value", he added.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Cakici accused Eroglu of giving false hopes on the Cyprus talks

Commenting on the Cyprus talks in an interview to the paper, Cakici said that the aim of the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu is not to finish the talks. Referring to Eroglu's briefing at the "assembly", Cakici said that he is offended when Eroglu gives hopes to the people with false information.

[09] All Party British Parliamentary Group for the "TRNC" supports the recognition of the Turkish Cypriots' rights

The member of this group, Lord Sheikh, Lord Qurban Houssein and Jeanne Marie Douglas ? member of the Executive Committee of the Conservative Muslim Forum at Melton Borough Council ? replied to "TAK" correspondent in London on what they think on the representation of the Turkish Cypriots on the international arena.

Lord Sheikh said that the international community may play an important role on finding a just solution in Cyprus, adding that the time for solution has arrived. Especially, now with the resources of oil and natural gas, as well, as the water coming from Turkey, he said. He added that it is important that the voice of the Turkish Cypriots to be heard in the international platforms.

Lord Hussain stressed that it is important to give equal rights to the Turkish Cypriots, adding that "the Greek Cypriots should accept the reality in the island, which is the existence of two communities". He also said that the EU should include in its organization representatives from the Turkish Cypriot community. He noted: "The seats in the European Parliamentary were given to all Cyprus, and not only to South Cyprus. This island contains also the Turkish Cypriots. We should continue to announce in every level the right demands of the Turkish Cypriots. Our group is getting stronger. New parliamentary groups have been added."

Jean Marie Douglas said that she participates in an embargo NGO organization in order to fight the reportedly embargoes that are imposed to the Turkish Cypriots. She expressed her hopes that things will be better for everyone in Cyprus very soon, giving importance to the protection of the culture heritage in the island.

[10] Siber asked the international community to listen to the Turkish Cypriots

In a press conference held yesterday at the representative office of the breakaway regime in London, Siber, evaluating her contacts in London, said that they want the "committee of foreign affairs of the assembly" to be effective on the lobby activities, because it reflects the political will of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Noting that the solution will be found at the table of the negotiations but the communities are the ones that will make peace, Siber said that for this reason, the two communities should solve their problems by meeting face to face and understanding each other.

Siber repeated that the Turkish Cypriot community has the right of two seats as an observer member of PACE, reminding that the Turkish Cypriot community is an observer member of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC and that she addressed the latest meeting in Tehran.

Noting that for the first time the Orthodox Church has supported the negotiation process, Siber stressed that there are a number of factors and parameters which can encourage a settlement on the island. Siber concluded by underlining the importance of voicing the positions and views of the Turkish Cypriots in the international arena.

[11] KAR-Is Trade Union met with Nami

According to the paper, during the meeting, the board has conveyed to Nami the general problems the union confronts, as well as their demands.

Speaking during the meeting, the "chairman" of KAR-Is Mentes Ayatas, said that the most important problem they face is the "obstacles" imposed by the Greek Cypriots since 2003, regarding the access of their commercial vehicles to the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Ayatas said that there is a huge uneasiness among the members of KAR-Is regarding crossing into the "south", adding that despite the fact that several "governments" in the "TRNC" has exerted many efforts on this issue, no progress was made.

Speaking on his part, Nami said that he discussed the issue of the access of commercial vehicles to the "south" a lot of times with EU officials and added that he will bring the issue into the agenda, during the forthcoming visit of the European Commissioner Stefan Fule in Cyprus.

AK

[12] Caglar and Ertugruloglu at PACE's meeting in Strasbourg

Caglar and Ertugruloglu are expected to return to the occupied area of Cyprus on April 11.

AK

[13] Turkish Cypriot press reports that a Turkish flag has been burned during a Cypriot football match

The paper describes these as "shocking images" and writes that the Turkish sports fans reacted very strongly against this behaviour and that the reaction of the "state" is expected. According to the paper, it would be interesting to see whether the Turkish Football Federation and Turkish officials will apply to UEFA on the issue.

(I/Ts.)

[14] Turkish daily writes that Gul wants UN post if Erdogan is elected President

According to the paper, Gul said that he did not wish to become prime minister or party chair, and instead asked Erdogan to use his international reputation to secure Gul a high-level position at the UN. On his part Erdogan promised that he would make an effort.

[15] Election to be re-held in Agri- CHP appeals to top board for cancellation of Ankara vote

The board made the decision to re-hold the elections on June 1 during a recount of votes after appeals from the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP). BDP provincial head had announced their candidate's victory, by only 10 votes ahead of the AK Party contestant, on Monday.

In addition, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (07.04.14) reports Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) appealed to the country's top election authority April 6, asking for the cancellation of results of the contested local elections in the capital city of Ankara. Speaking on the issue, CHP's candidate for Ankara Mansur Yavas, said at a press conference: "We are after each and every vote. If the Supreme Election Board (YSK) rejects our appeal, we will take the issue to the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights," Yavas said.

[16] The alcoholic beverage industry suffering from prohibitive legislation in Turkey

Legislation went into effect last year prohibiting the retail sale of alcohol between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and also restricted alcoholic beverage companies' advertising. Festivals sponsored by alcohol drink companies were banned as were promotional giveaways. Turkey's largest beer producer, Efes, closed down one of its factories in the province of Luleburgaz recently due to a major decline in sales. The company reported a 12% drop in sales in 2013. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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