Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-05-12

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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] Turkish columnist: US Vice President Biden will visit Cyprus on 21 and 22 May

[02] Eroglu: We feel the pressure of some big countries

[03] Eroglu briefed the "parliamentary platform" on the Cyprus talks

[04] "Deputies" to attend PACE meeting in Istanbul

[05] Slovakian Ambassador: The current process could and should not be allowed to fail

[06] Messages for the 9th of May Europe Day

[07] Ozgurgun: "We are ready to say 'yes' to a solution based on equality"

[08] The Italian Ambassador to Lefkosia met with the "head of religious affairs department"

[09] The son of the King of Jordan and a delegation of the Malaysian Royal Family visited the tomb of the late Seyh Nazim Kibrisi in occupied Lefka

[10] Atlasjet to start direct flights to the breakaway regime according to Sabah

[11] The 2nd International Career Opportunities Forum and the Turkish Cypriot Products Fair to take place in the occupied area of Cyprus

[12] Swoboda: The Cyprus problem has nothing to do with Chapters 23 and 24

[13] German Foreign Minister supports Chapter 23 in Turkey's EU bid

[14] EP Vice President: Turkey has moved away from the EU

[15] US Ambassador: The alliance between Turkey and the U.S. will ensure regional stability

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkish columnist: US Vice President Biden will visit Cyprus on 21 and 22 May

The Turkish columnist writes, inter alia, the following:

"?Biden will be in Cyprus on 21-22 May, meet with the leaders of the two sides, discuss the negotiating process and propose a solution model. I found out about this as a result of meeting at the door the US Ambassador to Cyprus John Koenig when I went to meet with TRNC President Dervis Eroglu in Nicosia. When I asked Eroglu about the intention of the US delegation headed by Koenig, his answer was clear: 'They [Translator's note: He means Eroglu and Koenig] held a meeting regarding the visit of Vice President Biden?' He also said that the interest of Washington in the island has increased during Ambassador Koenig's term. When I asked him what kind of a result he expected from Biden's visit, his answer was humorous: 'Perhaps he will want to make us feel their weight. I have said it to them too. I said: 'There is no need for making us feel your weight. It is enough if you make the Greek Cypriot side feel it'. He noted that the USA wants to dominate over the island in order for extracting oil and natural gas in Eastern Mediterranean and added: 'It let Russia seize Syria in the area. It does not want let it seize Egypt as well. It shows interest in the island while it develops relations with Egypt and Iran?' He said that the stance of the USA on the island until today was aiming at protecting the interests of the Greek Cypriots. He said that 'it secured no benefit for the Turkish side until today' and added: 'It presents itself as if acting in a balanced manner towards both sides with its Ambassador, but it is actually trying for the Greek Cypriot side'.

I reminded him of what has been said as regards the USA needing a success story in the area and that it is producing a formula for this. I said: 'It is said that since a state cannot be established, then let a joint energy company be established and let's reach a state from there. What is your approach?' Eroglu said that interim solution models have not worked until today and will not work from now on. He noted that the negotiations which resumed on 6 May went even more backwards because of the stance of the Greek Cypriot sector. He said that the problem derives from Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades' wanting to ignore the past agreements and to bring again all articles to the table. It seems that there will be no result from these negotiations too. The expectation is for the process to be opened with the pressure by the US Vice President Biden for going to a state partnership from a company partnership. However, the most correct way is to agree for divorcing and becoming two separate states instead of agreeing for unification after 40 years of separation. It is both easy and permanent?"

In the introduction of his column, Sarikaya reports that Vice President Biden's to Cyprus will be the first visit from the USA to the island at the level of a President or a Vice President after 52 years. He recalls that Vice President Johnson had been the last US official at that level who visited Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu: We feel the pressure of some big countries

Addressing the 18th general assembly of the war veterans who had participated in the invasion, Eroglu said that they feel the pressure of some big countries on them and added that he knows what he is defending. He alleged: "Our people have settled, took roots, and built new houses. If you ignore these and say 'I want whatever I had lost in 1974', they will say to you that you are too late. Where your mind was in 1974 for an agreement? An agreement between Denktas and Makarios was reached in 1977, why did you shelve it?" Eroglu alleged that the Greek Cypriot side wants too many things in the negotiations. "I also want many things, but the important thing is what is possible", he claimed.

Eroglu went on and said that with the Turkish war veterans they share the roof of the same "state" and the same destiny. He added: "?If we do not know the value of what we have gained, one day it will be lost. We have to defend heart and soul our gains".

Eroglu alleged that the "state", which the Turkish Cypriots have established with the support of Turkey and by paying heavy costs, is the biggest happiness for them.

Meanwhile, according to Kibris (11.05.14), in statements during a meeting with a delegation of a school from Turkey, Eroglu argued that the negotiations are advancing too slowly and that this derives from the Greek Cypriot side, which has allegedly "nothing to worry about". He said that the Republic of Cyprus, which the Greek Cypriots have allegedly stolen from the Turkish Cypriots, is supported by the UN and the EU, while the so-called TRNC established by the Turkish Cypriots is not recognized and suffers under so-called embargoes.

Furthermore, in statements to Anatolia news agency (09.05.14), Eroglu alleged that the Greek Cypriot officials are not willing to decide on a deadline to agree on a solution and added: "The Greek Cypriot officials are now saying that July 2015 is the time to decide on an agreement, but who knows if they will say '2016 is better' when July 2015 comes?". Eroglu said that they will continue to insist on a 'timeframe' for the negotiations.

He alleged that their priority is to "ensure the rights of those displaced" during the island's partition 40 years ago. "If a person was to move from the northern part of the island to the south - or vice versa - he/she has to have equal living conditions", he said.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu briefed the "parliamentary platform" on the Cyprus talks

Eroglu briefed them regarding the proposals made by the Turkish Cypriot side at the last meeting of the negotiators on the 6th of May on Governance and Power Sharing and Property issues.

The meeting was attended by the leader of the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG), self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami, the Secretary General of the CTP Kutlay Erk, the leader of the main opposition National Unity Party (UBP) Huseyin Ozgurgun, UBP "deputies" Tahsin Ertugruloglu and Ersan Saner, the leader of the Democrat Party - National Forces (DP-UG) self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas, the DP Secretary General Hasan Tacoy and DP Foreign Relations Secretary Serhat Kotak, the leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit, the party's Secretary General Mehmet Harmanci and TDP Deputy Zeki Celer.

Eroglu's undersecretary Hasan Gungor, the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Kudret Ozersay, the self-styled presidential spokesman Osman Ertug and members of the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team were also present at the meeting.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Yorgancioglu said that it had been a useful meeting during which Eroglu had briefed them on the latest proposals. "It was a useful meeting. We believe that such meetings should be held more frequently. We conveyed this suggestion to Eroglu", he said.

Stating that both sides needed to accept the convergences reached to this day in order to be able to reach a settlement, Yorgancioglu said that the leaders needed to focus on areas where divergences existed.

Ozgurgun, for his part, claimed that the Greek Cypriot side continued to resort to delaying tactics despite the bridging and constructive proposals made by Eroglu.

Alleging that the Greek Cypriot side had presented proposals on Governance and Power Sharing which fell out of the framework of standing UN parameters, Ozgurgun said: "There is no rotational presidency, no right to veto. The ratio of the council of ministers will be 7 Greek Cypriots and 3 Turkish Cypriots but all decisions will be taken by a simple majority. That means that all decisions will be approved despite Turkish opposition. Clearly all they want is just 3 puppet Turkish Cypriot ministers which will mean that the new administration will be completely run by the Greek Cypriots. This is totally unacceptable. They want to postpone the process to after 2020".

Also speaking to the press after the meeting, Denktas said that as the process moved forward the number of questions in his head was growing. "No matter how positive and hopeful the messages given to the public are, I do not share this level of optimism" said Denktas, stating that despite this, his party will continue to focus on a solution and try to remain unprejudiced during the negotiations.

Denktas also claimed that the Greek Cypriot side had no intention of reaching a solution and that he believed some proposals were being made deliberately to sabotage the process.

Ozyigit, who spoke last, said that it had been an informative meeting on the latest stage reached in the talks. He added that they attach great importance to the joint statement and expressed the belief that the negotiations should proceed on the basis of the joint declaration.

[04] "Deputies" to attend PACE meeting in Istanbul

The two are expected to return to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on Tuesday, May 13th.

Meanwhile, Caglar represented the Turkish Cypriot community at the PACE's Political Affairs and Democracy Committee meeting in Athens.

Addressing the meeting, Caglar touched upon the Cyprus issue and the freedom of religion that existed on the island. He also said that the joint declaration agreed upon and signed by the two leaders had created a positive atmosphere on the island.

Pointing out that the religious leaders in Cyprus have recently launched a dialogue parallel to the talks, Caglar said that the meetings of the religious leaders gave messages to the two "peoples" on the island on the unifying role the religion played.

Stating that individuals who were non-Muslims practiced their religion freely in the "TRNC", Caglar alleged that despite the lack of funds, a number of projects is developed and implemented in "North Cyprus" for the protection and preservation of the cultural heritage and monuments.

[05] Slovakian Ambassador: The current process could and should not be allowed to fail

Speaking on a program on "BRT" on Thursday night, the Ambassador said that her country has been involved in the Cyprus problem since the first bi-communal meeting between political parties was organized in Prague upon an invitation by the former Czechoslovakian Ambassador 25 years ago in May 1989.

Underlining the importance of the meetings that take place at Ledra Palace, she said that the meetings provided a unique atmosphere and opportunity where political parties from both sides of the divided country could come together to share and discuss issues pertaining to the Cyprus problem. "These meetings are extremely important in building bridges as well as conveying messages to the public on both sides", Tomova said.

Responding to a question regarding the Cyprus negotiations process, the Slovakian Ambassador said that the current process could and should not be allowed to fail. She said that everyone, including the international community and other actors had to work in order to ensure that the process will be a success.

[06] Messages for the 9th of May Europe Day

The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the EU Commission's Representation Office organized a joint reception yesterday on the occasion.

The reception was attended by the self-styled speaker of the assembly of the breakaway regime Sibel Siber, self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami, representatives of various Embassies and officials from the Greek Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Delivering the first speech at the event, the Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce Fikri Toros said that the EU's designs to ease the economic and social life of the Turkish Cypriots had unfortunately failed despite numerous efforts and initiatives. Claiming that this had created a deep sense of disappointment amongst the Turkish Cypriots, Toros said that despite this the chamber remained committed to cooperate and work with the EU.

Speaking next, the Head of the EU Commission's Representation Office in Cyprus George Markopouliotis said that the current state of affairs in Cyprus is unacceptable and that the EU Commission will continue to support the Turkish Cypriots regarding the implementation of the acquis.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.05.14) reported that the self-styled foreign ministry issued a statement on the 9th of May Europe Day claiming that in order for the Turkish Cypriots to be benefited from the basic European rights, the "unnecessary limitation imposed in economic and social life and the lack or representation" must be lifted. The self-styled ministry also stated that the Turkish Cypriots, who voted in favor of the Annan Plan ten years ago, celebrate this day, even if they are not represented in the EU. It also claimed that the Turkish Cypriots continue their efforts for a positive outcome at the Cyprus negotiations.

Also on his message, the self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, stated that as a "government" they will do everything possible for the solution of the Cyprus problem and added that the solution is very important for the Turkish Cypriots who are under "embargoes".

Finally, on his message, the general secretary of the Republican Turkish party Kutlay Erk said that the Turkish Cypriots are part of the European family and their place is in the EU.

[07] Ozgurgun: "We are ready to say 'yes' to a solution based on equality"

Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, Ozgurgun said that the National Unity Party is ready to say "yes" to a solution to be reached as a result of the Cyprus negotiation talks, based on the equality of the two communities.

Ozgurgun added also the following: "If the Greek Cypriot side abandons the view that the Turkish Cypriot people are a minority, this will pave the way for solution. However, we had not witnessed yet such an approach at the negotiation table?"

(AK)

[08] The Italian Ambassador to Lefkosia met with the "head of religious affairs department"

According to the paper, Cerboni stated that Italy follows and supports the dialogue taking place between the religious leaders in Cyprus during the last three years.

On his part Atalay thanked the Italian Ambassador for his support and added that separating the "religious" language from the "political" language is very important for the religious leaders.

[09] The son of the King of Jordan and a delegation of the Malaysian Royal Family visited the tomb of the late Seyh Nazim Kibrisi in occupied Lefka

As the paper writes, Prince Hasim visited yesterday the tomb of the late Seyh Nazim Kibrisi of Lefka who passed away the previous week. The Prince visited also the family of Kibrisi and expressed his condolences.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (10.05.14), a delegation of the Malaysian Royal Family consisting of 12 persons arrived yesterday, (on Friday) with a private jet via Larnaka Airport to Cyprus. After their arrival, they crossed over to the occupied area of Cyprus where they visited the tomb of the late Seyh Kibrisi in Lefka.

The Malaysian Royal Family delegation is headed by Princess Raja Aleena, sister of Malaysian Princess Raja Ashman Shah who passed away some time ago. The Malaysian delegation departed from Larnaka airport on May 10.

(AK)

[10] Atlasjet to start direct flights to the breakaway regime according to Sabah

Speaking to Sabah, the chairman of Atlasjet administrative board, Murat Ersoy, stated that the firm is able to start direct flights in 2015 to the breakaway regime, adding that this will bring life to tourism in the area. He also stated that the possibility of launching direct flights is the reason behind the construction of a luxury five-star hotel with 2.500 bed capacity in occupied Keryneia. He also said that with these investments foreign franchises may come to the breakaway regime.

[11] The 2nd International Career Opportunities Forum and the Turkish Cypriot Products Fair to take place in the occupied area of Cyprus

The event will be organized on May 15-16 at the "Rauf Denktas" Congress Center in occupied Famagusta.

The paper writes that more than 70 participants from 9 countries are expected to attend the event. Among the participants will be ministers and businessmen.

(AK)

[12] Swoboda: The Cyprus problem has nothing to do with Chapters 23 and 24

On the same issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 12.05.14), under the title "Turkey further away from EU accession than in 2007, Swoboda says", reports that Turkey is further away from European Union membership today than it was seven years ago, Hannes Swoboda has said, voicing concerns over judicial independence in the country, to the paper on the sidelines of a conference titled "International Symposium on Justice and the Rule of Law" held in Istanbul last week for the first time.

In the last two years, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has changed and has rolled back some reforms that were significant for the EU, according to Swododa.

He said Europe and Turkey had to work for accession. "We have to convince our citizens in our countries that the Turkish membership would be good," Swoboda said. For Turkey's part, it should do "a real constitutional reform" and realize "decentralization," he added.

"You can't keep such a big country together with populations including the Kurdish one in a unitary state. It is one of the issues, but there are many other issues concerning democratic reforms," said Swoboda.

He also said that centre-right European politicians could cease supporting Turkey's accession process in the near future, predicting that there would be more extremist parties in the European Parliament after the elections. "The danger is that some right-wing parties could move away from the enlargement and Turkey issue because they are afraid that they could be consumed by the extremists. The effect will not be immediate, but we might see the influence over the centre right," Swoboda said.

[13] German Foreign Minister supports Chapter 23 in Turkey's EU bid

Delivering a speech at the 10th session of the Turkish-German Society, Steinmeir said that Turkey and Germany have deeply rooted relations and that Germany's affirmative stance in 2005 paved a way for the negotiations between Turkey and the EU.

Neither the European Union nor Germany are excellent, stated the German Foreign Minister, adding that Turkey has a long path ahead on judiciary and democracy and should not abstain from criticism.

[14] EP Vice President: Turkey has moved away from the EU

In an interview with Today's Zaman, Karas insisted that the EU is not just a common market and that membership in the bloc requires a commitment to values such as freedom of religion and democracy, and respect for human dignity. "I hope Turkey will reinstate the dynamism of reform on the way to becoming an EU member," he said in the interview, which was conducted in German.

Karas, who is running for re-election to the European Parliament in the elections slated for the end of this month, said he and another Austrian Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Hannes Swoboda of the Social Democratic Party, supported the opening of accession talks between the EU and Turkey. "But I have to say with regret that developments over the past several months have pushed Turkey away from the EU," he said, adding, "I regret this because I believe that the EU and Turkey moving closer to each other is in the interest of both sides."

According to the Austrian politician, the EU does not have the capacity to absorb the membership of a country like Turkey, and Turkey has not met the conditions of membership. But the membership negotiations must be continued on the basis of agreements signed and the European values," he said.

[15] US Ambassador: The alliance between Turkey and the U.S. will ensure regional stability

He also touched on the fact that the two countries respect one other's independent policies while maintaining national interests. He confirmed that he enjoyed his time spent in Turkey and may collect his memoirs into a book. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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