Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-09-09

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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] Nami met with Lidington, Lord Sharkey and Baroness Ece

[02] Ozersay: Both sides should make their positions a little bit flexible

[03] Ertug accuses the Greek Cypriots of having miximalistic positions

[04] KTOS general secretary criticized the chairman of a settlers' association and Erdogan's illegal visit

[05] Korkmazhan: The policy of a permanent division under the name of two-state solution is being carried forward

[06] The occupation regime attended the "Tour Natur 2014 Tourism fair" in Germany; statements by Asikoglu

[07] Turkey, US discussed joint action against ISIL

[08] Turkey's Foreign Minister expressed worries that weapons sent to Iraq are falling to PKK

[09] KRG leader express disappointment over Turkey's help against ISIL

[10] Turkish columnist views Turkey's ties with the USA related with the Cyprus problem as well

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Nami met with Lidington, Lord Sharkey and Baroness Ece

At the meeting, which lasted almost one hour, Nami explained to Lidington the latest stage that the negotiation process has reached, the problems of the process as well as the reasons of the stalemate.

Nami also claimed that the Greek Cypriot side does not respect the past convergences and the negligence of them does not make sense, alleging that the stance of the Greek Cypriot side obstructs the process.

Underlining that time is a very important factor for the Cyprus settlement, Nami said that the fact that the Greek Cypriot side plays with time in an incomprehensible way does not contribute to the solution and added that contrary, it harms the belief and the hopes of both communities for a solution.

Noting that the devotion of the Turkish Cypriot community for a solution continues as it was in 2004, Nami underlined, however, that the stance of the Greek Cypriot side started to disappoint him. Nami added that the more active and constructive contribution of the United Kingdom as a guarantor country to the process will affect positively.

After the meeting with Lidington, Nami met with Shadow Minister for Europe of the Labour Party Gareth Thomas. During the meeting, Nami reiterated the reasons of the deadlock of the negotiation process. He also emphasized the importance that the Labour Party supported the Turkish Cypriot political party Republican Turkish Party (CTP), which is at the joint "government" of the breakaway regime, at the membership process with the Party of European Socialists (PES) and the Socialist International. Nami further said that in the same way it is also very important the support of the Labour Party to a Cyprus settlement.

Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (09.09.14) also reports that Nami, within the framework of his contacts in London, met with the President of the UK Parliament's "TRNC Friendship Group", Lord Sharkey and Vice President Baroness Meral Ece on Monday. Nami briefed them on the latest stage reached at the Cyprus negotiations process.

At the meeting, Nami underlined that his main aim is to learn, as one of the interested parties, the UK Government's views about the stalemate reached at the negotiations and how it could be overcome and to convey the views and proposals of the Turkish Cypriot side in this regard.

Nami claimed that the refusal, by the Greek Cypriot side, of the past convergences reached between the two sides proved meaningless and caused loss of time which in turn did not contribute to the solution process, on the contrary, only served to block the process.

Nami alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side, as it has been in the past, continues to be committed to reaching a solution and efforts will continue in this regard. Furthermore he added that he will continue to emphasize this issue in all his contacts.

Thanking Sharkey and Ece as well as other MP friends at the UK Parliament for their efforts towards reaching a solution on the Cyprus problem, Nami underlined the importance of their cooperation and support.

[02] Ozersay: Both sides should make their positions a little bit flexible

"We think that the new stage should be a procedure which the sides will launch by making their positions which lay at the table today a little flexible and meeting at a common point", he argued adding that various views exist regarding the way by which this will be done. He said that they discussed the issue with Eide, who also has his own views. Ozersay noted that Eide is exerting efforts to bring the sides meet at a common point.

Ozersay said that they discussed with Eide what issues will be included in the meeting of the two leaders, what will be done regarding the next stage of the negotiations, what the role of the UN will be and what their approach will be when the sides put issues at the table.

Ozersay noted that agreement exists between the sides on some points regarding the way by which the process will proceed, but points of disagreement also exist. He noted that they have different approach on the issue of the past convergences and that a general consensus exists between the sides regarding the role of the UN.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ertug accuses the Greek Cypriots of having maximalistic positions

Ertug referred to a statement made by the Foreign Minister reportedly saying that big disagreements exist between the sides and unless the Turkish Cypriot side changes some important positions it has, no solution will be reached to the Cyprus problem.

"First of all, we want to stress to Mr Kasoulides that the Greek Cypriot side is the one which should change its views, abandon its maximalistic stance and bring its views to a reasonable, realistic level", alleged Ertug claiming that the Greek Cypriot side has no right to criticize others because it allegedly avoids accepting the convergences of the past and 'tries to change even the established UN parameters formed during decades of negotiations".

Ertug argued that all six chapters in the negotiations have been discussed, contrary to what the Foreign Minister had said, and that the sides have put their proposals onto the table.

Ertug said that the Turkish Cypriot side also believes that the issue of natural gas and hydrocarbons might be a catalyzer in the efforts of the sides to reach an agreement and added that the proposals submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side on this issue are still on the table.

Ertug also alleged that the statements made by Foreign Minister Kasoulides make the duty of the UN Secretary-General's newly appointed Special Adviser for Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide more difficult and do not help to the creation of a positive climate.

(I/Ts.)

[04] KTOS general secretary criticized the chairman of a settlers' association and Erdogan's illegal visit

Elcil accused Zaroglu of not supporting the thousands of settlers who came from Turkey and said that "their efforts and the sweat they shed were exploited".

Elcil also commented on the illegal visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to the breakaway regime, and said that Erdogan "performed as a sultan" and added that the political reality exercised by Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus became for one more time obvious during the visit. He also said that the establishment of a separate state at the north of the island, the efforts of destroying the democratic structure in the north with the population transfer and the efforts of destroying the negotiations with the Greek Cypriots are the examples of this policy.

[05] Korkmazhan: The policy of a permanent division under the name of two-state solution is being carried forward

In a statement issued yesterday, Korkmazhan said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his meeting with the Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on the side-lines of the NATO Summit affirmed his thesis for a permanent division under the name of two-state solution.

Korkmazhan called on all the forces that support federation to leave behind their differences and to come together against the AKP government who appears to want a solution but follows the policy of deepening the non-solution, the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and all those who are against the solution.

Korkmazhan also called on the supporters of the federation to find a single, joint candidate for the upcoming "presidential elections".

[06] The occupation regime attended the "Tour Natur 2014 Tourism fair" in Germany; statements by Asikoglu

According to a statement by the so-called deputy prime ministry and the ministry of economy, tourism, culture and sports, the "ministry undersecretary" Sahap As?koglu attended the fair.

As?koglu said in the statement that the "TRNC" was represented successfully at the fair which lasted 3 days and added that promising developments were experienced for the development of special interest and cultural tourism in the country.

He also said that following the completion of works towards the promotion and infrastructure they aim to increase the number of tourists to the "TRNC" from Europe for cultural tourism combined with walking tours to 10 thousand in three years.

[07] Turkey, US discussed joint action against ISIL

The U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with top Turkish officials on September 8 to take Ankara's pulse on what Turkey can do to take part in the coalition, given the fact that 49 of its citizens are still being held hostage at the hands of ISIL.

Hagel first met with Turkey's top soldier, Chief of General Staff General Necdet Ozel, at the military headquarters, before meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Defense Minister Ismet Y?lmaz. Hagel's visit was interpreted as a follow-up to Erdogan's meeting with the U.S. President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Wales last week, during which nine NATO countries, including Turkey, as well as Australia, discussed the formation of a core group to "destroy ISIL."

(?)

Meanwhile, Turkey appears to have indicated that it would list certain caveats to an eventual decision to play a role in the coalition being constructed by the U.S.

In statements on the issue, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said: "Turkey's participation in every development and in every step that will be taken within the region is our allies' desire". He however, said that no decision has been made about how to make the coalition happen. "We stated that we would act with our allies, and we would do whatever falls on our shoulders on this issue, particularly about the threats in the region," he said, when asked whether humanitarian assistance contributions or military contributions in potential actions against ISIL were expected from Turkey.

(?)

Despite Turkey's concerns that its participation to the coalition can put the lives of its 49 citizens into danger, Washington believes its contribution to the fight against jihadists is inevitable.

(?)

[08] Turkey's Foreign Minister expressed worries that weapons sent to Iraq are falling to PKK

Cavusoglu stressed that the international weapons aid being provided to Kurdish peshmerga forces (Translator's note: Kurdish guerrilla force in Iraqi Kurdistan) to boost them in their fight against IS militants should not end up in the hands of the PKK group.

Cavusoglu said that all factions and people in Iraq should have access to the country's natural resources, as required by the Iraqi constitution.

All eyes will be once again on Turkey after U.S. President Obama announced at the recent NATO Summit a "core coalition" plan to fight against IS.

The 10 nations are the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Italy, Poland and Denmark, as U.S. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel announced last week.

Answering a question about the "Western fighters" in the Middle East, Cavusoglu said that Turkey has been taking measures to prevent such persons from crossing into conflict zones via Turkey. "More than 6,000 foreigners considered potential terrorists banned from entering Turkey," he said.

The issue of foreign fighters' participation in extremist groups in the Middle East arose after the IS-- formerly known as the Islamic State of Levant and Iraq -- gained control of Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, in June. In Iraq, European fighters have fought alongside the Islamic State-led militants who have been responsible for killing thousands of people.

[09] KRG leader express disappointment over Turkey's help against ISIL

Barzani commented on the recent developments in Iraq and the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

When asked if the KRG receives arms aid from Turkey, Barzani said that humanitarian aid comes from Turkey. "Of course, our expectations were high. I cannot say it [Turkey's aid] is sufficient. We know how important the hostage issue [Turkish hostages have been held captive by ISIL] is to Turkey; we understand. However, the strategic threat posed by ISIL shouldn't be underestimated in Turkey. Aid has been given; but of course we expected more," Barzani was quoted by Milliyet as saying.

(?)During the interview, Barzani underlined that nobody could escape from ISIL, even those who are avoiding being included in the fight against ISIL. He also urged neighboring countries to Iraq to be watchful and handle the ISIL advance strategically. "When ISIL feels so strong as to open a new front, Turkey will get its own share [from its advance] sooner or later. Its leader [ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-] Baghdadi claims that he is the caliph of all Muslims and the map [that ISIL has drawn, showing the boundaries of its territories] is very clear. It also includes Turkey. ISIL is a threat to the stability of the entire region. There is only one solution to defeat terrorist organizations: to fight against them. ISIL is not only a threat to us but also to Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia," Barzani has reportedly said.

[10] Turkish columnist views Turkey's ties with the USA related with the Cyprus problem as well

"(?). The bilateral and multilateral meetings that took place in the margins of NATO summit were just as important as the gathering itself. From Turkey's standpoint, the most important one was the meeting that occurred between President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan and [US] President [Barack] Obama, and which could be considered lengthy. To the extent that was reflected to the outside, the leaders, meeting for the first time in 17 months, had a sincere meeting, and decided to meet again within the current month.

What appears is that Israel, the criticisms on Egypt, and the press campaign against the American Ambassador in Ankara have begun to be forgotten by the Obama administration, and particularly that the deepening differences of view in the course of the Gezi Park incidents have been shelved. America has once again realized the specific gravity of its ally Turkey. It has begun once again to see us as a bridge between East and West.

I hope that Ankara as well, on this occasion, has seen how important Washington is for itself, and that giving substance to the relationship that it terms a "model partnership" is important, and that its partner's expectations are just as important as its own expectations. Because there is no need for this partnership to be shaken yet again, or for the relationship at the political level to be suspended again.

Of course, America and Turkey are not going to think in the same way in every area from now on, and their interests will not always coincide. The interests and the expectations of the two countries on a great many issues, ranging from Israel to the sanctions that efforts are made over and over again to implement against Iran, are going to be different.

America is going to try to manipulate and direct us, and to put our relations with a good many countries, and particularly Russia, into an impasse for the sake of its seasonal enthusiasms.

If we surrender to Washington, then while trying to normalize our relations with Armenia we will lose Azerbaijan, and while trying to defend Ukraine will experience a crisis with Russia and for the sake of Iraq's territorial integrity would harm our relations with the Iraqi Kurds. On Cyprus, America thinks first of all, as does every state, of its own interests, and if it imposes a solution in some places, it imposes solutions that will meet its own expectations.

But we do have a relationship with America; we have established a partnership with it, but we are not obliged to surrender to it just because we call this a "model partnership." But we are obliged to speak, look one another in the eyes, deepen the diplomatic and political relations, and exert an effort to understand America. Only if we understand it can we influence it and arrange for it to take a stance alongside our own interests and expectations, and to stand by us.

ISIL, and the savagery it has displayed, have also created opportunities, as well as risks and threats. One of these opportunities has been the opportunity to normalize the relationship between America and Turkey. In my view, we should exploit such an important opportunity that the current constellation of circumstances has created, and we should avoid styles and statements that would create tension or resentment between the two countries. Let us expend our diplomatic energy in order to increase our strength, reinforce our influence, and bring America to our side.

Let us also not fantasize. Let us not forget that we are going to be obliged to bargain with America on almost every issue and in every area. If we leave it to its own devices, America will defend, on all the issues we face, the interests of others more than ours. It will try to push us to the forefront in the struggle against ISIL. It will favor the Greeks on Cyprus. In the Caucasus, it will ascribe importance to Armenia rather than to Azerbaijan. But if we cannot talk with America, it will do all of these things much more easily and much more comfortably" TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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