Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-12-30

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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: "I am trying to maintain the situation that had emerged after the 'peace operation'"

[02] Ertug accuses the Greek Cypriot side of trying to create a gap between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots

[03] Olgun and Onar discussed the latest developments on the Cyprus problem in Ankara

[04] Turkish Cypriot daily: Turkey will return to Eastern Mediterranean to drill for natural gas when the Cyprus negotiations reach a certain point

[05] Korkmazhan called on Turkey not to extend NAVTEX and the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table

[06] Siber: "Even though the TRNC is not recognized, it exists with democratic institutions"

[07] Toros stressed the need for lobby works for the extension of the GLR

[08] Saner criticizes Denktas' proposal about Cyprus Airways

[09] The Grey wolves' organization opened a new office in occupied Morfou; Unpunished Zaroglu who threatened Derya also participated in the event

[10] Opinion poll shows that there will be a second "presidential election round" with Eroglu and Akinci

[11] A prohibition to imitation products into effect in 2015

[12] Erdogan to use constitutional prerogative to chair the cabinet meeting

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: "I am trying to maintain the situation that had emerged after the 'peace operation'"

Speaking during the meeting, Eroglu said that the "Turkish peace operation", as he called the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, had been effective in establishing the "TRNC" which allowed people to live under a "state" roof in peace and security.

Touching upon the Cyprus issue, Eroglu said: "Can we meet at a common point? This is what we are trying to discuss at the negotiations table. Up until now we have not been able to facilitate this opportunity".

Eroglu alleged that due to their neighbor's stance, they have not been able to reach an agreement. "The agreements that emerge from time to time are rejected by the Greek Cypriots at a referendum or are rejected on the day they emerge at the negotiating table", Eroglu claimed and added that 40 years had passed since the "Turkish peace operation".

"Compared to Cyprus 40 years ago, today, there is a major difference. 40 years ago we made these lands our homeland and we have constructed our homes here. We are determined to live on these lands and under this state. We are living under the guarantee of Turkey and we have no concerns regarding the future", Eroglu added.

Noting that there are problems in all states, he said that the "TRNC" is a young "state" and has problems and what's important is to overcome these problems and not lose what has been gained in the process.

Explaining that he was trying to maintain the situation that had emerged after the "peace operation", Eroglu said that this was done with the cooperation of "motherland Turkey" and the "people".

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[02] Ertug accuses the Greek Cypriot side of trying to create a gap between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots

In a written statement, Ertug, commenting on the statements by Cyprus Government Spokesman that "Turkey considers only its own interests and not of the Turkish Cypriots" and Archbishop Chrysostomos' statement that "as long Turkey continues to talk about the realities there will not be a Cyprus settlement", claimed that these kind of statements are interesting from the point that they show in what extend the Greek Cypriot side is in disillusion and in an imaginary world.

Ertug accused the Greek Cypriot side of acting unilaterally and hegemonic on the issue of hydrocarbons, like in other matters too. He accused the Cyprus Spokesman and the Archbishop of not being sincere when they attack Turkey, which cooperates with the Turkish Cypriots to defend their "legitimate interests".

[03] Olgun and Onar discussed the latest developments on the Cyprus problem in Ankara

Olgun and Onar discussed with Turkish officials the situation after the completion of Turkey's NAVTEX and the possible departure of Turkish Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa seismic explorations vessel from Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Eastern Mediterranean.

Under the title "New crisis at the door", the paper argues that while the NAVTEX announced by Turkey on 3 October ends today, the Republic of Cyprus extended its own NAVTEX until 19 March, something which might cause a "crisis".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Cypriot daily: Turkey will return to Eastern Mediterranean to drill for natural gas when the Cyprus negotiations reach a certain point

"[?] The Greek Cypriot side has half-officially announced that it will return to the table together with the NAXTEX ending as of 31 December. Until now it seems that everything is all right. However, is it really so? Will Turkey renounce its rights in the area for the sake of the negotiations? First of all, let us accept that what is happening now in the area is a debate of sovereignty. You remember that we had that famous issue of 'single sovereignty'. This is the one! The Greek Cypriot Administration alleges that 'I am the sole ruler, sovereign of Cyprus'. As for the Turkish side, it is trying to explain to the other side the reality that 'no you are not [the only ruler] I am also at least as equally sovereign as you are'. Sovereignty is actually the whole problem.

Finding natural gas and earning money is not a problem. The Greek Cypriot side has launched a big maneuver. While doing this, it took Russia by its side. They had considered using Russia's big dreams on the energy issue in the area for their own political interests. In the beginning everything seemed all right. However, the recent approach between Turkey and Russia spoiled all their calculations. The ship was capsized. Meanwhile, let us not pass over the issue without saying that what is happening between Turkey and Russia is actually an American plan. This is another story, we will write about it later.

At the point we have come today, the Greek Cypriot side will have to sit at the negotiating table again with the ending of the NAVTEX on 31 December. Until Turkey takes another step or steps. What will these steps be? First of all, a drilling will definitely begin in the area. Let no one be surprised about this. First, however, the negotiations coming to a certain point is a precondition. The negotiating process will reach a certain point and Turkey will come to the area again. What will the Greek Cypriot side do? If it is wise, it will not leave the table this time. Because the point which we say that the negotiations will reach is the point where this issue will not be possible to be settled through negotiations. There could be no leaving the table when the UN is ready to declare this reality to the whole world. On the other hand, Turkey is in the area again. Is it not really difficult? In any case, the Strategic Depth is something like that".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Korkmazhan called on Turkey not to extend NAVTEX and the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table

Korkmazhan said that it was obvious that the policy of tension and military force did not favored anyone and added that if the NAVTEX is not extended beyond December 30th, it will open the way once more for dialogue and peaceful negotiations.

Korkmazhan underlined that an early and comprehensive settlement is in the interest of all sides concerned, adding that the natural gas and energy resources could be a catalyst for peace in the region and the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[06] Siber: "Even though the TRNC is not recognized, it exists with democratic institutions"

Siber said that the "government" gave great importance to foreign relations and lobbying activities and added that even though the "TRNC" is not recognized, it exists with its democratic "institutions".

"They must pay attention to the voices that the people have chosen, therefore we will do all we can and take on more active approaches", said Siber.

Referring to the efforts that have been made towards the local cheese hellim, Siber said that the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Espen Barth Eide had taken the issue to the European Commission and this had been met with wide-spread reactions from "south Cyprus".

"Instead of sitting and waiting and getting angry at negative outcomes, we should be taking more initiatives. Instead of saying no one recognizes us, no one listens to us, they don't give us our rights, we should insist on making our voice heard and take on a position where we establish channels of communication", Sibel said and added that this is the only way the Turkish Cypriot "people" can make their voice heard.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Siber said that the problem had been continuing for half a century and noted that the problem didn't only belong to the Turkish Cypriots.

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[07] Toros stressed the need for lobby works for the extension of the GLR

Toros said that they will carry out efforts to increase trade contacts and cooperate with foreign partners in Turkey and the Middle East in order to increase exports in the coming year.

Toros said further that they will continue to give the message of the importance of motivation on a settlement, in light of joint resources and cultural values. He added that their work would continue for joint interests on natural resources, water from Turkey and local products such as hellim.

Toros also pointed to the importance of lobby work on the Green Line Regulation (GLR) for the purpose of extending it and allowing trade vehicles and products to cross into the "south".

[08] Saner criticizes Denktas' proposal about Cyprus Airways

Referring to Denktas' proposal, Saner said: "They will laugh at you. You should be the last person to talk about this". Saner claimed that the CTP and DP were the ones responsible for the bankruptcy of the "Turkish Cypriot airlines. He also criticized the committee established to research the bankruptcy of the "Turkish Cypriot airlines".

Saner said that Denktas should establish his own airlines first and then look into the running of the Cyprus Airways jointly with the Greek Cypriot side.

[09] The Grey wolves organization opened a new office in occupied Morfou; Unpunished Zaroglu who threatened Derya also participated in the event

According to the paper, Zorlu Tore "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) and also representatives of various civil society organizations participated in the event while the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu sent a congratulation message.

This is the fourth office of the grey wolves' organization since it has already opened offices in occupied Lefkosia, Famagusta and Keryneia.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (30.12.14) reports that Bertan Zaroglu, the chairman of the "Hattay (Alexandretta) Settlers Association", was also present at the inauguration ceremony of the grey wolves' office in Morfou. Zaroglu, writes the paper, who insulted heavily in social media the "deputy" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Dogus Derya for her statements on the rapes conducted by Turkish soldiers in 1974 and even issued threats against her life, "on one hand threats the intellectuals among the Turkish Cypriot community and on the other hand makes appearances as official guest in various events". Zaroglu also issued threats against another Turkish Cypriot intellectual, Mahmut Anayasa.

The paper writes that no severe measures were taken against Zaroglu, neither by the "government" nor by the "police" despite the severe insults and threats issued by him. It also writes that Zaroglu who is known as part of Eroglu's circle, will support Kudret Ozersay in the forthcoming "presidential elections".

[10] Opinion poll shows that there will be a second "presidential election round" with Eroglu and Akinci

The paper writes that the candidate of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Sibel Siber, not only does not pass in the second round, but comes fourth, while independent candidate Kudret Ozersay comes third. The paper also notes that the number of the persons who say that are "undecided", or that they will not cast a vote is extremely high.

No information was given by the paper as regards how the opinion poll was conducted.

The results of the poll are as follows:

Candidate Percentage %

Dervis Eroglu 17.6

Mustafa Akinci 14.9

Kudret Ozersay 13.7

Sibel Siber 12.6

Undecided 25.7

Will not vote 15.5

[11] A prohibition to imitation products into effect in 2015

Meanwhile, former self-styled finance minister Ersin Tatar said that this limitation will be very bad for the shopkeepers, especially in a place like the "TRNC" which is under "embargoes". He added that the implementation of these certifications in "south Cyprus" (translator's note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus) is normal, because it is an EU country, but it is an injustice to impose on "TRNC" these kinds of international standards. He explained that imitations products are being sold in Turkey and these are brought to "TRNC" via "legal ways" by paying the "custom duty". He added that this prohibition will cast a blow to the economy, because these imitation products are keeping alive the shopkeepers.

[12] Erdogan to use constitutional prerogative to chair the cabinet meeting

Erdogan made the announcement after a meeting with the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Turk-Is) in Ankara on Monday.

"The President symbolizes the head of state in Turkey and I will lead the cabinet on January 19 in Bestepe - -the newly built Presidential Palace", Erdogan said, noting that he is constitutionally entitled to chairing such a meeting although former Presidents have not made use of the prerogative.

He stated that Turkey is governed by a constitutional framework and noted that he is entitled to use his authority in accordance with the constitution.

Erdogan warned critiques against establishing tutelage over the Presidency by claiming that he is not entitled to chair such meetings.

A provision in the Turkish Constitution permits the President to hold meetings with the cabinet when deemed necessary. Accordingly, the President is not constitutionally obliged to indicate when he will chair such a meeting and could decide to chair a cabinet meeting only an hour before the meeting.

Likewise, he is entitled to call the cabinet to hold a meeting whenever he deems it necessary and is not obliged to share when he will use his prerogative with the Prime Minister. The frequency of holding such meetings is also under the discretion of the President even though former Presidents have not made use of this prerogative.

Erdogan's announcement is interpreted by many circles as a step to a Presidential system of governance where a head of government is also the head of state. The Presidential system was signaled when Erdogan became the first President to be elected by popular vote in the August 10th Presidential elections.

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