Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-01-16

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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] The breakaway regime describes UNSG's report on Cyprus as "deficient and wrong in spite of its positive elements"

[02] Eide's interview to daily Milliyet: "The ball is in the Turkish Cypriot side's field"

[03] UN Adviser to Cyprus: If the Cyprus problem is not resolved, we may be facing the evil face of hydrocarbons"

[04] Tusk: The status quo in Cyprus cannot continue

[05] Cavusoglu: Cyprus is not a topic on the EU negotiation table

[06] Akinci said that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem contains serious risks for the peace of the region

[07] Onurer said that the Turkish Cypriots are not sovereign

[08] More about the LSD disease in the occupied area of Cyprus; Eight animals contracted the disease were killed

[09] The occupation regime attends the "Nordic Tourism Fair" in Finland

[10] Turkish daily probed over publication of Charlie cartoons; Cumhuriyet issued a statement

[11] Davutoglu: "Press freedom does not mean insulting beliefs"

[12] Ankara, Tel Aviv in war of words

[13] Large Turkish delegation at Davos summit

[14] Report: The name of the new Presidential palace in Turkey may be changed to "kulliye"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The breakaway regime describes UNSG's report on Cyprus as "deficient and wrong in spite of its positive elements"

The "ministry" issued a written statement yesterday criticizing the fact that no reference was made in the report to the "Turkish Cypriots being equal and natural right holders" in the natural gas recourses of the island. The statement alleges that especially paragraph 26 of the report "was not written with an objective and fair language", in spite of what it called as "warnings of the Turkish Cypriot side". The statement further describes as "unacceptable" the fact that the above-mentioned paragraph makes no reference to the Turkish Cypriot side and alleges that efforts are exerted to "depict" the natural resources element as an issue between Turkey and the "Greek Cypriot administration", as the "ministry" describes the Republic of Cyprus.

Arguing that the report did not mention that Turkey has issued its NAVTEX [for carrying out seismic explorations in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone] as a result of what it calls "unilateral activities of the Greek Cypriots" and on behalf of the Turkish Cypriots, after the latter's demand, the statement alleges that this shows how far this report is from the facts on this issue.

Furthermore, the statement argues that instead of urging the Greek Cypriots to unconditionally return to the negotiating table, the report uses general expressions putting both sides in the same position. "This is not a fair approach reflecting realities", it claimed describing the lifting of the "isolations" of the Turkish Cypriots as "an important element" which will secure the establishment of cooperation and "partnership mentality" between the sides.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eide's interview to daily Milliyet: "The ball is in the Turkish Cypriot side's field"

According to the paper, Eide who met with the leader of the "Greek Cypriot administration", as the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiades is called, and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, in a period where Turkey's Foreign Minister has visited the "TRNC", Eide has made a calling for a solution. Following are the main points of Eide's interview with Milliyet:

Subtitle: "Hydrocarbons are on the table"

"There was a demand by the Turkish Cypriot side for the hydrocarbons issue to be negotiated at the table. This was impossible until so far. However, last week, Anastasiades sent a message concerning the discussion of the issue at the negotiating table. The Turkish Cypriot side should receive and recognize this message. The ball is on the Turkish Cypriot side. It should give a response to this. Regarding the preconditions by the Greek Cypriots, these are preconditions which were not submitted officially. It is just some viewpoints which need interpretation. What is important here is the change of the policy of the Greek Cypriots. Prior, the hydrocarbon issue was not on the table, now it is on the table. What I could say about this change is that it could not happen in one night. My proposal to the Turkish Cypriot side is to be focused on the language used by the south. To be focused on the proposal and the change. What the Greek Cypriots said turned towards their internal policy".

"I am coming from a country which is known for its hydrocarbons. I have seen a lot of conflicts because of hydrocarbons. If is necessary to speak with statistical terms, if hydrocarbons are found in a country, this is bad news for this country. It could be the reason for a political crisis. However, in some cases, hydrocarbons could be useful; if a stable atmosphere is created, if there is a good management. Hydrocarbons should not be a problem in Cyprus. If the Cyprus problem is not solved, then hydrocarbons could be in fact a case of curse. The Cyprus problem should have been solved ten years ago".

Subtitle: "The world would be very happy if the problem is solved"

Replying to the question: "Had the international community got bored from the Cyprus problem, Eide said the following:

"Politely speaking, the world would be very happy from the solution of the Cyprus problem. It is a problem being supported by the whole world. The Cyprus problem is not a problem like the Syria problem which divided the great powers. So, Cypriots should evaluate well this opportunity. I have a very close and constructive cooperation with Ankara. And it is in our interest for Ankara to have close cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots. Turkey, Greece the USA and the other actors could show to the two communities in the island a bigger window to see the issue".

(AK)

[03] UN Adviser to Cyprus: If the Cyprus problem is not resolved, we may be facing the evil face of hydrocarbons"

Eide remarked on the hydrocarbon exploration that led to the present crisis in the negotiations: "We think the hydrocarbon crisis is a serious issue, since it is a factor constantly blocking the progress of the negotiations and it prevents the continuity of the talks. If a federal resolution is achieved on Cyprus, the matter of how the hydrocarbon income would be shared within the scope of federal state authority is already agreed upon between the parties. This situation is changing now. Some thoughts regarding whether Navtex should exist or not, prevails in the works investigating whether a mutual decision mechanism should be established or the Cyprus Republic should continue. The factor preventing our progress in the negotiations are these differing opinions. I am sure that if we had been at the table, we would have already solved the hydrocarbon crisis. On Cyprus, the parties agree on which parts should go. However, there is a disagreement on where they are. An agreement will be made at negotiations in the future, but there seems to be no agreement for the present situation."

Eide also talked on the second Navtex provided by Turkey, which conducts seismic research in the Eastern Mediterranean on behalf of the breakaway regime. Eide underlined that everyone should contribute to peace and stability on Cyprus. "We know from the very beginning that the Turkish Cypriots want the hydrocarbon issue to be tabled. But their wish could not be realized. However, last week President Nicos Anastasiades signaled that hydrocarbons can be tabled at the negotiations."

Eide said: "The Turkish Cypriots should answer this message. The second Navtex was provided by Turkey, but the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha ship has not set sail yet. The Greek Cypriots have proposed some changes regarding certain subjects. They started to change on topics such as meeting without precondition and negotiating on hydrocarbons. Of course the functions and discourses progress step by step in politics. I advise the Turkish Cypriots not to focus on policies according to Greek Cypriot discourses."

He said that the Greek Cypriot side expressed that they did not have any written or official communication with the Turkish Cypriots as part of the drilling agreements declared by the Republic of Cyprus but they were ready to discuss the hydrocarbon agreement they made with the breakaway regime. In sum, the world would be pleased to see the resolution of the Cyprus problem. I would be the happiest man if the two leaders agree to commence the negotiations now. Of course I cannot force the leaders, they should be eager themselves to do that. It does not matter when the negotiations would start. What really matters is achieving a final result at negotiations without any interruption. I hope that both parties will not leave the table."

Eide also commented on whether hydrocarbons are a curse or a blessing for Cyprus. "In another region, I saw a hydrocarbon matter turn into a conflict. Based on the statistics, if hydrocarbons are found in a region, I can say it is a harbinger of bad news since it might lead to various political crises. However, if a convenient atmosphere is enabled, hydrocarbons might bring positive developments in economy and politics. The reason behind the hydrocarbon crisis in Cyprus is the lack of political stability and a suitable ground. There has been an ongoing problem for years. And we still try to solve this crisis with all our hopes. If the Cyprus problem is not resolved, we may be facing the evil face of hydrocarbons."

Eide also spoke about Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's one-day illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus. "I don't know Cavusoglu's reason for visiting. However, I wish to say he might have come for some motivating initiatives for the restarting of the negotiations. Our relation with Ankara is constructive and positive. Ankara's approach to the resolution of the Cyprus problem is positive", he stated.

[04] Tusk: The status quo in Cyprus cannot continue

Referring to Turkey's EU accession process, Tusk said that they will continue to support the opening of new negotiation chapters in case the necessary criteria are met. "During our meeting, I once more emphasized on the importance which the EU attaches to the relations with Turkey", he noted describing Turkey as a "key partner" for the EU. "In case the conditions are met we will continue to support the opening of new chapters", he said expressing his satisfaction with "the commitment of the Turkish government to the accession process". "Turkey shows this with its new EU strategy and action plan", he argued.

Tusk said that they decided to strengthen the dialogue and the cooperation between Turkey and the EU on foreign policy issues and especially on Iraq, the Middle East and Ukraine. Tusk also praised Turkey for providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian refugees.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Cavusoglu: Cyprus is not a topic on the EU negotiation table

Asked which is more important, the EU or Cyprus, since Cyprus is a recurring issue in the EU relations, Cavusoglu said the following:

"We cannot say one has more weight than the other. As far as we are concerned, there cannot be an answer to such a question. The interests of the people of the KKTC are above everything else for us as well. We do not have a notion that says, "Let us remove this hurdle." They are different issues, yet, de facto, they are both facing us. Regrettably, Cyprus is not a topic on the EU negotiation table.

Asked if it would be possible for the Greek Cypriot side to come back to the negotiation table, Cavusoglu said the following:

"In the majority of his statements, the Greek leader Anastasiades is sending messages to his own side. He says he wants a solution but he is not clear. His concerns about domestic politics weigh more heavily. We were pleased that he was acting to see whether they could find a solution without being tied to Greece. However, since a decision was taken to hold early elections, it is unfortunately not on the cards for them to take brave steps."

[06] Akinci said that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem contains serious risks for the peace of the region

Evaluating the comments by some circles that "Akinci gave the fenced off town of Varosha without even sitting at the negotiating table", Akinci said: "I did not give Varosha, you gave it to snakes and rats." He added that joint projects by contractors from both sides can develop Varosha and can give jobs to the youth under the supervision of the United Nations.

[07] Onurer said that the Turkish Cypriots are not sovereign

According to a press release by KSP, Onurer, participating in a television programme, said that the "country" and the "people" are not sovereign. Noting that they made them to learn that in 1976 there was the independent "Federal State" and in 1983 the independent "TRNC" (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus), Onurer asked: "In order for a country to be independent what needs to be? It should be a sovereign! If these people are not sovereign, how will the state be independent?"

He also said: "Actually, the sovereignty was seized by the Turkish Cypriot people with the army existence. Those who rule Turkey put under a mortgage the independence and the administration of this country."

[08] More about the LSD disease in the occupied area of Cyprus; Eight animals contracted the disease were killed

Meanwhile, as the paper writes, the "officials" of the "veterinary department" have set in quarantine a 3km area which is near the area where the disease first appeared.

(AK)

[09] The occupation regime attends the "Nordic Tourism Fair" in Finland

The fair opened on January 15 and will close on January 18.

According to a statement issued by the "press office" of the so-called ministry, the "TRNC" attends the fair with its own stand.

The so-called minister of tourism, culture and sports Serdar Denktas and two officials of the "department of promotion and marketing" of the "ministry", Mustafa Koprulu and Ozan Kirmizi are attending also the fair.

(AK)

[10] Turkish daily probed over publication of Charlie cartoons; Cumhuriyet issued a statement

Although the newspaper opted not to publish the cover featuring the Prophet Muhammad among its selection, two of its columnists, Hikmet Cetinkaya and Ceyda Karan, penned articles in honor of the slayed personnel of the magazine and chose to include the cover, which has once again stirred controversy among some Muslims. Reports said the two columnists will be summoned by the Istanbul Prosecutor's Office for featuring their article with the magazine's cover.

The prosecution was launched on charges of "inciting the people to hatred or humiliation," according to the article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Prosecutors also said that over 100 complaints had been filed only to the Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the cartoons.

In addition, Turkish daily Cumhuriyet (15.01.15) released a statement in which it recalled that the columnists writing for the newspaper such as Ugur Mumcu, Muammer Aksoy, Bahriye Ucok, Umit Kaftancioglu, Cavit Orhan Tutengil, Onat Kutlar, and Ahmet Taner had lost their lives in terrorist attacks and said: "The magazine [referring to Charlie Hebdo], which lost almost all its caricaturists, published this issue with the exemplary solidarity of all the French newspapers. As part of the same solidarity and the obligation to stand up for freedom of expression, we, too, decided to print a four-page selection of the magazine's special survivor's issue that came out today."

The statement said while preparing the selection, religious sensitiveness and freedom of faith, as well as the publication's principles, were taken into consideration. It went on to say: "We do not and would never have any intention to interfere with the people's religious values and what they hold as sacred or target these. On the contrary, as we express in our principles of publication, we respect everybody's sacred values to the end. Our only aim is to denounce the massacre carried out against a publication and relay our sense of solidarity in the face of this massacre. Cumhuriyet will continue to defend the freedom of expression as it has always done until now."

The statement noted that Cumhuriyet newspaper received large support from its readers and members of the public for its stance to support freedom of expression. "We greatly welcome the messages of support and solidarity. Our legal department will assess the messages that contained threats and insults and then take necessary legal action," the statement concluded.

[11] Davutoglu: "Press freedom does not mean insulting beliefs"

In a press statement before he left for Brussels on Thursday, Davutoglu said that freedom of the press does not entitle anyone to insult the beliefs of others. "Publishing insults against a Prophet who has been sent as a mercy to mankind is not freedom of expression" said Davutoglu, a day after daily Cumhuriyet published cartoons from the exclusive Charlie Hebdo issue in Turkish, adding that it is everyone's own choice not to believe, but this does not entitle anyone to insult others as it is an extremely sensitive subject in Turkey. He added that many people in Turkey would accept insults against themselves, but would not accept their Prophet being insulted.

According to Davutoglu, people in Turkey are determined to protect the dignity and honor of the Prophet and the government will take all precautionary measures to avoid tension and violence. "The whole world is aware of Turkey's sensitivity towards depicting the Prophet Muhammad" he said, reiterating that insulting the Prophet cannot be juxtaposed. "Turkey will not let anyone insult the Prophet Muhammad" said Davutoglu, while highlighting that Turkey, which has been a victim of terrorism will also stand against all acts of terror committed anywhere in the world.

[12] Ankara, Tel Aviv in war of words

"[Israeli Prime Minister] Netanyahu, as the head of a government that massacred children playing on a beach in Gaza through aerial bombing, that destroyed thousands of houses, that made the killing of Palestinians routine on all occasions, that killed our citizens on board a humanitarian aid ship in international waters, committed crimes against humanity just like those terrorists who carried out the Paris massacre. He can't escape this," Prime Minister Davutoglu told reporters Jan. 14 at a press conference before departing for Brussels.

The row between the two countries' officials was sparked after Turkish President Erdogan slammed Netanyahu for daring to attend the Paris march along with other leaders. Netanyahu on Jan. 14 hit back at the Turkish President while Foreign Minister Lieberman accused him of being an "anti-Semitist bully."

"I believe his shameful remarks must be repudiated by the international community, because the war against terror will only succeed if it's guided by moral clarity," Netanyahu's office quoted him as telling visiting leaders of the U.S. pro-Israel lobby AIPAC. "I've yet to hear any world leader condemn the comments by Erdogan, not one. He said Israel should not have been represented in the march in Paris, and the reason he gave was our actions to defend our citizens against the thousands of rockets hurled at our cities by the terrorists of Hamas."

Erdogan's spokesperson and the Foreign Ministry also issued statements criticizing Netanyahu's remarks. Citing the tragic consequences of the Israeli army's operation into Gaza that killed 2,205 Palestinians, Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: "While such a humanitarian tragedy is apparent, that the Israeli Prime Minister attended this rally and abused it for his own political aims is both disrespectful to the memory of the civilians killed in Gaza and a desire to make a miserable political show in the face of the international community. Therefore, the Israeli Prime Minister's call for the condemnation of our President's speech on Jan. 14 and attempting to cover up the crimes he committed in Gaza is a shameful and hypocritical situation for humanity." Kalin also said Netanyahu's usage of the term "Islamic terrorism" was an Islam phobic attitude and could not be accepted.

[13] Large Turkish delegation at Davos summit

This is the first time that Turkey will be represented at the ministerial level at the summit, six years after the incident that is mostly known as "Erdogan's one minute" when the then Prime Minister and current President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stormed out of a panel on the Gaza war by slamming former Israeli President Shimon Peres and the invasion of the Gaza Strip.

According to the Prime Ministry, Davutoglu will attend the WEF summit as the current G20 President, and give the keynote address at a special session on Jan. 24. The summit aims to address four key issues, including growth and stability, society and security, innovation and industry and crisis and cooperation in the world.

[14] Report: The name of the new Presidential palace in Turkey may be changed to "kulliye"

Erdogan met with academics during a dinner held at the new Presidential palace. Erdogan told the academics that the name of the Presidential palace might be changed to "Presidential kulliye," when the constructions of a large library that will include about 4 million books and a mosque in the current Presidential complex are completed.

The word "kulliye" is derived from the Arabic word "kull," which means all. The word kulliye was mostly used in Ottoman times to refer to a complex of buildings around a mosque that are generally run by a foundation for charitable purposes. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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