Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-12-03

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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] Akinci: "We have a rough road to pass but I think that we can see a light at the end of the tunnel"

[02] Turkey submits in writing its demand to administrate the water in the occupied area of Cyprus; Disagreements between CTP and UBP

[03] Cavusoglu discussed the Cyprus problem with Kerry

[04] Izcan criticized Akinci on the Lavrov meeting

[05] The breakaway regime brings tourists from Lithuania

[06] TDP officially joins Socialist International

[07] Davutoglu said that the aborted meeting between Lavrov and Akinci has nothing to do with Russian-Turkish relations

[08] Turkish EU Minister Bozkir to visit Brussels and discuss ties with EU

[09] Erdogan: No one can 'slander' Turkey with ISIL oil sales allegations; Turkey agrees to take LNG supply from Qatar; Turkey and Qatar agree to visa-free travel between the two countries

[10] Turkish government is 'not worried' about Russian trade sanctions, seeks alternative markets

[11] German Minister visits Turkey for talks on deployment of 550 personnel, arms

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: "We have a rough road to pass but I think that we can see a light at the end of the tunnel"

"We are the ones who will find a solution and live with it. What is important is that we, as Cypriots should be the ones to get rid of this problem. And we will be reinforced by the support of external powers", Akinci stated.

Akinci also stressed the need not to experience the incidents of the past again and said: "It is for this reason that the solution to be should be guaranteed", he added.

Pointing out that the parameters of the solution are definite, Akinci said that it will be a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation system. He also expressed optimism that a way out will be found despite the difficulties.

Supporting that they do not have the luxury to put all other issues on hold until after the solution, Akinci explained that they should find solutions to their internal problems and prepare for the post solution period.

Underlining that the time has come to solve the Cyprus problem, Akinci recalled that the Cyprus negotiation talks have being going on since 1963. He stressed the need for both sides to show political will and assured that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue to show determination for a solution.

Reiterating that their road is rough and that they would have to overcome a lot of difficulties at the negotiation table since they have come to the point of discussing the most crucial aspects of the Cyprus problem, Akinci said that the picture is not dark and added that he considers that they can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Referring to the recent "visit" of Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in the occupied area of Cyprus, Akinci said that Turkey reiterated its support to the efforts exerted in the island for a solution on the Cyprus problem.

(AK)

[02] Turkey submits in writing its demand to administrate the water in the occupied area of Cyprus; Disagreements between CTP and UBP

The paper's general editing director, Cenk Mutluyakali writes in his column that this proposal was a demand for an "additional economic protocol". Turkey asked the self-styled prime minister, Omer Kalyoncu to sign it, but he asked to be allowed to evaluate it.

The proposal was submitted to Kalyoncu and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci during the recent illegal visits of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and other Turkish Ministers to the occupied area of Cyprus.

Turkey demanded the following in its written proposal:

- The water will be administered by Turkey's State Water Affairs Department (DSI) until a new formula is produced.

- DSI will administrate both drinking water and water used for agricultural purposes.

- If DSI wishes, it may invite tenders for the administration of the water by a private company in Turkey.

- In return, Turkey will cover the expenses for the infrastructure investments.

- The "municipalities" will be given a share of the revenues after expenses are subtracted.

- The sale price of the water is not determined. It is said that the price will be calculated taking into consideration the investment, operation and restoration costs and the profit.

"The 'additional protocol' demand means that 'Turkey will administrate the water' and that it expresses the intention of 'making the privatization through Turkey's Water Affairs Department'", notes Mutluyakali adding that the obvious conclusion is that "Turkey says 'we will administrate the water'".

Meanwhile, Yeni Duzen (03.12.15) also reports that Tufan Erhurman, general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has denied information published yesterday that an agreement had been reached on the privatization of the water administration during Davutoglu's contacts in the occupied area of the island.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (03.12.15) reports that the administration of the water remains a "serious problem" between the CTP and its "coalition partner", the National Unity Party (UBP) on the one hand and between the breakaway regime and Turkey, on the other.

Describing as "surprising" the written proposal submitted by Turkish officials who have visited the occupied area of the island, the paper writes that the CTP-wing of the "government" had prepared and sent to Turkey a "draft law" for an "autonomous water authority". This "draft-law' has not even been discussed by the AK Party government, notes the paper, adding that the Turkish delegations which have recently visited the island submitted a proposal saying that the water should be administered by DSI's office in the occupied area of Cyprus.

CTP does not accept privatization, while Turkey does not accept the establishment of a company named "BESKI" by the "municipalities" in the occupied area of Cyprus to administrate the water. The other "coalition partner", the UBP and its "mayors" have reportedly changed their mind on the issue of the establishment of BESKI and insist on implementing the "build-operate-transfer" model. The tendency within the UBP "mayors" is that they should leave BESKI.

Today UBP's "parliamentary group" and "mayors" will hold a meeting to decide on the issue. Their stance is expected to be on Turkey's side.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Cavusoglu discussed the Cyprus problem with Kerry

According to a tweet posted by Cavusoglu, the two Ministers discussed the Cyprus problem, Syria, ISIL, and the cooperation for the fight against terrorism.

(CS)

[04] Izcan criticized Akinci on the Lavrov meeting

"Akinci shot his own foot at a time when the Cyprus negotiations are progressing well", Izcan stated, criticizing Akinci for his behavior. He also said that the "TRNC" is not recognized by anyone and according to the UN it is an illegal state. He further wondered why Akinci participated in the UN General Assembly with the status of Turkish Cypriot leader while Nicos Anastasiades participated as the President of the Republic of Cyprus. "Why did Akinci participate in that meeting then?", Izcan stated.

Finally, he noted that former negotiators Ergun Olgun and Osman Ertug who are pro status quo, supported Akinci's decision while pro-solution people did not approve Akinci's behavior.

(CS)

[05] The breakaway regime brings tourists from Lithuania

According to the paper, the visit of the Lithuanian tourist agents took place upon an invitation of the True Travel Director Aydin Karacay who stated that Lithuanian tourists will travel to the "TRNC" with Turkish airlines for the time being but later charter flights will be conducted to the occupied area of Cyprus

In statements after the meeting Sucioglu said that the cooperation between the "TRNC" and Lithuania is continuing and added that they aim to have tourists coming to the occupied area of Cyprus for 12 months since the warm climate allows tourists to visit Cyprus throughout the year.

(CS)

[06] TDP officially joins Socialist International

Socialist International Chairman George Papandreou, following the approval of TDP welcomed the Turkish Cypriot Party to the organization.

On his part, the chairman of TDP Cemal Ozyigit said that this was a very important development for the party which had participated up to the point in the Socialist International meetings as an observer.

(CS)

[07] Davutoglu said that the aborted meeting between Lavrov and Akinci has nothing to do with Russian-Turkish relations

Davutoglu said: "It is not true that Lavrov rejected a meeting with Akinci because of Turkey-Russia relations. What happened is that Akinci rejected a meeting with Lavrov because he demanded to meet in the buffer zone."

Noting that the British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond had visited Cyprus twice and the German Foreign Minister Frank Steinmeier had visited Cyprus once, Davutoglu said that the US Secretary of State John Kerry will also be arriving on the island. "These people crossed over to the TRNC (editor's note: the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and met with Akinci at his office but the Russian Foreign Minister proposed to meet at the buffer zone as he did not think it would be proper to cross over to the North. Therefore, the meeting was rejected by President Akinci", said the Turkish Premier.

"If the Turkish Cypriot side attends the Cyprus negotiations process with an equal status then foreign dignitaries visiting the island must visit President Mustafa Akinci at the presidential palace, which is the correct behaviour", Davutoglu argued and added that the issue had nothing to do with Turkey.

[08] Turkish EU Minister Bozkir to visit Brussels and discuss ties with EU

During his visit, EU Minister Bozkir will meet with EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Energy and Climate Action Miguel Arias Canete, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan, the Commissioner for education, culture and sport, Tibor Navracsics and Chairman of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee Elmar Brok.

Bozkir is expected to inform EU officials about the new reform program of Turkey's new government that gained a vote of confidence recently with the aim of accelerating Turkey's EU membership bid. A further step that needs to be taken to implement the refugee deal is also expected to be discussed.

Turkey is willing to accelerate the EU negotiation process therefore the EU's principle decision to open Chapter 17 on economic and monetary policy for negotiation on Dec. 14 or Dec. 15 after a two-year hiatus was welcomed by Ankara. Turkey is expecting the EU to open six more chapters sometime in 2016.

[09] Erdogan: No one can 'slander' Turkey with ISIL oil sales allegations; Turkey agrees to take LNG supply from Qatar; Turkey and Qatar agree to visa-free travel between the two countries

"Nobody has the right to slander Turkey, especially by saying Turkey buys ISIL oil", Erdogan said during a speech at a university in the Qatari capital Doha yesterday. "Turkey has not lost its moral values to the extent of purchasing oil from a terrorist organization," he argued.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (02.12.15) reported that Turkey's Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) and Qatar's national oil company signed a memorandum of understanding for long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply on Wednesday.

According to Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, the agreement calls for regular supply of LNG by Qatar. Turkey's total LNG consumption is 55 bililon cubic meters. The country imports 8.4% of its LNG from Algeria and 2.8% from Nigeria. The amount of LNG to be supplied is not specified at present and the details will be stated in the long-term agreement at a later date.

In addition to this, Turkey and Qatar have signed a visa-free travel agreement, Erdogan announced on Wednesday. "As of now, visas between Turkey and Qatar are removed," Erdogan told reporters in the gulf state, adding that people from both countries will now be able to visit each other much more easily.

The Turkish President said that the visa-free agreement was a "last second" decision, for which he thanked the Qatari Emir, "my dear brother Sheikh Tamim [bin Hamad al-Thani]".

Erdogan and al-Thani also chaired the Turkey-Qatar High Strategic Committee's first meeting in the Qatari capital of Doha during which 15 bilateral agreements were signed. Erdogan said that the visa-free agreement was the 16th agreement between the two countries.

Turkey and Qatar agreed to cooperate in several sectors, including education, environment, science and technology, maritime and energy.

Before the committee meeting, Erdogan noted that the Turkey-Qatar cultural year had been successfully carried out. "We will maintain good relations in the coming years. "Also, Turkish and Qatari armies conducted their first joint military drill. Some of our soldiers, who will be deployed to a military base that will be established in Qatar, have started their duties", he added.

[10] Turkish government is 'not worried' about Russian trade sanctions, seeks alternative markets

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Dec. 1 signed a government order approving a raft of sanctions to be imposed on Turkey over the downing of a Russian warplane last month. The order, published on the government's official website, included a list of agricultural products Russia will no longer import from Turkey as of Jan. 1, 2016.

"We'll take some immediate measures to overcome the expected losses from the Russian sanctions? Turkey doesn't have any problems with selling its fresh fruits and vegetables. Turkey can export these products to other markets than Russia. We have alternative markets. We'll recall our products that are waiting at Russian customs, and sell what we have in our hands to alternative markets? There is nothing for our people to worry [about]. The same applies to the tourism sector. One door shuts, another one opens," Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in a televised interview on late Dec. 1.

Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek also said the government doesn't plan to revise its 2016 budget over the possible effect of the tension with Russia. "Our trade with Russia is just at around 1% of our gross domestic product [GDP]. This is not an intolerable amount as we can compensate this loss by increasing our trade with other countries," he said, as quoted by daily Hurriyet on Dec. 2.

"We have already been in search of alternative markets. At this point, we can overcome the losses through other markets, such as European Union members. Our trade volume with the EU has regressed for the last couple of years and we can now find the chance to revive our ties in the light of new developments," Simsek said.

[11] German Minister visits Turkey for talks on deployment of 550 personnel, arms

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen will visit Turkey and have talks with her counterpart Ismet Yilmaz on Dec. 3, German Ambassador to Ankara Martin Erdmann told reporters on Dec. 2.

Although no official decision has been taken yet, German and Turkish officials have been working on finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding on the basis of Germany's proposals, diplomatic sources told the paper.

The bilateral talks are being conducted as part of anti-ISIL coalition efforts, and have no relation to NATO's involvement in the region, the same sources stressed on condition of anonymity.

Last week, a German military delegation visited Turkey's Incirlik Air Base in the southern province of Adana in order to check the availability of reconnaissance jets. If agreed, two reconnaissance jets will initially be sent to Incirlik as well as an aerial refuelling aircraft and a frigate for protecting France's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, which will navigate in the Mediterranean.

In addition, 550 of the 1,200 German military personnel are planned to be deployed on Turkish territory, the diplomatic sources said. They also underlined that those 550 personnel will not be fighters, but will rather be technical personnel including pilots, refuelling crews and ground personnel for maintenance. The remaining military personnel are thought to be for the protection of the French aircraft carrier. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/ AA)

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