Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-07-04

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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: "By joining the gas in Israel and the gas in Cyprus it can be sent to Turkey and via Turkey to Europe"

[02] "Diplomatic sources" say that the "user" has also rights on the property

[03] Turkish columnist alleges that Israeli-Turkish gas pipeline may to pass through the occupied area of Cyprus

[04] Outgoing Finnish Ambassador: Unbelievable progress was achieved in the Cyprus problem during the past year

[05] Izcan: "The transformation of Turkey's foreign policy to a compromising stance is important to reflect positively on the Cyprus negotiation process"

[06] Birikim Ozgur says that the "agreement" for Turkey establishing a "coordination office" in the occupied area "smells integration"

[07] The "EU coordination centre" has similar privileges like the "youth coordination office"

[08] Turkey to undertake the responsibility for the restoration of the cultural "assets" belonging to the Vakif Foundation

[09] SDP held its first ordinary congress; Tunali was reelected in the party's leadership

[10] "Lefkosia municipality" has approved the annulment of its previous decision regarding the water from Turkey

[11] Turkish Cypriot expat was prevented to visit her grandmother in occupied Louroudjina because she did not posses a "TNRC i.d."

[12] Turkish FM invited Lavrov for a meeting in Antalya

[13] Yildirim: Russia is Turkey's "eternal neighbor"

[14] Turkish aid ship for Gaza arrives at Israeli port

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: "By joining the gas in Israel and the gas in Cyprus it can be sent to Turkey and via Turkey to Europe"

Ak?nc? said that they remaincommitted to the goal of reaching a settlement before the end of 2016. Noting that for the first time in the history of the negotiations the two sides have succeeded in producing a joint paper on property, he reminded that this was a difficult subject and that the talks will continue on this chapter.

He also said that the issues of citizenship and residency will be discussed at their next meeting on the 8th of July.

Ak?nc? also added that they have agreed in principle that treaties and agreements signed by both sides in the past will be valid as long as they are not in violation of the treaty of establishment of the new federal republic.

Referring to the developments that have taken place between Turkey and Israel that have agreed to normalize relations, Akinci reiterated his support to the developments. "By joining the gas in Israel and the gas in Cyprus it can be sent to Turkey and via Turkey to Europe. This is the most practical, logical and most inexpensive way. This issue will be one of the important factors of the convergences between Turkey and Israel. If we solve the Cyprus problem, all of this will make more sense, can best be implemented, it will be more practical and all sides will be able to benefit much more", said Ak?nc?.

He warned that if the Cyprus problem isn't solved, then Cyprus may be left out of this energy equation and this is not a matter only for Turkish Cypriots but for the Greek Cypriots as well, he alleged.

[02] "Diplomatic sources" say that the "user" has also rights on the property

The paper writes that the above agreement had been announced by the leaders on 27 July 2015 and that the "diplomatic sources" were surprised by the statement made by President Anastasiades after the Friday's meeting, in spite of the fact that during the meeting discussions were made "within the framework of the reality that together with the property's first owner, the current users rights will also be taken into consideration".

Commenting on the statement made by President Anastasiades after the meeting that "it has currently been clarified that the property owner has the first say", the "diplomatic sources said: "No decision in this direction was taken. Such an issue was not even discussed in that meeting. We find it strange why Anastasiades is trying to create such impression".

The paper argues that the fact that President Anastasiades reiterated his "old unilateral position which is outside the framework of the joint understanding reached on 27 July 2015" is considered as "surprising, untimely and wrong".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkish columnist alleges that Israeli-Turkish gas pipeline may to pass through the occupied area of Cyprus

"The need to transport natural gas found off Israel to EU markets was one of the main motivations for the normalization deal between Israel and Turkey, reached on June 26.

The numbers tell that the gas factor was more of a pushing factor for Israel than it was for Turkey. It seems that gas from Israel will provide middle term source-diversification for Turkey, besides the more important political meaning that will come with economic interdependence.

An Israeli source, who requested anonymity, told the Hurriyet Daily News that the total reservoir of the Leviathan and Tamar gas fields was estimated to be around 900 billion cubic meters (bcm), some 150 bcm of which is planned for exports. [?]

There is an EU study on carrying the gas to Cyprus, then onto either the island of Crete or mainland Greece, since the Greek Cypriot government wants to export gas from its own fields. Feasibility studies show that building Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants for naval transportation would not be profitable.

A Cyprus-Greece route would need to construct a pipeline of more than 1,100 km, which would pass through the open Mediterranean Sea, partly at depths of 3,000 meters. On the other hand, a pipeline from Israeli gas fields to Turkey's oil and gas terminal of Ceyhan would mean a pipeline of just 485 km through the relatively shallow waters of the East Mediterranean.

In this case, the Israeli-Turkish gas pipeline will have to pass through the economic maritime zone of the Turkish Cypriot government. "This may upset our Greek Cypriot friends, but this is an important economic project for us and we have to be rational. This is the shortest route," my Israeli source said.

But there is still another option, as considered by Israeli planners.

Depending on the future of ongoing talks between the Greek and Turkish governments on divided Cyprus, a pumping station could be built on the island to collect both Cypriot and Israeli gas and deliver it to Turkey through a single pipeline. Girne, on the northern shores of Turkish Cyprus, is around 100 km from the Turkish industrial port of Mersin, which is another 120 km from Ceyhan. The southern shores of Turkish Cyprus are only 200 km away from Israeli gas fields. Such a possibility would increase both the economic and political value of the gas exports, since it would depend on good relations between the political authorities on both sides of Cyprus. Once a reunification deal is reached in Cyprus, the gas fields in the Greek south and the Turkish north of the island could be used for the good of both communities.

The U.S. has been pushing hard for a Cyprus deal under the auspices of the United Nations, as well as a deal between Turkey and Israel - its two main allies in the East Mediterranean and the Middle East.

The diversification of gas resources for Turkey and the EU means less gas being bought from Russia. Every cubic meter to be bought from Israeli and Cypriot fields (and Egyptian, too) would be subtracted from Russian exports. On the other hand, if Turco-Russian normalization process proceeds further, the Russians could reactivate the new South Stream project to sell gas to EU markets via another pipeline through Turkey and the Turkish economic zone in the Black Sea, in order to meet the increasing demand in Europe. [?]"

[04] Outgoing Finnish Ambassador: Unbelievable progress was achieved in the Cyprus problem during the past year

Expressing the view that "every problem has its solution", she argued that in order for the Cyprus problem to be solved the civilian organizations should also contribute to the process in parallel to the efforts of the leaders.

Replying to a question regarding the course of the economy of the Republic of Cyprus, the Finnish diplomat expressed the view that overcoming the economic crisis depends on the Cyprus problem. She argued that in case Cyprus is reunified, the island will be opened to the world and due to its potential its economic development will soon start. "A solution in Cyprus is very important from the economic point of view. The two communities should preserve their relation at a very good level", she noted.

She further said that people in both sides of Cyprus walk on the streets freely and in safety and argued that this situation derives from the island's cultural structure.

Finally, she underlined the importance of the two communities knowing the language of each other.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Izcan: "The transformation of Turkey's foreign policy to a compromising stance is important to reflect positively on the Cyprus negotiation process"

Stressing the need for the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Turkey to normalize their ties in order for an early solution to be found on the Cyprus problem, Izcan added that the normalization of ties between "south Cyprus" and "north Cyprus", is also inevitable.

Providing as an example the lack of a common official policy in the case of the fire in Solea area, Izcan pointed out to the necessity for cooperation between the sides in order to find solutions to several problems.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (04.07.16) reported that Izcan, in another written statement, stated that the "northern part" of Cyprus became a place where words fail and argued that their life and all sectors in the "country" such as the economy, education and health had collapsed.

Accusing those who rule the "country" for becoming the local agents of the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP), Izcan claimed that the imposition policies implemented in the occupation regime by the AKP have led the "country" to this situation.

Referring to the establishment of the "theological college" and the "coordination office" in the "TRNC", Izcan argued that this would dynamite the education system in the "TRNC" since the main goal of this is to impose to the Turkish Cypriot community the Sunni Islam way of living.

(AK)

[06] Birikim Ozgur says that the "agreement" for Turkey establishing a "coordination office" in the occupied area "smells integration"

In statements to Havadis, Ozgur noted that "this is interference in our democracy" and added: "And the content of the agreement politically smells integration. The youth policies formed in Ankara will be implemented here now".

Referring to the economic "protocol" signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime, Ozgur said: "Let Turkey control us economically within the framework provided for in the economic protocols which are signed. It is Turkey's responsibility, as well as ours, to ensure the efficient use of its resources. However, it should remain as far as it can from our internal politics".

Ozgur described as a "fiasco" the spending policy of the self-styled government and noted that their internal debt exceeded the five billion Turkish liras (TL) reaching 114% of their "budget". According to Ozgur, there is nothing to be proud about in making the routine payments through external aid given for the "budget".

(I/Ts.)

[07] The "EU coordination centre" has similar privileges like the "youth coordination office"

Speaking to "TAK" (Turkish news agency" regarding his new duties, Akay argued that the privileges, which are given to the "sport and youth coordination office" and caused reactions in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, are similar to the ones that are given to the "EU coordination centre". Among the privileges are the tax exemptions on imported goods, which will be used for EU projects.

Akay explained that the "law on courts" has been amended in order the resolution mechanism for disputes as it is defined at the EU agreement to be enabled. He added that as a result of this, they accepted that the EU courts are entitled to disputes created in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and not the "TRNC courts".

Noting that the diplomatic status of hte "EU programme support office", which operates in the occupied part of Lefkosia, has been recognized, Akay stressed that these are basically very serious issues. He further said that it has become a rule the recognition of privileges, especially in such agreements that contain also international support.

Stressing that the relations between EU and "TRNC" should be examined historically, Akay noted that according to the official position, the EU has relations with the Turkish Cypriots and not the "TRNC". He noted that "this absurd situation is directly related to the Cyprus problem and has undoubted historical reasons", claiming that as a result, this makes difficult the relations between the EU and the "TRNC".

(DPs)

[08] Turkey to undertake the responsibility for the restoration of the cultural "assets" belonging to the Vakif Foundation

According to information acquired by the Vakif Foundation, even though the above mentioned "agreement" has not came into force yet, since, it has not been approved by the occupation regime's "assembly", the tender process for the restoration of three mosques in the "TRNC" has been concluded. The "agreement" envisages among others the restoration of the Selimiye Mosque (Agia Sofia Church), the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque (St. Nicolas Church) and a Mosque which is in front of shops.

The "agreement" was signed between the Turkish government and the occupation regime on November 14, 2004 by the then so-called prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, writes the paper.

The "agreement" envisages also that all the tenders related with the projects for the protection of the cultural "assets" of the Vakif Foundation such as excavations works, restorations, reconstruction works, static installations and others will open in Turkey and will be opened either for Turkish companies or for Turkish companies which are composed by a consortium of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot companies.

Also, according to the "agreement", Turkey's Vakiflar General Directorship will be responsible to finance the project and to cover the needs for the technical personnel.

Meanwhile, in statements to the paper, Cafer Curcafer, "chairman" of the "Turkish Cypriot contractor's union" warned that they will go to demonstrations if the "agreement" is to be approved.

Stating that they will bring the issue into the agenda right after the Bayram feast, Curcafer reacted strongly over this development and underlined the fact that the "agreement" was not approved yet by the "assembly".

(AK)

[09] SDP held its first ordinary congress; Tunali was reelected in the party's leadership

The chairman of the party, Tozun Tunali has been reelected in the leadership of the party since it was the only candidate.

(AK)

[10] "Lefkosia municipality" has approved the annulment of its previous decision regarding the water from Turkey

The "municipality council" gathered yesterday and approved the annulment of its previous decision. 16 members voted yes to the annulment while 5 members voted against it. The "municipality council" has given authority to "mayor" Mehmet Harmanc? to sign the subscription agreement and to decide whether or not the "municipality" will be using the water from Turkey during the transitional phase. During their last meeting on the 8th of June, the "municipality council" had rejected the 2.30tl pricing of the water that is being transferred from Turkey.

Afrika (04.07.16) reports that Harmanci commenting on this development stated: "The protocol has been signed. The Republic of Turkey determined the price. We struggled a lot to change these condotions, to change the price but these wishes were not heard", he stated, adding that they will continue the struggle.

(CS)

[11] Turkish Cypriot expat was prevented to visit her grandmother in occupied Louroudjina because she did not posses a "TNRC i.d."

The paper reports that Ulucayli, who was born and lives in Britain, wanted to visit her grandmother for the Bayram (religious holiday), was stopped at the military barricade in the entrance of the occupied village of Louroudjina, and was prevented to enter the village. Ulucayli informed the "police" regarding the incident, but still she could not visit her grandmother who is 80 years old.

(DPs)

[12] Turkish FM invited Lavrov for a meeting in Antalya

"We'll make the preparation for this meeting with our ministers. There will be decisions taken on the economy. Our ministers [of energy] will also come together to discuss issues concerning energy," the minister said.

Cavusoglu said he invited Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Antalya for a meeting to discuss political ties before important summits, including the Turkey-Russia High Level Strategic Cooperation slated to be held in Turkey later this year.

In addition, he stated that Egypt must take some positive steps with regard to political prisoners and added that he is ready to meet with his Egyptian counterpart to discuss political ties.

"My statement that 'I am ready to meet with Egypt' is nothing new. But there is a fact that Egypt cannot go on like this. Egypt has to take positive steps. I can of course talks about these issues with my [Egyptian] counterpart. There is no problem in this," Cavusoglu told TRT in an interview on July 3.

[13] Yildirim: Russia is Turkey's "eternal neighbor"

He added: "Our priority target is to remain friends with all the countries neighboring the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea; to use the opportunities with them instead of having crises; to increase our trading relations; to improve our cultural exchanges [and] tourism; and to boost mutual investments."

[14] Turkish aid ship for Gaza arrives at Israeli port

Turkish diplomats and Israeli Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Oren Rozenblat were present at the port as the Panama-flagged Lady Leyla docked. The ship carries 10,000 toys and 10,000 packages of food and aid for children in Gaza. The ship set sail on Friday following a reconciliation deal reached between Turkey and Israel on Monday after a six-year hiatus. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

(DPs/ AM)

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