Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-11-09

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Ozersay criticises Anastasiades

[02] Erhurman alleges that the statements by President Anastasiades are not promising for the negotiating process

[03] Statements by Tore and Akansoy on the Cyprus problem

[04] Basceri: "No reason of worries regarding Turkey's ties with the TRNC"

[05] The "budget" deficit might increase if Turkey does not contribute

[06] Denktas said that he will be a candidate for 2020 "presidential elections"

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Donmez announced that the Fatih vessel has reached a depth of 3,585 metres

[02] Mevlut Cavusoglu in Turkmenistan for a two-day visit

[03] Turkey arrests 74 on-duty soldiers in FETO probe

[04] Turkish Foreign Ministry replied to statements of the Greek Minister of National Defense

[05] Turkey will strengthen its naval forces with purchasing F-35B

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Ozersay criticises Anastasiades

Illegal Bayrak (09.11.18 http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=ozersay-criticises-anastasiades) broadcast that "deputy prime minister foreign minister" Kudret Ozersay made evaluations regarding the latest statement made by President Nicos Anastasiades, the Cyprus Report published by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the Greek Cypriot side's stance towards the Cyprus issue, relations between the TRNC and Turkey and the existence of the UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus.

He briefed the career employees (of his "office") regarding these topics and evaluated the latest statement made by Anastasiades drawing attention to the statement made by the Greek Cypriot leader that "the Turkish Cypriot people should only have a right of say within the federal government regarding vital issues that concern them and that should be enough" Ozersay said what is important is who will decide on what's vital.

Arguing that the Greek Cypriot side had once again proven that it is not willing to share powers or its wealth with the Turkish Cypriot "people", Ozersay claimed that the Greek Cypriot leader had gone one step ahead and disclosed that the federal government would belong to them.

Saying that in order for meaningful negotiations to take place a change of mentality needed to take place "within the Greek Cypriot administration" Ozersay said that "unfortunately with these latest statements it had become clear that a change had not taken place but in fact had regressed even further" and added that international actors are also aware of this fact.

[02] Erhurman alleges that the statements by President Anastasiades are not promising for the negotiating process

Under the title "Erhurman: 'Anastasiades' recent statements are not very promising for the process'", Turkish Cypriot Detay (09.11.18) newspaper reports that Tufan Erhurman, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has alleged that just like the rotating presidency is undisputable for the Turkish Cypriots, the creation of mechanisms in which the Greek Cypriots could decide alone in the federal state without the participation of the Turkish Cypriots is also unacceptable and cannot be brought onto the agenda.

In statements yesterday after meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci, Erhurman argued that weakening the central government of the federation and transferring some powers to the founding states in return of watering down the political equality of the Turkish Cypriots is out of the question. He claimed that such an approach is both unacceptable and goes outside the framework drawn until today.

According to Erhurman, the statements made the night before yesterday by President Anastasiades on the Cyprus problem are not promising for the negotiating process. Arguing that from time to time President Anastasiades refers to a "loose federation" and from time to time to a "decentralized federation", Erhurman claimed that the Turkish Cypriots had repeatedly said that this is not something which could not be discussed for them, because it is actually a change in the Greek Cypriot position.

He alleged:

"If this will be discussed, it could be discussed within the framework of the method determined by UNSG Antonio Guterres in his report. Therefore, this is a discussion within the framework created until today. However, with the things which Anastasiades said during the recent press conference he came in front of us in a manner which went outside this framework. Because federation is federation, even if it is decentralized, even if it is centralized [?]. The political equality is one of the most fundamental parameters of this federation. It is one of its indispensable parameters. [?] Therefore, Anastasiades should return inside this framework so that if a new process will begin to be able to advance in a meaningful way [?]".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Statements by Tore and Akansoy on the Cyprus problem

According to illegal Bayrak television (08.11.18-http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=tore-on-cyprus-issue) the so-called deputy parliamentary speaker Zorlu Tore alleged that the time has come for the Turkish Cypriot "people" and the leadership to come to their senses.

"With the desire for a federation, we should not force the issue and we should not overshadow our state and national cause" Tore claimed, alleging that the Hellenism cause of the Greek Cypriot side is further fuelling the Turkish Cypriot "people's desire" to perpetuate the "TRNC".

"Political equality is obtained by staking a claim on our state. The time has come to stand up and protect the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Long live the Republic", Tore said.

He further added that while discussions are taking place regarding whether or not the Cyprus negotiations process will be open ended or not, now discussions are taking place about a federation that is decentralised or if the states will be strengthened.

He further alleged while ideologies are being discussed it has become crystal clear that the Greek Cypriot side's mentality has still not changed.

Tore went on claiming that while the Republic of Cyprus is continuing to be occupied, the Greek Cypriots are working intensively on new plans to usurp the rights of the Turkish Cypriots in the sea as well.

"The Greek Cypriots under the title of a federation and a united Cyprus are trying to turn the Turkish Cypriots into a minority and in response to this Greek Cypriot mentality, the Turkish Cypriot side must also change their mentality and prepare a road plan against this", Tore said.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (09.11.18) reports that Asim Akansoy, "deputy" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in occupied Famagusta, evaluating in the paper the recent statements made by President Anastasiades, supported that Anastasiades' statements indicates that he is aware of the forthcoming developments. Claiming that President Anastasiades proceeded to such kind of statements only in crucial periods, Akansoy said: "The last time was July 2017, after the Crans Montana. The fact that he felt the need to address his community after a long time is a sign that he is aware of what is coming".

Akansoy went on saying that it is very important for the Turkish Cypriot side at this current stage to stand by their positions, adding that it is very important the resumption of the negotiation process on the basis of the Guterres framework. He further said that it is also very important for the sides to remain loyal that the negotiations will be concentrated on the solution and will not be open-ended.

Akansoy pointed out further that the involvement of all sides at the decision-making processes is a sine-qua non in a federation state.

(AK)

[04] Basceri: "No reason of worries regarding Turkey's ties with the TRNC"

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (09.11.18) reports that the "newly appointed" so-called Turkish ambassador in the occupied area of Cyprus, Ali Burat Basceri met yesterday with the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot chamber of trade (KTTO), Turgay Deniz and some members of the administration board of the chamber.

Speaking during the meeting, Basceri alleged that there is no reason for worrying about the ties between Turkey and the "TRNC". Basceri was responding to worries expressed by Deniz on this issue.

In his turn, Deniz stated that the chamber is ready to cooperate with the new "ambassador". Referring to the Turkish ties with the "TRNC", he pointed out the following: "We have noticed recently that our ties with Turkey are not at the desired level. The agreement signed with Turkey cannot be implemented effectively. Also, we do not know in which stage is the procedure for the signing of the new agreements which are necessary to be signed", Deniz said.

Replying to Deniz's worries, Bahceri described as unfounded his "worries", alleging that Turkey's ties with the "TRNC" are not as they seem to be from outside. He further claimed that Turkey has never excluded the Turkish Cypriots.

Deniz referred further to the recent statements made by President Nicos Anastasiades, stating that they found Anastasiades' statements very meaningful. "The Greek Cypriot leader send clearly the message that he does not want partnership", Deniz alleged, supporting that they do not have any other choice than developing their ties with Turkey.

(AK)

[05] The "budget" deficit might increase if Turkey does not contribute

Turkish Cypriot Yeni Duzen (09.11.18) newspaper reports that Cengiz Coli, self-styled deputy minister of finance in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, told the paper that the "budget" of the regime for 2019 is by 32,5% increased comparing to 2018 and reached 7 billion 705 million Turkish liras (TL). Coli noted that they expect that the "budget" deficit will reach 825 million TL, but in case Turkey does not contribute to the "budget" this deficit might rise to 1 billion 300 million TL.

The discussions on the "draft-law" for the "budget" have started in the relevant "parliamentary committee". The "draft-law" provides for a general income of 6 billion 880 million TL. Turkey's contribution is 695 million TL. The expenses on the "defense" are increased to 450 million TL in 2019 from 419 million 498 thousand TL in 2018.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Denktas said that he will be a candidate for 2020 "presidential elections"

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (09.11.18) reports that the leader of the Democratic Party and "minister of finance" Serdar Denktas stated that he will be a candidate for the "2020 presidential elections".

He made these statements speaking to illegal Bayrak when he was asked directly if he will consider being a candidate.

He said that there are two years left until the "elections" adding that this period is very important for him since he has to prove that he is successful (in his duties) but he is not afraid of the challenge. "If I succeed then the decision will be on the people. If I do not succeed there nothing else to say", he said and argued that his aim is the next two years to go on without economic difficulties.

(CS)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Donmez announced that the Fatih vessel has reached a depth of 3,585 metres

Turkish daily Hurriyet newspaper (09.11.18, https://www.ntv.com.tr/ekonomi/enerji-bakani-donmez-yilbasina-kadar-elektrik-ve-dogalgaza-zam-yok-yeni-yilda-i%2cbkwacMHZWES0pAksqJSeg) broadcast that Turkey's Minster of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez, in an interview to the channel this morning, referred also to the energy activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Referring to the activities of the Fatih vessel, Donmez said that their vessel Fatih is equipped with extremely modern equipment. He added: "A the moment, we reached a depth of 3,585 metres. Our goal is to reach 5,500 metres. I hope we discover there oil or gas reserves. Regarding Mr Tsipras' statement, I would say this, do not present us with a fait accompli. We don't want the tension to rise. We will continue to work in our own field. There is a controversial situation in the Greek Cypriot sector. We will defend until the end the rights of Turkey and the TRNC. We don't eye anyone's resources, do not interfere with us."

Turkey's Minister also said that they will be drilling in the Black Sea with a new ship and they are nearing to the end of Mersin project. He added that they are hopeful and excited.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet newspaper (09.11.18, http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/son-dakika-enerji-bakani-donmezden-flas-aciklamalar-41013526) wrote that Minister Donmez also argued: "We do not find the step, in which the rights of our citizens in Cyprus are violated, correct. This is the case in the Greek Cypriot sector."

(DPs)

[02] Mevlut Cavusoglu in Turkmenistan for a two-day visit

Ankara Anatolia news agency (09.11.18 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkeys-top-diplomat-in-turkmenistan-for-talks/1306570) reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu arrived in Turkmenistan Thursday for a two days visit.

"During his visit, Minister Cavusoglu will have meetings with Rashid Meredov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and will also be received by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Cavusoglu will also deliver a speech on "Turkish Foreign Policy/Humanitarian Diplomacy" at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

"We are in Ashgabat, capital of friendly and brotherly #Turkmenistan, for the last stop of our Asia tour," the Minister said in a post on his Twitter account.

[03] Turkey arrests 74 on-duty soldiers in FETO probe

Turkish Yeni Safak newspaper (09.11.18 https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-arrests-74-on-duty-soldiers-in-feto-probe-3465794) reports that at least 74 on-duty soldiers have been arrested across Turkey as part of a probe into Fetullah Organization (FETO), the group behind the 2016 defeated coup attempt, the judicial sources said on Friday.

The arrests came after Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for 103 on-duty soldiers including colonels, lieutenant colonels and commanders, according to sources who asked not to be named, due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Police squads conducted simultaneous operations in 32 provinces including Istanbul to nab the suspects, who were accused of communicating with other suspected FETO members over pay-phones and land-line telephones.

[04] Turkish Foreign Ministry replied to statements of the Greek Minister of National Defense

The Turkish Foreign Ministry (08.11.18 http://www.mfa.gov.tr/sc-73-disisleri-bakanligi-sozcusunun-yunanistan-savunma-bakani-nin-ifadelerine-iliskin-scen.en.mfa) issued the following statement:

"Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hami Aksoy, in Response to a Question Regarding the Statements of the Greek Minister of National Defense, Panos Kammenos About Requests of Clearance for Turkish Military Aircraft's Entry into the National Airspace of Greece:

"It is well-known that every State has to request clearance for the civil and military flights to use the airspace of another State. It goes without saying, Turkey recognizes six nautical miles of national airspace of Greece and thus requests clearance in accordance with international customs and rules for ferry/transport flights to and over Greece. This is not a new practice."

[05] Turkey will strengthen its naval forces with purchasing F-35B

Turkish daily Yeni Safak newspaper (09.11.18, https://www.yenisafak.com/gundem/donanma-f35-alacak-3407520), on its front page under the title "The fleet will get F35", reports: "While the tension is rising in the Eastern Mediterranean, strategic moves are coming from Ankara. Naval Forces Command prepared a request for the purchase of vertical landing F-35B fighter aircraft [The F-35B is the Joint Strike Fighter variant that has short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities]." The paper also reports that a special school, the Deniz Tayyare, has been established in order to train the pilots and a second aircraft will be bought in order to support the national aircraft carrier TCG Anatolia.

Moreover, Turkey's national air carrier with facilities to meet the needs of multi-purpose amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu is expected to be delivered to the Navy in 2021. The production process of the second national aircraft carrier TCG Thrace will begin after TCG Anadolu.

(DPs)

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(CS/AM)

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