HABERLERI/n303310-cumhurbaskani-akincinin-konusmasiyla-15-kasim-kutlamalari-ba)
reports that Akinci said that they continued proposing an agreement
on what is reasonable both on the Cyprus problem and in the field
of energy. Noting that they were expecting the third parties and the
international community to contribute in this direction, Akinci claimed
that it should be known that the approach of punishing the Turkish side,
which had no other alternative than searching for its rights before
the rejection of its proposals for cooperation, would not help in the
solution of the problem.
(I/Ts.)
[03] Tatar expects nothing from Berlin – Varosha on the agenda in the
end of 2020
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Günes (14.11.19) reports that self-styled prime
minister, Ersin Tatar has alleged that there was no change in what he
described "intransigent stance of the Greek Cypriots" and added that he
expected absolutely nothing from the tripartite meeting to be held on 25
November in Berlin with the participation of the two community leaders
and the UNSG. In statements to CNN-Türk during his visit in Istanbul,
Tatar said that the meeting would be informal.
Referring to the hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, Tatar
described "unacceptable" the rejection of Turkey's and "TRNC's"
proposal for establishing a joint committee and the continuation of
what he called "unilateral activities" of the Greek Cypriots in the
Eastern Mediterranean. He argued that Turkey and the "TRNC" have been
positioned together in the Eastern Mediterranean with President Erdogan's
"decisive stance" and added that this positioning was inevitable when
the size of the wealth in the area was taken into consideration.
Referring to the sanctions of the EU against Turkey because of its illegal
activities in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone, Tatar claimed that these
were "unacceptable" and that they would take their rights in the Eastern
Mediterranean by continuing their struggle decisively.
According to Tatar, "various games" were played in Cyprus and some circles
wanted the guarantees to end, but the Turks of Cyprus would never abandon
Turkey's effective and active guarantees. He claimed that the opening of
the discussion of the issue of guarantees by Akinci was a "big mistake"
and argued that "the bonds between Turkey and the TRNC should never be
cut off".
Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak (14.11.19,
https://www.brtk.net/tatar-kktcnin-marka-deger-olarak-ortaya-cikmasi-icin-mucadele-ediyoruz/)
broadcasts that in statements to FOX TV in Turkey, Tatar said that
the occupied fenced-off city of Varosha remained closed for 45 years
and argued that the city should open from the point of view of human
rights. Tatar noted that the issue of Varosha would come onto the agenda
towards the end of 2020.
Tatar claimed that "peace" existed in Cyprus and that an agreement
was what was missing. He reiterated the view that the "TRNC", as he
described the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, was important
for Turkey's security.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, he argued that a solution on the basis of
federation was not possible, noting that partnership was at the basis of
a federal agreement. He claimed that the Greeks and the Turks understood
what a partnership was differently and alleged: "In our view, a federal
partnership with the Greek Cypriots is not possible. The target of the
Greek Cypriots is a unitary state. We will never cut off from Turkey's
guarantees".
(I/Ts.)
[04] Debate on the Cyprus problem – The "presidency's" budget accepted
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Düzen (14.11.19) reports that the 44
million 900 thousand TL budget of the "presidency" of the breakaway regime
was accepted yesterday at the "parliamentary committee" for finance,
budget and planning. According to the paper, reference to the Cyprus
problem was made during the debate.
Tufan Erhurman, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) referred
to those who argue that the federal solution in Cyprus was over and said
that the federal solution was still at the UN's table. He criticized all
those who say that we should be realists on the Cyprus problem, because
federation was discussed for 40-50 years without a result. "Which formula
you propose on the issues of the map, the properties and bi-zonality", he
asked those who suggest abandoning the federation. "If other alternatives
will be discussed, their content should be filled up", he added.
According to Erhurman, while the Greek Cypriot leader was referring to
other solution models outside the negotiations, in no official document
he submitted to the UN he went outside the federal solution. "Guterres
should support his words in Berlin, defend them at the table and pave
the way for a five-party meeting", he argued.
CTP's "deputy", Fikri Toros said that the steps of the "government" in
the Cyprus problem had made questionable the credibility of the Turkish
Cypriots at the negotiating table. He noted that the current situation
could not continue and that the non-solution brought instability to the
island and the region. He said that we should exert every effort for the
tripartite meeting in Berlin and the opening of the way for an informal
five-party meeting and argued that tension in the area might increase
in the New Year.
Sanver Manavoglu, self-styled deputy with the People's Party (HP) argued
that if they did not change their stance on the Cyprus problem, they
would continue saying similar things. He said that she used to believe
that the Greek Cypriots would take steps on the issue of federation,
but now she did not believe this.
Oguzhan Hasipoglu, "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP), argued
that Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci failed on the issue of finding a
comprehensive solution but this was not Akinci's fault. He alleged:
"The Greek Cypriot side is the one which does not want a solution. We
must see this. Federation is a dream. We must take off the glasses which
see everything rose-colored and focus on realistic solution models".
Finally, Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP),
said that they struggle to stand on their own feet and administrate
themselves. He noted that Akinci consulted and exchanged views with
the "assembly" on the Cyprus problem. He expressed the wish that on 25
November steps would be taken for the reunification of the last divided
capital in Europe.
(I/Ts.)
[B] Turkish Press
[01] Turkey, US have friendly talks but differences remain
Turkish daily newspaper Hurriyet Daily News (14.11.19,
https://tinyurl.com/ucaq8hf) reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump had wonderful talks,
according to Trump, yet the bilateral meetings did not yield any concrete
result between the two NATO allies.
The closed-door meeting lasted for about 65 minutes. Trump was scheduled
to meet select Senators before the leaders' press conference. The Turkish
President also joined the sit-down with Republican Senators.
Erdogan and Trump meeting's agenda covered bilateral relations, foreign
policy issues and the recent developments in the region and around
the globe.
During the meeting, the leaders tackled the extradition of FETÖ, a
topic Ankara has repeatedly emphasized, the current situation in Syria-
especially Washington's approach towards the YPG/PKK terror group,
and Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 defence systems.
Erdogan said that he returned a letter by his U.S. counterpart that
threatened Ankara over its anti-terror "Operation Peace Spring" in
northeastern Syria and bemoaned Washington's treatment of the YPG/PKK
terror group's leader. "I presented the letter to Mr. President and
especially felt sorrow that a U.S. President took a terrorist called
Ferhat Abdi Sahin as an addressee," said Erdogan.
Erdogan claimed Sahin has caused the deaths of hundreds of Turkish people
and is the adopted son of Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the PKK
reportedly terrorist organization. "That the U.S., which we call our
strategic partner, welcomes such a person actually saddens us. Likewise,
this person is welcomed by Russia. It is hard to comprehend this within
the scope of the fight against terrorism across the world", said Erdogan,
adding that he submitted some CIA documents which suggested that Sahin
is a terrorist.
"The CIA also documented him as a terrorist and they sent us these
documents, and then we presented them to Mr. President today. We also
returned the letter likewise," Erdogan added, without elaborating how
the intelligence organization provided the documents to Ankara.
Stressing on the to-be established safe zone in northern Syria, Erdogan
said tens of thousands of people died because a safe zone was not
implemented quickly enough.
Noting that during the operation, Turkey secured the return of 365,000
Syrians to Jarablus, the northern border town that was cleared during
the operation, he reiterated that Turkey "has no problem with the Kurds"
and only takes issue with terrorist organizations.
Erdogan added that "Turkey and the U.S. can work together to bring peace,
stability to Syria and completely finish" the ISIL terror organization.
Regarding the anti-ISIL fight, Trump said Turkey is helping "a lot" in
the effort, capturing all ISIL terrorists escaping prisons controlled
by the YPG/PKK.
For his part, Trump said the meetings with Erdogan and his senior
officials were "very productive". Trump said the discussions were
"wonderful" during a joint press conference that took place an hour
after its original start time due to the protracted conversations.
"The U.S.-Turkish alliance can be a powerful force for security and
stability, not only in the Middle East, but beyond. I look forward to
working with you," Trump said, referring to Erdogan.
The U.S. President hailed Turkey as a "great NATO ally" after he and
Erdogan discussed a range of topics that spanned an ongoing row over
Ankara's acquisition of the Russian S-400 anti-air system, the F-35
joint strike fighter, bilateral trade and a pause in Turkey's operation
in northern Syria.
Trump said he and Erdogan have directed their senior officials to
"immediately work on resolving the S-400 issue". However, Turkey's
acceptance of the S-400, Trump said, "creates some very serious challenges
for us, and we are talking about it constantly". "We talked about it
today. We will talk about it in the future. Hopefully, we'll be able to
resolve that situation," he added.
Erdogan said the challenges can be overcome solely through dialogue,
stressing that Ankara is committed to opening a new page with the U.S. in
line with their bilateral alliance. (…)
Regarding the expansion of the bilateral trade volume to reach $100
billion, Trump said he thinks "we made tremendous progress on that",
adding: "We encourage Turkey to further open its market, and they are
doing that". (…)
[02] CHP Deputy condemns EU's economic sanctions over Turkey
Turkish daily newspaper Milliyet (14.11.19) reports that Engin Altay,
Deputy with the main opposition party Republican People's Party (CHP),
reminded that the EU has prepared a legal document on economic sanctions
over Turkey's drilling off coast of Cyprus, stressing that they cannot
accept this.
Speaking at a press conference in the Parliament on Wednesday on EU's
economic sanctions over Turkey, Altay said: "This nation does not deserve
the current perception that the world have for them. The EU countries
should know that Turkey is not only about Erdogan. Although this decision
seems to be for the Turkish nation and the TRNC [translator's note:
the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus],
in fact, serves Erdogan's policy to keep EU in distance. Neither the EU
nor Turkey have benefits from this".
Calling Turkey not to compromising the "TRNC's rights" or its own rights
due to these sanctions, Altay said that if Turkey does (compromises)
then it would be wrong. However, he added that they should take together
as soon as possible diplomatic steps to overcome the seclusion in the
Eastern Mediterranean.
(DPs)
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(DPs/ AM)
