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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 19-11-22Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 22.11.19 Content[A] Turkish Cypriot Press
[B] Turkish Press
[A] Turkish Cypriot Press[01] A federal solution will abolish Turkey's influence in Cyprus, says TatarTurkish Cypriot newspaper Kibris (22.11.19) reports that Ersin Tatar, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that a federal agreement in Cyprus will abolish Turkey's influence on the island.Addressing a delegation of young employees of the Turkish Foreign Ministry who were illegally visiting the occupied area of Cyprus yesterday, Tatar noted that in the agreement which was provided for in the current negotiating process, federal Cyprus would be accepted in the EU as a whole and Turkey's guarantees would be totally lifted within 5-10 years. Tatar said that in this agreement Turkey's influence in Cyprus would be abolished, Cyprus would become EU soil and it would not be possible for Turkey to return. "The National Unity Party will never accept Turkey to go away from here and Turkey's guarantees to end. Our vote to such agreement will be no", he noted. Referring to the tripartite meeting to be held in Berlin on 25 November between the two community leaders and the UNSG, Tatar reiterated that it was an informal meeting and that he did not expect many things from it. Referring to the issue of hydrocarbons, Tatar argued that the natural gas discovered in Cyprus' sea should be "equally administrated", but the Greek Cypriots cooperated with various countries and suggested to the Turkish Cypriots to give them their share from this wealth. Tatar expressed the belief that the struggle of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots on this issue would end successfully because "global norms and the law of the sea will work in their favour". Tatar claimed also that the "TRNC" was a "country accepted" in the world in spite of the fact that it was not recognized and added that students from 140 countries were studying in the occupied area of Cyprus and that 1,5 million tourists visited it every year. Responding to a question, Tatar alleged that a partnership on the basis of federation was not possible and added that the Turkish Cypriots would never accept what he called "the yoke of the Greek Cypriots". He claimed that what was possible were the "two states in the EU" or a "velvet separation", that is an agreed separation. Referring to the issue of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha, Tatar reiterated the allegation that it had belonged to some religious foundations during the Ottoman period and that some properties had been distributed to Greek Cypriots during the British rule. He added: "We will never give this land of our ancestors. After 1974 the case was always that we would return Varosha if there was an agreement. Our government closed this case". Tatar said that they wanted to open the area for settlement slowly-slowly and added that because they did not have money to pay compensation to everybody, they said that they should give the city's former [Greek Cypriot] inhabitants their rights through the Immovable Property Commission. He reiterated that the former inhabitants, as he referred to Varosha's legal owners, and EVKAF religious foundation should apply to this Commission. (I/Ts.) [02] Tatar asks for punishment of those calling Turkey occupier in CyprusTurkish Cypriot newspaper Haberci (21.11.19) reports that according to information it obtained from reliable sources, officials from Turkey have undertaken an initiative for an investigation against Sener Elcil, general secretary of Turkish Cypriot teachers' trade union (KTOS), because he had stated that "Turkey is carrying out a bloodless genocide" in Cyprus.Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot newspaper Volkan (21.11.19) reports that after Elcil's statement on 17 November, 2019, that "Turkey is an occupier in Cyprus and carries out a bloodless genocide", he was "rewarded" by the Greek Cypriots. According to the paper, Elcil was invited to a conference at the European Parliament organized by Greek Cypriot MEP Costas Mavrides on 20 November, under the title "The Neo-Ottoman policies of Turkey in Cyprus, Europe and Beyond". The paper asks from the "attorney general's office", the "police", the "ministry of education", the "public service commission" and the "government" to launch the necessary "legal and administrative investigation" against Elcil and relieve him from his duties as a teacher. Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kibris (22.11.19) reports that Ersin Tatar, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has said that he had given instructions to the "attorney general's office" to prepare the necessary "legal amendment" with the aim of preventing statements, which consider Turkey an occupier in Cyprus. Tatat made this statement yesterday during a meeting with a delegation of young employees of the Turkish Foreign Ministry who were illegally visiting the occupied area of Cyprus. Tatar argued that Elcil's statements did not represent the Turks of Cyprus and added that he did not know where Elcil took this power from. He added: "We are trying to digest these things within the framework of democracy. It is not something, which could be digested, but what will you do? When you administrate a state, you can solve this matter only within the framework of the law". In statements to Kibris Postasi TV (22.11.19,
https://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRISHABERLERI/n303952-basbakan-tatardan-isgal-yasagi-aciklamasi-sokaktaki-vatandasin-soylemi-hazmedilebilir),
Tatar reiterated that he would undertake an initiative to prohibit the
description of "occupier". He argued that perhaps such an expression from
an "ordinary citizen in the street" could be digested, "but a teacher
who receives a salary from the state saying such an expression cannot
be accepted". He said that he was not sure who "some circles" were
representing and claimed that the "faction seeds" in their statements
"are harming our future". He added: "The person who says this is a
teacher and takes a salary from this state. At this point, a problem
exists from a legal point of view. A teacher cannot talk like this. [
]".
Noting that "there is a great annoyance' regarding the fact that Turkey
is described as "occupier", Tatar added "this state should not allow
such statements". "If there is a deficiency in the laws, I think that
these should be amended", he concluded.
(I/Ts.)
In a written statement issued yesterday, Dalgic claimed that some
statements harmed the community's sense of unity and togetherness. He
further accused Elcil of "trying to divide the community" and of "being
spokesman of the Greek Cypriots".
Under the title "He wants punishment of those calling Turkey occupier",
Turkish Cypriot newspaper Afrika (22.11.19) refers to "prime minister"
Ersin Tatar's statement that he had given instructions to the "attorney
general" to make the necessary "legal amendments" against those who
call Turkey occupier and notes that this is "a blow to the freedom
of expression.
The paper reports also that commenting on the issue, KTOS' chairperson,
Emel Tel has said that "the rhetoric of lynching and hatred" has reached
the point of threatening human rights and fundamental freedoms. In a
written statement issued yesterday, Tel noted that some circles in the
occupied area of the island and in Turkey were recently carrying out a
"lynching campaign" against the "peaceful, ecumenical and secular stance
of KTOS and other organizations of the country".
"The EU should not remain spectator to the oppression to which its
citizens are subjected", she pointed out and added: "We will continue our
struggle in this direction, to resist against the assimilation policies
and to struggle before international law".
(I/Ts.)
Speaking to reporters at the budget planning meeting at the Turkish
Parliament, Dönmez said that "the goal was to meet the TRNC's energy
needs via undersea electricity cable and natural gas pipeline projects".
Regarding hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, Dönmez said that
reports prepared by leading international energy firms said that important
natural gas reserves existed in the region. He claimed that Turkey's
drilling activities in the Mediterranean stemmed from its rights under
international law.
Noting that "Turkey's drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean
to protect the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people will
continue in areas licensed by the TRNC and Turkey without making any
concessions from its legitimate rights", Dönmez said : "We have achieved
independence in offshore research and drilling capabilities through
domestic means".
He further said that the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa and Oruç Reis research
vessels had surveyed a total area of 37,000km² until today, adding: "The
data we have collected has speeded up our deep sea drilling operations
conducted without domestic and national capabilities".
Recalling that Turkey has two drill ships in the Eastern Mediterranean,
Dönmez said that the Fatih drillship which had started operations in
October 2018 had drilled at two different locations since. "It is
currently drilling at a third location off the coast of Gazimagusa
[occupied Famagusta] named 'Magosa-1'," he added.
He also said that "Turkey's second drilling vessel, the Yavuz had just
recently completed its first drilling operation off the coast of the
Karpaz peninsula [occupied Karpasia peninsula] and was now conducting
new operations at a location to the West of the island named 'Güzelyurt'
[occupied Morfou]".
Dönmez concluded his remarks by claiming that expectations that Turkey
will bow down to threats were pointless, and adding: "Our approach has
always been to use the hydrocarbons in the region as an element of peace
and stability, not tension".
Meanwhile, Turkey's state news agency Anadolu (22.11.19,
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkey-trnc-continue-to-work-on-mutual-energy-projects/1652659)
reports that Donmez, commenting on the projects for the undersea
electricity cable link and natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the
"TRNC", said that the shared vision for both these projects was realized
through an energy protocol signed during the World Energy Congress in
Istanbul in 2016.
The power line's route will originate from a new transformer station
based in Akkuyu in the southern Mersin province and run to the "Teknecik
transformer station" [occupied Trapeza power station situated in the
Kyrenia district] located in the occupied area of Cyprus.
Akar said that Turkey insistently supports the idea of protecting equal
sovereign rights and the equal distribution of natural resources in the
Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus through agreements to be made between
riparian states.
Akar added also that Turkey's drilling and research vessels were
continuing their activities under the protection and watchful eye of
the Turkish navy.
He further said that Turkey had no territorial ambitions regarding
other countries.
"We desire good neighborly relations. But we shall not allow any fait
accompli to take place. This should not be perceived as a threat,"
he added.
Akar reminded that Cyprus is a national cause for Turkey. "No one should
expect concessions from us. Our views and position on the matter is
clear. The Turkish Armed Forces will continue to protect the rights
and interests of Turkey and the TRNC. Turkey shall continue to be the
guarantee of peace and security in Cyprus in line with the international
Treaty of Guarantees and Alliance," he said.
When asked about the flag burning, Akar condemned ELAM's burning of the
"TRNC flag" last week and said: "These racist attacks will never stop
the flag of the TRNC flying forever."
In a written statement, Abdullah Korkmazhan, on behalf of the Left
Movement, said that the trilateral meeting is of great importance for
the Cyprus issue and the future of the country, adding that those who
support the status quo in both sides want the new initiative of UNSG
Guterres to remain inconclusive.
(DPs)
Noting that the new fait accompli will be planned according to the
new population, Izcan said that "another duty of UBP-HP government
was to put an end to the negotiation process". He explained that even
a federal united Cyprus would be prevented from being considered,
adding that the two separate states have already been included in the
"government programme".
(DPs)
In a post on his social media account, Ozersay wrote that they have hosted
Turkey's young diplomats, as their "young diplomats" go for training in
Turkey, adding: "Such briefings are important in the sense in helping
Turkish diplomats who serve all around the world to have a better
understanding of the Cyprus issue so that they can further our cause.".
(DPs
According to the paper, besides experts from Turkey and the "TRNC",
international energy companies and experts from foreign countries such
as Azerbaijan, the USA, Israel and France attended the symposium. The
paper points out, however, that some participants in the symposium were
allegedly forced to withdraw after they received threats by the Greek
Cypriot side.
Speaking during the symposium, so-called minister of energy Hasan Tacoy,
who brought the issue of the installation of a natural gas pipeline
between Turkey and the occupation regime for discussion, announced that
this pipeline could placed in parallel with the water pipeline. He went
on to state that they could take natural gas from Turkey first and then
they could sent to Turkey the natural gas from the Mediterranean.
On the same issue, Turkish daily Milliyet (22.11.19-
http://www.milliyet.com.tr/ekonomi/yavru-vatana-dogal-gaz-hatti-6084746)
in its website provides more details about the issue and reports that
Turkey which "defends its sovereign rights and continues its struggle in
the Eastern Mediterranean on the issue of the oil and natural gas, has
sent an important message". According to the paper, Turkey is preparing
to make a crucial attack in the Mediterranean since it is developing a
project to install a duplex natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the
"TRNC".
According to the paper, the first official statement was made by so-called
minister of energy and economy Hasan Tacoy. Tacoy said that the natural
gas pipeline would be able to transfer natural gas from Turkey to the
"TRNC" by 2025.
Moreover, Prof. Dr Kumbaroglu who also attended the symposium said
that the natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the "TRNC" could be
constructed in parallel with the existing water pipeline, supporting that
it could be 80 km long. Kumbaroglu further added that the duplex pipeline
could be constructed so that the natural gas that would be found in the
Eastern Mediterranean in the forthcoming period to be sent to Turkey
from the same line and then to be transferred to Europe. He went on to
add that the underwater pipeline should not be very deep since its cost
would then be much higher.
So-called prime minister Ersin Tatar claimed that during the symposium
the issue of the transferring of electricity from Turkey with underwater
cables was also discussed. "The transferring of electricity from Turkey
with underwater cables is an issue which is included in the agenda
of our government, is amongst our goals and it should continue to
be. Implementing a more clear energy system than the current one with
natural gas, is an important matter. The pipeline could be used also
for sending to Turkey electricity that could be produced in the TRNC",
Tatar claimed.
According to the paper, the US ORISE Institute and the Herzliya
Interdisciplinary Center from Israel were among the organizations, which
attended the symposium. The paper adds that some participants were forced
to withdraw from the conference after warnings made by the "Greek Cypriot
administration in the south", [Translator's note: the Republic of Cyprus],
that "you are committing a crime by visiting an occupied territory".
Some of the speakers at the symposium were Dr. Amit from Israel and
Dr. Isabella Ruble from the USA, the paper adds.
(AK)
"The last example of manipulation of public opinion that Greece is
attempting to conduct through distortion of facts is the baseless and
unfortunate statements of Prime Minister [Kyriakos] Mitsotakis," Hami
Aksoy, the Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman, said in a statement.
Highlighting Turkey's prominent role in the issue of migration, Aksoy said
that the current level of crossings to Europe werereduced by 94% thanks to
measures taken by Ankara compared to 2015 figures, which stood at 850,000.
"It is not humane for countries located on the migration routes as well
as Greece to implement 'zero migrant policy' and disregard the rights
of these people. Greece and countries suffering from migration need to
focus primarily on addressing the root causes triggering migration in
source countries," he said.
Aksoy noted that Turkey is hosting more than 4 million migrants, and
added: "Our Greek counterparts as well as the international community
should understand that it is not fair for Turkey to solely shoulder the
burden of migration, which is a global problem."
Noting that Mitsotakis refused to see and acknowledged the situation, the
Ministry statement said that Greece keeps on pushing back the irregular
migrants coming at their door.
"Disregarding European values, these people are subjected to inhumane
treatment," he added.
Aksoy further said that opting for cooperation with Turkey on the matter
of migration will bring more effective results than making propaganda
against the country.
The statement called on the Greek authorities to "redress the inhumane
conditions migrants are going through, which are also recorded by
international organizations." It also called on Greece to prevent death
of infant, minor migrants, as well as those who are deprived of required
assistance.
Noting that migrants also have rights and freedoms under international
law, the statement urged to "put an end to the push-back practice of
migrants which is against international law."
It said the authorities should not use weapons against migrants. "Show
respect to beliefs of migrants as well as common values of Europe and
humanity," Aksoy said.
Training efforts were ongoing on the operation of the missile defense
hardware", Akar told lawmakers in the Turkish Parliament's Planning and
Budget Committee.
"After this process is completed, we will conduct our planned activities
[on S-400s]", Akara added.
(
) Answering questions on Turkish-backed Syrian forces fighting YPG/PKK
terrorists in northern Syria, Akar said the Syrian National Army (SNA)
was not part of "any group" but of people loyal to and working for
their country."
"As a result of our operations, the delusion of forming a terror corridor,
terror state [in northern Syria] was put to an end," he noted.
Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News
(21.11.19-http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-establishes-145-km-long-30-km-deep-safe-zone-in-syria-defense-minister-148958)
reports that Akar said on Nov. 21 that Turkey has established a safe
zone 145 kilometers in length and 30 km in depth in northern Syria,
noting that Ankara and Moscow have talks on the continued presence of
YPG members in the region despite the latter having informed Ankara that
a total of 34,000 YPG members left the region.
Russia informed Turkey that "a total of 34,000 YPG members with 3,260
heavy weapons were taken out from the east of Tel Rifat, Manbij and
east of the Euphrates to the south of the 30 km safe zone since the
morning of Oct. 29, in accordance with the principles set out in the
Sochi Agreement," Akar said.
However, Turkey has contradictory findings on the withdrawal of
YPG members and this issue is being discussed with Moscow, Akar
noted. "Findings to the contrary are being discussed with the Russian
Federation," he added.
Akar said also that Turkey had determined that the YPG was still present
in the Manbij region "wearing the clothes of the [Syrian government]
regime elements," and had asked Russia to address the issue.
Akar went on to add that the Patriot missile defense systems deployed
by Spain in 2015 in southeast Turkey as part of a NATO mission would
stay by the end of 2019, but Italians would end deployment of their
SAMP-T systems by the end of 2019. He explained also that the talks for
extension of the Spanish systems are still ongoing.
"Turkey has problems, and they are getting heavier. We need to spread
around Turkey and tell the public of our solutions. We are carrying out
these works," Kilicdaroglu said.
The CHP leader's remarks came during an interview with private broadcaster
FOX TV.
"Turkey is not being governed well", according to Kilicdaroglu who stated
the following:
"Ask the tradesmen, the farmers; they are at a miserable state. The
industrialists say they cannot see ahead. Foreign policy is also clogged,"
he said.
Kilicdaroglu once again slammed the government's foreign policy on Syria,
echoing his previous remarks of "entering the Middle East swamp." He
said that Turkey has turned the whole world against herself with these
policies.
With these problems, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan can call for an early
election, Kilicdaroglu said. "Turkey will either go to early polls or not,
in accordance with Erdogan's mood," he said.
Kilicdaroglu also added that early elections are not a priority for the
CHP. "Our priority is to build a peaceful Turkey in which no child will
go to bed hungry".
Kilicdaroglu said that even though early polls are not a priority for
the CHP, he gave the green light to respond in favor of early elections
if the discussion comes up. "If they want, they can bring it tomorrow
morning; we will approve it," he said.
The CHP leader also said that Turkey needs to give up on the presidential
system and adopt a parliamentary one. "All political parties and
non-governmental organizations should come together. We will bring a
constitutional change. We will build a democratic constitution that
everyone will approve," he said.
In a written statement, Altun said that Erdogan did not have such a
meeting in the presidential office or anywhere else and that such a
dialogue did not take place.
"The claim that Mr. President met with a politician from the CHP at
the presidency and that there was a dialogue between them to become the
leader of the CHP is completely unrealistic and fictitious," he said.
"In the course of nearly 43 years of his political life, our President
has never taken steps to design any political party or to intervene in
its internal affairs," he said.
"While such critical days have been experienced in the fight against
terrorism, while we have concentrated our attention on the future of our
country in order to continue the successes achieved in diplomacy and
foreign policy, we would like to state that engaging the public with
the news of political magazines will not benefit the circles trying
to protect their political good," he added. "These discussions aim to
preserve the ones' individual interests," Altun said.
Rahmi Turan, a columnist with the Daily Sözcü, on Nov. 19 claimed that
a CHP member had a meeting with Erdogan and that the President proposed
to help the politician assume leadership of the CHP.
Meanwhile, CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said that he inclined to think
the claim is true. Speaking on FOX TV on Nov. 21, Kilicdaroglu said that
when he read the article, he was not "surprised" by the claim.
"The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has a team to kick up
a row at the CHP ahead of the party congress," the CHP leader said.
Despite saying he has an idea of the identity of the alleged CHP member,
Kilicdaroglu declined to name the person.
During the meeting under G20 Japanese Presidency, Cavusoglu will
address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa, explaining
the contributions of Turkey for the achievement of the SDGs in Turkey
as well as in the Least Developed Countries and describing Turkey's
policies towards Africa, according to the statement.
"On this occasion, Cavusoglu will also have the opportunity to hold
bilateral meetings with Ministers of Foreign Affairs from G20 member
states," the statement added.
Following the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting, Cavusoglu will participate
in the Non-Proliferation Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) Foreign Ministers
meeting on Nov. 23 in Japan.
"This initiative is a platform where twelve countries collaborate
with the aim of strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT). Preparations for the NPT 2020 Review Conference will be discussed
during the Meeting," the statement said.
Cavusoglu will also inaugurate the Consulate General of the Republic of
Turkey in Nagoya, the establishment of which was announced by Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during his visit to Japan between June
27-July 1, 2019.
"The ship, called TCG Anadolu, will be the pride of Turkey," Demir said
in a statement.
The TCG Anadolu will be an amphibious assault ship that will also be
able to function as a light aircraft carrier.
Demir noted that the delivery phase for the ship would begin in 2020,
about a year before the originally-planned 2021. "I hope that by the end
of 2020, we will have given this ship to our Navy. In our talks with the
shipyard, we found they were pleased with the progress of these efforts,"
he said.
Demir underlined that the ship would carry Turkey to an ambitious naval
position.
Construction of the vessel began in 2016 at a shipyard in the Tuzla
district of Istanbul, where efforts to build the ship continue.
The vessel is intended to meet the Turkish Navy's various needs --
such as sustaining long-endurance, long-distance military combat or
humanitarian relief operations -- while also acting as a command center
and flagship for the Turkish Navy.
The TCG Anadolu will be able to transport a force the size of a minimum
battalion without needing home base support.
It will carry four mechanized, two air-cushioned and two personnel
landing vehicles as well as aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial
vehicles. The 231-meter long and 32-meter wide ship will have a full
load displacement of about 27,000 tons.
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(AK/ ECh)
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