TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
231/15 04.12.2015
1. Akinci and Kerry discussed American arms embargoes on
the Cyprus Republic; No reference to the issue of guarantees
2. Davutoglu asked for the regime’s “citizenship” to
be granted to another 26,500 Turkish settlers
3. Bozkir held contacts in Brussels; Hahn: “The EU
does not have a plan B on Turkey’s EU bid if the Cyprus problem is not solved”
4.
Talat: It is not in our interest to fight over the water issue with Turkey
5.
Turkish Cypriot politicians react on the NAVTEX issued by the Republic of
Cyprus
6.
Arabacioglu: The minutes of the Cyprus talks’ meetings are sent to the
“assembly”
7.
Turkish Cypriot Union of Artists and Writers expresses solidarity to arrested Cumhuriyet journalists
8. Cavusoglu met with Lavrov in Belgrade; Cavusoglu:
“We expect a recovery of our ties, it cannot go on like this forever”
9. Davutoglu: “TANAP project to be completed before
2018”
1. Akinciand Kerry discussed American arms
embargoes on the CyprusRepublic; No reference to the issue of guarantees
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (04.12.15)
reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa
Akinci has said that he held a “very useful and comprehensive” meeting with the
US Secretary of State, John Kerry last night at his office in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus. In statements after the meeting that lasted for
about 40 minutes, Akinci noted that they discussed issues related to the future
of Cyprus.
Akinci
described as “not true” the information published in the Greek Cypriot press
that the USA had lifted the arms embargo imposed on the Republic of Cyprus and
added that this issue was discussed in the meeting with Kerry.
Arguing that the visit was important as far as post
solution Turkish-Greek relations, Turkish-European relations and the united
federal Cyprus are concerned, Akinci
noted that they discussed the issue of the financial aid to Cyprus after the
solution. Akinci said that the USA will help in the financing of the solution, in
the context of a collective international effort.
Responding to a question, Akinci described as “useful”
the visits to Cyprus of Foreign Affairs Ministers from various countries and
added: “It is extremely necessary for everyone who wants to contribute to a
solution in Cyprus to visit and listen to the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek
Cypriots, who in the future will participate in a structure of two politically
equal founding states in Cyprus”.
He alleged that he “strongly wished” to meet with
Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov who visited Cyprus the day before
yesterday. He argued: “We do not expect
from such important countries to recognize the TRNC. Our stance towards him was
not about this. Our meeting had no relation to the tension between Turkey and
Russia. This dialogue between us took place ten days before the airplane
accident. If we handle the calls for
meetings in the buffer zone in this manner, other ministers will not come
either. We will be faced with the question as to whether we should move our
office to the buffer zone. I hope we will meet in the future”.
Replying to another question, Akinci said that the issue of guarantees had not come onto the agenda
during the meeting with Kerry. He recalled statements that the guarantees
will be discussed at the last stage of the negotiations.
(I/Ts.)
2. Davutoglu asked for the regime’s “citizenship”
to be granted to another 26,500 Turkish settlers
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (04.12.15)
reports that Turkish Prime Minister, Ahmet
Davutoglu has asked for the “citizenship” of the breakaway regime in the
occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus to be granted to another 26,500
settlers from Turkey.
Citing information published in Turkish Cypriot
Gazete360 newspaper (online), the paper notes that Davutoglu demandedthis from Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci,
so-called prime minister, Omer Kalyoncu and self-styled assembly “speaker”,
Sibel Siber during his recent illegal visit to the occupied area of the island,
arguing that these persons are being “unjustly treated”. It is reported that Akinci rejected this demand saying that
these new “citizenships” will destroy the negotiating process aiming at
finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.
The issue has reportedly come onto the agenda during
the meeting of Republican Turkish Party’s (CTP) council last night and created
great discomfort. CTP officials said they had not been informed of such a
number.
“During
a period when 10,000 persons are waiting for their turn to become citizens,
Davutoglu’s asking for more was the last straw”, writes the paper.
Meanwhile, citing sources close to President
Anastasiades, the paper reports that the sides had agreed that the population
of the Turkish Cypriots after the solution should be 220,000, but Akinci now wants 50,000 more. Moreover,
on the issue of the cell phone network
it is said that Akinci insists on having a separate code. The paper asks
whether these allegations are true.
(I/Ts.)
3. Bozkir held contacts in Brussels; Hahn: “The EU
does not have a plan B on Turkey’s EU bid if the Cyprus problem is not solved”
Turkish daily Sabah (03.12.15-online in English)
reported that Turkey's EU Minister and
Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır,in the context of his contacts in Brussels, met
on Thursday with the EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn, the
Commissioner for Energy and Climate Action, Miguel Arias Canete, the EU
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, the
Commissioner for Education, Culture and Sports, Tibor Navracsics and the
Chairman of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Elmar Brok.
Bozkır
also held a joint press conference with Hahn.
Speaking
during the press conference, Hahn stated, inter alia, that in case there is no
solution on the Cyprus problem, the EU does not have a plan B on Turkey’s EU
negotiation process.
Replying
to questions of reporters on the process of the Cyprus negotiations, Hahn said
that the progress on the talks is heard warming and expressed hopes for a
positive outcome. “It is for this reason that is not necessary to think about a
plan B. The only plan that we should focus on, is plan A”, Hahn said.
Also, speaking
to a group of journalists who accompanied him on the visit to Brussels, Bozkir said that claims about Turkey becoming
Europe's open air refugee camp in exchange for 3 billion euro, neither reflected
the truth nor did it encompass the principal aim of the refugee action plan.
Bozkir rejected the claims that Turkey would turn into
an open air refugee camp after the EU deal andcalled these accusations unjust,
adding that they did not reflect the truth. ''After the deal, the EU determines
its refugee quotas every year and the refugees will be accepted by Europe
systematically and in a manner worthy of human dignity,'' he said.
(…)Saying
that Chapter 17 will open for negotiations on December 14, Bozkir added that
Turkey expected to open five more Chapters for negotiations. ''In addition to
this Chapter, we are also expecting five more Chapters to be opened during
negotiations. These will include Chapter 23 on political issues, Chapter 24 on
justice, freedom and security, Chapter 26 regarding education and culture, and
Chapter 31 on international security and defense policies. These articles are
all currently blocked by Cyprus so prior to making any decisions regarding the
opening of these article discussions, we will start negotiations to on whatever
we need to work on'', he said.
Concerning the issue of visa-free travel for Turkish
citizens in return for Ankara's implementation of the readmission agreement,
Bozkır underlined that the readmission agreement must be understood thoroughly.
''We [Turkey] accept our citizens who have entered Europe illegally, without
need for a readmission agreement. We also accept the return of those individuals
who illegally fled to Europe through Turkey. The main topic of discussion here
is the return of those who claim to have illegally entered Europe through
Turkey. Turkey will establish a commission to determine whether those
individuals really left Turkey. This commission will examine the status of
these individuals as well. Following the examination of these cases by the
commission Turkey has established, if it is determined that these migrants are
indeed from Turkey then we will accept them back."
Moreover,
Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (04.12.15) reports that Turkey’s EU
Minister Bozkir, replying to a question of Haberturk TV channel after the end
of the EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, referred to the Cyprus problem and said
that they are expecting that a solution on the Cyprus problem will be found by
March.
(AK)
4.Talat:
It is not in our interest to fight over the water issue with Turkey
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (04.12.15)
reports that efforts are exerted so that
a middle solution is found regarding the administration of water transferred
from Turkey to the breakaway regime.
The chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP)
Mehmet Ali Talat stated that the
“government” is examining the proposal issued by Turkey two days ago but added
that the two sides continue to stick to their positions. “We are open for negotiations but we are continuing to follow the same
line on the issue. […] It is not in our interest to have a fight with Turkey.
We are just saying what we think is the right thing to do. They are explaining
their position as well. This is a negotiation”, he stated.
On his part, Dursun Oguz, the general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), the
other partner of the “coalition government”, stated that the party came together to discuss the issue and decided
that negotiations are needed in order for a middle solution to be found. “The
road for a dialogue with Turkey is open and we need to negotiate and come to an
agreement”, he stated.
(CS)
5.
Turkish Cypriot politicians react on the NAVTEX issued by the Republic of
Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot daily Diyalog (04.12.15), on its front page under the title “Dangerous
flirt”, reports that the NAVTEX issued by the Republic of Cyprus to close the
sea area between Turkey and the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus for all
the merchant vessels caused tension among the Turkish Cypriot politicians.
However, the paper reports that the so-called ministry of foreign affairs did
not issue any statement regarding the issue.
Ferdi
Sabit Soyer, self-styled deputy with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said
that this is a critical period for the Eastern Mediterranean and any
initiatives that may cause more tension should be avoided. Soyer argued that
the military exercise with Russia is a dangerous exercise. He added that
neither the Greek nor the Turkish Cypriot side reacted when Britain allowed
France to use UK’s Akrotiri Base in Cyprus for their military operations. It is
for this reason that Cyprus is now in the middle of the fire circle.
Soyer
also said that Russia continues to carry out military operations in Syria and
Russia’s military exercise in the territorial waters of Cyprus may increase the
tension. He argued that it is not correct that fleets belonging to Western
countries be placed in Cyprus.
The
leader of the Socialist Democracy Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit, referring to the
same issue, said: “The Greek Cypriot approach regarding NAVTEX is not correct.
Especially, the Greek Cypriot side should not be the side between Russia and
Turkey”. He added that this position
will have an adverse effect at the negotiating table.
Referring
to the decision of the USA to lift the arm embargos on Cyprus Republic, Ozyigit
expressed his dissapointment. He added that this decision is wrong and it can
only increase tension.
Hasan
Tacoy, the general secretary of the Democratic Party (DP), described the NAVTEX
issued by the Republic of Cyprus as an Orthodox plan. He claimed that this
development shows that the Orthodox crusade has started.
Ersin
Tatar, self-styled deputy with the National Unity Party (UBP), expressed his
concern, adding that he follows what the Great States do in the area. He noted
that the Turkish Cypriot “people”, who are in the middle of fire, does not have
the right to speak. He believes that the tension between Russia and Turkey will
be only short term because the two countries have strong economic relations.
(DPs)
6.
Arabacioglu: The minutes of the Cyprus talks’ meetings are sent to the
“assembly”
According
to Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (04.12.15), self-styled deputy with the
Democratic Party (DP) Mustafa Arabacioglu said that contrary to the statements
that “there is not any briefing regarding the Cyprus talks”, the “assembly” has
been obtaining a rather speedy flow of information on the issue.
Speaking
to the illegal “BRT”, Arabacioglu said that the minutes of the Cyprus talks’
meetings are sent to the “assembly” of the breakaway regime in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus very quickly. He added that all the minutes of
last month’s meetings have arrived.
Arabacioglu
explained that not only the minutes of the meetings between Akinci –
Anastasiades, but also the minutes between the meetings of the Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci and the foreign missions, are sent to the “assembly”.
(DPs)
7. Turkish Cypriot Union of Artists and Writers expresses solidarity toarrested
Cumhuriyet journalists
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (04.12.15)
reports that the Turkish Cypriot Union
of Artists and Writers issued a statement criticizing the Turkish Government regarding the arrest of
prominent Turkish journalists Can Dundar and Erdem Gul of the Turkish daily
Cumhuriyet.
The
Union expressed its solidarity to Dundar and Gul noting that their arrest is an
act against democracy. The Union also commented on the assassination of
Diyarbakir lawyer Tahir Elci noting that it showed the “dark face of the
Turkish state”.
(CS)
8.Cavusoglu met with Lavrov in Belgrade; Cavusoglu:
“We expect a recovery of our ties, It cannot go on like this forever”
Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.12.15) reported that Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut
Cavusoglu has said that Ankara expects a
"recovery" in its strained relationship with Russia but warned that
the process would require patience.
Cavusoglu
was speaking on Thursday night following his first meeting with his Russian
counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of an OSCE summit in the Serbian
capital of Belgrade.
Relations between the two countries have been under
pressure after Turkish F-16s downed a Russian warplane that violated Turkish
airspace last week.
Cavusoglu
said: "We are at a point we do not want to be right now. Relations should
continue to put the negotiations back on track. We are for it. Both sides do
not want to escalate [problems] and want to fix relations, but we have
different opinions and positions. We, as Turkey, want to resolve these
differences.”
Expressing
hope that Russia would stop making “groundless accusations”, Cavusoglu said he
was sure “common sense” would prevail.
Cavusoglu
also added: "We expect the recovery of the relationship with patience but
we also need to know that it cannot go like this forever."
Meanwhile,
Russia Today has reported that Lavrov said he heard nothing new from his
Turkish counterpart regarding Ankara's position on the downing of the Russian
warplane. Lavrov’s briefing was closed to Turkish media.
This was the first high-level contact between Ankara
and Moscow since an intruding Russian SU-24 was shot down by Turkish F-16s near
the Syrian border.
Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.12.15) reported that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said
on Thursday that Turkey and Azerbaijan have agreed to complete the
Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline Project (TANAP) before 2018.
Speaking in a joint press conference with Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, Davutoglu said: "We have reached an agreement [with Azerbaijan] to realize the TANAP
project not in 2018 as planned, before that [2018]".
"We will work on it non-stop. We will do whatever
is needed for the TANAP project," he added.
"TANAP
and Baku-Tbilisi and Ceyhan, as two big projects, are the main channels to
transfer oil and natural gas from the Caspian to the Mediterranean and
Europe," Davutoglu said.
(…)
Davutoglu's meeting with Aliyev followed the
deterioration of bilateral ties with Moscow after Turkey downed a Russian
warplane.
Russian
officials also said on Thursday that the negotiations over the
multi-billion-dollar Turkish Stream pipeline project, which would have carried
Russian natural gas to Europe through Turkey, have been suspended.
Alexey Miller, chief executive officer of the Russian
energy company Gazprom, said that Turkey had not got back to Russia with a
proposal about the project, adding that it was now waiting for an
intergovernmental agreement between Ankara and Moscow.
On Wednesday, Turkey's Petroleum Pipeline Corporation
and Qatar's national oil company signed a memorandum of understanding for
long-term LNG trade, which was interpreted by analysts as a counter measure to
end dependence on Russian gas imports.
As Turkey is an energy-dependent country and meets
about 92% of its oil and 98% of its natural gas needs through imports,
Azerbaijan with its vast hydrocarbon reserves in the Caspian region, is
strategically important.
In
Baku, Davutoglu also called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to defuse the
increased tension: "Let’s meet on the negotiating ground, instead of
[making] bilateral accusations. Then, if any information about the cirmcumstances
of the incident [downing the warplane] and how it occurred is requrred, we’ve
already shared it but we will share it one more time."
He also added: "Turkey
is ready to discuss every topic with Russia. (…) The only things that we will
not negotiate are the borders of the Republic of Turkey or its right to
independence."
However, Davutoglu
criticized Moscow's series of economic sanctions, describing it as a
"contradiction". "Those who do not like economic embargos
imposed on them, should not place an embargo on others", said Davutoglu.
---------------------------------------------------
TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(AK/
AA)