Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-02-10

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 / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Davutoglu: Cyprus talks may be last chance for solution

[02] Eroglu: The issue of guarantees is a 'red line' for the Turkish Cypriots

[03] Turkish Cypriot political parties support the re-launching of the negotiation process

[04] Turkish Cypriot side appointed Kudret Ozersay as the new negotiator

[05] Turkish Cypriot columnists comment on Kudret Ozersay's appointment; Allegations that Eroglu is no longer part of the process

[06] Columnist in Turkish Cypriot Vatan newspaper says "solution is appearing on the horizon" in Cyprus

[07] Nami met with EU Enlargement Commissioner Fule

[08] Editorial: Cyprus reunification can change the political geography of the region

[09] US Ambassador Koeing met with Sibel

[10] Turkish Foreign and EU minister to visit Brussels for EU bid

[11] Ilhan Isbilen becomes ninth Deputy to resign from AKP since 17 December graft probe

[12] Poll shows ruling AKP winning elections with 48.5%

[13] Turkey's fifth satellite to be launched from Kazakhstan on 15 February

[14] Turkey ranks second on Internet censors

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Davutoglu: Cyprus talks may be last chance for solution

"This [Cyprus] issue cannot last for years. The talks should not be open-ended and cannot be dragged into a deadlock if one side negatively responds to the talks. Deadlock should not be an alternative. There should be a permanent solution for Cyprus," said Davutoglu, adding: "If the Greek side again says no to the talks, this time a referendum would not remain inconclusive."

"I am pleased with the joint statement. I find it satisfactory. It is a communique that is also in the interests of the Turkish Cypriot side," Davutoglu said in an interview on the A Haber channel on Sunday.

Davutoglu also noted that the joint statement agreed on by the two sides was the optimum option, adding that "single sovereignty" should not be in favor of one side but should equally favor both sides.

Davutoglu also noted that planned visits by the Turkish Cypriot special representative to Athens and the Republic of Cyprus special representative, to Ankara, would take place simultaneously after the first meeting between Eroglu and Anastasiades.

He stated that several countries played an important role in the acceleration of the efforts to solve the Cyprus dispute. "The UN played an important role in this process. I was also in contact with my British and Greek counterparts during this process. Those countries and the US played a positive role," said Davutoglu.

Meanwhile, Davutoglu had a phone conversation with his Greek counterpart, Evangelos Venizelos, to exchange views and express his pleasure over the progress on the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (08.02.14) reported that Davutoglu held separate telephone conversations with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as well as with his British counterpart, William Hague. According to diplomatic sources, Davutoglu exchanged views with Ban and Hague on the latest developments on Cyprus and the situation in Syria.

[02] Eroglu: The issue of guarantees is a 'red line' for the Turkish Cypriots

In an interview with the paper, Eroglu commented on the resumption of the Cyprus talks and called on the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades not to waste time when they will sit at the negotiation table. Eroglu claimed that if Anastasiades sits at the negotiation table with good will and an earnest desire for a solution, then they will sign an agreement very soon. He alleged that they have already missed five months due to the insistence of Anastasiades for a joint statement.

Eroglu noted: "We, as sides, adopted the latest proposal. A hope for agreement has emerged again. I will be enthusiastic for a viable, permanent solution. I will put a lot of effort into achieving an agreement. Greek Cypriots should have the same stance too. Anastasiades should not play with time after we will sit at the negotiation table. We should work for an agreement without wasting any time. Anastasiades should take into account the Turkish Cypriots' proposals." He went on: "Our intention is to reach agreement. For this reason, we sit at the negotiation table. If we had started the talks on September 2013, we had aimed for an April referendum. However, we have missed this period now. If there is zeal for an agreement at the negotiation table, then referenda may be held within three to five months."

Meanwhile, Eroglu said that US Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns thanked him for the resumption of the Cyprus talks, adding that it is natural for the USA to be very interested in the Cyprus talks because it is an important state in the region. He noted that a Cyprus settlement will bring stability to the Middle East.

The paper also reports that Kudret Ozersay has been appointed as the new negotiator for the Cyprus problem and that he is known as bringing 'bad luck' to negotiations. Ozersay, speaking to the paper, said: "We will sit at the negotiation table in order to produce positive results".

[03] Turkish Cypriot political parties support the re-launching of the negotiation process

During the meeting which lasted about an hour, the party leaders expressed their support to the launching of the negotiation talks.

In statements after the meeting, the so-called prime minister and chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP-BG), Ozkan Yorgancioglou reminded that it's been a long time that efforts are exerted on the "joint declaration", adding that they evaluated with Eroglu the final content of the text. He added that the text could constitute the appropriate basis for the re-launching of the comprehensive negotiation talks.

Also, the so-called deputy prime minister, "minister" of economy, tourism, culture and sports and chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), Serdar Denktas said that they discussed about the content of the "joint declaration" text; adding that, there are some difficulties and sensitivities related to its content, which could be overcome with the re-launching of the negotiation talks, as he said.

Denktas went on and said that the "joint declaration" is not the basis of the negotiation process, he, however, said that it could be accepted as an instrument for the re-launching of the negotiations.

In his turn, the chairman of the main opposition National Unity Party (UBP), Huseyin Ozgurgun said that they realize that serious difficulties that exist on the content of the document, but added that his party had always supported the start of the negotiations talks.

Ozgurgun added that they do not consider the "joint declaration" text as a sufficient document but they consider this as a document for the launching of the negotiation talks.

Also, the chairman of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Ozyigit said that the "joint declaration" document can be consider to be a good basis for a positive beginning of the negotiations talks. He said that they conveyed to Eroglu their views related to the positive steps that should be taken for the start of the talks and expressed hopes that the talks will be launched the soonest.

(AK)

[04] Turkish Cypriot side appointed Kudret Ozersay as the new negotiator

Ankara Anatolia news agency reported that the "TRNC" issued a written statement on Friday in which it was noted that the Turkish and Greek Cypriots have agreed on a "joint statement" that paves the way for the resumption of U.N.-sponsored negotiation talks to reunite the island.

Meanwhile, Ozersay, in an article at the Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog (10.02.14), wrote that the reasons he abandoned two years ago his duty as a special representative at the Cyprus talks are first, because the Cyprus talks at those days were stalled, claiming that he did not want to be part of a process that the Turkish Cypriots were mocked. Secondly, but not so important as the first reason, Ozersay said that it was his political movement "Toparlinoyoruz". He added that he preferred to promote his social movement.

Ozersay explained that the reason he returned to the negotiation table is that this time there are a lot of signs that it would be a serious process, adding that all the international actors have been engaged. He explained that he doesn't mean that the foreigners will solve the Cyprus problem, because at the end the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots will agree and live to this new partnership. He noted that when he left from his position, he was giving lessons at the "universities", carrying out diplomatic contacts and trying to help for the resumption of the Cyprus talks.

[05] Turkish Cypriot columnists comment on Kudret Ozersay's appointment; Allegations that Eroglu is no longer part of the process

Ozadam reports, inter alia, the following: "While hopes had been totally lost on the issue of the Cyprus problem, suddenly impressive developments started happening. The reappointment of Kudret Ozersay as negotiator is undoubtedly in the lead of the developments during this process? Very well, is this appointment made with president Eroglu's will? Or has Eroglu appointed Ozersay to his former duty for the sake of his beautiful eyes? Of course not!

Even I, as a person who generally avoids writing on issues regarding Cyprus, can easily write the following: Some developments are happening outside of our will and some solution plans are being prepared in the backstage without us knowing it. And because with the Dervis Eroglu ? Osman Ertug duo it was not possible to turn these into a solution, Kudret Ozersay has been once again brought to the post of the negotiator with the support of Turkey and especially of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu?

Let me now convey you a development which has not been heard at all within the public opinion. Did you know that Osman Ertug had submitted his resignation from the post of the negotiator two months ago? That he had given his resignation to president Eroglu, but it was not accepted? Very well, he had resigned, what was the reason for this? [It was] the issue of 'sovereignty' of course! Because Ertug was always opposing to the single sovereignty and he did not bow, he did not bend. However, in the end Ozersay was put in his place because he is one of the pawns.

Actually much more important allegations came to us on the Cyprus issue. [They are] in the direction that Eroglu is no longer part of the process! That he is staying at the duty of 'negotiator' only for the show and the actual negotiations are held between Davutoglu and Anastasiades. That is, exactly like the Greek Cypriot side wanted! ?In my view, Eroglu is continuing his duty as negotiator only for the show at the moment, but together with the inclusion of Ozersay in the staff he will be fully neutralized and Ozersay will lead alone the negotiations with the great support of Ankara, as it was happening in the past?"

Meanwhile, writing in his column in Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (10.02.14), Basaran Duzgun, the paper's general director and general publishing administrator, reports that he was surprised with the return of Kudret Ozersay to the post of the negotiator of the Turkish Cypriot side. Under the title "Kudret Ozersay and Ozdil Nami", Duzgun says he was surprised from two points of view.

"The first is related to his criticism against the presidential palace when he was leaving the post of the negotiator", he notes wondering "what kinds of changes happened in that criticism he had made". Pointing out that Ozersay should explain this, Duzgun notes that the second point is the statement made by Ozersay then that he could undertake the duty again if he would contribute to the solution.

"Given that he took the duty again, it means that he received a sign in the direction of the solution", he says adding that Ozersay should share these "signs" with the people.

Duzgun goes on and expresses the view that a person, who plays "an extremely positive role" in the "difficult and tensed bargaining", was Ozdil Nami, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Arguing that Nami "motivated the sides with the broad relations network he had established", Duzgun claims that Nami should participate in the negotiating process actively and participate in the negotiating team of the Turkish side. The reasons he gives to justify this view are two:

"The first is that the international relations he has established can secure that the process results are in our favour. And the Kudret Ozersay operation has shown to us that the presidency is extremely weak on this issue. The second is that Nami is a representative of the major partner in the government".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Columnist in Turkish Cypriot Vatan newspaper says "solution is appearing on the horizon" in Cyprus

"?Eroglu surprised many with his stance, but not me. If you ask why, it is because I know his 'love for the motherland'. Moreover, it was not possible for him to adopt an opposite behaviour in front of everybody on an issue on which Ankara had given its consent. This stance of Eroglu is really important. And I think that with this stance he has entered in the path with no return for a solution ?

Do you know what I am surprised with? With the situation of the National Unity Party (UBP) and the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG)?They remind of Don Quixotism. Are they not aware of how the point of a joint declaration was reached? Let us hope that the day of the referendum is close and let them see what their size is. Do you know which sides in the Cyprus issue are? The two peoples on the island. Then it is Turkey, Greece, Britain, America, the UN, the EU and, in brief, the whole world. And it has been evident that the solution in Cyprus is pounding at the door. Because the solution will be first of all in favour of the Turks of Cyprus. The Turks of Cyprus will become [citizens] of the EU?"

Naim goes on and refers to the changes, which will take place due to the acquis communautaire and notes that the Turkish Cypriot side will be able to benefit from EU funds. He points out that the EU is a partnership in which "no one's rights are lost".

He concludes by saying: "The EU is a world in which no crime remains unpunished. The EU will be a benefit for us. And with the solution, Turkey's way both in the path towards the EU and in its relations with America and the world will be paved. It should not be our place to put obstacles in the way of a 75-million country. The minds must be used and we must go beyond the ordinary. And, be careful, this opportunity must not be wasted".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Nami met with EU Enlargement Commissioner Fule

The Cyprus problem was discussed during the meeting attended also by the heads of all departments under the EU Enlargement Commission and the EU Commission President Barrosso's Assistant.

Evaluating his meeting, Nami said that the positive news regarding the joint statement was welcomed in Brussels. "As the process to reach a settlement moves forward, we shall need to speed up the Turkish side's harmonization process with the EU acquis communitaire. There is already some work being carried out but we will need to intensify these efforts" he said.

Nami also explained that he had found the opportunity to discuss developments and problems experienced with the implementation of the Green Line Regulation and the Financial Assistance Regulation. As part of his other contacts in Brussels, Nami also met with the Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

[08] Editorial: Cyprus reunification can change the political geography of the region

" [?] If it works this time, a Cyprus reunification could change the political geography of its region in the following ways:

1- A major border dispute in the strategically critical East Mediterranean region, also affecting the Middle East, will be solved.

2- The lifting of mutual embargoes and vetoes could give impetus to Turkish-EU relations.

3- It may also boost trade in the region, possibly enabling the transfer of Greek Cypriot gas resources to European markets with a pipeline through Turkey, and also helping the bankrupted Greek Cypriot economy. With a possible Turkish rapprochement with Israel on the horizon, there could also be a transportation path for Israeli gas.

4- It would also mark another achievement for the EU, which is the most successful peace and development project in history.

5- Turkish foreign policy would be able to use the energy it has been allocating for Cyprus in other fields, providing EU-guaranteed security to Turks on the island.

Thus, all parties should be careful in order not to miss this last chance for the reunification of the island."

[09] US Ambassador Koeing met with Sibel

No statement was issued before or after the meeting. According to the paper, this was the first time that a US Ambassador in Cyprus "officially visited the TRNC Parliament".

[10] Turkish Foreign and EU minister to visit Brussels for EU bid

[11] Ilhan Isbilen becomes ninth Deputy to resign from AKP since 17 December graft probe

After the resignation of Isbilen, the number of seats in the Turkish Parliament stands as:

Name of Party Member Number

AK Party: 318

Republican People's Party (CHP): 134

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): 52

Peace and Democracy Party (BDP): 26

Independent Deputies: 14

Peoples' Democracy Party (HDP): 4

Total: 548

[12] Poll shows ruling AKP winning elections with 48.5%

The "Current Turkey" survey was carried out by the Denge Polling Company in 25 provinces with the participation of 5,01% between 1-5 February. The survey asked, "If there were a general election today which party would you vote for?".

[13] Turkey's fifth satellite to be launched from Kazakhstan on 15 February

The Turksat 4A telecommunication satellite was produced jointly with Turkish and Japanese engineers. Television broadcasts and satellite communication signals will be able to reach all of the African continent with TURKSAT 4A.

Turkey/s other satellite TURKSAT 4B, Turkey/s sixth satellite, will be launched on the second quarter of this year. Officials says that with TURKSAT 4B, Internet services provider fees will be so cheaper in the country

[14] Turkey ranks second ion Internet censors

The report comes at a time when protests have been held in several cities against a controversial Internet law that allows a government agency, the Telecommunications Communications Presidency (TIB), to block access to websites without a court order if the site is deemed to violate privacy or has "insulting" content.

The Internet law was approved by Parliament on February 6, and gives the authority to block access to web pages to the head of the TIB. It has been widely seen as a government move to increase control over citizens' online activities.

Earlier on Feb. 8, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had vehemently rejected criticism of the new curbs. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

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