Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-03-28

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Bozkir claimed that there is a condition in the deal with the EU that the five chapters will be opened in the second half of 2016

[02] Press release by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on the hydrocarbon exploration by the Republic of Cyprus.

[03] The self-styled foreign ministry also issued a statement on the hydrocarbon exploration by the Republic of Cyprus

[04] Akinci is invited for contacts in Berlin, London and Istanbul

[05] Akinci's statements following his meeting with Eide

[06] Akinci's adviser: The negotiations have not come to deadlock, they have only slowed down

[07] Eide highlights importance of Schulz visit

[08] Eide visited People's Party

[09] Akinci informed leaders of Turkish Cypriot parties about the progress of the Cyprus negotiations

[10] Kalyoncu on the economic protocol with Turkey

[11] A feasibility study showed that a possible electricity interconnection between the occupation regime and Turkey will be viable

[12] Akansoy: 500 persons were granted "white identity card" and another 8.500 persons have the right to be granted such a "card"

[13] Denktas evaluated the current situation into DP and announced that he will be candidate again for the party's leadership

[14] An academic says that there is a problem with the illegal students in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[15] Delegation of the self-styled assembly participated in the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in Zambia

[16] Erdogan may meet with Obama during his official visit to the United States

[17] Turkish President Erdogan slams foreign envoys at journalists' trial

[18] The breakaway regime participated in the "MITT 2016" tourism fair in Moscow

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Bozkir claimed that there is a condition in the deal with the EU that the five chapters will be opened in the second half of 2016

Replying to a question how it has happened and a goal was put against Turkey during the EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, while the relations between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side in Cyprus are warm, Bozkir said: "None can score against us! While there was the situation regarding the survival of Europe, spoiled members within the EU dare to continue their stance. We desire the solution of the Cyprus problem. In such atmosphere, we will open the Chapter 33 on Financial and budgetary provisions until June in order not to create a psychological climate that will prevent the solution. We added a clause in the summit agreement that the other Chapters will be opened at the second half of the year".

Asked to comment on the claims that the agreement was a diplomatic victory for Greece and the Greek Cypriot sector, Bozkir said that a climate of pressure was created by the 27 countries on the one. However, Bozkir argued that Anastasiades told them that "if he says yes then he will leave his soul in Brussels and send his body back to Cyprus". Bozkir also noted that they did not give their permission to this in order not to affect the climate for the upcoming Cyprus parliamentary elections on May. He also claimed that the condition is to open the five chapters after June and within a year they will also complete their works for opening more chapters.

(DPs)

[02] Press release by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on the hydrocarbon exploration by the Republic of Cyprus.

"We have learned that the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) has called for a new international tender for off-shore hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation licence within its so-called exclusive economic zone.

At a time when negotiations for a comprehensive settlement aiming to establish a new partnership in Cyprus have reached a critical phase, the tender decision of the GCA disregards, on the one hand, the equal and inalienable rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot side on natural resources of the Island and, on the other, violates Turkey's rights in the region stemming from its continental shelf.

Examining the so-called licence areas in the aforementioned tender, we observe that an important segment of the area number 6 remains within the outer limits of Turkey's continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean, as has been registered before the UN.

As it was strongly emphasized by the previous statements of the Ministry regarding this issue, Turkey will never allow foreign companies to conduct unauthorized hydrocarbon research activities within its maritime jurisdiction areas, and will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its rights and interests in its continental shelf.

Moreover, it is concerning for all sides that the Greek Cypriot side continues to act as if it were the sole owner of the Island, ignoring the fundamental rights on natural resources of the Turkish Cypriot people who are co-owners of the Island and making decisions unilaterally involving such resources at this very moment when it needs to clearly demonstrate its will for establishing a new partnership with the Turkish Cypriot people.

In this framework, we invite all countries and companies that may consider to conduct hydrocarbon exploration works on the basis of invalid licences that the GCA may endeavour to issue, to act with common sense and take the will of Turkish Cypriots, the other founding people in the Island, into consideration and not to take steps that will negatively affect the settlement process of the Cyprus issue."

[03] The self-styled foreign ministry also issued a statement on the hydrocarbon exploration by the Republic of Cyprus.

"The Turkish Cypriot side is continuing its efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus in the shortest possible time within the year 2016 through UN-facilitated negotiations. Regarding the natural resources of Cyprus, we are witnessing the continuation of unilateral activities by the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus as a result of internal political concerns. In this connection, the Greek Cypriot side has announced, on 24 March 2016, the third licensing round tender for hydrocarbon exploration in unilaterally-declared parcels 6, 8 and 10. At a time when the intensive negotiations are on-going, the Greek Cypriot side should refrain from taking steps which would harm the current positive atmosphere.

In light of these recent developments, we find it necessary to emphasize, once again, that the Turkish Cypriot side, as one of the two equal partners on the island of Cyprus, have rights over the existing natural resources in the territorial waters of the Island, and that it has an equal say as the Greek Cypriot leadership in all decisions pertaining to the exploration, exploitation and exportation of hydrocarbon resources.

The Turkish Cypriot side maintains its view that until a comprehensive settlement is reached, the best way forward is to conduct the exploration, exploitation and exportation activities of natural resources found around the Island within the framework of mutual cooperation between the two sides.

We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our call on the Greek Cypriot leadership to focus on the UN-led negotiation process and demonstrate a positive approach to reaching a settlement in the shortest possible time based on established UN parameters and the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014."

[04] Akinci is invited for contacts in Berlin, London and Istanbul

First, Akinci will visit Istanbul as guest of the Marmara Group Strategic and Social Surveys' Foundation in order to participate in the 18th Eurasian Economic Summit to be held between 6 and 7 April.

Akinci's second visit will be held to Berlin between 11 and 13 April upon an official invitation by the German Foreign Minister, Frank W. Steinmeier. Except meeting with Steinmeier, Akinci will also participate in a round table discussion at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Akinci will be in Istanbul again for the 13th Islamic Conference Summit of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation between 14 and 16 April.

Finally, in the end of April or in the beginning of May he will visit London upon an invitation by the British Foreign Secretary David Hammond. The date and the program of the visit have not been clarified yet.

The paper writes the Akinci's visit to Berlin has caused the harsh reaction of the Greek Cypriot side.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Akinci's statements following his meeting with Eide

Mustafa Akinci stated that the Greek Cypriot side "should abstain from steps which will harm the negotiations process".

He made these statements following his meeting with the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide.

Works aimed at carrying the negotiations process further was taken up and the Turkish Cypriot side's concerns over some issues which were not discussed at the negotiating table was brought to the agenda during the meeting.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Akinci expressed the Turkish Cypriot side's views on the energy issue, the registration of the halloymi/ hellim and the situation of Turkish Cypriots residing in the Republic of Cyprus

Pointing out to the latest developments on the energy issue, Akinci stated that the negotiating table had been dissolved as a result of the energy issue in the past.

"We shared our concerns regarding the issue of the new tender that has been covered in the media with Mr. Eide. We also shared our views that the process should not be taken to the exploration point in order for the negotiations process not to be affected negatively. This richness belongs to both sides and should be used sensibly. Therefore, we should abstain from actions which will cause tensions" Akinci added.

Akinci also evaluated the latest developments on the registration of hellim. "While the initiatives were continuing on the registration of hellim under the name of Cyprus, we reached a consensus on the issue during the European Commission President Junker's visit to the island. The Greek Cypriot Agriculture Ministry however is attempting to amend this agreement. We think this is wrong and our agreement should not be changed. We also shared this concern with Eide", he stated.

[06] Akinci's adviser: The negotiations have not come to deadlock, they have only slowed down

Hudaoglu argued that there is no deadlock in the negotiations like it is alleged, but only a slow down due to the parliamentary elections, which will be held in the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

Referring to the repercussions of the agreement between Turkey and the EU on the refugees' issue and the developments that took place during the summit (especially the discussions regarding the opening of Turkish ports to the Republic of Cyprus and the lifting of the veto on five chapters in Turkey's negotiations), Hudaoglu said that the place in which the solution to the Cyprus problem will be found in Nicosia. He added:

"There could be no solution without Nicosia. The referendum is an example for this. The Greek Cypriots had not approved a plan approved by the world, (the Annan Plan). The Annan Plan was not a plan finalized in Nicosia. The places, on which the two sides could not agree, were filled in upon an initiative by the UN. The agreement now is the following: Everything is between the two leaders and their negotiators. If the two sides sign an agreement, the stage of the referendum will come. There was no signature last time. Now what the UN is doing is only moderation. The Turkish Cypriot leadership is not doing business by getting commands by Turkey. The Turkish Cypriot leadership is of course not excluding consultations with Turkey. It supports these positions. However, it does not take any special permission. [?]"

Hudaoglu said that Akinci's stance as regards his relations with Turkey is clear and he is not a person who will cover up a problem when he sees it. He argued that Turkey has offered its support until now on the issue of the solution.

Rejecting the accusations that "Akinci became Denktas', Hudaoglu claimed that with Akinci the Turkish Cypriot side has come to a "leading position" in the negotiations and the entire world admits that Akinci sincerely expresses the will of the Turkish Cypriots for a solution at the negotiating table.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Eide highlights importance of Schulz visit

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Akinci, Eide highlighted that both sides had strongly underlined the importance of making this a genuinely European solution.

Eide said that the talks had entered a very critical phase. "We are predominately looking into the many understandings that have evolved these past months. We are trying to covert these understandings into clear language because there might be political issues agreed by the two leaders but we don't have the details" he added.

Expressing his view that the elections process in the Republic of Cyprus was not affecting the talks negatively, the UN Special Adviser said that he believed that both leaders are committed to continue the talks in a constructive manner.

[08] Eide visited People's Party

According to information released by the party, the People's Party leader Ozersay made a statement regarding the meeting on social media.

He said that he had met with the UN Envoy for the first time and added that he had informed Eide about his party's vision regarding the Cyprus negotiations process and the comprehensive solution to be found.

Explaining that they had also brought to the attention of the UN Envoy "the Greek Cypriot sides, tender for three separate blocks on the island", Ozersay expressed the belief that this move will harm the Cyprus negotiations process but more importantly carried the threat of further estranging the Greek Cypriots and the Greek Cypriot leadership from a comprehensive solution on the island.

[09] Akinci informed leaders of Turkish Cypriot parties about the progress of the Cyprus negotiations

Mustafa Akinci briefed political parties that have representation at the "assembly" regarding the latest phase reached at the Cyprus negotiations process.

The leader of the Republican Turkish Party Mehmet Ali Talat, the National Unity Party General Secretary Dursun Oguz represented the UBP leader Huseyin Ozgurgun who is currently abroad, Democrat Party National Forces leader Serdar Denktas Social Democratic Party leader Cemal Ozyigit and some "deputies" participated in the briefing.

Making a statement after the 2 hour meeting completed, the National Unity Party General Secretary Oguz said that this meeting was held within the framework of routine meetings with the "president" where they were able to exchange views.

The leader of the Democratic Party National Forces Denktas said that during the briefing they had discussed the progress and regression at the negotiations process and the requests they had made. "As these negotiations are continuing, an agreement that is acceptable by the two sides becoming a primary law is very important to us and we have emphasized this once again. If this doesn't become a primary law of the EU and this agreement is accepted at a referendum, then all the problems we have spoken about previously can become a reality, that also include the guarantees' said Denktas.

The leader of the Social Democratic Party Ozyigit for his part said that due to the upcoming election in the Republic of Cyprus, the negotiations process had slowed down and added that the process would continue mainly with preparatory works.

'The leader of the Republican Turkish Party United Forces Talat for his part also noted that the Cyprus negotiations process has slowed down due to the election in the south of the island but added that currently there were no dead ends at the talks. "It is the Turkish side's aim to speed up the talks after the election has been completed and find a solution to the Cyprus problem within this year", said Talat.

Explaining that the Greek Cypriot side did not want the agreements reached at the talks to be written down because if the agreed points are leaked then this will be understood as a partial agreement, the CTP leader said that the Greek Cypriot side believes that the points agreed will have international value and will be against the principle of 'nothing is agreed until all is agreed' and therefore is against this.

[10] Kalyoncu on the economic protocol with Turkey

Kalyoncu said that the economic protocol being discussed with Turkey dealt with a number of issues "ranging from the administration of the ports, the electricity authority and telecommunications department, reforms in a number of fields such as tourism, education, judiciary and agriculture".

On the issue of electricity, Kalyoncu said that there was a demand to split the current electricity authority into three. He however said that privatizing the electricity authority at the moment was not on the "government's agenda".

Reporting on the same issue, Halkin Sesi (25.03.16) reported that the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, Tugrul Turkes will visit the breakaway regime in the next week to discuss the economic protocol. According to the paper, the issue of electricity will be among the most important issues in Turkes' agenda.

[11] A feasibility study showed that a possible electricity interconnection between the occupation regime and Turkey will be viable

According to the paper, the report shows that the Levelized Unit Costs (LUC) of electricity from the interconnector [in the interconnection option] is below the LUC in the "isolated operation option" under the given assumption. According to this, the LUC from the interconnector is 12,25 euro cent per kWh while in the second case is 12,53 euro cent per kWh.

The report showed also that if Turkey would cover the cost of the electricity cable connection with the "TRNC" as it did in the case of the water transferred project, in the long-run the price of the kWh will be reduced further.

(?)

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.03.16) reports in its economic pages that after the signing of the water agreement between Turkey and the "TRNC", the eyes turn now to the possible connection between Turkey and the occupied area of Cyprus with electricity cables.

According to the paper, Turkey had already prepared an "Energy strategy document" and "masters plans on the TRNC's electricity system by 2020". With this planning, Turkey's goal is to implement a policy not only for covering the electricity needs in the "country" and achieve security of supply but also to turn the "country" into a distribution-transmission center.

(AK)

[12] Akansoy: 500 persons were granted "white identity card" and another 8.500 persons have the right to be granted such a "card"

The average number of those who take the "citizenship" due to marriage varies from 100 to 150 monthly, he said.

Referring to the rural plots of land distributed by the regime, Akansoy noted that they have distributed 6.238 such plots of land until today for "social houses". Only 1.857 persons constructed a house, he said adding that the rest are idle.

Replying to a question on the issue of the "municipalities", Akansoy noted that their priority is to decrease the number of the 'municipalities" to 15. "This can be reduced further, but it cannot be more", he said adding that their aim is to enter into the June 2018 "elections" with the new number and arrangements.

Referring to the issue of the prisons in the occupied area of Cyprus, Akansoy said that building new prisons is an absolute necessity because the capacity of the existing one is 175 persons, but more than 400 prisoners and detainees exist.

(I/Ts.)

[13] Denktas evaluated the current situation into DP and announced that he will be candidate again for the party's leadership

Commenting on the resignations of Hasan Tacoy, Hakan Dincyurek and Mendez Gunduz from the party and their stance to approach the National Unity Party (UBP), Denktas said that their stance has extinguished any possibility for "coalition between UBP-DP". Denktas continued and said that the door is close to a coalition with UBP.

Also, commenting on the resignations from the National Unity Party (UBP) and the rumors that former Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu intends to establish a new party in the "TRNC", Denktas said that he considers that Eroglu would not attempt to do this due to his age.

Asked to reply whether he will be candidate for the party's leadership during the next general congress of the party on May, Denktas replied positively.

(AK)

[14] An academic says that there is a problem with the illegal students in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

Gokce said that the higher education in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus has a lot of problems, as its education standard cannot reach the international standards. Another problem, he added, is the pursuit of students from abroad, where the "universities" in order to get more students are opened to "suspicious markets" and reduce even the tuition fees. As a result, students from low income countries are coming to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and in a while, a main part of them, becomes illegal, because they don't have enough money. He explained that they may be 3 or 4 thousand illegal students.

(DPs)

[15] Delegation of the self-styled assembly participated in the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in Zambia

Siber stated that the Turkish Cypriot representation at the Inter-Parliamentary Union is very important and asked the IPU President to support the Turkish Cypriots to acquire an observer status at the IPU.

Expressing the belief that this initiative would contribute to the Cyprus negotiations process on the island, Siber alleged that regardless of whether or not the breakaway regime was recognised, the "people" on the island chose their representatives through democratic elections and these representatives should not be prevented from taking part in international meetings.

Saying that the Turkish Cypriot side supports a solution and peace on the island "but that their voices and spirit is constantly being forced under embargoes", Siber handed a letter detailing the Turkish Cypriot side's request for observer status at the IPU to the IPU President Chowdhury.

Pr. Chowdhury on his part said he was pleased to see that the Cyprus negotiations process were continuing in a positive atmosphere and added that he was pleased to see the Turkish Cypriot delegation at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting. He said they support the solution and dialogue process in Cyprus and pointed to the importance of the Turkish Cypriots taking place at international platforms and expressing their views.

Pr. Chowdhury said that they would be evaluating the Turkish Cypriot sides, request for observer status at the necessary bodies and respond as soon as possible.

The delegation held also a meeting with the IPU General Secretary Martin Chungong who is the first African to serve as the General Secretary in the 125 year history of the IPU. The delegation also held a round table meeting with Greek Cypriot parliamentarians.

[16] Erdogan may meet with Obama during his official visit to the United States

The paper also reports that Turkey will seek an investment of over $1 billion from U.S. companies during Erdogan's official trip, the head of Turkey's Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) said on March 26.

Erdogan will arrive in the U.S. on March 29 for a five-day visit to attend a nuclear security summit and the opening ceremony of an Islamic-Ottoman complex in Maryland.

He is also expected to meet with CEOs from the U.S.'s 25 biggest companies at a gathering organized by the DEIK, the Turkish Prime Ministry's Investment Support and Promotion Agency (ISPAT) and the U.S.-Turkey Business Council. "We expect an investment promise of over $1 billion from that roundtable meeting," DEIK Chairman Omer Cihad Vardan told Anatolia agency.

The President of ISPAT, Arda Ermut, said that potential U.S. investors will meet Erdogan. "We will tell them to come and be a part of our success. The energy, informatics, food, finance and health sectors will be on the agenda", he added.

According to Ermut, Turkey attracted around $1.5 billion in direct investment from the U.S. last year. In total, foreign investors provided $16.5 billion last year. The U.S. is Turkey's fifth largest export market, the Economy Ministry said, exporting goods and services worth $6.4 billion in 2015, making it the 33rd biggest supplier to the U.S. market. Turkey's imports from the U.S. were valued at $11.1 billion. The U.S. has been listed as a target country for 2016 by the Economy Ministry.

(DPs)

[17] Turkish President Erdogan slams foreign envoys at journalists' trial

"Yesterday there was a hearing of a known journalist," Erdogan said in a speech on March 26 in Istanbul, referring to Cumhuriyet Editor-in-Chief Can Dundar. Dundar was on trial on spying charges on March 25 along with his Ankara bureau chief, Erdem Gul. "The situation of those who attended this hearing is very important," said Erdogan. "The consuls general in Istanbul come to the courthouse. Who are you, what are you doing there?"

Journalists and diplomats from several countries attended the hearing including Leigh Turner, the British Consul-General in Istanbul who shared images from outside the court and messages of support for the journalists on Twitter. Erdogan accused foreign envoys of making a "show of strength."

[18] The breakaway regime participated in the "MITT 2016" tourism fair in Moscow

According to the paper, 1,800 companies from 150 different countries attended the fair this year which attracted around 32 thousand visitors.

The occupation regime attended the fair with its own kiosk, writes the paper, adding that brochures, maps and DVDs in Russian were distributed to those who visited the "TRNC kiosk".

(AK) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(CS/AM)

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