Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-03-24

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] Ak?nc?: "April and May will be two crucial months for the future of Cyprus"

[02] Burcu: Akinci is ready to meet with President Anastasiades

[03] Turkey's MFA on the contacts of President Anastasiades with a US hydrocarbon company

[04] Tatar claimed that the Greek Cypriot side will never give up the union with Greece

[05] "Who will determine the energy route in Eastern Mediterranean?"

[06] Ozyigit: Every child is born with a debt of 19 thousand TL

[07] Turkish occupation army units are transferred from the occupied village of Ayia Marina to occupied Skylloura

[08] Erdogan calls British PM over London terror attack

[09] Erdogan: "I will call Europe fascist as long as they call me dictator"

[10] Cavusoglu: "Trump's administration understands Turkey better"

[11] Y?ld?r?m: "Alevis, Sunnis, Kurd and Turks are brothers in Turkey"

[12] CHP's Kilicdaroglu rules out early elections push if 'no' wins in polls

[13] Avrasya Research Company survey shows "no" vote is ahead in Turkey's upcoming referendum

[14] Dogan Media Group to maintain impartiality in referendum

[15] Republic of Cyprus' lottery scratch tickets are sold in the occupied area of Cyprus

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ak?nc?: "April and May will be two crucial months for the future of Cyprus"

Ak?nc? repeated that the "TRNC" will continue on its way if the Turkish Cypriot rights would not be respected.

Speaking at the remembrance ceremony held today for the late Turkish Cypriot politician Osman Orek, Akinci claimed that the 1950 Enosis plebiscite carried significant meaning as it is a part of the aspiration to unite the island with Greece.

Stating that this was something that could not be accepted by the Turkish Cypriot side, Ak?nc? explained that the commemoration of an event which disregarded the Turkish Cypriots' existence on the island of Cyprus, at schools had caused the reactions.

He further alleged that the talks had entered a stalemate because of the negative situation created by the Greek Cypriot side. "To acknowledge a mistake is a virtue. They should do this", he said.

Ak?nc?, however, added that the Greek Cypriot side had taken steps to rectify the situation and that the Turkish Cypriot side would reciprocate with it's owns steps.

Pointing out that a social meeting with Anastasiades could take place next week, Ak?nc? said that the talks could resume once the decision is approved by the House of Representatives. "The election drums are beating in the south. April and May will be two crucial months. A peaceful future can only be established if the existence and equal rights of the two peoples are recognized and if it is ensured that actions are not taken that will take us back to those dark days", Akinci also alleged.

He further repeated that the Turkish Cypriot side only wanted freedom, equality and security. "All we want is to be recognized as an equal people. We don't want anything else" he said, arguing that there were no obstacles to achieving a peaceful future in Cyprus if this was achieved.

[02] Burcu: Akinci is ready to meet with President Anastasiades

In a statement issued yesterday, Burcu said that after the recent positive decision by the Education Commission of the House of Representatives [providing for giving the Minister of Education and Culture the authority to decide which anniversaries will be commemorated in schools], Akinci announced to Espen Barth Eide, UNSG's Special Adviser on Cyprus, that he will be ready to meet socially with President Anastasiades in the end of March.

Burcu noted that they were satisfied with the decision taken the day before yesterday at the Commission after cooperation between AKEL and DISY parties. Arguing that every day more and more people in the Greek Cypriot community say that the decision for celebrating the 1950 plebiscite in schools was wrong, Burcu noted that they are satisfied with these developments.

According to Burcu, the statement made by DISY parliamentary spokesman, Nikos Tornaritis that if time could turn back he would have rejected ELAM's proposal for commemorating 1950 plebiscite in schools contributed in the Greek Cypriot community further comprehending that the above-mentioned decision was wrong.

Noting that it is not possible to turn time back, but correcting the mistake is possible, Burcu described as "respectable" every statement, effort and initiative for correcting the mistake and doing away with this decision.

He argued that Akinci has always been responding positively to efforts and initiatives within this framework and recalled that Akinci had recently met with the DISY chairman at a dinner upon an initiative by the Chambers of Commerce of the two communities and five days before he had met with the General Secretary of AKEL.

Also, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (24.03.17) refers to the issue under the front-page banner title "Akinci has consented at last", while Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (24.03.17) covers the statements under the front-page banner title "Towards the table again".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkey's MFA on the contacts of President Anastasiades with a US hydrocarbon company

"There have been reports in the press that the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Anastasiades, met on 22 March, during his visit to the USA, with representatives of one of the hydrocarbon companies that took part in the Greek Cypriot Administration's third international tender within its so-called exclusive economic zone. These contacts clearly demonstrate yet again how the Greek Cypriot Administration disregards, in its unilateral pursuit of hydrocarbon-related activities, the inalienable rights on natural resources of the Turkish Cypriot people, the co-owners of the island.

Most recently, at the 17 March meeting of its Council of Ministers, the Greek Cypriot Administration approved the signing of exploration and exploitation contracts for three separate areas with several companies, including the above mentioned one.

This attitude shows that the Greek Cypriot Administration is still not able to grasp the win-win-based potential for economic cooperation that can ensue on the island and in the Eastern Mediterranean from a comprehensive settlement, towards which the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey have been expending intensive efforts.

We expect the Greek Cypriot side, which refuses to accept the Turkish Cypriots as politically equal partners on the Island, to refrain from acting as though it were the sole owner of the Island's natural resources and to cease its hydrocarbon-related activities. It will be recalled in this context that in previous years, such activities have led to the failure of efforts aiming towards a comprehensive settlement. We also make use of this opportunity to remind once again that Turkey will take all necessary measures to protect its interests in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as the rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

[04] Tatar claimed that the Greek Cypriot side will never give up the union with Greece

Evaluating the approval by the Cyprus House education committee regarding the proposal to shift decision-making power on school celebrations from Parliament to the Education Ministry in order to amend the parliamentary decision to commemorate the 1950 Enosis referendum (union with Greece), Tatar, in a written statement, alleged that the Greek Cypriot side is trying to embed the Greek hegemony in Cyprus by doing gas explorations and exploiting Europe and the UN. He further claimed that the Greek Cypriot side at the Cyprus talks does not meet Turkish Cypriot side's expectations on the issues of security, political equality, property and territory.

Tatar also called on Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci not to fall for the Greek Cypriot leader, because as he claimed the Greek Cypriot side is not be sincere with them and they have tried several times to deceive them.

Tatar concluded by claiming that Akinci should not trust the Greek Cypriot political parties DYSI and AKEL, and to defend the "TRNC" with Turkey's cooperation.

(DPs)

[05] "Who will determine the energy route in Eastern Mediterranean?"

"The Eastern Mediterranean is a region that has high potential in terms of energy supply security. The increased likelihood of carrying natural gas to Turkey and through to EU countries increase the significance of the Eastern Mediterranean in the field of energy.

As a matter of fact, the U.S. and EU countries all support the inclusion of Eastern Mediterranean energy in the energy equation because introducing energy from the Eastern Mediterranean would form an alternative to Russia, which holds significant power in the field of energy.

Israel's choice in the energy route

However, introducing energy from the Eastern Mediterranean to the energy system is not merely an economic matter, as there are different countries in the region each with their own dynamics. One of the countries that is both a direct actor in energy and has an impact on regional dynamics is Israel.

Although Israel acts like it owns natural gas source and like a reluctant seller with the 620-billion-square-meter natural gas reserves in its Leviathan field, it needs to take into account the cost of carrying such a large amount of reserves.

What determines significance in the energy equation is not being in possession of energy, but rather its usability. Energy that is not used or not in circulation is richness for the land alone. It should be remembered that under these market conditions, what is important in natural gas markets is consumption, namely, the transmission of natural gas to international markets.

Even though Israel acts like a reluctant seller in the international energy field, it, too, is very well aware of this fact. Hence, it is working to determine new routes to carry natural gas.

Actually, looking at these three actors, Israel's goal to exclude Turkey from the energy equation is clear in the different blocs it is trying to form. It is working to develop routes that do not include Turkey to shift its center of gravity in energy to Greece, Greek Cyprus and Egypt.

Of course, the economic cost is not the sole reason that Israel prefers these countries. The fact that all three countries have problematic relations with Turkey should not be ignored. Following its protection of coup plotters after the July 15 coup attempt, Greece also joined the problems that exist with Egypt and Greek Cyprus. In other words, the moves made in energy are not independent of the incidents happening in the political domain.

On a different note, as the owners of the gas in the Mediterranean, in addition to Israel, the Palestinians also need to take a certain share of this income. Similar to how the energy revenue is shared between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq and the Iraqi central government.

Turkey is a reluctant consumer

However, despite all this, the dynamics within the energy sector itself are strengthening Turkey's position in the energy equation. In recent years, the price of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has also dropped along with the decrease in oil prices. In this case, selling natural gas from the Eastern Mediterranean to Egypt's LNG plants will not provide a profitable agreement in terms of cost.

Also, the questions regarding Egypt's current political state and future are ongoing. In addition to economic power, political stability is also necessary for the construction of a natural gas line and LNG terminals. What is needed is not a short-term relationship, but an atmosphere of long-term political stability and economic confidence.

In terms of the Greek Cypriot government, a project named the East Med natural gas pipeline is projected to go to Crete and from there to mainland Greece is on the agenda. Israeli gas also being transferred to the pipeline to reach the European market is among the transfer options for gas from the Leviathan field.

However, the limited natural gas reserves bellow Greek Cypriot waters are not adequate to meet the needs of such a high-cost project. Also, as long as the Cyprus problem remains unsolved, the implementation of this project does not seem likely.

Hence, in order to transfer the offshore gas from Israel and Cyprus to Europe through Turkey and for Turkey to become both a bridge and trade hub for energy, the Cyprus problem first needs to be solved.

Regardless of the angle or route, both Turkey's geographical position and the state of natural gas prices and political dynamics in the energy equation, gives Turkey the advantage over actors that have natural gas reserves.

With its existing geographical position and strong economy, Turkey is the most ideal route in long-term energy projects requiring mutual trust and stability. Turkey also always has different alternatives in its region and, in terms of its position, is a reluctant consumer".

[06] Ozyigit: Every child is born with a debt of 19 thousand TL

Citing data of the "central bank", Ozyigit noted that the per capita debt increased to 19 thousand Turkish liras (TL), "that is, every child is born with a debt of 19 thousand TL". According to the above data, the total debt in December 2016 was 834 million TL. Per capita debt had been 6,759 TL in 2010 and increased by 178,4% in 2016 reaching 18,831 TL.

Describing the numbers regarding the economy as "depressing", Ozyigit noted that in 2016 on the debts, the installments of which had not been paid on time and were taken to "court" reached 255 million 819 thousand TL. He argued that the economy could not enter in the right track because of the frequent change of "government" [39 "governments" in 40 years], the change of high ranking "bureaucrats" and the devaluation of the Turkish lira against the foreign exchange. Ozyigit criticized the "government" because it does not take measures to increase the "people's" prosperity and the standard of living.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Turkish occupation army units are transferred from the occupied village of Ayia Marina to occupied Skylloura

Speaking to the paper, the chairman of Ayia Marina Skylloura Solidarity Association Mehmet Hoca said that the "military and political authorities" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus decided three and a half years ago that the habitants of Ayia Marina should live together in order the Maronites not to be scattered and to be protected.

Hoca noted that the Turkish occupation army unit started to be transferred at another place, but the evacuation has not been fully completed. He also explained that "a law should be enacted", because the village now is under a "military zone", where no civilians can enter. He added that he cannot say exactly when the village will be ready for its inhabitants, because the "law amendments may delay".

Noting that in 1963, the village had 65 Turkish Cypriots and 400 Maronites, Hoca said that now the Turkish Cypriots have become 300 and the Maronites 1,000.

(DPs)

[08] Erdogan calls British PM over London terror attack

Erdogan said that targeting innocent people was "an attack against all humanity," adding that Turkey shared the pain of the United Kingdom.

He reiterated Turkey's solidarity with the U.K., "our friend and ally", as he said, against terrorism, "which threatens global peace and security".

The two leaders also underlined their determination to fight against terrorism and cooperate in intelligence sharing.

[09] Erdogan: "I will call Europe fascist as long as they call me dictator"

"You have the freedom to call Erdogan dictator but Erdogan does not have the freedom to call them fascist or Nazi. Take no offense but I will call them fascist as long as they call Erdogan dictator," Erdogan told in a live interview with Dogan TV Ankara representative Hakan Celik aired on CNN Turk and Kanal D on March 23.

Erdogan also said that he deplored the newly-elected German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's remarks targeting himself.

"German President Steinmeier made a statement targeting me although we are good friends. I deplore him for his statement. I wish he had never made such statement," he said.

In his first speech as President, Steinmeier said that Erdogan risked destroying everything his country had achieved in recent years and damaging ties with its partners.

"The way we look [at Turkey] is characterized by worry that everything that has been built up over years and decades is collapsing," Steinmeier said on March 22 in his inaugural speech.

"President Erdogan, you are jeopardizing everything that you, with others, have built," he said, adding that he would welcome "credible signs" to ease the situation.

Erdogan also added that he had no plans to visit Germany before the referendum.

In addition, Erdogan also clarified his "Nazi" remarks for the Netherlands and Germany, saying that he uttered those words within the context of their definition. "If I criticize Germany, I say this within its definition. If I say this by using the Nazi comparison, I say within its definition. I also say the same thing for the Netherlands. You will not allow my Minister to the [Rotterdam] consulate and you will make your dogs bite my citizen? Where is the international law? Then, you are disturbed when we say Nazism," he said.

(...)

Erdogan also noted that the problems with Europe were caused by some EU countries, while also acknowledging the U.K.'s Brexit decision.

He also added the U.S. and Russian attention on the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) saddened Turkey.

Regarding the U.S. and British ban on devices bigger than a cellphone in the cabin on flights from several countries including Turkey, Erdogan said that the implementation had damaged mutual confidence and stated that he hoped the mistake would be corrected soon.

Erdogan stated further that he would have "face to face" talks with the new U.S. administration in May and that Syria and Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based Islamic preacher blamed for July's failed coup, were the top bilateral issues.

Referring to the upcoming charter referendum, Erdogan stated that he expected more than 52% 'yes' votes. "The public elected the President with 52%. Now, I expect more than 52% yes votes in the referendum. We are saying let's crown the yes vote with over 60%," he said, adding that the country would have the opportunity to present the Turkish-style presidential system as an example to the world.

Erdogan also stated that the 'yes' votes are increasing day by day according to the latest polls.

Erdogan further stated that it was necessary to amend Turkey's electoral law. "In my opinion, amendments to the electoral law are necessary," and supported that the amendments to the electoral law had never been high on Turkey's agenda, and the political circles were not keen on it.

[10] Cavusoglu: "Trump's administration understands Turkey better"

Cavusoglu is currently in the United States at an anti-ISIL coalition gathering as well as meeting the U.S. authorities on several issues.

Speaking late on Wednesday in New Jersey at a gathering about Turkey's upcoming constitutional referendum, Cavusoglu said that Ankara had raised the extradition of Fetullah Gulen once again with the U.S. authorities.

He stated that Turkey had again provided additional evidence not only for Gulen's extradition but also to secure a provisional arrest warrant for the fugitive until the extradition process began. "Turkey expects the Trump administration to take steps in this regard," Cavusoglu said.

[11] Y?ld?r?m: "Alevis, Sunnis, Kurd and Turks are brothers in Turkey"

"Alevis, Sunnis, Turks, Kurds and everybody are brothers in this country. This country is sufficient for everyone. All of our citizens are first-class ones. There are no second-class citizens in Turkey and there never has been," Y?ld?r?m said in the eastern province of Tunceli on March 23, while adding that the government did not and will never allow "anyone's heart to be broken."

"We know that many injustices and wrongdoings took place in the past. This land is one of those that know it very well. We cannot know how big the pain the Dersim incidents have caused on the people living on this land was, but our grandfathers and elders suffered from it," he said, referring to the Dersim killings of 1938, when the Turkish military staged an operation in the province to quash an apparent Kurdish tribal rebellion.

Criticizing the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) over the killings, Y?ld?r?m said the party's leader, Kemal K?l?cdaroglu, was afraid to "even mention the name of Dersim."

"We are saying that those after us shouldn't go through these. The one-party CHP rule at the time said Dersim was the source of trouble. They destroyed all citizens here, dropped bombs on them and executed them by increasing their ages. Now, when we tell K?l?cdaroglu, 'Criticize yourself, let's bring Dersim and the savageness experienced in Dersim on the country's agenda again with self-criticism,' he becomes afraid to even mention the name," Yildirim said.

[12] CHP's Kilicdaroglu rules out early elections push if 'no' wins in polls

"There won't be a call for snap elections. Why would there be any snap elections? I would not find it right to go to snap elections at a time when Turkey has too many problems at hand," said K?l?cdaroglu in a televised interview on late March 22.

"However, the majority is not held by us, it is held by the ruling party. If they say 'we will go to snap elections,' then they will issue a draft bill for that. Who will make the decision then? Not one person will decide on that, 550 lawmakers will sit and discuss it," he said, underlining that the constitutional framework would be protected if the amendment is not approved.

"If the 'no' votes prevail, the public's message will be this: 'We elected [MPs] and sent them to Parliament; we also elected Erdogan as President. This country has so many problems in the economy, unemployment and foreign policy, so stay in your posts and solve those problems, develop a collaborative culture and let shared wisdom prevail," he added.

The problem with the constitutional amendments lies in the fact that the President will be granted excessive authorities, K?l?cdaroglu said, adding that "the future President can send Parliament to an election by himself or herself without any justification. We consider it an annulment".

[13] Avrasya Research Company survey shows "no" vote is ahead in Turkey's upcoming referendum