Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 18-11-19

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

[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Occupation regime's "foreign ministry" reacts to Exxon Mobil's drilling

[02] "Turkey's threat was not effective"

[03] Erhurman: "Political equality is a sine qua non for the Turkish Cypriot people"

[04] Keskin: "The cooperation between the TRNC and Kyrgyzstan is increasing"

[05] "Speaker of the assembly" is going to Izmir to participate in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic Speaking Countries meeting

[06] Nami spoke about his contacts in Turkey

[07] Lawyers from Turkey have reportedly written the breakaway regime's "declaration of independence"

[08] Agios Panteleymon monastery and church in occupied Myrtou villages was offended

[09] "Kefalovrysos" in occupied Kythrea is reportedly being revitalized

[B] Turkish Press

[01] Spokesman of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs made statements on the exploration activities of ExxonMobil

[02] Turkish Foreign Minister to meet US counterpart in Washington

[03] Turk Eximbank provides support to "TRNC", Turkish Trade Minister says

[04] Toyota's new hybrid car to be produced in Turkey

[05] Arrest warrants out for 32 FETO-linked suspects in Turkey

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[A] Turkish Cypriot Press

[01] Occupation regime's "foreign ministry" reacts to Exxon Mobil's drilling

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Halk?n Sesi (19.11.18) reports that the self-styled foreign ministry of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus reacted to the beginning of the drilling for natural gas and oil by Exxon Mobil in block 10 of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In a written statement, the "ministry" alleged that they would not remain spectators, that they would take the necessary steps for putting their "rights into practice" and that it had become inevitable for the drillings to begin in areas for which the Turkish Cypriot side had given "license". It also alleged that this behavior of the Greek Cypriot side showed once more its "inability" to share the island's wealth, which is a sine qua non in a federal partnership.

Referring to the agreement signed last week (statement of intent) between the Republic of Cyprus and the US, the "ministry" argued that this was not binding for the Turkish Cypriots and that it was "non-existent". It also expressed the view that with this document the American government attempted to join the trilateral agreements between the Republic of Cyprus, Greece, Egypt and Israel and alleged that this was another example for the "fact" that the Greek Cypriot side insistently ignored the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot side.

The "ministry" alleged also that this situation threatens stability and security in the island and the region and called on the countries and the companies involved in this issue to act with "common sense" and to take the island's "realities" into consideration.

(I/Ts.)

[02] "Turkey's threat was not effective"

Under the above title, Turkish Cypriot newspaper Afrika (19.11.18) reports that Turkey's threats "did not serve their purpose" and Exxon Mobil started drillings for natural gas and oil in block 10 of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Noting that whatever Turkey did was not enough to prevent "world giant" Exxon Mobil from starting drillings, the paper describes as "fairytale" Turkish President Erdogan's statement that no one could take steps in the Mediterranean without Turkey's consent.

The paper points out that the fact that no reference was made to Qatar, Exxon Mobil's partner, in the statements issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter was remarkable. In his column today, the paper's publisher Sener Levent writes the following:

"[?] Nothing, however, was said about Qatar in these fairytales. Yet Qatar is Exxon Mobil's partner. [Turkey] however can say nothing about Qatar. Because money flows from Qatar to Turkey. Billions of dollars. Qatar was the first to run in Turkey's aid as soon as the Turkish lira started to devaluate against foreign currencies. It gave 15 billion dollars to Turkey. Moreover, the Sheikh of Qatar gave an airplane of 400 million dollars as a gift to Tayyip Erdogan. Is it easy to say anything about Qatar after these favors? Qatar is at the same time the biggest protector of the Islamic State in Syria. Its alliance with Erdogan on this issue is there as well. [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Erhurman: "Political equality is a sine qua non for the Turkish Cypriot people"

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (18.11.18) reported that so-called prime minister Tufan Erhurman in statements during a visit to occupied Lefka village reiterated that political equality was indispensable for the Turkish Cypriots.

Evaluating the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, Erhurman claimed that it had become obvious that the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades had confus?on over the issue of the Turkish Cypriot's political equality.

Erhurman went on to accuse the President for not being able to digest the meaning of political equality, power sharing and joint governance. "If a solution would be found, political equality is a sine qua non for the Turkish Cypriots", Erhurman said, alleging that no matter whether someone is leftist or rightist, the Turkish Cypriot "people" as a whole, support this position.

(AK)

[04] Keskin: "The cooperation between the TRNC and Kyrgyzstan is increasing"

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (18.11.18) reports that the "representative" of the occupation regime in K Kyrgyzstan, Atin Keskin in statements to Ankara Anadolu news agency on the occasion of the "35th anniversary of the UDI", evaluated Turkey's and the occupation regime's ties with Kyrgyzstan, claiming that their "cooperation" with the government of Kyrgyzstan in the fields of education, sports, and social and cultural activities increases every passing day.

Keskin pointed out the occupation regime's cooperation with Kyrgyzstan during the last 12 years.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Keskin alleged that the "peace operation in Cyprus" as he called the Turkish invasion, had brought peace not only to the Turkish Cypriots but also to the Greek Cypriots as well.

(?)

[05] "Speaker of the assembly" is going to Izmir to participate in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic Speaking Countries meeting

Illegal Bayrak (19.11.18) broadcast that Teberruken Ulucay, the "speaker of the assembly" is going to Izmir to participate in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic Speaking Countries (TURKPA) at the invitation of the Speaker of the Turkish Assembly Binali Yildirim.

The meeting will take place between 20-21 of November.

Ulucay will attend the 8th Council of Assembly and 10th establishment anniversary of TURKPA. According to Bayrak, Parliamentary Speakers and MPs from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary will take part in the meeting.

The main topic of the meeting will be: "TURKPA in the First Ten Years and the Future of Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation: New Approaches to Cooperation"

[06] Nami spoke about his contacts in Turkey

Illegal Bayrak (17.11.18 http://www.brtk.net/?englishposts=nami-speaks-to-brt) broadcast that "energy and economy minister" Ozdil Nami who was in Ankara to take part in the "Turkey-TRNC Chamber of Commerce Forum" evaluated his contacts to Bayrak.

He said that he had held his first "official meeting" with the Turkish Minister for Commerce Ruhsar Pekcan and discussed what steps could be taken to accelerate the flow of trade between "TRNC" and Turkey, given the current bureaucratic obstacles were and how they could be overcome.

Nami said that Minister Pekcan had clearly stated that Turkey was ready to provide whatever support was needed to the "TRNC".

Noting that he had also carried out a similar meeting with the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez, Nami said that they put the "TRNC's energy needs on the table and have begun efforts on a technical level".

"Two weeks ago a technical delegation from Turkey came to Lefkosia and begun working with the working group in Cyprus. We are trying to bring into the open its feasibility. We are also looking into natural gas issues and to see if the TRNC can benefit from this," said Nami.

He added that similar workings will take place in the near future to see whether energy prices in the "country"can be brought down to a minimum and added that concrete steps will follow once the working groups have completed their evaluations.

[07] Lawyers from Turkey have reportedly written the breakaway regime's "declaration of independence"

Under the title "The TRNC is a product of fascist Evren", Turkish Cypriot newspaper Afrika (18.11.18) reports that Turkish Cypriot lawyer Fuat Veziroglu said that he had written the first "declaration of independence" of the "TRNC", the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus in 1983, but lawyers sent from Turkey changed his text by 90%. In statements to illegal TAK news agency, Veziroglu noted that he had resigned from the Communal Liberation Party (TKP) when his proposal for "two separate states" in Cyprus was rejected.

Veziroglu stated also that lawyer Turhan Feyzioglu, who had come from Turkey, added an "article" in the "declaration" which meant that this was not an obstacle for the negotiations with the Greek Cypriots and for finding a solution.

Veziroglu said that the breakaway regime had been declared after pressure exerted by late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas on general Kenan Evren, leader of the military Junta that carried out the coup of 12 September 1980 in Turkey. According to Veziroglu, Denktas had told Evren that they would not be able to persuade a democratically elected government to give its consent for the declaration of the breakaway regime or it would take time to persuade such a government.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Agios Panteleymon monastery and church in occupied Myrtou villages was offended

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (19.11.18) under the front-page title: "What a shame" reports that the renovated Agios Panteleymonas monastery and church in occupied Myrtou village was offended once again by unknown persons who broke the doors of the monastery, wrote slogans on the walls of the church and stole one of the two bells.

The columnist of the paper, Serhat Incirli reports the vandalism which was carried out in the monastery calling on the "officials" to pay attention to these terrible actions.

Also, in statements to the paper, the "chairman" of the "association for the development and the sustentation of Morfou" (CAM - SEV) Adiguzel Akdeniz expressed sorrow over this incident and added that the so-called police was investigating the case.

(AK)

[09] "Kefalovrysos" in occupied Kythrea is reportedly being revitalized

Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Duzen (19.11.18) reports that the Kefalovrysos [water spring] in occupied Kythrea town is being revitalized. The paper notes that the spring was occupied Kythrea's symbol and people remembered its beauty. The paper publishes two pictures showing that the spring had no water now.

Ali Karavezirler, occupied Kythrea's self-styled mayor, said that they had started working on restoring the place which was unexploited and on turning it into a place which would be offering high-quality services to the "people". He argued that Kefalovrysos would be serving eco and agro-tourism and that they would build boutique hotels.

(I/Ts.)

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[B] Turkish Press

[01] Spokesman of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs made statements on the exploration activities of ExxonMobil

The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs issued the following statement s on the exploration activities of ExxonMobil in Cyprus (18.11.18 http://www.mfa.gov.tr/sc-75-exxon-mobil-sirketi-nin-kibris-adasi-aciklarinda-arama-faaliyeti-baslatmasina-iliskin-scen.en.mfa):

" Statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hami Aksoy, in Response to a Question Regarding the Exploration Activities of ExxonMobil off the Island of Cyprus:

Exploration activities of ExxonMobil off the Island of Cyprus within the so-called "block" 10 upon the license given by the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus do not contribute to the stability of the region. They may also change certain sensitive balances with regard to the resolution of the problem.

We had warned the Greek Cypriot Administration to halt its unilateral hydrocarbon exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean region, stating that the natural resources around the island of Cyprus belong not only to the Greek Cypriot side, but to both sides. We seize this opportunity to reiterate our warning towards the companies involved in the unilateral exploration and exploitation activities of the Greek Cypriot Administration. We remind that the sharing of the natural resources of the island of Cyprus is related to the essence of the Cyprus issue.

As in the past, we will continue to take necessary diplomatic and political steps, in coordination with the TRNC, with a view to protecting the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people, as the equal owners of the Island, stemming from international law. We will start activities in the areas licensed by the Turkish Cypriots to the Turkish Petroleum, in addition to our continental shelf.

[02] Turkish Foreign Minister to meet US counterpart in Washington

Ankara Anatolia news agency (18.11.19 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkish-fm-to-meet-us-counterpart-in-washington/1314389) reports that Turkish foreign minister said on Saturday that he would hold talks with his U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo on Tuesday in Washington to discuss the ties between the two countries "broadly".

Mevlut Cavusoglu's remarks came during his meeting with Turkish citizens at Ankara's New York consulate.

The Turkish Minister arrived in New York on Saturday to attend the 8th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on partnerships for prevention and sustaining peace. It will be held at the UN headquarters on Monday and Tuesday.

This is the first visit from Turkish side after the release of jailed pastor Andrew Brunson, which caused a tension in relations between the two NATO allies.

Cavusoglu said the tensioned relations were not only limited to the Brunson issue.

"There were two subjects that tensed the relations. One of them is the U.S. support for YPG/PKK," said the minister, adding that American cooperation with the terror group was a "grave mistake".

Turning to the Manbij roadmap agreed upon the two countries in northern Syria, Cavusoglu said it was not just limited to Manbij but includes the east of Euphrates River occupied by YPG/PKK.

Cavusoglu said Washington also failed to fulfill Turkey's request for the extradition of the U.S.-based Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) leader in the wake of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, calling it the second issue between the two countries. "This has been a serious cause of tension" said Cavusoglu, asserting that Turkey was not "one hundred but one thousand percent" right in both issues. He said FBI recently has begun "inclusive investigations" into the FETO breaches of U.S. laws.

[03] Turk Eximbank provides support to "TRNC", Turkish Trade Minister says

Ankara Anatolia news agency (18.11.18 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkish-cypriot-firms-to-benefit-from-turk-eximbank/1313365) reports that "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' firms should benefit from support extended by Turk Eximbank, Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said on Friday.

"Turk Eximbank provides credit support to TRNC based firms, its door is open for TRNC's exporters," the minister said, speaking at the "Turkey-TRNC Chamber of Commerce Forum" in Ankara.

"Turkey supports TRNC in several areas such as infrastructure and superstructure projects, tourism, and education", Pekcan stated.

She said that "TRNC-origin products are exported to Turkey without any obstacle". "We continue to work to improve trade and economic relations between Turkey and TRNC," she added.

Ozdil Nami, "economy and energy minister", said that "TRNC's imports from Turkey were $1.8 billion last year while exports to Turkey were $105 million".

He said that "Turkish lira should be used in bilateral trade between Turkey and TRNC".

Rifat Hisarciklioglu, president of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), said that the Turkish business community wanted to make more investments in "TRNC" and improve "bilateral trade".

[04] Toyota's new hybrid car to be produced in Turkey

Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (19.11.18 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/toyotas-new-hybrid-car-to-be-produced-in-turkey-minister-138965) reports that Japanese car maker Toyota will start mass production of its new Corolla hybrid in Turkey in January, a top Turkish official has announced.

"A hybrid car in this segment will be produced in Turkey for the first time," Mustafa Varank, Turkish technology and industry minister, said during his visit to Toyota's factory in the northwestern province of Sakarya.

The country's foreign trade gap will be reduced as hybrid and electric vehicles become widespread in the country, Varank said.

"The new model, which has 50 percent less fuel consumption per vehicle would be exported to 100 countries from Turkey," Varank said.

The new Corolla -- a trademark car of the brand -- will be put up for sale in the first quarter of 2019 in Turkey, according to a statement from Toyota Turkey.

"The new local made Corolla will be our brand's pioneer in the automotive market with cut-throat competition," Toyota Turkey's CEO Ali Haydar Bozkurt said.

[05] Arrest warrants out for 32 FETO-linked suspects in Turkey

Turkish daily Yeni Safak (19.11.18 https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/arrest-warrants-out-for-32-feto-linked-suspects-in-turkey-3466723) reports that the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Ankara has issued arrest warrants for 32 former public employees for using ByLock, an encrypted smartphone messaging app used by FETO members.

Police have rounded up 18 of the suspects in simultaneous operations across Turkey. They will be taken to the Ankara police headquarters.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup on July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(CS/ECh)

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