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Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review-31.07.19

 No. 142/19                                                                                          31.07.2019

 

Content

Α. Turkish Cypriot Press

1.Akinci on the Cyprus problem and hydrocarbon issue

2. Tatar made statements on natural gas, Varosha and the economic protocol with Turkey

3. Özersay: Varosha will be opened to media members after a certain part of the process is reached

4. Written statement by the “presidency of the TRNC” on the walls downfall in the occupied part Lefkosia

5. Ustel held contacts in Istanbul and proposed for the British tourists who illegally visit the occupation regime to be able to travel directly to the “TRNC”

6. UBP reportedly proposes to Gunay Cerkez to be “presidential candidate” of the party

B. Turkish Press

1. Turkish National Security Council: Turkey will continue protecting its rights and those of the Turkish Cypriots

2. Cavusoglu: Turkey says S-400s pose no threat to NATO

3. Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister: Turkey to see lower interest rates

 

Α. Turkish Cypriot Press

1.Akinci on the Cyprus problem and hydrocarbon issue

According to illegal Bayrak television (31.07.19-https://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=cyprus-issue-52) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci evaluated the Cyprus problem and the hydrocarbon during a meeting he held yesterday with the “Turkish Cypriot journalist’s society”.

Touching upon the hydrocarbon issue, Akinci alleged that the Greek Cypriot side’s “reasons” to reject the latest proposal were not convincing. “If a federal settlement can be established in the future then all natural resources including the hydrocarbons will be beyond the powers of this federal settlement. We are not against this anyway. We are not setting aside that possibility with our proposal. If a solution can be found in the future then the natural resources will be beyond the power of the common state, however, there is no solution or a common state today. Then, how come you use this authority in the name of a non-existing state and unilaterally lay claim to hydrocarbons?” Akıncı has reportedly asked.

Claiming that the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean was an undesired situation for all sides and that it was going through a point which all sides will lose, Akinci argued that the Turkish Cypriot side’s proposal was a formula which all sides would benefit.

He went on to add that one of the main topics to be discussed during the 9th of August informal leaders meeting, will be how to get rid of the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean. “We shall also be able to discuss how can we establish a structure in Cyprus which will base on political equality and which both sides will feel in security so that we can create better results for the future? How can we contribute to the Turkish-Greek friendship and how can we form a basis for the improvement of Turkey-EU relations?” Akıncı supported.

Akinci further added that during his meeting with President Anastasiades on August 9, he wants to hear from Anastasiades himself what kind of future he thinks about Cyprus at this stage. “We want to live in equality, freely and in security on these soils. We are not demanding equality only for ourselves. We do not want to be a minority or to be dominated by anyone. However, we do not have a goal or desire to dominate someone else. We want freedom and security not just for ourselves but also for everyone. However, while we want security for others we cannot act in a way to risk our security. I believe we can discuss all off these. If we can avoid maximalist manners and act with a common sense then this will be for the benefit of everyone”, Akinci alleged.

 Akıncı also evaluated the newly elected Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to “south Cyprus”, as the Republic of Cyprus is referred to, claiming that he was expecting Mitsotakis to give more peaceful and warm messages during his visit in Cyprus. “Unfortunately we didn’t see this. He rather chose to satisfy his own people with a nationalist statement. We expect statements which would help the relations”, Akinci further said.  

Stating that “formulas which would not jeopardize anyone’s security could be generated on the issue of Security and Guarantees in Crans-Montana”, Akıncı alleged that the conference remained inconclusive because of the Greek Cypriot side’s maximalist manner and its failure to internalize the Turkish Cypriot “people’s political equality”.

Akinci also referred to the significance of the informal leaders meeting to be held on the 9th of August before convening an informal five-party conference in the coming future. “Political equality and effective participation in decisions clearly took part in the UN Security Council resolutions by way of referring to the previous resolutions of the Council. However, the Greek Cypriot side is not at this point yet. Will it come to this point or will it remain out of it? If the political equality does not shape, then it will remain as an empty rhetoric. Therefore, we will discuss all these during our meeting on the 9th of August”, he argued.

Reminding that the UN Secretary General will hold separate meetings with the sides at the end of September, he said that following the UN General Assembly, the UN Chief wanted to hold a trilateral meeting either in Europe or in New York. Noting that the informal five-party conference was a joint request of the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey, he drew attention to the fact that the Greek Cypriot leadership was giving different messages to different circles on different occasions. “These should be clarified in the presence of all sides during the informal five-party conference,” Akıncı argued.

Akinci further pointed out to the need for preparing well for the five-party conference for the sake of not giving vain hopes to the people. Noting that he stated on several occasions that the open-ended negotiations process had ended and that a timetable was necessary at the negotiations, he alleged this fact also included in the latest Cyprus report of the UN Chief. “We all want a future in peace, security and equality on this island” Akinci claimed, arguing that a new future could be built on these soils and seas if there is a good will and determination.

2. Tatar made statements on natural gas, Varosha and the economic protocol with Turkey

Turkish Cypriot daily Cypriot daily Haberci (31.07.19) publishes an interview with the so-called prime minister Ersin Tatar who referred to the natural gas, the opening of the fenced off Varosha city and the economic protocol with Turkey.

Asked about the natural gas in Cyprus and the UN Secretary Feneral's proposal for a tripartite meeting set for September, Tatar stated that he believes that the Turkish Cypriot side should not go to this meeting now since it will carry no results, according to him.

“The message from the Greek Cypriot side is that we do not partner with the Turkish Cypriots, nor do we share management, nor do we share these riches. In this respect, the Greek side continues on its way. Their entire aim is to assimilate the Turkish Cypriots in a federation-based agreement if they succeed in the European Union and assimilate them in the EU  by minority status over time. EU mechanisms do not satisfy us”, he alleged.

Referring to the economic protocol he stated that they are determined to make it work.

In addition, Illegal Bayrak (31.07.19 https://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=tatar-in-istanbul-2) broadcast that Tatar who took part in the “North Cyprus Tourism Cooperation Meeting and reception” in Istanbul referring to Varosha said that “the area had been closed for 45 years and this was enough and emphasized the need for the area to be opened up to settlement under Turkish administration”.

“The area has been closed for 45 years and that’s enough. There are compensation issues. Research carried out show that most of the properties in the closed city of Varosha were Ottoman properties. The wrong doings that took place during the British era shows that the properties were wrongly depredated. That area needs to be opened up to settlement under Turkish administration. There is an institution in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus called the Immovable Properties Commission. It’s recognised by Europe. They will have to apply there. Its former residence could be Greek Cypriots and British nationals or even Americans” said Tatar.

He said that they wanted to open up the closed city of Varosha in sections and expressed the belief that with its opening it will contribute to the economy in the “TRNC”.

“Due to it being closed there are compensation issues and we must get rid of this. Our government is working on this issue and we are carrying out an inventory of the area” said Tatar and continued to explain the steps that will be taken by the government.

“That area is within the TRNC’s borders, under the protection of our Security Forces. It is clear that the area was an important tourism destination. We saw a hotel that belonged to the British Royal Family. You could tell that they had wonderful times there, it’s a shame, a shame for humanity it must be opened” he said.

Touching upon the developments being experienced in the Eastern Mediterranean Tatar claimed  that very important steps had been taken in this region.

He said that “Turkish Cypriots also had a right to the riches in the Eastern Mediterranean, and added that Turkey had rights as well. With the agreement we have made, Turkish ships are in the area. All these developments are on point. These drilling efforts cannot be carried out unilaterally. If you are going to go ahead alone then Turkey will also proceed” said Tatar.

He also said that “when Turkey is strong it gives morale to the TRNC”.

Finally, Bayrak also broadcast (31.07.19 https://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=tatar-speaks-on-cnn-turk) that speaking to CNN Turk, “Tatar reaffirmed the TRNC’s position on the natural gas issue in the Eastern Mediterranean by saying that through proactive policies the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people and Turkey will be protected”.

“We are giving a clear message to the world that we are determined to continue on our path. Turkey and the TRNC will never yield on their rights and interest” said Tatar during the interview.

Touching upon the Cyprus issue he  said that it is not possible to find a federal solution,  therefore different options need to be looked into.

“We need to protect our rights and interest on the table, display a united front and claim what’s ours” said Tatar.

 

3. Özersay: Varosha will be opened to media members after a certain part of the process is reached

Turkish Cypriot news portal Voice of the island (31.07.19 https://www.voiceoftheisland.com/en/journalists-will-prevent-the-inventory-work.html) reports that the self-styled fopreign minister Kudret Özersay responded to the Cyprus Turkish Journalists Associations (CTJA) request to “open Varosha to media members”.

Özersay, who responded to the letter sent by Sami Özuslu (in representation of the management board of the CTJA), said that Varosha will be opened to media members after a certain part of the process is reached.

The CTJA reacted to the letter of Özersay. Sami Özuslu asked if – “Journalists will prevent the inventory work?”

Kudret Özersay, in his letter, stated that the “committee”, which was formed and is responsible of the inventory work which will take place in the area, will enter the area for the first time soon. The letter also stated that after a certain part of the process is reached the media in general will be allowed to enter the area to cover the news and that precedence will be given to Turkish Cypriot media. Lastly, the letter says that “the ministry will be happy to work with the Cyprus Turkish Journalists Association up until the day media is allowed in the area”.

Sami Özuslu assessed the letter by Özersay and said that the public has the right to information regarding the subject of the closed area of Varosha which is always a discussion point.

Özuslu who questioned the link between media availability in the area and the “certain part of the process” reasoning, also emphasized that they will be insistent and pursuers in the subject of Varosha.

 

4. Written statement by the “presidency of the TRNC” on the walls downfall in the occupied part Lefkosia

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (31.07.19) reports that the so-called presidency of the occupation regime issued yesterday a written statement supporting that the restoration of the Quirini Bastion (historic walls of Lefkosia) cannot be suspended any more. “The restoration of the historical walls in Lefkosia which were built in 1500 and which for years had not been restored in overall cannot be suspended further since the walls are collapsing due to the cumulative moisture”.

The statement underlines that the walls downfall is not related with the weeds and the rooted trees surrounding the walls but with the cumulative moisture, which affects negatively the walls.

The statement points out further that the Bi-communal Cultural Heritage Committee carries out a project for the restoration and protection of the walls in Lefkosia and adds that a specific roadmap is followed for the implementation of the project.

The statement adds further that the “presidency will continue exerting efforts for the protection of the walls in Lefkosia, which are considered very important for the cultural heritage of the island and the world”.

(AK)

5. Ustel held contacts in Istanbul and proposed for the British tourists who illegally visit the occupation regime to be able to travel directly to the “TRNC”

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (31.07.19) reports that so-called minister of tourism and environment Unal Ustel, who is currently in Turkey for a series of “contacts’, undertook important initiatives on the transportation issue.

According to a statement issued by the so-called ministry, Ustel met with the general director of the Turkish Airlines Bilal Eksi and with officials of the Anadolu jet aviation company and submitted to them a package of proposals. Among the proposals, Ustel proposed for the British tourists who are illegally visiting the “TRNC’, to be able to travel to the occupation regime directly without changing flights, as it is happening today.

(AK)

6. UBP reportedly proposes to Gunay Cerkez to be “presidential candidate” of the party

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (31.07.19) reports that the National Unity Party (UBP) has launched looking for “candidates” for the forthcoming “presidential elections”. According to the paper, the UBP proposed to the known Turkish Cypriot businessman Gunay Cerkez to be “presidential candidate”.

The proposal was made by so-called minister of national education and culture and “deputy” with the UBP, Nazim Cavusoglu.

(AK)

B. Turkish Press

1. Turkish National Security Council: Turkey will continue protecting its rights and those of the Turkish Cypriots

Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.07.19https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-to-fight-terror-groups-with-resolution/1545476) reports that Turkey will continue to fight all terror groups with resolution and determination, the National Security Council said late Tuesday.

“Counter-terror operations, Claw and Claw 2, in northern Iraq will continue until terrorists are wiped off in the region,” the Council said in a statement after its meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The Council said Turkey is committed to creating a peace corridor in Syria with all its strength.

“Turkey maintains a determined and principled stance toward the protection of its and the Turkish Cypriots' rights and interests in Eastern Mediterranean under the international law and abides by its commitments and obligations under international law and expects the same sensitivity from its allies”, it added.

2. Cavusoglu: Turkey says S-400s pose no threat to NATO

Turkish daily Yeni safak (31.07.19 https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-says-s-400s-pose-no-threat-to-nato-3496801) reports that answering reporters' questions in Thailand after the 52nd Foreign Ministers' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said: "Turkey contributes to NATO in many fields."

Cavusoglu later met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. He will also attend the ASEAN-Turkey Trilateral Meeting. The meetings in Thailand will continue until August 3.

3. Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister: Turkey to see lower interest rates

Turkish daily Yeni Safak (31.07.19 https://www.yenisafak.com/en/economy/turkey-to-see-lower-interest-rates-finmin-3496806) reports that Turkey will see a downward trend in interest rates in the coming days, the country's Finance and Treasury Minister said Tuesday.

Turkey exhibited a strong policy success over the past year, Berat Albayrak stressed in an evaluation meeting in the capital Ankara. "We will close the year with inflation below New Economic Program targets," he noted, referring to the plans to restrain inflation below 15.9% by the end of 2019.

He highlighted that the Turkish economy would enter a more positive period by the second half of the year. Over $10 billion in foreign investments entered Turkey since May, he said. He added: "The Turkish economy will grow positively this year."

 

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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

(CS/AM)