Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review-19.10.18
No. 202/18
Contents
1. The two leaders’ meeting to take place on October 26; Statement by an anonymous diplomat
2. Erhurman made statements on yesterday’s tension between Turkey and Greece
3. Erhurman: “Political equality is a sine qua non for the Turkish Cypriots”
6. A “delegation” of the so-called assembly held contacts at the European Parliament
7. Mobile phone subscribers in the breakaway regime are over 800,000
8. A cooperation on the archive system between Turkey and the “TRNC”
1. Turkish navy reportedly stops Greek frigate from harassing research ship in Eastern Mediterranean
2. Turkey and Moldova agree on full rights for Gagauz region
3. Cavusoglu: Turkish investments in Albania total $2.5B
A. Turkish Cypriot Press
1. The two leaders’ meeting to take place on October 26; Statement by an anonymous diplomat
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (19.10.18) under the title: “The leaders’ meeting will take place on October 26”, reports that the meeting of President Nikos Anastasiades with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci was set to take place on October 26, at the residence of the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative Elizabeth Spehar, in the buffer zone. Within the framework of the meeting, the two leaders will focus on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and the issue of the opening of Apliki and Deryneia crossing points.
Invoking reliable sources broadcast by the Demiroren News agency (DHA) the two leaders’ meeting will be duplex. Firstly they will discuss the issue of the opening of Deryneia and Apliki crossing points and they are expected to set a date for their openings. The two crossing points are expected to open by mid-November. The second stage of the leaders’ meeting will focus on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem. In statements to DHA, a higher-level diplomat said the following: “Quarrels are taking place in the island recently on the issue of ‘loose federation’ and ‘two states’. Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades speaks on the one hand about ‘federation’ and on the other hand about ‘loose federation’. Anastasiades should make clear what he has in his mind exactly”, the diplomat stated. The same sources argued that Akinci will discuss with Anastasiades, in a sincere way, what his thoughts are about the future of the island. “This meeting does not mean the resumption of the negotiation talks”, added the anonymous diplomat.
(AK)
2. Erhurman made statements on yesterday’s tension between Turkey and Greece
Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (19.10.18) reports that the self-styled prime minister Tufan Erhurman speaking to Bayrak commented on the developments regarding the research started by Barbaros seismic ship and the tensions allegedly created between Turkey and Greece on the issue.
Commenting on the allegations that a Greek frigate harassed Barbaros, Erhuman said that tension is in no one’s interest and expressed the wish that a smart road to be found. He went on to add that everyone has rights in a controversial area.
He also said that he held a meeting regarding the incident with the “deputy prime minister and foreign minister”, adding that they have following the issue.
Erhurman said that co-operation and not tension is needed for the natural resources around the island, adding that with tension everyone is losing, with co-operation everyone is winning.
Erhurman finally added that this is an issue between Turkey and Greece and the embassies of the two countries took action on it.
(CS)
3. Erhurman: “Political equality is a sine qua non for the Turkish Cypriots”
Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (19.10.18) reports that so-called prime minister Tufan Erhurman, delivering a speech at the “Leadership Academy and Strategy workshop” which was organized by the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Silifke in Turkey’s province of Mersin, referred, inter alia, to the Cyprus problem and alleged that the Turkish Cypriots wish for a formula to be found on viable and fair solution of the Cyprus problem, which will be based on the “political equality of the two people, protecting at the same time their rights”. “Such a solution will contribute to the economy of the country and also will make openings to the people and the businessmen”, Erhurman argued.
Erhurman further claimed the following: “Whether it will be the central government that will be powerful in Cyprus, or its wings (constituent states), the issue of political equality is a sine qua non for the Turkish Cypriots”.
Erhurman claimed further that the reason behind the fact that Anastasiades proposed a “loose federation” at the current stage is because he cannot explain to his people how to accept the political equality. “And we say that no matter if it will be the central government that will be powerful in Cyprus, or its wings (constituent states), for the Turkish Cypriots the political equality is a sine qua non. This is what he should explain to his people”, Erhurman supported.
Referring to the “economy” of the occupation regime, Erhurman called on Turkish businessmen to cooperate with the Turkish Cypriot businessmen.
On the issue of the “electricity interconnection” between Turkey and the occupation regime which is planned to take place with underwater cables, Erhurman alleged that the feasibility works on this project continue, supporting that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has undertook personal initiatives on this matter.
(AK)
4. Denktas argues that the “loose federation” is not a very different view from a two-state federation
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberator newspaper (19.10.18) reports that Serdar Denktas, who was guest in a radio programme of VATAN radio, commented on the financial difficulties due to the rise of the exchange rate and on the Cyprus issue.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, Denktas commented on the “loose federation” arguing that it is a form of government where the central government is weaker. He further argued: “When we were talking about a two-state federation for years now, we did not mean anything very different from this view, which is being discussed today”.
Denktas further claimed that the intentions of the Greek Cypriot side in the Cyprus talks are not sincere, they are playing with time and they are just wasting time and the world’s time.
Referring to the economic crisis due to the devaluation of the Turkish lira, Denktas noted that in some working places, even a salary cut may occur, adding that he was referring to the “public institutions” that they may need to take some precautions.
Denktas also noted that the interconnecting system to transfer electricity from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus through cable is in the agenda but it will take some time because the cost is much bigger now.
(DPs)
5. Nami in İzmir
Illegal Bayrak (19.10.18 http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=nami-in-izmir ) broadcast that “minister of economy and energy” Özdil Nami will be attending the inauguration ceremony of Azeri SOCAR’s STAR oil refinery in İzmir.
The ceremony will be held under the auspices of the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
According to information released by the self-styled economy and energy ministry, Nami who will attend the ceremony as guest of the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Dönmez.
A statement released by the Turkish Presidency said Azerbaijan President İlham Aliyev, officials from the Azeri government, representatives of relevant institutions and organizations, directors of various energy companies and high level bureaucrats will attend the ceremony, as well.
The STAR oil refinery, which is the biggest private sector investment on a single spot in Turkey, is amongst the biggest petrol operations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
The refinery is the first project in Turkey which has the “Strategic Investment Incentive Certificate”.
6. A “delegation” of the so-called assembly held contacts at the European Parliament
Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (19.10.18) reports that a delegation from the so-called assembly, consisting of Fikri Toros, “deputy” with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in occupied Keryneia, Erek Cagatay “deputy” with the People’s Party (HP) in occupied Keryneia and Oguzhan Hasipoglu, “deputy” with the National Unity Party (UBP) in occupied Famagusta, held “official contacts” in Brussels between October 15-18.
According to the paper, the “parliamentarian delegation”, met with European MPs of several political groups at the European Parliament, with several members of working groups which are responsible of the EU member countries’ enlargement and neighborhood policies. The “delegation” attended further round table meetings organized by the Belgium Federal Assembly.
WithIN the framework of its “contacts” in Brussels, the occupation regime’s delegation conveyed the Turkish Cypriot side’s view and approaches on Cyprus negotiation process. The “delegation” expressed further the Turkish Cypriot side’s views on the method and the methodology that could pave the way for the negotiation to move forward, pointing out to the necessity for the new negotiation process not to be open-ended and to be result-oriented.
The “delegation” referred further to the two empty seats belonging to the Turkish Cypriots at the European Parliament and undertook initiatives so that the Turkish Cypriot side to be able to elect its own representatives during the forthcoming European elections that will take place in May 2019.
Within the framework of its contacts, the “delegation” recalled further that the Turkish Cypriot side is one of the two “equal sides” in the island, and thus, asked for the “lifting of the isolation”. The “delegation” further expressed the Turkish Cypriot side’s view on the “one-sided and unilateral report on Maras” which was prepared by the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament.
(AK)
7. Mobile phone subscribers in the breakaway regime are over 800,000
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (19.10.18) reports that the number of mobile phone subscribers in the breakaway regime are 824,313, according to a report of the “Information Technology and Communication Organization” for the second quarter of 2018.
According to the paper, the active mobile subscribers are 698,463.
It is also reported that the greatest number of telephone conversation was towards Turkey, followed by Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
(CS)
8. A cooperation on the archive system between Turkey and the “TRNC”
According to illegal Bayrak television (19.10.18, http://www.brtk.net/?english_posts=trnc-tc-cooperation) , the “national archive and research department directorate of “TRNC” and the Turkish Presidential State Archives Department signed a protocol today at the “presidential palace” in the occupied part of Nicosia.
“The protocol aims to increase cooperation between the archive systems of the TRNC and Turkey. It provides for experts from the two archives sharing information in order to modernize the system and carry out restoration efforts. Exchanging publications between the two institutions, carrying out meetings and organizing exhibitions are also provided for within the protocol signed.”
Meanwhile, following the signing of the “protocol” Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met with “president of the TRNC national archive and research department” Mehmet Borak and the President of the Turkish Presidential State Archives Department Prof. Dr. Uğur Ünal.
Speaking during the visit, Akinci expressed the hope that the protocol will be beneficial for both sides.
B. Turkish Press
1. Turkish navy reportedly stops Greek frigate from harassing research ship in Eastern Mediterranean
Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (18.10.18, https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2018/10/18/turkish-navy-stops-greek-frigate-from-harassing-research-ship-in-eastern-mediterranean) reported that the Turkish navy on Thursday reportedly stopped a Greek frigate from harassing a Turkish research ship in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The paper claimed: “The seismic and drilling vessel Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa was carrying out research activity, as had been previously announced, on the Turkish continental shelf of the Güzelyurt (occupied Morfou area) Research Coast off the Republic of Northern Cyprus (editor’s note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus), Anadolu Agency cited unnamed sources as saying”.
According to Sabah paper, the Greek frigate began harassing the research vessel in the early hours of Thursday morning, in violation of international law and conventions.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Turkey would continue to exercise its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its continental shelf. "We recommend that Greece abstain from acts that would cause an escalation in the region," the statement read, warning that Greek "insistence on unrealistic claims" would only result in harming bilateral relations and regional stability.
Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources also made a statement later on Thursday again urging Greece to avoid inflaming tensions and stating Turkey would continue to defend its rights under international law.
A Greek defence source denied there was an incident but said the Greeks were monitoring the activity of the Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa. It said the vessel appeared to be in an area claimed by “Greek Cyprus” (Republic of Cyprus) for future hydrocarbons exploration, west of the island.
Turkey had issued a Navtex, an advisory to ships including coordinates, that it would be conducting seismic surveys in the Mediterranean Sea from Oct. 18 to Feb. 1.
2. Turkey and Moldova agree on full rights for Gagauz region
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (18.10.18, http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-and-moldova-agree-on-full-rights-for-gagauz-region-138041), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Moldovan President Igor Dodon and Irina Vlah, Governor of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, said on Oct. 18 they “agreed” for concrete steps to be taken for the autonomous status of the Gagauz region to be fully in function.
“With the [Moldovan] President and the Government’s support as well as the determination of the Governor [Irina Vlah] and Gagauz authorities, we have agreed for concrete steps to be taken for the autonomy [of the Gagauz region] to be fully in function”, Erdogan said during joint a press conference in Comrat, the capital of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia.
Dodon, on his part, said he would do his best in order the laws of the autonomous status the Republic of Moldova has granted to the Gagauz region to be fully functioned. The Moldovan President also said he would work on including these articles in the constitution of Moldova and the Gagauz people are at home in Moldova.
Despite his remarks on the autonomy of the Gagauz region, the Turkish President underlined that Moldova’s territorial integrity is of “vital importance to Turkey”. “We are happy to see the will displayed by Moldova and Gagauzia to live together in peace and tranquillity since 1994”, Erdogan said. (…)
3. Cavusoglu: Turkish investments in Albania total $2.5B
According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (18.10.18, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkish-investments-in-albania-total-25b-cavusoglu/1286011), Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, speaking to a group of businesspeople on Thursday in Albania's capital Tirana during a meeting organized by the Albanian Turkish Chamber of Commerce (ATCC), said that Turkey’s investments in Albania total some $2.5 billion.
“Albania isn’t just a country where we will cooperate in the region, but a real friendly country which we have deep-rooted and historical ties with,” he added. (…)
He added that the 2008 free trade agreement between the two countries needs revision. “We will start negotiations again for the entrance of more agricultural goods and the inclusion of services and investments. We need to revise it with a win-win understanding,” he further said.
He also called on Albanian investors to invest in Turkey and to continue working to reach a $1 billion bilateral trade volume from the current $411 million.
Seyhan Pencabligil, the ATCC's head, also said that Turkish firms in Albania provide 10,000 people with jobs.
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TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION
(DPs/ EH)
ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΩΝ
