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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-06-29Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 123/17 29.06.17[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS[01] The Crans Montana Conference for Cyprus started well, according to the Turkish Cypriot pressUnder the title "The beginning is not bad", Turkish Cypriot Kibris newspaper (29.06.17) reports that the International Conference for Cyprus at Crans Montana, Switzerland, started yesterday with the aim of establishing a federal Cyprus based on the political equality of two founding states. According to the paper, there was a change in the format of the meeting after a demand submitted by the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias. Kibris also writes that President Anastasiades was not satisfied with a proposal submitted by the Turkish side on the issue of the security and guarantees. The Turkish side said that there is not an environment in which only the chapter of the "Security and Guarantees" will be discussed at the Conference. All these created allegations saying "there is a crisis", but UNSG's Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide stated that everything went as scheduled and that there was a good beginning.In the morning the Chapter of Security and Guarantees was discussed and the three guarantor powers put their positions on the table. A parallel second table took place with the participation of the negotiators of the two communities in the afternoon and after this meeting a five-party meeting with the participation of the guarantor powers was held. The Turkish side explained in detail its views regarding the Security and Guarantees and Turkey "explained why the system of guarantees is necessary" for the "new partnership" to be established in Cyprus. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci, Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu and the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot political parties met last night at a dinner, during which a briefing on the developments on the first day of the Conference was made and views were exchanged. Under the title "Opening on the army by Turkey", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (29.06.17) reports that Turkey submitted a proposal providing for the withdrawal of a significant number of troops from the very first day of the solution and determining a timetable for the withdrawal of the remaining troops depending on the way that federal Cyprus functions. The paper's correspondent Esra Aygin reports that the number of troops which will be withdrawn on the first day and the timetable will be negotiated depending on the progress on the issues which still remain open. "Moreover, Turkey has clearly given the message that it could submit more advanced proposals on the issue of the security and guarantees in case the political equality of the Turkish Cypriots is secured, that is, the rotating presidency is accepted", argues Aygin. In the same paper reference to two proposals made by Greece is made regarding the abolition of the Treaty of Guarantee and the right of unilateral intervention as well as the establishment of a mechanism which will monitor and implement the final solution. Under the title "Proposal which goes beyond the ordinary", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (29.06.17) alleges that Turkey submitted a proposal which cornered the Greek Cypriots and Greece who aim at the abolition of the Treaty of Guarantee by imposing the position of "zero troops, zero guarantees". The paper claims that the Greek Cypriots and Greece asked for time until today and could not reply to Turkey, which "stressed" that not even a comma could be changed in its proposal that provides for the demilitarization of the island to a great extent. According to the paper, Turkey's proposal provides for the following: 1) Amendment of the existing Treaty of Guarantee according to the new federal structure which will be established on the basis of two founding states. 2) Within this framework, a very serious number of troops will be withdrawn on the first day of the approval and implementation of the solution. 3) A monitoring committee will be established with the participation of two members from each guarantor power, two members from each founding state and two members from the federal state. 4) The function of the federal constitution and the constitutions of the founding states will be guaranteed. 5) If everything goes well, the three guarantor powers will reexamine the number of the remaining troops on the island. The same newspaper refers to Akinci's speech during the opening of the Conference and reports that it contained four basic points: 1) One of the main factors which determine the security perception and need of the Turkish Cypriot "people" is the experiences of the 1963-64 period. 2) The international organizations' performance on the issue of ending the wars and the conflicts is there and it is not adequate. 3) The Turkish Cypriot "people" consider Turkey as their guarantee. 4) The decision for celebrating the 1950 enosis plebiscite and ELAM's attacks create the feeling of threat to the Turkish Cypriots. Under the title "The Turkish proposals on the guarantees caught the Greek Cypriot side unprepared", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (29.06.17) describes as "courageous and constructive" the Turkish proposals on the security and guarantees and alleges that Turkey has "positively sealed" the first day of the Conference, which started without any crisis. Citing backstage information, the paper argues that Turkey's proposals surprised the Greek Cypriots and that if the Greek Cypriots take the necessary steps expected by Turkey in response to these proposals, the solution of the chapter of security and guarantees is not far away. Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (29.06.17) refers to the Conference under the title "There is not agreement yet, there is also no quarrel". The paper covers also on its front page the demonstrations held yesterday in Nicosia in favor of the solution under the title "Activities forcing the solution in Nicosia". According to the paper more than 100 trade unions, political parties, movements and platforms held a demonstration at Ledra Street barricade. Moreover, an anti-occupation activity was held in the buffer zone by Turkish Cypriot "Dayanisma-Solidarity" and Greek Cypriot "Sispirosi" organizations. (I/Ts.) [02] Cavusoglu: "The weather is good, let's solve the Cyprus issue"Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 28.06.17) with the above title reported that Turkey has urged a "fair and lasting" solution at the new round of the Cyprus talks, an official familiar with the matter has told the Hurriyet Daily News, as the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders began key talks on June 28 aimed at reunifying the Mediterranean island."We came here for a solution. This problem, which has been continuing for 50 years, should now be resolved", Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at the closed meeting, according to the official. Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders, along with the representatives of guarantor countries, started talks aimed at reunifying the country's 43-year-long dispute at the U.N.-sponsored discussions in the Swiss Alps. "In the first session, we presented an approach to solve the Cyprus issue in a holistic approach within a historical perspective," the official said. Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Ak?nc? and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades met in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, joined by U.N. envoy Espen Barth Eide, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias. Britain, the former colonial power in Cyprus, and the European Union are also represented at the talks aimed at securing a breakthrough to reunify the island. Eide has presided over peace efforts since 2014, and the last round of talks in January ended with a number of issues - namely security, property and power sharing - unresolved. "We had a good beginning, actually beyond what we expected," Eide told reporters after the opening session. "Hard work will remain... We will do what is possible to facilitate, but at the end of the day of course it's the responsibility of the conference participants to go that final mile," he added. "The atmosphere was positive... There was a remarkably positive attitude," Jeffrey Feltman, the U.N. under-secretary-general for political affairs, told reporters in the Swiss Alpine resort. In the highest level meeting for six months, discussions started on issues such as territory and governance and each side put forward its position on security and the future role of guarantor countries. Two issues are vexing: Turkish Cypriot demands for a rotating presidency, and Greek Cypriot demands that Turkey pulls all its 30,000 troops off the island, and renounces its intervention rights. About a dozen Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot activists from the peace group #UniteCyprusNow waved flags and held placards reading "peace" and "unite Cyprus now" outside the hall where the peace talks are taking place. At the beginning of the meeting, Kotzias told Cavusoglu: "Mevlut, it will be 43 degrees in Greece tomorrow," to which Cavusoglu replied: "You must be here [at the table] without ever going anywhere," while the reporters were in the room. [03] Turkey's MFA denied that Turkey presented a four-phased plan for troop withdrawal from CyprusAccording to Turkey's MFA website (http://www.mfa.gov.tr/qa32-29-june-2017-statement-of-spokesperson-of-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairsambassador-huseyin-muftuoglu-in-response-to-a-question-on-allegations-concerning-the-proposal-made-by-the-turkish-side-at-the-conference-on-cyprus.en.mfa), Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Huseyin Muftuoglu, in response to a question on allegations concerning the proposal made by the Turkish side at the Conference on Cyprus, said that "reports to the effect that, at the Conference on Cyprus which is ongoing in Switzerland, Turkey presented a four-phased plan for troop withdrawal from the Island, as well as the percentages mentioned in those reports, are not true"[04] The Turkish side stresses the importance of the guarantee system in Cyprus talksTurkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 29.06.17), on the first day of the key new round of Cyprus talks aimed at reunifying the Mediterranean island, the Turkish side has stressed the vital importance of the "guarantee system" for security in a new, lasting partnership between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, a Foreign Ministry official has told the Hurriyet Daily News.The Turkish side presented its view on the issues of security and guarantees on the first day of talks, the official stated. "We emphasized that the justified worries of the Turkish Cypriots, which are arising from painful experiences in the past, are essential for the security and guarantee system to be put forward in the solution," the official said. However, the Turkish delegation has said the conference is not just an arena in which the topics of security and guarantees are addressed, because it is necessary to know how the constitutional order will be revealed during negotiations. For this reason, the Turkish side has said it is necessary to reach progress in other issues addressed in the ongoing talks for the success of the Conference. The Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders, along with the representatives of the guarantor countries, started talks aimed at reunifying the country's 43-year-long dispute at the U.N.-sponsored discussion in the Swiss Alps on June 28. (…) In the highest-level meeting in six months, discussions started on issues such as territory and governance and each side put forward its position on security and the future role of the guarantor countries. Two particular issues are vexing: Turkish Cypriot demands for a rotating presidency and Greek Cypriot demands for Turkey to pull all its 30,000 troops off the island and renounce its intervention rights. [05] Nationalist Turkish Cypriot parties on the Crans Montana meetingUnder the title: "Solution or velvet divorce", Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (29.06.17) reports that the Revival Party (Tr. Note: the settlers party) evaluated the latest developments of the Cyprus problem and stated that negotiations are entering a very important phase which will determine the future of the Cyprus problem.According to a written statement issued by the party, it alleges the Crans Montana summit was conducted after the UN exerted a lot of pressure and it is very obvious that the two sides went there without their will. The party further claims that either a "comprehensive solution" or a "velvet divorce" must come out of the Crans Montana meeting. In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis newspaper (29.06.17) reports that Ersin Tatar, the "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) stated that the Turkish Cypriot "people" is anxious regarding the outcome of the summit in Switzerland. Tatar alleged that the UN "are rewarding the game of the Greek Cypriots" and that the fact that the Switserland talks are launched in such an environment is creating anxiety to the Turkish Cypriots. (CS) [06] Turkey's new seismic survey ship Oruc Reis ready to enter serviceTurkish daily Sabah newspaper (29.06.17), under the title "National seismic exploration vessel Oruc Reis ready to survey Black Sea", reports that after the completion of all necessary tests, a national seismic exploration vessel, the MTA Oruc Reis, is ready to begin oil and natural gas exploration in the Black Sea. Turkey's premier seismic exploration vessel, the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa, which is illegally conducting seismic research off of the coast of Cyprus, will be joined by the Oruc Reis, which will also survey for oil and natural gas in the Mediterranean. Built in a shipyard in Tuzla, the vessel, more than 90% of which was domestically manufactured, cost around TL 400 million ($113.67 million).The 86-meter-long and 22-meter-wide vessel will be able to stay in the sea for 35 days when its fuel and water reserves are full. On the vessel, which has an economic lifespan of 30 years, 55 personnel will work, 28 of whom will be researchers and 27 shipmen. There are 35 active cameras located at different angles on-board. Moreover, the MTA Oruc Reis has propulsion and manoeuvring system with the capacity to conduct 2B and 3B seismic surveys in open seas. With 2B/3B seismic surveys to be carried out with the vessel, it will be possible to examine depths of 20,000 meters on the sea floor. There are also systems on-board that allow researchers to take samples from the sea floor. Detailed mapping and imaging will be performed on the seabed for hydrographic and oceanographic studies. With a wired robotic system on-board and operated under the sea, it will be possible to conduct seismic observations and take samples at depths of up to 1,500 meters. In addition, current measurements, water sampling and physical, chemical and biological analysis and CTD system surveys will be performed. The vessel is also expected to conduct research regarding earthquakes as well as tsunami surveys and studies regarding marine structures including harbors, platforms and submarine cable and pipeline location selection, periodic controls and marine pollution. In contrast to the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa in terms of scientific equipment, the Oruc Reis has a remote-controlled, underwater vehicle with geological sampling, hydrography and oceanography. Moreover, the Oruc Reis is also equipped with a helicopter pad, like the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa vessel. Two years ago, Turkey's premier exploration vessel the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa conducted oil and natural gas explorations off the coast of Cyprus but these activities were interrupted in March 2015 when tensions arose between the Greek-Cypriot administration (editor's note: the government of the Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish-Cypriot government (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) regarding sovereign ownership of the resources. However, Turkey remains determined to re-launch its survey with another vessel, the Turkuaz, owned by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration. (…) Meanwhile, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak has emphasized that there will be a more aggressive process in exploration and drilling activities in Turkey soon as part of the National Energy and Mining Policy. "With the Barbaros Hayrettin vessel in the Black Sea and the Oruc Reis in the Mediterranean this month, we will conduct both two-dimensional and three-dimensional [2B/3B] seismic surveys in our two seas," he said. Albayrak previously indicated his hopes that the activation of a drilling vessel off the coast of Cyprus by the end of 2017 will allow for the start of drilling operations in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, announcing that Turkey will drill its first well in the Mediterranean by the end of the third or fourth quarter of this year. Prefacing that the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa has already completed two-thirds of a three-dimensional seismic project spanning roughly 1,695 square meters in occupied Famagusta, Albayrak indicated that seismic exploration in the region will be completed by the end of this month ahead of the July 10 deadline, exceeding expectations amid recent developments. He added that the vessel will continue work on a new three-dimensional seismic project in the Mediterranean region, stressing that the Ministry expects exploration to be completed in at least two or three regions by the end of the year. Albayrak also indicated that in order to ensure a stronger, more powerful Turkey for the future, the country must take action in oil and gas exploration and utilize domestic engineering and various platforms. He said, "Particularly regarding land and sea exploration, there has been serious fluctuation in the costs of new techniques, new investments and transformation of the sector on a global scale. Turkey, as a developing and growing country, must evaluate every opportunity in the best way possible to take effective steps at the optimal time. To facilitate this, we will take major steps not only in the Mediterranean Sea but also in the Black Sea with our other vessel, the Oruc Reis," Albayrak said. "As I always mention, Turkey has allocated an average of $44 billion annually in energy investments over the last 10 years. When we include mining investments that were recorded at nearly $10.6 billion, we have a $55 billion annual budget for energy and mining imports," he added. With regard to Turkey's strategy in the coming period, Albayrak previously alleged that Turkey has never conducted and will never conduct any projects outside of maritime law in both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, adding that drilling projects have always been conducted in the scope of international and domestic maritime law. Albayrak said that at least one or two wells will be drilled in the sea under the auspices of newly launched steps, saying: "This will be done because, by evaluating the data we find in this framework and information in the scientific field, we will start taking direct steps regarding the most optimal fields. There is a lot of potential here and I believe we will get positive results." [07] Onur Oymen: "There is no need for concession"Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (29.06.17) reports that the retired Turkish Ambassador Onur Oymen, stated that there are no expectations regarding the Crans Montana summit."This time as well they (the Greek Cypriots) will take whatever they can take. They do this every time", he alleged and added that there is a climate now that supports that the Turkish invasion to Cyprus was wrong or that saving the Turkish Cypriots was wrong. "We must escape from this climate. There is no need for concession to be made. As I have said before, I do not think that a result will come out of this effort this time as well", he alleged. (CS) [08] Worries expressed in the occupied area of Cyprus regarding the operation of a casino in the Republic of CyprusTurkish daily Milliyet newspaper (29.06.17) under the title: "A big casino in Cyprus" reports that "south Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is called, will open the biggest casino in Europe, an investment which will cost 600 million euro.According to the paper's correspondent in the occupied area of Cyprus, Sefa Karahasan, the opening of the casino in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus caused worries in the "north" since it is expected to affect negatively the "TRNC's tourism". In statements to the paper on the issue, the "chairman" of the "Turkish Cypriots travel agencies' union", Orhan Tolun, said, inter alia, the following: "The operating of the casino in the south will attract our customers to the south. The gamblers coming from the Arab world that is Lebanese and Israeli will prefer to go to the south". Also, according to the paper, the "TRNC's casino owners' union" had decided to meet in order to discuss the issue and it has announced that it will make statements after the meeting. Also, the paper expresses worries that the Greek Cypriot gamblers will stop going to the casinos in the occupied area of Cyprus. Invoking reliable sources, the paper writes that the Greek Cypriot church was persuaded to "give permission for the opening of the casino for economic reasons". The paper writes that 26 casinos in total "operate in the TRNC" and at least 6 thousand workers work there. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (29.06.17) under the title: "The goal is to cause the collapsing of the TRNC", reports that evaluating the tender for the opening of the casino in the "south", the "honorary chairman" of the "Turkish Cypriot hotelier's union" Aziz Kent, claimed that the main aim of the "Greek Cypriot administration" as it called the Republic of Cyprus with its initiative to proceed to the opening of a casino, is to lead the "TRNC" to bankruptcy. Kent alleged also that the "TRNC's economy" will be affected by the "agreement" signed for the opening of a casino by the Greek Cypriots and added the following: "We have a lot of revenues in our casinos from the Greek Cypriots. Greek Cypriot's aim is to drive us into a corner. […] If a casino operates in south Cyprus, everybody will flock there. Everybody goes there for shopping, will they not go for casino?", Kent wondered. Kent further proposed for a regulation to be implemented in the occupied area of Cyprus so that the "Turkish Cypriots" to be able to go to the casinos as well. (AK) [09] Caglar and Ozcenk are attending PACE's meetings in StrasburgTurkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (29.06.17) reports that Mehmet Caglar, "deputy" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and Erdal Ozcenk, "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) are attending the Summer plenary part-session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), which is taking place in Strasbourg from 26 to 30 June 2017.According to a statement by the so-called assembly, Caglar, who attended the meeting of PACE on June 26, found the opportunity to make some questions to the General-Secretary of PACE, Thorbjorn Jagland right after completing his opening speech. According to the paper, Caglar asked for Jagland's positions and thoughts regarding the Cyprus Conference in Crans Montana. Caglar and Ozcenk will be attending all the Committee works of PACE's general assembly. They will return to the occupied area of Cyprus on July 1st after completing their contacts. (AK) [10] US support for YPG temporary and triggered by necessity, Mattis tells Turkish counterpart Is?kAccording to Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (29.06.17), the U.S. Secretary of Defence James Mattis told his Turkish counterpart Fikri Is?k in a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday that their support for and cooperation with the PKK's Syrian affiliate the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia was out of necessity and only temporary.Mattis called arming the YPG "an interim situation triggered by necessity rather than preference", said a source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media. Is?k raised Turkey's concerns over the U.S.' support to the PYD/YPG in Syria in his meeting with Mattis, and also discussed Mattis' recent letter to Turkey regarding arming the YPG to fight Daesh, as well as the U.S.' pledge to take back the weapons once their joint operation is over, the source added. Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White provided readout later in the day. "The secretary reaffirmed support for Turkey in its fight against the PKK and plan to increase cooperation on Turkey's counter-PKK efforts. The secretary and minister also discussed the crisis in Syria and agreed to continue cooperation to end the scourge of violence and alleviate human suffering there. Both leaders affirmed their support for peace and stability in both Iraq and Syria, and look forward to continuing to work together on the U.S.-Turkey security alliance," White said in the readout. The Defence Ministers also discussed developments in Syria, Iraq as well as the Qatar crisis, and agreed that the crisis must be resolved in the context of the Gulf state's sovereignty. [11] 1,080 convicted in Erdogan 'insult' cases in Turkey last yearAccording to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 28.06.17), a total of 4,936 cases were opened in 2016 against people accused of "insulting" President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with courts convicting 1,080 of defendants, according to Justice Ministry statistics, daily Cumhuriyet reported on June 27.Some 46,193 legal procedures were carried out in cases of "insulting" the President last year, with the Justice Ministry reportedly allowing 4,936 cases to go ahead. A total of 4,750 people aged over 18 years old, 36 foreign nationals, and two legal entities were accused of "insulting" Erdogan. Some 102 people aged between 12 and 15, as well as 138 people aged between 15 and 18, were accused on charges of "crimes against the sovereignty of the state and its bodies." The courts acquitted 679 people accused of these charges and suspended the pronouncement of the judgement for 867 others. "Insulting the President" is a crime in Turkey punishable by up to four years in jail. Meanwhile, Justice Ministry statistics also show that 95 people were convicted on charges of "spying" and "exposing government secrets" in 2016. Out of 3,857 legal proceedings, 807 cases were opened regarding these charges. Of those accused, 139 were foreign nationals and 34 were aged between 12 and 18. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.pio.gov.cy (DPs / AM) Copyright (C) 2017 Press and Information Office, All rights reserved. Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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