TRNC News Today 15th July 2013

EROĞLU: “NATURAL GAS IS A WEALTH WHICH BELONGS TO BOTH PEOPLE. UNILATERAL OWNING OF NATURAL GAS BY ONLY ONE SIDE IS NOT POSSIBLE.”

In a speech he made, President Derviş Eroğlu said that the natural gas in South Cyprus belongs to both sides and it is not possible that only one side takes advantage of this.

Eroğlu indicated that after the natural gas came on the agenda the whole world started to pay attention to Cyprus again.

Pointing out that the co-operation of South Cyprus with Israel will increase the tension in the region Eroğlu said: “we are looking for peace not war. Two proposals that I made to the UN regarding the natural gas have been accepted by the UN but refused by the Greek Cypriot side. As it is also mentioned by the UN Secretary General the natural gas is the wealth which belongs to both sides. Therefore it is not possible that it can be used only by one side.”

Stressing that the Turkish side is looking for peace Eroğlu said that they want a solution based on two States, Sovereignty and political equality and the continuation of Turkey’s full and effective guarantee. 

“NEGOTIATIONS SHOULD START AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.”

Pointing out that the negotiations have been postponed until October due to the EU presidency of the Greek side, South Cyprus presidential elections and the economic crisis in South Cyprus, Eroğlu reiterated that they want to start the negotiations as early as possible.

Indicating that Turkish Cypriots are not responsible for the un-solution Eroğlu pointed out that the Greek Cypriot side has been using the advantage of being an EU member and being a recognized State and thus does not want a solution.

“GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE SHOULD BE PRESSURIZED”

 Stating that if the EU keeps her promise to lift the isolations and the UN revises her resolutions regarding Turkish Cypriots then this will pressurize the Greek Cypriot side, Eroğlu added that a time limit should be put on the negotiations which will start in October.   

TODAY IS THE ANNIVERSARY OF FASCIST GREEK COUP IN CYPRUS

Supporters of EOKA and the Greek junta who wanted the immediate unification of the island with Greece (ENOSIS).  Today (15th July 1974) is the 37th anniversary of the fascist Greek coup in Cyprus.

The aim of the coup was to unite the island to Greece, or to realize ENOSIS. The coup was orchestrated against the Greek Cypriot Archbishop Makarios, who was then President of the so-called Republic of Cyprus.

Supporters of EOKA and the Greek junta who wanted the immediate unification of the island with Greece (ENOSIS) orchestrated a coup against the Greek Cypriot Archbishop Makarios, who was the then President of the so-called Republic of Cyprus on 15 July 1974. The fascist Greek Junta overthrew Archbishop Makarios replacing him with the notorious EOKA Leader Nikos Sampson as the so-called President of the `Republic of Cyprus” and the Greek junta also played a leading role in organizing and maximizing a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Turks of Cyprus. During the military coup, nearly 2-thousand Greek and Greek Cypriots, mainly supporters of Makarios were killed. Makarios who escaped from the coup made a speech in UN Security Council on 19 July 1974 and stated that Greece put forth her aim clearly in the coup and also explained the massacres carried out and the dangers awaiting the Turkish Cypriots. Turkey, using its rights stemming from international agreements and as a guarantor power, intervened in Cyprus on the 20th of July 1974 bringing peace and security for the Turks of Cyprus as well as the rest of the island.

DELEGATION OF ASSEMBLY TO MEET FULE

A delegation from the Republican Assembly is going to Brussels today to meet with Stefan Fule, EU Commissioner Responsible for Enlargement.

According to the statement, CTP-BG Deputy Ozdil Nami and Teberruken Ulucay and DP Deputy Hasan Taçoy will discuss the issues regarding the enlargement of application fields of the Financial Aid and Green Line Regulations, overcoming the current problems in their application, representation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EU Parliament and the issues regarding the negotiations possible to start in the Autumn.

Moreover, it was stated that the delegation which will also be accompanied by the President of the EU Co-ordination Center, Erhan Erçin, will return to the TRNC on Tuesday.

NEU BECAME 14TH. IN WORLD ROBOT RACE

Near East University became the 14th University in the World Robot Race. Zhejiang University from the People’s Republic of China won the 1st award in 2013 World Robot Tournament. Near East University kept the TRNC flag flying in Holland.

According to the statement of Near East University Press and Public Relations Directorate, NEU Islanders’  Academic Director congratulated the delegation members including the President of Computer Engineering, Prof. Dr. Rahib Abıyev, Nurullah Akkaya, Ersin Aytaç, Kamil Dimililer, Fatih Emrem and Görkem Say for their success.

AMBASSADOR OF REPUBLIC OF GUINEA VISITS NEAR EAST UNIVERSITY

The Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to Ankara, Daouda Bangoura, has attended the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Near East University (NEU). According to press information released from the Press and Public Relations Office of NEU, Ambassador Bangoura hosted by Assist. Prof. Dr. Irfan S. Günsel, the Chairman of Board of Trustees of NEU, and Mr. Tümer Garip, assistant of Founding Rector. Assist. Prof. Dr. Günsel presented a book to Ambassador Bangoura on Cyprus Culture. Tümer Garip stated that the visit of Ambassadors of their own country is very important for African students as such a visit makes them feel as if they are in their own land and it is also very important for the university.

GAU RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION

It has been announced by Girne American University (GAU) that GAU has received international accreditation given by the Evaluation and Accreditation of Quality in Language Learning.

According to the announcement, only two universities from Turkey are entitled to membership of EAQUALS which supervises academic programs for English Language education and language education of European educational institutions and the higher education institutions in the world; and it was added that GAU English Preparatory School has been found to be the second Turkish University providing the best quality English education following the investigations made by EAQUALS. The Director of GAU English Prep School, Hatice Avşaroğlu, stated that the authorities of EAQUALS announced the accreditation of GAU via internet by showing TRNC as the address. 

NULAND: “TODAY WE HAVE A REAL OPPORTUNITY IN CYPRUS”

Victoria Nuland, who is nominated as Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs by US President Barack Obama, made a statement on the Cyprus issue and said “Today, we have the opportunity to benefit from changing attitudes and conditions at the point of discussing the 40 year dividedness in Cyprus”. 

Nuland replied to the question at the session of Senate Foreign Affairs Committee during the approval of her nomination.

Replying to the question of Senator Jeanne Shaheen whether there is any opportunity for progress in the Cyprus problem or not, Nuland said “I believe there is an opportunity now. I think the attitudes and conditions are changing, not only in Cyprus but also in Greece and Turkey and we can get the benefit of this.” Nuland pointed out that natural gas exists in the offshore of Cyprus and said “This is a powerful motivation factor for achieving the solution in the form of bi-zonal, bi-communal federation which everybody desires and can share the interests. I think that the economic well-being of Cyprus is vitally important for the EU and working on this will have positive effects in this direction.”

UN SECRETARY-GENERAL: “IT IS IMPORTANT TO GUARANTEEE THAT EVERY NEW WEALTH SHALL BE FOR THE BENEFIT OF TWO COMMUNITIES”

Although the UN Secretary-General’s report which is about the Cyprus issue and extending Cyprus Peace Force’s tenure does not include any expressions at a political level, it was stated that the report includes interesting expressions regarding the daily life in Cyprus.

The Greek Cypriot daily ‘Politis’ published: “In the report it was stated: ‘It is important for us to guarantee that every new wealth belonging to Cypriots shall be for the benefit of the two communities. Undoubtedly, exploring natural gas is a strong encouragement for all sides in terms of finding a constant solution for the Cyprus problem. The Secretary-General wishes that this exploration shall bring out co-operation for everyone who has an interest in the region. He also makes a call to all sides to avoid any kind of tension which can destabilize the security including the Green Line.

GIRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY (GAU) RECEIVED “2013 BEST UNIVERSITY” AWARD IN SWITZERLAND

Girne American University (GAU) was given the ‘2013 Best University’ award at the ceremony organized by Oxford Europe Business Assembly (EBA), Board of Assessment in Montreux, Switzerland last week.

The award which was received by CEO of GAU and Vice President of Board of Governors, Assist. Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, was presented to GAU Founding Rector and the President of Board of Governors Serhat Akpınar.

Stating that he received ‘2013 Best University’ award on behalf of GAU Global Science Family at the ceremony held in Montreux, Switzerland where the world’s leading universities attended, Assist. Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi said that he was honoured to present the award to Serhat Akpınar.

Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi also pointed out that being granted  the ‘Best University’ award  by Oxford Europe Business Assembly (EBA), Board of Assessment in the field of education, has promoted more strength to the science island North Cyprus’s international image.

Moreover stating that Serhat Akpınar will be granted an award of ‘Socrates’ by EBA at the ceremony which is to be organized in December, Vehbi thanked to GAU Founding Rector and the president of Board of Governors Serhat Akpınar on behalf of GAU Global Science Family.

SOUTH CYPRUS IS MENTIONED IN BLACK MONEY LAUNDERING IN RUSSIA

South Cyprus is also mentioned during the arrestments in Russia due to black money laundering.

The Greek Cypriot daily ‘Haravgi’ published that sending about 1.1 billion dollars out of Russia and laundering through buying immovable property by short-term companies in (South) Cyprus and the Baltic States have been realized by the Commercial Banks and approximately 100 Russian and foreign companies whose names are not mentioned.

Recording that the mentioned news was published by ‘Ria Novosto’ news agency, ‘Haravgi’ wrote that many arrests were made including 7 people having leading positions within the framework of the event.

THE SPEECH BY MAKARIOS  DELIVERED BEFORE  THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL  on 19 July 1974

MAKARIOS: “… It may be said that it was the Cyprus Government which invited the Greek officers to staff the National Guard. I regret to say that it was a mistake on my part to bestow upon them so much trust and confidence. They abused that trust and confidence and, instead of helping in the defense of the Island’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, they themselves became the aggressors… the events in Cyprus do not constitute an internal matter of the Greeks of Cyprus. The Turks of Cyprus are also affected…The Security Council should call upon the military regime of Greece to withdraw from Cyprus the Greek officers serving in the National Guard, and to put an end to its invasion of Cyprus…”

“President Makarios: I should like at the outset to express my warmest thanks to the members of the Security Council for the keen interest they have shown in the critical situation created in Cyprus after the coup which was organized by the military regime of Greece and was put into effect by the Greek officers serving in and commanding the Cyprus National Guard. I am particularly grateful that the Security Council has agreed to postpone its meeting until my arrival here to give me the opportunity of addressing it on the recent dramatic events in Cyprus.

What has been happening in Cyprus since last Monday morning is a real tragedy. The military regime of Greece has callously violated the independence of Cyprus. Without trace of respect for the democratic rights of the Cypriot people, without trace of respect for the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek junta has extended its dictatorship to Cyprus. It is indeed a fact that for some time now their intention was becoming obvious. The people of Cyprus had for a long time feeling that a coup by the Greek junta was brewing, and this feeling became more intense during the recent weeks when the terrorist organization ‘EOKA B’, directed from Athens, had renewed its wave of violence. I knew all along that the illegal organization had its roots and supply resources in Athens. I became aware that the Greek officers staffing and commanding the National Guard were recruiting members for that organization, and they supported it in various ways to the point of access to the munitions supply stores of the National Guard. In the camps of the National Guard, the Greek officers were conducting open propaganda in favor of that illegal organization and turned the National Guard from an organ of the state into an instrument of subversion. Whenever, from time to time I complained to Athens about unbecoming conduct by Greek officers of the National guard, the reply was that if I had concrete evidence in proof thereof those found guilty would be recalled. From the all tenor of their attitude, I received the unmistakable impression that their standard response was a pretense of innocence. A few days ago documents came into the hands of the Cyprus police clearly proving that ‘EOKA B’ was an appendage of the Athens regime.

The Greek Ambassador in Cyprus called on me, on instructions from his Government, in order to explain to me that the decrease in the numerical strength of the National Guard or the withdrawal of the Greek officers would weaken the defense of Cyprus in case of danger from Turkey. This was an argument which, even though it appeared logical, was not convincing because I knew that behind this argument other interests were hidden. I replied that as things developed I consider the danger from Turkey of a lesser degree than the danger from them. And it was proved that my fears were justified.

On Saturday, 13 July, a conference under the presidency of General Gizikis was held in Athens which lasted for many hours. It was attended by the Greek Chief of Staff of the armed forces, the Ambassador of Greece to Cyprus, the commander of the purpose of discussing the content of my letter. As was stated in a relevant communiqué issued at the end of this conference, it was to be reconvened on Monday, 15 July. The reference in the communiqué to a second conference was deceiving. For a while on Monday I was waiting for a reply to my letter, the reply came, and it was the coup.

On that day, I returned from my summer house on the Troodos mountains, where I had spent the week-end, and by 8 a.m. I was at my office at the Presidential Palace. Half an hour later I was welcoming in the reception room a group of boys and girls, members of the Greek Orthodox Youth from Cairo who came to Cyprus as my guests for a few days. Hardly had I greeted them when the first shots were heard. Within seconds the shots became more frequent and a member of the Presidential Guard informed me that armored cars and tanks had passed the fence and were already in the yard of the Presidential Palace which was shaking from mortar shells. The situation soon became critical. I tried to call the Cyprus Radio Station for the purpose of issuing a special broadcast announcing that the Presidential Palace was under attack, but I realized that the lines were cut off. Heavy shelling was ever increasing. How my life was saved seemed like a providential miracle. When I eventually found myself in the area of Paphos, I addressed the people of Cyprus from a local radio station informing them that I am alive and that I will struggle with them against the dictatorship which the Greek regime is trying to impose.

I do not intend to occupy the time of the members of the Security Council with my personal adventure. I simply wish to add that during the second day of the armed attack the armored cars and tanks were moving towards Paphos, while at the same time a small warship of the National Guard began shelling the Bishopric of Paphos where I was staying. Under the circumstances, I found it advisable to leave Cyprus rather than fall into the hands of the Greek junta.

I am grateful to the British Government which made available a helicopter to pick me up from Paphos, transfer me to the British bases, and from there by plane to Malta and London. I am also grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and to the Commander of the Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus for the interest which they had shown for my safety. My presence in this room of the Security Council was made possible thanks to the help given to me by the British Government and the representatives of the Secretary-General, Dr. Waldheim, whose keen concern for me and for the critical situation which developed in Cyprus moves every fiber of my heart.

I do not know as yet all the details of the Cyprus crisis caused by the Greek military regime. I am afraid that the number of casualties is large and that the material destruction is heavy. What is, however, our primary concern at present is the ending of the tragedy.

When I reached London, I was informed of the content of the speech of the representative of the Greek junta to the United Nations. I was surprised at the way they are trying to deceive world public opinion. Without a blush, the Greek junta is making efforts to simplify the situation, claiming that it is not involved in the armed attack and that the developments of the last few days are an internal matter of the Greek Cypriots.

I do not believe that there are people who accept the allegations of the Greek military regime. The coup did not come about under such circumstances as to be considered an internal matter of the Greek Cypriots. It is clearly an invasion from outside, in flagrant violation of the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus. The so-called coup was the work of the Greek officers staffing and commanding the National Guard. I must also underline the fact that the Greek contingent, composed of 950 officers and men stationed in Cyprus by virtue of the Treaty of Alliance, played a predominant role in this aggressive affair against Cyprus. The capture of the airport outside the capital was carried out by officers and men of the Greek contingent campaign near the airport.

It is enough to state on this point that certain photographs appearing in the world press show armored vehicles and tanks belonging to the Greek contingent in Cyprus. On the other hand, the Greek officers serving with the National Guard were directing the operations. In these operations, they recruited many members of the terrorist organization ‘EOKA B’, whom they armed with weapons of the National Guard.

If the Greek officers serving in the National Guard were not involved, how does one explain the fact that among the casualties in battle were Greek officers whose remains were transported to Greece and buried there? If Greek officers did not carry out the coup, how does one explain the fact of night flights of Greek aircraft transporting to Cyprus personnel in civilian clothes and taking back to Greece dead and wounded men? There is no doubt that the coup was organized by the Greek junta and was carried out by the Greek officers commanding the National Guard and by the officers and men of the Greek contingent stationed in Cyprus – and it was reported as such by the press around the globe.

The coup caused much bloodshed and took a great toll of human lives. It was faced with the determined resistance of the legal security forces and the resistance of the Greek people of Cyprus. I can say with certainty that the resistance and the reaction of the Greek Cypriot people against the conspirators will not end until there is a restoration of their freedom and democratic rights. The Cypriot people will never bow to dictatorship, even though for the moment the brutal force of the armored cars and tanks may have prevailed.

After the coup, the agents of the Greek regime in Cyprus appointed a well-known gun-man, Nicos Sampson, as President, who in turn appointed as ministers known elements and supporters of the terrorist organization called EOKA B’.

It may be alleged that what took place in Cyprus is a revolution and that a Government was established based on revolutionary law. This is not the case. No revolution took place in Cyprus which could be considered as an internal matter. It was an invasion, which violated the independence and the sovereignty of the Republic. And the invasion is continuing so long as there are Greek officers in Cyprus. The results of this invasion will be catalytic for Cyprus if there is no return to constitutional normality and if democratic freedoms are not restored.

For the purpose of misleading world public opinion, the military regime of Greece announced yesterday the gradual replacement of the Greek officers of the National Guard. But the issue is not their replacement; the issue is their withdrawal. The gesture of replacement has the meaning of admission that the Greek officers now serving in the National Guard were those who carried out the coup. Those officers, however, did not act on their own initiative but upon instructions from Athens, and their replacements will also follow instructions from the Athens regime. Thus the National Guard will always remain an instrument of the Greek military regime, and I am certain that the members of the Security Council understand this ploy.

It may be said that it was the Cyprus Government which invited the Greek officers to staff the National Guard. I regret to say that it was a mistake on my part to bestow upon them so much trust and confidence. They abused that trust and confidence and, instead of helping in the defense of the Island’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, they themselves became the aggressors.

I am obliged to say that the policy of the military regime in Greece towards Cyprus, and particularly towards the Greek Cypriots, has been insincere. I wish to stress that it was a policy of duplicity.

For some time talks were going on between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots in search of a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem, which on many occasions has occupied the time of the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations. The representative of the Secretary-General and two constitutional experts from Greece and Turkey have been attending the talks. The Security Council has repeatedly renewed, twice yearly, the mandate of the peace-keeping Force in Cyprus, expressing every time hope for a speedy solution of the problem.

It cannot be said that up to now the progress of the talks has been satisfactory. But how could there be any progress in the talks while the policy on Cyprus of the regime in Athens has been double-faced? It was agreed by all the parties concerned that the talks were taking place on the basis of independence. The regime of Athens also agreed to that, and time and again the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that the position of Greece on this issue was clear. If that were the case, why had the military regime of Greece created and supported the terrorist organization ‘EOKA B’, whose purpose was stated to be the union of Cyprus with Greece and whose members called themselves ‘unionists’?

Inside the camps of the National Guard, the Greek officers continually charged that while Enosis was feasible its realization was undermined by me. When reminded that Greece had made its position clear on this and that it supported independence, their reply was that no attention should be given to the words of diplomats. Under such circumstances how was it possible for the talks to arrive at a positive result? The double-faced policy of the Greek regime was one of the main obstacles to the progress of the talks.

In the circumstances that have now been created in Cyprus, I cannot foresee the prospects of the talks. I would rather say that there are no prospects at all. An agreement that may be reached by the talks would be devoid of any value because there is no elected leadership to deal with the matter. The coup d’état of the military regime of Greece constitutes an arrest of the progress of the talks towards a solution. Moreover, it will be a continuous source of anomaly in Cyprus, the repercussions of which will be very grave and far reaching, if this situation is permitted to continue even for a short time.

I appeal to the members of the Security Council to do their utmost to put an end to this anomalous situation which was created by the coup of Athens. I call upon the Security Council to use all ways and means at its disposal so that the constitutional order in Cyprus and the democratic rights of the people of Cyprus can be reinstated without delay.

As I have already stated, the events in Cyprus do not constitute an internal matter of the Greeks of Cyprus. The Turks of Cyprus are also affected. The coup of the Greek junta is an invasion, and from its consequences the whole people of Cyprus suffers, both Greeks and Turks. The United Nations has a peace-keeping Force stationed in Cyprus. It is not possible for the role of that peace-keeping Force to be effective under conditions of a military coup. The Security Council should call upon the military regime of Greece to withdraw from Cyprus the Greek officers serving in the National Guard, and to put an end to its invasion of Cyprus.

I think that, with what I have placed before you, I have given a picture of the situation. I have no doubt that an appropriate decision of the Security Council will put an end to the invasion and restore the violated independence of Cyprus and the democratic rights of the Cypriot people”.

Source: TRNC Public Information  Office