Filenews 6 November 2022 - by Kostas Venizelos
The strategic dependence of the occupied territories on Turkey is progressing gradually with the promotion of the other major project, the electricity interconnection. It is the second big step, which is being taken after the transport of water by underwater pipelines and, apart from the economic dimension, the first for the occupying power is the complete dependence of the occupied areas, which will not be able to survive without "oxygen" from Turkey. The suffocating control exercised by Ankara is now gradually linked to the factor of consolidation of the occupation data. By creating bonds of dependence.
The issue with the transmission of electricity is not current. It was "frozen" due to financial difficulties, but, according to information, in the last period it has been on track for implementation. It was recently reported from the occupied territories (Diyalog 31.10.22) that the issue is on the agenda in view of problems observed in the occupied territories, which are in danger of being in the dark at any time. Among other things, there is the issue of the continuous cancellation of bids for the supply of fuel to the "Turkish Cypriot electricity authority" (KIB-TEK). What seems to support the information that the project will go ahead is the fact, as has become known, that talks and contacts are taking place between the Ankara regime and the pseudo-state on the issue of the transmission of electricity from Turkey by submarine cables.
As far as the transmission of electricity is concerned, the agreement between Turkey and the occupying regime provides, inter alia, for the installation of an electric cable. The information says the infrastructure of the water project will be used. Energy cooperation between Turkey and the pseudo-state includes the renewal of electricity infrastructure, cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy Sources, the discovery of natural gas resources and the production of joint projects for the installation of the necessary infrastructure. It is noted that additional electricity loads are needed in the occupied areas as a result of the operation of the system and the distribution of water from Turkey.
It will take two years to instal undersea cables and bring electricity from Turkey. During this time, there are thoughts, according to what is transmitted from the occupied territories, to buy additional generators at the Kyrenia power station and to ensure that fuel is supplied from Turkey.
The plans of the occupying Turkey to transfer electricity to the occupied territories can also be seen as a response to the EuroAsia Interconnector programme.
The transport of water
The first big step was the transfer of water from Turkey to the occupied territories by undersea pipeline. Although this has been discussed since the period of Demirel and Denktash, it has been possible in 2015 under Erdoğan and Akinci. In that regard, it should be recalled that in 2011 the foundation stone was laid in Mersin, and in October 2015 the dam of the occupied Panagri, built for that purpose, was inaugurated. The operation faces problems but the "work of the century", as it has been called, became a reality after many overruns by Ankara, mainly financial! At the same time, it is clear that the know-how of the project is a tool, political and economic, for the occupying power. It is no coincidence that the project is advertised at international exhibitions, in case someone is interested in buying the know-how and giving the work to a Turkish company.
It is known that water is managed under economic conditions imposed by the Erdoğan regime, while with the privatizations there has been an "advance" of Turkish capital, mainly by friends of the Erdoğan family. Turkey not only retains ownership of water and related facilities, but imposes its own monopoly conditions on water management to its advantage.
Targeting
It is clear that the water transfer that is being done and the planning for the electricity, which entered the implementation process, differentiates the data on the ground. It is clear that such moves are part of a broader plan by Turkey, which passes through Cyprus in order to be implemented. With the plans for water and electricity, the objectives are clear and consolidate Turkey's presence in Cyprus.
These are moves aimed at making the occupied territories in Turkey completely dependent and are a step towards integration. It aims, although this has already been the case for a long time, at total and suffocating control of the occupied territories in Turkey. As far as the economy is concerned, the aim is to develop agriculture, tourism. To strengthen in general the economy of the occupied part in various sectors. Furthermore, it aims to upgrade the value of Greek Cypriot property and to complicate discussions in the field of the negotiation process. This refers to the territorial issue, which in combination with the developments in the enclosed area of Famagusta further complicates any discussions in this chapter. It is noted that the land through which the water pipeline passes is Greek Cypriot property, while, since the implementation of the plan, it has become the property of the Turkish Republic!
It is clear that for most of what is happening in the occupied territories, the framework is determined by the so-called "economic protocols" between Turkey and the separatist entity. The "protocols", which financially support the occupying regime, largely dictate Turkey's conditions over the Turkish Cypriots.
Islamisation and 'citizenship' remain high on the agenda
The Turkish plans in the occupied territories are aimed at creating data, at creating conditions that will remove the achievement of an agreement on the Cyprus issue. It is obvious that when the occupying power with the infrastructure projects consolidates its presence, then any prospect is removed. In addition to the projects related to the economy, there is also military infrastructure. The military air base in Lefkoniko, where drones are based, and the naval base in Bogazi, which is in the plans, send a message for a permanent presence of the occupying force.
In parallel with the above, Turkey is promoting and implementing two more goals, as a result of its broader plans. First, the Islamization of the occupied territories and second, the systematic and orderly "naturalization" of settlers.
As far as the Islamisation of the occupied territories is concerned, despite intense efforts on the part of Ankara, this does not seem to be progressing. The occupying power failed to convince the Turkish Cypriots, who are reacting. The reaction to Ankara's attempts to Islamize the occupied territories and gradually integrate into the occupied territories comes primarily from the Turkish Cypriot teachers' union, but also through Sener Levent's newspaper, "Afrika". The absorption of Turkish Cypriots into a religious and economic model has not been possible, which annoys Ankara, which will, however, persist to the end.
At the same time, the pressure exerted by the occupying power on its occupants to increase "naturalizations" is linked to the political and economic control of the occupied territories. It is associated with the formation of conditions for the settlers to gradually have the upper hand, displacing the Turkish Cypriots. This is of vital importance to the Ankara regime and this is reflected in the moves being made to strengthen the Turkish population in the occupied territories. This aim and planning, however, is not just about numerical reinforcement. This objective is apparently combined by parallel movements with the Islamisation of the occupied territories and the full integration of Turkish Cypriots into Turkish society.
