Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-01-14

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Government spokesman stated that the statements made in Russia may open new possibilities for Turkey´s policy on Cyprus.

[02] Serdar Denktas says that the UN Secretary - General may sound out the stance of the sides in Cyprus within the next days. He met Erdogan.

[03] Russian Minister accuses Turkey of pursuing a double standards policy on the issue of terrorism.

[04] Soyer sees an initiative in the Cyprus problem after April.

[05] Mr Karayalcin: It is impossible for any government to accept a settlement in Cyprus not based on the equality.

[06] Mr Karamollaoglu: Cyprus problem to be solved within the framework of London-Zurich agreements.

[07] Izzet Izcan: Putin's statements is an element for those who are spreading false hopes to the Turkish Cypriots.

[08] The construction explosion in Kyrenia district destroys the beauty and the historical wealth of the area.

[09] Fitch ratings upgrades Turkey and notes the effects of the Cyprus problem on Turkey´s EU perspective.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in MILLIYET tries to minimize Cyprus´ relations with the Russian Federation and argues that Putin´s strategic vision is to counterbalance the strong US and EU with India, China and Turkey.

[11] Columnist in MILLIYET assesses the information coming out regarding the meeting between Turkish and Iraqi officials with American General Abizaid.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Government spokesman stated that the statements made in Russia may open new possibilities for Turkey´s policy on Cyprus

"We have discussed Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Russia. Erdogan informed the ministers about his visit," said Cicek.

Cicek noted: "As a priority, Turkey tries to develop its relations with its neighbors. This is valid for all of our neighbors. However, Russian Federation has a privileged place among them. Russia is a permanent member of UN Security Council. It is one of the neighbours in which Turkey makes most investments and has the largest trade volume. During meetings in Russia it is agreed that the two countries will make investments mutually and cooperate in investments to be made in third countries."

Regarding the disaster in Asia, Cicek said: "We have also discussed earthquake and tsunami disaster in South Asia. The government is willing to send aid to the victims in the most effective way because Turkey is a country which experienced such a pain before."

Regarding fight against terrorism, Cicek said: "No matter where it is, we expect aid and cooperation from every country to fight against terrorist organizations."

When asked whether the Justice Ministry has requested the extradition of Osman Ocalan, head of the terrorist organization PKK who is actually in north Iraq, Cicek said: "We follow the normal procedure in this regard. This issue was not discussed during today's meeting."

"This issue is generally discussed in meetings with the U.S. officials. We relayed our expectations to US and Iraqi officials. We consider as a terrorist organization PKK and every branch of it under different names, " said Cicek.

Cicek also noted: "We have always relayed to our interlocutors our expectations that PKK members in the north of Iraq should be extradited to Turkey."

When a reporter said, "PM Erdogan will contact UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan regarding the Cyprus problem and he is for a solution under the auspices of the UN," and asked when an initiative about this issue will be launched, Cicek answered: "We assess all kinds of possibilities regarding the Cyprus issue. We are for a viable solution which will serve to the interests of both sides. This issue was a topic on the agenda during Erdogan's visit to Russia and this demonstrates that our efforts are still continuing (about Cyprus).

Parliamentary and presidential elections will be held in Cyprus. Our efforts will be increased after the elections."

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot VATAN newspaper (14.01.05) reported that the statements made in Russia during Erdogan´s visit may create new possibilities for Turkey´s policy on Cyprus.

[02] Serdar Denktas says that the UN Secretary - General may sound out the stance of the sides in Cyprus within the next days. He met Erdogan

In statements in Ankara where he met with Prime Minister Erdogan for about one and a half hour, Mr Denktas argued: "I am not sure that Annan will be pleased after the sounding out, because there is nothing yet that motivates that Greek Cypriot side towards a solution".

Responding to questions after the meeting, Mr Denktas noted that with Mr Erdogan they exchanged views regarding the following period.

Mr Denktas described as "pleasing" the statements made by the Russian President, Mr Vladimir Putin regarding Russia supporting the Annan Plan. Mr Denktas expressed the hope that the Greek Cypriot side will take the message from these statements and make steps towards the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[03] Russian Minister accuses Turkey of pursuing a double standards policy on the issue of terrorism

Mr Ivanov said that the number of the Turkish citizens among the foreigners that are captured dead in Chechnya "has broken the record".

Mr Ivanov noted: "I do not see any important problem in the relations between Turkey and Russia, except one. And this is the fact that Turkey pursues a double standards policy in the struggle against terrorism. In Chechnya are captured dead mostly Turkish citizens".

[04] Soyer sees an initiative in the Cyprus problem after April

In statements yesterday during a meeting of his party in occupied Famagusta, Mr Soyer said that after April a negotiations process will begin with the support of Turkey and in the end of this process "the Turkish Cypriots will take the equality they deserve".

[05] Mr Karayalcin: It is impossible for any government to accept a settlement in Cyprus not based on the equality

Mr Karayalcin made the statement during the meeting he had with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association.

[06] Mr Karamollaoglu: Cyprus problem to be solved within the framework of London-Zurich agreements

Noting that the Cyprus problem cannot be solved with the Annan plan, which is supported by the Turkish government, Mr Karamollaoglu said that the "TRNC" must be protected, as well as some rights that have already been gained and the problem should be solved within the framework of London-Zurich agreements.

[07] Izzet Izcan: Putin's statements is an element for those who are spreading false hopes to the Turkish Cypriots

Mr Putin said that Russia does not consider fair the so-called economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and that it supports a solution of the Cyprus problem based on the Annan Plan.

The General Secretary of the UCP stated that the fact that the Turkish Cypriots said "yes" to the Annan Plan does not change the fact that the status quo in Cyprus is against the international law. He also said that Putin's statements, that the economic "isolation" of north Cyprus is not fair, does not change the fact that the status quo in Cyprus is against the international law. He also added that false hopes should not be given to the Turkish Cypriots while they are proceeding towards the "elections".

Mr Izcan also said that the Annan Plan must be revise in favour of Cyprus and all the Cypriots and added that the Cyprus problem must be solve in framework of the international law.

[08] The construction explosion in Kyrenia district destroys the beauty and the historical wealth of the area

Stressing that "the cement piles took the place of the green areas" the paper writes that the construction boom which is without control and planning, has caused very big and serious problems and has changed the environment of occupied Kyrenia. "Kyrenia is loosing day by day its natural beauty, its historical wealth and its cultural structure", stresses KIBRIS which also writes that the human rush for construction in the area has changed the area's face and caused the pollution of the subterranean waters and the sea.

[09] Fitch ratings upgrades Turkey and notes the effects of the Cyprus problem on Turkey´s EU perspective

Fitch stated that it expects Turkey to pursue its financial discipline, thus it upgraded the nation's outlook from stable to positive. Fitch noted that Turkey implemented new stand-by deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and it will start entry talks with the EU as of October, thus these issues support the continuation of financial discipline strongly.

The institution notes that the Cyprus problem may cause confusion on the path of Turkey to EU membership.

However, the Turkish government will overcome these problems, stated the institution.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in MILLIYET tries to minimize Cyprus´ relations with the Russian Federation and argues that Putin´s strategic vision is to counterbalance the strong US and EU with India, China and Turkey

"I am currently in Moscow for the opening ceremony of the Turkish Trade Center. Many journalists are taking part in the tour that the TOBB [Turkish Union of Chambers and Stock Exchanges] has organized. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and four cabinet members arrived the previous evening.

The opening of the Turkish Trade Center is very important for several reasons:

-- A Turkish construction company carried out the restoration of this historic building. I saw this lovely building, which is reminiscent of the Renaissance architecture, during the building [restoration] stage also. Located right next to the Kremlin, it is like a monument for "publicizing Turkey."

-- Publicizing the Turkish export products. The shops and offices located in the building are suitable places for marketing the Turkish export products and for conducting business contacts.

-- The most important aspect is the "Eurasia message" that Turkey conveys. This is a magnificent visit that includes the Turkish prime minister, the TOBB, and 500 Turkish businessmen. It gives the message that Turkey, which heads for the EU, will not neglect Eurasia.

Just recall the concern voiced in the Russian press when Turkey got a negotiating date from the EU: "Turkey has opted for Europe; it is abandoning Russia!"

Putin too made a similar allusion in a diplomatic language. Many people predict as follows: Putin's strategic vision is to create a strong network of relations among Russia, India, China, and Turkey that would counterbalance the strong US and EU!

In light of Turkey's very advanced business experience, would it be possible to pursue such an effective Middle East and Mediterranean policy, and even a European policy, without Turkey's involvement?

Russia is very important for Turkey as well: Eurasia's geopolitical status and energy resources. Both sides are aware of this fact.

Turkey takes to Moscow the `TRNC´ Chamber of Commerce President, whom Putin accepts. Erdogan asks for support on the Cyprus issue during his meeting with Putin. On his part, Putin, head of state of Russia, a member of the Security Council, stresses that he talked earlier to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan about the issue. He makes most positive remarks that might constitute a turning point on the Cyprus problem.

I am sure Putin's remarks have caused disappointment on the Greek Cypriot side.

Do you happen to know the volume of the Cyprus´ investment in Russia? According to the figures on paper, it amounts to $14 billion! It ranks second, after the US firms! The investment of the Turkish firms totals $2 billion!

It is said that a major part of the money, described as "Greek Cypriot capital", is "black money" that roams about in the Middle East. In other words, it is not reliable.

As for trade, our exports to Russia total $2.1 billion. We also have a tourism income of $1 billion.

Russia's exports to Turkey total $10 billion. Of this figure, $4 billion represent the amount of natural gas, oil, and hard coal exported to Turkey.

Turkey wants to sell more manufactured goods to Russia in order to offset this deficit. The opening of the Turkish Trade Center is a step in this direction. Just look at the ministers that Prime Minister Erdogan took with him on his visit to Russia: They are the ministers responsible for money, energy, trade, tourism, and labour.

Just think for a moment about the concept of "Turkey as an energy corridor", in the economic and strategic sense.

And, naturally, think about the TOBB, our biggest middle-class entrepreneur, TOBB President Rifat Hisarciklioglu, and around 500 businessmen.

The Turkish-Russian friendship and the "Eurasia perspective" give me great pleasure."

[11] Columnist in MILLIYET assesses the information coming out regarding the meeting between Turkish and Iraqi officials with American General Abizaid

"Ankara has been concentrating on the Iraq subject for the past two days now. Not only has a tripartite security summit between Turkey, Iraq and the United States taken place but US Central Forces Commander General John Abizaid was also in Ankara for talks. The details of the decisions made at the summit as well as information about Gen Abizaid's meeting have begun to emerge.

Firstly, let us look at the summit.

Ankara is pleased with the decisions of the summit, the Turkish delegation for which was headed up by Turkey's Special Representative for Iraq Ambassador Osman Koruturk. According to the Foreign Ministry the most important quality of the summit was that Iraq was in attendance at the talks, which were previously bilateral with the United States. It is thought that this development, which provided the opportunity for direct cooperation between Turkey and the Iraq administration, and which prepared international legal grounds, was going to contribute to meeting Ankara's expectations. Indeed, it is being stressed that the Iraqi delegation had come to Ankara prepared for this. Within this context the decisions made at the summit can be summarized thus:

1. It was mutually determined that there did exist legal grounds for the extradition of criminals between Iraq and Turkey. A legal assistance agreement signed between Turkey and Iraq in 1989 was determined to have gone into effect in 1995 and to still be valid. This was confirmed by a member of the Iraqi delegation representing the Ministry of Justice.

2. As the US delegation stated that even if PKK/KONGRA-Gel [Workers Party of Kurdistan/People's Congress of Kurdistan] members were to be caught they would be legally bound over to the Iraq administration, the existence of this agreement between Turkey and Iraq shows that there are no legal problems.

3. It was decided that Turkey should construct a powerful GSM network in the region in order to ensure security in northern Iraq, as well as take part in the building of newly identified routes and check points. 4. The Iraqis pledged to step up border control and prevent crossings.

5. It was decided to apply pressure to evacuate Makhmur Camp. It was confirmed that any citizens having no connection with the PKK or KONGRA-Gel would be exempted from the Passport Law should they return to Turkey.

6. A pledge was made to talk to the Iraqi Supreme Elections Commission to prevent the Democratic Solution Party, which is under PKK/KONGRA-Gel control, from entering the elections in Iraq. While these decisions were being made at the summit Turkey's concerns were being forwarded to Commander Central Forces Gen Abizaid. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul reportedly drew Gen Abizaid's attention to Kirkuk and warned him, "Artificial demographic changes in Kirkuk could have serious consequences." It is also emphasized that Gul passed on the fact that Turkey considered the elections in Iraq to be important, that Turkey had worked hard to ensure participation, but that the Sunni Arabs must not be made to feel shunned.

Abizaid reportedly said they shared Turkey's approach to Iraq, that they defended Iraq's integrity, and that they believed that holding elections in Iraq even under less than ideal conditions would be better than not holding them. Furthermore, it was reported that Abizaid made no special or new demands of Incirlik Airbase, and that as regards this topic they only touched on the benefits of using Incirlik Airbase for humanitarian and logistic purposes in accordance with UN resolutions.

General Abizaid reportedly said while giving information about Al-Fallujah that 90 percent of the town had already been evacuated when they mounted the operation, that they only fought resistance fighters, that they had found many centers and instruments of torture, and that they had observed torture rooms in several mosques. According to Foreign Ministry experts Ankara is pleased with both the tripartite summit and Gen Abizaid's contacts".

/SK

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