Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-09-12

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Foreigners are reportedly showing interest to invest in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[02] Turkish Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs will hold contacts at UN Summit on foreign policy issues.

[03] Gul will meet UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Iraq, Middle East, Cyprus and reforms in the UN.

[04] Serdar Denktas will have contacts with OIC Foreign Ministers.

[05] Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade Ali Erel: "Turkey will open its ports to the Greek Cypriots".

[06] Turkish Cypriot newspaper accuses the EU of planning to preserve the status quo in Cyprus for another 20 years.

[07] The number of tourists from Britain to the occupied areas of Cyprus has significantly increased.

[08] ZAMAN claims official invitation to pseudo-minister

[09] The ownership of the "Cyprus Turkish Airlines" transferred entirely to the pseudostate.

[10] Four new casinos will open in the occupied area of Cyprus.

[11] The Eurasian Islamic Council will develop its relationship with the Directorate of Religious Affairs of the occupation regime.

[12] General Jones: "Turkey-U.S. relations and cooperation are stronger than ever".

[13] Turkey will participate in NATO's Cooperative Engagement 05 Naval Exercises.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

Under the title "Israel has settled for good in the TRNC", Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (11.09.05) reports that some Americans have applied for land in the occupied Alagati region and are preparing some projects there. Furthermore, within the framework of the "Great Middle East Project" some Israelis have bought land on Pentadaktylos Mountains and are planning to build 266 houses. According to the paper, 153 triplex houses have been built until now. The rest are reportedly rapidly being built.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot TOPLUM POSTASI LONDRA newspaper (08.09.05), which is published for the Turkish Cypriot community in London, the so-called representative of the psuedostate in the British capital, Mr Namik Korhan recently met secretly at Rarastro Restaurant with officials from three British real estate agencies.

The representatives of the most important real estate companies in Britain participated in the meeting, notes TOPLUM POSTASI adding that these companies are marketing houses to British buyers in France, Spain, Poland and Latvia. The companies are reportedly interested in the real estate sector in the occupied areas of Cyprus. The meeting took place as a result of encouragement by an Israeli businessman who is currently investing in the occupied part of Cyprus.

In the meeting, Mr Korhan told the businessmen that the investments made in the occupied areas of Cyprus are guaranteed by the pseudostate and that the adjustments of the Annan Plan on the issue of the properties give enough guarantees to the investors.

According to information acquired by the paper, all three officials were British citizens, but the one of them is of Jewish origin.

"It has been noted that all three companies are closely interested in selling houses in northern Cyprus and that they are thinking of going to northern Cyprus to investigate the issue on the spot", writes TOPLUM POSTASI adding that the results of the meeting were positive and that "in spite of the Greek Cypriot pressure the companies are thinking to invest" in the occupied part of Cyprus.

Invoking "reliable sources", the paper reports that the above-mentioned companies are in touch with some other companies which are dealing with immovable properties in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Mr Namik Korhan did not reply to any questions regarding the issue, because of the secrecy that should be kept, concludes the paper.

I/Ts.

[02] Turkish Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs will hold contacts at UN Summit on foreign policy issues

"This week's U.N. summit in New York will require Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul to engage in a diplomatic flurry of activity covering a wide range of foreign policy matters, ranging from the country's upcoming European Union entry negotiations to its co-sponsoring role in the Alliance of Civilizations initiative.

The prime minister is scheduled to depart tomorrow night to take part in the opening of the summit and meet with several world leaders along with representatives of influential Jewish and Turkish groups in the United States until the end of the week. Gül is due in New York tonight since he will first have a meeting with Turkish consuls general in the United States.

Erdogan's New York trip is planned for four days, while the foreign minister is to spend two weeks there to attend U.N. meetings and hold separate meetings on the sidelines with officials of some 45 countries. Gul is likely to get together with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Turkish officials did not rule out a possible Erdogan meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. Most of the other key talks, however, are to be arranged on the margins of the summit meeting, officials said.

The summit of 175 world leaders on September 14-16 is expected to map out new approaches to global security, human rights and anti-poverty as the summit will see discussions on the U.N. reform process. Erdogan is to address the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, a day after he meets with his Spanish counterpart, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, to discuss the "Alliance of Civilizations," an initiative co-sponsored by their countries under the U.N. umbrella.

In fact, the pair, just after their face-to-face talk, will get together with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to discuss the initiative for the first time at U.N. headquarters since it was launched. In light of the importance Erdogan attaches to the initiative, particularly in connection with Turkey's long-running EU quest, the premier is likely to bring up the matter in his speech at the General Assembly and the need for a collective fight against terrorism.

Late last week, officials were still working on a draft of the prime minister's speech, but he is due to address issues on the summit's agenda and underlined that the restructuring process of the United Nations should be designed to meet millennium goals set during the organization's last summit.

Subtitle: Turkey to campaign for Security Council seat:

Utilizing the opportunity of coming together with officials from all member countries, the Turkish leaders will campaign in New York for Turkey's bid to secure a temporary seat on the U.N. Security Council before the end of this decade. Gul will host a reception at Turkish House this week and seek to drum up support for the Turkish candidacy. Turkish officials plan to distribute leaflets there as part of their campaign.

Among the leaders Erdogan is expected to meet with are his Israeli counterpart, Ariel Sharon, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, United Nations Development Program head Kemal Dervis, Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council Chairman Ivo Miro Joviç and Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev. He is also to gather with representatives of Turkish communities and influential Jewish organizations such as the American Jewish Council (AJC). Gul is expected to participate in some of those talks.

Subtitle: EU talks among top agenda items:

Rushing from one meeting to another is unlikely to prevent both the premier and foreign minister from following up on what is going on in the EU regarding Turkey's entry talks, which are scheduled to begin October 3.

The EU was still deadlocked as of last week over a declaration it sought to issue in response to Turkey's refusal to recognize EU member 'Greek Cyprus' and open its ports to Greek Cypriot ships. Permanent EU representatives are expected to deal with the logjam on Wednesday in Brussels. 'Greek Cyprus' has been pressing for an emergency meeting of the EU foreign ministers on September 26.

EU term president Britain, however, may seek an informal meeting of the foreign ministers on the sidelines of the ongoing U.N. meetings in New York next week to break the deadlock on the Turkey declaration, an EU diplomat told the Turkish Daily News. Turkish officials were more hopeful that the declaration might be released in the coming week and that the foreign ministers might be able to agree in New York on a roadmap document that is key to ensuring the smooth start of Turkey's talks.

In the face of the EU's internal row over Turkey, Erdogan on the last day of his trip is scheduled to meet with Austrian President Heinz Fischer. Officials said the meeting is crucial since Austria, currently pushing for offering Turkey an alternative to its full membership prospects, will be the next holder of the rotating EU presidency at the start of next year. The premier, along with Gul, is also expected to attend a reception that will be hosted by the head of the EU Commission, Jose Manuel Barosso, on Tuesday.

Subtitle: Gul to meet with Annan separately:

Amid attempts to throw cold water on Ankara in terms of the start of its talks, such as pressuring for recognition of 'Greek Cyprus', Turkish officials see a separate meeting of Gül and Annan as crucial since a large extent of Cyprus-related matters will be discussed.

Turkey has been pushing for the resumption of U.N. efforts for a resolution on Cyprus as Ankara made clear that it would only recognize a new partner state after a settlement on the island. Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos may give his response to the U.N. secretary-general this week in New York over the revival of Cyprus peace efforts. Gul is also likely to repeat a Turkish offer for opening its ports if 'Greek Cyprus' does the same for the Turkish Cypriots simultaneously.

The 'TRNC' is recognized only by Turkey. Gul, along with 'Foreign Minister' Serdar Denktaş, will lobby in New York for an easing of the 'TRNC's' isolation, Turkish officials said.

[03] Gul will meet UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Iraq, Middle East, Cyprus and reforms in the UN

"The selection of Turkey, which has not had representation in the UN Security Council for almost half a century, to the Security Council would increase Turkey's prominence and make its global status stronger," told Gul.

Gul said that he will participate in the World Summit of the United Nations between September 14th-16th and meetings of the UN 60th General Assembly meetings between September 17th-28th.

He also noted that, while in New York, he will meet UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and discuss such issues as Iraq, Middle East, Cyprus and reforms in the UN.

[04] Serdar Denktas will have contacts with OIC Foreign Ministers

Noting that he will also confer with the foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, Mr Serdar Denktas said the so-called Foreign Ministry started an initiative to prevent the Greek Cypriot side's efforts of trying to change the title of the 'Turkish Cypriot State' into the 'Turkish Cypriot Islamic People' within the OIC.

[05] Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade Ali Erel: "Turkey will open its ports to the Greek Cypriots"

On this issue Erel accused the occupation regime of sticking to Turkey´s "we will not open" policy and thus not charting an alternative policy.

He suggested that free trade relations should be put on the agenda, adopted and put into implementation as soon as possible.

Saying that if Turkey will advance on the EU path, then it should implement its customs union obligations, as it is doing to the other EU members, to south Cyprus as well, Ali Erel noted; "This includes opening of the sea and air ports".

Ali Erel went on and said that Turkey´s claim that sea and airports fall into the "services sector" was rejected by the EU Court of Justice.

Erel also said that making up of budget deficit of the occupation regime by demanding more contributions to the budget from Turkey is wrong. He said that with this policy it was not possible to bring the occupied regime´s economy to the desired competitive level.

Ali Erel suggested free trade, as applied by the third countries. He said that insisting on Direct Trade regulations is wrong because 25 member countries are against it . He insisted on the free movement of the goods.

(M.Y)

[06] Turkish Cypriot newspaper accuses the EU of planning to preserve the status quo in Cyprus for another 20 years

Under the title "All the roads are leading to after 20 years", the paper writes, inter alia, the following:

"The solution of the Cyprus problem is closely related to Turkey's accession to the EU. According to this situation, the current status quo in the island is planned to be maintained for another 20 more years.

Britain has prepared a new draft for the declaration, so that Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus and does not open 'for the time being' its ports to it. It is reported that Britain has agreed with France as well on this issue.

According to the draft of the new declaration, Turkey will recognize the new state that will come out from the solution and not the Republic of Cyprus".

The majority of the Turkish Cypriot newspapers are also referring to this issue.

I/Ts.

[07] The number of tourists from Britain to the occupied areas of Cyprus has significantly increased

In statements to KIBRIS Mr Kalfaoglu said that the number of the tourists from Britain that visited the occupied areas of Cyprus in 1997 was 35.000. This number has increased to 125.000 in 2004. There is an average annual increase of about 20 % in this number. The percentage of the tourist from Britain was the 14.0 % of the total number of those who visited the occupied areas of Cyprus in 1997 and increased to 34.0 % in 2004.

The overnight stays of the tourists from Britain at the hotels of the occupied part of Cyprus were 240.000 in 1997 (26 % of the total overnight stays). This number reached 750.000 in 2004 (53 % of the total overnight stays).

I/Ts.

[08] ZAMAN claims official invitation to pseudo-minister

The conference which is on Ministerial level is jointly organized by English and Welsh Ministries of Education.

The paper reports that first time a so-called Minister is being officially invited to the conference. The conference will be held at the East Anglia University between 16-17 September 2005.

Paper claims that the invitation is interpreted "as an important step towards increasing of pressure exerted by the EU to the south Cyprus".

ZAMAN reports that Mr Oztoprak will hold contacts with his colleagues.

(M.Y)

[09] The ownership of the "Cyprus Turkish Airlines" transferred entirely to the pseudostate

Before the signing ceremony, Mr Ahmet Uzun met with Mr Kemal Unakitan to discuss the details of the agreement under which the occupation regime paid in cash half of the 33 million US dollar stake with the other half to be paid in two equal instalments, in two years time.

Mr Ahmet Uzun thanked Mr Kemal Unakitan and the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their contribution and assistance in the transfer of ownership of "Cyprus Turkish Airlines" to the occupation regime.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Uzun said he and Mr Unakitan have agreed to hold further discussions in the near future to assess the economic situation in the occupied area of Cyprus, and discuss updating the existing Cooperation Protocol between the pseudostate and Turkey.

(DP)

[10] Four new casinos will open in the occupied area of Cyprus

The so-called Minister of Youth and Sports Ozkan Yorgancioglu announced that betting shops in the occupied area of Cyprus number 89 and that profit generated from these shops is spent on sports activities. He added that if betting shops are made illegal, then sports would be harmed.

(DP)

[11] The Eurasian Islamic Council will develop its relationship with the Directorate of Religious Affairs of the occupation regime

In the first part of the declaration, it was stressed that the problems regarding religion, identity and culture in Eurasian societies were discussed at the meeting and that there is a strong bond between identity and culture.

It was also stated that Muslim societies who live in Eurasian geography form an important section in the Muslim world.

On the second part of the declaration, the Council announces the issues on which members agreed.

"No reason may be claimed and accepted for any violence and terror acts towards innocent people. Any attempt to make a connection between social violence actions and any religion would be distorting and misleading. Undoubtedly, such a relation may be accepted neither for Islam nor for other religions," noted the declaration.

The declaration stated, "certain Muslim communities who live as minorities in Eurasia are exposed to intense anti-religious propaganda and their liberty of belief and worshipping is restricted. Exploiter missionary (proselytism) activities carried out under the name of liberty of religion may never be accepted.

The religious, cultural and educational cooperation between Eurasian Muslim societies will be strengthened and carried on. Eurasian Islamic Council countries and member societies will share their background and develop their relationships with newly-organizing members such as the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Directorate of Religious Affairs'," added the declaration.

[12] General Jones: "Turkey-U.S. relations and cooperation are stronger than ever"

Holding meetings in Ankara together with U.S. Central Command Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Lance Smith, General Jones assessed his meetings in a press conference on Friday.

Noting that they discussed global strategies in fight against terrorism as well as Turkey's concerns regarding PKK terrorist organization, General Jones said that they focused on some concrete steps about these issues.

Stressing that they are pleased with Turkey's role in fight against terrorism, Gen. Jones said that cooperation between Turkey and the United States is renewed, and that they are determined to assure freedom of people, security of borders and defeat terrorism.

Upon a question about fight against PKK in Europe, General Jones said that they are in close cooperation with Turkish forces to reach common targets in Turkey or any place in Europe, adding that there are agreements between Turkey and the United States to exchange information.

Asked about the current and future role of the United States against the PKK in the northern Iraq, General Jones said that U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq are in a very serious struggle and PKK issue is a part of this struggle. He added that steps to be taken were confirmed during meetings.

[13] Turkey will participate in NATO's Cooperative Engagement 05 Naval Exercises

Releasing a statement, the Turkish Naval Forces Command said that Turkey would participate in the exercise with TCG Gokceada (F-494) frigate and TCG Enez (M-262) mine hunter ship.

Approximately 1500 military personnel, over 20 ships and 4 helicopters from NATO, including NATO standing formations, and Partnership for Peace nations will train together in Crisis Response Operations (CRO).

NATO's Standing NRF Maritime Group Two (formerly Standing Naval Force Mediterranean) and Mine Countermeasures Group Two (formerly Mine Countermeasures Force South) will participate in the exercise, together with additional forces from 6 NATO nations: France, Greece, Italy, Romania, Slovenia and Turkey and from 4 partner nations: Albania, Azerbaijan, Croatia and Georgia.

CE 05 is a scheduled Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFC Naples) exercise and will be conducted by the headquarters Component Command Maritime Naples (CCMAR Naples).

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