Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-05-31

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Letter by the UN Secretary-General to Talat.

[02] Paper claims that The EU and the TRNC engage in bargaining on the port issue.

[03] Economic co-operation protocol signed between Turkey and the illegal regime it has set up in occupied Cyprus.

[04] Erdogan discussed Cyprus and regional issues with US Congressmen.

[05] Turkey to send tourists visiting Turkey to occupied Cyprus.

[06] The second meeting of Islamic Commerce and Industry Chamber to be held in occupied Cyprus.

[07] Turkey and the US agreed on the strategic vision.

[08] American conglomerates to invest in Turkey.

[09] The Turkey-Russia joint economic committee met in Istanbul.

[10] Turkey and South Africa to co-operate in the defence industry

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Letter by the UN Secretary-General to Talat

Hasan Ercakica, `TRNC Presidency´ spokesman, briefed reporters about Annan's letter which was sent (on May 22nd) as a reply to Talat's letter (sent on April 4th, 2006.) "Although Mr Annan thinks the current condition does let him undertake his mission of good offices again, he wants Ibrahim Gambari (Annan's assistant for political matters) to visit the island soon and assess the situation," said Ercakica.

Ercakica noted: "Annan, in his letter, said he supports activities of technical committees, but these activities do not aim to substitute the talks for a comprehensive resolution within the scope of the mission of good offices. Annan also noted that although his plan is not legal, it draws the outlines of any possible resolution in the future."

Ercakica said that the uncertainty about the Cyprus issue stems from the attitude of Greek Cypriots.

"There are significant differences between statements and attitudes of Greek Cypriots. Annan also mentioned them in his latest report. This situation is an obstacle before resumption of talks," added Ercakica.

"Annan's report on 6-month extension of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) mission is an objective one. Political developments during this 6-month period were conveyed objectively," noted Ercakica.

Noting that activities continue regarding the financial assistance regulation which aims at Turkish Cypriots' integration with the EU, Ercakica said: "We will not make use of any resource upon directions of Greek Cypriot administration."

Ercakica added: "TRNC Presidency Undersecretary Rasit Pertev will hold talks in Vienna tomorrow regarding direct trade regulation."

On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (30.05.06) broadcast the following:

The `Presidential´ Spokesman Hasan Ercakica has said that the United Nations still continues to support the Annan Plan as a basis for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

Mr Ercakica also stated that the Greek Cypriot Sides negative stance had to change in order for a new initiative to be launched on the Cyprus issue.

Speaking at the weekly `Presidential´ press briefing, Mr Ercakica said that `President´ Mehmet Ali Talat has received a reply to his letter dated 4th of April from the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Mr Ercakica said that Mr Annan had made it clear in his letter that the existing political conditions on the island were not suitable to reopen his good offices mission in Cyprus.

The letter also stated that the technical committees would not substitute negotiations aimed at finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem.

Reminding that the Turkish Cypriot Side had evaluated Mr Annans six month report as objective and fair, Mr Ercakica stated that it is not clear how to break the current deadlock on the Cyprus Issue.

Referring to the Financial Assistance Regulation, the `Spokesman´ said that the regulation will be put into practice by the European Commission as promised.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot Side was against bargaining on the Direct Trade Regulation, Mr Ercakica said that it was unacceptable for the `TRNC´ to allow the issue of opening Maras (occupied Famagusta) to be discussed within this framework.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime set up by the Turkish Republic through the force of arms in occupied northern Cyprus).

[02] Paper claims that The EU and the TRNC engage in bargaining on the port issue

HURRIYETs correspondent in the occupied area Omer Bilge reports that the TRNC refuses to return Varosha to the Greek Cypriots on which Austria insists. On the other hand Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, had declared that Turkish sea and airports will not be opened to the Greek Cypriots unless all the TRNC ports are opened and proposed that all the prohibitions be removed at the same time.

In his turn reports Bilge, Greek Cypriot leader Papadopoulos who rejected Turkeys proposal, offered that in case the closed city of Varosha is opened to the Greek Cypriots then the Famagusta port could be opened to the joint Geek and Turkish Cypriot use. And when the issue locked up on the removal of the isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots then Austria started looking for formulae in order to come out of this situation.

Bilge reports that yesterday Mehmet Ali Talat dispatched his undersecretary Rasit Pertev to Vienna and today Mr Pertev will be meeting with Austrian Foreign Affairs Ministry undersecretary Johannes Kyrle and will be telling to Mr Kyrle that Varosha could not be a subject for bargaining. On the other hand, Austria insists on the bargain that envisages Varoshas returning to that of the opening of the TRNC ports under UN or the EU control.

(MHY)

[03] Economic co-operation protocol signed between Turkey and the illegal regime it has set up in occupied Cyprus

"Despite unfair embargoes, several important developments have occurred in the economy of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ (`TRNC´)," said Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener on Tuesday.

A second additional protocol signed between Turkey and the `TRNC´ under the economic assistance and cooperation protocol which was signed in 2005.

`TRNC Prime Minister´ Ferdi Sabit Soyer and Sener signed the protocol.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sener said: "Our cooperation has made valuable contributions to the economic developments in the `TRNC´. The second additional protocol will provide the `TRNC´ with a loan of 135 million USD."

"We believe that embargoes imposed on the `TRNC´ should be lifted as soon as possible. The EU made some promises and it should fulfil its promises now," he stressed.

Meanwhile, `TRNC Prime Minister´Soyer said in his part: "Instead of wasting this financial support of the Turkish government for our current expenses, we target to have an integrated economy with the world and the EU economies."

[04] Erdogan discussed Cyprus and regional issues with US Congressmen

It is a must to lift unfair isolations and embargoes imposed on `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ (`TRNC´)," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he met the members of a U.S. House of Representatives delegation in Ankara on Tuesday.

Erdogan and delegation members focused on Cyprus, Iran, relations between Israel and Palestine, Iraq and allegations regarding the so-called Armenian genocide, during the meeting.

Erdogan said: "TRNC is for peace and it should not be punished. Also Greek Cypriot administration --which voted against Annan Plan-- should not be rewarded. We expect the United States to take new steps on this issue".

Regarding Hamas, Erdogan said: "To assure the security is the first thing to do to settle the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, and then, road map should be re-activated. We support a solution based on a two-state formula. Palestinian people should not be punished by cutting humanitarian aid."

"Turkey is for a fair solution," said Erdogan regarding Iran issue.

As regards developments in Iraq, he indicated, "Kirkuk's status should be preserved. Deployment of joint efforts against terrorist organization (PKK) is important."

Erdogan also explained to his interlocutors Turkey's position about allegations regarding so-called Armenian genocide.

On the other hand, U.S. Congressmen Roy Blunt and Steny Hoyer supported Turkey's suggestion to establish a commission of historians to study the allegations (of the Armenians).

Hoyer noted that Turkey and the United States attach utmost importance to security and stability in Middle East and the world, adding that elimination of terrorism is a priority for both countries.

Regarding Israeli-Palestinian dispute, Hoyer said that the United States welcomes the message sent by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's (to Hamas) asking it to give up terrorism and supporting two-state solution.

Noting that statements of Hamas to destroy Israel by means of terrorism caused uneasiness in the United States, Hoyer said that they will not recognize Hamas as a legitimate interlocutor until it gives up terrorism.

[05] Turkey to send tourists visiting Turkey to occupied Cyprus

Delivering his speech Mr Koc stated that great interest is shown from tourists that come from the Far East and added that these tourists do not want to tour only one country when they visit Turkey but they also want to visit Syria and Egypt. In this framework, he said, the TRNC can be added to the tour of foreign tourists who visit Turkey. In order for this to be possible a connecting infrastructure must be established in Mersin, Turkey so that trips can be made from this town to the TRNC, he concluded.

(C/S)

[06] The second meeting of Islamic Commerce and Industry Chamber to be held in occupied Cyprus

The meeting was organized with the aim of strengthening the cooperation and supporting the commercial and economic relations of the Islamic countries.

A written statement issued by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, states that during the meeting, it was decided that the second Central Asia and European Region Meeting takes place in occupied Cyprus.

In the First Central Asia and European Region Meeting, the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce was represented by its Chairman, Mr Erdil Nami and its Vice-Chairman, Mr Hasan Kutlu Ince, while the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry was represented by the Chamber´s Deputy Chairman, Mr Galip Yuksel.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Surinam and Tajikistan have also participated in the meeting.

(M/L)

[07] Turkey and the US agreed on the strategic vision

Gurer says that the report will disclose that Turkey and the United states have reached an agreement on the Cyprus problem. It notes that the United States has agreed to the following provision: The United states supports the action plan disclosed by Turkey and shares the view that the sanctions on the Turkish Cypriot people should be lifted.

Gurer concludes that during earlier negotiations the USA had insisted that regarding isolations only the expression the USA supports the action plan disclosed by Turkey should be included in the document.

[08] American conglomerates to invest in Turkey

Turkish companies will be briefed about the rules to enter the American market as part of the Business Development Project jointly conducted by Turkey Associations and Stock Exchanges Association (TOBB) and the US Chamber of Commerce.

The TOBB Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu came together with the Chairman of the Executive Committee at US Chamber of Commerce John W. Bachmann, who said American investors are encouraged by the stable inflation environment and increasing gross national income in Turkey.

Bachmann further assured that even though he cannot reveal the names of the companies, they are well-known names by American standards.

The American business executive recalled General Electric (GE) has already launched investments in Turkey, and others will soon follow.

GE bought 25.5 percent of Turkey's Garanti Bank by paying $1.8 billion in late 2005.

The Business Development Project aims to form a common market in the US and train companies about market qualities as well as business conditions. Both parties are providing supplies to the project, which is on the verge of completion.

Hisarciklioglu, on the other side, emphasized Turkey has three per one thousand shares in American import. The US is the top importer in the world. Its annual import figures exceed $1.5 trillion.

[09] The Turkey-Russia joint economic committee met in Istanbul

"We have decided to discuss ways to provide permanent flow of natural gas from Russia to Turkey and ways to cut natural gas prices," said Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen after Turkey-Russia Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting in Istanbul on Tuesday.

A protocol was signed at the end of the meeting by Turkish-Russian JEC co-chairmen. The protocol was also signed by Tuzmen and Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko of Russia.

Tuzmen told reporters: "Trade volume between Russia and Turkey rose by 50 percent in 2005 when compared with 2004, and it exceeded 15 billion USD. This figure will reach 18 billion USD by the end of this year. We will achieve our bilateral trade volume target of 25 billion USD in 2008."

"Turkish contractors undertook 2.5 billion USD of projects in Russia only in 2005. The amount of Turkish investments in Russia is more than 2 billion USD," he added.

"At today's JEC meeting, we have decided to rapidly start talks on a new and comprehensive trade and partnership agreement (between Turkey and Russia) and prepare infrastructure which will provide free movement of properties and services in bilateral trade. We have also decided to sign a joint action plan between 2006 and 2008," he said.

Tuzmen said: "We have made important decisions regarding energy sector which is very important for economic cooperation between Turkey and Russia. We have decided to discuss ways to provide permanent flow of natural gas from Russia to Turkey and ways to cut natural gas prices. We have also decided to work together in exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas in our two countries as well as in third countries."

[10] Turkey and South Africa to co-operate in the defence industry

Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul met Public Enterprises Minister Alexander Erwin of South Africa in Ankara on Tuesday.

Speaking at the meeting, Gonul said that the bilateral relations between the two countries had gained impetus after last year's visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to South Africa.

"South Africa has made a great progress in the area of defense industry. We put emphasis on boosting relations between the ministries of defense of Turkey and South Africa. We hope that a military cooperation agreement will be signed between our countries soon," he said.

Meanwhile, Erwin said in his part that Turkey and South Africa could cooperate in missiles technology and assault helicopter program.

/SK

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article