Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-04-03

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Reactions to the measures for the Turkish Cypriots announced by the Republic of Cyprus

[02] Gul to discuss direct trade with the TRNC with the German Foreign Minister

[03] The Turkish Cypriot side has reportedly submitted a document with its views regarding the 8 July process

[04] Turkish Minister Sener to sign a protocol with the breakaway regime in the occupied part of Cyprus

[05] Azerbaijani trade expert visits the occupied areas of Cyprus

[06] Turkish State Minister Tuzmen: TRNC gradually became an investment and attraction centre

[07] Members of the British House of Lords express their readiness to help the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus

[08] The crisis between Soyer and General Kivrikoglu continues

[09] Conflict continues in the internal politics of the Turkish Cypriots

[10] A professor of Greek origin refers to the oil reserves and the solution of the Cyprus problem

[11] Turkish Motherland Party loses group status at the Turkish Grand National Assembly

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Reactions to the measures for the Turkish Cypriots announced by the Republic of Cyprus

There is a pledge made by the EU which has not yet been fulfilled. What matters for us is the fact that promises given to the Turkish Cypriots should be kept. What others are doing doesnt interest us, the same sources were quoted yesterday as saying by the Anatolia news agency, ahead of Foreign Minister Abdullah Güls visit to Berlin today. In April 2004 the European Commission proposed the regulation of direct trade and financial assistance to reward the Turkish Cypriots for their willingness for reunification. Yet the EUs direct trade proposal was apparently suspended in 2006, when EU member states agreed to decouple it from a financial aid scheme, without a hint as to when the direct trade regulation would again be taken up. At a January meeting this year the EU ministers decided that work towards lifting the trade isolation of northern Cyprus should begin without delay.

It is noted that the other mainland Turkish newspapers make no reference at all to the measures.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (03.04.07) refers to the issue of the Direct Trade Regulation under the banner front page title Tension is increasing on the Direct Trade. The paper publishes the statements by Mr Dimitris Christofias, the President of the House of Representatives and General Secretary of AKEL, who said that the EU could not proceed with the regulation without the approval of the Republic of Cyprus.

HALKIN SESI notes also that the General Secretary of the Republican Turkish Party, Omer Kalyoncu called on the EU to be alert on the issue of the proposals submitted recently by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily YENIDUZEN newspaper (03.04.07) reports that Mr Kalyoncu argued that the aim of the above-mentioned proposals is to do away with the Direct Trade Regulation and called on the EU not to play this game. He alleged that we can reach nowhere with such old proposals.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Gul to discuss direct trade with the TRNC with the German Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is set to pay a two-day official visit to Germany where he would meet his counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier and launch a project on providing consular services on the internet, diplomatic sources said.

Turkey's European Union accession and Turkish-German relations would top the agenda of the meeting between Gul and Steinmeier, with the former pushing for the opening of new "chapters" or policy areas in Turkey's membership talks with the EU under the German presidency.

Gul would also demand that EU take steps towards ending an international embargo and isolations imposed on Turkish Cypriots and fulfilling a commitment to establish direct trade ties with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Gul and Steinmeier would also talk about recent developments in international arena such as Iran, Iraq, Middle East peace process and Kosovo.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (03.04.07) reports that according to ABHaber website the Turkish Cypriots are very disappointed from the negative developments on the issue of the Direct Trade Regulation. In case Germany ignores the issue, the Turkish Cypriots may be break off the EU, argues ABHaber. Invoking sources, ABHaber notes that in case Germany finds no solution to the issue, it will be difficult for the next term presidencies, Portugal and Slovenia, to do something and therefore the issue will be shelved.

[03] The Turkish Cypriot side has reportedly submitted a document with its views regarding the 8 July process

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Minister Sener to sign a protocol with the breakaway regime in the occupied part of Cyprus

Turkish State Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener will pay a visit to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Turkish and TRNC parties are expected to sign a protocol on economic relationship during the stay of Sener who will arrive in TRNC tomorrow.

A Turkish technical delegation headed by Halil Ibrahim Akca (deputy undersecretary at State Planning Organization-DTP) who is holding talks in Lefkosia ahead of Sener's visit had a meeting with TRNC Economy & Tourism Minister Enver Ozturk.

Ozturk said that Turkey's financial aids and contributions boosted Turkish Cypriot economy.

On the other hand, Akca underlined that TRNC economy would have a sounder structure thanks to the protocol that would be signed between Turkey and TRNC on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (03.04.07) reports that Abdullatif Sener, Turkeys State Minister responsible for Cyprus, is visiting today the occupied areas of the island in order to sign tomorrow a cooperation protocol with the breakaway regime. A technical delegation from Turkey met yesterday with the self-styled minister of economy and tourism, Enver Ozturk, who said that only with the aid and the contribution of Turkey the economy of the TRNC, breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, will be strengthened and reach EU productivity standards.

The head of the Turkish delegation, Halil Ibrahim Akca reminded that a protocol which includes the aid that Turkey will provide to the occupied areas for the next three years has been signed on 20 July this year. He noted that within the period which passed since then a protocol was prepared by the TRNC and sent to Turkey. He added that the technical committees of Turkey and the TRNC discussed this protocol and reached an agreement.

[05] Azerbaijani trade expert visits the occupied areas of Cyprus

Aliyev is visiting the occupied areas of Cyprus within the framework of efforts for establishing an Economic and Cultural Platform of countries such as the Turkic republics, Ukraine and South Korea. Aliyef said that their aim is the establishment of such a forum with the cooperation of the Turkish Cypriot Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

He noted that in the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, the representatives of the private sector should also act together with the state and added that he asked support from Mr Ozturk on this issue.

Mr Ozturk stated that they should establish close cooperation and solidarity with the Turkic republics for the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and added that their tourism cooperation with Azerbaijan should be developed further.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Turkish State Minister Tuzmen: TRNC gradually became an investment and attraction centre

Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen stated that exports reaching nearly 8.9 billion USD in March, constituted the highest export figures on monthly basis so far.

Speaking at a news conference in Customs Undersecretariat, Tuzmen briefed reporters on export figures.

Commenting on the exports amounting 8.9 billion USD just in March, Tuzmen emphasized that Turkey reached such a monthly figure for the first time in its history.

"We hope to reach a 100 billion USD-export figure this year, as we promised," Tuzmen, noted.

Replying to questions on "growth rate figures" made public today by Turkish Board of Statistics (TUIK) as well, Tuzmen said, "Turkey's growth is achieved thanks to foreign trade. Export is the engine of such process. The rise in foreign trade is the main reason why Turkey has been growing for the last 20 quarters consecutively".

Replying to a question on whether "Turkey would open a border gate at Anamur district of southern city of Mersin which is the nearest point to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)", Tuzmen stressed, they carried out activities to modernize the existing gates rather than opening too many new ones.

Tuzmen also commented on the recent visit of a Syrian trade delegation to TRNC. Noting that he met the delegation prior to their visit to TRNC, Tuzmen said, TRNC gradually became an investment and attraction centre.

[07] Members of the British House of Lords express their readiness to help the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus

Three members of the British House of Lords visit Deputy-Prime Minister Foreign Minister Avci. Speaking during the meeting, Lord Maginnis said that he would be suggesting some ideas to remove the difficulties being faced in the field of communication and to fight against the intense lobbying of the Greek Cypriot Side.

Referring to the work being carried out by the TRNC London Office, he said a strategy should be drawn for the office to be more effective, and expressed the groups readiness to help the Turkish Cypriot people in explaining the realities of Cyprus.

`We are ready to extend our influence into the European Union to explain the conditions being imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people` he said, adding that all pressure groups in London should join their forces to take further action.

Pointing out that the TRNC won the Orams case and the case with London Transport Authority, he expressed the belief that the TRNC will also win the case with direct flights.

For his part, Lord Harrison said that as supporters of the British government which is a friend of the Turkish Cypriot People and a supporter of Turkeys EU membership - they will continue their contacts elsewhere in the world especially within the European Union - to multiply the opportunities for the TRNC.

He underlined the need for the Turkish Cypriot people to explain the realities of Cyprus and said that they look forward to strengthen their friendship with the Turkish Cypriot people.

Another member of the group, Lord Ahmet said that the Turkish Cypriot community in London who plays a very important role in the British capital and invests in the Republic- is acting as a bridge between the two countries.

Stressing that members of the group are strong supporters of the TRNC, he stressed that the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people should be lifted and direct flights should be established to bring more tourists to the Republic.

For his part, Mr Avci underlined the need for the European Union to keep the promises it made to the Turkish Cypriot people.

He stressed that the Turkish Cypriot People is ready to work for a just solution in Cyprus based on the political equality of the two sides. He complained that the Turkish Cypriot people has been suffering under restrictions in all fields, including sports and culture in spite of its approval of the UN peace plan.

Complaining of the inhumane treatment of the Turkish Cypriot people, he said how can the EU speak about human rights while the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people continues.

Explaining that the Turkish Cypriot Side removed the footbridge at Lokmaci (Ledra Street) to speed up the opening of a gate at the point, Mr Avci complained that the Greek Cypriot Side which demolished the wall on its side at the point, later replaced it with a plastic wall.

Mr Avci complained that the United Nations which welcomed the knocking down of the wall in the South - did not react to the erection of the wall.

[08] The crisis between Soyer and General Kivrikoglu continues

The paper invokes a report published yesterday in Cumhuriyet according to which the general said that he would never forgive Soyer unless he apologizes to the martyrs and the Turkish Cypriot people. He should declare that he will not show disrespect to the flag again. And he should say these openly to the people so that everybody may see and know, said General Kivrikoglu. When asked how a prime minister could do this, Kivrikoglu replied: He should have thought before doing these.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Conflict continues in the internal politics of the Turkish Cypriots

He noted that from now on he joins the boycott of the assembly together with the MPs of the National Unity Party and the Democratic Party. The number of the seats of the CTP-ORP coalition in the assembly is now standing at 29 out of the 50 MPs.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily SOZCU newspaper (03.04.07) reports that Mustafa Arabacioglu, General Secretary of the Democratic Party (DP), has said that they are preparing to submit a motion to the assembly for early elections. Most probably, he noted, an MP from DP will participate in a session of the body in order to submit the motion. During the voting all the MPs could participate, he added.

(I/Ts.)

[10] A professor of Greek origin refers to the oil reserves and the solution of the Cyprus problem

According to information acquired by Hilmi Akil, the breakaway regimes Washington representative, Dr Skordas, who is a professor at the Law Faculty of Bristol University, delivered a speech at the Woodrow Wilson Foundation in the USA on the issue of Managing the Petrol in Eastern Mediterranean; Cyprus, Turkey and the International Law. He alleged that at this stage the most possible solution in Cyprus is the confederation and the recognition of the TRNC in return of the Turkish sides giving a considerable amount of land.

(I/Ts.)

[11] Turkish Motherland Party loses group status at the Turkish Grand National Assembly

Deputy Chairman of the Motherland Party Group Omer Abusoglu passed away after a car accident in southern city of Adana.

Earlier today, Abusoglu and his family had a car accident in Adana, injuring Motherland Party MP badly, said sources.

Abusoglu, who was rushed into hospital shortly after the accident, died on the road to hospital, sources added.

Meanwhile, the Motherland Party can no longer have a political party group at the parliament because the number of MPs required to set up a political party group is 20.

Below is the new distribution of seats at the parliament:

AKP: 354

CHP: 153

MOTHERLAND: 19

DYP: 4

SHP: 1

HYP: 1

GP: 1

INDEPENDENT: 10

VACANT: 7

TOTAL: 550

(AKP stands for ruling Justice & Development Party, CHP for main opposition Republican People's Party, DYP for True Path Party, SHP for Social Democrat People's Party, HYP for People's Rise Party, GP for Young Party)

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