Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-04-17

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Reference to the Cyprus problem by Erdogan and Merkel in Germany

[02] Babacan: Cyprus is not an obstacle to proceed with EU Acquis

[03] Erdogan and Merkel Address Turkish-German Business Summit in Hannover

[04] Turkey to open two more EU Chapters during German presidency

[05] A new party is formed in occupied Cyprus

[06] Cyprus problem to be discussed in Strasbourg by Greeks, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots

[07] The debate on early elections in the occupied areas continues

[08] The Turkish army-bound Civil Defense Organization has started a conference and exercise in the occupied areas of Cyprus; Statements by Talat and Soyer

[09] ADSL services start in occupied Cyprus

[10] Turks own land in Europe the size of Luxembourg

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Reference to the Cyprus problem by Erdogan and Merkel in Germany

In her turn the German Chancellor said that as term president of the EU they will intensify the talks with the Cyprus government. However, she added, Turkey as well should fulfil its responsibilities.

On the same issue, Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (16.04.07) reports that the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is in Germany for meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, received a message from the German leader that her administration would remain faithful to the principles and decisions taken by the previous Schroder government in regards to Turkish membership in the EU.

Erdogan and Merkel met yesterday for an hour before Erdogan left to attend the opening of the Hannover Industrial Trade Fair, at which Turkey is participating as a "Partner Country." During the meetings with Merkel, aside from Erdogan, only top ranked AKP consultant Cuneyd Zapsu was present.

Erdogan reportedly relayed to Merkel during the meeting Ankara's discomfort with not having been invited to the 50th birthday celebrations for the EU in Berlin, as well as Merkel's recent assertions that the "EU's foundation is based on Christianity." Erdogan also reportedly brought up the subject of a bill being prepared which would bring about fines for people denying the so-called Armenian genocide.

In response to Erdogan's complaints, Merkel brought up the topic of EU expectations from Ankara in regards to Cyprus, and harmony with protocols which Ankara had previously promised to follow.

The two leaders later answered questions at a joint press conference.

(MHY)

[02] Babacan: Cyprus is not an obstacle to proceed with EU Acquis

Turkey does not have the time to wait for the formal process in the EU to proceed in order to carry out reforms in its own system, said State Minister and chief EU negotiator Ali Babacan on Monday.

Speaking at a panel discussion held under the Hannover Industry Fair, Babacan noted that Turkey needed 80 billion USD to reach EU standards on environment.

"Just because we have problems in Cyprus we can't be expected to keep environmental issues on hold for example. We have taken a decision to adjust our system on environment to EU acquis communitaire. We need 80 billion USD to do this. Some of it will be supplied from the private sector and some from state institutions and it will continue until 2013," said Babacan.

Babacan stated that the EU acquis communitaire plan that is expected to be finished sometime between 2007 and 2013 will be Turkey's main road map and said Turkey would enact 200 legislative resolutions and 700 bills.

Babacan said Turkey would become an EU member in 5 to 7 years but emphasized that Turkey then would totally be a different country than today.

[03] Erdogan and Merkel Address Turkish-German Business Summit in Hannover

Turkish-German Business Summit shows how strong the relations between Turkey and Germany are, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday.

Speaking at the summit held at the Hannover Industry Fair, Chancellor Merkel stated that they have visited the pavilions of Turkish companies, together with Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and expressed the happiness she felt over seeing the strong level of cooperation between Turkish and German companies.

Underlining that Turkey was highly developed in the automotive sector Merkel suggested that there could be cooperation between Turkey and Germany which is producing car engines.

Merkel's speech was interrupted by Muhammed Demirci (Chairman Of The Association for The Victims of Fraud perpetrated by some financial groups) who loudly asked "what was to become of the victims of frauds?".

Demirci was dragged out of the hall and was taken to a police station because of his protest.

Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that there were important business opportunities in Turkey, especially in sectors such as energy and construction, inviting German entrepreneurs to make investments in his country.

Erdogan participated in the Turkish- German Business Summit held within the framework of Hannover Industry Fair, together with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Addressing Turkish and German industrialists, Erdogan said Hannover Industry Fair was a great opportunity for the Turkish industry to display its potential.

Stressing that 272 Turkish groups and many Turkish entrepreneurs in Germany participated in the fair, Erdogan indicated that Turkish economy made a remarkable progress, particularly over the last 5 years.

Commenting on the business environment in Turkey as well, Erdogan said that the amount of global capital flow to Turkey increased rapidly thanks to the elimination of certain legal obstacles.

Reminding that Turkey attracted an annual direct global capital of 1 billion USD in average 4 years ago, Erdogan said these figures rose up to 10 billion USD as of end of March 2007.

"Taking into consideration this trend, I believe we will reach 30 billion USD by the end of the year," Erdogan affirmed.

Moreover, Erdogan stressed that Turkey, whose EU adhesion process is on the right track, kept growing rapidly and it would increase this synergy during its membership process as well.

[04] Turkey to open two more EU Chapters during German presidency

Turkey submitted its negotiation position paper on 'Financial Control' chapter to the Intergovernmental Conference on "Turkey's Accession to the EU on April 13th.

According to a statement issued from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the MFA, on February 14th, 2007, received a letter from Germany which holds the rotating term presidency inviting Turkey to present its 'negotiation position paper' on the 'Financial Control' chapter.

The negotiation position paper that was prepared with the participation of related state institutions and civil organizations was submitted to the Intergovernmental Conference on "Turkey's Accession to the EU on April 13th.

"During the German presidency we expect to open negotiations on the chapter 'Financial Control', as well as the chapters 'Economic and Monetary Policy' and 'Statistics'," said the statement.

Turkey had previously submitted its negotiation position papers on 'Economic and Monetary Policy' and 'Statistics. Together with the one on 'Financial Control', Turkey has so far submitted its Negotiating Position papers on 6 chapters.

[05] A new party is formed in occupied Cyprus

The Communal Democracy Party has officially been launched in the Republic.

The new party is formed by a merger of the Communal Liberation Party and Peace and Democracy Movement.

The Foundation dossier of the new party was submitted to the Minister of Interior Özkan Murat by the Co-Chairmen of the Merger Committee Mehmet Çak1c1 and As1m 0dris this morning.

Speaking while receiving the dossier, Mr Murat said, according to the TRNC law, the new party has gained legal personality with the submission of the foundation dossier and that it has been officially launched.

[06] Cyprus problem to be discussed in Strasbourg by Greeks, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots

(MHY)

[07] The debate on early elections in the occupied areas continues

The Republics Assembly has rejected the Democrat Partys request for the Committee on Legal and Political Affairs to handle urgently the partys proposal calling for an early election.

In an address to the Assembly, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer called on political parties boycotting the Assembly to return to the Parliament to work together to set a timetable for amendments on the Constitution.

He added that the issue of an early parliamentary election could then be discussed.

The Democrat Party deputies who have been boycotting the Assembly together with National Unity Party deputies in protest of what they say, the undemocratic methods used in the formation of the CTP-ORP coalition - entered the hall of the Republics Assembly to take part at todays discussions on their proposal.

In an address to the Assembly which convened under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu, the Democrat Party Secretary General Ertugrul Hasipoglu said his party would continue its boycott of the Parliament and that the DP MPs were in the Parliament just to support the DPs proposal calling for an early election in the year.

Stressing the need for the Assembly to reflect the will of the people, he said that the DP was ready for an early election.

Another address to the Assembly was delivered by the Peace and Democracy Leader Mustafa Akinci who said that the existing situation was not making it possible to hold an early election in the year.

But, he expressed the view that it would not be possible for the current coalition to stay in power until 2010 and said that all political parties should work together to create the necessary conditions for an early election in 2008.

In his address to the Assembly, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer referred to the DP deputies attendance in todays session of the parliament as an attempt to bring a solution to the problem.

Stressing the need for the opposition parties to take part in works of the Republics Assembly, the Premier called on the opposition to end their boycott of the Assembly.

Mr Soyer stated that its essential to set a timetable for constitutional amendments and reminded that his party delivered its proposals on the issue to other political parties.

Reminding that a two-thirds majority was needed to pass a constitutional amendment, he said `we are ready to set a date for early elections within this framework.

[08] The Turkish army-bound Civil Defense Organization has started a conference and exercise in the occupied areas of Cyprus; Statements by Talat and Soyer

Civil defence experts from around 40 countries are in the TRNC for a three-day conference on international coordination, cooperation and humanitarian aid in natural disasters.

The `1st National and International Coordination and Humanitarian Assistance in the Natural Disasters and Extraordinary Situations` organized by the TRNC Civil Defence Organization started in Girne (occupied Kyrenia) today.

In an address to the conference broadcast live on BRT-1, President Mehmet Ali Talat said it would be a great honour for the Turkish Cypriot people to join the international community in attempts to heal the wounds of the people in natural disasters.

The `1st National and International Coordination and Humanitarian Assistance in the Natural Disasters and Extraordinary Situations` organized by the TRNC Civil Defence Organization started at Alsancaks Merit Crystal Cove Hotel.

In an address to the opening ceremony, the President of the Civil Defence Organization Zekai Aksakalli said the function of civil defence had gained importance as a result of changing circumstances worldwide.

He said that increasing natural disasters and extraordinary situations made it necessary to develop international aid, cooperation and coordination.

Another address to the opening ceremony was delivered by Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer who explained that the economy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has growing in spite of the fact that the Turkish Cypriot People has been suffering under an international isolation.

The Premier said that precautionary measures were being taken in the Republic to cope with any possible natural disaster or extraordinary developments.

He said that the TRNC Civil Defence Organization made big contributions to the Turkish Cypriot Peoples attempts to unite with the rest of the world by organization such a conference which brought civil defence experts from foreign countries together.

President Mehmet Ali Talat, in his address to the ceremony, expressed the belief that the conference would be very useful in strengthening cooperation and coordination among country to handle problems caused by natural disasters.

During the conference, the experts will share their knowledge on the latest technology and on educating the public and governments about natural disasters.

The three day conference will be followed by the 2nd International Civil Defence Exercise on Thursday.

The exercise will be held between 07.45pm and 11.00pm at the Doctor Faz1l Küçük Park in Tak1nkoy, Lefkosia.

[09] ADSL services start in occupied Cyprus

The faster data transmission system ADSL has started to reach internet clients throughout the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as from today.

The Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line ADSL is a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional voice band modem can provide.

It allows a single telephone connection to be used for both ADSL service and voice calls at the same time.

The ADSL services will be provided to the clients by the Internet Service Providers.

[10] Turks own land in Europe the size of Luxembourg

Amid debates over the growing number of land purchases by foreigners in Turkey, the Public Works and Housing Ministry has revealed that 196,000 pieces of property purchased in various European countries by approximately 3.8 million Turkish expatriates living in Europe are roughly equivalent to the size of Luxembourg.

In the face of ongoing controversies about land sales to foreigners fuelled by deputies and nationalist groups, Public Works and Housing Minister Faruk Ozak ordered a report drafted on the issue. According to the report, sent to deputies who had requested information on the subject from Ozak, Turkish expatriates living in Europe own 196,000 pieces of real estate, corresponding to 2.5 million square meters of land, approximately the area covered by the country of Luxembourg. According to the report, 3.8 million Turks live in European countries, comprising 955,000 households with an average monthly income of 2,060 euros.

Nationalist groups in Turkey have expressed concern over the growing number of property purchases by foreigners in Turkey, claiming that the country is being sold out to foreigners. Since 1934 some 57,000 foreign nationals have purchased 63,500 pieces of real estate in Turkey, amounting to 181,540,772 square meters of land. The list of foreign purchasers of Turkish property includes Germans, with 15,278 parcels; Britons, with 12,749; Greeks, 12,183; Dutch, 2,739; Irish, 2,541; Danish, 1,905; Austrians, 1,524; Norwegians, 1,213; Americans, 1,148 and Italians with 1,091 pieces of property. However, of the real estate parcels bought by Greek citizens, 11,166 were actually purchased by Greeks who originally hailed from Turkey. According to their investment history, the British prefer to live in Mugla, while the Germans, Dutch, Irish and Norwegians choose Antalya. The Greeks favour Izmir.

After the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government enacted a law that facilitated the sale of land to foreigners, on Dec. 29, 2005, 15,842 new pieces of real estate have changed hands. In the last two years, nearly 19,000 foreigners from 58 countries have purchased property in Turkey, with Alanya, Fethiye, Didim, Bodrum, Kusadas1 and Urgup the favourite locations. While citizens of Nordic countries and Germany prefer Alanya, the British opt for Fethiye and Didim. Some 14,124 real estate parcels in Antalya, 8,218 in Mugla, 5,744 in Ayd1n and 4,549 in Izmir were bought by foreigners.

Turkey limits the land that can be sold to foreigners to 2.5 hectares. The previous law allowed the sale of 3 hectares of land; however, the AK Party government decreased it to the current 2.5. Turkey has concluded agreements with 51 countries concerning the reciprocal sale of land, but no such agreement exists with 42 countries. Provided that they have a valid residence permit, the citizens of 14 other countries are allowed to buy Turkish land. The Interior Ministry can permit the citizens of 29 countries to purchase land in Turkey.

The survey also revealed that Turkish citizens own about 1 million square meters of land in Syria. Turks also claim ownership to an additional 2 million square meters of land there, which has become a source of friction between the two countries. Following the recent warming in bilateral relations between Turkey and Syria, disputes over this land are expected to be resolved in the near future, after which property owned by Turks in Syria will amount to approximately 3 million square meters. Syrians own 1,886 of 2,050 real estate parcels in an area of south-eastern Anatolia.

EG/

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