Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-09-11

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey to spend 50 million dollars on its campaign to become non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2009-2010 term

[02] How the press covered Koksal Toptans illegal visit to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[03] More on the statements of Tayyip Erdogan to Star Kibris newspaper

[04] Statements by Talat in Istanbul after meeting with ICT and media organizations members

[05] Statements by Talat in the Russian publication Expert

[06] The occupation regime denies rumours that investments will take place in Karpass peninsula

[07] Meliz Redif participated in the Balkan Athletics Championship - TRNC basketball federation chairman met with the FIBA Europe Chairman

[08] Turkey and Russia to construct a joint iron and steel plant in Iskenderun

[09] TUSIAD to hold contacts with officials in Brussels and London before Turkeys EU Progress Report

[10] OIC Commercial Negotiation Committee meets in Ankara

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey to spend 50 million dollars on its campaign to become non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2009-2010 term

Turkey begun to spend money in order to be elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2009-2010 term. Turkey which reserved approximately 50 million dollars for its membership campaign, in order to be elected needs to secure 128 votes out of 192 countries.

Turkey launched its first campaign for non-permanent membership from the countries which have lost their right of voting for the reason that they could not pay their subscription to the UN General Assembly or they could not pay their share of contribution to the UN. The debts of these countries, which have small population and most of them are poor, have been paid by the Foreign Ministry.

For this purpose, a budget of 20 million dollars has been allocated for the Ministry. On the one hand, Turkey looked for support by offering this kind of aid and on the other hand, by sending ambassadors to these small countries.

During these visits, the necessities of the countries and their aid expectations were designated. Afterwards, the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) got into action and spent 15 million dollars during 2006 for the development of these countries.

(ML)

[02] How the press covered Koksal Toptans illegal visit to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

Under the title The Turkish Side did its part, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.09.07) reports in its first page that Koksal Toptan, the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) started his visit to occupied Cyprus yesterday, heading a delegation of MPs and TGNA officials. This is the first visit of Mr Toptan abroad as Speaker of the TGNA. Speaking at the illegal Tymvou airport Mr Toptan stated, inter alia, that the Greek Cypriot side is responsible for the fact that no permanent, just and comprehensive solution is found for the Cyprus problem. He also stated that the Turkish side did its part and acted in favour of solution for the sake of ensuring peace and democracy and intergrading with the world. He also stated that the international community started gradually to become aware of this and that soon they will ask for the lifting of the unfair restrictions imposed against the Turkish Cypriots.

Reporting further on Mr Toptans visit, Kibris writes that the Speaker of the TGNA held contacts with various self-styled officials, among them the speaker of the assembly Fatma Ekenoglu, and the prime minister Ferdi Soyer. Today Mr Toptan will meet with Mehmet Ali Talat, Rauf Denktas and the commander of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus, Hayri Kivrikoglu.

Under the title Toptan: The solution will be only of a two state solution, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (11.09.07) also reports about the visit of Mr Toptan to occupied Cyprus and writes that the Speaker of the TGNA stated, inter alia, that the permanent solution in Cyprus can only be achieved on the existence of two separate people, two democracies and two states.

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.09.07) reports on the same issue and writes that Mr Toptan stated that we are not responsible for the non-solution of the Cyprus problem.

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (11.09.07) comments on Mr Toptans visit writing in its first page the following: The TGNA Speaker Toptan made to the TRNC his first official visit to a foreign country. There is an error here. Since when is the TRNC considered to be a foreign country for Turkey?

On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (10.09.07) broadcast the following:

The Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Koksal Toptan has arrived in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for a 3-day official visit.

Speaking on his arrival, Mr Toptan stressed that a lasting, just and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem can only be found with respect for the reality that there are two separate communities, states and democracies on the island.

The Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Koksal Toptan arrived in the Republic this afternoon for a three day visit as guest of the Speaker of the Republics Assembly, Fatma Ekenoglu.

Speaking on his arrival at Ercan (occupied Tymvou) Airport, Mr Toptan stressed that a lasting, just and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem can only be reached with respect for the reality that there are two separate communities, states and democracies on the island.

He also called for the immediate lifting of the unjust international isolation on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Pointing out that his visit to the TRNC was the first by him to a foreign country as the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, Mr Toptan expressed the belief that the visit will improve the relations between the two countries further.

Accusing the Greek Cypriot Administration of being responsible for the failure of finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, he said the Turkish Side had fulfilled all its responsibilities towards bringing a solution to the problem.

Stating that restrictions imposed on the TRNC are still continuing despite the efforts being carried out by the Turkish Cypriot people, Mr Toptan said: `we think that all these unjust restrictions should immediately be lifted`.

Welcoming his Turkish counterpart, the Speaker of the TRNC Assembly, Fatma Ekenoglu, said that Mr Toptans visit to the Republic is the proof of the importance he attaches to the Turkish Cypriot People.

She also expressed the hope that existing cooperation between the two parliaments will further be improved.

Earlier, speaking at Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Mr Toptan said that Turkey is in support of improving relations between the TRNC and the Greek Cypriot Administration in a way that will make it possible to bring peace and happiness to the two communities on the island.

He also added that Turkey will do its best to achieve peace in Cyprus.

Soon after his arrival in the Republic, Mr Toptan together with the Speaker of the Parliament Fatma Ekenoglu, deputy-Speaker of the Parliament Mehmet Bayram, Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosia Turkekul Kurttekin and the Minister of Finance Ahmet Uzun, visited the tomb of Doctor Fazil Kucuk and the Ataturk Monument in Lefkosia. Later, he was received by Mrs Ekenoglu and Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer. Tomorrow, Mr. Toptan will be received by President Mehmet Ali Talat. He will also pay a visit to the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosia Turkekul Kurttekin.

On the same day, he will visit the former President Rauf Denktas and the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus- Lieutenant General, Hayri Kivrikoglu.

Mr Toptan will leave the Republic on Wednesday.

Furthermore, Ankara Anatolia news agency (10.09.07) reports the following from Ankara:

Turkish Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan said that isolations over Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) continue despite all well-intended efforts by TRNC government to resolve the Cyprus problem. He also asked for the lifting of the isolations as soon as possible.

Before leaving for TRNC Monday for his first formal visit to a foreign country, Toptan told reporters that TRNC has met all its obligations regarding a fair, permanent and comprehensive solution.

He said that TRNC endeavored a lot to reach a solution in the island ensuring peace, democracy and integration with the rest of the world.

Noting that the TRNC has achieved a significant economic growth in the past 5 years and reached 11,000 USD of national income per capita, Toptan said the country will soon become a tourist magnet and a higher education hub. Mainland Turkey will continue to support TRNC to achieve that goal, he pledged.

[03] More on the statements of Tayyip Erdogan to Star Kibris newspaper

Mr Erdogan said, inter alia, that Turkey did not make any concession from its national interest during the term of the 59th government of Turkey, of which he was the Prime Minister. He also stated that during this time, a great ability to maneuver was won in the international arena and added that the result of the policy followed was successful. He also stated that with this success not a single soldier was withdrawn from Cyprus and not a centimetre of land was given away. He also added that they will continue to do everything they could in order to safeguard the security and the prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots.

Commenting on the 5th of July meeting between Talat and Papadopoulos, Mr Erdogan stated, inter alia, that everything is taking place in front of the world and added that no ones is saying any more that the side that does not want to come to an agreement is the Turkish side. He said that their government along with the TRNC authorities, will be in consultation from now on. He said that as Mr Talat stated they are in favour of discussing every subject. But this does not mean that we will wait forever, he said and added: Everything is under control from the TRNC and Turkeys point of view.

Mr Erdogan also stated that they are not interested in the messages given by others and are addressed to the people or are related to the election.

(CS)

[04] Statements by Talat in Istanbul after meeting with ICT and media organizations members

President Mehmet Ali Talat flew to Istanbul today on a day long visit. The President will talk to various media organizations and hold a meeting with the Independent Commission on Turkey (ICT).

The Commission is made up of former Finnish President Marti Ahtisaari, former Spanish and Dutch Foreign Ministers Marcelino Oreja Aguirre and Hans van den Broek, and former Secretary General for Foreign Affairs of Austria Albert Rohan and former Italian Minister for Europe Emma Bonino, former Polish Foreign Minister Bronislaw Geremek.

The President is expected to return to the Republic tonight.

On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (10.09.07) broadcast the following:

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the Greek Cypriot Side does not have the will to move the 8th July process forward and to bring about a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

The President said that he could meet again with the Greek Cypriot Leader Papadopoulos if he sees any possibility to achieve progress towards a solution during contacts between the two sides through the United Nations.

Mr Talat was speaking in Istanbul after meeting with representatives of foreign media organizations in Turkey.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, President Talat said he had provided the inside story of his meeting with the Greek Cypriot Leader Tassos Papadopoulos.

Accusing the Greek Cypriot Side of trying to manipulate the media, Mr Talat said the meeting was important as it gave him the opportunity to prevent such manipulations and to enlighten the foreign media on the realities.

He noted that the Turkish Cypriot Sides views were understood by foreign media representatives.

On the 5th of September, we proposed that the 8th July process be speeded up, regulated and disciplined and turned into a result-yielding process. So there is no reason for these proposals not being understood`, the President said, reminding that the Turkish Cypriot Sides thoughts were rejected by the Greek Cypriot Side which doesnt have the will to solve the Cyprus problem.

Reminding that there were many speculations over his meeting with Mr Papadopoulos because of the forthcoming Presidential elections in South Cyprus, Mr Talat said it is wrong to turn the Cyprus problem into a political tool.

He also added that he could meet with the Greek Cypriot Leader Papadopoulos again if he sees any possibility to achieve progress towards a solution during contacts between the two sides through the United Nations.

The President is expected to arrive in the Republic tonight.

[05] Statements by Talat in the Russian publication Expert

President Mehmet Ali Talat has expressed confidence that Turkey will join the European Union.

The TRNC Presidents words came in an interview with the Russian publication Expert.

Responding to a question in the interview, President Talat said he is absolutely sure that the European Union will take Turkey as a member, though, this will not be in a near future.

Warning of the possible dire consequences the rejection of Turkeys EU membership bid might have, the TRNC President predicted that Turkey losing the perspective of EU membership will have an adverse effect on the efforts aimed at reaching a settlement to end the Cyprus problem.

Also referring to the technical aspects of Turkeys eventual EU membership; Mr Talat said that for the European Union to be ready to absorb a large economy like Turkey as a member, the Block should first solve its own internal structural problems.

Turkey will not resort to revenge in case its membership bid fails, but nevertheless, such a development will lead to a change of risk factors and even tamper with the balance of powers he added.

Mr Talat expressed the belief that Northern Cyprus remaining as part of the European Union in a de-facto manner; while Turkey is kept outside, may lead to Ankara perceiving this situation as a security threat for herself.

[06] The occupation regime denies rumours that investments will take place in Karpass peninsula

As Afrika writes, Mr Duzgun made these statements after speculations published in the press that the government is making secret bargaining with various firms.

In addition, illegal Bayrak television (10.09.07) broadcast the following:

The High Court has adjourned for ten days its hearing of the injunction bid by the Extended Sustainable Environment Platform.

The Platform has been campaigning against the governments Dipkarpaz (occupied Karpass) electricity scheme, which it claims, will lead to the destruction of the area by attracting unwanted investment. The court said the case was adjourned to provide time for the notification of the case to the Cyprus Turkish Electricity Department, which was earlier included into the bid.

(CS)

[07] Meliz Redif participated in the Balkan Athletics Championship - TRNC basketball federation chairman met with the FIBA Europe Chairman

In addition, Yeni Duzen also reports in its sport pages that the TRNC basketball federation chairman Levent Cagdal met in Spain with the FIBA Europe Chairman George Vassilakopoulos. In the meeting, which lasted for about an hour, Mr Cagdal said to George Vassilakopoulos, inter alia, that they only want to play basketball and conveyed to him the distressed face by the young people of the country.

(CS)

[08] Turkey and Russia to construct a joint iron and steel plant in Iskenderun

The construction of a Joint iron and steel factory by Turkish Atakas Companies Group and Russian MMK (Magnitogorsk Iron&Steel Works) would start in Iskenderun end October, Atakas Companies Group Chairman Recep Atakas told A.A. on Monday.

Meanwhile, another joint investment of Atakas and MMK on iron-steel sector (amounting 1.1 billion USD) evolves smoothly, added Atakas.

He said that they will employ a workforce of 2,000 at the new factory, adding that 99 percent of them will be Turkish. "Our investment will contribute to ease unemployment problem in the region" he said.

Atakas revealed that first production in their factory will start in September, 2009 and added that when the factory will be completed in 2010, annual production capacity would reach 2.6 million tons.

MMK Company is the biggest iron-steel producer of Russia, and ranks among the top 20 producers in the world. MMK's production amounted 12 million tons in 2006.

[09] TUSIAD to hold contacts with officials in Brussels and London before Turkeys EU Progress Report

The TUSIAD delegation will hold contacts today in Brussels and they will meet with the EP President Hans-Gert Pottering, the EU Commissioner Responsible for Enlargement Olli Rehn and the co-president of the group European GreensEuropean Free Alliance in the European Parliament, Daniel Cohn-Bendit.

On September 12th, the delegation will visit London where they will hold contacts with the British Minister for Europe, Jim Murphy and the Lord Mayor of London, John Stuttard.

(ML)

[10] OIC Commercial Negotiation Committee meets in Ankara

The acceptance of 'the Trade Preferential System Among the Member States of Organization of the Islamic Conference (TPSOIC) Place of Origin Rules' will be an important milestone for both TPSOIC and the Protocol on the Preferential Tariff Scheme for TPSOIC (PRETAS), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the OIC, said on Monday.

The Fourth Meeting of Second Round Talks of Commercial Negotiation Committee for Preferential Trade System among Member States of OIC began in Ankara on Monday.

A message of Ihsanoglu was read to the participants at the meeting.In his message sent to the Ankara meeting, Ihsanoglu stressed the importance of TPSOIC and said that the TPSOIC is a central element in developing cooperation among OIC members.

I support all efforts to strengthen economic relations among the OIC members. Commercial relations are important in developing brotherly relations among the OIC members. OIC members can carry their commercial relations to higher levels and thus become competitive globally, noted Ihsanoglu.Meanwhile, Ahmet Tiktik, Undersecretary of the Turkish State Planning Organization (DPT), in a message issued on Monday, said that if the preferential trade system is well designed it would create a model in which every participant becomes a winner.

Tiktik stressed that the target date for the establishment of the system of 'preferential trade' is January 2009.

More free trade among OIC members will contribute to economic development of the member states. More free trade among OIC members will also help competing globally, underlined Tiktik.

The meeting will continue until September 12th.

The TPSOIC Framework Agreement has so far been signed by Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Guinea, Iran, Cameroon, Qatar, Libya, Lebanon, the Maldives, Malaysia, Egypt, Pakistan, Senegal, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda and Jordan.

The Fourth Meeting of Second Round Talks of Commercial Negotiation Committee focuses on issues such as Place of Origin Rules in Preferred Trade System, Obstacles out of Tariffs, Preferred Trade Protocol (PRETAS) and TPSOIC Place of Origin Rules.

EG/

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