Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-11-14

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Cemil Cicek and 63 foreign guests from 20 countries will participate in the celebrations for the UDI

[02] Ertugruloglu alleges that the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs Markoulli is a fanatic enemy of the Turks

[03] Ercakica says that Mr Talat is concerned about the fact that the Turkish Cypriots do shopping from the free areas of Cyprus

[04] Turkish Cypriot businessmen are not satisfied about the situation of the economy in the occupied areas

[05] Ercakica says that the newly appointed presidential advisor Hasan Sarica has all the duties and responsibilities which derive from the law

[06] The budget of the breakaway regime is discussed; Uzun says that the tariffs applied for the products from the Far East will be abolished

[07] Yeni Duzen reports that 166 persons visited Latakia and 207 came to the occupied areas of Cyprus from Syria as of 18 October 2007

[08] Sanlidag inspected the posters for advertising the occupied areas of Cyprus in London

[09] Turkish and Palestinian Presidents holds joint press conference

[10] Turkey, Israel and Palestine to implement an industrial zone in West Bank

[11] Turkey and Palestine agreed on a protocol of cooperation

[12] Turkish State Minister attends the Turkish-Syrian Business Forum in Syria

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Cemil Cicek and 63 foreign guests from 20 countries will participate in the celebrations for the UDI

The paper notes that 63 foreign guests from 20 countries will participate in the celebrations this year. President Abdullah Gul will be represented by the General Secretary of the Presidency, Mustafa Isen. Fehmi Husrev Kutlu, chief administrator of the presidential council, will represent the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). General Aydogan Babaoglu, commander of Air Forces, will participate in the celebrations representing the Turkish Armed Forces.

Vasif Talibov, President of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Nikola Klyusev, former President of FYROM, Z.U Khan, Advisor of the President of Pakistan, Tori Limangana, representative of the General Secretary of the Islamic Conference Organization and other officials, journalists and academicians will participate in the celebrations this year.

Furthermore, Kibris reports also that some MPs of Turkish origin in Europe will visit the occupied areas of Cyprus for the celebrations on the occasion of the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI). The members of the Parliament with the German Greens Party, Ozcan Mutlu and Bilkay Oney, the member of the Danish Parliament with the Social Democrat Party, Huseyin Arac, the former member of the European Parliament, Ozan Ceyhun and the member of the Municipal Council of Delmenhorst with the German Free Democrat Party (FDP), Murat Kalmis participate in the delegation which will visit the occupied areas upon invitation by the speaker of the self-styled assembly, Fatma Ekenoglu.

In statements to Anatolia news agency, Mr Oney has said that they will visit the island to participate in the celebrations for the anniversary of the establishment of the TRNC and that they will meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat and other officials of the parliament. The paper reports, inter alia, the following: Noting that because they landed in Nicosia airport in 2000 the Greek Cypriots complained about them to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but they did not care about this, Oney said: As Greens Party we have been working for the past seven years for the solution of the problem of the TRNC and the lifting of the isolation. We do not care about the complaints.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Sozcu newspaper (14.11.07) reports that the chairman of the Civil Defence Organization, Omer Faruk met yesterday with the members of the Kafkasia Media Education Centre, who are visiting the occupied areas of Cyprus for the celebrations on the occasion of the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI). The head of the delegation which came from Azerbaijan is Mrs Konul Nesibova.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ertugruloglu alleges that the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs Markoulli is a fanatic enemy of the Turks

Mr Ertugruloglu commented also on the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Erato Kozakou-Markoulli to Egypt and said: It is obvious that Mrs Markoulli will not start behaving sensibly. She is such a fanatic enemy of the Turks that she will not take into consideration the warnings. If she is supporting even the terrorist PKK organization and she is speaking like the PKK, it is not possible for us to describe her in another manner.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ercakica says that Mr Talat is concerned about the fact that the Turkish Cypriots do shopping from the free areas of Cyprus

The Presidential Spokesperson Hasan Ercakica has underlined the need to introduce economic measures and to strengthen North Cyprus competitiveness in order to discourage shopping from South Cyprus.

Mr Ercakica said the public should not only take the prices into consideration but also the politics while shopping in the South.

Touching upon the EU Commissions latest progress report on Turkey, the Presidential spokesperson pointed out that a reference was made to the 8-July process within the report.

He said it was pleasing to see that the report has reaffirmed the role to be played by the 8th July Process and highlighted Turkeys continued commitment towards finding a comprehensive political settlement to the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Ercakica stated that the reference made to the recognition of the TRNC Immovable Property Commission by the European Court of Human Rights as an adequate domestic remedy to solve property cases in the progress report, was also a positive development.

Touching upon the recent visit of the European Parliaments High Level Contact Group to the island, the Presidential spokesperson said that the delegation, which visited the island for the first time since publishing a report in February, had failed to adopt a determined approach towards realising the objectives included in its report.

Referring to the recent public debate concerning the issue of shopping in South Cyprus, Mr. Ercakica said measures were needed to be introduced to discourage Turkish Cypriots from shopping in the South and to increase the North Cyprus competitiveness.

Pointing out that it is impossible to achieve economic efficiency as long as North Cyprus international isolation continued; he called on the people to take into consideration the political situation on the island and not just the prices, while shopping in the South.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (14.11.07), under the title The shopping from the south worries Talat, refers to the statements of Mr Ercakica and reports, inter alia the following:

The fact that the people do shopping from the South Cyprus Greek Sector has caused the reaction of President Mehmet Ali Talat as well. The Presidential Spokesman Hasan Ercakica said: The President watches with concern the shopping from the South. Rejecting the allegations that there are great advantages on the issue of the price in the Greek Cypriot Sector, Ercakica asked for the citizens to behave in a more reasonable and conscious manner on the issue of the price and the economic interests.

[04] Turkish Cypriot businessmen are not satisfied about the situation of the economy in the occupied areas

He added that it must also abolish the taxes taken from the investments and the inputs of production and limit the government expenses. In statements yesterday, Mr Tunar argued that the public sector reform should be discussed urgently and the public sector should become smaller.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.11.07) reports that the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry will organize a protest with vehicles on 20 November because the economy is going worse every day and the government does nothing to improve the situation and does not satisfy the demands of the chamber.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ercakica says that the newly appointed presidential advisor Hasan Sarica has all the duties and responsibilities which derive from the law

Mr Ercakica said that Mr Sarica has not been appointed in order to carry out only some duties and not carry out some others. Hasan Sarica has taken under his responsibility all duties, authorities and responsibilities required by the post of the advisor, noted Mr Ercakica and added that other appointments might be made in the future in order to carry out, in a more efficient manner, duties regarding the Cyprus problem or other issues, which the Presidency faces.

The paper reports that Mr Hasan Sarica has graduated from the Economic and Commercial Sciences Faculty of the Aegean University and continued his education in the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU). He also studied European affairs in Robert Schuman Institute of Maastricht University. Between 1985 and 1990 he was an MP. He also served as permanent undersecretary at the self-styled ministry of labour and social insurances. Mr Sarica is the founding chairman of Dev-Is trade union and the founder of Turkish Cypriot Peace Association, where he was chairman for a period. He has been advisor of various trade unions such as KTAMS and Turk-Sen and participated in various technical committees representing the Turkish Cypriot side during the negotiations on the Annan Plan. He teaches in some universities in the occupied areas. He is married and has two children. He speaks English, Greek and French.

(I/Ts.)

[06] The budget of the breakaway regime is discussed; Uzun says that the tariffs applied for the products from the Far East will be abolished

Addressing the committee, the self-styled minister of finance, Ahmet Uzun announced that the tariffs applied for the products from the Far East will be abolished.

Mr Uzun said that 23.81 % of the revenues in the budget consists of aid and credits from Turkey. Announcing that while the per capita income was 8.095 US dollars in 2004, this year the target is reaching the 12.367 dollars, Mr Uzun said that the increase of the investments and the opening of crossing points between the occupied and the free areas of the island are the factors which reduced unemployment in the occupied areas.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Yeni Duzen reports that 166 persons visited Latakia and 207 came to the occupied areas of Cyprus from Syria as of 18 October 2007

The journeys have been reduced from two to one every week because of the low demand. Ibrahim Bastug, official of Akgunler Denizcilik maritime company, told the paper that they expect the demand for the above-mentioned journey to be increased in the summer. He said that many people call his firm and ask information about the journey. Many people want to go. I think that there is reluctance because of the season, he noted.

Mr Bastug said that the average number of the passengers on every trip is 20 and added that British citizens come from Syria to the occupied areas of Cyprus and that British and German citizens go to Syria.

[08] Sanlidag inspected the posters for advertising the occupied areas of Cyprus in London

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.11.07) reports that the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers Union, Turhan Beydagli has said that the preparation of the TRNC for the World Travel Market fair in London was very good.

In statements to Kibris, Mr Beydagli noted: For the first time I am seeing in the fair a TRNC stand which has been prepared in a professional manner and planning. I congratulate those who prepared this presentation. We are here full staff.

Furthermore, Ali Polatkan, owner of Polatkan Tourism said that tourism is a group work and that it should be turned into a state policy and be carried out in a planned manner. He noted that they are not informed about the incentives which the breakaway regime has decided to give and expressed the opinion that the incentives will have no contribution to tourism.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Turkish and Palestinian Presidents holds joint press conference

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that inner clashes in Palestine can make Palestinian cause weak both inside and outside the country.

He added that Turkey has always supported national unity in Palestine, stating that Turkey wants unity and integrity of Palestine.

Gul and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held a joint press conference in Ankara on Tuesday.

Gul said, I reiterated during our meeting that Turkey wants an independent Palestinian state to be established and the capital of this state to be Jerusalem as well as this state to be in peace and security for solution of Middle East problem. Turkey supports all initiatives about this issue. UN resolutions, Arab Peace Initiative and Quartet plans are the views which Turkey supports within that scope.

Noting that Turkey, which attaches great importance to social and economic development of Palestine, takes part in many concrete initiatives within that scope, Gul said that Ankara Forum is one of these initiatives.

Gul said that one of the projects, which were taken up in Ankara Forum is to set up industrial zones in Palestine, adding that another project is a university and hospital which will be set up between Israel and Palestine.

Gul stressed that visit of Abbas is paid before the meeting, which is planned to be held in Annapolis, U.S. and this is very important. Gul expressed hope that the meeting (in Annapolis) will be a turning point to contribute to peace.

Gul said that Turkey will continue to exert every type of effort to conclude Palestinian cause successfully.

When a reporter asked whether Turkey will participate in Annapolis meeting, Gul said that the participants of the meeting are not determined and invitations are not made yet.

Gul noted that Israel and Palestine want Turkey's participation in the meeting as it will have important contributions.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that Palestine wants Turkey to attend Annapolis meeting.

Abbas recalled that they attended Ankara Forum meeting, and said that they took the first steps to set up industrial zones in Palestine under the leadership of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB).

Abbas said that another important project is to open a university in the region between Palestine and Israel, adding that a hospital is also planned to be opened under this university.

Abbas also thanked Gul for the land, which was reserved to build a Palestinian Embassy, and expressed hope that a Turkish Embassy will be built in Jerusalem, if Jerusalem is saved from occupation.

Noting that they are working on Annapolis meeting in these days, Abbas said that they will participate in the meeting on the basis of two-state solution, which was set up within the scope of UN Security Council's resolution No. 1511, road map as well as Arab initiative.

When a reporter asked about Palestine's view regarding a possible cross-border operation of Turkey (on the north of Iraq) for fight against PKK terrorist organization, Abbas said that Palestine supports the independence and territorial integrity of Iraq, adding that however, it should not be forgotten that Turkey has the right to defend itself.

[10] Turkey, Israel and Palestine to implement an industrial zone in West Bank

A joint declaration was issued after the 7th meeting of Ankara Forum regarding the establishment of an Industrial Zone in the West Bank by a Turkish management company.

The statement expressed the desire to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity in the region, and noted that, we recognize the need for economic development and prosperity of the Palestinian population and are conscious that employment creation at adequate levels is central to the economic development of the Palestinian people.

Bearing in the mind the potential contribution of industrial estates/parks to creation via creating a favorable investment environment, the statement said, we recognize the desirability of operational zing, without losing time, of a best-practice industrial park model in the West Bank that can set an example in the long term for other industrial estates in the Palestinian Authority.

The statement said, Mindful that the well functioning of industrial estates/parks in the short term can lead to both industrial development and job creation in the West Bank, and noted that Turkish commitment to the peace and prosperity of the region was welcomed.

The statement appreciated Turkish experience and know-how concerning the establishment of industrial parks as well as the adaptation of global best practices for their management.

The statement emphasized the role of the private sector in the process, recognized the Ankara Forum for Economic Cooperation between Palestine, Turkey and Israel as a dialogue and coordination mechanism between the Turkish, Israeli, and Palestinian business communities, and supported Ankara Forum's desire to contribute to the development of the Palestinian private sector via concrete projects.

In the joint statement the participants said: We express our support for the development of an industrial estate located in the West Bank near Tarqumia Crossing with the contribution of Republic of Turkey and Turkish private sector through a/the Developer Company established by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB).

We express our appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Turkey and TOBB for its assistance in promoting the investment opportunities in the Palestinian Territories and contributing to the capacity building of relevant institutions that are responsible for creating a favorable investment climate in the region, the statement said.

[11] Turkey and Palestine agreed on a protocol of cooperation

Turkey and Palestine agreed to exert efforts to enhance the ongoing collaboration between the two countries in all areas and continue talks on regional and international matters that are of interest to both countries.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a joint statement following their meeting on Tuesday.

According to the statement;

- Parties agreed to exert efforts to enhance the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in all areas and continue talks on regional and international matters that are of interest to both countries.

In this perspective, a donation agreement was signed between Republic of Turkey and Palestinian Liberation Organization on behalf of Palestine. Also a protocol between Turkish MFA and Palestinian MFA for the construction of a political consultation mechanism was signed.

-Parties will exert efforts to foster economic and commercial relations and solve the problems encountered along the way.

-Turkey will continue its ongoing humanitarian and economic aid and the technical training support to Palestine.

-Parties agreed to finalize the cooperation protocol for the protection of the immovable cultural heritage under the light of the document of intent signed between Turkey and Palestine on January 5th, 2005.

Turkey had made a commitment to donate 3 million USD to Palestine in order to help its economic and social development in 2003. Turkey and Palestine signed on Tuesday the agreement for the release of the last installment (1.1 million USD) of the said donation.

Turkey's coordinator for relations with Palestine Vehbi Dincerler and Palestinian Ambassador in Ankara Nabil Maarouf signed the agreement on behalf of their countries.

On the other hand, it was Turkish FM Ali Babacan and his Palestinian counterpart Riad Malki who signed the protocol, foreseeing the construction of a political consultation mechanism between the two countries.

[12] Turkish State Minister attends the Turkish-Syrian Business Forum in Syria

Turkish State Minister, Kursad Tuzmen, said Tuesday that the sector that deserves priority in Turkish-Syrian relations is transportation.

Speaking at the Turkish-Syrian Business Forum in southern province of Mersin, Tuzmen indicated that a new border pass will be opened at Nusaybin/ Kamisli at the Turkish-Syrian border.

Increasing prices of oil have made railway projects prominent in the Gulf region, Tuzmen noted.

Meanwhile, Syrian Economy and Trade Minister, Amir Husni Lutfi, indicated that Syria pays high attention to joint projects.

We are working to create a region full of peace and stability. Turkish-Syrian relations are important for the regional peace. We appreciate minister Tuzmen's efforts to develop Turkish-Syrian relations, Lutfi said.

We will establish contact offices within our ministry and Turkish Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade. The first Turkish-Syrian Economic Meeting will take place in April, 2008, Lutfi remarked.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.11.07) reports the following:

Turkish State Minister, Kursad Tuzmen, said they aimed to boost annual trade volume with Syria to 5 billion U.S. dollars during the next five years.

Tuzmen and Syrian Economy & Trade Minister, Amir Husni Lutfi, attended the first term meeting of Turkey-Syria Partnership Council in southern province of Mersin.

Turkey and Syria earlier signed free trade agreement. The first meeting of the partnership council took place in Ankara on Monday. Now we are holding this meeting with participation of nearly 200 Turkish and Syrian businessmen in Mersin, he said.

Economic cooperation would also contribute to resolution of problems in the region, Tuzmen stated.

Tuzmen added foreign investments law, which was enacted in Syria this year, would speed up the investment process.

EG/

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