Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-01-14

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat: During the past three days, talks reached a mature stage

[02] Eroglu reiterates that he wants a velvet separation in Cyprus

[03] Ozgurgun stated that the Turkish Cypriot side will stay at the table and accused the Greek Cypriot side for showing uncompromising attitude

[04] Cakici says the proposals submitted by Talat in the Cyprus talks are not what the Turkish Cypriots wish

[05] The British High Commissioner to Cyprus met with Serdar Denktas

[06] The breakaway regime seeks Arab clients for the unsold constructions in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[07] Turkish Cypriot school director has not given permission for Greek language lessons to be organized in a school in occupied Keryneia

[08] The Capacity Development Project supported by the EU to be implemented in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[09] Erdogan meets with the Russian President Medvedev in Moscow

[10] Turkey and Russia signed a joint declaration to cooperate in building a nuclear power plant and agreed to launch initiatives for lifting visa requirements

[11] Israel sent a letter of apology to Turkey

[12] Turkey to undertake CICA term presidency in June 2010

[13] A public survey in Turkey shows Davutoglu to be the most successful Turkish minister

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] From the Turkish Press of 13 January 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat: During the past three days, talks reached a mature stage

We have overcome an important turn of the negotiating process. I think, I believe that from now on, in the second three-day round, we will reach an outcome on many issues, especially under the chapter of governance and power sharing... During the past three days, talks reached a mature stage. The positions of the sides have roughly become clear. Now, we will evaluate them, that is, we will work again and try to find out whether we could show new flexibility and come to common points.

Mr Talat said that during the past three days, they discussed the issue of governance and power sharing with its various aspects. He referred to the proposals he submitted to the Greek Cypriot side and to the positions submitted in writing by President Christofias regarding this issue. He said the positions of the Greek Cypriot side were not a reply to the Turkish proposals and that both sides did not accept each others proposals as ground for discussion.

Mr Talat noted that the representatives of the leaders would continue to work during the next few days, evaluate seriously the points which the leaders had discussed extensively and exert efforts to finalize these issues with the approval of the leaders.

Mr Talat referred to the forthcoming visit of President Christofias to Athens and described it as important and critical.

Responding to a question, Mr Talat said they did not take up article by article the documents submitted by the two sides, but they discussed all the issues included there and even more.

The Turkish Cypriot leader noted that they will discuss governance and power sharing on one of the days of the next round of the intensified negotiations, but they needed to focus on other issues as well.

Asked whether he would visit Ankara, Mr Talat replied: In any case, there will be a visit to Ankara. There is nothing final, but I assume that there will be a visit to Ankara. However, I do not know whether I will also go. Certainly we can make it at various levels.

Responding to another question, Mr Talat said that probably next week they will evaluate the situation with the political parties. He noted that when they visit Ankara their file will include mainly the issue of governance and power sharing and if they complete the work on the EU affairs and economy, these two issues might also be included.

Under the title Support to the leaders by Clinton, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (14.01.10) reports that the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has called the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, and President Christofias and expressed the support of her country to the efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. Replying to a question on the issue, Mr Talat said: This was a telephone conversation which shows that the interest of the USA for this issue has increased. Mr Talat noted that Mrs Clinton called him the night before yesterday and congratulated him for the courage of the leaders, expressing the readiness of the US to provide any kind of assistance.

Mr Talat noted that he told the US Secretary of State that the interest of the international community would contribute positively to the solution of the Cyprus problem and expressed the view that the possibility for the intensified negotiations to reach an outcome was very high. He expressed the belief that the international interest for the negotiations would continue and increase.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu reiterates that he wants a velvet separation in Cyprus

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (14.01.10) reports that Mr Eroglu will visit London between 3 and 7 February on the invitation of Britains Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce. He is expected to deliver a speech on the Cyprus problem and hold contacts with business circles and NGOs which operate in London. This is Mr Eroglus first visit to London after he became prime minster, notes the paper.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozgurgun stated that the Turkish Cypriot side will stay at the table and accused the Greek Cypriot side for showing uncompromising attitude

TRNC Foreign Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun has criticized the Greek Cypriot side for its uncompromising attitude in the Cyprus negotiation process.

The minister said that the Turkish side will remain at the table in order to show to the whole world that the reason behind the failure to achieve the desired progress at the talks is the Greek Cypriot sides uncompromising and stiff stance in the negotiations.

In a statement yesterday, foreign minister Ozgurgun complained that on the one hand, the Greek Cypriot side is trying to gain concessions on the Cyprus issue by putting pressure on Turkey and the Turkish side through Ankaras EU membership process, and on the other it is trying to gain the sympathy of the international community by saying that it is continuing the negotiations.

Mr Ozgurgun said that the Turkish side has showed its good will at the talks by remaining at the table in spite of the partial decisions taken by the European Union and the Greek sides uncompromising attitude.

He underlined the importance for the Turkish side to stay at the table and to negotiate a just and lasting settlement in order to prove who is actually willing to bring a solution to the Cyprus problem.

[04] Cakici says the proposals submitted by Talat in the Cyprus talks are not what the Turkish Cypriots wish

Mr Cakici pointed out that he did not believe that the package of proposals submitted by the Turkish side aimed at reconciliation and added that unacceptable proposals were included in that package. Mr Cakici reminded that the right of veto for the presidents, the issue of the two FIRs and the demand for granting the four freedoms to the citizens of Turkey were included in the proposals. He added that these proposals were not what the Turkish Cypriots wished and that some proposals were unacceptable for the Greek Cypriots as well.

(I/Ts.)

[05] The British High Commissioner to Cyprus met with Serdar Denktas

(I/Ts.)

[06] The breakaway regime seeks Arab clients for the unsold constructions in the occupied areas of Cyprus

The self-styled minister of interior, Ilkay Kamil, said the issue was important and added that finding a formula for its solution was absolutely necessary. Kamil noted that they considered that the proposal made by the Building Contractors Union was appropriate and that they took initiatives to achieve immediate results. He alleged that if the issue of marketing abroad was resolved successfully, an important step would be made for the sector and the country.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.01.10) reports that a Turkish Cypriot delegation headed by Sunat Atun, self-styled minister of economy and energy, has started its contacts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Sultanate of Oman with the aim of promoting opportunities and possibilities for investments in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Prior to its departure for the UAE, the delegation held a meeting in Istanbul with the citys Chamber of Industry.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Turkish Cypriot school director has not given permission for Greek language lessons to be organized in a school in occupied Keryneia

(I/Ts.)

[08] The Capacity Development Project supported by the EU to be implemented in the occupied areas of Cyprus

A comprehensive Quality and Capacity Development Project which will set an example for regional development work has been launched. The project, which is supported by the European Union, was signed by the Mayor of Dikmen [occupied Dikomo] municipality, Yuksel Celebi, and the Management Centre Director, Bulent Kanol.

In an address at the signing ceremony, Mr Kanol pointed out that the European Union has been supporting various projects in the TRNC, but added that some problems are slowing down the implementation of the projects.

For his part, the mayor of Dikmen [occupied Dikomo] Mr. Celebi said the project will increase the quality of the services being provided by his municipality besides bringing socio-economic development.

The 182,500 euros worth project will be implemented jointly by the Management Centre and the Dikmen Municipality.

The European Union will provide 164,000 euros to the project.

[09] Erdogan meets with the Russian President Medvedev in Moscow

The Turkish Prime Minister said on Wednesday that there were many projects Turkey and Russia could fulfill.

Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey-Russia relations had reached the peak in recent years. There are many projects Turkey and Russia can fulfill together as two important actors in the world, Erdogan said during his meeting with Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev in Moscow.

Erdogan said the two countries were cooperating in all areas, particularly politics, culture and economy, and expressed pleasure with the common will of the two countries to boost their relations. The Turkish Prime Minister underlined the importance of cooperating in not only natural gas, but also oil and oil products.

Also, Medvedev said the two countries had ambitious goals, and Turkey-Russia relations were improving, which was in line with the definition of strategic partnership. Medvedev said there were giant energy projects between Turkey and Russia, and hoped the two countries would take further steps in energy during Erdogan's visit.

The Russian president underlined the importance of improvement of Turkey-Russia relations for settlement of many complicated and regional problems.

Medvedev said that the similarity of the perspectives of the two countries on various matters had a determining role in the region.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan later had a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. The two are expected to hold a joint press conference after their meeting.

[10] Turkey and Russia signed a joint declaration to cooperate in building a nuclear power plant and agreed to launch initiatives for lifting visa requirements

Turkey and the Russian Federation signed on Wednesday a joint declaration on cooperation in establishment of a nuclear power plant in Turkey and a cooperation agreement on plant quarantine.

The two countries signed the declaration and the agreement within the framework of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's formal visit to the Russian capital of Moscow.

Executives of the two countries said they would sign a final declaration on the establishment of a nuclear power plant in Turkey if they reached a compromise.After their meeting, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan held a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in which he said that the two countries would launch initiatives to lift visa procedures.

Moreover, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey and Russia agreed on a joint target to increase trade volume to 100 billion USD in the next five years.

Erdogan said that energy trade constitutes the key portion of economic relations between the two countries. Our partnership will be stronger after our natural gas cooperation further advanced with joint works on crude oil and nuclear power, Erdogan said.

Russia is the biggest trade partner of Turkey, while Turkey is the seventh biggest for Russia. Trade between the two countries reached its top level in 2008, however, the recent global economic crisis led to a decline in trade.

Erdogan said Turkey and Russia would increase efforts to boost economic relations. He said Turkey and Russia was also working on a joint oil refinery. This will be one of our most important steps to be taken in energy cooperation, Erdogan said.

Erdogan also said that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev would pay a visit to Turkey in a few months, probably in May or June.

Following the press conference with Putin, Erdogan departed from Moscow to return to Turkey.

[11] Israel sent a letter of apology to Turkey

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Wednesday that Israel sent a letter to Turkey apologizing for Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon's treatment of the Turkish Ambassador, Oguz Celikkol.

In his letter, Ayalon said that he conveyed his respect to the people of Turkey and that, despite differing opinions on various issues, such issues must be handled via diplomatic channels based on mutual respect.

He said that he had no intention to insult Ambassador Celikkol and apologized for the style of his approach and the way it was received. Ayalon also called on Celikkol to convey his message to the people of Turkey for which they had great respect.Ayalon, who summoned Celikkol on Tuesday to express Israel's uneasiness over a Turkish TV-series showing Israeli agents kidnapping a child, had Celikkol sit at a lower armchair in front of a table with only the Israeli flag on it, refusing to shake his hand in front of the press.

[12] Turkey to undertake CICA term presidency in June 2010

Turkey has been preparing to undertake the term presidency of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Turkish Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, Unal Cevikoz, told to the reporters that Turkey would take over the presidency from Kazakhstan in June 2010. The organization which was initiated by Kazakhstan would be chaired by another country for the first time, he said.

CICA Member States include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Palestine, South Korea, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev said in December that CICA was important in regard to alliance of civilizations and Turkey should be elected as the next term president of the CICA.

[13] A public survey in Turkey shows Davutoglu to be the most successful Turkish minister

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu stands as the most successful minister and the general population feels Turkeys foreign policy is successful as well, according to a recent survey on the subject.

The poll was conducted by Ankara-based Metropoll Strategic and Social Research Center, between January 3 and 8 among a random national sampling of 1,614 adults residing in 31 different city centers, towns and villages. The research center is affiliated with the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP.

Of the respondents, 41.5 percent said they feel the foreign policy conducted by the AKP applied within the past year was successful, while 33.6 percent said it was unsuccessful.

Some 9.5 percent said Davutoglu was the most successful minister followed by State Minister Ali Babacan with 6.6 percent, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc with 6.5 percent and Education Minister Nimet Cubukcu with 5.6 percent. Davutoglus support was just 2.6 percent in a survey in June.

Some 49.7 percent of voters expressed support for membership in the European Union, while 34.9 percent said they would say no if a referendum was held.

The poll also revealed an interesting view with regard to the possibility of Iran having nuclear weapons in the future. Although 56.7 percent considers that Iran having a nuclear weapon is a threat to Turkeys security, 60.2 percent said Turkey should oppose to any possible embargo or attack initiated towards Iran for its possible nuclear activities. Some 48.8 percent also approves Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogans stance that backs Iran despite the reaction of the West, while 42.6 percent is against Erdogans policy backing Iran.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] From the Turkish Press of 13 January 2010

a) On Turkey and Israels diplomatic crisis:

Asli Aydintasbas views the way Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon treated the Turkish ambassador when he received him at the Knesset and argues that Israel has adopted a hard line policy to solve its problems with Turkey. In a column in Istanbul Milliyet, she stresses that Ankara expects Israel to apologize and notes: "The latest developments sabotaged Ehud Barak's visit to mend the relations between the two countries on Sunday. In short, the Israeli hawks turned into an aggressive group while trying to be steadfast."

Commenting on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statements against Israel, Semih Idiz argues in the same newspaper that Erdogan maintains a calculated policy and his reaction is not emotional. He notes that Turkey might consider withdrawing its ambassador from Israel and says: "The present situation will satisfy the Turkish and Arab public opinions. Obviously, it will definitely add to Erdogan's popularity in the area." However, Idiz argues that the recent developments show that Turkey no longer maintains its impartial approach in the Middle East and adds: "In view of that, it has lost the opportunity it had to mediate between Israel and Syria and the Fatah and Hamas organizations." Stressing that Turkey has to know the dynamic forces in the Middle East to be able to understand the developments, he notes: "The government says that it understands the area because it belonged to us [the Ottoman Empire] in the past. However, whether it is familiar with the dynamics in the region is very doubtful."

Gungor Mengi in Vatan believes that Prime Minister Erdogan's inclination to act as a leader who defends Muslims when he addresses the media organs is wrong. In a column, he criticizes the way the Turkish ambassador to Israel was recently treated and notes: "Defense Minister Ehud Barak realizing his planned visit to Turkey on Sunday, regardless of the initiatives the radical right-wing supporters make to obstruct it, might be seen as a de facto apology. The recent developments must be a lesson for the two countries. That is because the minor crises that have come one after the other created the impression that anger and sensitivity might be seriously dangerous for the two sides." Stressing that Turkey and Israel have never clashed in the past, Mengi concludes: "Our national interests require this tradition to be maintained."

Writing in Istanbul Taraf, Yasemin Congar criticizes the way Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon treated the Turkish ambassador to Israel and recalls an article by Gideon Levy in Haaretz on 10 January, which, she says, noted that "only psychologists can determine why Israel has behaved in that way." In a column, she focuses on Defense Minister Ehud Barak's planned visit on Sunday and says: "I hope that Barak will inform his counterpart in Ankara if he visits Turkey regardless of the existing crisis that he does not approve Ayalon's approach, his behavior not only violated the norms of diplomatic courtesy but also exceeded Israel's intention, and they should include him and his political party among the relatively healthier components of a sick structure." Nevertheless, Congar notes that Barak's visit might be postponed because of the sick structure and recalls the massing of Israeli armor and troops for a possible second war in Gaza. She warns that obstructing a wave of anger against Israel if that country takes action again will be impossible.

Ahmet Altan describes Israel's behavior against Turkey as a scandal that brought to light that country's situation in the world. Stressing in a column in the same newspaper that the government in Israel is moving the country into isolation regardless of its strong army, intelligence agency, and capable cadres, he claims: "The Israeli government is becoming more and more nervous as it gradually loses the support it gets from the United States. Furthermore, the increasing weight of Turkey, which is gaining strength in the Middle East and seeing the realities in the area better than the Israeli diplomats, has made the Israeli administration uneasy." Stressing that Prime Minister Erdogan is becoming popular not only in the Arab world but also in the EU and the United States, he notes that the United States and the EU now view Turkey not only as "a country that might discipline Israel", but also as a factor that might mediate between the East and the West when necessary. Altan concludes: All the combatant elements in the Middle East, including those in Israel and Turkey, will lose. Peace will exist in the new era. Turkey began to realize that. So will Israel.

Under the banner headline, "Despicable and immoral," Yeni Safak carries a report which highlights the Turkish government's response to yesterday's "scandal" in Turkish-Israeli relations where Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon "used Valley of the Wolves as an excuse" to call the Turkish envoy Oguz Celikkol to the Knesset and had him sit on a sofa lower than his armchair and told journalists: "We are sitting higher up with only the Israeli flag on the table." According to the report, Ayalon's "despicable" behavior proved the last straw for Turkey.

In an article entitled "You will be made to pay for this", Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul cites Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman as the "architect" behind Ayalon's "unseemly" treatment of Turkish ambassador Oguz Celikkol and describes Lieberman, "who takes every opportunity to insult Turkey," as a "racist" who has called for a campaign of genocide against the people of Gaza. He goes on to argue that Israel's "despicable" treatment of Celikkol is a manifestation of its concern over the consequences of a process of rapprochement between Turkey and its close neighbors whereby Ankara is laying the groundwork for transnational partnerships with countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. He claims that the more Turkey expands its sphere of influence, the more Israel becomes isolated and loses its regional "cards."

In an article entitled "A year after Erdogan's 'One minute' reaction", Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru makes a "profit-loss" analysis of the implications of Erdogan's walkout from his debate with Israeli President Shimon Peres at Davos last year. He puts the "chill" in Turkish-Israeli relations in the "loss column" before he proceeds to identify the following as Turkey's "gains:" 1. The fact that Israel's "uncompromising" stance, its perception of itself as "superior" to everyone, and its insistence that it has justice on its side no matter how "irrational and illogical" its policies might be have led to the formation of an anti-Israeli "front" including elements close to the US government. 2. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has come to be the most talked about leader in the Islamic world as well as gaining recognition as an "outspoken," "fearless," and "blunt" leader at home.

Under the headline, "Diplomacy a la Lieberman: Insult to envoy shaking ties," Today's Zaman carries a report which asserts that "troubled relations with Israel hit a new low when an Israeli protest against a Turkish television series crossed the boundaries of diplomatic civility and turned into an insult against Ambassador Oguz Celikkol, in a scene that appeared to be the design of hawkish Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman."

b) Cyprus problem:

Viewing the Turkish Cypriot proposals for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the initial Greek Cypriot reaction to them, Yusuf Kanli argues in a column in Hurriyet Daily News that the negative reaction in Cyprus shows that the Greek Cypriots are not prepared for a new power-sharing with the Turkish Cypriots on the island.

Commenting on the Turkish Cypriot proposals for the solution of the Cyprus problem, Bulent Aras argues in a column in Istanbul Sabah that the Turkish Cypriot side has proved that it acts with perspective in the process that is aimed at solving the Cyprus problem. He criticizes the Greek Cypriot side for "continuing to reject peace" and urges the UN Secretary-General to visit the island to be involved in the talks. Aras notes: "Turkey supports the Turkish Cypriot side. However, the Greek Cypriot side must realize that the cooperation between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots does not call for a one-sided solution. The two sides must reach an agreement that will comply with the nature of the problem. That is the main objective. A serious opportunity exists for the solution of the Cyprus problem. It must not be wasted."

EG

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