Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-02-17

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ercakica announces Talats visit to Italy for contacts with the Italian Foreign Minister; He confirms the news that the Turkish side has asked for the suspension of the negotiation process

[02] Talat meets with the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UNSC

[03] The preparations for the elections continue with meetings between political parties and visits to Ankara

[04] Surveys show that Eroglu can be elected from the first round of the presidential elections

[05] Erdogan on Cyprus: A comprehensive settlement is the only way out

[06] Egemen Bagis supports the presence of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus

[07] Eroglu receives a delegation of the Alevite community located in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[08] Turkish Cypriot newspaper reports that the population in the occupied areas of Cyprus reached 500 thousand persons

[09] Kibris is still having the biggest share in the market of the Turkish Cypriot newspapers

[10] Hillary Clinton visited the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu

[11] Turkish Foreign Minister holds contacts in Iran

[12] EU Mideast envoy: Turkey in our camp over nuclear row

[13] Senior Turkish diplomat holds contacts in the USA

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Ercakica announces Talats visit to Italy for contacts with the Italian Foreign Minister; He confirms the news that the Turkish side has asked for the suspension of the negotiation process

President Mehmet Ali Talat will fly to Italy tomorrow to meet with the Italian Foreign Minister, Franco Frattini. Announcing the news at his weekly press briefing, the Presidential Spokesperson Hasan Ercakica said that during the visit, the President will also meet with some Italian MPs.

Evaluating the negotiations process, Presidential Spokesperson Ercakica said that the Greek Cypriot administration has not yet responded to the Turkish proposal on the further intensification of the peace negotiations before the TRNC presidential elections which will take place in April. He stated that the Greek Cypriot side seems to favour a slower phase at the talks with fewer meetings. He also told the reporters that the way of maintaining negotiations has not yet gained any certainty. Ercakica went on saying that the Cyprus Turkish side, together with Turkey and the rest of the international community, wants further intensification of the peace talks.

On the presidential elections, the Spokesperson reminded that President Talat will run as an independent candidate once he officially announces his candidacy after completing a series of contacts.

Answering a question on the Greek Cypriot sides initiative to purchase Cyprus Turkish properties left in south Cyprus [free territories of the Republic of Cyprus], the Presidential Spokesperson reminded that the issue of property needs to be resolved at the negotiations table and criticized the Greek Cypriot sides approach on trusteeship. He noted that such attempts might have an influence over negotiations, but cannot replace a comprehensive settlement.

Ercakica also announced that President Talat will hold contacts in Spain between the 25th and 27th of February, as guest of the Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Luis Zapatero.

On the statements made yesterday by Hasan Ercakica, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (17.02.10) further writes that Mr Ercakica confirmed the news that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat asked for the negotiation process to suspend temporarily. The Turkish side sets in favour of the negotiation process to temporarily suspend following the visit of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Cyprus, so that the elections not to be affected, Mr Ercakica said and added that later on this decision of them has changed.

Hasan Ercakica also noted that Mehmet Ali Talat will perform his duties until the last day and within this framework, the negotiations --which, as he said, will have the least influence on the elections-- will continue until the end of March.

On the visit Mehmet Ali Talat will pay in Italy, Hasan Ercakica added that the Turkish Cypriot leader will hold a meeting with the Italian Foreign Minister, Franco Frattini and Italian deputies, while he will also give a conference in the Institute of International Relations.

[02] Talat meets with the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UNSC

Turkish Cypriot President met on Tuesday with the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Mehmet Ali Talat received the ambassadors of the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France to the Greek Cypriot administration over a lunch at the Presidential Residence in Lefkosia. No press statements were made before the meeting.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.02.10) reported the following:

The permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) welcome the progress in Cyprus negotiations, the British commissioner said on Tuesday. Peter Millet, the British high commissioner to the Greek Cypriot administration, said UN Security Council's permanent members welcomed the progress made in ongoing Cyprus negotiations. Millet was one of the envoys of five UN Security Council permanent member countries who met President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) at the TRNC Presidential Office over lunch.

The commissioner defined the meeting fruitful, and said Talat briefed the envoys on the progress made in negotiations so far. Millet said envoys had extended support to efforts of the two leaders in Cyprus, and they expected to see more progress in coming weeks.

The envoys, who participated in the lunch, were from the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France.

Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias launched negotiations in September 2008 to find a comprehensive settlement to Cyprus issue. They had six intensified talks in January 2009 to discuss "management and share of power", "economy", "European Union", and "property". UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon visited Cyprus at the beginning of February to display his personal support to Cypriot leaders in their efforts to find a settlement to the Cyprus issue in comprehensive talks.

[03] The preparations for the elections continue with meetings between political parties and visits to Ankara

The paper writes that Ahmet Yonluer, chairman of HIS, stated that the party has not decided yet whether it will support any candidate in the elections and added that it might nominate its own candidate.

Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (17.02.10) covers the visit of Mr Talat to the UBP under the title Let the best man win and reports that Mr Eroglu said that their candidature should not spoil their friendship and added that they will carry out the campaign for the elections as two friends who are candidates for the same post.

In his statements, Mr Talat said his campaign and the campaign of the UBP will be antagonistic, but they should carry them out in a friendly and brotherly manner knowing that they will look each other in the eyes in the future.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (17.02.10), mouthpiece of the UBP, writes that Mr Eroglu visited the Democratic Party (DP) and asked for the support of this party in the elections, if the DP does not nominate its own candidate. Under the title Cooperation between UBP and DP would be natural, the paper reports that Mr Eroglu described the elections as very important and added that the two parties may have different views from time to time especially on the Cyprus problem, but the UBP asked for the support of the DP taking into consideration that the cooperation of two parties which have close views would be natural.

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (17.02.10) reports that Serdar Denktas, chairman of the DP, stated that their efforts for finding a third candidate are not completed yet and expressed the belief that today they might have a positive or a negative result. He said that if their effort for finding a third candidate does not give a positive result, the DP will support one of Talat or Eroglu.

Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (17.02.10) reports that Turgay Avci and Mustafa Gokmen president and vice president of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) respectively met yesterday in Ankara with Cemil Cicek, Turkish State Minister responsible for Cyprus. Under the title The ORP will decide in Ankara, the paper writes that the visit is described as visit where the stance which the ORP will keep in the elections is going to be clarified.

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (17.02.10) refers to the visit of Mr Avci to Ankara and reports that according to a statement issued by the ORP, Mr Avci discussed with Mr Cicek the Cyprus problem, the urgent problems of the breakaway regime and ways for their solution as well as measures which could be taken in the field of economy and other areas.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Surveys show that Eroglu can be elected from the first round of the presidential elections

The paper writes that the director of KADEM Research Centre, Muharrem Faiz, stated that the report about a survey conducted by KADEM, which was published yesterday in a Turkish Cypriot paper, was not correct. Mr Faiz was referring to a survey according to which Mr Talat is 5-6% ahead of Mr Eroglu, as regards the forthcoming presidential elections. Noting that KADEM did not conduct such a survey, Mr Faiz added that he will not permit the name of his company to be used for surveys which are not correct.

In addition, Afrika citing statements by Mr Faiz writes that all the surveys conducted by KADEM Research Centre shows that the self-styled minister Dervis Eroglu is 10% ahead of Mr Talat. The paper writes that all the three surveys which were conducted by KADEM shows that Mr Eroglu can be elected from the first round at the presidential elections.

The results of the surveys are the following: At the survey conducted in August 2009 Mr Eroglu receives 54.2% and Mr Talat 45.8%. At the survey conducted in October 2009, Mr Eroglu receives 53.7% and Mr Talat 46.3%. Finally, at the survey conducted in January 2010, Mr Eroglu receives 55.2% and Mr Talat 44.8%.

(CS)

[05] Erdogan on Cyprus: A comprehensive settlement is the only way out

The Turkish prime minister said on Tuesday that Turkey was supporting the good will mission of the United Nations (UN) in Cyprus. Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey extended full support to a lasting settlement in Cyprus within the scope of good will mission of the UN Secretary-General. A comprehensive settlement is the only way out for relevant parties, Erdogan told the gathering of his Justice and Development (AK) Party at the parliament.

Erdogan said in case the Greek Cypriot administration fulfilled the requirements of a compromise in the leaders' declaration, it would not be so hard to achieve that goal. We expect the Greek Cypriot administration to appreciate these efforts and give a response to endeavours of TRNC leadership, he said.

Erdogan called on all related parties to encourage the Greek Cypriot administration to assume a constructive role. We think it will be very beneficial if Britain and Greece encourage the Greek Cypriot administration, he said.

Also, Erdogan said he would leave for Spain on Sunday and discuss important issues with his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero during a Turkey-Spain summit. Erdogan also said he would receive Nodo Award in the Spanish city of Seville.

[06] Egemen Bagis supports the presence of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus

Mr Bagis stated that while the Cyprus problem did not constitute a pre-condition for Cyprus to become member of the EU, it however appears as a pre-condition for Turkeys membership to the EU. This has never been accepted by us and it will never be accepted, he stated.

Referring to the presence of the Turkish occupation army in the island, Mr Bagis stated that thanks to the army, not a single drop of blood has been shed in Cyprus for the past 30 years. Mr Bagis added that only peace and security have prevailed on the island during all these years.

He went on and stated that there is also Greek army on the island, and that British troops are stationed in special areas in Cyprus.

Mr Bagis said that if the issue of foreign troops in Cyprus was going to be opened to debate, the presence of other military groups in Cyprus should be discussed as well and added that in case the Greek Cypriot side had accepted the Annan Plan, Greece would have 900 soldiers on the island and Turkey 650 soldiers.

The Turkish Minister of State also said that the decision taken by the EU for lifting the isolation imposed to the Turkish Cypriots has never been implemented and added those three days after this decision, the Republic of Cyprus became member of the EU. He said that the only country member of the EU that trades directly with the occupation regime is the Republic of Cyprus and called on the other countries members of the EU to do the same. Mr Bagis also stated that establishing trade relations between the EU and the occupation regime, similar to the case of Taiwan, would not imply international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. As he said, the same applies to the Turkish ports which were opened for the Greek Cypriots vessels until 1987, which did not imply diplomatic recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.

(CS)

[07] Eroglu receives a delegation of the Alevite community located in the occupied areas of Cyprus

TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu has said that everyone can worship freely in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The delegation from the Haci Bektas-i Veli Culture Association headed by Ozdemir Gul, the Head of the Association was received by Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu.

During the visit, the Head of the Association Ozdemir Gul said that the aim of the visit was to inform the Prime Minister on the latest stage reached at the construction of a place of congregation house. He also asked the Premier to continue to provide support to the Alevite community.

[08] Turkish Cypriot newspaper reports that the population in the occupied areas of Cyprus reached 500 thousand persons

The paper goes on and adds, inter alia, the following:

It has been found out that during the past one month, controls for citizenship are held every day in the hospital. In parallel to the citizenship right acquired in natural ways such as marriage and birth, the number of the citizenships granted by the authority of the ministry of interior or with a decision by the council of ministers is not known

Under the title Turkish Cypriots are 88.900, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (17.02.10) newspaper in its front page reports that according to a report prepared by the European Parliamentary the Turkish Cypriots in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus are 88,900 and the Turkish settlers are 160,000. The paper reports that the number of the Turkish settlers is far remove from reality and adds that this population is much larger.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Kibris is still having the biggest share in the market of the Turkish Cypriot newspapers

Kibris 40%, Havadis 15%, Yeni Duzen 14%, Afrika 12%, Halkin Sesi 6%, Vatan 4%, Star Kibris 3% and Haberdar 3%. The total market share of the other newspapers reaches 5%.

[10] Hillary Clinton visited the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu

According to news of International Islam News Agency based on an official announcement of OIC, Clinton went to Jeddah in order to introduce Rashad Hussein who was appointed by the US President Barack Obama as US special envoy to the OIC to Ihsanoglu. The meeting between Clinton and Ihsanoglu was closed to the press. It was announced that issues like the US policy in the Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Palestinian problem were discussed.

It was also reported that the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed his satisfaction for the appointment of the new special envoy.

According to the paper, the US special envoy Rashad Hussein will endeavour in development and continuation of projects between USA and OIC in the fields of health, science and technology and culture.

(DPs)

[11] Turkish Foreign Minister holds contacts in Iran

Turkey's foreign minister has said his country's relations with Iran had seen what he called a big improvement over the last years, adding that the two neighbours were working to achieve joint targets.

Ahmet Davutoglu appeared at a joint press conference after Tuesday's meeting with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Motaki in Tehran on a one-day working visit. This is the fourth time in the last five months that Davutoglu has visited the Iranian capital amid a growing row between Iran and the Western powers over Tehran's nuclear program. I believe that our frequent contacts with Iran are a must, given developments in the region, Davutoglu told reporters. Davutoglu said he had discussed with Motaki latest developments in the region including Iraq which is set to go on vote in the upcoming general elections. Iraq's stability and prosperity is as important as our own stability and prosperity. Turkey and Iran consider the Iraqi elections are important for the country's future as well as for an Iraqi parliament with a high representative capacity, Davutoglu said. The Turkish foreign minister called on for urgent action to end the human tragedy in Gaza.

Turkish foreign minister said that Tehran's nuclear program had come up during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart on Tuesday as a row continues over the Iranian regime's nuclear plans, which the Western powers suspect had secret military dimensions. We have taken up with my friend and brother with utmost sincerity Iran's nuclear program, which has been a regular topic of our frequent contacts," Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters after a gathering with Manouchehr Motaki in the Iranian capital. The Turkish foreign minister did not elaborate on details of his talks with Motaki over the nuclear issue. [Mr Motaki] has informed me on the latest developments and I conveyed our view to him, Davutoglu said. Davutoglu said Iran's positive contributions were needed to achieve a region of prosperity and stability through political dialogue, diplomacy and economic cooperation. Davutoglu also said the two countries had set a target to increase the trade volume up to as high as 30 billion USD annually.

Motaki said on his part that relations between Iran and Turkey had been improving in all areas, adding that Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan had laid the foundations of a new and an important era in bilateral ties. Turkey and Iran are two important countries of an important region. And their cooperation is important in solving issues of the region as well as maintaining peace and security, Motaki said.

Moreover, the Turkish foreign minister had a meeting with Iranian parliament speaker on Tuesday. Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met Ali Larijani, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, within the framework of his one-day visit to Tehran. Davutoglu, who earlier met his Iranian counterpart Manuchehr Motaki, is expected to be received by Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad. Minister Davutoglu discussed with Iranian executives Iran's nuclear energy program and its nuclear talks with western countries.

Davutoglu is expected to return to Turkey after completing his talks in the Iranian capital.

[12] EU Mideast envoy: Turkey in our camp over nuclear row

The European Unions Middle East representative says, If there is a sort of domino effect of countries acquiring nuclear weapons or other non conventional armaments, yes it will encourage others to think the same. I do not point out Turkey especially. I think it will be the concern of everybody.

The European Union said it has no doubts about whose camp Turkey is in when it comes to Irans nuclear proliferation threat and warned that nuclear armament spreading in the region is a concern for all, including Ankara. Our vision is clear. Stopping proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a principle that should be shared by all, and Turkey is a NATO ally. I see them more on our side than on the side of proliferation, Marc Otte, the EU special representative for the Middle East, told the Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review in an interview Tuesday.

The EU representatives remarks came the same day Turkeys Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu tried to advise Tehran to reduce tension over the latters disputed nuclear program in the wake of intense diplomatic traffic with European and American officials.

I think Turkey has been acting responsibly over the years. Turkey is a member of NATO and therefore benefits from the nuclear umbrella of NATO if it would be threatened or attacked, said Otte. I share a more general concern that if there is a sort of domino effect of countries acquiring nuclear weapons or other non conventional armaments, yes it will encourage others to think the same. I do not point out Turkey especially. I think it will be the concern of everybody, he said.

The EU official held talks in Ankara with foreign policy advisors of the president and the prime minister as well as officials from Parliaments Foreign Relations Committee.

Subtitle: Nuclear-free Middle East

Turkey says every country has the right to acquire a peaceful nuclear program but opposes any nuclear armament in the region that could lead to a dangerous arms race. However, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogans frequent assurances that Iran is solely interested in a peaceful energy program and his criticism of EU silence over Israels nuclear program has sparked concerns and led some to question Turkeys direction in terms of embracing Islamist regimes or turning its back on the West.

There have been instances of non conventional weapons used in this region against Kurdish populations, against Iran by Iraq. Every proliferation of non-conventional weapons is dangerous, said the EU envoy. Our position is that we must try for a nuclear-free Middle East. You have to think about that in a manner that deals with the immediate threat first and then the long-term regime later.

We are for a strong non proliferation treaty that is applied equally by everybody, but in your neighbourhood it is a very difficult principle to apply, Otte said. If you look further east you have Pakistan. I think it is not only the capacity but also the intent that comes. If Iran says it will destroy another country with some weapons it is developing, that is a more urgent issue than others who also have certain capacities but have not done that, referring to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads statement to wipe Israel off the map.

Subtitle: Anti-Semitism used as weapon by Israelis

The EU official also underlined there was no sign of anti-Semitism in Turkey when asked about Turkeys worsening relations with Israel since last years Gaza war and the prime ministers harsh rhetoric targeting the Israeli policy. First of all, I do not believe that the government of Turkey is anti-Semitic. I do not believe our governments or parliaments, when they criticize the behaviour of Israel, are anti-Semitic. It is a weapon that is used a bit too easily by Israelis, said Otte. There is anti-Semitism in Europe. I recognize it, but I often say to my Israeli interlocutor, when we criticize you for what you do, it is legitimate. We do not criticize you for what you are, we criticize you for what you do. Modestly, I do not want to appear like an expert in Turkish affairs, but I think when your prime minister expressed outrage for what happened in Gaza, it was the same outrage that was expressed by Europeans.

Subtitle: Israel-Syria talks up to players

While commenting on the Turkish role in the possible resumption of peace negotiations between Israel and Syria, Otte said, It is up to the players to decide, but we in the EU certainly wish Turkey to remain positively engaged. We recognize your responsibilities, and we recognize your efforts. He said, however, there was disappointment over the current course of Turkish-Israeli relations. I think it is a great pity there have been these tensions because both countries need each other, and I think there is recognition in Israel that Turkey remains a strategic partner for many reasons.

Subtitle: Hamas has to be driven into political process

Another question asked about the division among Palestinians, namely between Hamas and al-Fatah. Given examples of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the most recent outreach to Taliban in Afghanistan, the official said: If you ask me the question if eventually Hamas has to be driven toward the political process, yes absolutely. The question is under which conditions. We are not at all against it, but it is clear, when you want to be part of a political process, then you are part of a political process and not part of a military process. You have to choose.

On the Turkish approach toward Hamas, Otte said: Turkey has a specific angle on that. Your government, the majority of Parliament, has maybe a more natural inclination to feel closer to these people although I dont want to bring the comparison too far.

[13] Senior Turkish diplomat holds contacts in the USA

A senior Turkish diplomat held talks in the United States within the framework of a working trip. Feridun Sinirlioglu, undersecretary of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held talks with U.S. executives and departed from Washington D.C. on Tuesday. Sinirlioglu discussed bilateral and international issues particularly the Balkans, Middle East, Caucasus, energy and Turkish-U.S. relations during his meetings with members of U.S. Department of State and National Security Council.

Richard Morningstar, U.S. special envoy for Eurasian energy; Jim Steinberg, U.S. deputy secretary of state; Philip Gordon, U.S. assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs; and Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, senior director for European affairs at National Security Council; were the U.S. executives with whom Sinirlioglu held talks.

There has been busy diplomacy traffic between Turkey and the United States for the last one year. Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the sidelines of the U.S.-Islam World Forum in Doha, Qatar last week.

U.S. Under Secretary of State for political affairs Bill Burns will also hold talks in Turkey on Thursday.

EG/

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