Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-03-11

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat says he will not accept Hillary Clintons invitation; He claims that the relations of the breakaway regime with Turkey are at their best level

[02] The Turkish Cypriot parties are clarifying their stance for the elections- Ertugruloglu took Guls approval for his candidature- Zeki Besiktepeli will be the third candidate

[03] The breakaway regime allocates land in the occupied areas of Cyprus to Turkish football clubs

[04] A delegation from the Adana Chamber of Commerce to hold contacts in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[05] Several demonstrations were held in the occupied Lefkosia

[06] The Belgian ambassador to Ankara stated in an interview with HurriyetDaily News.com that it is unfair that Turkeys EU bid was linked with the Cyprus Problem; He called on Turkey to make compromises for the opening of the energy chapter

[07] Davutoglu discussed the Cyprus Problem with his Irish counterpart

[08] Turkey, South Korea to establish a nuclear energy plan

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] From the Turkish Press of 10 March 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat says he will not accept Hillary Clintons invitation; He claims that the relations of the breakaway regime with Turkey are at their best level

The Turkish Cypriot President said on Wednesday that relations between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkey were in the best level in their history.

TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat said the two countries were enjoying the best relations in their history because relations were based not only on brotherhood ties but also on joint policies. 'We do not have any problems, ' Talat told reporters after his meeting with Turkey's Agriculture & Rural Affairs Minister Mehdi Eker in Ankara.

Talat said TRNC was carrying out an active policy to solve the Cyprus problem. 'Our policy aiming to integrate to the world should be maintained in order to bear result, and we should not interrupt this integration process, ' Talat said when commenting on presidential election in TRNC due on April 18. Talat also said Ankara was sincere and about the settlement of the Cyprus dispute.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (11.03.10) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat has said that he is not thinking of accepting the invitation sent to him by the US Secretary of State, Mrs Hillary Clinton to visit the USA because he was annoyed with the form of the invitation and he does not want to stay away from the occupied areas of Cyprus for even 3 or 4 days.

Responding to questions yesterday at the illegal Tymvou airport after his return from Turkey, Mr Talat stated that Mrs Clinton will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus before the meeting with himself. He expressed the view that this is not right, because due to his accepted status, Mr Kyrianou is not going there representing only the Greek Cypriots. Mr Talat noted that he could not accept such a thing and even though he did not give an official reply to the invitation yet, he could not consider it in its current form.

Furthermore, referring to his contacts in Turkey, Mr Talat said that Turkey has deployed fire fighting helicopters and airplanes in a distance twenty minutes away from Cyprus and added that these helicopters and airplanes could intervene in case of a fire in the occupied areas of the island. Mr Talat said also that the final countdown started for the Water of Peace Project within the framework of which water will be transferred to the occupied areas of Cyprus from Turkeys Dragon Stream with pipelines 250 meters under the sea. He noted that they expect this project to be completed within four years and described it as good news for the entire island, expressing the hope that the Cyprus problem will be solved until then and the whole of Cyprus will benefit from this water.

Responding to a question, he said that he had no contact in Turkey regarding the elections to be held on 18 April in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

(I/Ts)

[02] The Turkish Cypriot parties are clarifying their stance for the elections- Ertugruloglu took Guls approval for his candidature-Zeki Besiktepeli will be the third candidate

According to the paper, the Social Democracy Party (TDP) of Mehmet Cakici, which convened yesterday, decided to support Mehmet Ali Talat for the elections under some conditions which were conveyed to Mr Talat. These conditions are Mr Talat to adopt a more determined behavior towards the negotiations and a TDP member to participate in the negotiations delegation.

The paper, citing reliable information writes that the majority of the members of the Democratic Party (DP) of Serdar Denktas, which also convened yesterday, are in favor of supporting Dervis Eroglu for the elections. However, the support will be under conditions which will be related to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

The paper notes that the MP with the National Unity Party Tahsin Ertugruloglu, will clarify his stance as regards the elections today. Mr Ertugruloglu, who during the last week paid a lot of visits to Ankara and held contacts with many officials of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), among them the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish President, Abdullah Gul, requested a meeting with Dervis Eroglu which will be held today. After the meeting, Mr Ertugruloglu will make the necessary announcements to the public, according to the paper.

Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (11.03.10) reports that the Freedom and Reform Party convened yesterday and evaluated all the scenarios regarding the elections. The party will convene again on Friday in order to take its final decision. The paper notes that the party will be influence by the decision that Mr Ertugruloglu will take, whether he will be a candidate or not.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (11.03.10) writes that Tahsin Ertugruloglu took a final decision regarding the presidential elections after a meeting he had with the Turkish President Abdullah Gul. According to Afrika, Mr Ertugruloglu asked Mr Gul whether he should be a candidate or not for the elections and he received a positive answer. Afrika writes that following this development Mr Ertugruloglu is expected to announce his candidature today.

In addition Afrika also writes that Zeki Besiktepeli, will be a candidate for the presidential elections. Mr Besiktepeli, who will be a candidate of the Jasmine Movement, will announce his candidature tomorrow. Mr Besiktepeli stated that he is not competing in order to take Ankaras approval. I am a candidate of the Turkish Cypriots, he stated.

(CS)

[03] The breakaway regime allocates land in the occupied areas of Cyprus to Turkish football clubs

The paper reports that the self-styled minister of foreign affairs of the breakaway regime, Huseyin Ozgurgun, who participated in the meeting of Galatasarays council, said that after a demand of the club the breakaway regime allocated to Galatasaray a piece of land of 150 donums [Tr. Note: A land measure of about 1000 square meters] in occupied Karpass peninsula. He noted that they have not yet signed a protocol for this land, because of the prohibitions regarding the so-called elections and added that after 18 April they will invite Galatasaray to the occupied areas of Cyprus and sign the official protocol.

Moreover, Afrika cites information published yesterday by Turkish daily Sabah newspaper and reports that Trabzonspor football club, which is rich in the field of real estate property, has bought land for building a five star hotel and training camp installations in occupied Keryneia. Soon the agreement will be signed and the project is expected to start this year, writes the paper adding that the idea for this initiative belongs to Utku Bozoglu, former member of the administrative council of Trabzonspor and well-known businessman in the field of tourism.

According to the paper, Mr Bozoglu is a friend of Hamza Ertan Saner, self-styled minister of tourism and culture of the breakaway regime. The protocol for the project will be signed after the illegal elections in the occupied areas of Cyprus. The paper reports also that Mr Hamza Ertan Saner has filed an application for becoming a member of Trabzonspor.

(I/Ts.)

[04] A delegation from the Adana Chamber of Commerce to hold contacts in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

(EA)

[05] Several demonstrations were held in the occupied Lefkosia

At the same time, another protest took place outside of the municipality of the occupied part of Lefkosia. The employees in the municipality who have not been paid were gathered outside the municipality protesting against the statement of the so-called mayor of Lefkosia Cemal Bulutoglulari, who said live in the Turkish Cypriot private TV channel KANAL SIM that he would fire those who demand their salaries.

Meanwhile, the members of the Airlines Union (HAVA-SEN) protested yesterday outside the head office of the illegal Cyprus Turkish Airlines (KTHY) demanding the resignation of the so-called government because Eroglus administration fired 142 persons from the KTHY.

Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (11.03.10), in its front page under the banner headline A trap to Cemal, reports that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) wanted to create a chaos in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus before the forthcoming elections. The paper also reports that unions and associations began to cause public demonstrations without a serious reason under the directions of activists and deputies of CTP.

(DPs)

[06] The Belgian ambassador to Ankara stated in an interview with Hurriyet Daily News.com that it is unfair that Turkeys EU bid was linked with the Cyprus Problem; He called on Turkey to make compromises for the opening of the energy chapter

The EU, which attaches great importance to joint energy security policies with Turkey, is looking for ways to unblock the energy chapter. Belgian Ambassador to Ankara Pol De Witte, whose country will soon assume the rotating EU presidency, calls for more compromises on Cyprus. 'I know it is not easy, but in order to have a solution and to unblock chapters, some gestures are needed between Cyprus and Turkey'

Although it is unfair that Turkeys European Union accession process and the Cyprus issue have become linked, Belgiums ambassador admitted their de facto linkage made it necessary to find a quick solution on Cyprus.

'We are looking for ways to open new chapters and to help the Turkish government, ' De Witte said in an interview with the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, noting his country, as one of the founding fathers of the EU, is also ready to provide technical assistance to Turkey.

Question on the chapters blocked due to political concerns, De Witte admitted that energy 'has great importance for both the EU and Turkey. '

Spain is holding talks to unblock the energy chapter, according to the ambassador. 'Energy security is extremely important for European countries. It is definitely a high priority for the Spanish presidency, but it has not done a deal yet. You can be sure that if it is not solved by the end of June, our government will try to put things in order, ' he said, noting that it would otherwise be impossible to proceed with negotiations.

Asked if there is a way out of the deadlock in Turkeys accession talks, De Witte admitted that Cyprus veto had made Turkeys EU accession complicated. 'Time is running out at this moment because the presidential elections will be held in the second half of April in the Turkish part of Cyprus, ' he said, adding that he hopes Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders can reach at a settlement through at least a partial compromise. 'In the first place, those on the island are responsible for finding a solution for themselves, 'De Witte said, asserting that Ankara and Athens have taken responsibility by encouraging the two sides.

He also said, 'In any case, the only solution will be through compromises between the two sides. I know it is not easy, but in order to have a solution and to unblock chapters, some gesture is needed between Cyprus and Turkey. '

Admitting that the Cyprus question is complicating the accession process, he said it was not appropriate that accession negotiations and the Cyprus issue were linked. 'But it is de facto linked. It is difficult to go further on accession talks unless a solution is found on Cyprus. '

Subtitle: EU expects Turkish Parliament to focus on legislative reforms

The Belgian ambassador said the Turkish Parliament should focus on legislative reforms to open a number of new chapters. 'Food safety can be open before the end of Spanish presidency. Competition and public procurement is also available. These two areas require further legislative work by the Parliament. '

Noting an approaching recess, De Witte said: 'We hope that the legislative work will be adopted before the summer leave of parliamentarians. In that case, our presidency could work further on this. '

Subtitle: Belgium seeking joint projects of energy and construction

De Witte praised Turkey for its balanced foreign policy that both focuses on EU integration and developing political and economical relations with Middle Eastern neighbors. 'You have extremely active diplomacy and Ive seen a very energetic foreign minister. '

He continued, saying: 'For us, Turkey is a very important bilateral partner both in political and economic respects. '

Noting that the bilateral trade volume is over 5 billion euros, 20 percent lower than 2008s amount, he vowed to encourage joint investments. 'One of my challenges will be to come back to the previous level as soon as possible. '

Energy and construction are promising sectors, De Witte said. 'Turkey is outstanding in construction and we have particular niches dealing with telecommunications and transport, ' he said, adding that mutual investments and joint projects for third countries are possible.

Thanks to its harbors, Belgium can be a bridge for transaction of goods between Turkey and Europe, he said.

[07] Davutoglu discussed the Cyprus Problem with his Irish counterpart

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has informed his Irish counterpart Michael Martin about the recent developments in Cyprus and the Middle East on Wednesday.

Sources said that Irish authorities took note of the views that Turkey is a country that should be exempt from visa requirements.

Martin told Davutoglu that they expected more Turkish students for university education in Ireland.

Minister Davutoglu and Martin discussed the possibility of Ireland issuing easier and more convenient visas for students, businesspeople and artists.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Irish Foreign Ministry said that Davutoglu explained Turkey's constructive role in finding peaceful solutions to issues such as the Middle East, Caucasus, Afghanistan and the western Balkans while talking with Martin.

[08] Turkey, South Korea to establish a nuclear energy plan

Turkey and South Korea signed on Wednesday a cooperation protocol to establish a nuclear energy power plant in the northern Turkish province of Sinop.

'We have to produce at least 10 percent of our energy from nuclear plants by 2020, 'Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz said during the signature ceremony in Istanbul.

The two countries signed the protocol on the sidelines of a Turkish-South Korean Business Forum.

'We will set up working groups and try to prepare an agreement within three or four months, ' Yildiz said.

South Korea actually has 20 nuclear power plants, and is constructing eight others in its territories. It aims to raise its nuclear energy to 40 percent till 2020.

Turkey is also cooperating with the Russian Federation to construct a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu hamlet of the southern province of Mersin.

Turkey has long been eager to build nuclear power plants.

A Turkish-Russian consortium led by Russia's Atomstroyexport had been the only bidder in a 2008 tender to build country's first nuclear power plant. However, Turkey's state-run electricity wholesaler TETAS canceled the tender in November 2009.

On January 13, Turkey and Russian Federation signed a joint declaration on cooperation in establishment of nuclear power plant in Turkey within the framework of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's formal visit to the Russian capital of Moscow. Executives of the two countries had said they would sign an intergovernmental deal on establishment of nuclear power plant in Turkey if they reached a compromise.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] From the Turkish Press of 10 March 2010

a) On Turkeys-US ties/Armenian bill

Cumhuriyet report quotes Erdogan as saying that Turkish Ambassador to US Namik Tan will stay in Turkey until the situation on the Armenian bill gains clarity in the United States, adding that he does not believe the United States will sacrifice its strategic partner Turkey "for mundane political calculations." A report in Cumhuriyet quotes CHP leader Deniz Baykal as saying that with the Armenian bill the United States are trying to tarnish not only the Ottoman Empire but also the Turkish Republic and the Ataturk era, adding that as a reaction the government should withdraw the Armenia-Turkey protocols from the parliament. Another report in Cumhuriyet quotes MHP leader Devlet Bahceli as saying that the AKP government is not reacting forcefully enough to the United States, suggesting that Erdogan should cancel his visit to the United States, withdraw the protocols from the parliament, and introduce new regulations on the use of Incirlik air base.

Interpreting Erdogan's statement in a column in Radikal, Murat Yetkin says the Prime Minister is actually telling President Obama that if he really likes the AKP government he should prevent the adoption of the Armenian bill at the House of Representatives, otherwise he [Erdogan] might either refuse to attend the 12-13 April Washington summit on nuclear security or attend it under the status of "international contacts" not under the status of "bilateral contacts."

Cengiz Candar, in his column in Hurriyet, warns the government against disrupting ties with the United States over the Armenian bill, for it will negatively affect the domestic situation and Turkey's regional role, especially when the "political map" in Iraq is going to change radically after the elections and the United States is trying to revive the Middle East process. Instead of focusing on how Turkey could participate in these developments, it is illogical to exploit the Armenian bill for domestic political purposes when it is clear to all that the bill will not pass the House of Representatives, Candar adds.

Under the headline, "Ambassador challenge to US," Vakit carries a front-page report which highlights Prime Minister Erdogan's remarks yesterday announcing that Turkey will not send its ambassador to the United States back to Washington unless there are changes in the "situation" created by the US House decision on the Armenian resolution. The report compares Erdogan's response to the US House Foreign Affairs Committee's adoption of the Armenian resolution to his reaction to Israeli President Shimon Peres at Davos [where he stopped a moderator from cutting him short by insistently asking to be given "one minute" to respond to Peres before he walked out of his debate with the Israeli leader].

In an article entitled "Armenian resolution and Israel's revenge", Vakit columnist, Serdar Demirel, draws attention to "Jewish lobbies' big contribution" to the results of the US House vote on the Armenian resolution and interprets Jewish support for the resolution as "revenge" for the way Erdogan lashed out at Peres at Davos.

In a commentary entitled "A Damnable decision that cannot be implemented", Milli Gazete writer Recai Yahyaoglu describes the results of the US House vote on the Armenian resolution as a "false victory" for Yerevan that is set to damage US and Armenian rather than Turkish interests. Yahyaoglu calls on Prime Minister Erdogan to cancel his visit to the United States in April in response to the US decision and asserts that the Turkish people have the right to expect Erdogan to react to the US House vote in the same way as he reacted to Israel at Davos. He also suggests that Ankara show its displeasure to Washington by closing down Incirlik Air Base, preventing the shipping of military supplies and equipment from Iraq to Afghanistan via Turkey, withdrawing the Turkish troops in Afghanistan, and stopping training Afghan soldiers.

b) Cyprus Problem:

Bulent Aras declares in his column in Sabah that since the endorsement of the Annan plan by the Turkish side, Turkey has been using that "psychological" advantage to successfully advance its case in Cyprus by pillorying the Greek Cypriot side as the intransigent party. To Turkey's success has now been added the ECHR decision to refer the Greek Cypriot property owners to the Immovable Property Commission (TMK) in occupied Cyprus to seek compensation for their property left in occupied Cyprus. The ECHR decision is important in the sense that it recognizes the existence of a judicial system in northern Cyprus and will also force the European countries to revise their own court decisions on Greek Cypriot property. Yet another important development on the horizon will be the launching of Mersin, Latakia, and Tripoli sea lane to challenge the Greek monopoly in Eastern Mediterranean.

Erdal Guven, in his column in Radikal, also notes the importance of the ECHR decision for the Turkish side, pointing out that though this ECHR decision does not lift the financial burden on Turkey, it will make it harder for the Greek Cypriots to seek compensation for their properties until the final solution of the Cyprus Problem. Besides providing "judicial gains" to the Turkish side, the decision will also have "extremely important political consequences" for the Cyprus Problem.

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