Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-05-18

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The new self-styled ministers of the breakaway regime have been announced

[02] Eroglu says he will defend their national cause at the negotiating table

[03] Saner meets with Tajikistans Minister of Tourism

[04] Turkish State Minister Arinc and AKP deputy Bilen will illegally visit the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[05] An international search and rescue seminar and exercise are being held in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[06] Eroglu to introduce the Turkish Cypriot team at the negotiations and the members of his Advisory Committee

[07] Data on the unemployment rate and the number of illegal workers in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[08] Turkish Foreign Ministry on the joint declaration of Iran, Turkey and Brazil

[09] Turkey and Azerbaijan to set up a high-level strategic cooperation council

[10] Egyptian Ambassador to Ankara: Visa exemption between Turkey and Egypt is a joint desire

[11] Kemal Kilicdaroglu to run for the CHP leadership

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] From the Turkish Press of 17 May 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The new self-styled ministers of the breakaway regime have been announced

President Dervis Eroglu has approved the new list of ministers submitted by the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP), Irsen Kucuk, who was given the mandate to form a new government. The new cabinet includes just one new minister while three ministers changed their positions in the cabinet.

The UBP Leader Irsen Kucuk presented the new list of ministers to President Eroglu this afternoon. The new list of ministers was read out by Kucuk after his meeting with President Eroglu who approved the new cabinet.

And, here is the new list of new cabinet ministers:

Prime minister: Irsen Kucuk

Foreign minister: Huseyin Ozgurgun

Minister of finance: Ersin Tatar

Minister of interior and local administrations: Ilkay Kamil

Minister of labour and social security: Turkay Tokel

Minister of national education, youth and sports: Nazim Cavusoglu

Minister of public works and communications: Hamza Ersan SanerMinister of health: Ahmet Kasif

Minister of economy and energy: Sunat Atun

Minister of agriculture and natural resources: Zorlu Tore

Minister of tourism, environment and culture: Kemal Durust

Meanwhile, referring to the establishment of the new cabinet, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (18.05.10) reports that Hasan Tacoys remaining outside the government is seen as the first serious signal of division within the National Unity Party (UBP). The paper writes that UBP is giving signals that it will be divided and shrink after Dervis Eroglu left the party. In its column Letter from Afrika, the paper argues that these signals are seen in the appointment of the members of the new cabinet and the names of the candidates in the municipal elections. The paper points out that Zorlu Tore, one of the heroes of the hearths of the ideal, known as grey wolves, became self-styled minister of agriculture and natural resources. In any case they are not expecting from the community to applause them for making Zorlu Tore minister, writes the paper, adding that some candidates of the UBP in the municipal elections have no chance of winning.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (18.05.10) refers to the new cabinet under the title Shock for Tacoy and wonders why the self-styled minister of public works and transport, Hasan Tacoy is the only minister who remained outside the government. It reports that this causes some speculations and reminds that Mr Tacoy had been accused especially for the crisis in the illegal Turkish Cypriot Airlines and some tenders in the illegal Tymvou airport.

[02] Eroglu says he will defend their national cause at the negotiating table

Mr Eroglu met yesterday with a delegation of the National Justice Party (MAP) headed by Ata Tepe, MAPs chairman.

Mr Tepe informed Mr Eroglu that he will be candidate for the vacant seat in the assembly in occupied Famagusta area and congratulated him for his mature and unifying stance during the period before the presidential elections. Alleging that after 19 April the Turkish Cypriots stuck heart and soul to their national sensitivities, Mr Tepe claimed that the Turkish Cypriots wish for the Cyprus negotiations to continue, but no concessions should be given from their red lines. I am fully convinced that you will put forward a will for not giving concessions from the red lines, he added.

Mr Tepe alleged that the reason for the non-solution is the fact that the Greek Cypriots want a single sovereignty and that during the past three years we saw different and wrong examples of explaining the single sovereignty. He said that under the leadership of Mr Eroglu the state of the TRNC will stop being an issue of discussion.

In his statements, Mr Eroglu thanked Mr Tepe for the support which his party offered to him during the presidential elections and said that it fell to his share to defend at the negotiating table the national cause, which he has been defending for many years now. Mr Eroglu noted that each side will determine its policy according to its own interests and argued that during the last period President Christofias is making statements very often, while himself tries not to make statements.

Mr Eroglu said he invited President Christofias to a dinner, but the Greek Cypriot side rejected his invitation, made various other suggestions and leaked the information to the press. He alleged that he had made this invitation in order for the two leaders to get to know each other better.

Mr Eroglu reiterated his wish for the negotiations to be completed until the end of the year and to reach a lasting agreement where the Turkish Cypriots will live with honour on their land. He said they will see at the negotiating table whether this could be achieved.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Saner meets with Tajikistans Minister of Tourism

Moreover, Mr Saner attended a dinner last night given by Tajikistans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Homrokhon Zarifi to the honour of the heads of the delegations which participate in the general assembly of the OIC.

Today, Mr Saner is expected to address the assembly and tomorrow he will continue his bilateral contacts. Mustafa Davulcu and Cagri Kalfaoglu, 1st and 3rd secretary of the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs respectively, are participating in the delegation of the breakaway regime.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish State Minister Arinc and AKP deputy Bilen will illegally visit the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

The General Coordinator of Cyprus Academy, Mr Adem Koc, said that Mr Arinc and Mr Bilen will be accompanied by a delegation consisting of eight persons. He also said that the academy will give certificates to 200 graduates during a ceremony that will be held on 23rd of May at Near East University.

(DPs)

[05] An international search and rescue seminar and exercise are being held in the occupied areas of Cyprus

According to an announcement, Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU), Near East University (YDU), Keryneia American University (GAU), European University of Lefka (LAU), International Cyprus University (UKU), Ataturk Teachers Academy, Miras University from Kazakhstan, Marshall University from USA, Serif University from Iran, Najah University from Palestine, Azerbaijans State University of Economic and Baku State University from Azerbaijan, Bogazici University, Marmara University and Canakale 18 March University from Turkey, Polytechnic National School from Algeria, Sanna University from Yemen and Uni Wien Institut Fur Meteorologie university from Austria are participating in the Search and Rescue Exercise 2010. It is reported that eighteen universities from ten countries will participate in the Exercise 2010 that started yesterday. The universities apart from the seminars will also participate in the celebrations that will be held in the occupied areas for the 19th of May, Day for Youth and Sports in Turkey.

(DPs)

[06] Eroglu to introduce the Turkish Cypriot team at the negotiations and the members of his Advisory Committee

(ML)

[07] Data on the unemployment rate and the number of illegal workers in the occupied areas of Cyprus

Noting that the fight against illegal labour in the occupied areas started as of September, Turkay Tokel stated that since then controls were performed in 147 working places and 520 workers have been inspected. He said 118 of these workers were identified as illegal and they have been deported.

Mr Tokel also noted that 2.171 persons who have been identified as illegal workers have been benefited from the self-styled governments amnesty for a period of two months. He said those who paid their penalties have been registered and pay regularly their social security fees.

Turkay Tokel further added that the unemployment rate in the occupied areas of Cyprus has reached 12%.

(ML)

[08] Turkish Foreign Ministry on the joint declaration of Iran, Turkey and Brazil

Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Iran met the expectations of the international community with the Joint Declaration it signed with Turkey and Brazil. The ministry statement said Turkey expected the agreement referred in the Joint Declaration to be implemented and wanted international community to make an active contribution to maintain this process.

The statement said, determined efforts carried out by Turkey for a long time to overcome a problem regarding Iran's nuclear program achieved an important result with the Joint Declaration signed in Tehran. The statement said, this development is important not only for the region but also for whole international community. We thank Iranian people for the confidence it showed in Turkey in this process.

Thanks to the Joint Declaration, a new and important opportunity has been created to resume dialogue between Iran and international community and to reach a permanent compromise in line with the rights and commitments which lie in the basis of Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the statement said.

The statement said, with the approval of the Joint Declaration, Iran fulfilled the expectations of international community. This development at the same time revealed that a solution could be found through diplomacy and all facilities should be exerted in this area. Turkey appreciates the support extended by Brazil in this process.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has agreed to ship its uranium to Turkey, based on a declaration signed by Turkey, Iran and Brazil on Monday. According to the declaration, 1,200 kilograms of enriched uranium will continue to be the property of Iran while in Turkey. Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) may appoint an observer during the stay of the uranium in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (17.05.10) reported the following from Baku:

The Islamic Republic of Iran has agreed to ship its uranium to Turkey, based on a declaration signed by Turkey, Iran and Brazil on Monday. According to the declaration, 1,200 kilograms of enriched uranium will continue to be the property of Iran while in Turkey. Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) may appoint an observer during the stay of the uranium in Turkey.

Having met in Tehran, Iran, Turkey and Brazil have agreed on the following Declaration:

We reaffirm our commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and in accordance with the related articles of the NPT, recall the right of all State Parties, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy (as well as nuclear fuel cycle including enrichment activities) for peaceful purposes without discrimination. We express our strong conviction that we have the opportunity now to begin a forward-looking process that will create a positive, constructive, non-confrontational atmosphere leading to an era of interaction and cooperation. We believe that the nuclear fuel exchange is instrumental in initiating cooperation in different areas, especially with regard to peaceful nuclear cooperation including nuclear power plant and research reactors construction. Based on this point the nuclear fuel exchange is a starting point to begin cooperation and a positive constructive move forward among nations. Such a move should lead to positive interaction and cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear activities replacing and avoiding all kinds of confrontation through refraining from measures, actions and rhetorical statements that would jeopardize Iran's rights and obligations under the NPT.

Based on the above, in order to facilitate the nuclear cooperation mentioned above, the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to deposit 1200 kg LEU in Turkey. While in Turkey, this LEU will continue to be the property of Iran. Iran and the IAEA may station observers to monitor the safekeeping of the LEU in Turkey. Iran will notify the IAEA in writing through official channels of its agreement with the above within seven days following the date of this declaration. Upon the positive response of the Vienna Group (US, Russia, France and the IAEA) further details of the exchange will be elaborated through a written agreement and proper arrangement between Iran and the Vienna Group that specifically committed themselves to deliver 120 kg of fuel needed for the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR).

When the Vienna Group declares its commitment to this provision, then both parties would commit themselves to the implementation of the agreement mentioned above. Islamic Republic of Iran expressed its readiness to deposit its LEU (1200 kg) within one month. On the basis of the same agreement the Vienna Group should deliver 120 kg fuel required for TRR in no later than one year. In case the provisions of this Declaration are not respected Turkey, upon the request of Iran, will return swiftly and unconditionally Iran's LEU to Iran."

[09] Turkey and Azerbaijan to set up a high-level strategic cooperation council

Turkey's prime minister and Azerbaijan's president decided on Monday that their countries shall set up a high-level strategic cooperation council.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that fruitful talks had been held as part of his visit to the Azerbaijani capital of Baku today. Pointing to Aliyev's upcoming visit to Turkey in June, Erdogan said the two countries' officials would continue to pay visits and hold talks on political, military, commercial, economic and cultural issues in a determined way.

Commenting on the content of his meeting with Aliyev, Erdogan said: One of the most important steps we have taken during today's gathering is the decision we have taken to set up a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between our countries. Erdogan said that establishment of such a council would contribute to the future of the relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Noting that Aliyev had also informed him on the Karabakh issue during their talks, Erdogan said Azerbaijan had always maintained its positive stance on such matter. Azerbaijan has reacted positively to the Minsk Group's latest proposal, although Armenia has not replied to it yet. This shows Azerbaijan's positive stance on the matter, the Turkish prime minister said. Noting that Karabakh issue had been discussed during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's recent visit to Turkey as well, Erdogan said Turkey would carry on with its sensitivity on the matter.

[10] Egyptian Ambassador to Ankara: Visa exemption between Turkey and Egypt is a joint desire

Egypt's Ambassador in Ankara, Abderahman Salaheldin, said Monday visa exemption between Turkey and Egypt was the joint desire of both sides.

Speaking at a summit held on doing business in Egypt in southern province of Adana, Salaheldin said that commercial relations between Islamic countries should grow further. Economic relations will bring the peoples closer to each other, Ambassador Salaheldin said.

Turkish exports to Europe declined in the past two years. However, Turkish exports to Egypt increased in the past two years. Turkish entrepreneurs have investments worth over one billion USD in Egypt. Turkish investments in Egypt are not there merely due to low labour costs. Turkish investors feel at home while doing business in Egypt, Salaheldin said. We are considering issuing visas of 3 years up to 5 years for Turkish businessmen in the near future, Salaheldin also said.

Turkish-Egyptian trade volume is currently around three billion USD.

[11] Kemal Kilicdaroglu to run for the CHP leadership

Kemal Kilicdaroglu announced Monday he was running for chairman of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in the upcoming congress, calling on his fellow party members to prepare the party to embark on a quest to win the next general elections.

Appearing at a press conference at the HQs of his party in Ankara, Kilicdaroglu said he resigned as deputy chairman of CHP's parliamentary group and was running for chairman of CHP. Kilicdaroglu said CHP was a party of a deep-rooted political tradition of 90 years and surely could not be expected to be left without a leader as the country was at a critical turning point where it was troubled with corruption at the same time struggling with economic hardships.

We have to foil plots and conspiracies and break the siege around CHP. We need to give an end to the era of fear, theft. We shall cry out that we will overcome unemployment and desperation and inspire hope in our people. And most important of all, we should at once make preparations in order to come to power with the votes of our peoples in the upcoming general elections, said Kilicdaroglu.

He said that with the power of the support of the party organization, voters and the general public he was running as chairman of CHP at weekend's party congress. He said he planned on building a more democratic party structure that inspired confidence in the cadres of the party.

Kilicdaroglu, born in 1948 in eastern province of Tunceli, ran for mayor of Istanbul in the local elections of March 2009, but lost against Justice and Development (AK) Party's Kadir Topbas, though he won 36.8% of all votes.

CHP's Secretary General Onder Sav and Deputy Parliamentary Group Chairman Kemal Anadol announced that they were extending full support to Kilicdaroglu's nomination. A group of CHP deputies will hold a press conference at the parliament on Monday to extend support to Kilicdaroglu. Former chairman Deniz Baykal resigned last week, a couple of days after the scandalous appearance of an alleged footage featuring him having an affair with a female CHP deputy who was his ex-secretary. Baykal argued that the tape was a conspiracy before resigning saying that he was leaving the post to enable a change and give CHP a chance to face the conspiracy that insulted him and his family.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] From the Turkish Press of 17 May 2010

a) Iranian-Brazilian-Turkish uranium swap deal:

The developments in the days ahead will test the sincerity of the ties between Turkey and Iran and it will be seen whether or not Iran has been exploiting Turkey's good intentioned efforts with ulterior motives and for gaining time, says Milliyet columnist Semih Idiz in an article. We hope that Iran will adopt a rational stand because otherwise, there is nothing else that countries such as Turkey and Brazil that support Iran can do, stresses Idiz.

b) Erdogan's visit to Greece:

Ferai Tinc, citing commentaries that have appeared on Greek media following Erdogan's visit as saying that "despite peace messages, no steps have been taken regarding core issues," and that "Turkey has used this visit for showing the world that it is a peace-loving country," underlines in a commentary in Hurriyet that given the domestic problems faced by the Papandreou and the Erdogan governments, it is impossible for them to hold negotiations on core issues such as the continental shelf in the Aegean, the territorial waters, and Cyprus. Recalling that Turkey and Greece had reached the verge of declaring war on each other several years ago, Tinc draws attention to the importance of the peace messages that have currently been issued and says: "Erdogan's visit to Athens has shown us the two prime ministers' will for cooperation. Is this not important?"

Referring to the "prejudiced" reports published in the Greek newspapers following the meetings held by Erdogan and Davutoglu in Athens, Sabah's Erdal Safak argues that "these reports have been manipulated by certain people." Despite the fact that Papandreou primarily and the Greek Government want to open a new page in the ties with Turkey, the Greek press is not able to leave behind the prejudices created during the term of Karamanlis, maintains Safak.

In an article entitled "A step forward in the right direction", Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak hails the agreement to facilitate the visa regime between Greece and Turkey, signed during Erdogan's recent visit to Athens, as a development that signifies the breaking of "yet another taboo" perpetuated by the Kemalist regime alongside "an immoral propaganda campaign that promotes a perception of all foreign states as enemies of Turkey." He claims that the newly started "dialog and cooperation process" between Ankara and Athens might entail the rewriting of the official Turkish and Greek histories as well as leading Athens to launch the Greek equivalent of the Ergenekon investigation in Turkey against "the Greek deep state."

c) Turkey-Russia ties:

Despite the fact that the agreements that have been signed between Turkey and Russia would have been interpreted differently 25 years ago, today they are seen as imperative in terms of Turkey's development, says Erol Manisali in an article in Cumhuriyet and draws attention to the possibility that Ankara will also develop similar ties with China and India in the future. Manisali underlines that if Turkey does not realize these changes in its foreign policy, it will shrink and it will encounter serious economic problems.

We are not convinced that Turkey's energy needs and production outlook justify the proposition of two Russian-owned nuclear plants, says the Hurriyet Daily News editorial and, viewing the energy policies pursued since the beginning of the republic, stresses that "it is time to end the ad-hoc making of energy policy."

d) Turkey's EU membership:

Ozdem Sanberk, in an article in Hurriyet Daily News argues that the developments in Turkey may be of much greater concern to the future of Europe as a whole than is generally realized. Sanberk notes that "if Turkey is deprived of 'its Western option, its ties with the Euro Atlantic will be weakened and the regionalization and par voie de consequence radicalization of its foreign and domestic policy will become a reality sooner or later with consequences for the region as a whole," whereas Turkey's EU membership will strengthen Europe.

e) Developments in the CHP:

Baykal's reaction to my report on the public opinion that was conducted with the participation of 500,000 people and that shows that the public wants Kilicdaroglu to become CHP chairman has signalled that he wants to return to the party, says Fatih Cekirge in its article in Hurriyet and adds that this is why Kilicdaroglu is not able to submit his candidacy. Explaining that with the current structure of the party no one can run for party chairmanship without the approval of Baykal and Onder Sav, Cekirge says: "This is what moves politics away from the people... This is why full democracy cannot be established without amending the Political Parties Law. This is why rather than the people, a handful of delegate brokers in the party general headquarters elect the party leader."

I am certain that Baykal is counting the days until the day he will return to lead the CHP, argues Mehmet Yilmaz in an article in the same newspaper and stresses that the province chairmen's meeting that will be held on 18 May will mainly aim to ensure that Baykal returns to the party. Will anyone be able to stand up and to say to Baykal that if he returns, the party will encounter problems, asks Yilmaz and adds: "It appears that Baykal's political career will not end with a sex scandal. In the future we will all remember him as a leader who was stuck to his chair and who has not prevented his party from shrinking."

The CHP should resolve the leadership problem in the best possible way and under such circumstances Baykal's return to politics is the worst solution, asserts Nuray Mert in a commentary in Hurriyet. Rather than being a social democratic party, the CHP is a party that is loyal to the founding principles of the republic, notes Mert and calls on the voters of the CHP to review their views on the founding principles of the republic. "It will be possible to preserve the foundation principles only by turning a blind eye to the social process and social demand and this can only be done in spite of democracy," says Mert and asserts that Turkey is currently in the midst of a crisis because of the line that has been pursued in the name of the founding principles of the republic.

Drawing attention to the rumours within the CHP to the effect that Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is an Alevi and a half Kurd, will turn the CHP into an ethnic party, Asli Aydintasbas, in an article in Milliyet criticizes the pro-Baykal circles within the CHP for arguing that Kilicdaroglu's ethnic identity will turn him into a weak candidate for prime ministry. I am not saying that Kilicdaroglu is the only candidate for party leadership, but I am against dirty politics, stresses Aydintasbas and underlines that hitting Kilicdaroglu on the basis of his Alevi identity is inappropriate.

Star's Samil Tayyar, in an article, relates a public opinion poll conducted by Metropol Strategic Studies Centre on Baykal's resignation. Accordingly, 63.4% of the respondents answered that Baykal should not return to politics, while 30.4% noted that his resignation decision was a mistake.

According to a report by Senol Ates in Sabah, Baykal in an exclusive interview announced that he has not changed his mind about his resignation but that the CHP congress will reach the final decision in this regard.

EG/

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