Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-10-14

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] NGOs call for the opening of Apliki

[02] Talat: Eroglu does not believe in the solution of the Cyprus problem

[03] CTP wants opening of the occupied closed city of Varosha under UN supervision

[04] Statements on the return of the closed Varosha area

[05] Besiktas football club allotted land in occupied Karpass peninsula

[06] Russian investors in the TRNC

[07] Kanatli speaks to EP panel about TRNC population

[08] Settler from Turkey appointed new Mufti by AKP

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[09] Davutoglu argues that direct trade regulation with the Turkish Cypriots cannot be associated with any other issue

[10] Turkey to chair Council of Europe Committee of Ministers

[11] Turkish PM Erdogan visiting Pakistan

[12] Davutoglu to attend Friends of Democratic Pakistan meeting in Brussels

[13] Turkeys foreign trade minister calls for visa exemption for Turkish and British businesspeople

[14] Turkish Parliament extends militarys cross-border operation in N. Iraq

[15] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] NGOs call for the opening of Apliki

In their statement, they say that every opening is a step towards the road of peace and the official opening of the Limnitis-Pyrgos crossing point by the two leaders today, will allow contact of the two peoples in the west of Cyprus. The statement calls upon the two leaders and all the other responsible officials to open the Apliki crossing point and allow Lefka to be united with its natural geographical area of Marathassa Valley. Moreover, Vehit Nekibzade, chairman of the Lefka Vakif foundation said that they will be present in the opening of Limnitis, holding placards in three languages, requesting the opening of Apliki.

[02] Talat: Eroglu does not believe in the solution of the Cyprus problem

On the Cyprus problem, Talat reiterated his view that resuming the negotiations with the property issue was a mistake, because the deadlock is inevitable and the process will be against the Turkish Cypriots, and added: Because we need the solution. I do not believe in Mr Dervis [Eroglu] faith in the solution. Mr Dervis appears to want a solution for the sake of working in harmony with Turkey, because Turkey wants a solution. He uses his pro-solution statements for working harmoniously with Turkey. However, I am not seeing this enthusiasm in Mr Dervis. Mr Dervis does not believe that the solution is necessary. He says that we have other alternatives. Mr Dervis wants two separate states. And he does not think that this is not possible. I want a solution. Because I know that the feasible solution is a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, I am fully committed to the federation. If there was another alternative, I would think about it, but there is no other alternative now.

Talat said he is not optimistic that a solution will be reached soon and alleged that both sides do not wish this. One lacks will spiritually and the other because of its interests, he claimed.

Mr Dervis reiterates what I was saying. However, he is obliged to say this, he does not feel it. I was putting pressure. Perhaps nothing was happening, but at least we were preventing the Greek Cypriots from manoeuvring, he added.

Alleging that Eroglu is using what himself had previously gained for the Turkish Cypriots, Talat noted that he is ready to help Eroglu, if he is asked, because he believes in the necessity of the solution.

(I/Ts.)

[03] CTP wants opening of the occupied closed city of Varosha under UN supervision

The statement argues that today the negotiations are far from achieving the actual target, which is a federal solution. Alleging that the current process could not lead the Cyprus problem to a solution, the party suggests the following confidence building measures, which, it says, should be implemented simultaneously and be integrated with the efforts for a comprehensive solution:

1. A negotiating process, with time frame, presided and mediated by the UN.

2. An international conference with the participation of the guarantor powers, which are parties to the Cyprus problem, and the two communities.

3. In support to the above, opening of Varosha for settlement under UN supervision.

4. Lifting restrictions on the Famagusta port.

5. Mutual reduction of military power.

Referring to the issue of the opening of the occupied closed city of Varosha, CTP-BG notes that within the framework of the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem, the demands and/or the proposals to change the current status of Varosha in favour of its legal owners, which often come onto the agenda and efforts are exerted to present it as a kind of confidence building measure, are on the agenda again. The party underlines that this issue is among the components of a comprehensive solution and that presenting it as a solution itself is far from overcoming the negative consequences, for all the Turkish and Greek Cypriots, created by the non-solution.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Statements on the return of the closed Varosha area

Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (14.10.10) reports that in a written statement, Izzet Izcan, General Secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) stated, inter alia, that the return of the closed Varosha area and the opening of the Famagusta port under the supervision of the EU would be a great contribution to the solution process and the two communities as well. Izcan underlined that Maras is a part of the comprehensive solution and added that the Turkish Cypriot side is not sincere when it says that the fenced areas of Varosha can open concurrently with the solution.

Izcan said that the restitution of Varosha by the UN and its return to its legal owners will contribute greatly to the efforts to find a solution in Cyprus and will further develop the intercommunal confidence. Concerning the opening of the Famagusta port under the supervision of the EU, Izzet Izcan said that this will pave the way for Direct Trade and will contribute to the development of tourism and other sectors, especially during the economic crisis. Izcan expressed the view that in return of the handing over of Varosha, Greek Cypriots will approve the opening of the six chapters which remained close for Turkeys EU negotiation process. As a result, Turkish-EU ties, which are stalled at the moment, will be revived.

On the same issue, KAMU-SEN trade Union says in a written statement that the return of Varosha to its legal owners before a solution is found to the Cyprus problem will make Greek Cypriots more intransigent and demand concessions. Mehmet Ozkardas, chairman of KAMU-SEN asked the EU and the UN to keep their promises to Turkish Cypriots and lift the embargoes. He also stated that it is natural to bargain at the negotiating table. However, he said, the issue of closed Varosha area as well as other territory issues should be discussed together, in the framework of a comprehensive solution, and expressed the view that it is possible to reach a lasting and fair solution with mutual concessions. Referring to the preconditions by the Greek Cypriot side, he accused the Greek Cypriot leadership for insincerity. Evaluating the proposal submitted by a group of people regarding Varosha, Ozkardas reiterated that Varosha is a part of the comprehensive solution.

Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (14.10.10) reports that KTOS and DEV-IS trade unions in written statements, described realistic and patriotic the declaration by a group of intellectuals calling for the return to its Greek Cypriot legal owners and concerning the demand to open the occupied Famagusta port under the supervision of the EU.

KTOS and DEV-Is also support that the return of the fenced area of Famagusta and the opening of Famagusta port, adding that it will be a positive development for the economy of both Famagusta and the TRNC. They also underline that this goodwill act will contribute to the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. KTOS and DEV-Is also expressed full support to the declaration by intellectuals from Famagusta and called on all sides to exert efforts towards this direction.

(AK)

[05] Besiktas football club allotted land in occupied Karpass peninsula

Recalling that land in the occupied areas of Cyprus had also been given to two other Turkish football clubs, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor, the paper writes that the administrators of the Besiktas visited the areas of Koma tou Yialou and Vokolida villages yesterday. They also paid a visit to the self-styled prime minister, Irsen Kucuk.

In statements during the meeting, Yildirim Demiroren, chairman of Besiktas, said they asked Kucuks help on the allocation of the land, noting that the club aims at supporting the infrastructure in the country. Kucuk replied that are positive towards Besiktas demand and added that he will soon table the issue on the agenda of the council of ministers.

Moreover, the Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (14.10.10) refers to the same issue under the title Besiktas came, saw and took. The paper writes that Besiktas administrators also met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and the minister of finance Ersin Tatar. Demiroren and Tatar signed a protocol for the purchase of the land where Besiktas will build its sport facilities. The paper reports that the land in Koma tou Yialou chosen by Besiktas is worth gold.

Eroglu stated that the investment of Besiktas is important from the point of view of breaking the embargoes on the TRNC.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Russian investors in the TRNC

In a written statement, Cetin Atalay, founding chairman of the Council stated that they are aware of the blackening campaign followed by the Greek Cypriots. He added that some of the Russian investors, who participated in a meeting organized by the Greek Cypriot Chamber of Trade and Industry and who were given wrong information, were also invited to North Cyprus, adding that they had received positive reactions from them. Atalay also stated that together with those Russian investors they prepared promotion of the projects for the promotion of the TRNC.

(AK)

[07] Kanatli speaks to EP panel about TRNC population

In his speech, Kanatli said the change on the demographic structure in northern Cyprus is an engineered procedure, a political action by the deep state and civil governments of Turkey in order to complete the conquer and Turkification. Moreover, he said that the Turkish embassy in the TRNC supports the organisations of people from Turkey, thus encouraging settlement.

He pointed out that transfer of population in the occupied areas is a war crime according to the Geneva Convention. Presenting statistics showing the increase of population, Kanatli said that official figures cannot be trusted. Kanatli said there should be a population census under international observers and that a new report must be prepared on the demographic structure of Cyprus and that the European Parliament should undertake responsibility.

[08] Settler from Turkey appointed new Mufti by AKP

According to Kibris, Atalay was born in 1968 in the Erdemli area, Mersin, Turkey. In 1975, he came to the occupied part of Cyprus with his family and settled in Famagusta. He is married and has three children. He said that his wife had also come to the island in 1975 when she was five years old. She had not seen the place she was born until she we got married, he added.

(I/Ts.)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[09] Davutoglu argues that direct trade regulation with the Turkish Cypriots cannot be associated with any other issue

Turkey supports ongoing Cyprus negotiations, and still believes that a solution can be found to the (Cyprus) question soon if there is strong political will, Davutoglu said. He added that, unfortunately, the Greek Cypriot administration is taking its time regarding a settlement, despite the Turkish Cypriots goodwill, and opposes a time frame. The Turkish minister said the Greek Cypriot administration is trying to divert the issue instead of discussing the constructive proposals of the Turkish side, and underlined the importance Turkey attaches to intense efforts with the aim to find a comprehensive settlement. We will not let Turkish Cypriots be punished by unjust embargoes, and we will not consider such a move legitimate. Maras is an issue related with a comprehensive settlement, Davutoglu also said.

[10] Turkey to chair Council of Europe Committee of Ministers

Speaking at the press conference, Davutoglu said that Turkey will undertake an active role during its six-month chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and outlined the top five topics on the agenda: reform of the Council of Europe, reform of the European Court of Human Rights, strengthening the independent inspection mechanisms, on work so that the EU, as a body signs the European Convention on Human Rights.

The fifth and the most important goal is establishment of a committee of wise men to deal with recent negative tendencies in Europe and lack of tolerance against members of the different cultures. Davutoglu said explaining that a committee has already been formed under the leadership of Joschka Fischer, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany. Ayse Kadioglu represents Turkey in the committee. During Turkeys chairmanship, the committee will submit a report to the Committee of Ministers during its gathering in Istanbul in May: Davutoglu added that Turkey would undertake an active role to ensure a peaceful environment.

Turkey will assume the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on November 10, 2010 for a six-month period.

[11] Turkish PM Erdogan visiting Pakistan

Erdogan said Turkey wants to see the needs of Pakistan, carry out infrastructural works and leave behind permanent projects in the region. Turkey and Pakistan could cooperate in the military, political, economic and commercial areas, Erdogan said, adding that they can also make joint investments in transportation, energy, agriculture and construction.

Pakistan's worst-ever floods killed nearly two thousand people and left more than 18 million people homeless. So far, Turkey has sent and 25 million USD of humanitarian aid.

In addition, A.A. reported from Islamabad that the Turkish Premier met with his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday. The meeting was closed to the press.

[12] Davutoglu to attend Friends of Democratic Pakistan meeting in Brussels

A statement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), said that Turkey will be represented at the meeting by the Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton will co-chair the meeting.

The Brussels meeting will focus on re-constructing Pakistan after the recent devastating floods, the MFA said, adding that Turkey is ready to extend all support to Pakistan in dealing with the post-floods period.

[13] Turkeys foreign trade minister calls for visa exemption for Turkish and British businesspeople

Caglayan said Britain has a sizeable share in Turkeys foreign trade, adding that British investments is the second largest in volume in Turkey worth over 5 billion USD. He noted that Britain is the only country against which Turkey ran a foreign trade surplus, adding, and we are grateful to you. The Turkish foreign trade minister said the two countries should work harder to increase trade volume up to as high as 30 billion USD, by 2015. Caglayan said Turkey passed a critical test in the global economic recession, adding that the country is expected to achieve a 6.8% economic growth rate in 2010 against an average rate of 1.8% in Europe.

Meanwhile, A.A. reported that the British Prime Minister David Cameron said that they regarded Turkey as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) of Europe. Cameron sent a message to the British-Turkish Business Forum organized by Turkish-British Chamber of Trade and Industry, stating that he considered investment and trade should be increased between the two countries.

Everyone is talking about BRIC countries and rapid growth in economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. We think that Turkey is a BRIC country of Europe, he said. Cameron said that Britain was the second largest investor in Turkey and 1,800 British companies were operating in Turkey. He said that trade volume between Turkey and Britain was over 9 billion U.S. dollars currently and the two countries should work to double trade volume within next five years. British Premier said mutual investments should also be boosted between Turkey and Britain.

[14] Turkish Parliament extends militarys cross-border operation in N. Iraq

According to reports, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), and the opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), and Nationalist Movement Party, (MHP) all lent their approval. The pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) was the only party against the extension.

Inter alia, HDN reports that the new extension will expire on October 17, 2011. This is the third extension since the initial decision in 2007.

[15] Highlights

a) Kurdish question

In an article in Hurriyet Daily News, columnist Mehmet Ali Birand argues that "The Kurdish issue cannot entirely be solved in the short run. It is also impossible to meet all their demands. But we need to take steps showing to Kurdish origin people that some things have started changing and that there is no need for PKK terror anymore."

In an article in Hurriyet, columnist Mehmet Yilmaz criticizes BDP deputy Bengi Yildiz for suggesting that Kurdish should be included in the curricula of schools in all parts of Turkey. Pointing out that the language issue is quite complicated because there is also an Arabic-speaking community in Turkey, Yilmaz concludes proposing: " to BDP deputies is to start with the simplest way to resolve the problem if they actually want to do something beneficial to Kurds. They can, for example, start with convincing the PKK to lay down arms."

Radikal columnist Murat Yetkin says that the Turkish government is using political and military means intended to force the PKK to stop its terrorist attacks in line with the expectations of the United States, Kurds, and liberal Turkish intellectuals. Pointing out that formation of a viable government in Iraq may enable Turkey to achieve its goal, Yetkin says that the Turkish government is also sending messages to President Mas'ud Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government emphasizing that there could be very good ties between Turkey and northern Iraq if the PKK is not permitted to poison relations.

b) Turkish-American relations/Foreign policy

Milliyet columnist Semih Idiz predicts that relations between Turkey and the United States will probably remain strained for some time because of a number of factors, adding that Turkish State Minister Zafer Caglayan will be informed during his upcoming visit to the United States on 17 October that Turkey is seen as the "weak link" in terms of financial sanctions imposed on Iran. He says: "It appears that Turkish-US ties will not return to their previous level over the short term because of this general picture. It is obvious that tension between the two countries will exacerbate if new problems are added to those discussed above."

Cumhuriyet highlights a speech delivered by Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, the US Forces-Iraq Deputy Commanding General, about security in Iraq, at a conference hosted by the Centre for Mideast Strategic Studies in Ankara. The report quotes Barbero as saying, in response to a question, that Turkey should discuss surveillance and operational military flights in northern Iraq with the Iraqi government after the United States hands over responsibility for the Iraqi airspace to the Iraqi military in 2011.

Hurriyet Daily News carries an article by Ozlem Turkone, deputy chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Department of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) who says that Turkey's efforts to eliminate problems with her neighbours have been misinterpreted as a sign that Turkey is pursuing an Islamic foreign policy and turning its back on the West. She adds: "Our foreign policy and increasing power in the region is not something that should disconcert our western friends. This novel foreign policy is loyal to its roots. Our anchorage is still EU membership and our modernization ideals."

c) Proposed changes to military enlistment

Taraf columnist Ahmet Altan criticizes Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for reneging on his promise to reduce the duration of compulsory military service.

Star columnist Ergun Babahan dismisses the reasons cited by the military against partial exemption from military service in return for payment. Pointing out that one out of four enlisted men actually serve officers as waiters and drivers, he stressed that military service should be reduced.

d) Turkish Judiciary

Star columnist Mustafa Karaalioglu argues that the judiciary, which he accuses of collaborating with anti-democratic groups, is gradually changing after the recent referendum on constitutional amendments. He describes the resignation of the seven members of the High Council of Judges and Public Prosecutors as a positive development in terms of breaking down what he describes as the caste system within the judiciary.

e) The Wests security policies

Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul asserts that the West's latest security policies suggest an effort to shift the "Eastern border" from Eastern Europe, the Straits, and the Suez Canal to Georgia, the Eastern Black Sea region, the Iranian-Turkish border, and the Persian Gulf, adding that US President Barack Obama's bid to "assign a new role to the Muslim world" during his visits to Turkey, Egypt, and Russia was part of this policy. He claims that this strategy is intended to use Muslim minorities as a means of destabilizing countries like China, India and "possibly" Russia and promoting other Western imperialist goals. He proceeds to argue that this project is suffering an unexpected setback at the moment, with China, Russia, Turkey, Iran and many other countries making "surprising moves" aimed at thwarting the western bid to create a new "power map" by responding to US incursions into Asia with forays into Africa.

f) Newspaper circulation drop

Yeni Akit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak comments on an overall decline in the circulation of Turkish newspapers from 4,8 to 4,3 million copies since the beginning of this year, a situation that he claims indicates that the news media are increasingly losing their credibility because they do not sufficiently respect the people's faith, mores, and traditions.

g) Turkey hunting ground for poison traders

Zaman runs a front-page report which asserts that drug traffickers are taking advantage of legal loopholes to sell various narcotics that have not yet been categorized as illegal drugs. According to data released by the Turkish Temperance Society, there has been an increase of up to 300% in the use of illegal drugs in the country, the report says. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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