Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-10-27

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

[01] The German Foreign Ministry called on Eroglu to demonstrate the greatest possible flexibility in the Cyprus talks

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press reports the ruling of ECHR

[03] UBP Congress to be held on 4 December

[04] DP in favour of cooperation among opposition parties

[05] Illegal BRT signs protocol with Slovenian IMP on new transmitters

[06] New hotels to be built in occupied Karakoumi and Kazivera

[07] Expat home-buyers refused permission to buy

[08] Pipe water project threatened

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[09] Oil shale reserves found in Turkeys central Anatolia

[10] Greek official: Greek businessmen invested 5 billion Euros in Turkey

[11] Turkey and Mongolia sign MoU and protocols

[12] Turkey and Egypt plan to gradually end visa requirements

[13] Turkey to sign gunship contract

[14] One MP resigns ruling AKP another accedes

[15] Cypriot shrewdness and European shortsightedness

[16] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] The German Foreign Ministry called on Eroglu to demonstrate the greatest possible flexibility in the Cyprus talks

According to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release, Westerwelle called on Eroglu to demonstrate the greatest possible flexibility in order to conclude the Cyprus negotiations with success.

Eroglu stated that he explained the Cyprus problem to the German Minister and expressed the disappointment and expectations of the Turkish Cypriots regarding the Direct Trade Regulation and the isolation.

Westerwelle said that Germany takes the hopes and the concerns of the Cypriots into serious consideration and added that his country wants to help secure peace and reunification in Cyprus.

Eroglu stated that the meeting was extremely warm and sincere. He added that all issues were discussed in detail and that the Turkish Cypriots expectations from the EU and Germany were conveyed.

(I/Ts.)

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press reports the ruling of ECHR

Halkin Sesi: ECHR invigorated the Greek Cypriots.

Star Kibris: Record of compensations to 19 Greek Cypriots!

Ortam: 15 million Euros, a record fine to Turkey.

Bakis: A record fine from ECHR.

Afrika: A historic fine to Turkey at ECHR.

Havadis: 15 million Euros to Greek Cypriots.

Vatan: A record of compensation to Turkey from the Greek Cypriot Greek subcontractor ECHR.

Kibris: The heaviest fine!

[03] UBP Congress to be held on 4 December

In statements last night after a meeting of the administrative committee and the council of the party, Kucuk noted that they discussed current issues, a possible coalition with other parties and the date of the Congress. He said the party organs decided that the authority given him to carry out negotiations for a coalition government should continue. He explained that the reason for holding their congress earlier is the discussions on the budget at the assembly of the regime in November and December.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (27.10.10) reports that Hasan Tacoy, MP with the UBP in occupied Lefkosia, stated to KIBRIS TV that he will contest the presidency of the UBP in December and that he will not withdraw his candidacy. Tacoy criticized some decisions of the UBP government and alleged that if he were minister of transport the illegal Turkish Cypriot airlines would not have gone bankrupt. He noted that one of the reasons which influenced his decision to contest UBP presidency was the fact that some of the principles of the party to overcome the economic crisis have not been implemented. He also said that disagreements exist in the party on various issues and added that not holding an election for the post of the general secretary caused disorder in the UBP.

(I/Ts.)

[04] DP in favour of cooperation among opposition parties

Denktas criticized UBPs government saying that they face the most inexperienced, introvert and problematic government adding that the country is gradually collapsing. Therefore, he argued, it is correct to act in cooperation, because a united opposition will be more powerful. However, he stated that, although they are ready to form a group in the so-called parliament, it is not possible to abolish DPs 18-year-old existence.

[05] Illegal BRT signs protocol with Slovenian IMP on new transmitters

Speaking during the signing of the protocol, illegal BRT director Ozer Kanli said that steps to modernize the BRT will continue. When the transmitters become operational, the Single Frequency Network System will be put into force for the first time and the new transmitters will function in coordination with the Selvilitepe transmitter, Kanli said. He also explained that channels 33 and 41 will be freed from interferences from Greek Cypriot frequencies thanks to the new system.

The IMP Sales Director Ernest Seilnacht said he was very pleased to work with the BRT and expressed the hope that cooperation between IMP and BRT will develop further.

[06] New hotels to be built in occupied Karakoumi and Kazivera

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (27.10.10) reports that another hotel is to be built in the Kazivera area, in the same areas as the 220 million dollar Wonderland Park. The Director of Polatkan Tourism, Ali Polatkan announced that the Cyprus Green Hotel will be constructed in an area of 114,000 sq. meters following an ecological design and using ecological construction methods. The hotel is expected to provide employment for up to 250 local workers, who will receive special training and provide their services dressed in traditional Cypriot costumes.

The founding stones of both projects in Kazivera area will be laid by Turkeys Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture, Ertugrul Gunay, and the State Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Cemil Cicek, on 15 November.

[07] Expat home-buyers refused permission to buy

A spokesman for about 20 homebuyers said they had been denied permission to purchase because the land title deeds are Turkish, the paper says. Moreover, it is added that the 54-villa development has no building permit.

[08] Pipe water project threatened

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[09] Oil shale reserves found in Turkeys central Anatolia

According to MTA the shale in Konya-Eregli and Nigde-Bor basins could produce oil between 2.6 billion-8.3 billion barrels. Accordingly, its value was calculated as 218 billion-687 billion USD.

Since the foundation of MTA in 1935, 1.64 billion tons of oil shales were found in Beypazari (Ankara), Seyitomer (Kutahya), Hatildag, Himmetoglu, Mengen (Bolu), Ulukisla (Nigde), Bahcecik (Kocaeli), Burhaniye (Balikesir), Beydili (Ankara), Dodurga (Corum) and Celtek (Amasya). With the Konya-Eregli and Nigde-Bor reserves, Turkey's oil shale reserve increased to 9.64 billion tons from 1.64 billion tons.

[10] Greek official: Greek businessmen invested 5 billion Euros in Turkey

Speaking during the Turkish-Greek Business Forum in Istanbul, Kouvelis said he believed Greek businessmen would make more investments in Turkey. Kouvelis said two countries support small and medium scale enterprises, and Greece's policy to overcome the current economic crisis aimed at developing such enterprises. The Greek deputy minister underlined the importance of signing a protocol with Turkey on the small and medium enterprises.

Moreover, highlighting the importance of using the natural resources of the two countries and cooperation on tourism and real estate, Kouvelis said trade volume had risen to 3.5 billion USD from 1 billion USD in the last decade. Turkish-Greek trade volume was around 3.5 billion USD in 2008, however it declined to 2.8 billion USD in 2009.

[11] Turkey and Mongolia sign MoU and protocols

The MoU was signed by Turkish State Minister and Deputy Premier Bulent Arinc and Mongolia's Environment and Tourism Minister Luimed Gansukh. The two ministers said that the strong historical ties between Turkey and Mongolia would also help develop the economic and commercial relations.

In addition, two other protocols were signed on share of experience between KOSGEB (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization of Turkey) and its Mongolian equivalent as well as cooperation on development plan of Turkish State Planning Organization and Mongolia's planning unit.

[12] Turkey and Egypt plan to gradually end visa requirements

The Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarciklioglu said he spoke with Egypts Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and Egyptian Trade and Industry Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid over the possibility of abolishing visa requirements between the two countries. Hisarciklioglu also spoke about Nazifs plans to ease the strict procedures for granting visas to businessmen and intellectuals. The strategic partnership between Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan to improve their economies through increased levels of cooperation is far more important, he explained.

The TOBB president also voiced the problems of Turkish businessmen who want to invest in Egypt. We are here not only to earn money but also to share our experiences. It is straightforward that problems can arise in any country. For instance, Sise Cam, a leading glass manufacturer in Turkey, wants to invest approximately $500 million in Egypt. They only want to have a natural gas access in their plant, said Hisarciklioglu.

Turkish ambassador to Egypt Huseyin Avni Botsali also revealed that a visa waiver agreement is about to be concluded between the two countries for businessmen, artists and professionals. Visitors will be able to stay for up to three months without a visa.

[13] Turkey to sign gunship contract

According to the report, Turkey already has a separate multibillion-dollar contract with AgustaWestland for joint manufacture of 51 T129 attack helicopters, a Turkish version of the A129. In addition, in the wake of increased attacks by terrorists from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) that killed dozens of Turkish soldiers in June, the Ankara government decided to buy nine additional, expedited gunships from AgustaWestland.

Guiseppe Orsi, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland, told reporters that the gunships would be delivered unarmed, and Turkish authorities would decide on the appropriate weapons to assemble on the platforms and install them. Orsi said the nine attack helicopters would be delivered in 2012, one year before AgustaWestland plans to begin delivery of the 51 T129s in the larger gunship programme. He did not say how much the nine new choppers would cost, but defence analysts predict that the price for the nine naked helicopters could be less than $200 million. One defence official said AgustaWestland and TAI were expected to sign the contract for the nine choppers Thursday.

[14] One MP resigns ruling AKP another accedes

The distribution of seats in Parliament is now as follows;

Justice and Development Party (AKP) 337

Republican People's Party (CHP) 101

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) 70

Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) 20

Independent 6

Democratic Left Party (DSP) 6

Democrat Party (DP) 1

Turkey Party (TP) 1

Vacant 8

Total 550

[15] Cypriot shrewdness and European shortsightedness

Lagendijk argues that the island proved to be a single issue member state with only one interest: to use its power inside the EU to extract concessions from both the Turkish Cypriots and the Turks, a claims that Cypriot lobbying and bullying inside the two big groups in the EP, the Christian Democrats and the socialists, led to sidelining the Committee on International Trade and to ask the EP Legal Affairs Committee for its opinion. He describes the procedure used as a disgrace for the EP a maintains that this is another proof that many EU politicians are not able and not willing to see the bigger picture, but give in to short-term gains that undermine the credibility of the EU, both in Turkey and among European citizens.

[16] Highlights

a) Missile shield project; Turkey's ties with the west

In an article entitled "Turkey is heading to a cross-roads," columnist Cuneyt Ulsever views NATO's plan to deploy ballistic missiles in Turkey and says: "If Turkey accepts the proposal, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's image will be erased from the streets of the Middle East, if not, Turkey will promise a joint defence system in NATO and retire from the 10-year defence strategy concept of the alliance. And that means Turkey's de facto departure from NATO."

In an article in Hurriyet Daily News entitled "Turkey diverges with allies on Iran question," columnist Semih Idiz says: "The missile defence system is therefore turning into a kind of 'test of allegiance' for Ankara, and it appears that if Turkey fails this test it could be faced with some serious decisions regarding its overall defence strategy."

Milliyet columnist Hasan Cemal says that the United States' pro-Israel stance and policies followed by the Israeli government are poisoning Turkish-American relations. He says: "It seems that Turkish-American relations will continue to remain strained unless the Obama Administration abandons its strongly pro-Israel mentality or puts an end to Israel's spoiled and childish attitudes." He adds that the United States and the EU cannot comprehend that they are no longer able to dominate the world on their own.

In an article in Taraf, columnist Evrim Bunn says that Turkey, which aims to further economic relations with Iran, does not want to upset her neighbour because of the proposed missile radar system and insists that Iran should not be named as the primary target of the missile shield project. Bunn adds: Iranians are confident that even if Turkey accepts the US proposal it will do that in a manner not offending Iran."

b) Kurdish question

In an article in Radikal columnist Murat Yetkin quotes Aysel Tugluk, a former MP and a lawyer of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, as saying that the PKK may resume its armed attacks if the government does not take steps to alleviate the current tension. She adds that negotiations should start with the Peace and Democracy Party without ostracizing Ocalan.

c) Freedom of the press

Hurriyet columnist Yalcin Dogan says that the RTUK Radio and Television High Council has imposed heavy fines on Kanal D television channel and the CNN Turk, because of remarks made by people during interviews and studio debates which he describes as the most striking examples that freedom of the press is facing a serious threat.

Milliyet columnist Taha Akyol says that there are both positive and negative points in the current trend concerning freedom of the press. Pointing out that there have been significant improvements in the field of "thought crimes," Akyol notes: "But, there are important problems regarding freedom of the press which result from the old habits of judicial authorities and the ruling party's tendency to exercise its powers based on an authoritarian mentality."

d) Transparency blocked

Today's Zaman columnist Lale Kemal criticizes the ruling AKP for amending a "critical article" in "a newly drafted Court of Accounts bill intended to bring international standards to the auditing of all public institutions" so as to "kill the principle of accountability and transparency." She asserts that the amendment will serve to block efforts to promote transparency in military spending.

e) New alliance

Yeni Akit Editor-in-Chief Hasan Karakaya comments on "rumours" about an effort, supported by Former President Suleyman Demirel, to establish a new "alliance" consisting of the Felicity Party (SP) led by Necmettin Erbakan, the Democratic Party led by Husamettin Cindoruk, the Turkey Party led by Abdullatif Sener, the Country Party led by Sadettin Tantan, the Liberal Party led by Cem Toker, and the Rights and Equality Party led by Osman Pamukoglu. Karakaya warns Erbakan against taking part in such an alliance, asserting that doing so would be "self-denial" as well as political "suicide."

f) Prostitution ring in the Turkish Armed Forces?

Yeni Safak publishes a front-page report which asserts that some 36 people including 29 members of the Turkish Armed Forces were taken into police custody yesterday in an operation against a "blackmail and prostitution ring" that is accused of setting up "even" daughters of fallen soldiers in order to obtaining classified state documents. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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