Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-12-03

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu wants a timeframe in the Cyprus talks; statements by an Azeri MP

[02] Rauf Denktas alleges that no gesture could make the Greek Cypriots see the "reality"

[03] Eroglu meets EU official

[04] Volkan reports on "suspicious businesses" in the occupied part of Cyprus by an Israeli businessman

[05] Survey shows Kucuk, political parties and trade unions unsuccessful

[06] Turkish World Youth to meet in occupied Cyprus

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[07] Bagis on EU process and the Cyprus issue

[08] Turkish State Minister comments on Turkey's relations with Africa

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu wants a timeframe in the Cyprus talks; statements by an Azeri MP

Addressing the international symposium on the "Turkic World in the 21st Century" which started yesterday at the illegal European University of Lefka (LAU), Eroglu said "the fact that the existence of the TRNC, which is at the most southern part of the Turkic world, is on the agenda of such a meaningful symposium is a fine message to those who think that they could ignore us".

Eroglu noted that the world is being reshaped in the 21st century, that economic and political development and changes are taking place, that new alliances and counter-alliances are coming up, and that the duties of all the international institutions and organizations, including the United Nations, are being debated.

Eroglu referred to the developments in organizations such as NATO, the EU and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and pointed out that the Turkic world is located in an area starting from the Adriatic Sea and ending in China.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Eroglu reiterated that he is satisfied with the results of the meeting held with the UN Secretary-General in New York on 18 November and that he finds positive Ban Ki-moon's call on the community leaders to intensify their meetings until the tripartite meeting in Geneva and clarify their points of agreement and disagreement.

He added: "We think that the issue of settlement of the Cyprus problem has lasted for too long. The uncertainty in the Cyprus problem must cease to exist now by putting a time limit, a timetable. We as Turkish side are in favour of signing an agreement as soon as possible, based on the realities and submitting it to the approval of the two peoples through referendums. If the Greek Cypriot-Greek duo also acts with this mentality, it is possible to reach an agreement within the first six months of 2011".

Eroglu said that the wish and the target of the Turkish Cypriot "people" are known and added that the Turkish Cypriots want "to administer themselves, to preserve their sovereignty, the continuation of bi-zonality, not to upset the socioeconomic structure created after 1974, and the continuation of the effective and active guarantees of motherland Turkey so that they could live in security".

Eroglu alleged that the statements made by the Greek Cypriot side are wrong and claimed that the Greek Cypriots have not yet understood the realities. He said that the Greek Cypriots ask the Turkish Cypriots to return to the Republic of Cyprus, to accept the Greek Cypriot sovereignty, to give them the most important places, to disrupt the bi-zonality and the socioeconomic structure created after 1974 and to accept that they have a say over some "TRNC citizens".

He alleged that if the Greek Cypriot side continues to have the same attitude, it will not be possible to reach an agreement. He added that neither the Turkish Cypriots nor Turkey could accept the above Greek Cypriot demands.

Wondering what will happen from now on, Eroglu claimed that reaching an agreement is the only thing on their agenda today, but they could not permit the victimization of the Turkish Cypriot "people" any more.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (03.12.10) reports that addressing the same symposium, Ganira Pasayeva, member of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, said she feels like she is in her own country and added that unity and solidarity is the only way to strengthen the Turkic states.

Pasayeva noted that a common history of the Turkic world should be written and taught at schools. She said that they are often asked why Azerbaijan does not recognize the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied part of Cyprus. She said the answer to this question is that they could not recognize it because they are under the pressure of Russia and the Western countries due to the problem of Nagorno Karabah.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Rauf Denktas alleges that no gesture could make the Greek Cypriots see the "reality"

In a written statement to illegal TAK news agency, Denktas said that according to the Greek Cypriots, the federation in Cyprus will be established with the amendment of the 1960 constitution, which means that they want the Turkish Cypriots to accept them as the legitimate government of Cyprus. "This is an absurd and irrational approach contrary to the realities", he alleged noting that Dervis Eroglu will definitely "not be deceived".

Denktas reiterated the view that a lasting agreement in Cyprus should be based on the existence of "two peoples and two states". He said that the former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat made the "most impossible concessions" by accepting the single state and single sovereignty, but again there was no result. He recalled a recent statement by Talat that no gesture by the Turkish side will make the Greek Cypriots change their stance and added that Eroglu will evaluate this statement. He alleged that the only obstacle for the Greek Cypriots to claim ownership of the whole of Cyprus is the "TRNC" and the Turkish guarantees. "It is not possible for Mr Eroglu to make concessions on these", he said.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu meets EU official

[04] Volkan reports on "suspicious businesses" in the occupied part of Cyprus by an Israeli businessman

The paper refers to the events regarding the transfer of the Port Barbaros project by Asil Nadir to David Lewis in 2005. It notes that the area of 450 donums in Gialousa was transferred to a company named Euroka Entreprises Ltd, which is registered in Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean and it is owned by Israeli businessmen. On 28 September 2005, the above-mentioned company transferred part of its shares to a company named Karpaz Bay Resort, which is registered in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Euroka is registered as the director of Karpaz Bay Resort, the address of which seems to be Israel.

According to the paper, David Lewis has been rewarded by Israel for his services to Zionism and he is supported by Israel. The paper describes as "suspicious" the fact that Lewis makes huge investments on behalf of Israelis in places such as Gialousa, which is opposite Turkey's southern coasts, and Karpass peninsula, which is opposite Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Israel.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Survey shows Kucuk, political parties and trade unions unsuccessful

To a question regarding the household income in relation to the previous year, 58% stated that it has been reduced, 33% that it remained the same and only 8% that it has increased. Moreover, 31.6% said that a member of their household has lost his/her job and 11% said that a household member migrated abroad for a long period.

[06] Turkish World Youth to meet in occupied Cyprus

For his part, Bulutoglulari stated that he follows closely the association's activities and that it is very proud that the youth is involved in such activities. He, inter alia, said that is it also very important that the Cyprus problem will be explained to Turks living abroad. "It is very important for them as well to know our legitimate stance and to work towards this direction in their countries".

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[07] Bagis on EU process and the Cyprus issue

Regarding Turkey's EU process, Bagis said Turkey is trying to reach EU standards in its legal infrastructure, regulations, laws and constitution, by the end of 2013, and continues to implement its own national programme.

"Per capita income increased 8 times compared with the figures 8 years ago. Turkey's laws, its loyalty to democracy and sensitivity to human rights are today above the leading countries of Europe. Turkey is taking very important steps on those issues", Bagis said.

Recalling that the recent progress report clarified that Turkey made progress in 33 chapter headings discussed, Bagis said "This means Turkey progresses on the right way. I believe that Turkey will in the end become one of the most respectable, strong and dynamic countries of the EU. What we need in this process is patience and determination."

Noting that it took 45 years for Turkey to launch EU talks, Bagis pointed out that in five years Turkey concluded one third of the talks. He added that Turkey is European, contemporary and democratic and that "Turkey's potential will reveal that it is a key country for Europe."

"Thirteen of the 33 chapter headings were opened. There are impediments on 17 of the remaining 20 chapter headings. It is Europe, not Turkey, that has put those impediments," Bagis said noting that, "Europe prevented 17 of the 20 chapter headings and later said 'you slowed down'."

"Europeans should be sincere. Turkey wants fairness in negotiations but we do not see it now. We want Europeans to make a more tangible contribution to the fight against terrorism. When Turkey asks for extradition of a terrorist, Europeans say 'there are some deficiencies in the documents'. However, when Turkey asks extradition of a murderer, a rapist or a thief, those documents are considered almost perfect. Insincerity is clearly seen there," he said.

Bagis pointed out that although Turkey has been in EU process since 1959, although 60% of its foreign trade is with Europe, and although it is member of all institutions of Europe, it has to fulfill visa requirements. "There is insincerity here. We are face to face with the double standards of Europeans," Bagis said.

He added that Europeans do not invite Turkey to EU summits and later they say, "we should boost strategic dialogue with Turkey. Has axis shifted?" Bagis underlined: "The Turkish prime minister was invited to EU-Africa Summit as honorary guest to make an address. He went there and put forth Turkey's solution proposals for problems of Europe. However, the Turkish president, the prime minister, or the foreign minister were not invited to the EU Summit in Brussels. This is meaningless. If Turkey is invited to the summit with Africa and is not invited to EU internal summits, nobody has the right to accuse Turkey of shifting axis. Turkey should definitely be represented in the summits,".

[08] Turkish State Minister comments on Turkey's relations with Africa

Arinc said he felt that Turkey had neglected Africa in its foreign policy for a long time. "He recalled that during President Abdullah Gul's term as foreign minister, a programme focusing on Africa was initiated. He said important steps were taken to improve diplomatic ties and relations between governments. He said 15 new embassies were opened last year including one in Kampala. Moreover, Turkish Airlines launched direct flights to Kampala, followed by exchange of visits of the highest level.

Ar1
n? said Turkey's trade volume with Uganda in 2003 stood at $2 million, compared to $22 million at the end of 2009, and added that there is potential for further improvement.

He said during the visit to Uganda, the Turkish delegation had high-level talks with transportation, interior, tourism, trade and economy ministers and that some agreements were signed. He said "Uganda is a member of the Eastern African Community [EAC] along with Congo, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi. We are targeting this body along with Uganda. Thanks to the steps we have taken since 2005, Turkey has become a trusted partner in Africa." He recalled that when Turkey announced its candidacy for a seat on the 2009-2010 UN Security Council, the biggest support was shown by the African continent.

Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister B?lent Ar1
n? noted that schools Turkey has opened in various parts of Africa have contributed significantly to the development of ties between Turkey and Africa. Ar1
n? also said that he believed 100% that businessmen's organizations such as the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON), as well as civil society involvement, such as the activities of the faith-based G?len movement -- not only in Africa but all over the world -- were contributing significantly to Turkey's rising foreign policy prospects and the acceleration in the volume of Turkish foreign trade. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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