Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-12-14

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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] Eroglu meets Downer and Ubrancic

[02] Serdar Denktas: it is wrong to discuss a federal solution Soyer: relations with Turkey should be re-evaluated

[03] Tore says solution should be based on two states and two sovereignties

[04] Ozgurgun criticizes Foreign Minister Kyprianou's statements

[05] Dutch Ambassador visits BKP

[06] Former Turkish ambassador says Cyprus is very important for Turkey

[07] Kucuk and Durust on tourism

[08] Imports and exports data

[09] The Turkish Cypriot press on the "Cyprus 2015" research

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Davutoglu to discuss the Cyprus problem with Ban in New York

[11] Bagis: Europeans have realized that Turkey supports solution of the Cyprus problem

[12] Second strategic council meeting between Turkey and Syria

[13] Turkish and US business representatives meet in Izmir

[14] Turkey's current accounts deficit reached $35.723 billion in the first 10 months of 2010

[15] Turkey's multidimensional geopolitical position is an asset for the region

[16] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu meets Downer and Ubrancic

Eroglu also met with the US Ambassador to Nicosia, Frank Ubrancic. No statements were made.

[02] Serdar Denktas: "It is wrong to discuss a federal solution"

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (14.12.10) reports that Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP), stated that it is wrong to discuss a federal solution to the Cyprus problem and alleged that "sovereignty and the state are the biggest guarantees" for the Turkish Cypriots.

Denktas made this statement in the "assembly" in the framework of the debate on the "budget" of the breakaway regime which started yesterday.

Ersin Tatar, self-styled minister of finance, said the "budget" deficit in 2010 was 141 million Turkish liras (TL) and the new "budget" anticipates a decrease by 26.8% falling to 103.3 million TL. He noted that Turkey's contribution to the deficit of the breakaway regime's "budget" was 629 million TL in 2009, 450 million TL in 2010 and 350 million TL in 2011. The "budget" of the breakaway regime for 2011 amounts to 3 billion 77 million and 220 thousand TL.

In his speech, Serdar Denktas said the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu should stop discussing federation as the solution to the Cyprus problem. He alleged that discussing a federation is wrong and that "the state and the sovereignty are the biggest guarantees" for the Turkish Cypriots. He noted that if the same stance is exhibited in Geneva, Eroglu should abandon the negotiating table. "If Eroglu does not make an arrangement on the issue of single sovereignty and power sharing in the proposal he submitted, we will oppose him in the streets, not at this podium," he added.

Referring to the "budget" of the breakaway regime, Denktas said that the "practice of Turkey's Aid Delegation should be terminated the soonest". He added: "The period during which this delegation acts like a state within the state, calls ministers every now and then and gives them instructions should end." He noted that if this situation persists, the view that the "TRNC" is a subordinate administration to Turkey will continue to exist and pressure will be exerted on Turkey.

Denktas said a "really illegal population" exists in the occupied part of Cyprus. He added that "this crowd must be reduced". He noted that it should be explained to some of these people in a "friendly, modern and reasonable manner" that they should return to Turkey where they could earn their living. In this manner, he argued, unemployment of "our own people" will decrease.

Addressing the same meeting, Ferdi Sabit Soyer, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that the Turkish Cypriots should get rid of the habit of waiting for Turkey to cover their "budget" deficit, and the Turkish officials should stop thinking that they could be "a side directly involved in determining life" in the occupied areas of Cyprus because they give money to the breakaway regime. Soyer argued that for the first time per capita income in the occupied areas will be less than the one in Turkey. He said relations between Turkey and the occupied areas of Cyprus should be re-evaluated and the structure of Turkey's Aid Delegation should change.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Tore says solution should be based on two states and two sovereignties

In statements yesterday during a meeting with a delegation of the "Fighters' Association", Tore alleged that there is an independent Turkish Cypriot "state" today and added that "it is not possible to look at the future with confidence without having a state".

Vural Turkmen, chairman of the association, expressed concern over the negotiating process in Cyprus and added that they "elected" the National Unity Party (UBP) and Dervis Eroglu because they were saying that they support the sovereignty of the "TRNC" and that they defend the "TRNC". However, he added, such statements are not made now.

Turkmen noted that the words "single people" and "Cyprus people" are continuously used in UN reports and no one reacts. He asked Eroglu to state whether he agrees with the idea of a "single people" and which are the 23 issues on which agreement has been reached, according to the UN report.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Ozgurgun criticizes Foreign Minister Kyprianou's statements

In a written statement yesterday, Ozgurgun claimed that despite the "provocative stance" of the Greek Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriot side will continue doing whatever it can in order to find a comprehensive solution on the island, as anticipated by the UN Secretary-General, and taking into consideration the natural time limits.

He alleged that the international community should see that the Greek Cypriot side is hiding behind the fact that it is internationally recognized, and aims at expanding its sovereignty in the north of the island and turning the Turkish Cypriots into a minority though embargoes and restrictions. He claimed that the international community should give the Greek Cypriots the necessary messages. Otherwise, he added, the island will be condemned to non-solution.

Ozgurgun alleged the Greek Cypriot side carries out a "conscious campaign" accusing the Turkish side for the very slow progress in the negotiations and not achieving the desired progress.

Ozgurgun claimed that Minister Kyprianou's statement "goes as far as distorting" the content of the tripartite meeting held in New York.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Dutch Ambassador visits BKP

[06] Former Turkish ambassador says Cyprus is very important for Turkey

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Arik said efforts are exerted for the establishment of an administration where "the peoples of both communities will be equal" and alleged that the Turkish side tries very hard for this.

Arik noted that the economy of the breakaway regime is not at the desired level and added that the unused land should be opened for agriculture, the farmers should be supported and Turkey should provide the necessary aid.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Kucuk and Durust on tourism

Kucuk also stressed that tourism and transport are essential to "a country living under embargoes" and announced that the new airline will be established on Thursday. He thanked again Erdogan and Turkey's assistant prime minister, Cemil Cicek, for their efforts and initiatives to bring to life the new airline and said that 30% of the shares that the breakaway regime will own, will later be sold to the private sector.

Moreover, according to illegal Bayrak television (13.12.10), Durust said that 2011 will be the year of progress for the tourism sector in the "TRNC". Speaking on the illegal Bayrak Haber, Durust pointed out that the year 2011 will be declared "Year of Environment" both in the "TRNC" and in Turkey. He called on people to protect the environment and show their hospitality to tourists. Durust also explained that the tourism sector has the power to influence 44 other sectors as it is possible to promote consumption of products which could not be exported due to the "embargoes".

He recalled that a protocol was signed with Turkey for the promotion of the "TRNC", as well as that 2011 has been declared "Year of Cyprus", adding that the aim is to bring 700 thousand tourists to the "TRNC". Noting that the government is determined to solve the transport problems, Durust said transport problems with Britain will be solved using chartered flights. He added that fares will be 40% cheaper by April.

[08] Imports and exports data

According to the figures, during the first nine months of 2010, imports showed an increase of 27% in comparison with the same period of 2009 (from 1.4 billion TL to 1.7 TL) while exports increased by 43%. Of the imports, 68.9% were from Turkey, 16.3% from EU countries, 6.4% from Far East countries and 4.6% from the Middle East. Transport, fuels, medicines, furniture and accessories, clothing and construction iron account for the biggest share of imports.

For the first nine months of 2010, exports reached 113 million TL and thus, in comparison with same period of the previous year, there is an increase of 43%. Citrus exports increased by 98% or 27 million dollars.

(AK)

[09] The Turkish Cypriot press on the "Cyprus 2015" research

Kibris: "Clash worries"

Star Kibris: "Everyone wants a solution but there is no trust"

Vatan: "A new poll"

Halkin Sesi: "The biggest problem is lack of trust"

Yeni Volkan: "The vast majority of the Cyprus Turkish People do not give up on TRNC"

Haberdar: "We have no trust"

Ortam: "A new research in the two sides?"

Havadis: "The desire for a solution is high but there is lack of trust"

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Davutoglu to discuss the Cyprus problem with Ban in New York

[11] Bagis: Europeans have realized that Turkey supports solution of the Cyprus problem

Egemen Bagis evaluated issues related to the EU and the internal situation in Turkey. Asked to specify his expectations from the EU, Bagis said: "A fair negotiation process, concrete contribution on the fight against terrorism, justice on the issue related to visas, a fair solution to the Cyprus problem, and Turkey's participation in EU meetings."

Regarding his expect actions from the EU Foreign Ministers meeting Egemen Bagis, inter alia, said that he does not expect a dramatic decision concerning Turkey's EU negotiation process, even though the Progress Report includes criticism which reflects the decisions of the Council. He then said that it seems that Europeans have realized that Turkey is exerting efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Regarding the constitutional reform package, Bagis said Europeans have been affected deeply by the determination of Turkish people regarding the package.

(AK)

[12] Second strategic council meeting between Turkey and Syria

The first prime ministerial-level meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held in Istanbul in December 2009. The second meeting will be held in Ankara on December 21 and will be co-chaired by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Syrian counterpart, Muhammad Naji al-Otari, the sources said.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is not expected to attend talks in Ankara, diplomatic sources said. Yet, Assad is likely to arrive in Istanbul in the following days, probably on the occasion of a summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which will be held on December 23 in Istanbul, sources familiar with the issue told Today's Zaman. Syria is not a member of the ECO.

[13] Turkish and US business representatives meet in Izmir

Speaking at the meeting, Izmir Trade Chamber Chairman Ekrem Demirtas, said economic relations between Turkey and United States had taken up a rapid course of development as a supplement to already strong political and military ties. Demirtas said the trade volume between Turkey and the US stood around 11 billion USD, adding Turkey only had a 0.3% share in total imports of the United States.

Also participating in the meeting, US Commercial Attach? to Turkey, Thomas Bruns, said the US Embassy in Ankara was ready to extend help to Turkish companies to boost their competitive power and find US business partners. "Do not forget that you have a business partner from the US in Turkey, which is the US Trade and Development Agency," Bruns said. The US official said the two countries had plans to set up a joint business council and hold the council's first meeting in the first quarter of 2011. "The governments open the doors, but it is the task of our businesspeople to step in from that door," Bruns said.

As it is reported, USTDA's Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Europe Carl B. Kress is also participating in the meeting.

[14] Turkey's current accounts deficit reached $35.723 billion in the first 10 months of 2010

The current accounts deficit in the first 10 months of 2010 reached $35.723 billion. According to Balance of Payment (BOP) figures for the first ten months of 2010, "Travel" revenues declined 3.4% year on-year down to $18.069 billion while "travel" revenues rose 17.6% and reached $3.887 billion. Net tourism revenues in the mean term, dropped 7.9% year-on-year down to $14.182 billion.

Income account consisting of wages of employees and investments revenues declined 7% year-on-year down to $6.461 billion in the first ten months of 2010. The main sub-items under investment income account, namely direct investment, portfolio investments and interest expenses recorded a net outflow of $2.266 billion, $500 million and $3.591 billion respectively in January-October 2010.

The "Net Capital" inflow in the mean term rose nearly six-fold and reached $34.427 billion. The "Net Investments" under the "Foreign Direct Investments-FDI" declined 17.9% down to $5.88 billion. The "Net Capital" inflow under the FDI item declined 25.8% year-on-year down to $4.59.

[15] Turkey's multidimensional geopolitical position is an asset for the region

The article says that Turkey's geopolitical position, historical heritage, ever-strengthening democracy, growing economy, and constructive foreign policy "make it an indispensable country in a world transformed by rapid globalization", adding that "Turkey seeks to contribute to regional and global peace by facilitating democratic reforms domestically and implementing a principled foreign policy."

The article attributes Turkey's "rising profile and dynamism" to its ability to link diverse qualities and backgrounds, "overcoming the dichotomies of East-West, Europe-Middle East, and North-South."

Turkey's foreign policy is described as proactive stretching from the Balkans to the Middle East and the Caucasus, "Turkey's natural historical and cultural hinterland."

"Turkey is following a constructive and inclusive policy for these regions, which are marked by remarkable models of cohabitation, science, arts, culture, and civilization."

The article continues citing efforts on the part of Turkey to heal wounds of the Bosnian war, facilitate peace and stability among Balkan peoples, help to prevent wars in the Middle East, and intense efforts which helped keep a diplomatic track open on the Iranian nuclear issue.

The article also refers to efforts "to facilitate political stability in Iraq and helping the NATO mission in Afghanistan. (?) Enormous efforts to help establish an independent and sustainable Palestinian state" and adds: "Today, Turkey is following a policy that represents a sense of justice in the Middle East, and is working toward the removal of artificial borders and walls among the region's peoples. We desire to live in a region where the dignity of every person is respected."

Global peace is impossible unless sustainable peace in the Middle East, the article continues, urging Israel and all other countries involved to follow constructive and peaceful policies.

Furthermore, the article goes on: "Motivated by these principles, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and I showed through our 'Alliance of Civilizations Initiative' in 2004 that cultural, historic, and religious differences are no reason for conflict. (?) As a result, we stand firmly opposed to discrimination against any society, religion, sect, culture, or country. I consider anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and prejudice against Christianity crimes against humanity, whose common values and ethical rules oblige us to confront and reject all forms of discrimination."

In addition, the article praises Turkey's vibrant economy which "has become a source of stability and welfare", and concludes: "The impact of globalization has brought about a rebalancing of power, but the demand for justice, transparency, and legitimacy remains constant. The global problems of our times necessitate cooperation, political will, and sacrifice. That is why we are following a proactive policy in multilateral institutions to facilitate an equitable sharing of our world's resources.

Turkey will continue to work toward a just and equitable global order in 2011 and beyond. This is a responsibility emanating from our history, geography, and the universal values that we hold."

[16] Highlights

a) Turkish-Israeli ties

An editorial in Hurriyet Daily News says "The assertion by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu that Israel's deadly May assault on the Gaza flotilla is 'Turkey's 9/11' is worth examination amid the slow-moving talks to restore a modicum of trust between our two countries" "Davutoglu's analogy is troubling as a measure of scope and scale... But we do think America's '9/11' is a useful analogy in what happened afterward. For in the absence of justice for real perpetrators, a decade has been spent in the pursuit of phantoms", it is added.

b) Ocalan-Gulen Community links

Milliyet's Asli Aydintasbas pens a commentary entitled "What does the PKK want from the Gulen community?" in which she argues that the "state" asked Ocalan to seek rapprochement with the Gulen Community in order to reduce the tension in the southeast. She also maintains that Ocalan may be seeking the Gulen community's future support for the Kurds' demands for a new constitution, education in the mother tongue etc. Unfortunately, Aydintasbas asserts, the partnership Ocalan wants to achieve will not be so easy to achieve.

c) EU and Turkey

In his column in Milliyet, Semih Idiz analyzes the \t "blank"letter, published recently in the International Herald Tribune, by the foreign ministers of Sweden, Italy, Finland, and the United Kingdom, in which they express their support to Turkey's EU accession. Idiz concludes that "with this letter, these countries are really telling European politicians not to push Turkey away." They are also telling Ankara, "not to turn its back to Europe just because of the statements by certain narrow-minded European politicians; they are telling it that certain Europeans do support Turkey." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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