Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-02-01

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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 accuses the Greek Cypriot side of going to Geneva unprepared

[02] "TRNC an independent state or the 82nd province"

[03] Arabacioglu: "Relations with Ankara should be on state level, government level"

[04] International tenders for Tymvou airport in March

[05] The 13th salary was paid yesterday; Turkish Cypriots urged not to spend their money in the Republic of Cyprus

[06] More on "the communal existence rally"; DP Youth Branch calls on "minister" Tatar to resign

[07] Economic and financial data

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Bagis lists Turkey's five demands from EU

[09] Turkish army to train Syrian army

[10] "Turkey aims to have at least 20 nuclear reactors by 2030"

[11] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu accuses the Greek Cypriot side of going to Geneva unprepared

Commenting on reports that the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer had launched an initiative concerning the EU Direct Trade Regulation, Eroglu recalled that prior to the Geneva summit the UN Special Envoy had contacts with the President of the European Commission Jose Manual Barroso as well as the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, but added that he was not aware of the content of the discussions.

"The Greek Cypriots do not feel the necessity to reach an agreement but there are things which could motivate them (Greek Cypriots) towards a settlement such as the 26 of April 2004 EU decision which calls for the removal of all embargoes imposed on the TRNC," he added.

Noting that "the TRNC has expectations from the EU", Eroglu said that because the Greek Cypriot side considers the Turkish Cypriot side is desperate for a solution, it (the Greek Cypriot side) is running away from a solution at the negotiation table. He said that he had conveyed to the UN Secretary-General the need for EU officials to take steps aimed at encouraging the Greek Cypriot side towards an agreement.

Eroglu complained that the Greek Cypriot side went to the Geneva meeting unprepared and without a practical plan as instructed by the UN Secretary-General. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side was not satisfied with the Geneva meeting because it failed to yield any concrete results.

[02] "TRNC an independent state or the 82nd province"

The general chairman of EDP, Ziya Halis, said in his opening speech that north Cyprus is treated like the 82nd province [of Turkey]. He also objected to the fact that Turkey-EU negotiations hold Cyprus hostage, and the Cyprus problem blocks the negotiations. He added that Cyprus should be an island of peace and not a victim of those who only calculate their economic benefit.

In his speech Socialist Democracy Party's (TDP) president Mehmet Cakici wondered why Turkish Cypriots cannot become chairmen of the Central Bank or cannot be head of the army [in occupied Cyprus]. He also wondered why the fire department is not administered by civilians but the army. Cakici asked for correct interpretation of last Friday's rally.

Cagla Konuloglu, member of the New Cyprus Party (YKP) board said that a systematic transfer of population to the north of Cyprus is taking place, which is against international law and asked that this ends immediately.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris reports (01.02.11) that Izzet Izcan general secretary of United Cyprus Party (BKP) talking at the same conference said that the only solution for Cyprus is to become free and establish a united federal Cyprus based on bi-communality, bi-zonality and political equality. He also called on the AKP government in Turkey to stop its policy of transferring population to the island.

[03] Arabacioglu: "Relations with Ankara should be on state level, government level"

Moreover, commenting on relationship with Ankara he said: "A healthy relation with Ankara should be at state level, a government level. A person from the Turkish Aid Delegation should not pressure our elected representatives. There should be relations between elected representatives. We have to spend our efforts towards healthy relations, but at this moment it is not possible to say that they are healthy."

[04] International tenders for Tymvou airport in March

He also said that there will be no problems in paying salaries this year and that 13th month bonus salaries is a right which will continue.

Evaluating last Friday's mass rally, Kucuk recalled that "the government had called for dialogue with the unions". He said he expects to meet with representatives of trade unions and political parties in the near future.

Pointing out that there would not have been a need for the current austerity measures if necessary steps had been taken in 2007, Kucuk stressed that "the government will not refrain from taking what he described as necessary measures for the future of the TRNC economy". He also said that dialogue and compromise is essential in order to introduce reforms in the public sector.

Touching upon the issue of privatizations, Kucuk announced that "legislation allowing privatization will be approved by parliament soon, paving the way for the launch of an international tender in March to hand over the management of "Ercan Airport" [occupied airport of Tymvou] to a private company".

Noting that "the government is planning to close the budget deficit by increasing revenues of the tourism sector", Kucuk said it is necessary to upgrade "Ercan Airport" [occupied airport of Tymvou] in order to meet this target.

"We expect 700 thousand tourists to visit the TRNC this year. Five companies were operating flights to the TRNC when Cyprus Turkish Airlines was operational, now we will have eight companies. Ercan Airport needs to be able to respond to this increase which is why Ercan is being prioritized," he added.

[05] The 13th salary was paid yesterday; Turkish Cypriots urged not to spend their money in the Republic of Cyprus

Vatan (01.02.11) under the title "queue in the banks for the 13th salary", reports that yesterday the amount of 342 million TL was paid by the "state" treasury for the salaries of January and the 13th salary.

The Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (01.02.11) publishes in its front-page statements by Hurrem Tulga, chairman of the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen and Gunay Cerkez, chairman of the KTTO who called on Turkish Cypriots not to spend their salaries in the "south" but in the "north".

(AK)

[06] More on "the communal existence rally"; DP Youth Branch calls on "minister" Tatar to resign

According to the paper, the "Youth Fighters Association" organized a protest yesterday outside the offices of the "Baraka Cultural Centre", to protest against a banner targeting Turkey, used by the "centre" during the rally.

The paper also reports that in a written statement the "Youth Branch of DP" yesterday reacted against the so-called minister of finance, Ersin Tatar who described participants in the rally as enemies of Turkey, and called on him to resign.

The "Youth Branch of DP" described as unfortunate Tatar's statement that some of the participants in the rally held flags of the Republic of Cyprus.

On the same issue, Mustafa Buk, "vice chairman" of the "Solidarity Association of people from Alexandretta" called on all trade unions and parties which supported the rally to apologize saying that no one has the right to turn the Turkish Cypriots against the Turkish people. He added that though they supported the rally, they condemned the fact that the rally turned against Turkey.

(AK)

[07] Economic and financial data

In the first nine months of 2010, the total assets of the banking sector increased by 3.64% in comparison to the end 2009, reaching 8 billion 30 million 100 thousand Turkish Liras (TL). In addition, the number of the bank branches increased from 184 to 189 and the personnel of the sector reached 2.424 people.

In comparison to the end of the third quarter of 2009, the budgeted revenues increased by 15.57% to 628 million 700 thousand TL. The budgeted expenses however, grew by 9.5%, from 550 million 800 thousand TL to 603 million 100 thousand TL.

Furthermore, the foreign trade deficit reached 337 million 100 thousand USD, while in 2009 it was 294 million 500 thousand USD. In addition, the one-year deficit between September 2009 and September 2010 grew by 16.32%.

As the data show, in the first nine months of the previous year, the number of foreign visitors to the occupied areas increased by 13.47% compared to the same period of 2009, raising their number from 604.698 to 686.136 people.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Bagis lists Turkey's five demands from EU

Touching on EU's visa requirement from Turkish citizens, Bagis said that he is deeply unhappy to see that Turkish citizens have to apply for visas to enter the EU while citizens of various countries, such as Paraguay and Uruguay, can enter the Union's Schengen region without visas.

Bagis also said: "Turkey has five clear demands from the EU. Turkey wishes a just negotiations process. Turkey wants visa liberalization with the EU. Turkey wishes cooperation with the EU against terror. Turkey wants the issue of Cyprus not to affect Turkey's EU process. And, Turkey wants to be invited to all EU summits."

[09] Turkish army to train Syrian army

Sources told AA correspondent that Turkey's Deputy Chief of General Staff Aslan Guner

participated in the Turkey-Syria High-Level Military Dialogue meeting held in Damascus in December. In this context, the two countries also discussed in detail the training of Syrian soldiers by the Turkish military.

Some circles think that the Syrian army, which had been an ally of the former Soviet Union for years, could assume western style in case Syrian soldiers are trained by Turkish soldiers.

[10] "Turkey aims to have at least 20 nuclear reactors by 2030"

However, Metin Kilci, the ministry's undersecretary, told Reuters the goal is to have at least 20 nuclear energy reactors operational by 2030. This is our target, though it has not turned into an official program".

Moreover, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 01.02.11), under the title "French companies interested in Turkey's nuclear energy projects", reports that Ambassador to Turkey Bernard Emie said that "There are very large French companies interested in this sector."

[11] Highlights

a) Middle East unrest and Turkey

Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review says that Turkey has limited its foray into sweep of change observed in some Muslim countries in the Middle East, despite the fact that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan the only leader with broad credibility in the capitals of those countries. Pointing out that Turkey is part of the demographic dilemma that is driving revolt, it says: "A young population, skyrocketing youth joblessness and an education system poorly preparing hundreds of thousands with marketable skills is in fact our common lot. Just what happens next? The real answer lies with the young people of Egypt, Tunus, Yemen, Albania... and yes, Turkey."

In Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review columnist Yusuf Kanli criticizes a group of MPs from the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) who resigned from a parliamentary committee last week after warning the government that people would revolt in defence of democracy if the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) did not stop its efforts to control the judiciary. Pointing out that there is a systematic campaign aimed at transforming Turkey into a far more religious and conservative society under an absolute ruler, Kanli says: "Yet, Turkey is neither the Tunisia of Ben Ali nor the Egypt of Mubarak." He concludes by saying: "Of course, people have the right to revolt, but the first option in democracies should be to seek change in the ballot box and through just and fair elections."

In an article in Hurriyet entitled "Egypt in WikiLeaks documents," Hurriyet columnist Ferai Tinc says that various messages allegedly dispatched by American diplomats to the US State Department from Cairo in the past couple of years show that the United States was alert to the possibility of a regime change in Egypt. Pointing out that recent developments have indicated that there is a plan to achieve a smooth transition in Egypt, she comments: "It is certain that Turkey will play a role in this plan after the telephone conversation between Obama and Erdogan. It seems that a plan aimed at achieving a smooth transition is being devised. Sometimes, even the best-laid plans often go awry. It remains to be seen whether this will be the case."

Milliyet columnist Taha Akyol says that masses staging protests in Tunisia and Egypt want democracy which, he notes, also influences the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Describing Al-Jazirah and Turkey's influence as two factors which have triggered protests in the Middle East, Akyol says: "Dictatorships will go in the Middle East sooner or later and they will not be replaced by theocracies. The main source of worry is the political inexperience of the opposition whether pro-secular or Islamist because they have always been banned."

Milliyet columnist Asli Aydintasbas points out that the Turkish Government keeps silent about what she describes as "the winds of revolution blowing in the Middle East" although Erdogan is expected to lay emphasis on democracy in Egypt in his address to Parliament on 1 February. She says: "Interestingly, the AKP which does not miss any opportunity to use the slogans 'democracy', 'national will', and 'transformation', becomes relatively timid and cautious when it comes to the regimes in the Middle East."

Milliyet columnist Semih Idiz cautions that Iran will try to take advantage of chaos in Egypt which, he notes, is a source of concern for the United States, Israel, and Turkey. Pointing out that recent developments may impact upon Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's vision because it is intended to deepen good relations with all the regimes in the region for the sake of stability, he comments: "So, there is not much that the AKP could do in the Middle East which is shaken by popular revolts until the representatives of the new order emerge."

Taraf columnist Ahmet Altan says that "fault movements" witnessed in the Middle East may eventually turn into a major earthquake. He adds that the current upheaval in the region will also affect Turkey, adding that the ruling party in Turkey may opt to further the democratization drive or to form alliances with conservative regimes which may emerge in the Middle East in an effort to resist the West's pressure for democratization. He says: "Wrong choices may plunge Turkey into chaos and cause it to lose time although they would not drag it toward demise."

Cumhuriyet columnist Utku Cakirozer says that the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's forthcoming visit to Turkey has assumed greater importance in the wake of spreading uprising in North Africa and the Middle East. He says that the United States is taking a cautious approach to Egypt although it gives clear support to popular demands in Tunisia because it fears that an Islamist government may eventually be formed in Egypt. Cakirozer interprets recent statements made by Erdogan and Davutoglu as a sign that they would not be greatly concerned if the Islamist groups in the region come to power.

b) Authoritarian tendencies in Erdogan's plan

Milliyet columnist Mehmet Tezkan ascribes the government's efforts to redesign the judiciary and Erdogan's lukewarm attitude toward liberals to his plan to replace the parliamentarian regime with a presidential one. Pointing out that the presidential system that Erdogan allegedly plans to found will not be similar to the one in the United States because of differences in political culture and traditions, Tezkan concludes saying that Erdogan wants to be a leader wielding broad powers like Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

c) Protests against Prime Minister Erdogan

Milli Gazete columnist Ibrahim Veli lauds the protest against Prime Minister Erdogan through boos and whistles at the inauguration ceremony of Galatasaray's new stadium in Istanbul recently, and calls on citizens dissatisfied with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to "keep whistling" to show their disapproval of the Government's policies.

d) Investigation into former BBP leader's death

Under the headline, "They were afraid of Mr Yazicioglu. So they killed him," Yeni Safak carries an "exclusive" front-page report which quotes an unnamed member of the commission investigating the death of Muhsin Yazicioglu, former leader of Grand Unity Party, (BBP), in a helicopter crash in 2009, who said that be Yazicioglu was "assassinated." The report also links Yazicioglu's death to JITEM and the Ergenekon network based on a State Investigation Council report on the crash. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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