Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-03-17

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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: "The negotiations cannot be open-ended"

[02] Ozgurgun reiterates that the illegal Turkish settlers are "citizens" of the breakaway regime

[03] Kasif carries out contacts in Ankara

[04] Akca: Ambassador or governor?

[05] DP assesses the arrests in the occupied closed city of Varosha

[06] Talat guest of honour in "Brotherhood Night" between Turkish and Turkish Cypriot youth

[07] New rally supporting Turkey to take place on April 30

[08] Illegal DAU to organize a conference with the participation of foreign countries

[09] The "Turkish Cypriot Producers' Platform" has been established

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] A joint press conference by Erdogan and Medvedev

[11] Turkey and Russia exchanged notes on visa and readmission agreements

[12] Davutoglu says any military intervention will bring more chaos in the region

[13] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu: "The negotiations cannot be open-ended"

Speaking to reporters, Eroglu said that he will be inaugurating a park that will be named after him, visit the governor of the province and attend events marking the 89th anniversary of the city's liberation from foreign occupation forces while in Turkey.

Referring to local issues, he called for his name to be left out of issues relating to the government and added: "The Prime Minister will do what is necessary and if he wants to come and discuss issues with me, then we will sit and discuss them". He added then that he did not held any discussions regarding the "government" with "prime minister", Irsen Kucuk.

Eroglu is expected to return tomorrow after completing his contacts in Turkey.

Moreover, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (17.03.11), Eroglu, in his statements at illegal Tymvou airport before departing for Turkey referred to the ongoing negotiation process in Cyprus and said that the negotiations cannot be open-ended.

Eroglu said also that they are waiting for the delegation which is holding contacts in Washington regarding the property issue to return in order to make an evaluation of the situation.

(AK)

[02] Ozgurgun reiterates that the illegal Turkish settlers are "citizens" of the breakaway regime

In statements yesterday during a meeting with the "Cultural Association of the Turkish settlers from the Black Sea area", Ozgurgun said the Turkish Cypriot side will give no concessions on this issue and reiterated the Turkish view that all the "TRNC citizens" are "citizens of this country".

Ozgurgun alleged that the Turkish side continues to have a constructive approach in the negotiations and that everybody knows that the Greek Cypriot side has never really intended to reach a compromise.

Ozgurgun argued that the active and effective guarantees of Turkey will always continue, adding that they will never abandon their red lines.

The chairman of the "Association", Arif Albayrak said that the 30.000 persons from the Black Sea area living in the occupied areas of Cyprus support and love Ozgurgun, especially because of his statements on foreign policy issues.

Meanwhile, according to Kibris, Ozgurgun met yesterday with representatives of the "Retired Non-commissioned Officers Association". In statements during this meeting, Ozgurgun accused President Christofias of "juggling" at the negotiating table and of playing games which reveal his real intention on the issue of the solution of the Cyprus problem.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Kasif carries out contacts in Ankara

[04] Akca: Ambassador or governor?

The paper argues that it is not yet clear whether Akca will be "Guarantor Turkey's Ambassador" or he will be a provincial governor. It goes on saying: "It is known to everyone that there are not diplomatic relations between the TRNC's prime ministry or other ministries and the Turkish Embassy or the Turkish Aid Delegation; instead there is an environment of receiving orders [from the Turkish institutions]. Relations between the Embassy were always like that, but never before has an Ambassador from a diplomatic background gathered the wrath of the people compared to Akca."

Moreover, the paper invokes diplomatic sources which describe Akca's task as a very difficult one because he will have to reform the economy despite all the reactions of the Turkish Cypriot people according to his own measures. The paper also writes that according to its information, Erdogan withdrew Akca's candidacy for Turkey's 2011 General Elections and wonders about Akca's attitude towards Turkish Cypriots' sensitive issues and his relations with the NGOs.

[05] DP assesses the arrests in the occupied closed city of Varosha

In a written statement issued yesterday, Sonya described as "ridiculous" the fine imposed to the Greek Cypriots, who entered into the occupied city recently. He argued that the reaction of the self-styled ministry of foreign affairs to this incident was "weak" and expressed the view that the above-mentioned "ministry" should launch initiatives to the embassies of the EU-member countries in Cyprus, so that this kind of incidents are not repeated.

Sonya alleged that the "violation" of the military zone in the occupied closed city of Varosha was a continuation of the "typical Greek Cypriot tricks" and an effort by the Greek Cypriots "to show to the world the powers they claim to have" in the entire island.

Sonya said the duty of all foreign ambassadors who are accredited in Cyprus is to inform correctly their citizens, and especially their MPs, on the "realities" of the island so that they "avoid becoming an instrument of the Greek Cypriot propaganda". He argued that only in this way, lasting peace could be achieved in the ongoing Cyprus negotiations.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Talat guest of honour in "Brotherhood Night" between Turkish and Turkish Cypriot youth

Cevahiroglu also commented on the protest rallies that took place in occupied Lefkosia and said that some banners targeting Turkey's Prime Minister and representing only a small minority of the Turkish Cypriot people was the cause for the tension between Turkey?"TRNC" relations. Furthermore, he said that he supports the independence of Turkish Cypriots and the "TRNC" and that he wishes to find a solution within Turkey's active guarantees.

Talat also said that there was no tension but argumentation and such disputes can exist from time to time. However, he said, these disputes do not consist a reason for severing the historic and cultural ties with Turkey. Talat also said that 3-4 banners were depicted by the press as the main idea of the rally and stressed that this particular banners represented a group of only 10-15 persons.

[07] New rally supporting Turkey to take place on April 30

As he stated, the basic aim of the rally is to give "the right impression" to the international community on the real preferences of the "Turkish Cypriot people", noting that this rally will not be organised against the rallies of January 28 and March 2. Suerdem further said that they will gather in order to show to the international community that they could not abandon "the sovereignty and the independence of the TRNC", the Turkish Republic which is the only supporter of their existence, as well as the Turkish army which is the guarantee for their existence and future.

[08] Illegal DAU to organize a conference with the participation of foreign countries

According to a statement issued by the "Department of press and public relations of DAU", the conference is to be launched today.

The paper writes that representatives from Albania, Romania, United Arab Emirates, FYROM, Slovenia, Turkey and Kosovo will participate at the conference.

(AK)

[09] The "Turkish Cypriot Producers' Platform" has been established

Speaking at a press conference, representatives of the Platform stated that their aim is to contribute to the development of the production and export of goods and services and to struggle for the creation of a sustainable and dynamic economic structure which could stand on its own feet.

The Chairman of the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (KTEZO), Hurrem Tulga said their aim is to promote tourism in a professional manner in foreign markets and the consumption of local products by tourists.

(I/Ts.)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] A joint press conference by Erdogan and Medvedev

"We will take all necessary precautions while building the nuclear power plant. However, there could be incidents beyond human control. We will build the nuclear power plant based on our brainpower and experiences. The process for nuclear energy in Turkey continues within our calendar," Erdogan also said.

Medvedev for his part said that they wanted to preserve their contract with Turkey regarding the supply of natural gas.

Asked if Ankara demanded additional security measures for a nuclear power plant to be built in Turkey by Russia, Medvedev said that all technologies carried certain risks. He added: "The nuclear power plant project in Akkuyu, Mersin has greater security measures compared to other plants in the world. We are conducting talks on the matter. An earthquake can destroy many things. The venue where a nuclear power plant will be erected is important. We built nuclear power plants in areas affected by earthquakes. We know what type of measures to take. Russia has assumed responsibility for the service, construction and operation of a nuclear power plant for the first time."

Medvedev also described Turkey as a privileged partner and said that relations between Turkey and Russia reached a multidimensional level.

[11] Turkey and Russia exchanged notes on visa and readmission agreements

Also, the two countries signed a Turkish-Russian Social Form protocol and a cooperation protocol between the Turkish state-run TRT radio and television and the Russian State Television and Radio Company.

The Readmission Agreement between Turkey and Russia was signed in Moscow in January. Readmission agreement brings the liability to parties (which signed the agreement) to readmit the persons who enter the other country illegally. The two countries had signed Visa Exemption Agreement in May 2010.

Moreover, the news agency reports that Turkish and Russian nationals will be able to travel between the two countries without obtaining a visa starting next month. Accordingly, visa-free travel will begin on April 16, 30 days after the exchange of notes.

[12] Davutoglu says any military intervention will bring more chaos in the region

Regarding Turkey's opposition to a military intervention in Libya while EU member states kept it on the agenda, Davutoglu said that Turkey believed that external military interventions in the Middle East would make the incidents more complicated, adding that military interventions cause new poles and new clashes.

Davutoglu said that a military effort with a peace mission including Arab countries too could be brought into the agenda, but a unilateral intervention without a UN Resolution would overshadow the legitimacy of people who wanted a change in Libya.

Asked whether relations between Turkey and Israel were suspended or not, Davutoglu said that Turkey had some principles, and expects Israel to respect them.

[13] Highlights

Ergenekon Arrests and Freedom of the Press

"To absolve", Today's Zaman columnist Etyen Mahcupyan objects to the arrest of journalists Nedim Sener and Ahmet Sik on Ergenekon-related charges being represented as violation of freedom of the press. He also holds the current structure of the justice system responsible for such "deficiencies" as the conservative news media's "opinionated" stance on the Ergenekon trial, prosecutor Zekeriya Oz's response to media criticism of the arrests with a statement that "contained a threat," and the possible presence of "political" groups within the police force that are trying to "manipulate" the investigation.

"Secretive journalism", Today's Zaman columnist Yavuz Baydar argues that notwithstanding efforts by "outsiders" like Gareth Jenkins to represent the ongoing coup trials in Turkey as a government bid to suppress political opposition, there is no reason to doubt that there have been "a series of [coup] attempts" in the past eight years, adding that the "question" is not whether these "anti-constitutional, clandestine activities" took place but "who was involved" in them.

"Interfering with headlines", Zaman columnist Fehmi Koru comments on the debate caused by Republican People's Party, CHP, leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu's remarks accusing Prime Minister Erdogan of putting pressure on certain newspapers to bring their reporting into line with government policies. Disagreeing with Hurriyet columnist Sedat Ergin over a recent article in support of Kilicdaroglu's claims, Koru asserts that it is not right to represent Erdogan's "infrequent" critical reactions to certain "headlines" as government interference with the news media. He argues that domestic players that want to dominate the news media rarely resort to public criticism of media outlets as a means of achieving their purposes. He also claims that true examples of political pressure on the news media were seen during times like the 28 February process when the Turkish military used to be able to control the "system."

"Freedom of the press", Milli Gazete columnist Ismail Killioglu argues that the Turkish press has to a large extent lost its function as a "watchdog" over the government by ceasing to use freedom of the press in favour of the people. He also accuses part of the news media of identifying themselves with the ruling Justice and Development Party, AKP, in such a way as to encourage a misguided perception of the Erdogan government as an unquestionable authority.

"That single-fanged ogre called civilization", Bugun columnist Gulay Gokturk slams Prime Minister Erdogan for his "immoderate" reaction to the European Parliament's latest report on Turkey, which warns the Government about the implications of the latest arrests in the Ergenekon investigation for freedom of the press. Gokturk criticizes Erdogan for responding to the report in a recent parliamentary address by quoting lines from the Turkish National Anthem where the West is described as a "single-fanged ogre." She asks the Government why it has been reiterating its commitment to Turkey's goal of EU membership since it came to power if it sees the West as a "single-fanged ogre." She also censures Erdogan for allowing his "anger" at the said report to make him "forget" that the EU has always supported the AKP's reform agenda and its fight against the Ergenekon network.

Arab unrest and Libya

Great sirt jamahiriya", Yeni Akit columnist Mustafa Ozcan argues that the United States' military and diplomatic "options" regarding Libya are restricted because of international reservations about foreign intervention in Libya and general reluctance among the US public as well as within the US military to open a "third front" in the region owing to the memory of how the United States "burnt its fingers" in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Prospects that await the Middle East", Today's Zaman columnist Dogu Ergil argues that democracy is not a "done deal" in Egypt or Tunisia "in their respective post-tyrannical phases" because the "military elite" may choose to retain their hold on power indefinitely, the Egyptian and Tunisian societies are too "unorganized" to create the "civilian networks" needed to "build and sustain democracy" and certain radical religious or ideological groups in these countries insist on being "in charge of the transition process." He also asserts that Al-Qadhafi's possible ouster in Libya "may have the regrettable consequence of opening the political door to ideologically radical groups or to total chaos."

Nuclear "Disaster" in Japan

"Will the disaster in Japan cause Turkey to have second thoughts about the Akkuyu nuclear power plant project?", Yeni Safak columnist Kursat Bumin asserts that the nuclear "catastrophe" in Japan caused by the recent earthquake and the ensuing tsunami has had a powerful negative impact on the public perception of nuclear energy in all countries in the world. He claims that supporters of projects to establish nuclear power plants in Turkey will have to come up with more persuasive arguments in favour of nuclear energy now that the people are being provided with live coverage of events that attest to the "disastrous" potential of such plants.

PKK Statements

"One side of the coin", Zaman columnist Etyen Mahcupyan discusses recent PKK statements saying that the PKK will not carry out any "military" attacks on Turkish security units as long as the latter do not carry out operations in the southeast or resort to coercive practices against the locals. He interprets this disclosure as meaning that the "ceasefire" will continue on condition "state forces" do not stage any attacks on the PKK. He also explains why the PKK's demands for the establishment of truth commissions and the removal of the 10% election threshold are effective bargaining chips for "Kurdish politics," arguing that if the government deliberately refrains from meeting these demands, it might be forced to make other "concessions" like stopping the police operations against the KCK and releasing "the imprisoned Kurdish politicians" and making it possible for PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to take an active part in the "dialog" process.

Attack on Turkish singer

Yeni Akit carries the report "Is the attack on Tatlises the work of Ergenekon?" The report discloses the contents of a letter dated 2 September 2009 by "Ergenekon suspect" Erol Olmez to the 13th Criminal Court in Istanbul, saying that Ergenekon will kill two famous singers, namely Ibrahim Tatlises and Mahsun Kirmizigul. Yeni Akit cites this letter as possible proof that the Ergenekon network is behind the recent armed attack on famous Turkish folk singer Ibrahim Tatlises. It also quotes "political observers" as saying that the attack might have been engineered by neo-nationalist groups in a bid to touch off a Turkish-Kurdish conflict. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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