Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-03-29

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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] Reactions for the Trade Unions visit to Brussels continue

[02] Trade Unions return from Brussels and reiterate that efforts are exerted by Turkey to colonize occupied north Cyprus

[03] KTOEOS condemns the assaults targeting the unions' contacts in Brussels

[04] More reactions to the rejection by Eroglu of President Christofias' proposal for a population census

[05] Self-styled deputies to hold meetings with the European Parliament's Contact Group

[06] Eroglu met with the British High Commissioner

[07] More reactions on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu

[08] So-called interior ministry to distribute land plots to youngsters

[09] Reactions for the construction of skyscrapers in occupied Kerynia

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Turkey to assume control of Benghazi airport in Libya

[11] Erdogan cancels again Brussels trip due to criticisms over press freedom

[12] Davutoglu to represent Turkey in London Libya meeting

[13] Bagis said that there are differences of opinions within the EU Commission regarding the competition chapter

[14] Erdogan stresses importance of cooperation with Iraq

[15] Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon to sign banking cooperation deal

[16] CHP holds talks in Washington

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Reactions for the Trade Unions visit to Brussels continue

Moreover, the Turkish "Fighters'" Association (TMT) reacted strongly against the Trade Unions who went to Brussels. In its written statement, TMT says that those who do not see the "assimilation" of our people by the Greek Cypriots and blame Turkey are traitors and want to confuse. Also it states that these Trade Unions do not represent the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, but serve Greek Cypriots and other foreigners. Therefore, concludes the statement, all these are efforts to damage the relationship with Turkey the sole guarantor of the "TRNC."

[02] Trade Unions return from Brussels and reiterate that efforts are exerted by Turkey to colonize occupied north Cyprus

Ahmet Kaptan, chairman of the "Civil Servants" Trade Union (KTAMS), said that during the past two years the Turkish Cypriots experienced serious social and economic problems, as a result of the fact that the UBP "government" implements the orders of the AKP government instead of fulfilling its own promises. He noted that during their visit to Brussels, upon the invitation of the Left Group in the European Parliament, the Trade Unions briefed their interlocutors on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, the problems of the Turkish Cypriots, the responsibilities of the EU towards the Turkish Cypriots and the actions of the Turkish Government against the Turkish Cypriots. He said it is not true that the Turkish Cypriot Unions visited Brussels together with the group of AKEL, as Andros Kyprianou, AKEL's General Secretary has reportedly stated.

A joint statement issued by the ten Unions recalled that the Turkish Cypriots voted "yes" to the Annan Plan and added that their economy is not developed because they are not included in the customs union with the EU and added: "We are face to face with communal extinction because this situation increases our dependence on Turkey. On the other hand, efforts are exerted by Turkey to colonize our island. In the same way that Turkey has not respected the international agreements, it led the Turkish Cypriots to communal extinction with the stance it exhibited after 1974".

The statement also says that the population in the occupied part of the island is not known. According to the statement, it is estimated that 130 thousand Turkish Cypriots live in the occupied area, which has a population of more than 800 thousands.

In statements during the press conference, Sener Elcil, general secretary of KTOS, said they visited Brussels in order to convey the realities on the island. He noted that the population in the occupied part of Cyprus increased by 1.1% between the years 1999 and 2004, by 1% in 2005 and by 16.9% in 2006. He argued that this increase of population was not normal. "Our problem is with those who govern us and the Government of Turkey, not with the Turkish people", he said.

Finally, Memduh Ceto, chairman of Guc-Sen, said that the ten Trade Unions visited Brussels because they remain committed to their struggle. He added that they could go anywhere within the framework of this struggle. He recalled that Turkish Prime Minister Erodgan urged the world to listen to the voice of the Egyptian people and added that the Turkish Cypriot Unions urged the people in Brussels to listen to the voice of the participants in the rallies at Inonu Square in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

(I/Ts.)

[03] KTOEOS condemns the assaults targeting the unions' contacts in Brussels

Speaking on behalf of KTOEOS' executive committee, Gokcebel reacted to the latest assaults by various politicians and said that the real "traitors, agents and provocateurs" are not the unionists but those, who for years now, ignore the demands of the Turkish Cypriots.

Condemning the assaults towards the unions, Gokcebel noted that they, as KTOEOS, were in Brussels as well, and if it is necessary they will protest in front of the UN headquarters as well in order to make the voice of the Turkish Cypriots be heard. He, inter alia, added that the Turkish Cypriots are right to their struggle "for governing their country by themselves and for being masters of their own country". "This struggle will not be exterminated with pressures, insists and fait accomplis. Everyone should respect this. On this issue, our struggle will be continued until it is concluded," Gokcebel noted.

[04] More reactions to the rejection by Eroglu of President Christofias' proposal for a population census

Speaking yesterday at the "assembly", Angolemli referred to the discussions on transferring the "State Planning Organization" ("DPO") to the self-styled ministry of economy and energy. He said it is not important to which "ministry" the above-mentioned organization will be bound, because "DPO" cannot make a planning without knowing the population of the "country".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (29.03.11) reports that speaking at the same session of the "assembly", Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), said that the population of the "country" should be known so as to be able to make a planning. He described as "correct" the first reaction of the Turkish side to President Christofias' proposal on carrying out a simultaneous population census. He said international observers do not go to the occupied area of Cyprus because the breakaway regime is not recognized. Denktas claimed that the Greek Cypriot side wants to exploit the issue.

Writing also in Havadis (29.03.11), Turkish Cypriot columnist Basaran Duzgun assesses the rejection of President Christofias' proposal for a population census by Eroglu. Under the title "Turkish Cypriots too do not want more than 50 thousands", Duzgun argues that launching new debates and quarrels regarding the "people of Turkish origin", as he describes the illegal Turkish settlers in the occupied part of Cyprus, "seriously harms both the ongoing negotiations on the Cyprus problem and the rights, which the Turkish Cypriots obtained at the negotiating table and are approved by the world".

Duzgun claims that Eroglu's stance leads to that direction and recalls that the Annan Plan provided for 50 thousand settlers "to become citizens of the common state".

Duzgun wonders why Eroglu brought the issue into the agenda again in spite of the fact that President Christofias accepted these 50 thousand settlers, despite the harsh criticism against him in the Greek Cypriot community. Duzgun wonders also what Eroglu was aiming by visiting the occupied Famagusta area, where many settlers live, and by stating that "everybody is our citizen".

He goes on writing that the Turkish Cypriots worry much more than the foreigners about the developments regarding the population and the practice followed by the regime on the issue of granting its "citizenship". He notes, inter alia, the following:

"In any case, the Turkish Cypriots are experiencing a trauma because of the fact that they have stopped being the majority in the streets, the schools, the hospitals and similar places. Excessive worry exists regarding the citizenship distributed by the Council of Ministers? The issue is like a volcano within us ready to explode. Is it right to incite this? Does esteem President believe that those who were granted the TRNC citizenship last week with a decision of the Council of Ministers will be made citizens of the common state? We hope he does not think that, because the Turkish Cypriots themselves are the first who will oppose to this.

It was accepted that 50 thousand persons from Turkey will become citizens of the new state. Some who will become citizens as a requirement of the international law could be added [to this number]?Of course the 50 thousand is not a holly number. Bargaining could be made on it. However, saying that 'anyone who I want will become citizen of the common state' is tantamount to actually not wanting the establishment of a common state. And this means that you do not want a solution. Eroglu and his team were exhibiting a good performance regarding the negotiations. I hope they continue in the same manner. Otherwise, big disasters will happen to us".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Self-styled deputies to hold meetings with the European Parliament's Contact Group

[06] Eroglu met with the British High Commissioner

As the paper reports, Eroglu's spokesman Osman Ertug and Hasan Gungor "undersecretary" of the Turkish Cypriot leader were also present at the meeting. No statements were made after the meeting.

(AK)

[07] More reactions on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu

In his statements to the paper, Sahir referred to the nuclear disaster which continues in Japan after the tsunami and the earthquakes and underlined the big threat from the construction by Turkey of a power plant in Akkuyu town in Mersina.

Referring to the possibility of an earthquake or a radiation leakage in Cyprus, Sahir stated that Cyprus, in such an event, will completely disappear, taking into consideration that the island is unprepared to confront with these situations.

Speaking also on the issue, Pinar Soganci, responsible for the Climate and Energy Campaign of Greenpeace, stated to the paper that it is unacceptable the building of a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu and referred to researches saying that in a short period of time an earthquake is to take place in the area since the fault line there is active.

Pinar Soganci stated further that it is necessary to take into consideration the fact that the power plant is to be built in a tourist area. Soganci said that if only Cyprus and Antalya which are very close to Akkuyu are accepted as tourist areas, this might prevent the construction works of the power plant.

Soganci underlined then that since Turkey is entering into an election period, the efforts for the construction of the power plant will be intensified. She then added the need to go into action as soon as possible and said that they intend to file a lawsuit on this issue.

(AK)

[08] So-called interior ministry to distribute land plots to youngsters

[09] Reactions for the construction of skyscrapers in occupied Kerynia

On the other hand, the mayor of occupied Lefkosia, Cemal Bulutoglulari supported the constructions of tall buildings and said that multi-storied buildings can be found in every city in the world, and in many cases these building add prestige to the cities. He defended his vision for the future of Lefkosia and said that if there are any businessmen who want to invest in skyscrapers in Keryneia, they should consider Lefkosia and that he is ready to assist them.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Turkey to assume control of Benghazi airport in Libya

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that Turkey would take control of the airport in order to coordinate humanitarian assistance to the crisis-hit North African country as part of the multinational task force now under NATO command.

"Turkey said 'yes' to three tasks within NATO: the takeover of Benghazi airport for the delivery of humanitarian aid, the task about control of the air corridor and the involvement of Turkish naval forces in the corridor between Benghazi and Crete," Erdogan told a news conference at Ankara's Esenboga airport before departing for neighbouring Iraq.

NATO member states reached a consensus last week about leading Libya operations under the alliance's command. The Turkish Parliament passed a motion last Thursday authorizing the country's military to participate in the international force in Libya and the government to make a "multi-dimensional contribution."

Turkey has pressed for broad-based participation in the Libya mission ? including the Arab League, the African Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference ? to secure a peaceful transition in Libya and meet the legitimate needs of the Libyan people, Erdogan said.

"We have never been and will never be a country that would fire on and bomb conflicting sides in Libya," he said.

Turkey will be represented at the international conference about Libya set to be held Tuesday in London. Erdogan said Turkey's insistence on ensuring broad-based participation in the summit was acknowledged. "Thus NATO will not be left alone in Libya," he said.

The London conference is expected to discuss the situation in Libya and take stock of the implementation thus far of U.N. Security Council Resolutions No. 1970 and 1973. The British Government previously announced that a wide range of countries would be invited, particularly from the Middle East and North African region, in order to take united and coordinated action in response to the unfolding crisis.

The meeting is expected to establish a contact group of nations. Though it is not yet clear if Turkey will join this grouping, a Turkish diplomat said such mechanisms are sometimes useful ? as in the case of Kosovo ? and that Ankara would evaluate the situation if it were asked to participate.

Once reluctant Turkey is now taking a critical role in NATO operations in Libya, pledging five vessels and one submarine to a NATO patrol mission to enforce a U.N. arms embargo against the regime of Moammar Gaddafi. Additionally, Turkey's NATO base in the Aegean province of Izmir was selected as the centre for operations monitoring the no-fly zone in Libya following the lifting of Turkey's previous opposition to any kind of NATO involvement in the North African country.

[11] Erdogan cancels again Brussels trip due to criticisms over press freedom

"The visit was not announced and was not finalized. So we cannot talk about cancelling the trip," diplomatic sources told the Daily News on Monday. "The prime minister has the intention to go to Brussels either before or after the elections."

Erdogan was scheduled to meet with top EU officials, including Herman van Rompuy, President of the EU Council, and Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. A joint press conference was also in the program during the Brussels talks.

The decision to cancel the trip was taken following harsh criticism from EU figures about the state of press freedom in Turkey after the arrest of journalists Nedim Sener and Ahmet S1
k. The tone of the criticism sharpened following the seizure of an unpublished book by S1
k and the destruction of digital copies of the manuscript.

Stefan F?le, the EU Commissioner responsible for enlargement, publicly criticized the book raids.  The seizure of Ahmet S1
k's draft book based on a court order is a further cause of concern, he said Friday through a spokesperson.  Turkey urgently needs to amend its legal framework to improve the exercise of the freedom of the press in practice and in a significant manner."

Diplomatic sources said that the primary reason for the cancellation of Erdogan's trip to Brussels was taken so as to save him from public criticism and a possible quarrel with EU officials. Erdogan, who is holding talks in Iraq on Tuesday, will travel to London on Wednesday to attend a business forum and to meet with Queen Elizabeth.

[12] Davutoglu to represent Turkey in London Libya meeting

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Chairperson of the Commission of African Union Jean Ping are among the participants of the conference.

[13] Bagis said that there are differences of opinions within the EU Commission regarding the competition chapter

Referring to the chapter on competition, Bagis said: "We do our best. Turkey gained a government support authority in this scope. A road map and a strategy document have been formed to see at what stage some supports can be synchronized with the EU regulations. Everybody worked devotedly to achieve this goal."

Bagis also said there were differences of opinion within the EU Commission regarding the competition chapter. "This is something which they should resolve within themselves. We have told them what Turkey could do and could not do. Our European counterparts finally comprehended very clearly that we will not put Turkey's economy into a crisis for EU," he added.

Bagis said statements of some circles that Turkey deviated from the EU were not convincing and that "some circles here focused opening of the chapter on competition before the elections in Turkey. However, I should clarify that nothing much will change in Turkey in the elections. Both the ruling and the opposition parties are apparent."

[14] Erdogan stresses importance of cooperation with Iraq

Touching on economic relations between Turkey and Iraq, Erdogan said that new border gates had to be put into service between the two countries, adding that "just as we are Iraq's door to the Black Sea, Caucasus and Europe, Iraq happens to be our gate to the Gulf region and the Indian Ocean".

"We must increase our current trade volume of 10 billion USD to 20 billion USD in the near future", Erdogan said.

"Turkey is the second country after China with the highest number of construction companies in Iraq with 36 Turkish construction companies currently operating. Our contractors are ready to serve Iraq in the re-construction of the country", Erdogan said.

Iraq is one of our crucial trade partners, Erdogan added, while the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, on his part, said that Iraq had recently become more secure. The Turkish-Iraqi Business Forum aims at bringing the businessmen of the two countries closer. There is a need in Iraq for the re-construction in many fields. There are great opportunities for Turkish companies in Iraq, al-Maliki stressed.

[15] Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon to sign banking cooperation deal

Central Bank of Turkey Governor Durmus Y1
lmaz addressed bankers from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey at a conference titled  Enhancing Shamgen Banking: Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in Istanbul yesterday.  As a result of this agreement, trade and investments between these countries will be supported and facilitated," he said, adding that the planned agreement will also complement free trade and visa-exemption agreements signed earlier between the four countries.

The council plans to develop a long-term strategic partnership and to create a zone of free movement of goods and persons among them. "Although this conference is a step toward improving relations between the banking sectors of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in the short term, it is expected to contribute to the formation of a single market with the inclusion of other countries in the region in an area encircled by the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, Y1
lmaz said during his speech at the conference.

The countries aspirations to establish the planned single market in the Middle East are interpreted as a sign of the rise of an EU-like regional economic integration. Even the name of the conference proved how appropriate those interpretations are. The word "Shamgen" is a combination of "Sham," the way the name of the Syrian capital of Damascus is pronounced in Turkish as well as in Arabic and with the meaningless "gen" to make it sound like the Schengen area, which comprises the territories of the 25 European states that act like a single state when it comes to international travel without internal border controls and visa requirements.

For Y1
lmaz, Turkish banks can make  a substantial contribution to the improvement of the banking systems in the region. At the end of January of this year, the total assets of Turkish banks amounted to TL 1.02 trillion ($641 billion) with a 24.8% year-on-year rise while the volume of loans they extended increased to TL 536.6 billion with a 2% year-on-year increase. Their monthly profit totalled TL 1.5 billion.

[15] CHP holds talks in Washington

CHP's deputy chairmen Osman Koruturk, Gulsun Bilgehan, Umut Oran and Faik Oztrak, accompanied by CHP chairperson's adviser Faruk Logoglu, began their talks in the U.S. on Monday.

As part of their visit, CHP members got together with senior officials Tina Kaidanow and Nancy McEldowney from the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the U.S. State Department, as well as Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain and American-Turkish Council's (ATC) President James Holmes.

Speaking to reporters after the meetings, Koruturk said they had as usual expected questions about Armenian allegations, Cyprus, Turkish-Greek relations and regional developments during their talks. He said however, U.S. officials were rather curious about the restrictions against freedom of press in Turkey.

"We have seen that the most striking opinion about Turkey was the perception that the country's democracy was going backwards," Koruturk said.

The deputy chairperson said CHP delegation also got the impression that the U.S. officials thought Turkey was not displaying the exact leadership role expected from it concerning the social movements in the Middle East.

Koruturk also noted that the U.S. officials showed great interest in CHP's new structure.

He said all their U.S. counterparts welcomed CHP's outgoing stance on improving its contacts and position in international relations. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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