Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-04-04

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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 reiterates the allegation that "two states and two peoples" exist in Cyprus

[02] Eroglu says there is not much hope for an agreement in Cyprus

[03] Eroglu met with settlers from Adana; The settlers from Alexandretta censure the unions' contacts in Brussels

[04] New Turkish "ambassador" in the occupied areas

[05] Commentator reports that the houses of enclaved Greek Cypriots in occupied Rizokarpasso are granted to Turkish settlers

[06] Hasipoglu claims that Cypriot people never existed in Cyprus

[07] Data on the "citizenships" granted by the so-called government between 2009 and 2011

[08] UBP and CTP are reportedly cooperating to overthrow KTOS' leadership; Threats against the life of KTOS' leaders

[09] BKP criticizes the Turkish Cypriot political parties that will not join the rally

[10] "KITREB" calls the occupation regime to remove the entrance fees from the monastery of Apostle Andreas

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] Kucuk: "99% of the Turkish Cypriots loyal to motherland Turkey"

[12] Bagis: "The Cyprus issue is an important obstacle in Turkey's EU process"

[13] Erdogan ? Cameron meeting

[14] "Relations with Turkey on the Cyprus problem" is the least successful EU justify policy

[15] NATO chief to visit Turkey

[16] Columnists comment on CHP's visit to Washington

[17] "Ankara: UN, not G?l, invited Peres to Turkey for summit"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu reiterates the allegation that "two states and two peoples" exist in Cyprus

In statements during a visit this weekend to the occupied area of Morfou and Lefka, Eroglu noted that no agreement was reached on anyone of the six chapters of the negotiations and added that after his "election" no progress is achieved except on the chapter of "Economy". He alleged that the past could not be ignored in an agreement to be reached in Cyprus. He said that this agreement would be "dead" if the "two peoples" do not approve it and added that he will not sign an agreement, which will not be approved by the Turkish Cypriots and not protect their rights.

Eroglu alleged that the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, is a "state" which functions with all its organs and has an "extremely developed democracy". He recalled that this "state" is recognized only by Turkey, but alleged that this does not mean that it does not exist. Eroglu claimed that all the decisions of the breakaway regime will be valid until a partnership is established in Cyprus.

Claiming that "two states and two peoples" exist on the island, Eroglu said that Turkey's active and effective guarantees are a red line for the Turkish side and that the Greek Cypriot side's red line is that no guarantees should exist. He noted that the breakaway regime distributed its "citizenship" to some persons, just like the "Greek Cypriot side" did, as he described the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.

Eroglu said that they have started the negotiations with President Christofias on the property issue and added that the Turkish side wants "return, exchange and compensation" of properties, but the Greek Cypriot side says that priority should be given to the property owner. Eroglu alleged that this will be tantamount to "new migration" and alleged that the system established during the past 36 years could not be ignored.

Eroglu pointed out that they are discussing a "federal partnership" in the negotiations, but the important thing is to fill in the content of this partnership. He alleged that accepting the proposals of the Greek Cypriot side would be tantamount to losing the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people".

Referring to the internal affairs of the Turkish Cypriots, Eroglu said that some problems with Turkey have been created because of the rallies organized recently in the occupied area of Cyprus and Brussels, but these problems are overcome now. He said that the trade unions could hold rallies, but the problems should be solved in the occupied area of Cyprus. He reiterated that these rallies, and especially the activities in Brussels, influenced him at the negotiating table. He noted that during the negotiations, President Christofias referred to these activities and told him that "even your people do not want Turkey".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu says there is not much hope for an agreement in Cyprus

Eroglu criticized the activities organized recently by some trade unions in Brussels and alleged that everybody should know where their rights begin and end. "Insulting Turkey brings no benefit to anyone. The TRNC should be the place of the solution of the problems", he claimed.

Eroglu said that even President Christofias referred to the issue at the negotiating table. He added that this weakens the Turkish side. Eroglu reiterated that no progress is achieved in any chapter except "Economy" in the Cyprus negotiations. "There is not much hope for an agreement", he added.

Eroglu alleged that the past can't be ignored in the agreement to be reached in Cyprus and pointed out that the agreement should be approved by the "two peoples" of the island. He said he will never sign an agreement that will not protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people".

Eroglu reiterated the Turkish view that two states and two peoples exist in Cyprus and that Turkey's active and effective guarantees are a red line for the Turkish side.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu met with settlers from Adana; The settlers from Alexandretta censure the unions' contacts in Brussels

On her part, KDD chairperson Hatice Kul expressed the association's full support to Eroglu at the Cyprus negotiations process. She then presented Eroglu with the associations' plaque for his success in the negotiations.

Also, according to Kibris, the "Association of Brotherhood, Solidarity and Culture representing people from Hatay [Alexandretta]", censuring the contacts of various Turkish Cypriot trade unions in Brussels, said that they had not come to Cyprus as immigrants, "but to acquire a new homeland". Issuing a written statement, the chairman of the association Mehmet Ipek stated that such "dividing" behaviours should undoubtedly be taken seriously into consideration. He, inter alia, claimed that "neither the unionists nor the foreign powers will be able to send away the TRNC people from this land".

[04] New Turkish "ambassador" in the occupied areas

Repeating Turkey's support to the ongoing Cyprus negotiations process, Akca stressed the need for reaching a bi-zonal solution to the Cyprus problem under the establishment of a new partnership that envisages the presence of two constituent states and political equality of the two sides. He also noted that Turkey's active and effective guarantee in Cyprus should be protected in the event of a solution.

Eroglu, for his part, emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots remain determined to continue friendly bilateral relations and cooperation with "motherland" Turkey. He said Akca's appointment by Turkish President Abdullah Gul came at a significant period as Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots resume negotiations on the basis of the UN parameters with the aim of bringing a lasting and sustainable settlement. Eroglu also added that they will be working in full cooperation with the new "Turkish ambassador."

[05] Commentator reports that the houses of enclaved Greek Cypriots in occupied Rizokarpasso are granted to Turkish settlers

In his article, Ekmekci recalls that during the term of the previous so-called government, the right of use of these properties was on the inheritors of the owners, something that has stopped with the current "government". As the paper reports, now, these houses are given to supporters of the ruling National Unity Party (UBP) "government", among whom are three-five persons related to the so-called mayor of occupied Rizokarpasso, Mehmet Demirci.

Emekci, inter alia, notes: "This is a shame; it is a pity; it is a sin," concluding that they have to be much more cautious on such a sensitive issue.

[06] Hasipoglu claims that Cypriot people never existed in Cyprus

Hasipoglu also claimed that the structure of the population was altered mostly under the British administration; however, he noted that it is not possible to accept that the issue of "citizenship" begun after 1974.

Ahmet Iscan, spokesman of HAK, said that they will carry out contacts abroad and firstly, they will visit Brussels in order for the voice of the Turkish Cypriots to be heard.

[07] Data on the "citizenships" granted by the so-called government between 2009 and 2011

According to data given to publicity by KTAMS, in 2009 the UBP "government" granted 940, in 2010 granted 650 and in the first three months of 2011 granted 400 "TRNC citizenships" to Turkish citizens, excluding marriages and births. KTAMS announcement noted that as it is observed, the population structure in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is changing rapidly.

At the demonstration, KTAMS members carried a banner reading: "Did you know that since 2009, citizenship was granted to 1.940 people?", something that caused tension between the demonstrators and the so-called police. Speaking to reporters, KTAMS chairman Ahmet Kaptan stated that with this action, their "constitutional rights" were being prevented and added that they will continue to demonstrate outside of all the so-called ministries.

[08] UBP and CTP are reportedly cooperating to overthrow KTOS' leadership; Threats against the life of KTOS' leaders

The candidates of UBP and CTP distributed an announcement to explain why they are running for candidates. They accused the Elcil administration of "becoming marginal" and of "pursuing political fantasies". They also accuse Elcil of buying "Radio Mayis" without obtaining the approval of the majority of the members of the organization and of bringing to KTOS an additional financial burden in this manner. They also accuse the current administration of using the money in the special fund for strikes for reasons other than strikes.

Afrika reports also that after Rauf Denktas, the "Turkish Migrants Association" and UBP's Solidarity Association in London, the "National Council" has also called the "attorney general" to do his duty against Elcil. In a statement issued yesterday, the "Council" argues that "no treason in the world remains unpunished" and that the "attorney general" should do his duty. The "Council' expressed the view that "Elcil's policies constitute a constitutional and legal offence", because these policies "reject the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people and Turkey which derive from international agreements and aim at lowering the Turkish Cypriot people into a tribe".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (03.04.11) reports that the administrators of KTOS received a letter from London threatening them about their lives. Under the title "Death threat to KTOS' administrators", the paper writes that the letter was sent by unknown persons and that Sener Elcil said that KTOS leadership discussed the issue with the British High Commission and they will inform Interpol. He said that they will give more details on the issue tomorrow.

(I/Ts.)

[09] BKP criticizes the Turkish Cypriot political parties that will not join the rally

On the same issue, the paper also reports that Abdullah Korkmazhan, Organizing Secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), in a written statement, criticized the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), the Social Democrat Party (TDP) and the Democratic Party (DP) that will not participate in the rally, adding that these three political parties, which claim that they support the struggle for communal existence, are not sincere and are trying to sabotage this struggle because they have political ambitions.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (04.04.11), in its front page under the title "A great provocation" reports that the trade unions' members are preparing to clash with the "police" during the rally on the 7th of April. The paper also reports that a delegation from the Liberal Group of the European Parliament and the foreign press will also participate in the rally, claiming that after the clashes with the "police", the trade unions' members will file complaints against Turkey and the breakaway regime at the European Parliament.

[10] "KITREB" calls the occupation regime to remove the entrance fees from the monastery of Apostle Andreas

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] Kucuk: "99% of the Turkish Cypriots loyal to motherland Turkey"

"The will of a minority of Turkish Cypriots to break apart from Turkey should not get much attention. Our hearts beat differently for our motherland and Ankara. We are the children of Dr Fazil Kucuk who taught us that the Turkish Cypriots could not exist without the motherland," Kucuk said.

Kucuk also noted: "We experience certain difficulties as a country not recognized by the world, except for Turkey. Our motherland helps us feel less difficult through its assistance. The year 2011 has been declared the 'Year of TRNC' in Turkey under the leadership of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. We also are in the process of establishing the Turkish Cypriot Airlines."

Kucuk expressed his pleasure to see Turkey's economic growth by 9 percent in 2010 and that the Turkish income per capita reached over 10,000 USD and added: "We look at the developments in Turkey as examples and work accordingly. Our economy shrank by 6 percent in 2009 but grew by 4 percent in 2010. With Turkey's support, we expect the TRNC tourism sector to grow by 70 percent in 2011. In 2012, our goal is to balance the TRNC budget for the first time in the history of our republic."

Also speaking at the breakfast, a deputy of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) from the north-western province of Istanbul, Unal Kacir, said that there were certain circles trying to cause tension between the administrators of the Republic of Turkey and the administrators of the "TRNC". "Those wishing to create tension will not be successful. Turkey's investments in the TRNC will continue and grow further," Kacir stressed.

An AKP deputy from Istanbul, Feyzullah Kiyiklik, said that it was crucial for the "TRNC" to stand on its own feet and be in harmony with the requirements of the contemporary age. "I am confident that, under Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk's leadership, the TRNC will take steps in such a direction," Kiyiklik claimed.

[12] Bagis: "The Cyprus issue is an important obstacle in Turkey's EU process"

"The issue of Cyprus is an important obstacle in Turkey's EU process. A rational solution should be found in Cyprus and this issue should not be placed in Turkey's face as a problem," Bagis claimed.

"Compared to 50 years ago, Turkey is more transparent. The EU acquis will make great contributions to Turkey's change. We have certain expectations from Europe and among them is a fair negotiations process. We have opened 13 chapters out of 32 in the negotiations. We cannot open the remaining chapters due to political reasons," he also said.

Moreover, Bagis touched upon the visa issue, the necessity to develop a partnership with Europe in the fight against terror, and asked for the assistance of ICG, since the two-thirds of Turks in Turkey do not believe that their country would become a full EU member. He argued that Turkey's modernization process that Ataturk started in 1923 differentiates it from other Middle Eastern countries and described Turkey as a crucial example of a country that has brought together an Islamic culture with democracy.

"Countries in the region are impressed by the living standards in Turkey. They look at Turkey as a Muslim country which, like other European countries, gives importance to human rights, democracy and secularism. The regional countries say to themselves that they can be like Turkey. The EU acquis is highly important for Turkey and Turkey makes an effort to fulfil all criteria," Bagis said.

[13] Erdogan ? Cameron meeting

Regarding the Cyprus problem, Erdogan said that the target was to initiate a fair and comprehensive process with two founding states, claiming that "unfortunately, the Greek Cypriot administration was never positive about a solution." He said that although the Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of the Annan plan and the Greek Cypriots voted against it, the EU accepted the membership of the Greek Cypriot administration.

Commenting on Turkish-British economic cooperation, Erdogan said that the two countries reached an important level, adding that the trade figures between the two countries increased to 12 billion USD in 2010. Erdogan expressed his belief that the figures would continue to rise in the coming period.

The British Prime Minister praised the level of political relations with Turkey, saying the two countries were strategic partners. "In my opinion, relations between Britain and Turkey have never been this strong. Last year we established a new strategic partnership," said Cameron.

Cameron said that during his meeting with Erdogan, they discussed at length the multinational effort to protect the Libyan people, Turkey's EU membership and the latest developments in Afghanistan.

Cameron also said that Turkey's bid for the EU membership could not be denied, adding that Britain would continue to support Turkey's EU accession and a comprehensive solution in Cyprus.

[14] "Relations with Turkey on the Cyprus problem" is the least successful EU justify policy

[15] NATO chief to visit Turkey

Rasmussen will meet Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul are also set to attend the meeting. Moreover, Rasmussen will have a separate meeting with Davutoglu, the statement said.

[16] Columnists comment on CHP's visit to Washington

Also, in a commentary Hurriyet (04.03.11-online version) entitled "CHP's Washington report", Fatih Cekirge reports on statements by Umut Oran, vice-chairman of CHP who also participated at the CHP' delegation which held contacts in Washington. Asked to say what were the most important issues in the agenda during their official, political meetings, Oran said that the American officials asked clearly about the issue of freedom of press in Turkey, and AKP's policy towards the issue of democracy, liberal structure and freedoms. Oran added that in the past, issues such as the Cyprus problem, Turkish-Greek relations, the Kurdish issue, the Armenian issue and issues related to the EU were used for discussion. However, he said, today the situation has changed since those issues are not issues which they want to discuss, adding that the Israeli, Armenian and Greek Cypriot lobbies have an unbelievable influence and that there is a very serious negative atmosphere between Turkish and American officials towards these matters .

(AK)

[17] "Ankara: UN, not Gul, invited Peres to Turkey for summit"

Turkey will host the fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) on May 9-13 in Istanbul, one in a series of conferences to help poorer nations improve their prosperity and infrastructure. The website of the Israeli newspaper the Jerusalem Post, reported late on Wednesday, that Gul invited Peres to the conference, while Israel Radio repeated the same report on Thursday.

"Invitations have been extended to all members of the UN, so this includes Israel too," diplomatic sources told Today's Zaman. "Even the accreditation of the press for the summit is being handled by the UN headquarters in New York, as are the invitations. It is not right to say that Peres was invited by President Abdullah Gul," the same sources, speaking under condition of anonymity, noted, in an apparent reference to reports by Israeli media about the invitation. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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