Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-04-05

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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 spoke with the UN Secretary General over the phone; Eroglu to respond positively for a tripartite meeting in June

[02] Akca meets Kucuk

[03] Initiative for Varosha supports that the opening of Varosha as a part of the comprehensive solution is wrong

[04] The Platform of Unions criticized those who attack Elcil

[05] Solidarity Platform supports the rally of 7th April

[06] German students visit occupied Cyprus

[07] Columnist opposes to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Ankara holds contacts with Libyan officials; Rasmussen's visit

[09] Gul's visit in Indonesia

[10] Lebanese Prime Minister meets with Erdogan

[11] Turkish Deputy PM meets representatives of Turkish associations in New York

[12] Erdogan: "Turkey reached an important point with 9.2% growth"

[13] TurkStat announces data on inflation; Caglayan's comments

[14] Turkey to send trade delegation to Tunisia

[15] Turkey launches first diamond and precious stones market

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu spoke with the UN Secretary General over the phone; Eroglu to respond positively for a tripartite meeting in June

In his statements yesterday after meeting with a delegation, Eroglu said that the UN Secretary General called him the previous night at 23.00 hours and told him about his desire to hold another tripartite meeting in June. Eroglu added that the UN Secretary General called also the leader of the "Greek Cypriot administration" as he called President Christofias at 22.00 hours and told him that the tripartite meeting which was to take place in the second half of March or April is to take place after the elections in Turkey and Cyprus.

Eroglu stated that during the telephone conversation he held with Ban Ki-moon, he explained to the UN Secretary-General that the Turkish Cypriot side fully supports the efforts aimed at finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and that is carrying out serious efforts towards reaching a solution as soon as possible.

(AK)

[02] Akca meets Kucuk

On his part, Akca noted that in the past, he discussed the problems of the "country" with "TRNC officials" and added that as an "ambassador", he will work together with the "government". Akca also said that he is not the image that the press created, adding that he truly feels sympathy and love for the Turkish Cypriot "people". He said: "I work night and day for everything to become better. I hope that this will be seen and recognised by the people."

Furthermore, the paper reports that right after undertaking his duty, Akca began visiting "state and government officials". In this framework, Akca paid a courtesy visit to the "Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Commandership" (KTBK) where he met with the "commander" lieutenant general Adem Huduti, as well as to the "Security Forces Commandership" where he met with the "commander" general Mehmet Daysal.

Meanwhile, according to the paper, the union of producers of dairy products (SUIB) as well as the "Association of Brotherhood, Solidarity and Culture representing people from Hatay [Alexandretta]" issued written statements expressing their happiness for Akca's appointment to the "ambassador's" post.

[03] Initiative for Varosha supports that the opening of Varosha as a part of the comprehensive solution is wrong

The Initiative noted that Varosha should be returned to its legal owners under UN administration and become a city administrated by both communities based on the principle of federalism, a city where both communities will live together, produce together and share a common future.

Claiming that the Cyprus problem entered into a process of non-solution and that a new point of disagreement comes up in every meeting of the sides during the Cyprus talks, the statement argued that the two leaders turned into hopelessness the desire of the two communities for rapprochement and living together.

The statement expresses, inter alia, the following views:

"?We are repulsively watching the situation of the Port of Famagusta, which has become the dumping site of the Mediterranean Sea together with Varosha, which has been turned into a ghost city. Life in Famagusta, which shelters one of the most superior cultural heritages in human history, becomes more difficult every day.

It is possible for planting the seeds of a common life and a federal structure in this city. The ghost city of Varosha is not a 'part of the overall solution', but the first step towards the solution?

Varosha should be returned to its legal owners under a transitional UN administration and become a city administrated by the two communities together, a city where the two communities will live together, produce together and share a common future, and a city to be administrated and live by the principles of federalism?"

Meanwhile, writing in her daily column in Turkish Cypriot Yeni Duzen newspaper (05.04.11), Aysu Basri Akter refers to the same issue under the title "Varosha and the ports". The columnist says that the above statement might be an answer to the view expressed by Turkish Cypriot "MPs" who recently visited the European Parliament (EP) and argued that Varosha could only be a part of the overall solution.

Noting that it is not easy to make an opening on the issue of the occupied closed city of Varosha, Akter refers to a report published recently by the International Crisis Group, an international think tank which is closely interested in the Cyprus problem, as she says. Akter notes that the above-mentioned report establishes that the Cyprus problem entered into a deadlock and makes some proposals, which among other issues, concern Varosha.

According to these proposals, Turkey should fulfil its obligations deriving from the Customs Union Protocol it signed in 2005 and open its ports to the Republic of Cyprus. The report says also that the occupied port of Famagusta and the illegal Tymvou airport should open to international traffic under the supervision of the EU. Moreover, the report proposes that the occupied closed city of Varosha should be returned to its legal owners under UN supervision. Akter describes the opening of the Turkish ports as "the only step", which will bring a solution to the problems that exist in the relations between EU-Turkey, in which no actual progress is achieved.

(I/Ts.)

[04] The Platform of Unions criticized those who attack Elcil

In the announcement, it is stressed that it is unacceptable to label some persons as traitors because they express different opinions or they stand against some powerful circles.

[05] Solidarity Platform supports the rally of 7th April

[06] German students visit occupied Cyprus

Welcoming the students from the German Realschule Plus Konrad Adenauer Schule, Cavusoglu said that the "TRNC" is a place where different cultures exist and expressed his support to the Brother Schools Project, since they are "people who believe in peace in the world."

The Principle of the 19 Mayis Turk Maarif College Raif Asvaroglu for his part said that within the framework of the Brother Schools Project, students from the "TRNC" and Germany have been paying mutual visits since 2004 adding that the project is a chance to promote the "TRNC."

Speaking on behalf of the visiting students, Melita Holzhauser pointed to the importance of the promotion of the culture of the two countries and said that the students feel like they are at home due to the hospitality shown by the "TRNC people".

[07] Columnist opposes to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu

"The sensitivity, which is shown towards the Turkish Cypriot community against the nuclear power plant to be built in Mersin's Akkuyu area, could definitely not be perceived as an environmental fantasy. The reactions are based on justified reasons, because a nuclear power plant, which is located 40 nautical miles away, will bring the people living in Cyprus face to face with tragedies similar to the ones in Chernobyl and Fukushima.

While the nuclear tragedy experienced in Japan after the earthquake and the tsunami causes an increase of sensitivity among the entire humanity against the nuclear plants, no one could expect the Cypriots to remain indifferent now in front of such a risky project. An increased and justified sensitivity exists against everything that bears the risk of cancer in the Turkish Cypriot community, which ranks fifth in the world as concerns cancer incidents?"

The columnist notes that the Black Sea region in Turkey was one of the areas negatively influenced by the Chernobyl disaster and points out that the distance between Akkuyu and Cyprus is shorter than the distance between the Black Sea area and Chernobyl. He says that the people living in the Black Sea area in Turkey are still facing problems with cancer, in spite of the fact that 25 years passed since the Chernobyl disaster.

Tolgay reports that a platform established by the people living in the Black Sea area under the title "Black Sea is Uprising" will organize a big protest rally in Istanbul on 26 April, on the occasion of the 26th anniversary from the Chernobyl disaster. In a statement issued by the platform it is said that they will not succumb to the plans of the Turkish government to build nuclear power plants in Akkuyu, Sinop and another place, the name of which has not been disclosed yet. They say that the people living in Black Sea area were against the construction of nuclear power plants even before the incident in Fukushima, because they are the "children of Chernobyl", who die every day of cancer for the past 25 years.

(I/Ts.)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Ankara holds contacts with Libyan officials; Rasmussen's visit

Ozerkan notes that Turkey could emerge as a mediator to the ongoing conflict in Libya as Ankara is preparing to hold talks with an official from Tripoli in the wake of similar discussions with groups that oppose the North African country's Government

"Our sincere wish is to see the end of the pains of the Libyan people as soon as possible and the formation of a road map in line with their demands," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters yesterday. Davutoglu said that a delegation from the oppositional Libyan National Congress has also been invited to Ankara, which seeks ground for a cease-fire between the clashing groups.

Moreover, Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Abdelati Obeidi met with Davutoglu yesterday. "The lives of each and every Libyan matter for us. Assaults against civilians should be ended immediately," Davutoglu said, adding that Turkey would continue its sound policy for a peaceful solution to the problem by supporting the territorial integrity of Libya.

The paper reports that a senior Turkish Foreign Ministry diplomat said: "We will listen to all sides and look to see if we can find common ground. Davutoglu's meeting with the Libyan official was within the knowledge of the opposition groups that previously met with the Foreign Minister who will soon meet again with representatives of the opposition," the source added.

Asked whether Turkey could play a mediator role in a possible cease-fire, the Turkish diplomat declined to use this term and said that the Libyan envoy was not only visiting Turkey but Greece and Malta as well on his current trip. "There was no message from [Libyan leader Col. Moammar] Gadhafi. The two sides, the Government and the opposition, asked for an appointment only to convey their views," said the Ministry official, who declined to be named. However, the diplomat implied that Turkey could undertake such a mission considering its role in producing a 12-hour cease-fire for a Turkish cruise-ship-turned hospital to anchor in the besieged Libyan city of Misrata and carry injured residents to Turkey for treatment over the weekend.

Rasmussen's agenda

The Libyan envoy's visit coincided with NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's behind-the-scenes meetings in Ankara with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul and Foreign Minister Davutoglu.

A written statement from Erdogan's office revealed that the talks focused on what could be done in Libya to ensure a cease-fire based on U.N. Security Council Resolutions. The statement also emphasized the respect for the Libyan people's will for a solution to the crisis in the country.

The ongoing Libya operation, the new Strategic Concept of the alliance and new command and control system as well as missile defence mechanism dominated Rasmussen's meetings, according to sources. Turkey wants a limited and a short NATO operation that would avoid hurting civilian people and the country's infrastructure.

Apart from Libya, sources also recalled Turkey's insistence to keep the NATO base in 0
zmir open despite pressure for its closure due to financial reasons. The two also discussed Turkey's potential participation in the missile defence project and whether the country would agree to deploy a radar system on its soil.

[09] Gul's visit in Indonesia

The visit is critical as it is the continuation of a visit by Yudhoyono last year, which was the first official Indonesian visit to Turkey at the highest level in 25 years. Other organizers of the visit include the Turkish Exporters Assembly (T0
M) and businessmen s associations Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) and Independent Industrialists and Businessmen s Association (MUS0
AD). Businessmen hope that the visit will contribute to deeper trade, investment and tourism ties between the two countries.

The volume of foreign trade between Turkey and Indonesia is $1.7 billion. Turkey's trade gap with this country is $1.2 billion, the biggest trade deficit Turkey has in trade with the Far East. At the root of the deficit lies Indonesia's raw material richness, crucial to Turkey's manufacturing industry.

Prior to his departure from Turkey Gul said: "We are hoping to sign agreements in various fields that will help strengthen our relationship and raise it to the level of a strategic partnership. In essence, our purpose is to continue Turkish-Indonesian friendship, - its roots extend many centuries - in the strongest possible way."

Gul arrived at Halim Airport in the capital Jakarta accompanied by an entourage of bureaucrats and businessmen. As part of his visit, Gul laid a wreath at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery and visited the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in the world. He will be meeting Indonesian President Yudhoyono following an official welcoming ceremony today. Gul is also expected to visit the Kharisma Turkish School and will also join a conference at the University of Indonesia about the uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa and later he will give an interview on state television.

[10] Lebanese Prime Minister meets with Erdogan

[11] Turkish Deputy PM meets representatives of Turkish associations in New York

Delivering a speech, Arinc said that Turkey and USA have good relations as well as a common understanding and cooperation on issues such as human rights, the rule of law and improving democracy. Arinc noted that commercial and economic relations between the two countries are recently improving as well.

[12] Erdogan: "Turkey reached an important point with 9.2% growth"

Erdogan said that unemployment rate dropped to 11.9 percent in the recent period. He also noted that Turkey's national income had reached 1.1 trillion Turkish lira (736 billion US dollars) and income per capita was 10.079 US dollars. "We really worked hard to reach that point," he said, and added: "We will work to raise the national per capita income to 25.000 US dollars and exports to 500 billion US dollars until 2023."

[13] TurkStat announces data on inflation; Caglayan's comments

Yesterday TurkStat said that the consumer prices index (CPI) climbed 0.42 percent and the rise in producer prices index (PPI) was 1.22 percent last month. The annual inflation was up 3.99 percent in CPI and 10.08 percent in PPI. The three-month rise in CPI was 1.57 percent and 5.40 percent in PPI. According to a 12-month average, the annual inflation was 7.29 percent in consumer prices, and 9.36 percent in producer prices.

Caglayan said he expected the Government to make no revision in inflation targets for 2011, anticipating year-end figures to remain low.

[14] Turkey to send trade delegation to Tunisia

Caglayan said that the delegation would be in Tunisia between April 4 and 7, and Ecevit would meet Tunisian Minister of Trade & Tourism Mehdi Houas, Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure Yacine Brahim, and Minister of Industry & Technology Abdelaziz Rassaa. The delegation would also have talks with industrialists and businessmen's association UTICA, and other executives in Tunisia.

Moreover, Caglayan said that another trade delegation would visit Egypt to discuss problems faced in the wake of incidents that rocked the country and find solutions.

[15] Turkey launches first diamond and precious stones market

The market will operate under the Istanbul Gold Exchange (IAB) and will have 85 members of the IAB and other major players of the diamond and precious stones sector in the country. The market will trade rough diamonds as well as cut and polished diamonds within the Kimberly Certification Process, Osman Sarac, IAB's acting-president told the agency. "Our goal is to bring major players in the sector under our roof. Reduction in tax rates and other incentives can help divert a substantial part of the 1 billion USD business volume to this market," Sarac said.

Turkey ranks among the top five countries in the world gem and jewellery market, according to the World Diamond Council. The country is among the top five in production and is one of the top three in consumption. Africa, Canada, Russia and Australia are the major sources of raw material for the global industry. Primarily India, China, Turkey and Italy are the countries which are involved in jewellery manufacturing and diamond processing and the retail markets are in US, Europe, Far East, Middle East and Asia. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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