Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-04-08

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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] Trade unions protest against Turkey, the "government" of the regime and the opposition leaders

[02] Ozgurgun addresses a meeting at the House of Lords; Turkish Cypriot protestors urge him to "stick to Federal Cyprus"

[03] Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriots want a viable and lasting agreement

[04] Reaction to the reshuffle of the "cabinet"

[05] Serdar Denktas said he expected the resignation of the "government", not a reshuffle

[06] Consultancy Council established for investments in occupied Cyprus

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[07] The Turkish press on the Trade Unions' Platform rally in occupied Cyprus

[08] "Prime minister" Kucuk has established "Kantara Air carrier" in Istanbul

[09] Erdogan unveils Turkey's policies on Libya

[10] Turkish Energy Minister: "Construction of Akkuyu power plant to begin"

[11] Turkish military unable to understand soldiers' arrest, reactions by the government

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Trade unions protest against Turkey, the "government" of the regime and the opposition leaders

During the demonstration, they criticized the "government" of the breakaway regime, carried flags of the Republic of Cyprus and shouted slogans against the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. According to the paper, tension was created because of the slogans shouted by some "marginal groups" against Turkey. Members of Baraka Cultural Association carried a banner writing "Occupier Turkey, get out of Cyprus". The "police" of the breakaway regime seized the above-mentioned banner. According to the paper, some of the participants in the rally expressed their disagreement with the above slogan and said that this is not why they gathered at the square.

Meanwhile, some persons attempted to hoist the flag of the Republic of Cyprus on the "embassy" of Turkey to the occupied part of Lefkosia. The "police" interfered and prevented them from doing so. Very strict security measures were taken around the building of the "embassy", where demonstrators gathered. The participants in the demonstration shouted slogans such as "Ayse go home" [Tr. Note: 'Ayse' is the code name used by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1974 for the Turkish occupation army, when he said that the second phase of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus could start], "Ankara, take your hands off us", "We will not become a police state" and "We will package those who brought the package".

The trade unions declared a strike yesterday in many working establishments with the aim of increasing the participation in the demonstration. The Republican Turkish Party (CTP), the Social Democracy Party (TDP) and the Democratic Party (DP) were not supporting the demonstration. Members of the Platform swore at the "MPs" of the above-mentioned parties. Especially Omer Kalyoncu, "MP" with the CTP, was strongly criticized. Kalyoncu was able to be saved from the anger of the demonstrators with the help of the "police". The demonstrators shouted slogans such as "We do not want a dishonourable assembly", "Marionettes get out", "This is the nest of the collaborators", "We do not want to emigrate", "The marionettes are inside, the patriots are here" and "The country is on fire, the government is sleeping". They also complained against the European Union, because it allegedly does not protect its land and citizens in the occupied part of Cyprus.

The demonstrators burned a package symbolizing the package of economic measures imposed by Turkey and a puppet representing the "government" of the regime.

During the demonstration, the "police" arrested a person, member of the Turkish Cypriot Aviation Carrier Employees (Hava-Sen). The participants in the demonstration protested to this arrest and demanded his release.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (08.0411) refers to the demonstration under the title "Fighting savagely". "The rights are taken, not given', writes Afrika above its title. The paper reports about the clashes of the demonstrators with the "police" and argues that if things continue in the same manner, the situation in the occupied part of Cyprus will become the same with the one at "Tahrir Square" in Egypt. Afrika writes also that Ferdi Sabit Soyer and Mehmet Cakici, leaders of CTP and TDP respectively, were booed. It points out that this was the first time that the road in front of the Turkish "embassy" was closed with wire fence and iron gates.

Under the title "Slap to the opposition", Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (08.0411) refers to the protest of the demonstrators against Soyer, Cakici and Kalyoncu. The latter stated that the trade unions will find no one's support in the future if they continue in the same way. In statements to Ada Tv, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, independent "MP", described as "dishonest and impertinent" the members of the Jasmine Movement who hoisted the flag of the Republic of Cyprus at the Turkish "embassy".

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (08.0411) refers to the issue under the title "Barricades to the people" and reports that very wide security measures were taken and rows took place during yesterday's demonstration.

Under the title "Demonstration with clashes", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (08.0411) argues that "provocateurs" participated in this demonstration as it happened in the two previous rallies. The paper adds that these "provocateurs" opened the flag of the Republic of Cyprus, in an effort to give the impression that the rally was held under this flag.

Under the title "From the square to the area in front of the parliament", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (08.04.11) reports that after the rallies held on 29 January and 2 March, yesterday the Trade Unions' Platform organized a demonstration in front of the "parliament". According to the paper, more than one thousand persons participated in this demonstration. It says that the participation was less than expected, but "disappointing incidents happened again". Havadis writes that the person who was arrested by the "police" is Tarkan Atakan, former employee of the bankrupted "Turkish Cypriot Airlines". In a statement on behalf of the Platform, Tahir Gokcebel, chairman of KTOEOS trade union, said they organized this demonstration to make their demands known to the UBP "government". He noted that they are struggling to oppose to the annihilation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to defend the future of their children.

Under the title "The picture of the country is there", Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (08.0411) publishes pictures from the demonstration noting that this is the agenda of the people and pictures from the handover ceremonies in three "ministries" noting that this is the agenda of the "government".

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (08.0411) refers to the demonstration under the title "Impudence with banners again by marginal groups". The paper writes that Mehmet Seyis, chairman of Dev-is trade union, stated that "the actions of the marginal groups bind only themselves". According to Vatan, the trade unions were not able to gather the crowd they were expecting, in spite of the fact that they went on strike yesterday.

Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (08.0411) refers to the demonstration under the title "The people do not approve these". According to the paper, the "speaker" of the assembly issued a statement strongly condemning the banners displayed during the demonstration and the statements against the "parliament".

Turkish Cypriot daily Demokrat Bakis (08.0411) refers to the demonstration under the title "Eventful demonstration".

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (08.0411) covers the issue under the title "They started whipping".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozgurgun addresses a meeting at the House of Lords; Turkish Cypriot protestors urge him to "stick to Federal Cyprus"

According to Kibris, except Lord Maginnis, Lord Harrison, Lord Kilclooney, Lord Northbrook, Conservative Party MP Mark Reckless, Sir Michael Graydon, Prof. Dr Clement Dodd, Donald Crawford, the Ambassador of Turkey to London Unal Cevikoz, and the self-styled ambassador of the breakaway regime to the British capital Kemal Koprulu were among the participants in the meeting.

In his speech, Lord Maginnis argued that Britain, as a guarantor power, should undertake a more active role on the Cyprus problem.

During the meeting, an 18-minute long documentary film was projected explaining the Turkish positions on the Cyprus problem. Maginnis said that they will distribute this film to the participants and called on them to show it to the MPs in their areas in order for them to see "the truth" on the Cyprus problem.

In his address, Ozgurgun alleged that the Turkish Cypriots gained the right of determining their own destiny with the establishment of the "independent TRNC". He claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side, in spite of its tragic experiences, never abandoned its determination on the issue of exerting efforts in the direction of finding a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.

Reminding the promises allegedly given to the Turkish Cypriots during the negotiations on the Annan Plan and after the 2004 referendum, he claimed that the "hypocritical attitude" of the international community encourages the "intransigence" of the Greek Cypriots and estranges the two sides from finding a solution.

Ozgurgun also argued that the terminology "Cypriot-led process" used by the UN "to encourage the Greek Cypriot side at the negotiations" was not contributing to the process. Alleging that because of the constructive stance of the Turkish side progress has been achieved until today on the chapters of Governance and Power Sharing, Economy and the EU, Ozgurgun added that the expected convergence was not achieved on the chapters of the Property, Territory, and Security and Guarantees. He said that the negotiations could not last forever.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (08.04,11) reports that when Ozgurzgun was entering the parliament, he was faced with a protest against him by members of the Platform of Solidarity for the Communal Existence Struggle of the Turkish Cypriots. The protestors held banners with slogans such as "Don't talk rubbish, Stick to Federal Cyprus" and "Struggle for Communal Existence". The protestors said their aim was to express their support to the demonstration of the Trade Unions' Platform held yesterday in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriots want a viable and lasting agreement

Eroglu reiterated that the Turkish Cypriots want a viable and lasting agreement, noting that the agreement should not collapse in three days. He said that we should act taking as example the experiences of the past. He also noted that he exerts efforts for an agreement that will satisfy the Turkish Cypriot "people".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Reaction to the reshuffle of the "cabinet"

Ilkay Kamil, former "minister" of interior, Turkay Tokel, former "minister" of labour and social insurance and Zorlu Tore, former "minister' of agriculture did not attend the "assembly". Moreover, two other "MPs" of the UBP, Mehmet Tancer and Necdet Numan, who were expecting that they would be appointed "ministers", were also not present at the session.

According to the paper, "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk looked tired when he took the floor to address the "assembly". When the "MPs" of the Republican Turkish Party told him to hold on, Kucuk replied that the last week has not been easy for him. "Only I know what I have been through during this last week", he said.

Meanwhile, in statements yesterday to Kibris TV, Zorlu Tore claimed that 90% of the members of the UBP cried when he was removed from his duty.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Serdar Denktas said he expected the resignation of the "government", not a reshuffle

Explaining why the DP did not participated in the demonstration held yesterday in the occupied area of Cyprus, Denktas said that they decided not to participate because the decision for the demonstration was taken in spite of the opposite view of DP and because of the activities of some Trade Unions in Brussels.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Consultancy Council established for investments in occupied Cyprus

Speaking during the visit yesterday, the Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors Guven Sak said that one of the reasons behind their visit to the "TRNC" was to assist the work carried out by the Investment Consultancy Council. The second reason was to assess the functionality and efficiency of "public or state institutions". Sak also said he wanted to get Eroglu's views regarding the work they will be carrying out in the "TRNC."

Eroglu said that TEPAV's interest on the "TRNC" economy is important, since the foundation usually looks into economic issues in Turkey and Europe, and noted that it is a must to evaluate the "TRNC" while is going through the negotiations process and economic issues separately. He also expressed his belief that the findings of the research to be carried out by the foundation will contribute to the breakaway regime's economy.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[07] The Turkish press on the Trade Unions' Platform rally in occupied Cyprus

Milliyet: "They hoisted the Greek flag on the embassy of Turkey to TRNC". The paper writes that the Trade Union Platform in the "TRNC", organized yesterday a protest against Turkey and the "TRNC government" and adds that a group that is known as "Yasemin Moverment" hoisted the Greek flag on the building of the Embassy of Turkey in occupied Lefkosia. The protesters shouted slogans such as "Ayse go home", "Occupying Turkey get out of Cyprus"..The paper reports also that incidents occurred during the rally and that some "MP's" were assaulted.

Zaman: "Voices against 'Occupying Turkey' in the TRNC"

Hurriyet, Cumhuriyet: "Clamor at the TRNC rally"

Aksam: "Greek flag in the gardens of the Turkish embassy from the Yasemin"

Sabah: "Ugly demonstration in the TRNC"

[08] "Prime minister" Kucuk has established "Kantara Air carrier" in Istanbul

Recalling the decision taken by the "ministerial council" for the establishment of a new air carrier in the occupied area of Cyprus after the bankruptcy of the "Turkish Cypriot Airlines", the paper writes that the new airlines to be established under the name "Northern Cyprus Airlines" (KKH), will be a partnership of the private sector which will have 60% of the shares, the state with 30% of shares and the Turkish Airlines with 10% of the shares.

As the paper writes, according to this decision, a new company which will represent the 30% of the state has been established. Kucuk with the partnership of the "Providence Fund Department" has established in Istanbul on March 31, a company under the name "Kantara Airlines Aviation". The new company with 6 million capital is based in Bebek neighbourhood, in Istanbul, writes the paper.

(AK)

[09] Erdogan unveils Turkey's policies on Libya

Erdogan said that the Turkish government is working on a road map that will help preserve Libya's territorial integrity and its sovereignty, and also bring a peaceful change in the country. "An immediate cease-fire must be declared, Gaddafi forces must lift the siege on some towns and they must withdraw. Safe zones must be created that would enable uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Libyan people. A process must start immediately for transition to democratic change and transformation taking into consideration legitimate rights and interests of the people of Libya so that a constitutional democracy could be established," Erdogan said.

During his speech, Erdogan also called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and reiterated his call to political figures to start the process for transition to democracy in line with demands of the Libyan people. He said that Turkey will continue to hold talks with Libya's officials to discuss this road map in detail. Erdogan also said that some groups, who did not do anything to prevent the tragedy in Libya, launched a defamation campaign against Turkey.

Moreover, according to diplomats, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu spoke by phone with the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Libya Abdelilah Al Khatib. Al Khatib called Davutoglu and informed him about his talks in Libya and in New York. Davutoglu gave information about the road map prepared by Turkey and agreed to have a meeting the soonest with Al Khatib.

[10] Turkish Energy Minister: "Construction of Akkuyu power plant to begin"

Asked to comment on the stage of talks carried out with Japan regarding the nuclear power plant, Yildiz said: "There's been 3 weeks delay because of the disaster experienced in this country. This is normal. Talks may start next week."

In May 2010, Turkey and Russia signed a deal for the construction of Turkey's first nuclear power plant in Akkuyu, a small town on the Mediterranean coast, which is expected to cost about USD 20 billion. Russian state-owned atomic power company ROSATOM is likely to start building the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in 2013 and the first reactor is planned to generate electricity in 2018.

Russia will build four 1,200 megawatt units on Akkuyu site, and run the power plant for 60 years. Turkish state-owned electricity corporation has guaranteed to buy a fixed amount of the plant's output over the first 15 years starting from initial commercial operation at a reported price of USD 12.35 cents per kWh, with the rest of the electricity to be sold in the open market by the project company.

[11] Turkish military unable to understand soldiers' arrest, reactions by the government

The statement posted last Wednesday on the website of the General Staff said that the prosecution continued with regard to an alleged coup plan which has been linked by some with a military seminar on March 5-7, 2003. "While the picture is like this, it is hard to understand the continued detention of 163 active and retired Turkish Armed Forces personnel," it said, adding that the General Staff had thus published the court decision demanding the officers' arrests on the forces' website.

The paper also reports (07.04.11) that the ruling party has criticized the General Staff for its statement. Suat Kilic of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) said yesterday that the General Staff's statements on judicial process were wrong as it was interpreted as an intervention in the judiciary.

Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin also said it would have been better if the General Staff had not made these remarks, since it can be interpreted as a move to interfere in the judicial process.

Akif Hamzacebi of the Republican People's Party (CHP) described the army's remarks as a sign of "excessive sensitivity," saying that he didn't found the remarks true. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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