Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-04-20

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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's efforts to hide the Turkish side's intransigence

[02] Durduran says that a two-state solution in Cyprus could not be accepted

[03] The crisis in the UBP has reportedly ended

[04] Akca: "We wish for a strong TRNC"

[05] Turkey continues its efforts to increase the population in the occupied area of Cyprus

[06] CTP and TDP continue their contacts for the rally

[07] Ozgurgun aims to one million tourists from Turkey

[08] ADFIAP's annual meeting to take place in occupied Cyprus

[09] Turkish Cypriot handicrafts have been exhibited in Qatar

[10] Children groups from 10 countries to participate at the "13th International Children's Festival"

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] EU-Turkey Association Council convened; Turkish officials censure EU's visa policy

[12] "Turkey eases visa requirements for African businessmen"

[13] Turkey's Foreign Trade Minister urges a free trade agreement with India

[14] Akca: "We wish for a strong TRNC"

[15] Turkey to sign a treaty on violence against women; The ECHR future to be discussed in Izmir

[16] Reactions after the YSK decision to cancel the candidacy of 12 independent candidates; Two parties not to join elections due to belated documents

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu's efforts to hide the Turkish side's intransigence

Commenting on the issue during a visit paid to him, Eroglu said that the Cyprus negotiations process would continue at the technical level this week. "The Greek Cypriots have an official holiday this week. We had attended the scheduled meetings during our holiday break. The Greek Cypriots definitely do not want to negotiate during their religious holidays," he said.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side was working for an agreement that would be for the benefit of the Cyprus Turkish people, Eroglu complained that the Greek Cypriot side was after advancing its gains and at the same time was playing for time. "The Greek Cypriot side may have all the time in the world, but we want the introduction of timetables and a deadline. We are fully aware that we are acting to defend our rights," he added.

[02] Durduran says that a two-state solution in Cyprus could not be accepted

In a written statement issued yesterday, Durduran assessed the latest developments in the Cyprus problem. He pointed out that the international community continuously declares that it will not accept a separate state on the island and added, inter alia, the following: "In spite of this, the press wants a time limit to be put for a solution and a two state solution to be materialized, in case this time limit ends. The Eroglu administration as well reiterates this continuously and we see that the parties in the assembly are united around him and he bounds them by stating that this happens for the first time? No one remembers that the acceptance of this is impossible and it is tantamount to the annihilation of the Turkish Cypriots."

(I/Ts.)

[03] The crisis in the UBP has reportedly ended

After the almost 4-hour meeting, Kucuk stated that the UBP is a party with a 35-year long history and added that there is no problem which the party could not overcome. He said there is no resentment and anger in the UBP and added that the "MPs" who had not participated in some meetings of the "assembly" begin participating in these meetings as of Monday and they will continue to do so as of tomorrow.

Kucuk noted that holding "early elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus or an extraordinary congress in the UBP is out of the question and they have no such issues on their agenda. He said the "motion of non-confidence" tabled by the opposition against his "government" in the "assembly" will have no results.

Asked to comment on a previous statement he made that "early elections" might be held in the occupied area, Kucuk noted that he did not make a call for "early elections". He recalled that he had said efforts for a "coalition government" could be exerted, if the "assembly' could function because some "MPs" do not participate in its sessions, and if there was no result from these efforts, early "elections" could come onto the agenda.

Replying to another question, Kucuk said that they reached no agreement with any party for establishing a "coalition government". He noted that he met once with the opposition parties, except the Social Democracy Party (TDP), with which he met several times, either alone or accompanied by some colleagues from his party.

In his response to another question, Kucuk said the party regularly meets with the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu and every Tuesday they have lunch together. He noted that they discuss issues regarding the "country" and the party.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Akca: "We wish for a strong TRNC"

During his meeting with Avci, Akca said that their wish is to see a "TRNC," standing stronger on its own feet and the Turkish Cypriots to become owners of their "state." Akca also expressed his hope that in the future further strengthening steps towards this direction will be taken.

[05] Turkey continues its efforts to increase the population in the occupied area of Cyprus

Havadis writes that this decision taken by the "embassy" of Turkey and the self-styled ministry of interior has dealt a blow to the struggle of the "ministry of labour" and the tradesmen organizations against illegal workforce. The Subcontractors Union and the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen have reportedly reacted against this decision.

(I/Ts.)

[06] CTP and TDP continue their contacts for the rally

The Union Platform said "no" to CTP and TDP's invitation to participate at the rally, however, the Platform added that their members are free to join it. The Turkish Cypriot Medical Association (KTTB) also turned down the invitation, adding, however, that they will not interfere if some of their members are eager to participate.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (20.04.11) reports that the CTP and the TDP visited and invited yesterday the Turkish Cypriot Platform of Producers, which consists of 37 organizations. The Producers Platform said that the administrative board will evaluate the invitation and will reply in a few days.

[07] Ozgurgun aims to one million tourists from Turkey

During the meeting, Kirac said that "Turkey with TRNC is one nation, two states", adding that flights from Izmir to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus are increasing every day.

Ozgurgun, for his part, said that at the moment there are 40,000 students from Turkey in the occupied area. He also said that their aim this year is one million tourists from Turkey to visit the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 19.04.11), Ozgurgun will first deliver a speech at the Izmir Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday titled "the latest developments in Cyprus and TRNC-Turkey relations" and later, he will speak at a conference organized by the Izmir Economy University, on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

[08] ADFIAP's annual meeting to take place in occupied Cyprus

During the various seminars and meetings, subjects concerning development-financing institutions will be discussed. Also according to the newspaper, the participants in their spare time will participate in tours, in order to familiarize themselves with the touristic and historic locations of occupied Cyprus. The tour will also include the illegal Near East University in order to present the level of education in "TRNC."

[09] Turkish Cypriot handicrafts have been exhibited in Qatar

According to a statement made by the so-called "ministry", among the visitors in the exhibition were the "representative of the TRNC" in Qatar Arif Altay, the Ambassador of Turkey in Qatar Emre Yunt, the director of the National Theatre of Qatar Mubarek Falah Al-Dorsari and others.

(AK)

[10] Children groups from 10 countries to participate at the "13th International Children's Festival"

As the paper writes, groups of children from ten countries, that is Turkey, Ukraine, Puerto Rico, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, Georgia, "TRNC" and children from the London Turkish school will attend the festival.

(AK)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] EU-Turkey Association Council convened; Turkish officials censure EU's visa policy

Bagis said the meetings between Turkey and the Association Council had been continuing for almost half a century, which he said showed the depth of the relations as well as the fact that Turkey was kept waiting at the EU's doors. "Latest surveys show that 62% of the Turkish people support Turkey's EU membership while 67% of them believe that the Union will not let Turkey in. This is a clear indicator that the European Union has a credibility issue," Bagis said.

On his part, speaking during a press conference, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu criticized the EU's strict visa requirements on Turkish nationals as "legally baseless and unfair". "EU's visa policy on Turks is truly unfair and it lacks solid grounds in terms of legal commitments made to Turkey," he said.

Davutoglu complained that the Union has yet to authorize the launching of negotiations over a visa-free travel regime for Turkish citizens despite Turkey had proved successful in making progress in what EU demanded in return for starting the visa exemption talks. "EU had put forward three conditions, which were the introduction of biometric passports, the fulfilment of the readmission agreement and an integrated border management system. We have introduced biometric passports, and the readmission agreement is ready to be signed. We have also made significant progress on the issue of integrated border management," Davutoglu said.

Meanwhile, as Turkish daily Zaman (20.04.11) reports, during the 49th meeting of the EU-Turkey Association Council, the additional protocol related with Cyprus was among the main issues discussed.

[12] "Turkey eases visa requirements for African businessmen"

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on Tuesday that Turkey has decided to issue visas at the entry point in Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport starting today for businessmen and citizens from 46 African countries who travel with the Turkish Airlines (THY) and for businessmen who hold a valid 6-month Schengen, British or American visa. This will be applicable to the citizens of 46 sub-Saharan African countries, including Angola, Chad, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria.

The statement also said that the Turkish authorities will consider those who enter Turkey for tourism purposes or on business to be eligible to obtain a visa at Ataturk International Airport if they also have the necessary documents in line with their travel purpose such as a hotel reservation, sufficient financial funds for the duration of their stay ($50 per day) and a roundtrip ticket with THY. They will also be required to pay 15 euros, or $20, as a visa fee.

The statement also added that citizens of the African nations included in the list should have entered the US, the UK or a Schengen-area country at least once prior to their arrival in Turkey and that they should not have been denied entry or deportation from these countries in order for their visa, of at least six months, for these three areas to be applicable for entry into Turkey.

[13] Turkey's Foreign Trade Minister urges a free trade agreement with India

On Turkish investments in India, Caglayan said India has plans for an infrastructure and superstructure investment of around $500 billion within the coming years, adding that Turkish construction companies could undertake an important part of those jobs. "Nearly 75% of India lacks infrastructure and I believe Turkish companies can fill this gap," he said.

Reportedly, trade between Turkey and India grew eightfold over the past decade to reach $4 billion.

[14] The Romanian Foreign Minister in Turkey for contacts

Issuing a statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said that Davutoglu and Baconschi would discuss bilateral relations as well as exchange views on regional and international matters. Baconschi will also be received by the Turkish President Abdullah Gul. His visit to Turkey will contribute to the development of the Turkish-Romanian relations that are already strong and multi-dimensional, the MFA statement also said.

[15] Turkey to sign a treaty on violence against women; The ECHR future to be discussed in Izmir

The Council of Europe's convention will set out standards for states to act with integrated policies to tackle gender-based violent crimes and promote international cooperation. Governments ratifying the treaty will have to take necessary legislative or other measures to ensure criminalizing acts such as domestic violence, violence in public places, sexual harassment, forced marriage, "honour" crimes, rape and genital mutilation. The convention proposes the establishment of state-wide telephone help lines that would operate around the clock to provide confidential advice to anonymous callers.

The treaty defines "domestic violence" as all acts of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence that occur within the family or a domestic unit or between former or current spouses or partners, whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared the same residence with the victim. The draft text also calls for specific monitoring mechanisms to check implementation of the convention.

Furthermore, Turkey will also host a conference on the reform process of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) between April 26 and 27 in Izmir. The conference will include a preliminary assessment of the impact of Protocol No. 14 and will study the achievements made by the reform process launched by the Interlaken conference in February 2010 and reflect upon further ideas for improvement prior to May 11.

Turkey, which held the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of Europe, will hand over the presidency to Ukraine on May 11.

[16] Reactions after the YSK decision to cancel the candidacy of 12 independent candidates; Two parties not to join elections due to belated documents

As it was reported, BDP co-leader Selahattin Demirtas called on candidates of other parties to withdraw in protest. "We will decide whether or not to enter the election after making an assessment. But I want to call on the candidates of other parties in the region to resign and not stand if they really have an honourable, pro-democratic stance," he said. "This decision will go down in both legal and political history as a disaster," he said earlier.

The BDP was planning to enter all its 61 candidates in the election as independents as a way of overcoming a 10% threshold which parties need to exceed to enter Parliament. The only real challenge to the BDP's popularity in the southeast comes from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

In the meantime, YSK's decision was criticised by various political parties, including the Speaker of the Parliament, who comes from the ruling AKP and the largest opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

"The place for the solution of even the most complex issues is the Parliament. Vetoing these candidates is not a decision that can be accepted by the democratic conscience. My wish is that the Elections Board revises its decision," Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin told broadcaster NTV.

One of those barred was BDP co-leader and MP Gultan Kisanak, who said that the Board's decision was an "attack" on democracy. "Turkey has a serious democracy problem. The Elections Board decision is a major blow to the democratic struggle," she said.

Furthermore, according to a report by Turkish daily Today's Zaman (20.04.11), the European Union has voiced concerns about the YSK decision to bar some BDP candidates in the general elections. "The Commission is very concerned about this decision and will be closely studying its reasoning and monitor any further developments," said Natasha Butler, spokesperson for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Stefan Fule.

Butler complained that after some initial actions, the democratic initiative launched by the government in late 2009, has come to a de facto standstill, adding that it is of utmost importance that the new government injects new life into the process after the elections. "The southeast of Turkey needs peace, democracy and stability as well as economic, social and cultural development. The Commission continues to insist that the Kurdish issue needs to be addressed through dialogue and within the framework of Turkey's democratic institutions after decades of violence. The success of this initiative requires the participation and support of all political parties and all segments of society," she noted.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (19.04.11) reported that YSK announced that two political parties could not join the June 12th general elections as they could not hand out their necessary documents on time.

The Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP) and the Homeland Party (YP) will not join the upcoming general elections. Thus, the number of political parties that will join the elections has dropped to 15.

The YSK had asked political parties to complete their deficient documents until April 16. On Monday, HAK-PAR (Rights and Freedoms Party) said it would not run for general elections.

Below is the list of political parties that will join the elections according to their places on ballot papers:

1- Justice and Development Party (AKP)

2- Democrat Party (DP)

3- Republican People's Party (CHP)

4- Labour Party (EP)

5- Nation Party (MP)

6- Liberal Democrat Party (LDP)

7- Felicity Party (SP)

8- Rights and Equality Party (HEK)

9- People's Voice Party (HSP)

10- Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)

11- True Path Party (DYP)

12- Turkish Communist Party (TKP)

13- Nationalist Conservative Party (MMP)

14- Grand Unity Party (BBP)

15- Democratic Left Party (DSP) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

MP/

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