Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-04-21

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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 says reaching an agreement does not depend only on the Turkish Cypriots

[02] Ozgurgun censures the Greek Cypriot side for using the Cyprus problem in the election campaign

[03] Akca meets with Cakici

[04] A "joint consultative committee" will be established between Turkey and the breakaway regime

[05] Atun declares breakaway regime's target in exports

[06] "A paradise for illegal workers"

[07] The Turkish "embassy" confirms that illegal Turkish workers and their families will not be sent away from occupied Cyprus

[08] CTP to make a protest in occupied Rizokarpasso village

[09] Daily relates childbirths to per capita GNI

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Davutoglu on Turkey's EU process

[11] Turkish and Latvian Foreign Ministers meet

[12] Turkish and Indian businessmen sign deals of 1 billion USD

[13] More on the YSK decision to cancel the candidacy of 12 independent candidates

[14] An AKP deputy resigns from the ruling party

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu says reaching an agreement does not depend only on the Turkish Cypriots

In statements yesterday during a meeting with a group of students from Bursa who visit the occupied area of Cyprus to participate in the celebrations of the 23rd of April, Eroglu noted that it is important for the Turkish Cypriot "people" and the Turkish people to know each other. He said bilateral visits are important for the development of their relations.

Eroglu argued that the Turkish Cypriot "people" have been giving a struggle for their existence for many years and alleged that the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, has been established with the support of Turkey, even though the world does not recognize it. He said efforts for an agreement in Cyprus are exerted for many years and added: "We grew old and it has not been possible for an agreement to be reached". He noted that in order for an agreement to be reached, both sides should want it. Claiming that this is not an issue which depends on the Turkish Cypriots only, Eroglu argued that their patience started to be exhausted and that he is trying to see whether agreement could be reached.

Meanwhile, yesterday Eroglu briefed the "council of ministers" of the breakaway regime on the developments in the Cyprus problem. In statements before the one-hour long meeting, he said he had not briefed the "body" for a long time and noted that he wanted to listen to the views of the "ministers" on the negotiations.

Referring to the issue, illegal Bayrak television (20.04.11, online) reports that Eroglu noted that progress had only been made on power sharing and security in the Cyprus negotiations. Referring to the date of the next meeting to be held between the two leaders, Eroglu alleged that due to the "Easter Holiday the next meeting's date is unclear". Eroglu's special representative, Kudret Ozersay and "undersecretary" Hasan Gungor were also present during the meeting with the "council of ministers.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozgurgun censures the Greek Cypriot side for using the Cyprus problem in the election campaign

Delivering a speech at the Izmir Chamber of Commerce entitled "The latest developments in Cyprus and TRNC-Turkey relations", Ozgurgun argued that President Christofias was making false promises to his people all in the name of election propaganda. "His election campaign, which does not have anything to do with the realities on the island, is actually a fantasy of the Greek Cypriot leadership and will never become a reality," said Ozgurgun, claiming that the increase in racism in "south Cyprus" is also a major concern.

Referring to the "embargoes" allegedly imposed on the Turkish Cypriots, Ozgurgun noted that the only way the Turkish Cypriots will be able to overcome "isolation" is with the help of Turkey.

Alleging that the Turkish Cypriots are continuing to display a positive stance at the negotiating table in order to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem --one that will guarantee their sovereignty, political equality, and full security--, Ozgurgun claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side had made creative proposals on the property issue but the Greek Cypriot side is trying to link territorial issues and property issue together and therefore creating further delays in the negotiations. He also accused the Greek Cypriot side of trying to escape from the UN's platform by "using its unilateral EU membership to its advantage".

[03] Akca meets with Cakici

In statements during the meeting, Cakici said they want the relations between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots to be at the level of relations between states. He noted that it is very important for the Turkish Cypriots to control their population, administrate their economy and stand on their own feet.

Cakici argued that the package of economic measures [imposed by Turkey to the breakaway regime] has both correct elements and deficiencies. He said a new plan that takes into consideration the local characteristics of the Turkish Cypriots should be prepared. He noted that with the above-mentioned package problems regarding the self-administration of the Turkish Cypriots and democracy came up. He said the conditions for the Turkish Cypriots to administrate themselves should be created.

Referring to the necessity of a change in organizations such as the "central bank", the "police" and the "security forces", Cakici said: "I am sure that Turkey also wants this country to become a modern one".

In his statements, Akca said he saw that they agree with Cakici on the issue of the relations between Turkey and the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus. He noted that they do not disagree that a stronger "TRNC state" and an administration which can stand on its own feet with prosperity should exist. He added that "serious unity of targets, goals and interests" exists between Turkey and the breakaway regime and therefore the cooperation between them is very easy.

Referring to the economic situation in the occupied area of Cyprus, Akca said inequality exists between the benefits of the employees of the private and the "public" sector. He argued that the economic package's aim is to end this inequality. He noted that he examined the "Project of Hope" prepared by the TDP and argued that this project includes good ideas but not concrete enough to enter into the package of the economic measures.

(I/Ts.)

[04] A "joint consultative committee" will be established between Turkey and the breakaway regime

During the meeting, Irsen Kucuk stated that the breakaway regime could achieve its goals only together with Turkey and added that they want to benefit from the Turkey's economic experience. He expressed his satisfaction with the initiatives and the consultations of the committee in the occupied area of Cyprus and pointed out to the "big steps" of Turkey since 2001.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hisarciklioglu said they are saddened and worried because of the problems which the occupied area of Cyprus faces. "We examine what we could do on this point", he added. Hisarciklioglu said the occupied area of Cyprus faces the same problems which Turkey faced in 2001. He noted that Turkey overcame these problems, reached a growth rate of 7% and became one of the nine fastest growing countries in the world.

In his statements during his meeting with the delegation, Dervis Eroglu alleged that the reactions against every measure taken in the occupied area are always exaggerated, because "a little bit more democracy exists" there. He said it is not possible to come out of the economic difficulties without taking measures and pointed out to the importance of the dialogue with the people on this issue. He noted that investments are a must for the development of the breakaway regime and that the investments in the field of tourism increased because the development of a field of services such as tourism is more appropriate for the island.

In his meeting with Eroglu, Hisarciklioglu explained that they decided to hold the meeting of the committee in the occupied area of Cyprus and within this framework, they visit trade unions and various chambers.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.04.11) reports that Hisarciklioglu said his meetings in the occupied part of Cyprus focused on "devising solid ways to boost cooperation between the two countries".

Hisarciklioglu told AA correspondent that they decided to institutionalize cooperation between Turkey and "TRNC" and agreed to establish Turkey-"TRNC" Joint Consultative Committee, which will be meeting regularly every three months.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Atun declares breakaway regime's target in exports

Atun added that the target of 200 million US dollar exports in 2012 and 2013 is not unattainable. He said their basic target is the increase of the share of exports in the GDP.

Meanwhile, Ali Cirali, chairman of the chamber, expressed their satisfaction with the decision of the "ministry" to develop exports and added that exports in 2010 increased by 40% in comparison with the previous year. The increase in the first three months of 2011 is around 30% - 40%, he noted.

(I/Ts.)

[06] "A paradise for illegal workers"

[07] The Turkish "embassy" confirms that illegal Turkish workers and their families will not be sent away from occupied Cyprus

Havadis reported yesterday that upon an initiative by the so-called embassy of Turkey to the occupied part of Lefkosia, the proceedings for sending away from the occupied area of the island illegal workers from Turkey and Turks involved in forensic incidents and traffic accidents had been stopped. The "embassy" and the "police" confirmed this information, while the self-styled ministry of interior denied it.

Sources from the Turkish "embassy" to occupied Lefkosia told Havadis that this is a matter that should be handled humanitarianly. The sources said persons who live in the occupied area of Cyprus for 10-15 years are sent away only because they have not obtained a "work permit". Noting that families are divided in this manner, the sources said: "It is not correct for the families to be divided in this manner".

According to the paper, the so-called embassy suggested to the "interior ministry" that a commission should be deciding on the issue of who should be sent away. An official from the "embassy" will also be participating in this committee, which will be jointly deciding regarding persons who commit crimes or are employed illegally. The committee will be taking into consideration the family structure of the above-mentioned persons.

(I/Ts.)

[08] CTP to make a protest in occupied Rizokarpasso village

According to a statement issued by CTP, the protest is to be organized at 11.30 in front of Rizokarpasso Sport Club. The chairman of CTP-BG, Ferdi Sabit Soyer, CTP's general secretary, Kutlay Erk and other CTP members will participate in the protest.

As the paper writes, the protesters will express their reaction against the decision of the so-called council of ministers to demand entrance-fees from all the visitors who want to enter into the occupied Karpasia "National Park".

(AK)

[09] Daily relates childbirths to per capita GNI

Specifically, in 2000, a total of 2,865 children were born and the per capita national income was 4,978 USD. In 2001, the per capita GNI was 4,303 USD and the number of childbirths was reduced to 2,550. In 2002, with the bank crisis in the occupied territories, 2,338 children were born.

Childbirths reached 2,572 in 2003 and 2,987 in 2004. In the following years 2005 and 2006, when economic development was experienced, 3,208 and 3,611 children were born respectively. The highest number of childbirths took place in 2007 with 4,009 childbirths. The per capita GNI for that year was calculated at 14,765 USD.

In 2008, a small reduction is observed in these numbers, as 3,888 children were born. In 2009, due to the effects of the global economic crisis, only 2,556 children were born. At the same time the per capita GNI decreased to 13,354$.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Davutoglu on Turkey's EU process

Replying to questions during a joint press conference with his Romanian counterpart, Teodor Baconschi, in capital Ankara, Davutoglu commented on Turkey-EU meeting of the Association Council taken place in Brussels on Monday. Davutoglu said Turkish officials and their European counterparts exchanged views in a friendly way during the gathering. "However, it is obvious that there are serious cohesion problems in the general positions of Turkey and the EU," he said. Davutoglu said there was no tension during the council meeting and the parties expressed their views in a clear and transparent way.

Davutoglu said that he had emphasized during the meeting that a strategic assessment should be made on the progress of Turkey's negotiations with the union. He alleged that the membership talks had come to a deadlock despite the intense efforts of the Turkish party. Davutoglu claimed that Turkey was faced with "unnecessary political obstacles" and "one-sided blockages" such as the Cyprus issue in its EU process.

Pointing to the efforts on the opening of the competition chapter, Davutoglu said a certain progress had been achieved in the mentioned chapter, adding that he hoped negotiations would start on the matter during Hungary's rotating presidency of the union.

Commenting on the visa procedures implemented for Turkish nationals as well, the minister said: "The unfair treatment against Turkish citizens regarding the visa issue should be ended". Davutoglu also said that it would be normal to bring forward the visa issue while EU kept delaying the solution of such matter with Turkey, a country in full membership process with the union, and instead held visa exemption talks with far countries.

[11] Turkish and Latvian Foreign Ministers meet

Davutoglu said that "Turkey has been recognizing Latvia as an independent country since 1925. Turkey-Latvia diplomatic relations were re-established on September 3, 1991 after Latvia acquired its independence. The two countries decided to open embassies mutually in 2004. Since then, our relations have been improving. We extended full support to Latvia's membership to NATO."

Referring to economic relations, Davutoglu said: "We have stable economic and commercial relations with Latvia despite the global financial crisis. Our trade volume reached $137.5 million in 2010. At today's meeting, we made several decisions to further improve Turkey-Latvia relations. We will speed up efforts to establish Turkey-Latvia Business Council." "We attach great importance to the transportation corridor from the Straits to the Black Sea, from the rivers to the Baltic Sea. This corridor is of great importance also for Latvia. We decided to maintain our consultations to diversify our energy supply," he said. Davutoglu also thanked Latvian foreign minister for extending support to Turkey's European Union membership process.

Latvian Foreign Minister Kristovskis, on his part, said that Turkey and Latvia had a great potential to improve their economic and commercial relations. He reiterated his country's support to Turkey's European Union membership process. Kristovskis added that a Turkish delegation would pay a visit to Latvia soon to hold talks about Turkish investments in Latvia.

[12] Turkish and Indian businessmen sign deals of 1 billion USD

Speaking to reporters during his visit to India, Caglayan said that Turkish businessmen had held nearly 250 meetings with 75 Indian firms during the Turkey-India Business Forum. Caglayan noted that India had gained importance after the latest developments in Gulf countries and North Africa. Pointing to Turkish exporters' fear to do business with big countries, Caglayan said: "Our exports to all parts of the world reach 114 billion USD, however, we are afraid to conduct trade with the world's biggest importers."

The minister said India's crowded population made the Indian market attractive for Turkey, adding that the country offered remarkable opportunities particularly in construction sector. "India has announced that it would make a 500 billion USD investment in construction sector. It will build thousands of kilometres of railways and highways. We expect more number of Turkish companies to take part in these projects," he said.

Caglayan said analyses showed that Turkey's exports to India mainly focused on mining, refining, chemistry, paper and carton, metal and machinery sectors. Commenting on the transportation projects to be implemented in India in the next two years, Caglayan said the country would invest 320 billion USD in its transportation sector in the said period. Caglayan also noted that Turkey paid more attention to the services sector nowadays, and within such framework, it held talks with Indian film producers to build a film production centre like Bollywood or Hollywood in near future.

"India is a good player in services sector. Its service exports reach 79 billion USD, while ours is around 34 billion USD. We will assess the number of people to be employed at the production centre in question, as well as the equipment to be used there, the visitors it can attract and its potential contribution to tourism end exports. We are currently carrying out a study on it," he said.

[13] More on the YSK decision to cancel the candidacy of 12 independent candidates

Reportedly, on Monday, YSK decided to cancel the candidacy of 12 applicants who were willing to run as independent candidates in the June 12 general elections because of their criminal records. After an examination of judicial records, the board ruled that 12 independent candidates, including Hatip Dicle, Leyla Zana, Sebahat Tuncel and Gultan Kisanak, had previous convictions which prevented them from being elected deputies.

In the meantime, AA reported that a criminal court in Ankara paved the way for the candidacies of two independent applicants, Leyla Zana and Hatip Dicle. The court ruled that Zana and Dicle's sentences were executed and they were released from prison, and some time later, the limitation of their civil rights should be lifted and they should be given back their civil rights.

Furthermore, Turkish President Abdullah Gul's chief press adviser said on Wednesday that President Gul was calling on everybody to be constructive to overcome a row that stemmed from cancellation of candidacies of 12 independent applicants. Adviser Ahmet Sever said Gul called on every one to also exert every legal and political effort to overcome the problem. Sever quoted Gul as saying that elections should not be a matter of discussion and polemics and everybody should be sensitive about this issue.

In addition, according to Today's Zaman newspaper (21.04.11), a US State Department official has said having an inclusive political process is critical for democracies, in a comment on a Supreme Elections Board (YSK) ruling that barred 12 candidates from running in the June elections. Speaking at a press conference for foreign journalists in Washington yesterday, Philip Gordon, assistant secretary of the bureau of European and Eurasian affairs, inter alia, said: "I have seen the reports about the election commission ruling out 12 candidates, and I would say I'm not going to stand at this distance and make independent judgments about the merits of each case. What I could say more broadly is that it's obviously critically important to have an inclusive political process and avoid any perception that people are being ruled out for political reasons."

[14] An AKP deputy resigns from the ruling party

Another AKP Sanliurfa deputy Zulfikar Izol similarly resigned from his party on April 12.

According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.04.11), after Ozyavuz's resignation, the number of seats held by the AKP in the Turkish Parliament dropped to 331 while the number of independent deputies rose to 21.

Below is a list showing the current distribution of seats in the Turkish Parliament:

Justice and Development (AK) Party: 331

Republican People's Party (CHP): 101

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): 72

Peace and Democracy Party (BDP): 8

Independent: 21

Democratic Left Party (DSP): 6

Turkey Party (TP): 1

Vacant: 10

TOTAL: 550 TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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