Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-05-06

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu says that the leaders discussed issues such as international agreements, internal security, fishery and search and rescue at sea

[02] Akca pays courtesy visits to newspapers; "no problems caused by population"

[03] Soyer criticized Akca's statements and the economy summit

[04] Reactions against the demolition of Saint Thekla chapel in Vokolida and the construction of a mosque in Thermia continue

[05] A delegation from the "assembly" to visit the "Nakhchivan autonomous republic"

[06] Kucuk due to London

[07] A reception at the House of Lords by Baroness Meral Ece

[08] Final report of the "Forum for Social Dialogue and Change"

[09] "Promise for land to construct a mosque"

[10] Cost of living in occupied Cyprus raised by 0.93 percent

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] The Libya Contact Group welcomed Turkey's roadmap for peace in Libya; Davutoglu met with Clinton

[12] The Caucasian University Association to convene in Turkey for its first congress

[13] The 10th International Defence Industry Fair to start next week in Istanbul

[14] "Delivery of long-delayed spy planes to start next year"

[15] The European Parliament's rapporteur condemns the attack on Erdogan's police convoy

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu says that the leaders discussed issues such as international agreements, internal security, fishery and search and rescue at sea

In statements after the meeting of the leaders within the framework of the Cyprus talks, Eroglu noted that President Christofias expressed his sorrow about the incident which happened recently when the police of the Republic of Cyprus reportedly prevented a Turkish Cypriot bus driver and seized some of his documents. Eroglu said that President Christofias is also annoyed about this incident and that he had given instructions to the relevant Minister to conduct an investigation on the issue.

Eroglu said the special representatives of the leaders had exerted great efforts during their last meetings on the details of issues related to the international agreements and the internal security. He added that during their meeting yesterday, the two leaders accepted that the rules of the international agreements are also an agreement and added that a committee of experts will discuss the issue within the forthcoming days.

Eroglu noted that during their meeting yesterday the leaders continued the discussion on the internal security issue. He said that at a previous meeting they accepted that the federal police will be formed by equal number of police officers from both sides and added that the number of the police officers of the constituent states has not been clarified yet, but both the constituent states and the federal police should be determined in a manner that the 60:40 ratio is not changed.

Moreover, Eroglu said they discussed the issue of fishery and search and rescue at sea. He noted that the Turkish Cypriot side insisted that the constituent states should be responsible for the search and rescue operations at sea of their own area and added that efforts for reaching convergences on this matter will be exerted during their next meetings.

Eroglu said the meeting of the leaders with the UN Secretary-General in New York will be held after 20 June, on a date which is convenient for Ban Ki-moon.

Responding to a question, Eroglu noted that today he would meet with Martin Schultz, President of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, who is visiting the island. Eroglu said they would discuss all issues with Schultz, including the EU's "direct trade regulation" with the Turkish Cypriots.

Asked to comment on Archbishop Chrysostomos II statement that the Republic of Cyprus deceived the EU to become its member, Eroglu argued that the Archbishop said the truth and that "the Greek Cypriots had been accepted into the EU with the pretext that they would say 'yes' to the Annan Plan". Eroglu alleged that similar views exist in former President Clerides' book. He claimed: "Unfortunately, the Greek Cypriot side deceived the EU. In any case, [former EU Commissioner responsible for the Enlargement] Verheugen has also said they had been deceived".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akca pays courtesy visits to newspapers; "no problems caused by population"

Akca alleged that the Turkish Cypriot "people" are misguided in the population issue and that the "south" is presenting the matter in a way that promotes division between people. He expressed his view that "state administrators," people and media should not participate in such "games" and that according to the so-called ministry of labour, the illegal workers are only 10 thousand. Furthermore, he estimated that the population is just over 285 thousand ?the number given by DPO- and claimed that this number does not cause any problems. "Some sides say that a change must occur in the population policy. This [opinion] serves the Greek Cypriot's policy and does not bring about any result," said Akca.

Moreover, Akca during a visit to Haberdar newspaper (Haberdar, 06.05.11) reminded that in 2009 with the international crisis when the breakaway regime was about to hit rock bottom, Turkey prevented it. He added that they did so with Turkey's assistance in 2007, which was threefold, and stated: "If we have not done so, TRNC would become like Greece." He also said that if the breakaway regime had taken measures and did reforms earlier, then the crisis would not be so deep.

[03] Soyer criticized Akca's statements and the economy summit

Referring to the economy summit, Soyer said that a very interesting situation has appeared in that summit held with some civil associations, and added: "The first aspect of this meeting is that the government did not take part. How does this work? Was this meeting held against the government, or does this demonstrate that the presidency has started to ignore the government?"

Soyer also said that it was a big mistake that the representatives of cattle-breeders union, trade unions and consumer unions, which compose the foundation of the economy, were not in the economy summit.

Soyer noted that it was announced that in the summit, the population problem was discussed and the worries, reactions and the views regarding the uncertainty of this issue were also debated.

Furthermore, Soyer said that Akca, during his visit to Havadis newspaper, gave the message that the debate on the population issue "created by the government in order to take more money from Turkey". Soyer added that Akca very clearly gave the message that the economy package will be implemented. Soyer also said that with this statement, Akca talks like an opposition leader, adding that it is not right the self-styled ambassador of Turkey to criticize the "elected government" by the Turkish Cypriots in such a way.

Soyer said that the relations of the Turkish Cypriots with Turkey are not healthy. He concluded that Akca's statement makes meaningless the statement that Turkey and the breakaway regime are two different democracies.

[04] Reactions against the demolition of Saint Thekla chapel in Vokolida and the construction of a mosque in Thermia continue

Under the title "Disrespect to history", daily Kibris publishes a picture of the chapel before its demolition and a picture of the place after the demolition. The paper reports that the chapel was not a monument, but its demolition is a crime. Hasan Tekel, responsible of the "antiquities and museums' department" in occupied Famagusta area, told the paper that the eastern part of the chapel was the most sacred and special from architectural point of view. He said the church had not been seriously damaged after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and that no danger existed that it would collapse.

Referring to the issue, Resat Akar, director of Kibris Media Group, writes, inter alia, the following in his daily column in Kibris under the title "Respect to history and the humankind": "We see what is happening in a country where no control exists. They destroyed Saint Thekla chapel, which had a 200-year long history, because they will create the Noah's Ark [Tr. Note: A hotel that will be built in occupied Vokolida area]. When you have power, you can do everything in this country now?All patriots can celebrate now. We destroyed another historical monument of the Greek Cypriots. Could it be a biggest joy than this? ?

While we are referring to historical monuments, I want to pass to the issue of Thermia village. The muhtar [Tr. Note: headman] of the village conveyed to Evkaf [Religious Foundation] the request of the people of the village to have a mosque. The Foundation indicated a land as a response to this request. Go and build a mosque next to the church! If a day comes when the bell of the church starts to ring again, put four microphones to overbear it! For goodness sake, could such things happen? We left many mosques in the south. No one saw or heard that a church has been built next to any of them. Then, why we consider the others' culture as having no importance?..."

Furthermore, daily Yeni Duzen (06.05.11) also publishes a picture of the Saint Thekla chapel before its demolition and another picture of the place after the demolition. The paper reports that archaeologist Tuncer Bagiskan, former "deputy director of the antiquities department", has said that the demolition of the chapel "is closely related to the issue of Turkifying and Islamizing Cyprus".

Finally, daily Havadis (06.05.11) reports that the demolition of Saint Thekla chapel has become an international problem and that the Greek Cypriots will carry the issue to Brussels. The paper publishes statements by Gurel Inan, coordinator of the Noah's Ark Hotel, who said that they are ready to make up for the damage. He noted that they are considering of building a similar chapel.

(I/Ts.)

[05] A delegation from the "assembly" to visit the "Nakhchivan autonomous republic"

As the paper writes, Nejdet Numan, "MP" with UBP and Abbas Sinay, "MP" with CTP will also participate at the delegation.

(AK)

[06] Kucuk due to London

[07] A reception at the House of Lords by Baroness Meral Ece

[08] Final report of the "Forum for Social Dialogue and Change"

In a press conference organized yesterday, it has been announced that the final report, inter alia, refers to the "TRNC"-Turkish relations which are based on the example "motherland-daughterland" and underlines the need for this to be changed. The report also designates that a great importance is given to the development of "TRNC"-Turkish relations with a win-win principle.

Also, as the paper writes, the participants at the forum considered that among the steps that will develop the ties of "TRNC"-Turkey is the population policy to be discussed again and also the rearrangement of the conditions regarding the "entrance-exit" to the "TRNC".

(AK)

[09] "Promise for land to construct a mosque"

Cavusoglu said that they started research to evaluate the people's demands and in order to be able to provide an answer. He also said that within the week, the mentioned plot will be transferred to the occupied Morfou "municipality" and submitted to use by residents of Zodia.

The so-called muhtar of Pano Zodia Cemal Yabaner said that until now the people of the area prayed in an 100-year-old church, but since it was struck by a lightning it was damaged and there is danger to collapse. The muhtar, who called officials to restore the church, said that due to the big population of the village, what they lack is a mosque and thanked Cavusoglu for his initiative for the construction of a mosque.

[10] Cost of living in occupied Cyprus raised by 0.93 percent

The biggest rise in prices was noted in the clothing and shoes group. Also, the average price of 190 monitored products increased compared to last month, while for 160 products, the price was reduced.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] The Libya Contact Group welcomed Turkey's roadmap for peace in Libya; Davutoglu met with Clinton

Davutoglu told reporters after attending a meeting of the NATO-backed coalition against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in Rome --during which participants sought ways to get funds to Libya's ill-equipped rebel movement-- that Turkey has recently intensified its efforts regarding its roadmap for peace, which Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan unveiled last week. The Foreign Minister said Turkey had shared the main points of the roadmap with parties in the contact group's meeting in Doha last week and that Turkey has been sharing the details of the plan with the international community. He added that there is a "certain agreement" on this.

Thursday's meeting of the Libya Contact Group brought together Foreign Ministers from countries including France, Britain, the United States, Italy and Qatar as well as representatives of the Arab League, the African Union and the United Nations.

Davutoglu said Turkey had earlier discussed the details of the roadmap both with Gaddafi authorities and with the rebel government, adding that a roadmap which the Libya's Transitional National Council has announced at the meeting is very similar with Turkey's roadmap. "For this reason, we will continue our efforts on this roadmap," Davutoglu stressed. He said the group has decided to hold the next meeting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and then in Turkey, as NATO's only Muslim member.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday had a bilateral meeting with Davutoglu in Rome ahead of the meeting of the Libya Contact Group. During the meeting, Clinton reportedly said the US administration has been supporting Turkey's roadmap for Libya and that Washington is willing to be in close cooperation on the Libya issue.

Davutoglu said he had a comprehensive meeting with Clinton where they had discussed the process in Libya and Turkey's roadmap, other developments in the region, particularly the unrest in Syria, international terrorism and a post-bin Laden situation, and the historic deal among Palestinian factions.

Davutoglu also defended Turkey's foreign policy and position on Libya, dismissing claims that Turkey has shifted its policy when Erdogan openly called on Gaddafi to immediately step down two days ago. He said Turkey's position is clear from the outset and that the country has called for a constitutional democracy in the North African country. "It is also important to consider timing," Davutoglu said.

The Foreign Minister also had talks with Libya's Transitional National Council representatives, the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan and the Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd.

[12] The Caucasian University Association to convene in Turkey for its first congress

The aim of the congress is to share scientific information and experiences, and to combine research projects carried out by member universities, said Professor Ramazan Korkmaz, the Rector of Ardahan University.

[13] The 10th International Defence Industry Fair to start next week in Istanbul

The fair will host many chiefs of general staff, Defence Ministers and other military authorities from around the world. High-level military staff will have the opportunity to exchange views during their visit to IDEF'11, while foreign industrial organizations will also have the opportunity to establish important business connections.

A total of 575 domestic and foreign companies from 44 countries --including the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Aselsan, Roketsan, FNSS Defence Systems, Otokar and more-- will gather for the defence fair, where Turkey's Tusas Engine Industries (TIE) will present its unmanned aerial vehicle, while Aselsan participates with its 60-ton Leopard 2A4 tank.

The opening reception of the fair will be hosted by Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul, and the Fair Welcome Reception will be hosted by the General Manager of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation Hayrettin Uzun.

[14] "Delivery of long-delayed spy planes to start next year"

In 2003, Turkey's Undersecretariat for Defence Industries, the procurement agency, ordered from the Chicago-based Boeing four 737-700 planes for the aircraft program, a ground radar, and control systems plus ground control segments for mission crew training, mission support and maintenance support. The contract was for $1.6 billion. The original contract contained an option for two more aircraft but both Turkish and Boeing officials said there was no indication that Ankara would buy the two additional aircraft.

In 2007, when the first plane was scheduled to arrive, U.S. and Turkish officials said software production and integration problems were delaying the deliveries in a major way. Boeing officials said at the time the development had been tougher than expected.

Turkey's contract came one year after Australia signed a similar deal for six 737-700s and related systems. Australia's program also faced similar delays, but eventually Boeing delivered four aircraft and has begun training Royal Australian Air Force maintainers as part of the contract. This paved the way for the removal of the problems in the Turkish program. South Korea also is in a process to buy the same type of aircraft.

Turkey plans to use the spy planes for national defence and for NATO-related missions. The program, based on Boeing's popular 737-700 civilian aircraft, will come with Northrop Grumman's MESA electronically scanned array radar, an all-weather, 360-degree air and maritime mode system. An airborne early warning system is a radar carried by an aircraft designed to detect other planes. Used at high altitude, the radar allows the operator to distinguish between friendly and hostile aircraft hundreds of miles away. Early warning aircraft are used offensively to direct fighters to their target locations and defensively to counter attacks.

[15] The European Parliament's rapporteur condemns the attack on Erdogan's police convoy

Oomen-Ruijten said in a statement that the election campaign in Turkey should enable all citizens and candidates from political parties to freely express themselves. She said that tangible initiatives to ensure political dialogue and a peaceful reconciliation are the only ways to unify the Turkish society on the basis of equal rights, and expressed her hope that the June 12th ballots will be a celebration of democracy in Turkey. The rapporteur also recalled that the European Parliament, in its latest report, condemned PKK terrorist organization's attacks in Turkey and called on Turkey and the European Union member states to intensify their cooperation in fight against terror.

A policeman was killed and another was wounded when gunmen attacked a police vehicle following an election rally by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the northern province of Kastamonu on Wednesday. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article