Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-05-19

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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] Ozgurgun says they expect determination of the road to be followed by the end of the year at the tripartite meeting in July

[02] Eroglu's hopes after the May 22 parliamentary elections in Cyprus

[03] UBP's Youth Branch shouted slogans against the "United Cyprus"

[04] Rauf Denktas accuses Downer for being biased

[05] "BKP says the "citizenship law" cannot be accepted and warns of the possibility to file a lawsuit to international courts

[06] Columnist in Volkan says that the population in occupied Cyprus should definitely exceed 500 thousands

[07] Tension and arrests during a protest of employees of bankrupted "Turkish Cypriot airlines"

[08] The occupation regime was represented at the Dubai Investments Fair

[09] A higher education forum to be organized in the occupied area

[10] "DAU" signs an agreement with Warwick University

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] New public survey in Turkey reveals Erdogan's AKP to easily win the elections

[12] Turkey to re-run for a UN Security Council non-permanent seat

[13] EU plans to support Turkey on employment, education issues

[14] Barroso says Turkey not a burden for EU

[15] Turkish Parliament Speaker holds talks in South Korea

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Ozgurgun says they expect determination of the road to be followed by the end of the year at the tripartite meeting in July

Ozgurgun delivered a speech yesterday at Adana during a conference under the title: "The past, the present and the future of Cyprus and its place in the EU accession course".

Ozgurgun said that more than 100 meetings have been held since September 2008 between the two community leaders within the framework of the Cyprus negotiations and alleged that the reason for which the desirable progress has not been achieved in the negotiations is the "intransigent stance" of the Greek Cypriot side and the delaying tactics it allegedly uses.

Noting that all the sides which realized this situation, emphasized recently that the negotiations could not be open-ended, Ozgurgun argued that the UN Secretary-General stressed this issue in the reports he published during the last period. He said the Turkish Cypriot side has been supporting from the very beginning that the negotiations should have a timetable.

He recalled an interview given recently by Alexander Downer, UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor for Cyprus, who has reportedly said that a solution in Cyprus should be reached by the second half of 2012 when Cyprus will take over the EU Council's term presidency. He said the Turkish Cypriot side thinks that the negotiations should end by the end of 2011 the latest and alleged that a solution could be reached by then, "if the Greek Cypriot side shows political will and leadership" and "exhibits a constructive stance".

He argued that the Turkish Cypriot side is determined to continue the negotiations with goodwill for reaching a comprehensive solution by the end of the year without giving any concessions from "bi-zonality, the equal status of the two founding states, the political equality of the two peoples, and motherland Turkey's guarantees". He said a solution could be reached by the end of the year, if the Greek Cypriot side adopts the same approach.

Ozgurgun said, in case the process ends negatively, the belief of the "two people's" of the island and of the international community in a bi-communal bi-zonal federal solution would receive a serious blow.

Moreover, Ozgurgun referred to the new practice implemented by the British Government on issuing visas to Turkish Cypriots trough the Internet. He said this is a decision within the framework of some economic measures and it is not confined only to Turkish Cypriots. In spite of this, he argued, not taking into consideration the specific situation on the island and the difficulties which the Turkish Cypriots face is not in accord with the fact that Britain is one of the guarantor powers in Cyprus. This, he alleged, is not a step forward, but backwards for lifting the "isolations" of the Turkish Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu's hopes after the May 22 parliamentary elections in Cyprus

Referring to the parliamentary elections to be held on May 22 in Cyprus, Eroglu said that they hope that after the elections, the Greek Cypriot side will show a more compromising stance at the negotiation table.

[03] UBP's Youth Branch shouted slogans against the "United Cyprus"

As the paper writes, the protesters in the march were shouting slogans such as "Turks of Cyprus will stay" and slogans against a "United Cyprus".

(AK)

[04] Rauf Denktas accuses Downer for being biased

In his statement, Denktas alleged that Downer, "acting like an EU spokesman", threatens Turkey by saying that "if Turkey does not make any concession to Cyprus, it will not be able to enter the EU". He, inter alia, claimed that together with the "illegitimate membership" of Cyprus to EU, the good offices mission of the UN Secretary General on Cyprus has been impeded, adding that this is an "injustice".

[05] "BKP says the "citizenship law" cannot be accepted and warns of the possibility to file a lawsuit to international courts

In a written statement, Korkmazhan referred to the "citizenship draft bill" which was prepared by the so-called government saying that the approval of the "law" would mean the continuation of distribution of more "citizenships" to thousands of people, something that it cannot be accepted, as he said.

Referring to the "draft law", Kormazhan evaluated the approval of the "law" as a part of the systematic assimilation policy which is implemented by Ankara towards the Turkish Cypriots and also as an operation to alter their demographic, economic and political structure.

Kormazhan said also that in case the "draft law" is to be approved, they will file a lawsuit to international courts on the issue.

(AK)

[06] Columnist in Volkan says that the population in occupied Cyprus should definitely exceed 500 thousands

"The increase of the TRNC population and the change of the Greek-Turkish population balance in favour of the Turkish people is the greatest worry of the Greeks and their servants among us?According to them, the Turkish population should always remain the one fourth of the Greeks and the imbalance of 80% Greeks and 20% Turks should never be spoiled. According to their allegations, the Greek population is 600 thousands. Therefore, the Turkish population should not exceed 150 thousands?The population in the south increased to one million?

According to the State Planning Organization (DPO), the TRNC population is around 300 thousands. In my view, our population should definitely exceed 500 thousands. At least we should be able to reach the half of the Greek population. It is absolutely necessary for our population to reach 500 thousands for a sovereign state, which has a working economic mechanism and a strong economy, lives in security, could be able to stand on its own feet, could avoid being absorbed by the Greek population and being dissolved in the EU, and which will be able to make the Turkish existence and culture live forever on this island?"

(I/Ts.)

[07] Tension and arrests during a protest of employees of bankrupted "Turkish Cypriot airlines"

The protesters threw eggs and bottles of water against Kucuk and some "ministers", who were going to participate in the meeting of the "council of ministers". One "police" officer was injured during the protest. The tension reached to peak when the "police" arrested eleven protesters and took them to the "police station". One former employee of the "KTHY" fainted during the protest and was taken to hospital.

Slogans against the UBP "government", "prime minister" Kucuk, and the AKP government in Turkey were shouted during the protest.

In statements after the meeting of the "council of ministers", Kucuk argued that the employees in the "KTHY" and their trade union are as responsible as the "administration" of the company for its bankruptcy. He strongly criticized the protest describing it as a "riot". He said the employees could not claim their rights with such "violence and terror".

Referring to the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (19.05.11) reports that the patience of the employees, who waited for 200 days, was exhausted.

(I/Ts.)

[08] The occupation regime was represented at the Dubai Investments Fair

During the Fair, the Turkish Cypriot firms held around 150 contacts, while the "Property NC" magazine, activating in the field of real estate, gave out 1.500 of its issues and various brochures.

[09] A higher education forum to be organized in the occupied area

Durust characterized the meeting as a milestone for the implementation of permanent policies regarding universities and attracting more students. He also added that between 28 November -1 December, the "TRNC" higher education forum will be realized and among the participants will be the Organisation of Islamic Conference's General Secretary, the chairman of the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Solidarity Fund's chairman. Durust said that they will work together with universities in order for the forum to take place and noted that it is important to show to the whole world how modern and qualified are "TRNC's universities." He also said that they will discuss on how 57 Islamic countries could send students to "TRNC."

[10] "DAU" signs an agreement with Warwick University

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] New public survey in Turkey reveals Erdogan's AKP to easily win the elections

The survey conducted on May 5-12 by polling company IKSara, and published in the opposition Aksam newspaper, showed the AKP winning 45.5% of the vote, below the 46.6% it scored in the last general elections in 2007.

The findings are in line with several previous opinion polls, which have shown Erdogan's business-friendly AKP benefiting from strong economic growth and political stability.

The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), which has struggled to mount a credible challenge to Erdogan's socially conservative party, will get 30.5% of the vote, Aksam said.

The poll of 2.504 voters in all 81 provinces showed support for the rightist Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) was 13.1%. The poll had a margin of error 0.2%.

A previous poll commissioned by Aksam and published on March 10 had shown the AKP with a 48% backing, while the CHP had 28% and the MHP 15%.

In power since 2002, the AKP has overseen a period of unprecedented prosperity since inheriting a struggling economy after a financial crisis in 2000-2001.

Erdogan has promised to overhaul Turkey's constitution, written in the 1980s under military tutelage after a coup, if his party wins a strong mandate in the June 12 vote.

[12] Turkey to re-run for a UN Security Council non-permanent seat

Releasing a written statement on Wednesday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Turkey was a defender of the principles and goals enshrined in the UN Charter, supporting resolution of international disputes through multilateral cooperation.

The Ministry noted that Turkey played a constructive role regarding all issues on the UN agenda within such framework, and therefore, attached special importance to undertaking active duties and responsibilities within the UN system and other international organizations."Turkey is accordingly determined to increase its contributions to international peace, security, stability and prosperity, as well as to further its efforts towards strengthening of fundamental principles and values such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Thus, Turkey is announcing its candidacy for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for the years 2015 - 2016," the statement said.

Pointing to Turkey's non-permanent membership during the 2009-2010 term, the Ministry said Turkey announced its candidacy one more time as it believed it would provide significant added value to global peace and security in an era of critical and rapid change in international affairs.

"The Middle East and the Mediterranean basins are undergoing a political change and transformation process that is likely to mark the upcoming decades. These developments have further increased Turkey's responsibilities regarding international peace, stability and security, thereby influencing the preference on the term for its next candidacy for non-permanent membership," the Foreign Ministry said.

Describing Turkey as a country that has constantly been at the crossroads of international, political, economic and cultural interactions throughout history, the statement said such strategic position had enabled Turkey to take a wide and unifying view on issues without making East-West or North-South distinctions.

"At a time when the search for a new and inclusive world order has gained momentum, Turkey therefore stands out as more meaningful and significant," the statement said.

The Ministry added that Turkey's endeavors were not limited to its immediate neighborhood and the country implemented mutually beneficial projects across a wide geography from the Caribbean to the Pacific islands.

Pointing out the goals of Turkey's foreign policy vision, the statement said that the country's foreign policy aimed at achieving peace, security, stability and prosperity in its region and beyond through cooperation based on political dialogue, economic interdependence and cultural harmony.

"Thus, while announcing her candidacy with a desire for serving in the UN Security Council for a second time over a period of 50 years, Turkey has thoroughly assessed the best term suitable in offering her contributions to international peace, stability and security, and has taken her decision in light of this appraisal," the Ministry said.

"Turkey's constructive, proactive and reconciliation-oriented posture in the UN and other international fora, as well as the values that it has represented on a wide geography, are assurances to its future pursuits," the statement added.

The United Nations Security Council is the branch of the UN charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. There are 15 members of the Security Council, consisting of 5 veto-wielding Permanent Members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 10 elected non-permanent members with two-year terms.

[13] EU plans to support Turkey on employment, education issues

Speaking at the Human Resources Development program funded by the EU in Turkey, Ambassador Marc Pierini, head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey, said that most European countries, including Turkey, were faced with difficulties to find a balance between creating economic growth that brings high employment and quality jobs, and providing support for people affected by the economic crisis.

Within its own policies, the EU has developed the "Europe 2020" strategy with the targets of raising the employment rate to 75% from the current 65%, reducing the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion, and increasing women's labour market participation, which stands above 58% across the EU, Pierini said.

"It is important to note that Turkey and the EU share similar challenges in this field. Turkey needs to increase its current 43 % employment rate, to reduce the poverty level, and to increase women's participation in the labour force from the current 27%," he said.

Pierini said the Human Resources Development program is a tool to address precisely these issues.

The Human Resources Development program is an important part of the EU-Turkey financial cooperation. It is the largest EU financial program anywhere outside the Union. For the period 2007-2013, the EU has already allocated around 300 million euro for the programme.

"I am confident that the Human Resources Development program will effectively help Turkish citizens better develop their work skills, get them out of informal work, facilitate women and young people's access to jobs, and better integrate disadvantaged groups into the labour market," Pierini concluded.

[14] Barroso says Turkey not a burden for EU

During his speech at the European Business Summit on Wednesday, Barroso said, in contrast, Turkey would bring in a significant added value to the bloc, adding that the European Commission extended full support to Turkey's membership to the EU.

Barroso recalled the fact that several European Union member states are not ready to accept Turkey as a full member at this point and said he was aware of Turkey's disappointment with it.

Recent polls have shown that the Turkish public has less incentive to embrace the EU membership than before and anti-EU sentiments among Turkish officials are increasingly growing. Despite sweeping reforms including constitutional amendments last year, the EU has criticized Turkey for lack of press freedom and reluctance in solving Turkey's decades-old Kurdish problem.

Barroso said the EU has a democratic structure and that it has to take the opinion of all its members in account. "I believe that the Turkish economy will bring in an added value to the European Union. Turkey will not be a burden to the Union, on the contrary, it will bring in significant added value with its young population and current dynamism," Barroso added.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule told at a session on Turkey-European Union relations that the annual trade volume between the EU and Turkey exceeded 100 billion euro, and that Turkey received two-third of its direct foreign investments from European Union member states. "All these have proved that Turkey has become a country making key contributions to the European Union's global competition power," he said.

He added that all European Union Consulates in Turkey are expected to apply a simplified and harmonized visa regime as of next July.

[15] Turkish Parliament Speaker holds talks in South Korea

Speaking during a school visit in the Korean capital city, Turkish Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin said that the Turkish and the Korean people were connected to each other with strong friendship ties for decades.

Recalling the help Turkey extended to Korea 61 years ago, Sahin said: "Our soldiers came here for Korea's independence, global peace and democracy. Turkish and Korean people fought shoulder to shoulder at the time. This cooperation helped the two countries to establish a strong friendship".

Sahin later visited the Korea-Turkey Business Association (KOTUBA) and met representatives of several NGOs.

The Parliament Speaker noted that his visit aimed at improving Turkish-Korean relations, particularly in areas of culture, economy and education.

After completing his talks, Sahin attended a banquet hosted by his Korean counterpart Park Hee Tae in honor of the participants of the G-20 Parliament Speakers' Meeting.

During the reception held prior to the banquet, Sahin also held talks with his Korean, Australian, Saudi Arabian and Indonesian counterparts. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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