Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-05-31

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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: "It is not possible to say that there will be an agreement tomorrow"

[02] Eroglu met a delegation from Azerbaijan

[03] Data on the financial aid and donations given by Turkey to the breakaway regime for 2011

[04] Turkish Cypriot potatoes can reportedly be sold in the government-controlled areas through the Green Line Regulation of the EU

[05] KTTO represented in Amman

[06] KTOS informs Brussels for illegal activities in occupied Cyprus

[07] Cakici accused the UBP "government" for deepening the chaos in the "country"

[08] Ozkardas calls self-styled government not to give amnesty to illegal workers

[09] The Management Centre implements a co-operation project in Azerbaijan

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Gul's contacts in Turkmenistan; Turkish construction companies ready to take legal action against Turkmenistan

[11] Ankara to host a meeting of OIC

[12] COE will send representative to Turkey to observe freedom of expression

[13] Business as usual between Turkey and Israel

[14] Columnist comments on the number of registered voters and public opinion polls in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu: "It is not possible to say that there will be an agreement tomorrow"

In his statements during the meeting, Gunay Cerkez, chairman of the Chamber, said they wanted to be informed first hand on the Cyprus talks, because of President Christofias' statements that agreement was reached on the economy chapter and that progress was achieved on the EU chapter. He noted that they want to work in coordination with Eroglu as an organization which was authorized on the issue of the Green Line Regulation.

Referring to the negotiation process, Eroglu noted that it is not possible to say that the sides reached an agreement on issues such as the governance and power sharing, the territory and security. He said that not much progress was achieved on these issues during the period when former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat was carrying out the negotiations as well. Eroglu argued that the issues of territory and guarantees were not discussed at all in the past and that the issue of property was discussed only for a while and afterwards discussions on the governance and power sharing started again.

Eroglu added: "We discussed the property for a rather long period of time. I believe that we clearly and openly showed both to Mr Christofias and the UN that we are at the point of settling this issue with a compromise. However, at the point we are today it is not possible for me to say that there will be an agreement tomorrow. It seems that we are far away again [from achieving an agreement]".

Eroglu alleged that President Christofias commits a mistake when he accuses Turkey for the situation in the Cyprus talks, because the interlocutor of the Greek Cypriot side at the negotiating table is himself, not Turkey. Eroglu described as "not pleasant behaviour" the statement reportedly made by President Christofias that "Turkey should forget the EU as long as it does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus".

Recalling that from time to time reference is made to a "bi-communal, bi-zonal federation based on political equality", Eroglu argued that the important thing is to fill in the content of these words. "I know how the Greek Cypriot side wants to fill in the content of this and I am sure that those who say these things also know this", he noted and added: "While carrying out the negotiations on behalf of the TRNC, we primarily search for a lasting agreement. We do not think 'let us sign today the agreement and let it break down tomorrow' or 'let it be rejected at the referendum'. Therefore, we search for an agreement which our people will adopt and approve".

Eroglu alleged that while he does not make many statements on the negotiation process, President Christofias accuses the Turkish side of being intransigent, whenever he travels abroad or accept an Ambassador. He argued that President Christofias' aim with these statements is to be one step forward, but he is always hesitant in taking the necessary steps for reaching an agreement.

Referring to those who accuse him of not making any openings, Eroglu said that making an opening is tantamount to entering into a give and take process. He accused the Greek Cypriot side of only thinking what it could take.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu met a delegation from Azerbaijan

In statements during the meeting, Bayramov said that they consider the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied part of Cyprus, to be their "sister state" and expressed the belief that the relations between the two "countries" should be developed. He noted that the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem are closely followed with interest internationally and play significant role in Turkey's accession into the EU.

On his part, Eroglu expressed his satisfaction seeing his "Azeri brothers" cooperate with organizations in the occupied part of Cyprus and said that common activities should be organized so that the relations between the two "countries" are developed and the "people" to be united. He noted that Azeri students will come to the occupied part of Cyprus and be united with Turkish Cypriot students.

Eroglu recalled that guests from Azerbaijan always visit the occupied part of Cyprus every 20 July, the day of the Turkish invasion of the island, and 15 November, the anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence of the breakaway regime.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Data on the financial aid and donations given by Turkey to the breakaway regime for 2011

According to the paper, the total amount to be allocated for the investments reaches 265 million Turkish Liras, and as it is foreseen, this amount will be used for the improvement of various sectors as well as for new investments. As it is noted, the so-called finance ministry of the occupation regime will give an account for the use of every financial resource. Specifically, upon the completion of the projects, an expenditures document will be prepared by the responsible "departments" and will be examined and approved by the Special Advisors of the Aid Delegation.

As it is reported, the total financial aid send by Turkey to the breakaway regime for 2011 reaches 1.124.156.318,78 TL, from which the 625.410.525,33 TL regards the donations. Particularly, from the total amount of the donations, 216.961.205,05 TL were allocated to defence, 265.497.120,38 TL to infrastructure projects (88.422.000,00 TL to be utilised by the Turkish Republic and the rest 177,075,120,38 TL to be utilised by the so-called government), 100 million TL to the real sector and 42.952.199,90 to incentive credits. In addition, inter alia, 498.745.793,45 TL were allocated to credits, of which the 325 million TL were allocated to the "public sector".

According to the protocol, in the framework of the "improvement programme for the religious services", 7.168.000,00 TL are expected to be allocated for the construction of 12 new mosques at the occupied areas of Limnia, Argaki, Exometochi, Orka, Tavros, Kapouti, Agios Georgios Kerynias, Mia Milia, Lyssi, Thermia, Kioneli and "Lefkosia's industrial zone".

[04] Turkish Cypriot potatoes can reportedly be sold in the government-controlled areas through the Green Line Regulation of the EU

In a written statement issued yesterday by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, it is said that a part of the potatoes which are cultivated with certificated seeds will be separated as suitable for seed and the potatoes produced with these seeds could be sold in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus through the Green Line Regulation.

The statement noted that until today, the producers could not use as seed their own potatoes and were forced to buy new certificated seed. This obstacle was created by the interpretation of the Green Line Regulation, notes the statement adding that this obstacle was overcome as a result of seven-year lobbying activities by the Chamber in Brussels. The new practice will be implemented after the decision is published in the EU's official Gazette.

(I/Ts.)

[05] KTTO represented in Amman

[06] KTOS informs Brussels for illegal activities in occupied Cyprus

Elcil said in his statement that the discussed subjects were, inter alia, violations of human rights, trade union actions, transfer of population from Turkey and distribution of citizenship politics targeting to assimilation and integration of the Turkish Cypriot community and economic activities based on gambling, prostitution and money laundering. Also discussed were the future population census and the recent stage of the negotiations, along with the decision to allocate 28 million euro for the Turkish Cypriot community.

[07] Cakici accused the UBP "government" for deepening the chaos in the "country"

In his statements Cakici pointed out that together with the non-solution in Cyprus, the most important problems experienced in the occupied area are the uncontrolled population, the black economy, the illegal labour force, the unemployment and the economic difficulties.

Regarding the uncontrolled population problem, Cakici stressed the need for serious steps to be taken by the "government" and added that what is necessary to be done is for a population census to take place in both sites of the island under the supervision of the UN. Stating that it is difficult to make a real planning without knowing the population number, Cakici stressed the need for a population census to take place so that the "country" to exit from its chaotic situation.

Regarding the Cyprus problem, Cakici stated that they consider the Cyprus problem as the most important problem, stating that the solution of the Cyprus problem is essential. He then stressed the need for early elections to take place.

Referring to the ongoing negotiation process, Cakici said that they are not satisfied from the progress of the talks and added that they are not satisfied not only with the stance of the other side but also with the stance of the Turkish Cypriot side.

(AK)

[08] Ozkardas calls self-styled government not to give amnesty to illegal workers

In a written statement yesterday, Ozkardas stated that they will launch a series of contacts the next days with several political parties represented in the "assembly" in order to discuss the issue.

Underlining that the uncontrolled population is the most important problem experienced in the "country" in recent years, Ozkardas called on the self-styled government to think "ten times" the issue of the "white cards" and the issue of giving "amnesty" to the illegal workers.

(AK)

[09] The Management Centre implements a co-operation project in Azerbaijan

Kanol said that in the past two years along with their partner in Azerbaijan, the Social and Economic Development Centre, they have been implementing projects in the framework of the EU strategy for the integration of Azerbaijan in the European society. Bayramov also said inter alia: "This is the first project between Azerbaijan and Cyprus; it has the characteristic of being the first co-operation between the civil societies of the two countries and it will have a positive effect on the civil society."

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Gul's contacts in Turkmenistan; Turkish construction companies ready to take legal action against Turkmenistan

"Turkmenistan has started to assume an important role in boosting global energy security, regional welfare and stability thanks to its geostrategic location and rich energy resources," Gul told at a joint press conference with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.

Gul said Turkmenistan had drawn the attention of the international community with its foreign policy, and expressed pleasure to see a parallelism between Ankara and Ashgabad administration's policies. He added that he would be glad to host his Turkmen counterpart in Turkey soon.

Berdimuhamedow, on his part, defined Turkey as a strategic partner and said that with Gul they exchanged views on significant aspects of Turkish-Turkmen cooperation.

He also expressed Turkmenistan's determination to boost commercial and economic relations, and said that his country backed a fruitful cooperation, particularly in the fields of construction, industry, transportation, communication, oil and natural gas. He also underlined the importance of diversity of shipment of Turkmen oil and natural gas to international markets.

Turkish-Turkmen trade volume has reached $1.5 billion. 600 Turkish companies have undertaken several projects in Turkmenistan.

Moreover, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 30.05.11), under the title "Turkey seeks $1 billion from Turkmen", reports that Turkish President Gul's visit comes as 25 Turkish companies are preparing to take legal action against Turkmenistan over non-payments.

Gul held talks Monday with Turkmenistan's officials amid complaints by Turkish construction companies that they are owed about $1 billion in unpaid bills for their work in revamping the capital city. Turkish companies have played a leading role in transforming this old sleepy post-Soviet backwater town into a city of soaring marble-clad government offices and apartment blocks.

Gul said: "Turkmenistan is the country where Turkish businessman have undertaken the largest number of projects in Central Asia," adding that Turkish companies have developed projects worth $21 billion since Turkmenistan gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

According to Turkmen Government estimates, there are more than 600 Turkish companies operating in Turkmenistan in areas including the textile and construction sectors.

[11] Ankara to host a meeting of OIC

Participants will discuss the new strategy paper which will set up the working methodology of the Committee for the next period.

State Planning Organization (DPT) Undersecretariat stated on Monday that besides Turkey, officials from Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Senegal, Qatar, Mali, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iran and Cameroon would attend the meeting.

[12] COE will send representative to Turkey to observe freedom of expression

COE Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland told a press conference that Gerard Stoudmann of Switzerland would travel to Turkey after the June 12th general elections to hold talks with Government and NGO executives regarding the freedom of expression and thought.

Jagland said that the COE representative wants to meet imprisoned Turkish journalists, and Stoudmann would present a relevant report to himself in the fall.

[13] Business as usual between Turkey and Israel

While Turkey purchases high-tech defence-industry equipment from Israel, the military goods going the other way mostly include boots and uniforms. "Turkey dresses the Israeli army, mainly exporting army boots," said an executive from Turkey's Yakupoglu, who spoke to the Hurriyet Daily News on Monday on condition of anonymity.

The company manufactures materials in Ankara and exports them to Israel. Despite the political problems between the two countries, there has been no interruption in the firm's business thus far, the executive said.

The export of military boots constitutes just a tiny portion of the long-standing trade relations between the two parties, and both Turkish and Israeli businessmen are enjoying a golden age of trade as official figures indicate that commercial bonds are stronger than ever.

Trade between Israel and Turkey increased by 25% between 2009 and 2010, and by 40% in the first quarter (Q1) of 2011 compared with the same period last year. Bilateral trade by the end of last year peaked at $3.442 billion, up from $2.580 billion in 2009.

"Turkey and Israel's business relations are getting stronger despite the political conflicts," Uriel Lynn, the president of the Tel Aviv & Central Israeli Chamber of Commerce, told the Hurriyet Daily News on Monday.

He said both countries are enjoying the rise based on free trade agreements and economic growth. "The bonds between the Turkish and Israeli business sectors are still strong," Lynn said. "All the reasons prove that in spite of political disagreement, the free market wins."

Turkey made exports worth $2.083 billion while importing $1.359 billion worth of goods from Israel last year, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute, or TurkStat, figures. In the first three months of 2011, Turkey exported products worth $579.3 million to Israel and imported goods worth $397.3 million.

[14] Columnist comments on the number of registered voters and public opinion polls in Turkey

"Less than two weeks before the June 12 parliamentary elections, there is a glossy public opinion poll on my desk. Like many people, I do have an allergy against public opinion polls because of the bad reputation that whoever pays for them is presented with the results that would most please them. Of course that does not mean all the public opinion polls are crooked or faulty. Definitely there are companies in Turkey doing public opinion polls through scientific means and indeed objectively.

Another problem is, of course, the sudden increase in the number of eligible registered voters. This issue, which somehow escaped attention of all of us, was brought to the forefront by Bulent Tanla, a former politician and a pioneer of public opinion polls in Turkey. Only last year at the Sept. 12 referendum, the number of eligible registered voters was around 49 million and in 2007 it was 42 million and in 2002 it was 41.4 million. In 2010 and 2011, it all of a sudden reached 49 and 52 million, respectively. How? Are Turks multiplying like rabbits? Particularly, how have Turks multiplied by three additional million since September 2010, resulting in the number of eligible voters increasing from 49 million to 52 million? What has happened? Or, has someone placed in his pocket in advance some 10% of the vote in case of any emergency? It smells bad, does it not?

My problem with the public opinion polls is that so far I could not come up with a public opinion research company in this country which successfully and accurately forecasted three consecutive general or local elections. For every election there is generally a public opinion company, which came very close in its reports to the actual outcome of the poll. And, of course there is nothing surprising in that as there are companies suggesting that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will have an electoral support as low as 36% in the June 12 election, while there are companies claiming that the ruling party will do very well and get support of some 52% of the electorate. If the AKP receives between 35% and 54% of the vote, then there will be companies declaring victory and celebrating their accurate forecast on the June 12 evening. For God sake, there is almost 20 percentage points between the lowest and the highest forecasts, how scientific can such forecasts be?

Or, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), is tipped to receive around as low as 23% and as high as 35% in various public opinion polls. The fluctuation between the lowest and the highest forecasts as regards the CHP vote, thank God, is a "more reasonable" 12 % age points.

Well, if in this country there are 52 million registered voters, every single percentage point of support for a party means around 520,000 votes cast for that party. How popular support for a political party fluctuates, if we take the estimates for AKP vote as an example, with a margin of almost 10 million people. Or we are to take the estimations for the CHP vote, the main opposition party may at least get vote of some 12 million people, but may as well receive the support of 18 million people. These companies must have been joking with the intellect of the Turkish society. With such huge margins, of course at least one company will have the probability of declaring success once the vote count is completed on June 12 evening.

The poll on my desk is somewhat different from other public opinion polls as it was not sponsored by any Turkish political party. It was done for the International Republican Institute by the Infakto Research Workshop in collaboration with Harris Interactive.

According to the poll, the AKP has popular support of around 40% while the support for the main opposition CHP is around 21%, or just slightly more than the half of the support for the AKP. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which for the past few weeks has been battling to save its reputation from a series of sex-tape scandals, appears to have the support of just 10% of the respondents of the poll, just enough to beat the anti-democratic 10% national electoral threshold required to be considered eligible to send Deputies to parliament.

The Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), or the political wing of the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, terrorist gang, comes next in the popularity list with 5% support. The BDP, anyhow, like what it did in 2007 elections, is not participating in the June 12 elections as a political party either. Instead it is participating in the election with a foray of independent candidates seeking election to Parliament from many southeastern, mainly Kurdish-populated, cities as well as some other cities elsewhere in the country, including Istanbul. Last time the independents supported by the political wing of the PKK produced 23 Deputies. In this election, their target is to send Parliament at least 35 Deputies and many political analysts believe they have the probability of winning at least 30 parliamentary seats.

The IRI poll was conducted in the second half of April, before the series of the sex-tapes scandals, which killed the political prospects of some 10 leading candidates of the nationalist MHP. Thus neither probable image erosion, nor a possible backlash in the form of boost in the electoral support of the party could be seen in those forecasts.

Yet, since the IRI poll did not distribute the around 23% "undecided" or "did not know" vote to the parties, it might be said, according to this poll, the AKP vote might be around 45%, the CHP vote around 26% and the MHP with a clear 12%-13 %, which would put them over the threshold.

As they say for fortune tellers, don't believe it, but it is nice having it." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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