Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-07-21

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/>

[01] Erdogan flew over occupied Varosha and Morfou on a helicopter

[02] Erdogan interviewed by Turkey's TRT and illegal BRT

[03] Erdogan met with Turkish Cypriot party leaders and Chambers of Industry and Commerce

[04] Messages by Turkish politicians on the 37th anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus

[05] Commentator on Erdogan's messages to the Greek Cypriots and the EU

[06] EU officials concern over Turkish officials' latest remarks on Turkish-EU relations

[07] How the Turkish press covered Erdogan's statements in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] Columnist assesses Erdogan's thanks to the Turkish Cypriots for voting in favour of the Annan Plan

[09] Turkish Cypriot daily reports that many things happened for the first time during Erdogan's illegal visit to occupied Cyprus

[10] Reaction by the attacked protesters during Erdogan's visit

[11] Columnist compares the "police" violence in front of "KTHY" headquarters with the assassination in 1996 of Tasos Isaak in Deryneia

[12] "'Nuclear plant can meet Cypriot energy demand'"

[13] The Turkish Energy Minister noted that all Mediterranean countries need an agreement on restricted economic zones

[14] Turkish Government officials and diplomats analyse the latest remarks by Erdogan and Davutoglu

[15] Commentaries in the Turkish press on Erdogan's visit to Cyprus

[16] World Bank's chairman holds contacts in Turkey

[17] Erdogan and Davutoglu to meet the Palestinian President in Turkey

[18] Turkish army to recruit more than 5.000 contracted soldiers TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS Statements by Erdogan during his illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus for the "celebrations" of the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, the contacts of Erdogan during his illegal visit, messages by Gul, Cicek and Turkish political party leaders on the occasion of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the addresses of Erdogan and Eroglu before the military parade in the occupied part of Lefkosia, comments on Erdogan's statements, reaction by political parties and trade unions to the violence used by the "police" against protesters during Erdogan's visit, and other internal matters are the main issues covered by the Turkish Cypriot press today. Erdogan's contacts in the occupied area and his statements during the parade yesterday in the occupied part of Lefkosia for the anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus where he gave 5 crucial messages, are covered by today's Turkish dailies. Also, Eroglu's addressing speech during the parade, a letter by Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Eroglu for the "37th anniversary" of the Turkish invasion, Kilicdaroglu's message on the Cyprus problem, the visit of the President of World Bank in Turkey, Israel's calling to its citizens not to visit Turkey and other internal issues, are covered in today's Turkish press.

[01] Erdogan flew over occupied Varosha and Morfou on a helicopter

Erdogan said that Besir Atalay, Turkish State Minister Responsible for Cypriot Affairs, will often be visiting the occupied area of the island and hold joint evaluations of the situation with Turkish Cypriot "officials".

Referring to the protests against him during his illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus, Erdogan alleged that some "marginal groups" are those who create the tension in the occupied area and added: "We know very well who they are. They cooperate with those coming from the south [Tr. Note: The Government- controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus] and put obstacles to the development of the TRNC. We have to oppose to them. We will not leave northern Cyprus to them".

The paper writes, inter alia, the following: "?Extraordinarily, Prime Minister Erdogan toured Famagusta, which was the last stop of his visit to the TRNC. In parallel to his messages to south Cyprus and the EU, Erdogan has clearly put forward for the first time what Turkey could do for the TRNC to stand on its own feet as a separate state?"

Halkin Sesi reports that the following six projects were inaugurated yesterday by Erdogan during a ceremony in occupied Famagusta: Noah's Ark Hotel in occupied Vokolida area, the second stage of the 50-kilometer long road between occupied Lefkoniko village and Vokolida, a floating shipyard in the occupied Famagusta port, a multifunctional education block building project at the illegal European University of Lefka, the social residences project of occupied Lefkosia's "Turkish Municipality" in Mia Milla area, and the open amphitheatre of the so-called municipality of occupied Morfou.

In his statements, Erdogan said that the projects will minimize the negative influences of the so-called isolation implemented on the "Turkish Cypriot people". He noted that they will continue to take any necessary diplomatic steps for ending this "injustice", but "with projects such as these we will provide the maximum support to the solution of the problems of our Turkish Cypriot brothers and to the development of this country".

Erdogan said he flew over occupied Morfou on a helicopter to observe the area where a dam will be built for bringing the water from Turkey's Alakopru region to the occupied area of Cyprus. He noted that this project will be ready in three years.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Erdogan interviewed by Turkey's TRT and illegal BRT

Speaking at a joint live broadcast by Turkey's state television TRT and illegal BRT television, Erdogan, upon a question on Turkey's growing investments in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, said that Turkey aimed at transferring water to the "TRNC" in three years and might consider building an energy line, "if necessary", although the country has no energy problem at the moment. Erdogan said that apart from water and energy issues, areas needing rapid improvement in the "TRNC" were agriculture, stockbreeding and higher education.

Commenting on the natural gas issue, Erdogan said that some parties had certain expectations on such a matter, and continued: "These expectations cannot be brought to life in the Eastern Mediterranean despite Turkey's presence." "Nobody can take such a step that excludes Turkey or the TRNC in this region," the Prime Minister noted. Erdogan also said that the "TRNC" currently needed to take several system-related steps and Turkish officials could particularly help the country with state planning procedures.

Erdogan noted that the "TRNC" needed investors and Turkey encouraged its entrepreneurs to invest in this country. "If our hopes are for a more developed TRNC, confidence and stability are the key factors to achieve this goal," he said and added: "If such a mean is provided, investors will come here".

In addition, Erdogan said that Turkey was seeking for a solution to the Cyprus question. "We are after finding a solution to Cyprus question but the Greek Cypriot party is after obstruction," Erdogan said and added that Turkey would support any compromise that would be reached by the Cypriot leaders. "What we say is a fair, comprehensive federative structure with equal status and based on two founder states principle. A Turkish Cypriot founder state and a Greek Cypriot founder state. Nobody should expect anything from us if this does not happen," he said.

Erdogan added that Turkey kept its promise during the referendum process but the Greek Cypriot party did not. He argued: "Although 75% of its people voted 'no' in the referendum, the Greek Cypriot party was awarded and accepted to the EU. On the other side, 65% of Turkish Cypriots voted 'yes' and fulfilled the requirements of the European Union, but northern Cyprus was isolated. We are sorry as our honesty is not returned."

"As long as northern Cyprus maintains its upright position, Turkey and the TRNC will act hand in hand and northern Cyprus will be in a stronger position. I am telling about it in political, military, economic, cultural and commercial sense," he noted.

When asked: "Talks are accelerating. Particularly, the second half of 2012 will be a landmark. What will happen if the Cyprus question cannot be solved till that day? Can the EU take the risk of losing Turkey?", Erdogan said: "If the EU puts the rotating presidency of southern Cyprus into practice, we will freeze our relations with the EU for six months. We will not have any talks till the matter is over."

A journalist referred to statements by Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias in which he described words of Erdogan as "threatening and provocative", and asked if he had any response to the Greek Cypriot party, Erdogan said: "My message to the Greek Cypriot party is evident. They rejected the Annan plan with 75%. What do they expect from us? Do they expect us to say to them 'go and take the whole of Cyprus'? Everything is left behind from now on. This is a landmark. We are still saying that we can sit and negotiate everything with them. Let us sit together with the countries having guarantor status and negotiate, don't delay us."

Referring to the same interview, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (21.07.11) reports that Erdogan said that Ankara's support to the breakaway regime increased from 400 million US dollars to 900 million US dollars since AKP came in power in Turkey. He noted that 500-kilometer long double highways have been constructed in occupied Cyprus within a period of nine years and added that whatever is made in Turkey, the same will be made in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Referring to the issue of the "citizenship" of the breakaway regime, Erdogan said that many countries in the world give their citizenship to people who are born there and gave examples of the double citizenship practice. He noted that the "citizenship" could be granted to investors and to qualified personnel. He said that the occupied area of Cyprus needs investments and therefore Turkey encourages investments.

[03] Erdogan met with Turkish Cypriot party leaders and Chambers of Industry and Commerce

Speaking to reporters after meeting Erdogan, former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat said that they had a beneficial meeting, they exchanged views on the Cyprus problem, and they evaluated the situation in the "TRNC" [breakaway regime].

Ozkan Yorgancioglu, leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that they exchanged views on the Cyprus problem , as well as domestic problems. He added that they would meet with Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs Besir Atalay more often from now on.

Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP), said they discussed domestic problems of the breakaway regime.

Mehmet Cakici, leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that they presented a file to Erdogan including letters they made public in their rallies, "Famagusta initiative", and one of their party's projects.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (21.07.11) reports that during the meeting with Erdogan, Turgay Avci --leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP)--, said that the full support given by motherland Turkey to the negotiation process for a Cyprus settlement is confirmed.

Erdogan also met with the leader of the newly-established Democracy and Trust Party (DGP) Tahsin Ertugruloglu. In a statement after the meeting, Ertugruloglu said that they exchanged views on all issues.

Premier Erdogan also met with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Industry.

Gunay Cerkez, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, said that they presented to Erdogan a report, which shows the financial situation of the breakaway regime, as well as measures on the development of their economy. He added that the Turkish Cypriots have the need of Turkey's support in every issue.

The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry Ali Cirali asked from Erdogan trade facilities for the local products in Turkey's market. He also proposed that joint investments by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot businessmen should be encouraged. He added that their proposals will be taken into consideration and Turkey's State Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs will convey to them the consultation when he will shortly visit again the occupied area.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey's European Union (EU) Minister Egemen Bagis and Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay participated in all the meetings, as shown by photos in the Turkish Cypriot dailies.

[04] Messages by Turkish politicians on the 37th anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus

In his message, Gul said: "The Turkish Cypriot 'nation' has shown the whole world that it will not surrender to any pressure, protect its freedom and independence, and will not give up its legitimate rights in its national cause for which it has been fighting for years".

Gul noted that "Turkey, which had always been on TRNC's side in such determined fight, would continue to act as the guarantor of the peaceful and stable atmosphere established thanks to the Cyprus peace operation staged in 1974".

Commenting on the ongoing negotiation process in Cyprus, Gul said that Turkey supported the Turkish Cypriot side's constructive and determined efforts for a rapid and comprehensive settlement in the island, and it would continue to extend assistance on such matter.

"The TRNC [breakaway regime], which is the most precious outcome of the Turkish Cypriot community's struggle for equality and freedom, is a source of pride for Turkey today as a unique democracy and state of law," the President also said in his message.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (21.07.11) reports that Cemil Cicek, Speaker of Turkey's Grand National Assembly, sent a congratulatory message to self-styled speaker of "TRNC's assembly" Hasan Bozer on the 37th anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus.

In his message, Cicek said that the meaning of the 20th July day is getting bigger and stronger every day.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), in a message for the 37th anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, said that a permanent solution in Cyprus should be reached as soon as possible. He added that the solution should be a federation consisting of two founder states on the bi-communality, bi-zonality and political equality of the sides under the roof of the United Nations.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (21.07.11) reports that the deputy chairman of the National Movement Party (MHP) Oktay Vural, during a press conference at the Turkish Parliament, said that with the latest statements of Turkish Premier Erdogan is confirmed once again how much right is his party's stance on the Cyprus issue. He also added that it will be shown soon whether Erdogan's statements on the Cyprus problem are just an intentional tactic or not. Vural stressed that in some documents signed by Erdogan, the Republic of Cyprus is recognized.

Mustafa Kamalak, leader of Turkey's political party Felicity Party (Saadet Partisi), in a message on the 37th anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, said that the recent statements by Erdogan are more positive. Kamalak added that Erdogan in the past used to say "we may give Varosha, we may recognize a United Cyprus".

Noting that they have repeatedly warned the Turkish Government that the Cyprus problem is a national cause and cannot be a bargaining issue for Turkey's accession into the EU, Kamalak said that Erdogan's latest statements made them happy to see that the Turkish Government took under consideration these historic warnings.

[05] Commentator on Erdogan's messages to the Greek Cypriots and the EU

Kanli, inter alia, writes the following:

"Visiting northern Cyprus on Wednesday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave two sets of important messages, one to the Greek Cypriots and the other to Brussels.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish intervention, Erdogan expressed anger on how the Greek Cypriot church and radical groups had responded to a move from the Turkish Cypriots against an energy crisis. 'Do not consider the Turks as your enemies ... Your enemies are within yourself', Erdogan said in response to statements by the church and other groups that they would rather live under candlelight than getting electricity from Turkish Cyprus.

Erdogan also disclosed that Turkey might link northern Cyprus to the Turkish energy grid by laying down an energy line next to the deep-sea-laid water pipeline set to be completed in March 2014. The Turkish Cypriot energy minister was invited to Ankara this week for further talks on that subject.

Would Greek Cypriot radicals go berserk if they also start consuming water from Anatolia? Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu only grinned in response to this question.

However, Erdogan's real message to the Greek Cypriots was on a far more important issue. To the joy of Turkish Cypriots, he warned that the Turkish Cypriot-Turkish "hand in peace and reconciliation" would not remain stretched out for ever and that if no settlement in the island is reached by the end of 2011, the prospect of a united Cyprus might slip away altogether.

This was perhaps the first time a Turkish Premier had stressed with such clarity that if by a certain date there was no settlement, the game might be over. Within that context, Erdogan delivered a strong message to the European Union that Turkey would under no condition accept talks with an EU under the term presidency of Greek Cyprus. 'There is no 'Cyprus Republic' for us', he said.

Erdogan received support from conservatives, but some devoted federalists were not so positive about his remarks. Cenk Mutluyakali, the editor of Yeni Duzen, said that Erdogan's remarks regarding Varosha, a contested suburb of Famagusta, and Morphou town being out of territorial concession were 'unacceptable' and 'provocative'."

Meanwhile, the paper reports on statements by an "official" of the so-called government in the occupied area of Cyprus. Speaking with the Daily News, the top "executive" complained that critics of the Prime Minister in particular, and Turkey's image problem in "northern Cyprus" in general, was a product of "colonial-style" governance that has become more and more dominant in relations between the "motherland" and the "kinder-land."

The official, conceding that in fear for his own position in "government" he cannot speak on these issues publicly, complained that unless parameters were introduced in Turkey's budgetary and investment budget assistance, radical or marginal elements would voice such complaints".

[06] EU officials concern over Turkish officials' latest remarks on Turkish-EU relations

The paper writes that at first Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that relations would freeze with the EU during the Greek Cypriot presidency in the latter part of 2012 unless there was a solution to the decades-old Cyprus problem, Brussels concerns have recently increased that the already embattled accession talks would altogether ground to a halt after Turkey's very blunt position on the divided island. EU officials and MEPs have come out to stress that the energy should now be invested in the talks between President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.

Asked on Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule's reaction to Erdogan's statement that Turkey would definitely not talk to the Greek Cypriot EU presidency, Fule's cabinet told Today's Zaman that the Commissioner was in Turkey last week and their position remained the same. Fule last week said it was not the moment to speculate on any other outcome than a comprehensive settlement. Referring to the trilateral summit by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with Eroglu and Christofias in Geneva on July 7, Fule argued that all sides should work hard to have a positive result from the process.

Ria Oomen-Ruijten, the European Parliament Rapporteur on Turkey, who has closely followed the Cypriot problem and reflected her often criticized pro-Greek Cypriot position by Turkish officials, said that the energy wasted in this debate should be spent in the talks. Talking to Today's Zaman, Oomen-Ruijten said she did not want to react to a hypothetical situation that might present itself within a year. However, stressing that Turkey should realize that it had to play by the rules if it wanted to join the Club, Oomen-Ruijten said: "The energy now wasted by this discussion could and should have been used more effectively in the negotiation process and in concrete steps towards reunification of Cyprus."

Following closely Erdogan's visit to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Brussels strongly hopes that Ban Ki-moon's efforts will bear fruit this time.

[07] How the Turkish press covered Erdogan's statements in the occupied area of Cyprus

Sabah: "Five messages from Erdogan". The paper writes that Premier Erdogan sent five critical warning to all parties related to the Cyprus problem. Following are Erdogan's warnings:

1. To the EU: If the Cyprus problem is not solved, Turkish-EU ties will be frozen during the Greek Cypriot EU term presidency,

2. To the Greek Cypriots: Leave your primitive worries. The problem is inside you, you should solve it,

3. To Greece: As a guarantor country in Cyprus you should also do all necessary

4. To the "TRNC": Do not give credits to marginal thoughts. Do not sacrifice the solution for daily politics

5. To the UN: Do not send your representative only. Explain the 2004 Annan Report

Cumhuriyet: "Tolerance was exceeded". The paper writes that Erdogan who participated at the "peace and freedom celebrations" in the "TRNC" sent messages to the Greek Cypriots, Greece, the EU and the UN. Erdogan stated that they will continue exerting efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem; however he added that the existing window of opportunity in Cyprus will not remain open forever. He said that they had exerted efforts besides injustices and that they should not forget that they will not tolerate it anymore.

Hurriyet: "We cannot tolerate anymore".

(AK)

[08] Columnist assesses Erdogan's thanks to the Turkish Cypriots for voting in favour of the Annan Plan

"?As a person, who was among this 65%, I surely have the right to say 'it is not worthy of thanks esteemed Prime Minister'. However, there is another very important point. And this point is that the music played before and after esteemed Prime Minister's speech, our 'prime minster' who was hovering around him and was making the announcements, and the mass of people who were waving flags and were supposedly expressing their support to him, was not that 65%! It was the rest 35%!

Those whom he was thanking were busy at the meantime with being beaten up by the police. Whom he was thanking? Was he thanking Irsen Kucuk, who was tearing himself out calling on us to vote 'no'? ?This 65%, which you said that strengthened you in the world and made you the side that was right, was not there! While you were saying thanks there, they were dragged on the ground and were trying not to feel the pain from the kicks and the punches. Welcome to our country, but if you had carried out a small investigation and found out whom you were addressing, your thanks whom you have been disregarded?"

(I/Ts.)

[09] Turkish Cypriot daily reports that many things happened for the first time during Erdogan's illegal visit to occupied Cyprus

This was Erdogan's first visit abroad after the establishment of his new Government. It was the first time that so much intensive preparation was made for the visit of a Prime Minister to the occupied area of Cyprus. It was the first time that boards in the streets and posters were greeting Erdogan's visit. It was the first time that a visiting Prime Minister gave announcements to the newspapers and the televisions before his arrival to the occupied area of the island. It was the first time that such a big crowd greeted someone at the illegal Tymvou airport. It was the first time that protests were organized against a visiting Prime Minister. It was the first time that a bus was brought (from Turkey) for the visit of the Prime Minister, who addressed the crowd from the top of this bus, as they do in the elections in Turkey. It was the first time that the armoured vehicle of a Prime Minister and the vehicles of his convoy were brought from Turkey. It was the first time that detector-dogs from the Prime Minister's protection unit, were brought to Cyprus. It was the first time that a runway for a helicopter was created in front of the hospital of the illegal Near East University (DAU) in order to deal with a possible indisposition. It was the first time that a Prime Minister observed the occupied area of Cyprus from above on a helicopter.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Reaction by the attacked protesters during Erdogan's visit

Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (21.07.11) reports that the general secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan, in a press release, said that the BKP strongly protests against fascism and state terror, which was evident during their protest.

Noting that Erdogan's arrival to the occupied area gave rise to fascism, Izcan said that "police" attacked protesters. Some of the protesters who were BKP members had to be hospitalized and some were detained and imprisoned. Izcan said that as BKP, they will report all these incidents internationally and to justice.

Stressing that Turkey should have withdrawn its troops to restore constitutional order in the island, Izcan said that Turkey did exactly the opposite by putting the northern part of Cyprus under military control. As a result of this military act, the Turkish Cypriots have been under slavery for 37 years and face the danger of extinction, Izcan said. He added that if the Turkish Cypriots aren't freed from Turkey's chain, they will disappear.

The paper also reports that members of the Trade Unions' Platform (Sendikal Platform), who were injured during the protest against Erdogan's visit in the occupied area at the building of former "Cyprus Turkish Airlines", will resort to legal measures. The protesters described the violence that the "police" used against them as "state terror".

Ahmet Kaptan, chairman of the "public workers'" trade union (KTAMS), said: "Unfortunately, our country suffered a wound in the name of democracy. It was an insult against our people."

Turkish Cypriot Teachers' Union (KTOS), in a press release, also condemned the incidents and added that they will seek their rights on an international level and in the local "courts".

[11] Columnist compares the "police" violence in front of "KTHY" headquarters with the assassination in 1996 of Tasos Isaak in Deryneia

The Turkish Cypriot protester was lying on the ground. One "policeman" wearing a uniform and another "policeman" without a uniform were standing above him. The "policeman" who was wearing uniform had put his leg on the throat of the Turkish Cypriot protester who was lying on the ground. The other "policeman" was holding the protester tightly. Noting that because this is a picture we could see only one move of the "police", Hasturer wonders how many times they kicked and hit the protester.

Noting that this picture has taken him back to the incidents of August 1996 in Deryneia, Hasturer writes, inter alia, the following:

"?The person who was lying on the ground 15 years ago was Greek Cypriot Tasos Isaak. The day before yesterday was a Turkish Cypriot. I could never say that 'anyway Tasos was a Greek Cypriot'. However, I am not the one that should explain the fact that the police, who are responsible for protecting the life and the property of the Turkish Cypriot people, behaved to a Turkish Cypriot in the same way they had behaved to Tasos Isaak. These policemen and those who have given them the orders should explain this.

Very wrong things are done. Fifteen years ago our security forces considered themselves to be inadequate, carried fanatics to that area on buses and led them to the front against the fanatic Greek Cypriots!!! Was the same approach not tried yesterday at Hamit Mandres junction?..."

(I/Ts.)

[12] "'Nuclear plant can meet Cypriot energy demand'"

According to the paper, Turkey has already set all the options on the table for meeting the energy needs of the island, Haluk Direskeneli, a board member of the Turkish Chamber of Mechanical Engineers and head of its Energy Committee, said in a phone interview Tuesday. "Russia's barge-mounted nuclear power plant might be built in northern Cyprus," he said, adding that such a facility would generate electricity "not only for the Turkish part [of the divided island], but also the Greek part." A nuclear plant on the island was also discussed in the Greek Cypriot Parliament a few years ago, Direskeneli said.

"Both options were mentioned in a recent master plan," an official from the "Turkish Cypriot economy and energy ministry" told the Hurriyet Daily News, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Turkey's Government is currently working on an energy master plan for the island," said Direskeneli, noting that "Greek Cyprus was seriously struggling to provide electricity after a deadly blast at a military base last week knocked out the country's main power plant".

Direskeneli said that the idea of a nuclear power plant in northern Cyprus was brought up at a seminar in the British Council's Ankara office on January 16, 2007, with participants mainly from academic circles and interested "public and private enterprises". Still, the political uncertainties and conflicts in the island would pose a strong challenge in building a nuclear plant there. "There are almost no fossil-fuel resources; no oil, no gas, no coal in the island," Direskeneli said, noting that all fossil fuel to generate energy should be purchased abroad and transported by ferries to the island.

Another option to transfer energy to the island is laying underwater cables stretching from the southern Turkish province of Mersin to northern Cyprus, he added.

Turkey plans to build its first nuclear power station at Akkuyu, in Mersin, under a deal signed last year with the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation, or Rosatom. The Turkish Government plans to start construction of three nuclear power plants within five years. Despite the serious concerns expressed by Greece and Greek Cyprus about the power plant to be built in Akkuyu, "it would be in their best interest now," according to Direskeneli, as the plant could generate electricity for "Greek Cyprus" as well. "Current troubled electricity supply might push Greek officials to reconsider joint projects with Turkish Cyprus," he added.

[13] The Turkish Energy Minister noted that all Mediterranean countries need an agreement on restricted economic zones

Yildiz's remarks came after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks regarding the Cyprus Government's oil and natural gas exploration off Cyprus under an agreement with Israel.

Minister Yildiz noted that Turkey is monitoring the developments closely and carefully.

Commenting on the natural gas issue, Erdogan had said that some parties had certain expectations on such matters, and continued: "These expectations cannot be brought to life in the Eastern Mediterranean despite Turkey's presence". "Nobody can take such a step that excludes Turkey or the TRNC in this region," the Prime Minister noted.

[14] Turkish Government officials and diplomats analyse the latest remarks by Erdogan and Davutoglu

Speaking to the paper, a senior diplomat said: "The statement delivered by Mr. Davutoglu while in the TRNC is actually the setting of a positive calendar and deadline. No one should interpret it as an imposition of a deadline on the other related parties; this was definitely a positive move because the deadline would be valid for all the parties related, including Turkey." "We had long been warning all the related parties, particularly the EU, behind the scenes concerning the upcoming presidency of Greek Cyprus. What is being done through the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister's statements should be considered a public form of these warnings," the diplomat, speaking under the customary condition of anonymity, added, while ruling out interpretations that Ankara has been reverting to the previous discourse of the establishment.

Meanwhile, speaking to the paper, a Turkish government official said: "If there was such an intention, the ruling party would have misused the Cyprus issue during the election campaigning. This did not happen and the Government, which was elected to a third term, still continues to support the UN-led process for reunification. Yet, it is also warning the international community and in particular its European partners that they should not bow to the demands of the Greek Cypriot administration, whose entire strategy is based on wasting time."

"This is actually a call on Greek Cypriots to come to their senses; what the Prime Minister said is that Greek Cyprus will also lose if it maintains its stance of favouring the island's status quo of non-settlement. This is a call by the Prime Minister on the Greek Cypriots to stick to a win-win situation like Turkey does," the same Government official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said. "Turkey will definitely not buy yet another fait accompli created by Greek Cyprus," the official added, referring to his earlier remarks delivered to Today's Zaman.

"Its tactics are obvious and, as usual, Greek Cyprus is again trying to create yet another fait accompli: It will first assume the rotating presidency of the EU without any deal on the table for reunification of the island, and then the agenda will focus on Greek Cyprus' presidential election early in 2013, which it hopes will kill the UN negotiation process in the meantime and keep the island's non-settlement as status quo. If the EU is really keen on finding a solution for the island, it should not repeat the same mistake it made in 2004 by letting Greek Cyprus in as the official representative of the island and by not keeping up its promises of easing the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots," the same official said over the weekend.

[15] Commentaries in the Turkish press on Erdogan's visit to Cyprus

Fikret Bila, columnist in Milliyet in an article entitled: "Erdogan made the right statement on Cyprus" refers to Erdogan's statements during and prior his visit to the occupied area and supports that Erdogan made the right statements on the Cyprus problem in respect to the context and the timing. Bila supports that on the one hand Erdogan put forward the essence of the problem and on the other hand stated that the EU ties will freeze during "south Cyprus" EU term presidency. Bila continues and writes that Erdogan's reaction is reasonable when he supports that the "EU did not behaved honestly to us" because of the double standard policy it follows, and on the other hand because of the fact that, even though it is the Greek Cypriots who said no to the "Annan plan" it is the side that was awarded by becoming member of the EU.

Stressing that the essence of the Cyprus problem is the fact that the "Greek Cypriot administration" does not accept the establishment of single state which is to be established with the structure of two states, two democracies, two zones, two communities but they support that Turkish Cypriots as a state should be under the administration of "south Cyprus", Bila comes to the conclusion that especially after the accession of "south Cyprus" to the EU, there is no "Cyprus problem"?.

(AK)

[16] World Bank's chairman holds contacts in Turkey

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Zoellick noted that Turkey is an important economy in its region and said that the country's economic program is "very strong" because Turkey focused on "restructuring its economy with a strategic approach." The World Bank head also recalled that Turkey has implemented very important structural reforms in its economy since the year 2002. Underscoring that there is increasing interest in Turkey's economic achievements, not only in its region but also in global markets, Zoellick lauded Turkey's growth success.

"Turkey is a development success with a per capita income nearly tripling that of 10 years ago," Zoellick said in a separate statement ahead of his arrival in Turkey late on Tuesday. Zoellick on Wednesday defined Turkey as "a key actor" of increasing importance that supported the development of other countries, saying that therefore the Bank wished to boost its cooperation with the G-20 members regarding the country's role in the regional economy. A country aspiring to become one of the top 10 economies in the world by the year 2023, the centennial of the foundation of the modern Republic, Turkey achieved 8.9%growth in 2010 over the preceding year, surpassing the World Bank estimate of 4%. The Government anticipates 4.5% growth in the economy this year over 2010.

Despite the positive picture he drew, Zoellick had some reservations. He said some countries were growing rapidly, while others had a relatively slower growth rate, which could be a problem. The problem he points to is essentially the inflation risk that has long haunted emerging markets. The World Bank Director said that emerging economies could face an inflation problem and Turkey "should be careful about that.

The Director said Turkey was focusing its energy on employment, education and energy and the Bank hoped to help Turkey in those areas. Turkey received the second most money in loans from the World Bank last year and the Bank had many significant investments in Turkey, he noted. According to Zoellick, the Bank recently allocated $7.6 billion in loans to Turkey and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) --the private sector development arm of the World Bank-- has committed to extending $2.6 billion in loans to Turkey.

He said they saw "very fast" recovery in emerging markets, including Turkey, following the 2009 global financial crisis. According to the data released by the Turkish Statistics Institute (TurkStat) on June 3, the consumer price index (CPI) last month surged by 2.42% month-on-month and 7.17% year-on-year. The Government earlier warned that year-end inflation "might be higher than estimated" due to "external developments," including an unprecedented hike in oil and food prices in global markets.

In his remarks concerning the global economy and regional development, Zoellick said that growth has slowed down in markets surrounding Turkey due to problems in the European economy and that might affect exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country. "However, I believe that the economic program of Turkey is very strong," he added. Zoellick said that he had two main goals in his visit to Turkey. The first was to discuss what Turkey could do to reach its goals for economic growth and the second was to see which areas the World Bank could consolidate cooperation with Turkey in.

During the four-day visit, Zoellick is accompanied by World Bank Vice President Philippe Le Houerou and World Bank Executive Director for Turkey Konstantin Huber to hold meetings with Government officials, representatives of the Turkish private sector and nongovernmental organizations.

Asked about the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently projecting only 2.5% growth in the Turkish economy in 2012, the World Bank Director said that such estimates were not realistic for Turkey. "I guess they have miscalculated something here," he opined.

Commenting on the same issue, Babacan said the projection was prepared by the IMF delegation alone, adding that an assessment to be jointly made by Turkish officials and officials from the Fund would be more credible. The IMF expects a growth rate of 8.7% for Turkey in 2011. Different international sources earlier put Turkey's average growth rate for the following five years at around 5% to 7%.

Making mention of developments in global markets, Babacan said that the Turkish Government hoped European leaders would make "sound" decisions to solve the debt crisis in the Eurozone and a current impasse regarding debt limit would be resolved in the United States. "If they are not resolved, we should be prepared for negative scenarios," he noted.

Recalling that the IFC opened its first overseas branch in Istanbul, Babacan said the Government placed importance on cooperation between the Turkish private sector and the World Bank. "Nearly 160 people are working in the IFC office in Istanbul. The IFC has been conducting activities to finance the private sector from Istanbul, not only in Turkey but also in the entire region. Zoellick will also visit this office," Babacan said. "There are 21 projects to be conducted by Turkey and the World Bank. We are also working on a new cooperation strategy covering the 2012-2015 period," Babacan said.

"We need significant reforms in several areas, including education, jurisdiction and economy, to reach Turkey's 2023 goals. We aim to be one of the 10 largest economies of the world. We attach great importance to the assistance to be provided by the World Bank," he said.

[17] Erdogan and Davutoglu to meet the Palestinian President in Turkey

"The Palestinian Ambassadors Conference will take place in Istanbul on July 23-24 with the participation of Palestine's foreign mission chiefs and high-level executives of the Palestinian Foreign Ministry," the statement said. The statement said Erdogan and Abbas would open the conference, and Erdogan and Davutoglu were set to hold separate meetings with Abbas on the margin of the conference.

Turkish executives would discuss bilateral relations, situation in the Palestine, the Middle East peace process and on recent developments in the region during their meeting with Abbas, the statement also said.

[18] Turkish army to recruit more than 5.000 contracted soldiers

The applicants should be no older than 26 and need to have completed their military service in the last three years. They will serve as privates in the army and will be paid 1.634 Turkish Liras per month, according to a statement published on the official website of the Turkish Land Forces. The contracted soldiers will go through a 10-week special training and receive compensation when they leave the army.

The career military forces will mostly be used in the fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). They will also take charge of guarding the country's borders, particularly near northern Iraq. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Soldiers who are currently under arrest or suspension will meanwhile have their wages increased after a change to the Personnel Law in what is being seen as a Government goodwill gesture ahead of crucial military council meetings.

Hundreds of military officers currently arrested as part of the ongoing "Balyoz" (Sledgehammer) and Ergenekon coup-plot trials will benefit from the new bylaw, which will increase their wages from a half to two thirds of their full salary.

Relations between the Government and the military have been tense for some time, and next month's Supreme Military Council (YAS) set to take place under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the appointments of high-ranking military officials, is expected to result in several disagreements and crises.

Problems have emerged because 14 of the 43 Generals arrested as part of the Sledgehammer case were up for promotion. According to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), Personnel Law, military figures who are arrested cannot be promoted even if they are released pending trial.

Last year's YAS also produced tension between the Government and the military over appointing officials on the trials in the Sledgehammer and Ergenekon cases. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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