Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-07-26

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Intensified Cyprus talks started yesterday

[02] Eroglu sends a message of condolences to the King of Norway

[03] Yorgancioglu: Kucuk stood by Erdogan's side as a guest not as a host

[04] Cakici will complain to international institutions for the violence used by the "police" during Erdogan's illegal visit to Cyprus

[05] The first demonstration by the "Communal Existence and Solidarity Movement" was held yesterday

[06] Ustel participates in tourism promotional activities in Izmir

[07] Lefka football club and the Turkish Cypriot so-called football federation reached an understanding

[08] Impressions by Turkish columnists from Erdogan's visit to the occupied area

[09] Columnist on Erdogan's new Cyprus policy

[10] Turkey and Jordan sign MoU in housing sector

[11] Arab and Islamic countries to gather in a fair and conference in Turkey

[12] Turkey to export mine resistant ambush protected vehicle to Iraq and Afghanistan

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Moreover, the sentence of Ogun Samast to 22 years and 10 months in prison for the murder of Hrant Dink, the decision of the Turkish Central Bank to stop its daily foreign exchange buying auctions after U.S. dollar and euro's price hit record highs against the Turkish lira, an earthquake in Marmara Sea yesterday which was felt in Istanbul and northwestern provinces of Edirne and Kirklareli, Turkish Football Federation's announcement that the beginning of the Super League and First League for 2011-2012 season was postponed for September 9 and September 10 respectively due to the match-fixing investigation, and other internal matters are the main subjects in today's Turkish press.

[01] Intensified Cyprus talks started yesterday

In statements at his office after the meeting, Dervis Eroglu said that yesterday they discussed issues related to the chapter of Governance and Power Sharing and covered a lot of distance but they could not completely conclude these issues.

"We mutually submitted our proposals and discussed on these proposals. We were not able to completely conclude the issue", he noted.

Eroglu said that the representatives of the leaders will meet on Thursday, the leaders will come together on Friday and in case reconciliation is reached they decided to continue discussing the other issues of the same chapter. Eroglu added that yesterday they discussed the issues of "Public Service Committee", "Public Administration", "Foreign Relations", "Agreements with Foreign Countries" and similar issues under the chapter of Governance and Power Sharing.

"I could say that we covered a lot of distance and many convergences were achieved but these issues have not been concluded", said Eroglu pointing out to the importance of the main issues under the chapter of Governance and Power Sharing.

Eroglu noted that they will continue to comply with the principle of "secrecy" after the request of the UN Secretary ? General in Geneva. He said they will continue to search for ways of reaching an agreement until October by carrying out the negotiations under the principle of secrecy.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu sends a message of condolences to the King of Norway

(I/Ts.)

[03] Yorgancioglu: Kucuk stood by Erdogan's side as a guest not as a host

In a written statement issued yesterday, Yorgancioglu assessed the incidents happened on 19-20 July during the illegal visit of the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the occupied area of Cyprus. He noted that while they were expecting Kucuk to say that the violence of the "police" against the "people" should be interrogated, Kucuk's statements approved this violence.

Yorgancioglu argued that Kucuk does not represent the will of the Turkish Cypriots. He said that the "people" lost their trust in the "police" because Kucuk have not launched an investigation for the use of disproportionate force against people who were shouting slogans during Erdogan's visit.

Yorgancioglu said: "When we look at all the actions, behavior and stance of Mr Kucuk, we see that he ignores the people for the sake of protecting his seat... For example Mr Erdogan, in his first statement when he came here, said 'we will not give Morfou, we will not give Varosha'. That is, he stole powers from our negotiator Mr Eroglu. There was no reaction from the government on this issue. Mr Kucuk stood by the side of Mr Erdogan during the rallies not as host, but as guest?"

(I/Ts.)

[04] Cakici will complain to international institutions for the violence used by the "police" during Erdogan's illegal visit to Cyprus

In statements yesterday in the occupied part of Lefkosia, Cakici assessed the violence used by the "police" and the developments regarding this issue.

Noting that they will file a complaint to international organizations by the end of the week, Cakici said that the "Security Forces Command" and the "Police Director's Office" are those responsible for the incidents. He described the attack of the "police" as "conscious and planned" and reiterated that the "police" used disproportionate force.

Cakici said that his party did not participate in the celebrations on the occasion of the Turkish invasion on 20 July in order to protest for this violence of the "police" against the Turkish Cypriot "people" and added that they informed Prime Minister Erdogan on this issue.

Cakici noted that during their meeting with Erdogan, the Turkish Prime Minister raised the issue of the population and the necessity of the Turkish Cypriots having four children each. Cakici said that they told Erdogan that the population in the occupied area of Cyprus is enough and that they face economic problems because of the increase of population. Therefore, he added, no increase of population is needed. Cakici said that the annual number of marriages is 3.000 and the population is enough together with those who are granted the "citizenship" of the regime. Cakici noted that unemployment among the young people reached 30%.

According to Cakici, Erdogan said that the trade unions have no right to go on strike anywhere they wish and that the trade unions which are not member of the International Labor Organization (ILO) should not be taken into consideration. Cakici noted that he responded to Erdogan that all their trade unions are member of ILO and that he should try to understand the trade unions which demand the existence of the Turkish Cypriot community, instead of reacting against them.

Cakici said that he told Erdogan that they are against the economic package which is implemented in the occupied area of Cyprus and this is the reason of their demonstrations, but the National Unity Party (UBP) so-called government directs all their reaction against the AK Party.

Cakici referred also to the proposals of the TDP regarding the Cyprus problem. He said that Turkey should fulfill its obligation of implementing the Customs Union Protocol it signed in 2005 and open its sea and airports to vessels and aircrafts under the flag of the Republic of Cyprus. He noted that the port of Famagusta should be opened to international trade under the supervision of the EU and that the scope of the Green Line Regulation should be broadened so that the Turkish Cypriots are included in the trade between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus. He said that illegal Tymvou airport should be opened to international flights under the supervision of the EU and the fenced-off town of Varosha should be returned to its legal Greek Cypriot owners under the temporary control of the UN. Cakici noted that Turkey, Greece, Britain and the two communities of Cyprus should establish a mechanism and mutually decrease their troops on the island. He also suggested cooperation of the "administrative units" of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots until the solution of the Cyprus problem. He said that a population census should jointly be held both in the occupied north and the south part of the island under the supervision of the UN and the EU, and the status of the people living on the island should be determined. Finally, he noted that the development of the commercial and social relations between the two communities of the island should be encouraged.

(I/Ts.)

[05] The first demonstration by the "Communal Existence and Solidarity Movement" was held yesterday

The protesters were shouting slogans such as "we do not want a police state", "end the oppressions", "down with fascism" and "government resign".

The leaders of CTP and TDP, Ozkan Yorgancioglu and Mehmet Cakici respectively and the head of DP's organization in Lefkosia Kemal Ozturk, because Serdar Denktas was visiting Ankara, held a meeting afterwards with the so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk. After the meeting they made statements to the press.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Ustel participates in tourism promotional activities in Izmir

While on his trip to Turkey, Ustel took part in a televised program on the Turkish State run television TRT. During the program he invited people living in Izmir to the promotional events. Folk dance performances will take place and people will be treated to Cypriot cuisine. Local handy works will also be on display during the two day event.

Referring to the promotional activities that have been planned by the "ministry", Ustel said on the 20th of August another promotional activity will be held in Ankara. He also said that they are planning similar events in all areas in Turkey that currently cater for flights between Turkey and illegal Tymbou airport.

"Currently there is a 19 thousand bed capacity in the TRNC" said Ustel, adding that his "ministry" aims to increase the number to 25 thousand by 2013 and to 40 thousand by 2016.

[07] Lefka football club and the Turkish Cypriot so-called football federation reached an understanding

(I/Ts.)

[08] Impressions by Turkish columnists from Erdogan's visit to the occupied area

Yalcin Bayer, writing in Turkish daily Hurriyet (26.07.11) under the title "Erdogan perplexed in Cyprus", reports that those who were at the illegal airport of Tymvou to receive Erdogan were those who voted "no" for Annan plan. Bayer explained that these people were mostly people that have migrated from Turkey to Cyprus, mostly people from Alexandretta, Black Sea and Adana. He also stressed that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, who was leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) at that time, also supported the "no" vote at the referendum, for the Annan Plan.

Kursat Basar, writing in Turkish daily Cumhuriyet (26.07.11), comments on the Cyprus talks and wonders why they should force the two communities in a "marriage", while they live now in peace as neighbours.

Melih Asik, writing in Turkish daily Milliyet (26.07.11) under the title "ODTU is in Cyprus?", reports that he was surprised that there was also a "Middle East Technical University" in the occupied town of Morphou. He thought that there was only one in Ankara, however, he added that he was sorry to see that there were no students, so some should think measures in order to raise the education quality of the "university".

[09] Columnist on Erdogan's new Cyprus policy

"A clear and explicit official reaction has not come from Europe, if we do not count Greece, to the harsh language that Prime Minister [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan directed at the EU in the Cyprus context. This does not mean, however, that Erdogan's words in the sense of 'the EU is going to be held to account on Cyprus' or 'there is no such place as the Republic of Cyprus' are not being taken seriously.

Indeed, the EU diplomats with whom I have spoken did not mince their words. Claiming that the EU is not going to suffer any punishment on account of Cyprus, they said: 'There is indeed such a place as the Republic of Cyprus. It is in fact the KKTC ('Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus') that does not exist. Everyone who knows where the embassies in Cyprus are located is aware of this'.

And indeed, the entire world, including even the 'brotherly and/or co-religionist' countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Palestine, Pakistan, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Yemen, recognizes the 'Republic of Cyprus', and not the KKTC.

Subtitle: Response clear

The response of the EU diplomats to Erdogan's warning that relations with the EU will be frozen during the term presidency of the Greek Cypriot administration [Tr. Note: the Government of Cyprus] was also clear. They stressed that whether or not the Cyprus issue should be resolved by that time, it is not possible for the term presidency of the 'Republic of Cyprus' to be prevented with 'ultimatums' of this sort.

Adding as well that for Turkey to freeze its relations with the EU would in fact amount to 'shooting itself in the foot', they warned that resuscitating the frozen relations again might not be as easy as is believed in Ankara.

Pointing out in addition that the UN Secretary-General has launched a new negotiations process for Cyprus, there also were those who assessed Erdogan's words as 'domestically directed populism'. These spoke in terms of 'terrorism has increased, even ministers are warning of economic crisis, and for this reason, Erdogan may be trying to turn attention elsewhere'.

Subtitle: Reasons are many

Meanwhile, it is also a fact that the numbers of those in Turkey who react by saying 'this has gone on long enough; just cut the ties with the EU' has increased. But it is easy to say this. No matter how difficult it has become, however, there are a good many reasons, from Turkey's standpoint, that make it essential to keep the EU prospect alive.

As Minister of the Economy Zafer Caglayan made clear this week, the economic dimensions of our relationship with the EU are not such as to be lightly disregarded.

Prime Minister Erdogan is also no doubt aware of these things. But during a period in which warnings are coming from even his own ministers that 'economic crisis is approaching', one cannot easily understand the 'strategic logic' of rhetoric that would create difficulties in our relations with the EU, which plays a significant role in the maintenance of our economic well-being.

But as I said, the EU is maintaining its silence, at least for the time being, in the face of Erdogan's tough talk. To the extent that I understand from the diplomats, this is a calculated silence. There is a desire not, by reacting, to play into the hands of the extreme-rightists in Europe that would exploit Erdogan's words.

Moreover, the points that Erdogan put forth as the parameters of a final solution on Cyprus are essentially things that are already known. The EU is also taking this into account. But it is also not thought that the Greek Cypriot sector is suddenly going to want a solution because of Erdogan's harsh rhetoric.

On the contrary, it is thought that the Greek Cypriot side, the prestige of which was damaged in the Annan Plan process, will work to use Erdogan's scolding as an opportunity to return the accusation of 'unwillingness to compromise' back to the Turkish side. We are already seeing indications of this.

There is also another point that should be underscored. If despite his warnings, the things Erdogan wants do not eventuate, and if the ties on Cyprus and in the EU should really break off, then what sort of future is the AKP [Justice and Development Party] promising the Turks of Cyprus? This is being openly wondered about, because Erdogan did not say anything clear on this point.

Subtitle: Will it become the 82nd province?

In this case, how will the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots be removed? How will the 'brotherly and/or co-religionist' countries be lined up to recognize the KKTC? And if they do not recognize it, will the KKTC become our 82nd province? If it does, will the world accept this? And even more importantly, will the Cypriot Turks accede to this?

Despite these questions, I want to hope that this new and harsh approach of Erdogan in fact rests on a consistent, calculated, and efficacious diplomatic strategy. We will see by the results whether or not this is the case."

[10] Turkey and Jordan sign MoU in housing sector

Delivering a speech at the signing ceremony, Bayraktar said that Turkey, which achieved great successes in the housing sector, had a special position among regional countries. He said that Turkey kept sharing its experiences with other countries by signing cooperation agreements. "We aim to put into practice our experiences in the housing sector in Jordan as well. Turkey is a model country in this field," he said.

In accordance with the MoU, Turkey and Jordan will cooperate in the areas of urban planning, real estate financing and real estate development.

[11] Arab and Islamic countries to gather in a fair and conference in Turkey

Bander bin Fahd Al-Fehaid, the head of Arab Tourism Organization, said he had signed a protocol to organize a fair and conference in Bursa in 2012 in order to bring together Arab and Islam countries. "We have agreed on cooperating with Bursa during Governor Sehabettin Harput's visit to Saudi Arabia," Al-Fehaid told reporters at Yenisehir Airport.

Al-Fehaid is visiting Bursa to boost tourism cooperation between Arab countries and Turkey. "I have met Lebanese tourism minister before I flew to Bursa, and I have learned that 200,000 tourists came from Lebanon to Turkey this year," Al-Fehaid said. Al-Fehaid said the number of tourists from Turkey to Lebanon was only 20,000 and the Arab Tourism Organization wanted to balance this number.

[12] Turkey to export mine resistant ambush protected vehicle to Iraq and Afghanistan

"Kirpi" has a 350 PS engine and 4x4 wheel configuration. "Kirpi" comes as fully automatic or with manual transmission. It can carry up to 15 full-armed personnel. "Kirpi" has mine and ballistic treats resistance with a central tyre inflation system. It also has automatic fire suppression system. "Kirpi" is equipped with an air-conditioning system that can be used both in summers and winters.

BMC has so far supplied 150 "Kirpi" vehicles to the TSK. The company will soon provide an additional 350 "Kirpi" vehicles to the TSK.

Based in Izmir, Turkey, BMC is one of the Turkey's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers active in all commercial vehicle segments. Having been the leader in city bus market in domestic market, BMC is also the second in the truck export as of 2009 first half figures. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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