Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-09-13

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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] Eroglu wants all settlers to become citizens of a federal Cyprus; He will hold contacts in New York this month

[02] Cakici goes to London

[03] Breakaway regime continues promotional campaign in Turkey

[04] Efforts of transferring illegal Lefkoniko airport to Onur Air's owner

[05] EL-SEN's possible strike to affect the sale of electricity to the government-controlled area of Cyprus

[06] Founding stone for first Shopping Mall in the occupied area

[07] Erdogan's visit to Egypt

[08] A meeting, which was perceived as a signal for a cross border operation, took place in Ankara

[09] "Dogfight Era in Mediterranean"

[10] Columnist comments on Davutoglu's policy "zero problems with neighbours"

[11] "Turkey eyes intel cooperation with Iran, Iraq"

[12] Cicek warns BDP may be left out in charter works

[13] Turkey's economy in the 1st half of 2011

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

The attacks of PKK members during two wedding ceremonies in the southeastern province Semdinli, the visit of the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan to Egypt, a security meeting in which the main chiefs of the Turkish armed Forces participated, the Turkish economy's growth rate and other internal issues are some of the main stories covered by today's Turkish dailies.

[01] Eroglu wants all settlers to become citizens of a federal Cyprus; He will hold contacts in New York this month

In statements yesterday at his office after his meeting with President Christofias within the framework of the Cyprus talks, Eroglu argued that their proposal is based on the view that no discrimination should be made among the "citizens".

Eroglu announced also that he will visit New York to hold contacts on the Cyprus problem during the session of General Assembly of the United Nations, which will start on 19 September.

Eroglu said that during their six-hour meeting with President Christofias yesterday they discussed the issue of the citizenship, immigration and aliens under the chapter of Governance and Power Sharing.

Noting that the wish and the proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side is for all the "citizens" of the "TRNC", as he described the illegal Turkish settlers, to become citizens of the common state, Eroglu said that they discussed this issue yesterday from 10.00 until 16.00 hours.

Eroglu noted that their meeting tomorrow Wednesday will start at 15.30 because President Christofias will have to attend a meeting of the Council of Ministers and added that the special representatives of the leaders will meet in the morning to continue the discussion of the chapter which was discussed yesterday.

Referring to the explorations for oil and natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea, Eroglu noted that the Greek Cypriot side did not give a positive answer to the proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side for postponing this exploration so that the negotiations and the efforts for finding a solution until October are not interrupted. Eroglu said that the Turkish side is serious in this proposal and if the Greek Cypriot side does not give a positive response, his special representative Kudret Ozersay will visit Ankara on Thursday accompanied by a delegation to make the necessary evaluations, discuss the situation and produce solutions jointly with Turkey. Eroglu noted that Ozersay will return to the island on the same day in order to participate in the meeting within the framework of the Cyprus talks on Friday.

Asked to comment on an instruction allegedly given by President Christofias' to the National Guard to be on alert, Eroglu argued that "this behaviour was not pleasant". Eroglu reiterated that he wishes for the Greek Cypriot side to accept the Turkish proposal and postpone the explorations for oil and natural gas.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (13.09.11) refers to Eroglu's proposal regarding the illegal Turkish settlers under the banner front-page title "Citizenship bomb". The paper reports, inter alia, the following: "The new proposal of Eroglu on the issue of the citizenship eliminates the limit of 'fifty thousand citizens' which as it is known was accepted by the Greek Cypriot side until today. According to the new proposal, the Greek Cypriots have to accept 'unlimited citizenship]'".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Cakici goes to London

[03] Breakaway regime continues promotional campaign in Turkey

The paper also reports that the breakaway regime's "ministry" of tourism will continue the "TRNC Promotional Days" in Turkey, with next stop the city of Gaziantep, 13-15 September 2011. For this reason the so-called minister of tourism Unal Ustel will travel to Gaziantep in order to participate in the activities.

Moreover, the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk will also travel to Gaziantep for the promotional activities and then he will continue for Istanbul. Kucuk is escorted by his wife Gulin Kucuk and his press and public relations director Leman Aslim. He is expected to return tomorrow.

[04] Efforts of transferring illegal Lefkoniko airport to Onur Air's owner

Havadis recalls that Nadir has signed a contract according to which he should have made an investment of 28 million Euros in illegal Lefkoniko airport for cargo transportation until last February. According to the paper, Nadir made no investment within the agreed period. In addition, he managed to get a six-month extension which expired and Nadir has not yet made any investment.

A high ranking "official' told Havadis that what Nadir wants to do is "totally illegal", that the deadline given to him expired and that new tenders should be invited.

(I/Ts.)

[05] EL-SEN's possible strike to affect the sale of electricity to the government-controlled area of Cyprus

Huseyin Sonmezoglu, general secretary of EL-SEN, told Kibris that people might remain in darkness because of their protests, but "we have to accept being in darkness for a short period of time in order for our future to be bright".

Sonmezoglu said that 604 employees working in the "electricity authority" (KIB-TEK) will participate in the strike and added that the government-controlled area of Cyprus, which is currently buying electricity from the occupied area of the island, will also be affected from the strike.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Founding stone for first Shopping Mall in the occupied area

The shopping centre will consist of 4 stories, with a 6,500 sq. metre shopping area, a 1,400 sq. metre supermarket, 950 sq. metre DIY and construction material market, 350 sq. metre play area for children, and 600 sq. metre entertainment area. It will also have 2 restaurants, 8 fast food restaurants, 1 cafe and a cinema with 3 screens.

[07] Erdogan's visit to Egypt

According to the Turkish newspapers, Egyptian officials said that for the first time in Egyptian history, a foreign leader was welcomed with such an excitement and love. Meanwhile, Erdogan said that he would not visit Gaza this time, expressing his wish to go there as soon as possible.

Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 12.09.11), under the title "Erdogan receives hero's welcome in Cairo by thousands", reports that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was greeted by tens of thousands of Egyptians who flocked into Cairo airport to welcome the Turkish prime minister while Cairo's streets were decorated with posters of Erdogan. The paper writes, inter alia, the following:

"At least 20,000 Egyptians holding posters of Erdogan and chanting slogans welcomed Erdogan in Cairo airport late on Monday, according to the account of Today's Zaman reporter in Cairo. 'And thousands are on their way to the airport,' the correspondent reported.

In Istanbul, Erdogan said Turkey is ready to lend any kind of support to Egypt to pass this critical, difficult period ahead of his first visit to post-revolution Egypt as part of his tour to the so-called Arab Spring countries.

Erdogan made the comments before departing for a visit to Egypt later on Monday, where he will seek to boost his government's already high standing in the Arab world - a position he has achieved in part by challenging Israel on the world stage.

Erdogan, the most popular public figure across the Arab world, intent on broadening Turkey's influence in the Middle East and the Arab world, will also visit Tunisia and Libya, two other countries where popular uprisings have ousted autocratic leaders.

Erdogan's visit to Egypt coincides with increasingly troubled ties between Cairo and Israel following an attack on the Israeli embassy there. Israel fears that it is being left increasingly isolated by the Arab Spring, which is changing the power dynamics in the region, alongside tense relations former ally Turkey.

A statement earlier in the day from Erdogan's office said Turkey would emphasize its support to Egypt, Tunisia and Libya in their transition to democracy.

Despite a pre-scheduled speech in Cairo's historic Tahrir square, which had been a flashpoint for Egyptian revolution earlier this year, Erdogan said his speech was cancelled in Tahrir square to avoid provocation and putting what he said "Egypt's future in danger,' without further elaborating. He said he believes his keynote speech at the Arab League summit on Tuesday will be listened by 'Egyptian brothers' and the entire world.

In Egypt, Erdogan will oversee the signing of an agreement to establish a joint council to lead efforts toward a closer 'strategic partnership,' as well as deals to encourage cooperation, investments and trade, a statement from the Turkish prime minister's office said.

Erdogan had hoped to be able to cross into Gaza from Egypt, but government officials said Sunday his scheduled would be limited to the three countries.

'Right now, there is no question of my visiting Gaza'Erdogan told a news conference in Istanbul before flying to Cairo on Monday night. 'But I would like to clearly say that I am longing to visit Gaza. I am longing to visit to Gaza as soon as possible.' He did not elaborate.

Asked about his earlier remarks on Al-Jazeera where he said Israeli flotilla raid is a cause of war, Erdogan said a state has no authority to intervene to an aid ship no matter where it goes, Gaza or Egypt."

[08] A meeting, which was perceived as a signal for a cross border operation, took place in Ankara

According to the paper, it was perceived that the meeting was a signal for a cross border operation.

The following chiefs of the Turkish Armed forces participated in the meeting which lasted around four hours: The chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Necdet Ozel, the chief if the Ground Forces, General Hairi Kivrikoglu and the General Commander of gendarme (military police) General Bekir Kalyoncu. In addition, the deputy Prime Minister, Besir Atay, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Idris Naim Sahin and the Minister of Defense, Ismet Tilmaz also participated in the meeting.

[09] "Dogfight era in Mediterranean"

"Three Turkish frigates are heading into the Mediterranean within the scope of the 'Freedom of Passage in the Eastern Mediterranean' that will be implemented against Israel.

Preparations have begun in the Southern Naval Area Command for the Turkish fleet to operate in the Mediterranean. Three Turkish frigates are planned to operate within the scope of the 'Freedom of Passage in the Eastern Mediterranean' enforcement that will be applied against Israel. The three frigates will also provide protection for civilian vessels that will take aid to Gaza. The freedom of passage of ships that will patrol in the Eastern Mediterranean will take place in a similar way as the policy implemented against Greece in the Aegean air space. If Israel interferes with any vessel outside the 12 miles where its territorial waters end, the Turkish fleet will become involved. The Turkish ships, in the event of confrontation with a vessel of the Israeli fleet in the area outside the 12-mile limit, which Turkey accepts as international waters, rather than moving away, will advance to 100 meters. It will lock the opposing ship's weapons systems. In this way, something similar to the 'dogfights' that take place with combat aircrafts in the Aegean air space will take place. Behind the 'dogfights' in the Aegean lie the two countries' different interpretations of the air space limits and the FIR [Flight Information Region] line. Greece claims that the islands, which have territorial waters of 6 miles, have air space of 10 miles. Turkey, however, claims that the territorial waters and air space should extend to the same distance, and that the area that Greece claims as being within its 'line of sovereignty' is in fact international air space.

Following Prime Minister Erdogan's statement that the Turkish fleet will likely accompany aid vessels that will go to Gaza, attention has been turned towards the inventory of the Naval Forces Command. The Naval Forces Command, which has 17 frigates of 4 different classes, also has 6 corvettes and 14 submarines. From the standpoint of naval platforms and personnel, Turkey has superiority over Israel. Israel has 13 torpedo ships, 3 submarines, 2 anti-submarine vessels, and 3 air support ships. But Israel's weapons systems have been equipped with the latest technology. The ships, equipped with guided missiles, can strike targets from a distance of 120 miles away."

[10] Columnist comments on Davutoglu's policy "zero problems with neighbours"

"Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's 'zero problems with neighbours' policy was based on a well-intentioned attempt at surrounding Turkey with an 'arc of friendship' by using Ankara's 'soft power', which was considered to be increasing in line with its growing political, strategic, and economic strength. Turkey would thus not only contribute to overall stability in a volatile region, but also help solve disputes between countries and/or groups as an impartial mediator.

The 2009 attempt at starting diplomatic relations with Armenia appeared to be a highlight of this policy, and was taken as a sure sign that Turkey was indeed determined to surround itself with 'an arc of friendship' regardless of how problematic ties with some neighbours may be.

The attempt with Armenia went awry of course, as we know now.

In the meantime there was much cosying up to Syria and Iran, especially since Davutoglu became foreign minister in 2009, which appeared to show that the 'zero problems' policy was providing visible results. But as has been said in this column in the past, that policy was very much predicated on the status quo in the Middle East continuing. The idea was that the region would 'evolve' with guidance from Turkey, toward democratic societies based on a liberal economic outlook.

Never was it considered that revolution would break out in the Middle East and North Africa, thus upsetting plans that looked great on paper. Meanwhile, ties with Israel hit a hard rock, upsetting what appeared, for all the difficulties in the past, to be a relationship based on a cold-blooded pragmatism that served mutual interests.

Ties with Syria and Iran, on the other hand, did not develop the way the Justice and Development Party (AKP) wanted, while the unsolved Cyprus problem has once again raised the spectre of a new confrontation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea due to Greek Cypriot plans to search for offshore gas by overlooking the rights of Turkish Cypriots.

The bottom line is that from aspiring to having zero problems with neighbours, Turkey has today surrounded itself with problems with all of its key neighbours, and other countries in the region. Ties with Israel are all but broken, dialogue with Syria is all but non-existent, and the extremely warm atmosphere between Tehran and Ankara of only a year ago has all but dissipated due to serious differences over Syria, as well as Turkey's decision to participate in NATO's missile defence shield.

In addition to this, ties between Ankara and Baghdad, as well as Ankara and Arbil, are again being overshadowed by Turkish military incursions into northern Iraq in pursuit of PKK terrorists, which appears set to continue for the foreseeable future. As for ties with Armenia, they are not going anywhere.

Turkey's angry ? some may say bellicose ? tone today, especially in its warnings to Israel and Greek Cypriots, also indicates a shift from 'soft power' to a traditional flexing of military muscles to protect the national interests. Turkey cannot be faulted, of course, for the unexpected developments in the region. No one, after all, foresaw the advent of the Arab Spring.

The problem however is that Ankara was so set on pursuing its one track line that it did not factor in the 'unexpected', which should be part and parcel of foreign policy administration, especially in terms of anything to do with the Middle East where the ground is always slippery. Put another way, the AKP was not fully in touch with regional realities, instead captivated by its own image.

Today, Mr. Davutoglu will have to develop a new approach to foreign policy given the set of new problems Turkey faces with its neighbours. Turkey may also need mediation in some of the disputes it has, which is a far cry from the heady days when Ankara was ready to mediate in every regional dispute.

One thing in all this is becoming increasingly clear. It is back to the drawing board for Foreign Minister Davutoglu."

[11] "Turkey eyes intel cooperation with Iran, Iraq"

Turkey has also demanded human and technical intelligence from Iran on the PKK's hideouts in the Kandil Mountains in light of Tehran's recent incursions into the region, diplomatic sources told the Hurriyet Daily News.

According to HDN, Turkey launched a fresh diplomatic campaign towards its southern neighbours following the rise in the militants' attacks since mid-July, which have killed dozens of security forces as well as civilians and pushed the government to adopt a new anti-terror strategy. The undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Feridun Sinirlioglu, paid a two-day trip to Iraq over the weekend while Turkish civilian and military officials gathered for a security summit Monday in Ankara. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu informed the summit on the results of Sinirlioglu's visit.

According to the diplomatic sources, the Turkish envoy's messages to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and the head of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government, Massoud Barzani, aimed to impress upon Iraqi Kurdish politicians Turkey's determination at ending the terror threat posed by the PKK. Sinirlioglu reportedly made it clear that Turkey would not tolerate the militants' seeking of shelter in northern Iraq from which they infiltrate Turkey to commit attacks.

He also said Turkey would not hesitate to use self-defence if there were no halt to the attacks by the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey and much of the international community.

One of Turkey's most important demands from Barzani, whose peshmerga force of nearly 100,000 fighters controls almost all of northern Iraq, is to cut the PKK's logistic channels.

Turkey also demanded the names of passengers flying to airports in Arbil and Sulaymaniyah from European cities in order to control the PKK's links in European countries from which the organization receives financial assistance.

Another issue the Turkish delegation raised during its meeting with Talabani was Ankara's request that the United States deploy a fleet of unmanned Predator aerial vehicles to the Incirlik base in Adana after U.S. troops pull out of Iraq by the end of this year so that they can be used in surveillance against the PKK. Using the Predators to monitor the Iraqi border would require a separate agreement between Baghdad and Washington, something Sinirlioglu also mentioned in his meetings with Iraqi officials, according to reports.

Speaking at a press conference Monday following a Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc confirmed Turkey's intention to acquire the systems and added that the Foreign Ministry's talks were continuing to this end.

In related news, officials from Barzani's office denied reports that Turkey requested the right to establish a military base in northern Iraq to better fight against the PKK.

[12] Cicek warns BDP may be left out in charter works

"There are still deputies and a political party group that have not yet taken their [parliamentary] oaths. [Commission] work for the constitution is a legislative activity, and participating in these activities requires the taking of the oath," Cicek told reporters Monday after separate meetings with Nazim Kaynak, head of the Supreme Court of Appeals, and Chief Prosecutor Hasan Erbil, to discuss the new drafting of the new charter.

Cicek, however, left the door open to BDP deputies, saying he would send invitation letters to all political parties represented in Parliament to nominate two figures to a constitutional commission he will establish after the legislature reopens Oct. 1, meaning the pro-Kurdish party could still end its boycott and take the oaths when the new term begins next month.

"We are making our internal evaluations by taking all of this into consideration. But this process will speed up after Oct. 1," he said.

Cicek hinted that if the BDP does not end its boycott, its members would not be permitted to participate in subsequent legislative activities on the new charter.

[13] Turkey's economy in the 1st half of 2011

The country's GDP growth performed above the market consensus of 6.8%, reaching a level of 318.4 billion Turkish Liras in the first quarter, with seasonally adjusted GDP increasing by 1.3% compared to the first quarter of 2011, data showed.

Turkey was the world's second fastest growing country in the second half, following China and the 9.5% growth of its gross domestic product, according to an Anatolia news agency report on Monday. On the other hand, Turkey was Europe's fastest growing economy for the same period.

TurkStat data showed Turkey's economy has grown by 10.2% in the first half of 2011. "The figures calm fears of a recession, however, they do not fully remove fears of overheating [for the Turkish economy]," Elisabeth Andrew of Nordea said in a note sent to investors on Monday.

"Turkey's economic growth is not inestimable, uncontrolled. The main source of growth is the private sector. We tell people to spend as much as they earn," Industry Minister Nihat Ergun said in a Monday interview on NTVMSNBC television channel, commenting on the growth figures. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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