Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-09-21

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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 met with OIC's Secretary General; Ihsanoglu to visit the occupied area of Cyprus in November

[02] Erdogan and Obama have reportedly discussed the "crisis" in Cyprus

[03] Kucuk on the Republic of Cyprus' oil drilling activities; Turkish Cypriots formed a 'Watch Committee' over the Republic of Cyprus' drilling actions

[04] More statements by Ozgurgun and Atun on oil drilling activities

[05] Arinc: "No bluff, drilling ship on its way to Turkey"

[06] Turkish Cypriot press refers to "huge reserves" of natural gas and oil in the Mediterranean; Turkey to launch explorations in Antalya's open sea

[07] Ozgurgun says that the occupation regime to keep its "representative office" in Israel despite Turkish row with the country

[08] "Karpasia and Varosha are key points"

[09] Eight Turkish frigates in Mediterranean

[10] "Representation office" of the breakaway regime is opened in Stockholm

[11] Talat commented on the latest developments in Cyprus

[12] Serdar Denktas blames Talat for not taking up initiatives for oil exploration

[13] Cakici met with British deputies

[14] "Fuel depot will 'bring environmental destruction to Karpaz"

[15] The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce asked from Besir Atalay to facilitate Turkish citizens to buy a second residence in the occupied area of Cyprus

[16] Yusuf Kanli: "The enemy of my enemy?"

[17] Gul continues his contacts in Germany; He met with Angela Merkel

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Main subjects in today's Turkish press are the bomb attack in Ankara's Kizilay district, the meeting between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Barack Obama and the international credit rating agency Standard & Poor's raising Turkey's local-currency sovereign ratings to "BBB-/A-3" from "BB+/B." Also covered are a statement of President Abdullah Gul who gave information about the suspicious helicopter crash which killed the Grand Unity Party (BBP) leader in 2009, news reports on the continuation of Cyprus' exploratory drilling and other internal issues.

[01] Eroglu met with OIC's Secretary General; Ihsanoglu to visit the occupied area of Cyprus in November

The decision to be taken on Cyprus at the OIC Foreign Ministers Coordination Meeting in New York was discussed at the meeting.

Speaking to the "BRT's correspondent" before the meeting, Ihsanoglu gave messages of support to the "TRNC". "We want to increase our support to the TRNC and expand our relationship on a wide range of areas" he said, adding that he will be holding an official visit to the "TRNC" in November.

For his part, Eroglu said that the OIC's interest and support towards the "TRNC" was growing every passing year.

He said that they were very pleased with final communiqu?s issued at the OIC Meetings and the inclusion of decisions concerning the "TRNC" in those communiqu?s.

Eroglu will be meeting with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as well as other foreign ministers as part of his contacts in New York.

Meanwhile the Turkish Cypriot leader's special envoy Kudret Ozersay who is also accompanying Eroglu in New York, met with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe.

The two exchanged views on the latest stage reached in the ongoing negotiations process, the upcoming tripartite meeting in New York later next month as well as the crisis over the hydrocarbon exploration off the coast of Cyprus.

[02] Erdogan and Obama have reportedly discussed the "crisis" in Cyprus

According to the paper, the so-called "terror incidents" in Turkey, the Cyprus problem and the issue of Palestine were mainly discussed during the meeting. Kibris cites information according to which during the meeting emphasis was put on the drilling of the Republic of Cyprus for oil and natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The paper writes that Obama expressed the US full support to Erdogan on the "struggle against terrorism" and that the steps to be taken [by Turkey] will show what kind of advices the US leader gave to the Turkish Premier.

Kibris reports also that the agreement between Turkey and the breakaway regime regarding their "continental shelf" may be signed today during the meeting between Erdogan and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu in New York.

According to the paper, President Obama expressed his condolences for the attack organized yesterday in Ankara resulting to the death of three persons. He also described Turkey and the USA as "very strong allies" and thanked Turkey for its cooperation in Afghanistan. He further noted that they cooperate on the issue of placing a missile defense system in Turkey.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.09.11) reports that Prime Minister Erdogan has said that the "Greek Cypriot administration's" oil and gas drilling activity in the Mediterranean was nothing but sabotaging the negotiation process between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with US President Barack Obama in New York, Erdogan said also the following: "The Greek Cypriot administration and Israel are doing a mad thing in Mediterranean. Actually, the Greek Cypriot administration's drilling activity is nothing but sabotaging the negotiation process between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. We are going to have a high-level strategic cooperation meeting with Greece soon. It is a step taken to sabotage the meeting. Turkish Cypriots also have rights in the Mediterranean. As a guarantor country, we will support them in their efforts to protect their rights. We can sign an agreement with the TRNC and begin gas and oil exploration activities. Our assault boats and frigates are already in the region".

Erdogan also said: "I reiterated Turkey's determination to maintain its stance about Israel. Our relations will not go back to normal, unless Israel apologizes, pays compensation to relatives of the victims and lifts embargoes on Gaza."

"The United Nations recognized a Palestinian state in 1947. But, any step has not been taken since then. Now, this mistake should be corrected. We are going to support the Palestinian state. I hope that the United States will extend the necessary support to this end," Prime Minister Erdogan added.

[03] Kucuk on the Republic of Cyprus' oil drilling activities; Turkish Cypriots formed a 'Watch Committee' over the Republic of Cyprus' drilling actions

In a written statement, Kucuk said that the "Greek Cypriot administration's" drilling for oil and gas also sabotaged the pursuit of solution under the principles of the United Nations. "While TRNC continued its pursuit of a fair and lasting solution based on equal rights of the two peoples in the island, Greek Cypriots made initiatives against the solution process", he alleged.

Meanwhile, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.09.11), the so-called prime ministry of the "TRNC" has established a "Watch Committee" after the "Greek Cypriot administration" began exploration for oil and natural gas in Eastern Mediterranean.

In a written statement issued Tuesday, the "TRNC prime ministry" said that a meeting took place at the "prime ministry" after "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk made a call on "foreign minister" Huseyin Ozgurgun, "finance minister" Ersin Tatar and "economy and energy minister" Sunat Atun.

During that meeting, they discussed drilling activities of the Greek Cypriots and underlined that the Greek Cypriots' efforts would negatively reflect on the comprehensive negotiations process. The "ministers" attending the meeting also underlined that the Turkish Cypriots aimed at protecting their equal rights along with motherland Turkey. At the end of the meeting, a decision was taken to form a "Watch Committee" composed of the "Undersecretary of Turkish Cypriot prime ministry" Omer Koseoglu, "Undersecretary of Turkish Cypriot foreign ministry" Aytug Plumer and "Undersecretary of Turkish Cypriot ministry of economy and energy" Cansev Metbulut. The "Watch Committee" will follow the developments regarding the Greek Cypriots' exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean and continuously inform the "prime minister" and other members of the "Turkish Cypriot government" on a daily basis.

[04] More statements by Ozgurgun and Atun on oil drilling activities

Ozgurgun pointed out also that despite all warnings, the Greek Cypriot side has gone ahead with exploratory drilling off the coast of Cyprus for hydrocarbons as part of its attempts to usurp the natural resources of the island.

Noting that the Greek Cypriot side launched oil and gas exploration as of yesterday, the "foreign minister" said: "the Turkish Cypriot side will take the necessary steps soon as agreed earlier with motherland Turkey to protect its rights on the natural resources of the island."

He also alleged that the Greek Cypriot side was trying to distract attention away from its unilateral and illegal oil and gas exploration activities by blaming and attacking Turkey.

Expressing the need to once again remind the real essence of the issue in face of the Greek Cypriot side's baseless claims, he stated that "both Turkey and the TRNC, on numerous occasions had stressed that any natural resources to be found on and around the island belonged to Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots ? the two equal peoples of the island".

He said that both motherland Turkey and the "TRNC" shared the view that any steps to be taken on exploiting the natural resources of the island should be taken once an agreement is reached and any unilateral steps taken on the issue would not only be illegal but would also have adverse effect on the negotiations process.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.09.11) reported from the occupied part of Lefkosia that the "economy and energy minister" Sunat Atun said that the Greek Cypriot administration took every risk now by beginning oil and natural gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean despite all warnings.

Speaking to illegal Bayrak TV channel on Tuesday, Atun said that in a way, the Greek Cypriot administration sacrificed the Cyprus negotiations. "We will not wait for what is going to happen in the end, and we will protect our rights within the scope of laws", he added.

Atun noted that the "Greek Cypriot administration" had some intentions, adding that they were after having some political advantages instead of obtaining natural resources.

"The Greek Cypriot administration will make regional countries a partner in the oil and natural gas potential of the region, and gain a commercial interest, and make the regional countries a party on its side in the Cyprus issue", Atun alleged.

Noting that these actions were a very serious threat against the stability both in the region and the Middle East, Atun further said that the actions of the Greek Cypriots would overshadow the ongoing Cyprus talks, and said: "it is obvious that the Greek Cypriot administration has taken this risk".

Saying that the sovereignty topic was one of the basic issues in the Cyprus negotiations, and that it had not been concluded yet, Atun then added that carrying this issue to a status in seas has brought a very different dimension to the current situation. "The steps that the Greek Cypriot administration take, can be considered as initiatives to set a status in seas", he noted. "We will, of course, take our steps, set our economic zone, and defend our status till the end", he said.

[05] Arinc: "No bluff, drilling ship on its way to Turkey"

"The ship is on its way. It has set sail from Norway," an Energy Ministry official told the H?rriyet Daily News on Tuesday, a day after Greek Cyprus said it had begun drilling despite Turkish warnings in an escalating row over ownership of natural resources in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey's warnings that its warships and air force would escort the exploration vessels "are no bluff," Ar1
nc said, adding that "Turkey has rights and capabilities under international law. The whole world should know that we will in no way hesitate to use them."

Energy Minister Taner Y1
ld1
z meanwhile said Tuesday that "Turkey has now moved into action." He added that a "continental shelf delimitation accord", to be signed soon with "northern Cyprus", would determine the maritime "boundaries" in which the Turkish Petroleum Corporation, or TPAO, would conduct its own research, in cooperation with a Norwegian company. In a show of force, Turkish navy and air forces would also escort TPAO's exploration vessels.

[06] Turkish Cypriot press refers to "huge reserves" of natural gas and oil in the Mediterranean; Turkey to launch explorations in Antalya's open sea

The paper cites information published in Turkish Milliyet newspaper, according to which Turkey possesses data regarding the reserves of natural gas and oil in Eastern Mediterranean. It is alleged that the quantities of these reserves are the following: 3.45 million cubic meters of natural gas and 1.7 billion barrels of oil exist in the area between Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Ten trillion cubic meters of natural gas and eight billion barrels of oil exist in the area between Cyprus, Israel and Egypt. Three trillion cubic meters of natural gas and 60 billion barrels of oil is the total amount of hydrocarbon reserves in the area. It is estimated these reserves have a worth of around three trillion US dollars and are enough to meet Turkey's needs for natural gas for the next 572 years.

Meanwhile, under the title: "It is not a bluff, they say", Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (21.09.11) refers to statements made by Turkish officials on the start of the drilling for oil and natural gas by the Republic of Cyprus. "While the Greek Cypriot side carries out drilling, Turkey continues to rant and rave", notes the paper pointing out that after the statements by the Turkish Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc also said that they would start explorations in the Mediterranean next week and noted that these efforts will be supported by the Turkish naval and air forces. "This is not a bluff", argued Arinc.

Moreover, Afrika refers also to statements made by the Turkish Minister of Energy Taner Yildiz who was asked to define which exactly the area where Turkey will explore for oil is. He said that this area is "the open sea of Antalya". Yildiz described the initiatives of the Republic of Cyprus on the issue as "political manipulation".

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (21.09.11) cites "reliable" sources which deny the information that Israel is militarily present in the area where the drilling started by the American Noble company. The sources told Havadis that it has not yet been clarified which strategy Israel will follow in the area and what role it will undertake in the developments. The same sources said that Israel does not want to create a new crisis in addition to the problems in its relations with Turkey. The sources pointed out that Israel started giving signals for new cooperation with Turkey in case the crisis between the two countries is overcome. The sources said the Israelis believe that "a process without problems will be experienced" if they cooperate with Turkey in the area. They also argued that Israel "is in the tendency of not being involved" in the tension between Cyprus and Turkey.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Ozgurgun says that the occupation regime to keep its "representative office" in Israel despite Turkish row with the country

Speaking to Today's Zaman on Tuesday, "foreign minister" Huseyin Ozgurgun stated that the "TRNC" maintains good relations with Tel Aviv, despite the problems Turkey has been experiencing with Israel.

The "TRNC" whose sovereignty is recognized only by Turkey, has as many as 20 "representative offices" all over the world.

Ozgurgun also highlighted that they carry out the important mission of promoting the "country" worldwide, while contributing to the economy of the island. The "TRNC office" in Israel was established three years ago at the request of Tel Aviv through Ankara.

[08] "Karpasia and Varosha are key points"

Moreover, it reports they are expecting Erdogan's instructions whether or not to push on with signing the "agreement" and explorations and also that the UK tried to intervene in the crisis. Reportedly, the British Ambassador in Ankara hold contacts with the Turkish Foreign Ministry. The answer he received was "if Greek Cypriot move a step forward, we will too, you assure them and the EU," thus making London to hold contacts with Poland, which holds the EU's term presidency, Cyprus and Israel.

[09] Eight Turkish frigates in Mediterranean

According to the web site, at least 8 out of the 18 frigates belonging to the Turkish Naval Forces Commandership could be getting into action in the Mediterranean following the latest developments in the region. Citing information, NTVMSNBS also reports that the attention of the Turkish Naval Forces is focused at the Mediterranean due to the latest developments.

Three Turkish frigates and one submarine are participating in an operation in the Mediterranean which is coordinated by NATO, reports NTVMSNBS which goes on and cites information by Turkish daily Milliyet that following the crisis occurred with Israel, three Turkish frigates are touring around in the area and will face Israel. In addition, following the launch of drilling by the Republic of Cyprus, a Turkish seismic ship will start searching for oil in the area and it will be escorted by at least two Turkish frigates.

[10] "Representation office" of the breakaway regime is opened in Stockholm

In statements to illegal TAK news agency, the self-styled foreign minister Huseyin Ozgurgun argued the following on the issue: "We wish for the stance exhibited by Sweden to become example for all the world and primarily to the other EU member states in the direction of defending the just rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people and explaining our just cause".

Ozgurgun said that their target is to open new "representation offices" and at the same time organize in a more powerful and influential manner the work of the existing "representations" in order to obtain a powerful "foreign ministry structure".

Ozgurgun noted that the "representation office" in Stockholm was opened as a result of their coordinated efforts with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the initiatives of the Turkish Ambassador to Stockholm, Zergun Koruturk at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said that after their "representative" Damla Guclu, obtained the necessary permits by the Swedish Foreign Ministry, the "office" was opened during the past few weeks in an area where foreign missions are located. He noted that they did not organize an opening ceremony due to the economic measures they take.

Ozgurgun said that this "representation office" will have the status of their "offices" in London, Brussels, New York and Washington. The number of the "representation offices" of the breakaway regime abroad has reached twenty. Ozgurgun argued that their "representations" in Israel, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan as well as in the Gulf countries operate under "difficult conditions".

(I/Ts.)

[11] Talat commented on the latest developments in Cyprus

Evaluating the latest developments in Cyprus, Talat said: "The Greek Cypriots are mistaken if they think that their brothers will fight for them". He also found Greek Cypriots' behaviour as foolish, wondering how clever it is to defy Turkey. He also called on the Greek Cypriots for a common sense.

Talat went on saying that the tension, which has been created due to the efforts for oil exploration, may open the road for a war.

Referring to the ongoing Cyprus talks, Talat said that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has not withdrawn from the negotiation table due to Turkey's influence, otherwise he would have withdrawn a long time ago. Talat added that if there was not Turkey, maybe he would have not sat at the negotiation table. He also said that the main reason that Eroglu is still on the negotiation table is because of the persistence and ideas of Turkey. Talat also said that Turkey still conducts a policy for solution, because solution is something that Turkey needs.

[12] Serdar Denktas blames Talat for not taking up initiatives for oil exploration

[13] Cakici met with British deputies

During his visit to the UK, Cakici had meetings with the MP of Labour Party Andy Love, the MP of the Conservative Party and chairman of the parliamentary group Friends of Cyprus David Burrowes, and the MP of the Conservative Party Nick de Bois.

Cakici discussed with MP Love issues like the development of the relations between their parties, the education of the Turkish Cypriots in the UK, the Cyprus problem and the efforts of Cyprus for oil exploration. Replying to a question what is the British Government's stance regarding the search of oil and natural gas, Andy Love said the British Government has not made any announcement on the issue. Cakici, for his part, said that the 1/3 of the oil belongs to the Turkish Cypriots according to the 1960 Constitution.

During the meeting with MP Burrowes, Cakici said that he explained to him how TDP contributes to Cyprus settlement.

Cakisi, during the meeting with MP Bois, said that he supports the ongoing Cyprus talks, however, he added that he is not satisfied from the course of the talks. Bois, for his part, said that it is the first time until now that he witnessed a Turkish Cypriot politician to do politics without burdening the opposite side with the whole blame.

[14] "Fuel depot will 'bring environmental destruction to Karpaz"

"A $230 million coastal fuel storage facility is set to be built in the Karpaz [occupied Karpasia] peninsula after an environmental commission barred plans to construct the facility in Lefke.

Swiss-based Rixoh Investment, which has an office in Gazi Magusa [occupied Famagusta], says the firm will now be shown alternative locations before making a decision on where to construct the facility which will handle 10 million cubic metres of petrol annually.

Environmental groups have already threatened 'major protests'.

The tourism, environment and culture minister Unal Ustel, confirmed on Monday that the environmental commission had found the environmental impact report (QED) to be insufficient and rejected the proposal.

The commission concluded: 'It is inappropriate to allow the project to be constructed because it is close to residential areas and to the Cengiz Topel Hospital ... it is a risky investment and there are plans to construct [projects] in tourism, education and a port in the area.

The QED report is insufficient ... there is no environment- or nature-based working group included. There is no technical report concerning the sea and how it will be filled ... maritime traffic will increase.'

A ministry spokesman revealed to Cyprus Today that there were two sites in Karpaz being considered as alternative locations.

The Cyprus investment development agency, Yaga, had previously earmarked a 120-donum site in Yesilirmak [occupied Limnitis] for the project.

Director Dervis Besimler said: 'We knew the environmental commission, which I was a member of, was going to conclude negatively. It only found a problem with the location. There are houses and public facilities nearby. The two sites in Karpaz will be considered once we have visited them. The sites will not be located near to any tourism area or national park. It will be in an area which conforms to the criteria given by the commission.'

Lefke mayor Mehmet Zafer, who vigorously campaigned for the investment within his municipality, said he was sorry the decision had been taken. He said: 'It is a great shame indeed. I will be talking with government officials.'

Rixoh TRNC co-ordinator Huseyin Pasa said: 'There is a location on the north and another in the south coast of the peninsula. We then have to decide on which location is appropriate - but I can assure that the locations will be at least three to five kilometres away from any residential area. It will not be near to the national park or tourism area. It will be in an area away from greenery. We have to look at issues from a worldwide perspective. I understand there will always be environmental and safety concerns. Our project will provide economical and social benefits. There is interest from petrol companies such as BP and Shell who want to use our facilities to distribute petrol to the region.' He went on to say the facility would have state-of-the-art safety equipment.

But foundation for the protection of the environment (Cekova) chairman Kenan Atakol expressed outrage at any prospect for such investment in the Karpaz. He said: 'It doesn't matter in what part of the Karpaz this project is constructed. The potential to bring about environmental destruction to the whole area is great. Whilst we were lobbying to stop it from being built ?in Lefke, we now face the possibility of a Karpaz environmental catastrophe. We will be asking for locals to start petitions and use all our democratic rights to undertake protest. The Karpaz is the only part of Cyprus which has immense wildlife and nature.'

Yeni Erenkoy [occupied Gialousa] mayor Ozay Oykun said it was too early to comment 'before seeing more details on the precise location and conditions of the project'.

In August, representatives of 32 different NGOs issued a joint statement objecting to the construction of the facility in Lefke [occupied Lefka].

The project envisages 17 tanks 15.2-metre high each containing 35,000m3 of petrol, 10 17-metre high tanks each holding 50,000m3 of diesel, three five-metre tanks containing 3,500m3 of gas each, and six seven-metre high tanks with 5,000m3 of tar. A port will also be built to allow large tankers to operate at the facility. Smaller tankers will then transport the stored fuel to other countries such as Egypt and Italy."

[15] The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce asked from Besir Atalay to facilitate Turkish citizens to buy a second residence in the occupied area of Cyprus

Atalay paid a three-day visit to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, last week.

According to the paper, the report conveyed to Atalay, during a meeting held last Friday between him and the KTTO, covered four subjects: The improvement in relations between Turkey and the KTTO, measures to be taken for reviving the estate sector in the occupied area, especially from the Turkish market and the increase in competitiveness and facilitation in financial access.

As regards the revival of the estate sector, the KTTO asked Atalay to facilitate Turkish citizens to being granted title deeds and allowed to buy a second residence in the occupied area of Cyprus.

[16] Yusuf Kanli: "The enemy of my enemy?"

Kanli assesses Turkey's ties with Israel through time and refers to the mentality saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend", supporting that it has existed all through human history and is frequently seen in both international relations as well as in relations between individuals.

(?)

Referring to the Republic of Cyprus' oil exploration activities in the Mediterranean, the columnist writes: "It is of course the sovereign right of any state to engage in oil exploration and drilling activity in its territory, continental shelf or in the exclusive economic zone ? provided all parties to that particular area were not disputing the boundaries of the declared zone. The Greek Cypriot government, though the Cyprus talks are still continuing, under international law is a sovereign state that can exercise its sovereign rights on and off the island. Yet, that sovereign state is a disputed state which for the past almost 50 years has been in talks with a section of the population of the island regarding power sharing ? which of course includes sharing sovereignty. If Cyprus talks are still continuing and if sovereignty not with some tacit and covert terms but in all clarity is on the negotiations table, is it reasonable or is it possible to reconcile with goodwill to engage in oil exploration in the exclusive economic zone of the island? Besides, since the Karpaz peninsula is under the administration of the TRNC, the area, zone 12, to be explored may fall within the Turkish Cypriot zone. Anyhow, as much as Greek Cypriots do, Turkish Cypriots have rights in the entire zone of Cyprus.

But, trying to explain any aspect of the Greek Cypriot position on the Cyprus problem is a futile effort because they are as mardy as the Israelis because of pertinent Western, as well as Russian and Chinese, support. Hopefully the Turkish Government will not be that fool who might provoke a war in the Eastern Mediterranean by taking action on the "American" exploration platform. Anyhow, the head of the Turkish company to explore is in the U.S. on holiday. Turkey does not have exploration decks or ships but reportedly hired a ship from Norway. How serious is the threat to retaliation is doubtful, but perhaps there will not be a need to test that and President Barrack Obama will soon strike a miraculous Turkish-Israeli deal with some fallout effect on the Cyprus issue as well.

Yet, this 'enemy of my enemy is my friend' mentality might produce some very serious consequences".

[17] Gul continues his contacts in Germany; He met with Angela Merkel

According to German government officials, during the meeting, Gul and Merkel talked on Turkish-German relations, developments in both northern Africa and in the Arab world.

German officials indicated that Gul and Merkel expressed their thoughts on Turkey's EU bid.

Gul and Merkel also discussed the situation of Turks living in Germany, and agreed on the necessity of learning the German language by Turks willing to integrate themselves in the German society. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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