Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-09-22

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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] Turkey's Foreign Ministry press statement on the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" signed between Turkey and the "TRNC"

[02] Turkey and the breakaway regime signed a "continental shelf agreement"; Ship for oil exploration is leased from a Norwegian company

[03] Erdogan to Obama: "Military option not on the table for now in Eastern Mediterranean gas row"

[04] Statements by Eroglu from New York on the Cyprus negotiation talks and the oil drilling activities in the Mediterranean

[05] Turkish Cypriot journalist makes fun of Eroglu's meeting with the President of Equatorial Guinea

[06] Kucuk stated that Turkey and the occupation regime to start explorations but the drilling area remains unknown

[07] "'Piri Reis' awaits duty"

[08] Turkey's Chief of General Staff on oil drilling in the Mediterranean

[09] CTP's chairman on oil exploration and "citizenship" issue

[10] Gul on his meeting with Merkel; He expressed criticism over the Republic of Cyprus' EU presidency and accused EU member states of hiding behind the Cyprus problem

[11] The Turkish Cypriot "representative" hosted a dinner in Islamabad

[12] CHP's contacts in Liverpool and Rabat

[13] "3,000 more citizens"

[14] Ustel represented the occupation regime at TURKSOY meeting; TURKSOY, a window of opening for the occupation regime

[15] Turkish columnists on the oil drilling dispute in the Mediterranean

[16] Erdogan's statements regarding the termination of Turkish-Syrian relations

[17] Erdogan expressed Turkey's support to Palestine; Comments on Turkey's ties with Israel

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Erdogan's statements after his meeting with Obama, the "agreement" for the continental shelf of the "TRNC," signed by Eroglu and Erdogan and their statements are the main stories of today's Turkish press. Also covered are Gul's statements after his meeting with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel regarding Cyprus undertaking the EU rotating term presidency, reports that Turkish navy vessels have sailed to the Mediterranean, a PKK bomb attack in Siirt and other internal issues.

[01] Turkey's Foreign Ministry press statement on the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" signed between Turkey and the "TRNC"

"In the Ministry's press release, dated 15 September 2011, we have stated that upon the invitation of Turkey, a technical meeting was held at the Ministry with the TRNC. As a result of that meeting, it was agreed that Turkey and TRNC would conclude a continental shelf delimitation agreement should the Greek Cypriot administration proceed with offshore drilling activities in the south of the Island.

Since the Greek Cypriot administration has started the drilling activity on September 19, as already announced, a continental shelf delimitation agreement has been signed today (September 21) by Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President of the TRNC Dervis Eroglu while they are attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The agreement delineates a part of Turkey's and the TRNC's continental shelves in the Eastern Mediterranean with a line constructed by 27 coordinates determined on the basis of international law and equitable principles.

The agreement takes into account the legitimate, equal and inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriots like those of the Greek Cypriots over the whole continental shelf of the Island.

It is also clearly stated in the agreement that Turkey and TRNC will continue their efforts towards a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus.

As it was shared in public before on various occasions, the next step is the issuance of the licenses for the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas reserves around the Island to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation by the government of the TRNC. In fact, necessary consultation and coordination to this end are being carried out by the relevant authorities of the both countries.

Turkey will continue to give its full support to the intensive and sincere efforts of the Turkish Cypriot side, which is resolved to reach a comprehensive settlement agreement in Cyprus until the end of the year in line with the expectation of the UN Secretary-General.

The Greek Cypriot side should put forward a similar political will for peace and reconciliation by stopping their drilling activities instead of wasting their energy on creating tensions, to the detriment of the solution process. It will thus be possible to reach a lasting settlement which will also help the Eastern Mediterranean to become an area of peace, stability and cooperation, while ensuring that the natural resources of Cyprus be equitably shared by the two peoples who are co-owners of the Island."

[02] Turkey and the breakaway regime signed a "continental shelf agreement"; Ship for oil exploration is leased from a Norwegian company

According to the paper, in statements after the signing, Erdogan said that Turkey will behave with reason and not "lend credence" to those who "hope for help" from tensions and crises. For his part, Eroglu alleged that since 2003 the Greek Cypriots launched "unilateral and illegal" initiatives regarding the wealth in the sea of Cyprus.

The paper writes also that the "agreement" signed yesterday will provide the opportunity to Turkey and the breakaway regime to jointly carry out explorations for oil and natural gas in the area. With the "agreement" they leased a ship from the Norwegian CGGV company for 20 million US dollars, in order to carry out the explorations around Cyprus and mainly in the Iskenderun (Alexandretta) Gulf. According to the paper, the Norwegian ship will carry out two and three dimensional seismic explorations.

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (22.09.11) refers to the issue under the title: "After the land, the sea is also divided" and reports that the Cyprus problem enters into a new period. "37 years after the border on the land, which was drawn with blood in 1974, the borders in the sea were determined with this agreement signed yesterday in New York between Erdogan and Eroglu", writes the paper.

Afrika reports that Erdogan alleged that with this "agreement" a part of the "continental shelves" of the breakaway regime in the Mediterranean was delimited with a line obtained by unifying 27 terrestrial coordinates according to the international law and taking into consideration the principles of justice. The paper writes also that Eroglu claimed that this step was a preventive measure in the direction of forcing the Greek Cypriots to stop their explorations for oil and natural gas.

Under the title: "Agreement between Turkey and the TRNC was signed", Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (22.09.11) reports that Erdogan said that they protest against the "irresponsible, provocative and unilateral step of the Greek Cypriots", as he described the start of the drilling by Noble Energy company in parcel No 12 of the Republic of Cyprus. He noted: "We want to warn the international natural gas and oil companies which do and will do business with the Greek Cypriots. Our Ministry of Energy launched an initiative on the issue of these companies not to be accepted for energy projects in Turkey and the implementation of some sanctions on them". Erdogan alleged that the behaviour of the Greek Cypriots on the issue of natural gas and oil violates the rights and the interests of the Turkish Cypriots.

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (22.09.11) refers to the issue under the title: "Turkey announces Eroglu signs". According to Yeni Duzen the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the next step of the Turkish side, which will be "the issuance of the licenses for the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas reserves around the island to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation" by the self-styled government of the breakaway regime.

Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (22.09.11) refers to the issue under the title: "Quick response to the Greek Cypriots". The paper reports that after the signing of the "agreement" Eroglu said that all the wealth around Cyprus belongs to both the Turkish and the Greek Cypriots and argued that accepting that the agreements and licenses on this issue could be given only by the Greek Cypriots would be "the most important injustice against the Turkish Cypriots". The paper writes that Erdogan stated that the stance of the Greek Cypriots on the issue of natural gas and oil shows that they do not want to share a common future with the Turkish Cypriots and are not ready for a comprehensive solution in Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (22.09.11) refers to the issue under the title: "Big slap to the Greek Cypriots".

Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (22.09.11) covers the agreement under the title: "Challenge to the challenge".

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (22.09.11) refers to the issue under the title: "The USA 'balanced'" and reports that the President of the United States of America Barack Obama supported the joint explorations of the Republic of Cyprus and Israel for oil and natural gas and "hutted the blind eye" to the signing of the "agreement" between Turkey and the breakaway regime on delimiting their "continental shelf". The paper writes that speaking after the signing of the "agreement" Eroglu argued that they have many times warned the Greek Cypriots not to proceed with the oil exploration in the Mediterranean and added that recently at the negotiating table he told President Christofias to postpone these initiatives. He said that the Greek Cypriot side rejected this proposal and preferred to create tension instead of focusing on the negotiations in spite of the promises it had given to the UN Secretary-General.

Meanwhile, in statements to Turkish NTV's correspondent (21.09.11, online) after the signing of the "agreement", Eroglu said that he had told President Christofias that the Turkish side would not sit with its hands tied if the explorations proceeded. "The agreement is the key of future agreements. It will pass quickly from the parliament", he noted and added: "The Turkish Cypriots have rights on the entire Cyprus and this includes the surrounding area of the island. If needed, a step will be taken in this direction. The critical threshold will take place in the end of October and it will be the tripartite summit where I, Christofias and the UN Secretary-General will be participating. We hope that a result will come out from this. If the Greek Cypriots abandon the steps they are taking, we will also do it?"

Furthermore, Turkish Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.09.11) reported from New York that Erdogan said Wednesday's "agreement" with the breakaway regime to mark "continental shelf borders" in the Eastern Mediterranean for hydrocarbon search would be ratified in the shortest time possible by the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the Turkish Cypriot so-called parliament. "We will start procedures immediately for ratification of the agreement in the shortest time possible", Erdogan told reporters during a penning ceremony of the deal.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Erdogan to Obama: "Military option not on the table for now in Eastern Mediterranean gas row"

Turkey has decided to begin its own gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean and boost its military presence in the region after the Greek Cypriot Government vowed to go ahead with its plans to drill for gas in Cyprus' south. Erdogan said earlier this week that Turkey was to send fighter planes and gunboats to patrol the area. Turkish Energy Minister Taner Y1
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z said Turkish naval ships could escort Turkish energy exploration ships in the Mediterranean, raising the possibility of a naval confrontation.

Asked whether military option was on the table, Erdogan replied briefly, saying: "Not at the moment." When asked whether Turkey would stop Greek Cypriot exploration ships or simply conduct its own gas exploration, Erdogan said: "No, we are doing our own exploration."

[04] Statements by Eroglu from New York on the Cyprus negotiation talks and the oil drilling activities in the Mediterranean

Eroglu expressed the view that the exploratory drilling started by the Greek Cypriot side off the coast of Cyprus in search of hydrocarbons, particularly within the period leading to the UN summit meeting in October, will have an adverse effect in the ongoing negotiations process.

Reminding that they had asked Christofias to postpone the drilling, Eroglu said that "he didn't accept our request. Perhaps he wants to push us into breaking off the talks but we, in line with the promise we gave to the Secretary General, will continue with the intensified talks until the end of October".

He said that the Greek Cypriot side's decision to go ahead and start drilling, in a daring and challenging fashion against Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot "people", was a clear indication that it had no desire to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem. "Actually Mr. Christofias experienced a loss of prestige following the blast in Mari. Support for him has fallen as low as 10%. Now he is trying to divert the public's attention elsewhere with cheap heroics. We have our own steps which we will take...we are currently preparing for these steps" he added.

As part of his other contacts in New York, Eroglu gave separate interviews to Al-Jazeera television and the Voice of America, evaluating the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.

[05] Turkish Cypriot journalist makes fun of Eroglu's meeting with the President of Equatorial Guinea

Hilmi Akil, the so-called representative of the occupation regime in New York, Kudret Ozersay, Eroglu's "special representative" and Osman Ertug, Eroglu's "spokesman" were present at the meeting. No statement was issued before or after the meeting.

Commenting on the issue, Cenk Mutluyakali, the chief-editor of Turkish Cypriot Yeni Duzen newspaper (22.09.11) writes that Eroglu met with the President of Equatorial Guinea, a country that most probably never heard a year ago. He goes on and writes that the most interesting thing is that it was reported that "the two heads of state exchanged views about their countries" and adds ironically: "Come on, tell us what it was said during the meeting. We are burning with curiosity to find out".

[06] Kucuk stated that Turkey and the occupation regime to start explorations but the drilling area remains unknown

Speaking to reporters before today's "council of ministers meeting", "prime minister" Kucuk said that the steps taken by the "Greek Cypriot administration", at a time when intensified talks were taking place and a new tripartite meeting was being planned, aims at derailing the ongoing negotiations process.

He reminded that a "committee" has been created at the "prime ministry" to monitor closely the exploration work carried out by the Greek Cypriot side off the coast of south Cyprus and to regularly brief the "cabinet" on the latest developments on the issue.

The "prime minister" also condemned the car bomb attack which ripped through a busy centre in the Turkish capital Ankara yesterday killing three people and injuring more than a dozen.

[07] "'Piri Reis' awaits duty"

Professor Dr. Huseyin Avni Benli, Director of the Department of Marine Sciences and Technology at Dokuz Eylul University (DEU), said that Piri Reis is the first vessel which was built in Turkey to carry out scientific marine research. He added that this ship is capable of continuous deployment for over 15-20 days, is equipped with advanced communication facilities, oceanographic, biological, geological-geophysical equipment and has a good laboratory. "Piri Reis has been modernized this year, so it can collect more data. We are ready at any moment to use it for our country. The territorial waters of the TRNC [breakaway regime] are a geographical territory that we know very well to carry out this ecological research project. If they assign us a duty, we will go again", Dr Benli added.

Referring to previous research by the Piri Reis, Dr Benli said that the vessel has gathered important information in the Aegean and the Black Sea, and some information in the Eastern Mediterranean. He added that in the light of previous research activities, more research should be carried out in unexplored areas, in order to obtain important data for those areas natural sources.

Dr Benli said that the real aim of the Greek Cypriots in their search for oil is to become dominant in the Eastern Mediterranean and on the island, adding: "By signing the agreement on the exclusive economic zone, the Greek Cypriots have weakened our position. For this reason, without wasting any time, we should conduct research in order to gain the advantage in light of the situation that has unfolded in the area."

[08] Turkey's Chief of General Staff on oil drilling in the Mediterranean

The warships' activity was interpreted as a sign that Turkey is ready to live up to its pledge and prepare for its own drilling in the company of warships in the debated waters around Cyprus.

Turkish media reported on Wednesday that according to the Chief of General Staff Necdet Ozel and Turkish Land Forces Commander General Hayri Kivrikoglu, Turkey would start drilling within a week. Ozel reportedly indicated that "the Greek Cypriots would not dare to escalate the tension," as he proposed that Turkey would start drilling since it is the country's right to do so. Kivrikoglu expressed the belief that the Greek Cypriots would not make "a crazy move that would escalate the crisis."

[09] CTP's chairman on oil exploration and "citizenship" issue

Yorgancioglu criticized the National Unity Party (UBP), which currently is the ruling party in the breakaway regime, and said that they have not kept their promises. Referring to the problems that they face in the social insurance system, he said that solution passes through abolishing illegal immigration and employment, expressed CTP's sensitivity over the issue and said that his party is against handing out new "citizenships."

Regarding the Cyprus negotiation and the "oil crisis", he pointed out that the natural wealth should be under the authority of a federal state and therefore Eroglu and Christofias must focus on a solution.

[10] Gul on his meeting with Merkel; He expressed criticism over the Republic of Cyprus' EU presidency and accused EU member states of hiding behind the Cyprus problem

In statements during a conversation with Turkish columnists in Stuttgart, Germany, Gul defined it as a crisis to accept a country as a member of the 27-nation union, which has a border problem and engaged in peace talks to reunify the long divided island.

The Turkish President criticized some of EU member states for what he said "hiding behind the Cyprus problem," in not allowing Turkey to become an EU member state, adding that he told the German Chancellor that the Turkish side has always responded positively to a possible reunification and that the Greek Cypriot side must not become the EU term president.

Turkey also criticized the EU for accepting "Greek Cyprus" into the bloc a week after it rejected a UN plan for unification, claiming that Greek Cypriot's accession to the EU made its hand stronger and intransigent in peace talks.

Noting that Merkel would attach significance to his speeches, Gul said she carefully listened to him when he told that it was a very big mistake to accept "Greek Cyprus", which has border problems, to the EU. "A country with border problems cannot be an EU member state in EU's basic criteria and principles," Gul stressed.

Turkey has said it will freeze relations with the EU presidency if Greek Cyprus is given the role next July before a settlement over the island is reached.

Gul said that he told Merkel that the "Greek Cypriot administration" is representing the island without solving the border problem, recalling that he said this to her back in July 2007 and France earlier released a statement, warning against problems emanating from accepting a country with problems. "A country that has not solved its problems would join and preside over the EU. A half country would join and preside over the EU. This is a crisis," Gul said, stressing that it is not Turkey but the 27-member bloc's duty to question this fact.

Gul hailed his visit to Germany as useful and spoke about the importance to carry the relations to the future, urging that the positive atmosphere must continue.

Gul is currently in Germany for four-day visit to solidify Turkish-German relations.

Gul said he has discussed a wide array of issues with the German chancellor, including the regional developments. He said Merkel told him that Germany is receiving many complaints over a visa issue and pledged that the German side will work on the matter to facilitate and root out problems regarding the issue.

The Turkish President said he explained Merkel how strong the Turkish economy is and that how the EU candidate country in fact can help Germany's and the EU's economy.

Gul said he also discussed the visa issue, integration problems, the latest situation in the Arab and the Mediterranean and the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

[11] The Turkish Cypriot "representative" hosted a dinner in Islamabad

[12] CHP's contacts in Liverpool and Rabat

Yorgancioglu is escorted by Ozdil Nami, CHP's secretary of foreign affairs and Fazilet Ozdenefe, secretary of foreign affairs of the women branch of CTP.

According to the paper, on the sidelines of the conference, the CTP delegation will hold meetings with various British officials and Turkish Cypriot organizations in the UK.

The paper also writes that after the conference, Yorgancioglu and Nami will return to the occupied area, while Ozdenefe will go to Rabat, Morocco in order to participate in the Socialist International Women meeting which will be held there.

[13] "3,000 more citizens"

Ozadam also writes that, according to information that he had received, 3,000 people will become "citizens" in the coming weeks without any authenticity search.

[14] Ustel represented the occupation regime at TURKSOY meeting; TURKSOY, a window of opening for the occupation regime

Addressing yesterday the 29th term of TURKSOY Permanent Council of Turkic Countries' Culture Ministers Meeting held in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, Ustel pointed out that T?RKSOY was an important partnership and brotherhood for the Turkic world, one that had proved itself in the field of culture and arts.

He said that the "TRNC" is proud to be a part of T?RKSOY's important and invaluable work.

Stating that the "TRNC" attaches great importance to cultural and arts projects carried out by TURKSOY, Ustel said that the TURKSOY Opera Days held in the "TRNC" in June earlier this year had received great interest from the public.

The 29th term of T?RKSOY Permanent Council of Turkic Countries' Culture Ministers Meeting ends today. The "TRNC" is being represented at the meeting with a delegation headed by Ustel.

[15] Turkish columnists on the oil drilling dispute in the Mediterranean

Birand writes that what everybody was wondering about the most was how Washington would receive Erdogan's increasingly tough stance on Israel and Palestine relations and continues writing that Washington was not happy with the Turkish-Israeli dispute or the Turkish stance on the Palestine issue or oil exploration in Cyprus. It supports that the US prefers that none of them had happened, however, it does not want to raise its voice either.

Birand continues and writes: "Obama did not go beyond saying that actions should be taken carefully in almost all issues and that doors should not be closed.

It was Erdogan who was doing the real talking on Cyprus. He warned, 'Be informed that the Cyprus talks are in jeopardy." This issue will be considered Wednesday and Thursday in talks with the U.N. Secretary-General and in the speech he will deliver at the U.N. General Assembly.

The most important point that needs to be known is that: Turkey will not block southern Cyprus from exploring with Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean sea by sending its Navy. It will do its own exploration together with northern Cyprus".

Also, Aziz Ustel, in Turkish daily Istanbul Star online (21.09.11) published a commentary entitled: "Last Tango with Israel in the Mediterranean". Ustel refers to the exploration activities being launched in Eastern Mediterranean by Noble Energy company and supports that the objective of this action is to provoke Turkey.

"Noble is a US company. If you intervene in their activities, you will face off not Israel, not south Cyprus, not Greece, but the US Navy. For a long time now, the US armed forces have been tasked by the US Congress 'to defend and to protect US economic interests in all circumstances.' For this reason, it is absurd to compare the Turkish Navy with its Israeli counterpart. What Turkey must do at this point is to start drilling for oil and natural gas off the shores of the TRNC. If the Israeli Navy commits the folly of accompanying the seismic study vessels of Noble-Zion partnership, then it would be more than enough to dispatch a few Tepe-class frigates and Gur-class submarines to waters off the coast of TRNC. Would that lead to a confrontation with the Israeli Navy? Some of the ships of the US 6th Fleet, which is currently sailing off the coast of Libya, would immediately come to the region and interject themselves between the two sides. No matter what happens though, Turkey and the TRNC must begin exploring for natural gas and oil off the coasts of northern Cyprus. Since south Cyprus insists that 'searching for oil is its most natural right,' then we also have a right to search for oil and natural gas", writes the columnist.

Moreover, Ihsan Yilmaz, columnist in Turkish daily Today's Zaman, in a commentary entitled: "The AKP should not get the message" refers to the car explosion in Ankara that killed three young innocent civilians and injured many and argues that it has definitely sent a multilayered message to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), but the AK Party should plainly refuse to get that message.

According to the columnist, if the intended message was to provoke the AKP Government to be more hostile domestically and internationally, then, the AKP should be extra-cautious. For instance, it is both futile and unnecessary to threaten Greek Cyprus over drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean. If the message is related to our EU accession process, then the AKP must work harder on that. We should have a stronger, more dynamic and more effective army, which will speak for itself; however, we should not refer to this stronger army openly, as it will tarnish our international image".

[16] Erdogan's statements regarding the termination of Turkish-Syrian relations

"They [the US] have their own sanctions against Syria that are already under way. Our Foreign Ministers [of Turkey and US] will jointly review what our sanctions might be," said Erdogan, adding that Syria's conditions and its demographic features will be taken into consideration while these sanctions are drafted. "We have made our preliminary preparations. But we will review these preparations together with the US, see what their approach is, and will take our own steps on the basis of the results of the joint work of our Foreign Ministers," he said.

Erdogan also said he would visit refugee camps in Turkey's border province of Hatay, hosting Syrians fleeing the Government crackdown. "I want to see conditions there. We will then announce an outline [of measures] regarding the refugee camps," he said.

[17] Erdogan expressed Turkey's support to Palestine; Comments on Turkey's ties with Israel

Erdogan said Turkey was assuming the same position with the Palestinian state, and the Palestinian people had been kept waiting for half a century saying that they would become a state.

Erdogan said that Turkey was waiting for steps the Palestinian administration would take regarding its attempt to be recognized by the United Nations (UN)."We will always be beside them in every step they take, and our principle is obvious: If Israel is a state there, Palestine is also a state".

Palestine has launched initiatives to join the UN to be admitted as a full member state.

Moreover, Erdogan said that with Premier Luksic they discussed common steps they could take, and that they wanted to make best use of the two countries' historical and cultural ties. "I am looking forward to seeing Luksic in Turkey in the possible shortest time, and we will have the opportunity to discuss everything in detail," Erdogan added.

Also, Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.09.11) reported that Erdogan replied to questions of renowned journalist Charlie Rose in New York.

Erdogan said that Palestine needed 9 votes at the UN Security Council and if it got those votes, it would be a pleasing development.

Answering a question on the United States' view on Palestine's application at the UN Security Council, Premier Erdogan said that "we don't know its (the United States') stance. Palestine needs 9 votes at the UN Security Council. If Palestine gets these votes, it would be a pleasing development for the country".

Erdogan said that if Palestine could not get the votes, it would apply to the General Assembly and then it could lead to a conclusion like the Vatican City.

Asked what would happen if the United States vetoed Palestine's application, Erdogan said he hoped that the United States would continue the process in accordance with the Resolution 181 approved by the UN in 1947.

Erdogan said that peace could not be secured in the Middle East without a solution to the Palestine issue. "The Palestine issue must be solved. It is the key," he said.

Replying to a question on Turkey's stance after the Israeli raid on Mavi Marmara, the largest vessel in a six-ship Gaza aid mission, Erdogan said there were several steps that Turkey took in NATO, OECD, G-20 and for regional peace. Erdogan said that the problem was created by the current Israeli Government. "The West should put pressure on the Israeli Government," he said. "Turkey made great progress in economy in the past nine years. There is no hostility between Turkey and its neighbours. But in the recent period, we have been involved in this trouble due to wrong steps by Israel," he said.

Erdogan said earlier there was no problem between Turkey and Israel. "We had high trade volume, good political, military and economic relations".

Replying to a question on Turkey's role in the region, Erdogan said that Turkey had cultural ties with regional countries, stating that Turkey had close relations with Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Jordan, and others.

Erdogan said that Turkey was an active country in the region. Turkey is taking steps for peaceful solutions to regional issues, he said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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