Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-10-03

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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] Statements by Eroglu; scenarios for UN meeting

[02] Ozersay evaluates the negotiations process

[03] "Ihsano
lu calls for restraint in the Eastern Mediterranean"

[04] Gul addresses TBMM; comments on Cyprus

[05] Statements by Talat on oil and natural gas explorations

[06] Piri Reis will continue its studies on another coordinate grid

[07] More reactions to the exploration for oil in Eastern Mediterranean

[08] Arabacioglu says the regime should stop granting its "citizenship" except for cases of marriage

[09] Mobile telephone firm has 400.000 subscribers in occupied Cyprus

[10] Turkish Cypriots ask British Deputy Prime Minister's support in the field of education; Letter by British MEPs to the European Commission

[11] JCI Turkey is holding its general assembly in the occupied areas

[12] Self-styled assembly approved a "renewable energy law"

[13] Data on the arrivals and departures in the occupied area for the month of August

[14] "Salamina museum" will be created

[15] Survey shows an increase to AKP votes

[16] "Deal with north Cyprus, top minister tells the EU"

[17] New legislative year in TBMM

[18] Turkish Trade Minister views Turkey's economic performance

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Convening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly for the new legislative year and discussions about the making of a new constitution, as well as Gul's speech at the Assembly are the main topics in Turkish dailies over the weekend. Statements by British Foreign Minister William Hague supporting Turkey's European Union accession bid, statements by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen that NATO will not interfere in the tension created in the Mediterranean, adding that the problem is between Turkey and Israel, the announcement that Piri Reis has completed its seismic search and other domestic issues are covered in today's Turkish press.

[01] Statements by Eroglu; scenarios for UN meeting

Noting that the two sides had achieved a significant level of progress on police issues, Eroglu said that they will try overcoming some remaining problems on the matter when they hold their next meeting on Tuesday the 4th of October.

Noting that the last topic of the intensified talks will be the "guarantee" issue, Eroglu added that they discussed it briefly in the meeting by exchanging views, however, he said that they did not examine it in depth with the thought that it would be discussed later.

Eroglu also said that after the short meeting on the 4th of October regarding the police issue, they will move to the give-and-take stage next week.

Replying to questions, Eroglu said that both sides would gather at a meeting with the participation of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York on October 30 and 31. He added that the two sides would be in pursuit of give-and-take during these meetings.

Eroglu added that this will not be similar to a Camp David meeting.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (01.10.11), in its front page under the title "A framework agreement", reports that according to confidential sources of the paper, it is expected that the two leaders will fly to New York with a "framework agreement", which would be obtained in a mutual agreement in all issues apart from the issues of "guarantee" and "map".

The paper goes on and reports that in case the two leaders go to New York without a "framework agreement" or a close progress to this, then Ban will first propose an arbitration and if it is refused, then UN Secretary-General may determinate the talks.

Another scenario is published in Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (03.10.11). According to the editor-in-chief of the paper, Sefa Karahasan, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will follow a clear headed road map. Ban will call on the two leaders after the two-day meeting to discuss the guarantee chapter. He will say to them, "let's complete the process and come with your guarantor countries after three weeks."

If the leaders say "Cypriots do not want a Federal solution", then Ban will make a statement that the UN good mission is terminated, according to Karahasan.

Karahasan wrote also that Ban's statement will be as follows: "Turkish and Greek Cypriots do not want a federal solution", in this way none side will be blamed. By the end of October, Cyprus will be united or everyone will live in its own house, Karahasan concludes.

[02] Ozersay evaluates the negotiations process

Ozersay said that there were potential convergences on some issues and added that "during the give and take period these issues can be finalized". "The UN Secretary-General has said that if an outcome isn't achieved by October, then another phase may begin and an international conference may come to the agenda" said Ozersay.

Moreover, Ozersay alleged that currently the Greek Cypriot side is wasting all of its energy on the oil issue when it should be focusing on the Cyprus negotiations process which is at a critical stage. He also claimed that President Christofias in order to achieve unity among the government in South Cyprus, as he describes the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, is creating the oil "crisis."

[03] "Ihsanoglu calls for restraint in the Eastern Mediterranean"

Ihsanoglu, reportedly, expressed "concern over the Greek Cypriot side's, [as he describes the government of the Republic of Cyprus], unilateral claims in the Eastern Mediterranean that is impeding the efforts for a comprehensive settlement". He stressed that a just and lasting comprehensive settlement in Cyprus will contribute to security, stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Furthermore, as illegal Bayrak reports: "Ihsanoglu reaffirmed the OIC's solidarity with the Muslim Cyprus Turkish People by supporting President Dervis Eroglu's proposal, which could contribute to the success of the settlement talks by the end of this year."

[04] Gul addresses TBMM; comments on Cyprus

Gul said that the high turnout during the general election on June 12, had as a result all political colours and trends to be represented at the parliament. "It gives the parliament the chance to go over all problems bravely," said Gul who added that a new constitution has become the most important issue on Turkey's agenda. He talked about PKK's attacks, saying that Turkey will maintain its fight against terrorism without any hesitation, the latest economic developments, relationships with Syria, Israel, Palestine the US and the European Union.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Gul reiterated Turkey's following views: "Everyone in the world is aware that it is the Greek Cypriot administration which prevents compromise in Cyprus. As Turkey, we have done our best in the negotiation process. The European Union violated its own principles by accepting membership of such an administration, which failed to resolve its own problems and which does not represent the whole country. The presidency of such a half-administration in the second half of 2012 will show the weakness of the European Union."

[05] Statements by Talat on oil and natural gas explorations

Referring to the oil and natural gas exploration activities of the Republic of Cyprus, Talat conveyed his view on the issue and stated that the oil issue came to the agenda during the period he was in the "presidency" of the regime adding that he warned former President Tasos Papadopoulos that the issue of oil is a very dangerous game. Talat went on saying that the oil exploration activities were launched after President Christofias came to power, in order to improve the image of the Greek Cypriot side and destroy the image of the Turkish Cypriot side. Talat also said that he warned President Christofias not to proceed to the seismic researches.

As regards the petrol crisis, Talat alleged that crisis appears to be a crisis between Turkey and "South Cyprus", adding that this is contrary to the position of Turkey and the "TRNC", breakaway regime in occupied Cyprus.

Concerning the activities of Piri-Reis, Talat said that nobody can say anything about the issue, given that the ship is conducting researches in international waters. However, in case of transferring a drilling machine there, then this would make the situation more complicate, as he said. "In that case, it could be considered as a violation of the Exclusive Economic Zone of the 'Republic of Cyprus'", he noted.

Referring to the illegal "Continental Shelf Delimitation Agreement" signed between Turkey and the occupation regime, Talat supported that it consists of uncertainties.

Talat referred also to the ongoing Cyprus negotiation talks and supported that the talks are in a standstill adding that there is no progress in any issue.

Regarding the fact that he was characterized as the "nightingale of TV", Talat said: "I prefer to be a nightingale which supports peace, instead of a crow which opposes to peace".

(AK)

[06] Piri Reis will continue its studies on another coordinate grid

Prof. Dr. Huseyin Avni Benli, director of Dokuz Eylul University's Naval Sciences and Technology Institute, told A.A on Monday that the Piri Reis vessel continued to gather seismic data in the south part of the Republic of Cyprus.

Benli said that the vessel was expected to complete its studies within coordinates set by TPAO. The ship would keep carrying out research in the region, he said. "TPAO may give new research coordinates today. Even if the vessel is not given a new task, it will keep making research there. It will also conduct some researches that were planned earlier," he said.

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz has denied media reports that a Turkish vessel making seismic research around Cyprus had completed studies and it was set to return home shortly.

"Piri Reis seismic ship continues its studies on another coordinate grid. And it will surely return to Turkey after completing its task," Yildiz told reporters on Monday.

[07] More reactions to the exploration for oil in Eastern Mediterranean

In a statement issued yesterday by Hasan Yilmaz Isik, chairman of the "Alliance", it is alleged that the agreements signed between the Republic of Cyprus and third states and the drilling in the Mediterranean is tantamount to rejecting and refusing the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey "which are based on the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and international agreements".

The statement said that the government of the Republic of Turkey should use its rights as guarantor power and launch an initiative at the United Nations for the annulment of the agreements made on this issue by the Greek Cypriots, as it describes the government of the Republic of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Arabacioglu says the regime should stop granting its "citizenship" except for cases of marriage

In an interview with Kibrisli, Arabacioglu expressed the view that before taking any decision on the issue of the "citizenship", the breakaway regime should determine the population living in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. Arabacioglu noted that at this stage he supports that the regime should stop granting its "citizenship" except in cases of marriages. He said: "We are not against the granting of citizenship, but at this stage I think it is useful to stop granting the citizenship to persons except in cases of marriages".

(I/Ts.)

[09] Mobile telephone firm has 400.000 subscribers in occupied Cyprus

The firm was established in 1990 in the occupied areas and covers 70% of the mobile telephone users, writes Kibris.

This information was distributed during a press conference organized by KKTCELL on Friday.

[10] Turkish Cypriots ask British Deputy Prime Minister's support in the field of education; Letter by British MEPs to the European Commission

Baroness Sarah Ludford and Graham Watson, British members of the European Parliament (MEPs) with the Liberal Democrat Party, announced that they would soon prepare a question on the issue and submit it to the European Commission aiming at "securing a high opening" for the students and teachers in the occupied area of Cyprus within the scope of Erasmus and the Bologna procedure. In her question, Ludford, who according to the paper is known for her support to the Turkish Cypriots, will refer to the "yes" vote of the Turkish Cypriots during the Annan Plan referendum and repeat the Turkish allegation that the promises given to the Turkish Cypriots are not kept.

According to Kibris, Fevzi Huseyin is former president of the Embargoed group, a London-based Turkish Cypriot organization.

During the congress, Huseyin expressed to Nick Clegg the view that the Turkish Cypriot youth should be able to benefit from the possibilities offered by EU's Erasmus program. In a letter to Clegg Huseyin alleged that the Turkish Cypriots live isolated and are deprived from the right of education, which is a fundamental human right.

(I/Ts.)

[11] JCI Turkey is holding its general assembly in the occupied areas

In the framework of the assembly, Lesley Young, the deputy chairman of the JCI international is visiting the occupied areas to address the meeting.

According to Kibris, a delegation of the Turkish branch of the JCI held a meeting with Hasan Bozer, the self-styled speaker of the parliament, who evaluated as very positive the fact that many persons from various countries are coming to the occupied areas to participate in the meeting and hold contacts.

[12] Self-styled assembly approved a "renewable energy law"

Speaking to illegal TAK on the issue, Sunat Atun, "minister of economy and energy" referred to "renewable energy law" and said that the "law" aims to motivate and regulate the use of the renewable energy.

Atun further said that they will put out to tender within this month with the build operate method in order to produce electricity of 20 megawatt from the wind power.

On the same issue, Mustafa Aksoy, "chairman of the Chamber of Electrical Engineering", stated that they are satisfied with the "renewable energy law" adding that they will be able to produce electricity from the wind, the sun and litters.

Aksoy stated further that with the solar energy system being established by KIB-TEK, "Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authorities" near the occupied Filia village, they are able to obtain 1.25 megawatt of energy.

(AK)

[13] Data on the arrivals and departures in the occupied area for the month of August

According to the data given according to the activity report of the "ministry" signed by the so-called minister of transportation and communication, Ersan Saner, in a period of one month, a total number of 844 flights were taken place in the occupied area, and a total of 222 ship routes.

According to the report of the "Civil Aviation Department", during the month of August, a total of 844 flights were operated in the occupied area, 113.154 passengers arrived, while 118.256 passengers departed from the occupied area.

Also, according to the report of the so called "Port Department" as regards the ship trafficking, 32 cargo-boats and 13 passenger boats arrived in the occupied Famagusta port while 30 cargo-boats and 12 passenger boats were departed.

Also, 97 cargo-boats arrived in the occupied port of Keryneia and 96 boats departed.

With the above mentioned routes, totally 10.044 persons arrived in the occupied area while 10.789 departed.

Also, during the same period, a total of 2688 cars arrived in the occupied area and 2882 cars departed.

The paper adds that the so-called ministry of Finance received from the arrivals and departures in the occupied area totally 364. 309 TL, 262.132 TL from the occupied Famagusta port and 102.177 TL from the occupied Keryneia port.

(AK)

[14] "Salamina museum" will be created

Self-styled minister of tourism, environment and culture Unal Ustel said that they aim to create a "Salamina museum" where all ancient artefacts will be exhibited under one roof.

[15] Survey shows an increase to AKP votes

According to the survey, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) increased its vote by receiving 54.7%. On the other hand, the main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) votes decreased by 1.1%, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) decreased its votes by 2.2% and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) by 1.1%.

[16] "Deal with north Cyprus, top minister tells the EU"

"They keep addressing their concerns to Turkey, but the decision to carry out geophysical and seismic research in the Mediterranean is a decision made by Turkish Cyprus," said Bagis, speaking to the Hurriyet Daily News on the sidelines of the European People Management Conference held in Istanbul.

"EU countries should directly address the northern Cyprus government, as Turkey is not the one searching for oil and gas in the Mediterranean. The, so called, northern Cyprus government made the agreement with the Turkish Petroleum Corporation [TPAO]," alleged Bagis.

"Turkey's actions in the region are not actually actions, but reactions," said Bagis. "If the action stops, the reaction will stop, if it does not, then the reaction continues." He also claimed that the Greek Cypriots triggered the "crisis" by starting oil and gas drilling in the eastern Mediterranean Sea while Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots were having reunification talks.

[17] New legislative year in TBMM

He highlighted as one of the most important issues on the agenda of the parliament in the new legislative year the preparation of a new constitution. "It is impossible to ignore the fact that the current Constitution is the source of many social problems. Our country needs a new constitution based on social compromise," said Cicek.

"Another topic on our agenda is the issue of terrorism. Terrorism is a crime against humanity. It is primitive and outdated to seek for solutions through terror. We have to display a sound will against terror and terrorist networks which claim lives of innocent people," he added.

Ankara Anatolia also reports that after Cicek's remarks and Gul's address, lawmakers of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) and independent lawmakers have taken their oath to assume office at the parliament. Bengi Yildiz, lawmaker of the BDP from the southeastern province of Batman, and Isa Gok, lawmaker of the Republican People's Party (CHP) from the southern province of Mersin, did not take oath.

Erdogan says his party will seek appointment with BDP

Meanwhile, the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters after attending the special session at the parliament marking the beginning of the new legislative year, "AK Party Secretariat General will send a letter to BDP and ask for an appointment to discuss preparations for the new constitution."

[18] Turkish Trade Minister views Turkey's economic performance

"GDP per capita exceeded $10,000. We aim at increasing it up to $25,000 in 2023. The rate of unemployment decreased to 9.2 percent this year from 10.5 percent in 2010. Inflation rate dropped to 6.7 percent. Turkey's exports reached $127.1 billion as of end-July while our national income increased to $736 billion. Turkey became the second fastest growing country in the world behind China with a growth rate of 8.8 percent in the first quarter of 2011," he said.

"Turkish economy turned the global financial crisis into an opportunity thanks to its dynamic private sector. Our target is to make Turkey one of the world's ten biggest economies in 2023 by increasing our exports up to $500 billion," he said. "Recently, we have renovated some of our border crossings including Gurbulak, Ipsala, Cilvegozu, Habur, Kapikule, Hamzabeyli and Sarp. Renovation of other border crossings will continue," he added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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