Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-10-04

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu will inform the political parties before the meeting in New York

[02] Turkish Cypriot party leaders address the first meeting of the self-styled assembly

[03] CTP sends a letter to the permanent members of the UN Security Council on the explorations for oil and natural gas

[04] PACE President said that the natural wealth in Cyprus belong to everyone on the island

[05] Piri Reis set to refuel and continue research in south of Cyprus

[06] Ozgurgun due in Ankara

[07] Akansoy said the regime should not give its "citizenship" except in cases of marriage

[08] Erdogan's statements prior leaving for South Africa; blames Greek Cypriots for sabotaging the negotiations process

[09] Charter flights started from the Czech Republic to the occupied area of Cyprus

[10] EU asks Turkey to fully implement the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement

[11] Turkey's Memecan elected as vice-president of the PACE

[12] Turkey launches a so-called anti-terrorist campaign

[13] Turkey biggest gold producer in Europe

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Statements by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan by which he expressed his satisfaction with Rasmussen's statement regarding the oil exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean, the establishment of a parliamentary committee that will work on the new Constitution and the introduction of Arabic language as an elective course in Turkish schools, the draft version of an annual European Union Progress Report on Turkey, the report by Polyviou on the political responsibilities for the Mari blast, and other domestic issues, are the main topics covered by the Turkish press today.

[01] Eroglu will inform the political parties before the meeting in New York

Referring to the illegal "Continental Shelf Delineation Agreement" signed in New York between Turkey and the regime, Eroglu said that the "agreement" he signed has been passed on to the "parliament for approval by the government". "If a positive outcome is reached, then the agreement will come into effect" said Eroglu adding that at the end of the day "heads of state" have the right to tailor agreements.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (04.10.11) reports that Eroglu, commenting on the negotiations said that the Turkish side is shown as the side that should always take the first step, but added that they also expected steps from the other side. He claimed that the Greek Cypriot side did not move forward, but only insist on the proposals it submitted in the beginning. He also alleged that although the Turkish Cypriots developed their proposals in order to come closer to the Greek Cypriot proposals, Greek Cypriots have not moved a single step closer.

[02] Turkish Cypriot party leaders address the first meeting of the self-styled assembly

The "speaker" of the "parliament" Hasan Bozer said by beginning explorations for natural gas and petrol off the coast of Cyprus the Greek Cypriot side (as he called the Republic of Cyprus) has dealt a serious blow to the ongoing Cyprus negotiations process. He criticized the Greek Cypriot side for beginning drilling at such a critical time.

Touching upon the last term workings of the "parliament", Bozer said that it had approved many important draft "laws" within the framework of EU harmonization laws.

On his part, Irsen Kucuk, the self-styled prime minister stated that during the new term very difficult issues will be discussed and added that reforms in the "public sector" are inevitable.

Touching upon the Cyprus problem, Kucuk alleged that the policy followed by the breakaway regime is "peaceful and humane".

"The Greek Cypriot side is sabotaging this peaceful undertaking and their unilateral exploration efforts are proof of this", he claimed.

He also argued that the Turkish side is continuing to put forward "constructive" proposals "despite the Greek Cypriot side's ill intentions", as he alleged.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (04.10.11) reports that the opposition parties also made speeches during the opening "ceremony".

Ozkan Yorgancioglu, the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) alleged that the fact that the "Greek Cypriot administration is recognized as the Republic of Cyprus", does give it the right to conduct oil and gas explanations and argued that the Greek Cypriots' insistence on the issue creates obstacles to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

He went on adding that instead of facing the Greek Cypriots in the diplomatic field, the Turkish side is making a cry for war. Therefore, the Turkish Cypriots are facing a negative world perception and they are seen as the intransigent side.

Mehmet Cakici, the chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) stated that the "parliament" does not represent the "Turkish Cypriot people" anymore and criticized the self styled deputies for representing themselves at the "parliament".

On his part, Serdar Denktas, the chairman of the Democratic Party (DP) stated that his only expectation of the "parliament" is to make a decision for early "elections".

Commenting on the illegal "continental shelf delimitation agreement" signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime he said that it is positive and should be approved by the "parliament" because Turkey showed to the world that its interlocutor in the Mediterranean is the "TRNC", as he described the breakaway regime.

He went on and stated that the "amnesty issue" should be connected with the 27 November population census. Otherwise, he added, if those who are registered do not know that they will be given amnesty, and then the desired results will not be reached.

Turgay Avci, chairman of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), stated that the foreign policy of the "country" must become national policy. He stated that the political parties must support the "president" and other "officials" on foreign issues and not to create problems.

[03] CTP sends a letter to the permanent members of the UN Security Council on the explorations for oil and natural gas

In the letter sent on 29 September, Yorgancioglu expressed his concern regarding this tension and claimed that with the possibility of finding oil and natural gas the leadership of both sides "seem to have entered into a course of conflict".

Yorgancioglu alleged that the only way out of this "climate of conflict" is the UN Security Council to call upon the sides to stop drilling until a comprehensive solution on the island is reached, to put a timetable for the negotiations and leave to UN arbitration the issues on which they were not able to agree.

Yorgancioglu claimed that the start of the explorations for oil and natural gas by the Greek Cypriot side, as he describes the Republic of Cyprus, has seriously damaged the ongoing negotiations and the tripartite summit to be held in New York this month. He argued that the members of the UN Security Council should without delay undertake their responsibilities in order to secure the future of the negotiations. He claimed that it should be clearly stated that both communities should benefit from the natural resources on and around Cyprus and therefore the income from these resources could only be given to the federal government which will be established as it is described in the UN Security Council resolutions.

Yorgancioglu called on the members of the Security Council to use their power in the direction of the success of the Cyprus negotiations.

(I/Ts.)

[04] PACE President said that the natural wealth in Cyprus belong to everyone on the island

Responding to a question regarding the latest tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cavusoglu said that he wishes the problem to be solved in a peaceful manner. He added: "The natural resources in Cyprus do not belong only to the Greek Cypriots, but to everyone who lives on the island (Greek and Turkish Cypriots). It is not fair that only Greek Cypriots should benefit from this (natural resources)."

[05] Piri Reis set to refuel and continue research in south of Cyprus

The vessel, Koca Piri Reis, is set to resume research on another grid around the divided island next week after refuelling and resupply, the research team's head, Prof. Dogan Yasar, said yesterday. "We have completed our seismic research on a 1,000 km line, and next Monday we will start working on a 2,400-km line on the orders from the Turkish Petroleum Corporation, which we think will take two to three weeks," Yasar said. The Turkish energy minister earlier denied media reports that Piri Reis had completed studies and it was set to return home shortly.

Turkish executives commented on oil and natural gas exploration initiatives of the Republic of Cyprus and said Turkey did not have any continental shelf demand in the south of Cyprus. "Piri Reis seismic ship is carrying out activities to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriots," they claimed and added that Piri Reis was exploring oil and natural gas around Cyprus on behalf of the breakaway regime. "TRNC Council of Ministers had granted licence to Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) to explore oil and natural gas, and the licenses were not only limited with the north of the island but included permit for seismic studies in the south of the island," alleged the Turkish executives. They said Piri Reis would continue its mission, and Turkey was supporting Piri Reis' studies.

Turkish executives also said continental shelf and restricted economic zone problems were solved by 98 percent in the Black Sea and such problems could also be solved in the Mediterranean with concerted efforts and a collective understanding. However, conditions had not occurred to solve the problem in the Mediterranean, and it would be in vain to try to solve this problem without resolving the Cyprus issue and the Arab-Israeli dispute, Turkish executives argued.

[06] Ozgurgun due in Ankara

As the paper writes, Ozgurgun is to brief the Foreign Affairs Committee on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

According to a statement released, Ozgurgun will deliver a speech at the first meeting of the new legislative year of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

In the framework of his contacts in Ankara, Ozgurgun will meet on Thursday with Egemen Bagis, Turkish EU Minister. As it was announced, the "foreign ministry" will sign an educational agreement with the EU Ministry of Turkey on exchanging educational programs.

Ozgurgun is expected to return to the occupied area on Thursday.

[07] Akansoy said the regime should not give its "citizenship" except in cases of marriage

Noting that a pressure is observed on the issue of "citizenship files", Akansoy argued that this is related to the fact that the salaries have not been paid.

Akansoy also said that there are 2000 applications for "citizenship" at the self-styled Turkish embassy in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, and added: "We conveyed our views to the esteemed ambassador. This issue is not for bargaining. This is not similar to austerity measures. This is an issue related to the existence of the people."

[08] Erdogan's statements prior leaving for South Africa; blames Greek Cypriots for sabotaging the negotiations process

"You have read Rasmussen's statements today. You have seen NATO's agreement with us on the Mediterranean. Our works continue in the Mediterranean. As a NATO member, Turkey did not expect any other NATO stance," Erdogan said, adding "The process here involves a problem between Turkey and Israel as well as between Turkey and Greek Cypriot administration. Greek Cypriot administration's exploration attempts are causing the sabotage in the negotiations process. Their preference of Israel is another sabotage of the negotiations."

When reminded by a journalist about the remarks of U.S. Secretary of Defense that Israel was rapidly becoming isolated in the region and that Israel should improve relations with Turkey, Erdogan said that those remarks were true.

Erdogan also said that Turkey placed special importance to relations with South Africa as "the most developed economy and democracy of the continent." Erdogan noted that he was set to visit the country on an invitation extended by South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, adding that a large delegation of Turkish bureaucrats and businesspeople would accompany him on his visit which he said would last through next Thursday.

"We will pen some very important agreements with South Africa that would strengthen the foundations of our relations," Erdogan said and added that Turkey's exports to South Africa had seen a remarkable improvement over the past few years, reaching one billion USD in the first seven months of 2011, adding in 2010 the figure was 1.2 billion USD. The Turkish premier also said that Turkish investments in South Africa had reached 400 million USD.

[09] Charter flights started from the Czech Republic to the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the paper, the first flight brought yesterday 271 Czech tourists from the city of Prague to the illegal Tymvou airport. The first passengers were welcomed by the self-styled prime minister, Irsen Kucuk, the self-styled minister of tourism, environment and culture, Unal Ustel and the self-styled minister of transportation and communication, Ersan Saner.

As the paper writes, the flights between the occupied areas and the Czech Republic will be conducted via Antalya, Turkey with a 45-minute stop.

Speaking during the welcoming ceremony of the tourists on the issue, so-called prime minister, Irsen Kucuk expressed pleasure over the fact that tourists from the Czech Republic are in the "TRNC", occupied area of Cyprus. He said that their only expectation is for tourists to depart from the occupied areas of Cyprus with the best impressions. He also expressed the hope that the flights will continue and bring more tourists.

Also speaking, Unal Ustel, stated that the tourists came at the end of the summer, but the holiday period in Cyprus lasts 12 months. He said that the goal of the "ministry" is to extend the holiday period to 12 months.

Noting that the current season passed very well, Ustel added that with the launching of the charter flights from the Czech Republic, the occupancy rate of the hotels during autumn will be very good.

On the same issue, Ersan Saner, stated that the "TRNC" is an appropriate "country" for vacations due to the beauties of the "country", its hospitality, culture, history, sun, nature and sea.

Referring to the charter flight from Prague to illegal Tymbou airport, Saner said that the flight has been conducted with a 45-minutes stop to Antalya, Turkey. He then said that on October 11 a charter flight from the city of Brno [Tran. Note: Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic], will be conducted, and thus, the number of flights from the Czech Republic will increase to two per week.

Saying that the number of tourists to be carried to the occupied Cyprus with the flights during the period of October-December is expected to be 2700, Saner added that with the charter flights that are scheduled to take place during the period of March-September 2012, their goal is for the number of tourists to reach 7000.

Ustel said that during this year, tourists from different destinations were transferred to occupied Cyprus. These destinations are: Germany, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, the UK, Iran, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia.

According to the self-styled ministry of tourism, tourists from 13 destinations visited the occupied areas of Cyprus until today including three different cities of the UK. With the charter flights from two different cities of the Czech Republic, the number of destinations will increase to 15.

(AK)

[10] EU asks Turkey to fully implement the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement

[11] Turkey's Memecan elected as vice-president of the PACE

Nursuna Memecan of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), who heads Turkey's PACE delegation, was elected as one of the four vice-presidents of the PACE in the Fall Session of the assembly, held in Strasbourg. Susanna Huovinen from Finland, Joe O'Reilly from Ireland and Jo?o Bosco Mota Amaral from Portugal were also elected vice-presidents of the PACE.

[12] Turkey launches a so-called anti-terrorist campaign

Counterterrorism units launched simultaneous operations in Istanbul, Diyarbakir, Adiyaman, Mardin, Siirt, Izmir, Ankara, Sanliurfa and Gaziantep earlier today and detained nearly 130 people. The state-run Anatolia news agency said the number of detainees might increase as the operation is still under way.

Turkish police have recently stepped up operations against the KCK. The KCK investigation started in December 2009 and a large number of Kurdish politicians, including several mayors from the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), have been detained in the case.

The suspects are accused of various crimes, including membership in a terrorist organization, aiding and abetting a terrorist organization and attempting to destroy the country's unity and integrity. The suspects include mayors and municipal officials from the BDP, which has said the investigation is the government's method of suppressing its politicians, denying any links between the suspects and any terrorist organizations.

[13] Turkey biggest gold producer in Europe

According to figures of Istanbul Gold Exchange, international consultant GFMS Company and Gold Miners' Association of Turkey, Turkey produced 82 tons of gold in the past decade. Gold production, which was 2.1 tons in 2001, rose 7.1 times to 17 tons in 2010.

Among EU countries, Turkey ranked the first in gold production, followed by Sweden with 6.3 tons, Finland with 5.7 tons, Bulgaria with 2.5 tons, Poland with 0.8 ton and Greece with 0.6 ton. Total gold production in the EU was 34.6 tons in 2010. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article