Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-10-07

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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] Bagis asks reexamination of CTP's stance on the "continental shelf agreement"; "Parliamentary committee" postpones the issue's discussion

[02] Yildiz: "Turkey can shift oil exploration from Black Sea to Mediterranean"

[03] Akansoy accuses the so-called government of assigning the Cyprus problem and the foreign policy to Turkey

[04] Ozgurgun says 100 thousand Turkish Cypriots have Cyprus passports

[05] Caglar: "Guarantees should continue"

[06] Yildirim talks about Turkey's projects in the occupied area

[07] Saner on the establishment of the new "air carrier" in occupied Cyprus

[08] "Higher Education Forum" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[09] Protests and strikes took place yesterday in occupied Cyprus

[10] Davutoglu due to Britain

[11] Brazilian President arrives in Turkey

[12] Turkey to sign counter-terrorism agreement with France

[13] "Women to put on pants in Parliament"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Today's Turkish dailies mostly cover the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's reply to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement that he changed, the decision of CTP to reject the "continental shelf agreement" between Turkey and the breakaway regime in Cyprus, Turkish EU Minister Bagis' reaction on this decision, the bill adopted by parliament constitutional commission allowing women to wear pants in the General Assembly, the visit of French Interior Minister Claude Gueant in Turkey, and other domestic issues.

[01] Bagis asks re-examination of CTP's stance on the "continental shelf agreement"; "Parliamentary committee" postpones the issue's discussion

Kibris writes that Bagis and Huseyin Ozgurgun, self-styled minister of foreign affairs of the regime, signed yesterday a "protocol" for cooperation between Turkey's EU Ministry and the so-called ministry of foreign affairs. The "protocol" provides for exchange of personnel, training and strengthening of their relations.

Asked to comment the decision of the CTP to vote against the illegal agreement regarding the delimitation of the "continental shelf" between Turkey and the breakaway regime, Bagis recalled that almost all politicians in Turkey, either they are in power or in the opposition, say that the Cyprus problem is their national cause. He added: "I think it is very important for every political actor in Cyprus to remember that the Cyprus issue should be a national cause. I hope that the CTP re-examines this decision that it has taken".

Moreover, Huseyin Ozgurgun also referred to CTP's decision and said that unanimity is not needed for the approval of the "agreement" by the "parliament" and added that the "government" has the necessary majority to pass the "agreement". "However, our wish is for this kind of agreements to pass unanimously as it happens in the Greek Cypriot side, especially the agreements made with the motherland should pass unanimously", he noted and expressed his surprise for CTP's decision, which was something that he was not expecting, as he said.

Meanwhile, Kibris reports also that the meeting of the "parliamentary committee" on legal and political affairs, which was planned for yesterday afternoon to discuss the above-mentioned agreement signed between Erdogan and Eroglu on 21 July in New York, was postponed after instructions by the self-styled prime minister, Irsen Kucuk.

The chairman of the "committee", Mehmet Tancer, "MP" with the National Unity Party (UBP) in occupied Keryneia area, stated that they postponed the meeting because Kucuk wanted to consult with the chairmen of the political parties. He said that the date of the new meeting of the "committee" is not known yet.

The paper writes that except for the CTP, the Social Democracy Party (TDP) will also vote against the above-mentioned "agreement". The negative votes of the CTP and TDP do not constitute obstacle for the approval of the "agreement" as the total number of the "seats" of these two parties in the "parliament" is only 18 (CTP 15 and TDP 3). The UBP has 27 "seats" in the 50-member "parliament" of the regime, the Democratic Party 2, the Freedom and Reform Party 2 and the Democracy and Trust Party 1.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Yildiz: "Turkey can shift oil exploration from Black Sea to Mediterranean"

"We can shift our explorations from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean," Yildiz told reporters aboard plane to Turkey from South Africa.

Regarding Piri Reis, Yildiz said that the research vessel was collecting seismic data and it was not carrying out drilling studies. "We are collecting data but we are not sharing it. You may carry out 2-D or 3-D seismic researches, and you can say that there may be oil at some point, but you may not strike oil when you drill," Yildiz said.

Yildiz said the cost of drilling is about 150-200 million USD, and the government would not waste that money for just political reasons. "We sent Piri Reis to that spot totally as a reaction, normally we will not enter that field because if we do so, this means that we do not recognize TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)," he said.

Yildiz said if Turkey acquired negative data from seismic studies, it would not launch drilling around Cyprus, but there were places Turkey could drill in the Mediterranean. Yildiz also said personally, he did not think it was right to order a drilling ship without finding oil, and added that there was no need to order one at the moment.

[03] Akansoy accuses the so-called government of assigning the Cyprus problem and the foreign policy to Turkey

Akansoy made the above statements to a program broadcast by Kanal SIM. Akansoy evaluated also foreign policy issues and reiterated his views concerning the decision taken by the CTP to vote against the "continental shelf delimitation agreement" signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime.

Saying that they are concerned that the "agreement" will have a negative effect on the solution of the Cyprus problem, Akansoy stated that the "agreement" is unacceptable because it neglected the "assembly's approval" and the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

Akansoy stated further that the policy which is followed by "UBP government" to assign the Cyprus problem and foreign affairs issues to Turkey became a tradition for UBP.

He also argued that lack of unity and chaos exists in the "country".

(AK)

[04] Ozgurgun says 100 thousand Turkish Cypriots have Cyprus passports

Citing information published in Turkish Milliyet, Yeni Duzen reports that Ozgurgun "noted that the number of those who have taken Greek Cypriot passport [Tr. Note: as the passport of the Republic of Cyprus is described] is around 100 thousands in the TRNC, the population of which is close to 400 thousands, and expressed his concern saying: 'the Greek Cypriots deceive our young people, the Turkish Cypriots with the passport'".

Ozgurgun alleged also that the Republic of Cyprus launched exploration for oil and natural gas in Eastern Mediterranean in order for President Christofias to obtain political benefits in the Greek Cypriot community. Ozgurgun briefed the committee on the "agreement" between Turkey and the breakaway regime regarding the delimitation of their "continental shelf", the Cyprus negotiations and the explorations for oil and natural gas in the Mediterranean. Ozgurgun said that the Republic of Cyprus signed agreements with Egypt and Lebanon in the past and with Israel now because of the tense relations between this country and Turkey. He claimed that the Greek Cypriots approached this issue with "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" mentality. He alleged that President Christofias uses the issue of oil as a political manoeuvre and claimed that Turkish Cypriots have equal rights and Turkey has more rights than any other country on the issue of oil and natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Asked whether the interest of the young people for the Cyprus problem has decreased, Ozgurgun alleged that the Greek Cypriots, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, use the advantage of being member of the European Union to attract especially young Turkish Cypriots and make them "Greek Cypriot citizens". Claiming that the Turkish Cypriots are deceived in this manner, Ozgurgun noted that especially young Turkish Cypriot students and unemployed persons use the passport of the Republic of Cyprus to go to Europe for studying or finding a job.

Meanwhile, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (06.10.11, online) reports that Ozgurgun expressed pessimism that any breakthrough in the Cyprus negotiations will occur in time to hold a referendum on unification before the Republic of Cyprus assumes the EU term presidency next year.

In statements to reporters on Thursday during a visit to Ankara, Ozgurgun alleged that President Christofias, under pressure at home to quit over a devastating munitions blast, "has only one objective: to take over the EU presidency to salvage his career". Ozgurgun argued that President Christofias "is looking for pretexts not to attend" the tripartite meeting in New York that U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is planning this month.

Meanwhile, writing in Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (07.10.11), columnist Rasih Resat wonders why it was necessary for Ozgurgun to say at TBBM's foreign affairs committee that 100 thousand Turkish Cypriots have passports of the Republic of Cyprus. Noting that perhaps more than 100 thousand Turkish Cypriots have taken this passport which is not a Greek Cypriot passport, but passport of the Republic of Cyprus, Resat writes, inter alia, the following:

"?They have taken it as an existing advantage and they use it as such. Moreover, those who do not have passport of the Republic of Cyprus should ask one from those who have and take a look at it. Three languages are used in it: English, Greek and Turkish.

It should not be forgotten that the Turkish Cypriots have rights in the republic called Republic of Cyprus. It should not be forgotten because it is thanks to the rights in this republic called the Republic of Cyprus that Turkey and the TRNC are right in exploring for oil and natural gas in the south of Cyprus through TPAO with Piri Reis vessel. Let me state that my reaction on this issue should not be misinterpreted. I do not have such passport".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Caglar: "Guarantees should continue"

Evaluating the text of the "National sovereignty and statehood in contemporary international law: the need for clarification" adopted by PACE, Caglar explained that in the meeting he conveyed the view that the Turkish Cypriots support the guarantees in Cyprus until Turkey joins the EU. He also said that the main reason of Turkish Cypriots' desire for Turkey's guarantees to continue is their fear from the Greek Cypriots. Caglar said that Turkish Cypriots and Turkey have jointly launched an initiative in order for the concerns of the Turkish Cypriots to be clearly understood, adding that their concerns should be transferred to the international platform.

[06] Yildirim talks about Turkey's projects in the occupied area

Referring to road infrastructure in the occupied area, Yildirim reminded Erdogan's words that "whatever exists in Turkey, the same will exist in TRNC" and said that based on this they have created a master plan for the occupied area of Cyprus which envisages 115 km of divided roads, 100km of primary roads and 141 km of secondary roads.

Commenting on the build operate transfer model that the breakaway regime wants to implement in the illegal Tymbou airport, Yildirim said that they have used the same model in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya airports and they have provided the "TRNC ministry of transportation" with the necessary technical support on the matter. He said that traffic in illegal Tymvou airport has increased and therefore it should evolve to an international airport with a second runway, new terminal, apron and passenger boarding bridges.

Also speaking about the new airline that they are trying to establish, he said that they got positive results from the "Competition Council" and that according to his information, next week administrators from Turkish Airlines would arrive in the occupied area of Cyprus to have an official meeting and finalize the issue.

Finally, referring to the Republic of Cyprus' explorations for natural gas, Yildirim accused the Republic of Cyprus of being "careless and always looking for generosity" from the breakaway regime," adding that the Greek Cypriots should not expect any more sacrifices from the Turkish Cypriots.

[07] Saner on the establishment of the new "air carrier" in occupied Cyprus

According to Saner, the new "company" which will be established by the Turkish Airlines (10% of the shares), the "TRNC" (30% of the shares) and the private sector (60% of the shares), has been approved by the "Competition Council" on September 25.

Saner went on saying that during the meeting of the "unofficial" administration board, the articles of association of the new company will be signed and the application to the Civil Aviation Department of Turkey for flight permit will be made.

(AK)

[08] "Higher Education Forum" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[09] Protests and strikes took place yesterday in occupied Cyprus

According to the paper, a number of workers in the former "Turkish Cypriot Airlines" protested yesterday in front of the building of the so-called assembly in the occupied area of Cyprus in order to demand their rights and express their reaction for the fact the promises given to them were not kept.

A protest was organized also according to the paper by the "Fishermen's Union" who demanded for their problems to be solved. As the paper adds, the "Fishermen's Union" warned the so-called government that in case of not solving their problem within the next 10 days, they are going to close for the traffic the ports of occupied Famagusta, and Keryneia.

Moreover, a 24-hour warning strike was launched yesterday morning by the Cyprus Turkish Oil Workers Union (Petrol-Is) which is bound to the Revolutionary Trade Union Federation (DEV-IS). They were protesting because efforts are exerted for the company to be privatized.

(AK)

[10] Davutoglu due to Britain

Davutoglu will address the participants of the forum at the inaugural dinner to take place on Friday night. On this occasion, Davutoglu will hold talks with Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who will also deliver a speech at the dinner. The Turkish Minister will also have the opportunity to meet with senior figures from the British political, business, media, art and academic circles.

The forum will be organised on the basis of annual meetings to be held alternately in the UK and Turkey with the participation of political personalities as well as representatives of business, media, art and academic circles. It will be co-chaired by former foreign ministers of Turkey and Britain, Yasar Yakis and Jack Straw.

[11] Brazilian President arrives in Turkey

Rousseff was accompanied by a large delegation of Brazilian officials including ministers of foreign affairs, defence, finance, development, foreign trade, and science and communication. Rousseff is the second Brazilian President visiting Turkey in two years. Her predecessor, Lula da Silva visited the Turkish capital in May 2009.

Rousseff will be received with a formal ceremony by President Gul today. Gul and Rousseff are set to pen a joint declaration, under the title "Turkey-Brazil: A Strategic Perspective for a Dynamic Partnership." The visiting president is also set to participate in an Ankara meeting of Turkish and Brazilian businesspeople. Rousseff is expected to visit Istanbul on Saturday.

[12] Turkey to sign counter-terrorism agreement with France

Gueant will sign a counter-terrorism agreement during his visit to Turkey. Under the agreement, Turkey can ask France to extradite some top members of the PKK [considered a terrorist organization in Turkey] who are being tried there.

[13] "Women to put on pants in Parliament"

The issue landed on Parliament's agenda after Safak Pavey, a newly elected deputy from the Republican People's Party (CHP), was unable to cover her prosthetic leg in her first appearance in the General Assembly following the June 12 elections due to regulations requiring women to wear skirts.

The bill, which amends Parliament's internal regulations and will take effect after approval in the General Assembly, gives female lawmakers and clerks the option to wear tailored skirts and pantsuits. It also replaces the term "ladies" with "women," which is more commonly used in legislation.

Commenting on the bill, Pavey said she never imagined her prosthetic leg could cause such a reaction and result. She said she is working on several projects to bring more importance and protection to disability rights in Parliament.

Speaking at the commission meeting yesterday, Faruk Bal of the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) denounced ongoing restrictions on wearing the headscarf in Turkey and stressed his party was ready to support efforts to "expand the area of freedom on the issue." Mustafa Sentop of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) voiced his hope that "those restrictions will also be lifted in the future." Women are currently banned from wearing headscarves in Parliament. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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