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

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] Ozgurgun says the return Morfou and Varoshia is "out of the question"

[02] Cicek stated that occupied Cyprus has become an open prison

[03] Ertug comments on Cyprus talks

[04] "Turkey deploys naval units to east Med"

[05] Eroglu meets with Israeli Ambassador

[06] Eroglu met with a delegation from SID

[07] Bagis: "If it was not for Turkey, Europe would not be able to reach energy resources"

[08] Bozer is re-elected as so-called speaker of the "assembly"

[09] A "Movement" for protection of the rights of foreign and Turkish Cypriot homebuyers was established in occupied Cyprus

[10] Sixty per cent of students in occupied Cyprus are Turkish nationals

[11] UBP celebrates its 36th anniversary

[12] Turkey to hold first meeting for new constitution on Thursday

[13] Turkish and Albanian Presidents held a joint press conference

[14] Turkey signed a cooperation agreement to fight against money laundering

[15] "Syrian National Council to send representatives to Ankara"

[16] "Turkey to ask for closure of the Makhmour camp"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Reports that Turkey has given the green light to its army to station units in various critical zones in eastern Mediterranean in order to conduct surveillance and monitor activities, statements by Egemen Bagis that Europe would not be able to reach energy resources if there was not for Turkey, preparation for Turkey's new constitution by the Turkish parliament and other internal issues are some of the main stories covered by today's Turkish dailies.

[01] Ozgurgun says the return of Morfou and Varoshia is "out of the question"

Ozgurgun alleged that the two leaders have agreed before the UN Secretary-General that the issue of maps and figures regarding the property issue would be discussed at the latest stage of the negotiations. He also claimed that under this "reality" that has been documented in the UN reports, President Christofias' statements make him wonder about "Christofias honesty and reliability in the negotiations".

Ozgurgun alleged that these "excessive" requests and statements came as no surprise to the Turkish Cypriot side, since "Christofias knew that such statements within the context of the Cyprus negotiations would be appreciated" in the government-controlled area of Cyprus, at a time when "the report of the investigating committee considered him liable for the explosion at Mari naval base". "We hope that Christofias will not sacrifice the negotiations process in order to save himself from the difficult internal politics situation, and that he will refrain from actions and statements that dynamite the basis of the negotiations," claimed Ozgurgun and added that an arrangement including Morfou and Varoshia, as seen by the Greek Cypriot side, is out of the question.

[02] Cicek stated that occupied Cyprus has become an open prison

Ignoring the 37-year long illegal Turkish occupation of Cyprus, Cicek made these statements in a meeting he held with Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats of Europe (ALDE) who is visiting Ankara.

Cicek alleged that despite the fact that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side supported a permanent solution for the Cyprus problem and "southern Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus, rejected the solution plan, it is the Turkish side that it is asked to "pay the bill". He also reiterated the Turkish allegation that EU should admit it made a mistake regarding Cyprus becoming member of the EU.

He called on the European Union to exert pressure to the Greek Cypriot side for the solution of the Cyprus problem and stated that if the EU exerted on the Greek Cypriots the one fourth of the pressure that exerts to Turkey, the Cyprus problem would have been solved.

"TRNC has become an open prison", he stated and claimed that the EU punishes the side that is in favour of the solution. He alleged that the support offered to the Greek Cypriots is the reason for which the "TRNC", as he called occupied Cyprus, faces isolation.

He also argued that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side will continue to support a just and permanent solution.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet (10.10.11) writes that Verhofstadt warned that the Cyprus conflict remained a major stumbling block for Turkey's EU bid, suggesting that a solution could become easier if the settlement is sought not under U.N. auspices but within the EU. He added that 2012 would be critical for the ultimate fate of Turkey's membership talks.

Moreover, reporting on the issue Ankara Anatolia news agency (11.10.11) reports that during the meeting, Cicek said Turkey had made many legal and structural reforms in its drive to become an EU member, adding, however, the country had still certain setbacks such as its constitution.

Cicek said the Union was "doing injustice" by imposing strict visa procedures for Turkey which is a member of the Customs Union and has been negotiating with the EU for full membership.

[03] Ertug comments on Cyprus talks

Ertug also claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side, in line with the UN Secretary-General's request, will continue to put bridging proposals on the table so as to achieve as much progress as possible before the tripartite meeting.

Responding to a question concerning the Greek Cypriot side's allegedly refusal to acknowledge the start of the give-and-take process, Ertug claimed that the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had made such a request during the last summit meeting in Geneva Summit, prompting the Turkish Cypriot side to launch preparations in that direction.

He also alleged the Turkish Cypriot side continued to push the process forward and pressure the Greek Cypriot side with its constructive proposals despite the fact that the Greek Cypriot side continued to repeats its old positions.

Noting that a process of give-and-take on all the issues had started with the encouragement of the UN, Ertug claimed that all negotiations chapters and issues, for the exception of maps and figures under the chapter of territory and the issue of guarantees, were on the table.

Claiming that the Turkish Cypriot side had accepted to discuss the territory chapter in relation to property in order to put an end to the Greek Cypriot side's excuses, Ertug argued that a mutual agreement had been reached to leave maps and figures to the end of the process.

[04] "Turkey deploys naval units to east Med"

"In a recent dispute between Turkey and Greek Cyprus [Editor's note: Republic of Cyprus] over drilling for hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey has given the green light to its military to station units in various critical zones in the region in order to conduct surveillance and monitor activities, the Bugun daily reported on Monday.

Turkey has deployed frigates and choppers in the eastern Mediterranean carrying naval units, including Special Underwater Defence Units (SAS) and Special Underwater Attack Units (SAT), Bugun reported. These specially trained units have been given orders to keep 10 critical zones of hydrocarbon exploration under surveillance, in line with a map prepared by the Turkish military that defines risky zones in the area.

Turkey dispatched four frigates, one logistical support vessel and three naval choppers in accordance with a military decree dating back to Aug. 15 to work in shifts around these zones. The first troops currently deployed are expected to monitor activity until Nov. 15, with two following shifts already planned to provide coverage until August 2012, the daily reported.

Turkey has increased activity on the Mediterranean high seas since Greek Cyprus [Editor's note: Republic of Cyprus] began drilling for sources of hydrocarbons in its self-proclaimed exclusive economic zone (EEZ), drawn in confidential agreements with Israel last year. Turkey rejects the Greek Cypriot EEZ, claiming that because there is a territorial dispute between the Turkish and Greek sides of the island, drilling should be delayed until reunification negotiations bring a solution."

[05] Eroglu meets with Israeli Ambassador

[06] Eroglu met with a delegation from SID

During the visit, the "president of the Lefkosia chapter" of the SID, Prof. Dr. Derya Oktay, claimed that they have prepared important environmental projects for the breakaway regime. She also alleged that they had failed to implement them due to political obstacles created by the Greek Cypriot side.

Referring to their work on the Blue Flag project, which is an internationally recognized voluntary eco-label that is awarded to beaches and marinas that satisfy stringent environmental quality standards, she asked Eroglu if he could raise the issue during the Cyprus talks.

For his part, Eroglu said a mechanism could be established to help promote the breakaway regime in the historic city of Rome where the Society is based.

Noting that the "Blue Flag" will carry great importance for the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu expressed his willingness and readiness to contribute to the Society's efforts.

[07] Bagis: "If it was not for Turkey, Europe would not be able to reach energy resources"Turkish daily Radikal (11.10.11) publishes exclusive statements by Egemen Bagis, Minister for EU Affairs and chief negotiator of Turkey's accession talks with the European Union, who stated that if it was not for Turkey, Europe would not be able to reach any energy resources.

Describing the paragraph on Cyprus as "one of the most critical paragraphs" of the progress report, Bagis alleged that this year, like every year, the Greek Cypriot side created an artificial crisis in the weeks prior to the report. However, he said, the UN Secretary-General has set a clear date in the framework of the direct talks between the two community leaders and it remains to be seen by the end of the year whether an agreement will be reached or not.

Referring to the explorations oil and natural gas explorations by the Republic of Cyprus, Bagis stated that if it was not for Turkey, Europe would not be able to reach any energy resources and added that the Greek Cypriot side unilaterally prevents the opening of the energy chapter in Turkey's accession talks creating a crisis. "The 26 countries must say enough anymore to this impertinence", he stated.

[08] Bozer is re-elected as so-called speaker of the "assembly"

Bozer received the support of 38 so-called MPs in the 50-seat "parliament" while 7 so-called MPs voted against him. 4 of the votes were invalid.

Speaking after his re-election, Bozer thanked members of "parliament" for their support, vowing to abide by the "constitution" and "laws" of the "country". He also said that he would continue to maintain his political neutrality, keeping an equal distance to all "MPs".

The Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) so-called MP Mustafa Yektaoglu was also re-elected as the "deputy speaker of the parliament".

[09] A "Movement" for protection of the rights of foreign and Turkish Cypriot homebuyers was established in occupied Cyprus

In a statement issued on behalf of the movement by Malcolm Mitcheson and Gultac Ozsan, it is argued that the "laws" of the regime on this matter are wrong. It is also noted that their efforts are supported by the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk and the main "opposition" Republican Turkish Party (CTP).

The statement said that an initiative will be launched with the participation of experts and politicians for urgently implementing a moratorium regarding those who buy houses in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. The Movement has web pages at the following addresses: www.makingnorthcyprusbetter.com and HYPERLINK "http://www.kkg2011.com" www.kkg2011.com.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Sixty per cent of students in occupied Cyprus are Turkish nationals

Sinay pointed out that unless the "population" issue is placed under control, there can be no planning in the education and health sectors. Based on data by the so-called ministry of education, he said that, in public schools, there are 24,978 students with "TRNC citizenship," 12,923 with Turkish citizenship and 904 students coming from third countries. In private schools there are 4,935 students with "TRNC citizenship," 457 with Turkish citizenship, and 784 from third countries. Furthermore, Sinay said that the number of students in schools, given that these numbers cannot be trusted fully, amounts to 60% of them being Turkish citizens.

Mustafa Emiroglulari an "MP" with the Social Democracy Party (TDP), speaking also during the session, said that they should determine the uncontrolled increase in "population" because it creates problems to schools.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (11.10.11) reports that the so-called minister of education, answering to comments, said that there are teachers who teach only five periods per week using their capacity as trade unionists, and they do not go to a neighbouring school in need of teachers. He said that, although they respect social rights, the matter has to be discussed, as it is to the benefit of the public.

[11] UBP celebrates its 36th anniversary

The leader of the UBP, self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk will address the reception which will be open to the public.

The UBP, which was established by Rauf Denkta
on the 11th of October in 1975, has been the longest party to "govern" in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

[12] Turkey to hold first meeting for new constitution on Thursday

Turkish Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek called on the committee to convene on Thursday. The committee will consist of Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputies Mehmet Ali Sahin, Ahmet Iyimaya and Mustafa Sentop; Republican People's Party (CHP) deputies Atilla Kart, Suheyl Batum and Riza Turmen; Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputies Faruk Bal, Tunca Toskay and Oktay Ozturk, and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputies Ayla Akat Ata, Sirri Sureyya Onder and Altan Tan.

[13] Turkish and Albanian Presidents held a joint press conference

Gul said that the relations between the two countries covered political, economic, military, cultural and humanitarian areas.

Turkey and Albania's alliance relations within the scope of NATO was a model, said Gul, giving the example of Turkish and Albanian soldiers' working together under International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. He added that Albania was the strategic partner of Turkey in Balkans.

Noting that there were two Turkish universities and many other Turkish schools in Albania, Gul said that these institutions further developed the brotherhood and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Gul also said that they also discussed economic relations, adding that the trade volume between the two countries exceeded 350 million USD, adding that nearly 100 Turkish companies had 1.5 billion USD of investment in Albania in banking, telecommunication, iron, mining, health and education areas.

Albanian President Bamir Topi, for his part, said that Turkey and Albania would work together to strengthen the peace in Balkans.

Reminding that Gul signed a protocol in November 2008, which supported Albania's NATO membership, Topi said that Albania, today, was one of the 28 members of NATO.

[14] Turkey signed a cooperation agreement to fight against money laundering

Turkey's Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) has signed cooperation agreements with 25 countries so far to fight against money laundering, the finance of terrorism and related crimes.

Turkey first signed such an agreement with the breakaway regime in the Republic of Cyprus in 2006. The other countries are Indonesia, Portugal, Sweden, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Georgia, Albania, Syria, Romania, Croatia, FYROM, South Korea, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Japan, Ukraine, Norway, Jordan, Senegal and Luxembourg.

MASAK has signed cooperation protocols with Britain, Canada, Monaco, Finland and Belgium since the beginning of this year. Also, MASAK has launched initiatives to cooperate with the United States against money laundering.

[15] "Syrian National Council to send representatives to Ankara"

"In a move that may bolster the legitimacy of Syria's present opposition leadership, members of the Syrian National Council (SNC) will send a delegation to Ankara this week to meet with officials from the Foreign Ministry, says SNC spokesperson and Syrian dissident Khaled Khoja.

'We plan to meet with members of the Foreign Ministry in order to introduce our policy and a roadmap to the Turkish government,' he told Today's Zaman in an interview on Monday. Khaled claims that it will be the first time the SNC, which represents a diverse group of opposition voices within Syria, will consult with Ankara over its resistance to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The move would showcase both Ankara's growing willingness to court formal ties to the Syrian opposition movement and the council's ongoing quest to gain recognition from the international community.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry denies that the meeting is on its agenda, but sources close to Today's Zaman, who wish to remain anonymous, due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed reports that the meeting may take place in the coming week. If held, the meeting would be the first step in what Oytun Orhan, a Middle East expert at the Centre for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies (ORSAM), claims would be 'a big step in conferring legitimacy on the Syrian Council. Granting the Syrian Council a meeting may mean the government will soon be willing to grant them official recognition. This, in turn, would confer international legitimacy on the council. If Turkey stands behind them, it would confirm them as the official opposition movement,' Orhan told Today's Zaman. (?)"

[16] "Turkey to ask for closure of the Makhmour camp"

"(?) Turkey is set to again push for the dissolution of the Makhmour refugee camp, a United Nations-camp in northern Iraq that Ankara claims is a prime recruiting ground for Kurdish militants, when the Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari arrives tomorrow for talks, according to a diplomat.

(?) In previous talks, Ankara offered to foster the necessary conditions in Turkey to allow the refugees to voluntarily return home.

Zebari will visit Ankara tomorrow for talks to focus on preparations for the next meeting of the bilateral cooperation council, which will be held in Turkey later this year with the participation of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Turkish diplomat told the Hurriyet Daily News.

During his Oct. 12-13 Turkey official visit, Zebari will also travel to the southeastern province of Gaziantep to inaugurate an Iraqi consulate.

Measures to curb Kurdish militants based in northern Iraq will also be in the agenda, the diplomat added.

Noting that U.N. protection was not enough to prevent the PKK from receiving logistical assistance from the camp, Zebari said Turkey had asked to 'annul the U.N.'s supervision over the camp and turn over the authority to Baghdad'. (?)" TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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