Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-11-01

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] The UN Secretary-General will reportedly call for a new Cyprus Summit in January2. Talat: "I am not hopeful for the summit? If I am mistaken, I will be very pleased"

[03] Ozgurgun reiterated his full support to Eroglu for the Cyprus talks

[04] Clinton urges Turkey to smooth ties with "neighbors"; she expresses the USA support to the oil drilling activities of the Republic of Cyprus

[05] Koca Piri Reis is reportedly concluding its explorations in Mediterranean this evening

[06] The protocol signed between the Libyan health ministry and illegal YDU hospital is seen as the first step for de facto recognition of "TRNC"

[07] Turkish Cypriots protest under the Trade Unions' Platform

[08] Thousands of illegal Turkish workers to be "legalized" in the occupied areas

[09] Kucuk answers to Kaplan; columnist says "phoney courage"

[10] Gul to host Turkey-Afghanistan-Pakistan summit in Istanbul today

[11] Turkey is likely to face new crisis with Israel over Gokturk project

[12] Babacan on Turkish-German Trade Volume

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Reports about the consequences of the recent earthquake in the eastern province of Van, information about the trilateral meeting taking place in New York on the Cyprus problem, reports about a possible new crisis between Turkey and Israel over Turkey's Gokturk electro-optical satellite project, which will pave the way for the Turkish military to gather its own intelligence and other internal issues are some of the main topics in the Turkish newspapers today.

[01] The UN Secretary-General will reportedly call for a new Cyprus Summit in JanuaryAnkara Anatolia news agency (01.11.11), citing information by an anonymous source, reported that the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, was expected on Tuesday to announce a new meeting in mid-January to assess progress on the Cyprus negotiation, between the President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.

Ban and the two Cypriot leaders have been holding a tripartite Summit in the last two days. "In the meeting, Ban and Cypriot leaders made progress in Cyprus issue; however, there were still many things to be done", said sources. The UN Secretary-General will hold a press conference on Tuesday regarding their tripartite summit. Eroglu and Christofias are expected to be present at the press conference too, according to AA.

Eroglu is expected to depart from New York on Wednesday.

In addition, Illegal Bayrak television (31.10.11) reports that Osman Ertug the spokesperson of the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, who is accompanying the Turkish Cypriot leader in New York, stated that the Turkish Cypriot side is hopeful towards a settlement in Cyprus. Ertug answered reporters' questions at the end of the first day of the Cyprus summit.

He said that the Turkish Cypriot side hopes to achieve progress towards a solution to the Cyprus problem, during the summit. "We are not focusing on B Plans, but the Cyprus negotiations" he stated.

He went on and said that the Turkish Cypriot side has always looked at the Cyprus negotiations with hope and he added that the second day of the summit is also scheduled to take place for a full day.

Besides, all the Turkish Cypriot newspapers report today about the trilateral meeting taking place in New York between the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.

Vatan reports on the issue under the title "A positive climate in the summit".

Volkan: "Anxious anticipation".

Star Kibris: "Christofias is throwing mud".

Bakis refers to statements made by Stephanos Stephanou, the government's spokesman of the Republic of Cyprus, and writes that he denied reports in the Greek Cypriot press: "Stephanou: Give and take did not take place. There is no UN surprise".

[02] Talat: "I am not hopeful for the summit? If I am mistaken, I will be very pleased"

Referring to the issue of the "cross-voting", Talat said that the "cross-voting" was part of a package of 13 articles. He added: "We did not agree on the issue of cross-voting nor rejected it. It was part of 13 articles that would have been discussed openly as a whole." Talat wondered whether this package is still at the negotiation table.

Talat also said that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu wants the UN Secretary-General to declare that a solution cannot be found. "Esteemed Eroglu is spiritually and physically alien to the solution", he added.

Talat noted that the Turkish Cypriot side should exert efforts for a Cyprus settlement, claiming that the Greek Cypriot side declares its enemy, whoever becomes leader in the Turkish Cypriot side.

[03] Ozgurgun reiterated his full support to Eroglu for the Cyprus talks

Ozgurgun alleged that the Greek Cypriot side is not sincere on the issues of rotating presidency and cross-voting, claiming that it plays dirty tricks.

Referring to the news reports that there is a crisis between the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, the so-called government and the self-styled foreign ministry, Ozgurgun argued that some circles tried to create this image between them, but, it is not true.

Claiming that the so-called foreign minister is not part of the negotiation team reportedly due to the Greek Cypriot side's policies that have been going on for years now, Ozgurgun argued that the self-styled foreign ministry participates in all the works of the negotiation team. He also said that they act together with Turkey's government and the Turkish foreign ministry.

Commenting on press reports according to which he stated that the "TRNC" will never be recognised, Ozgurgun said that his statement was reflected wrongly in the media. He also said that what he said is that "international powers do not recognize TRNC (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus) because this does not suit them and they do not want a solution in Cyprus".

Ozgurgun also said that they should be positive and hopeful on the Cyprus talks. He added that the Cyprus problem cannot be solved with (the settlement of) the property issue and argued that the problem is the Governance and Power-Sharing.

[04] Clinton urges Turkey to smooth ties with "neighbours"; she expresses the USA support to the oil drilling activities of the Republic of Cyprus

Speaking to the American-Turkish Council in Washington today, Clinton said the "Turkish miracle" had seen that country's economy triple in size over the last decade as reforms opened up both the political and economic sectors to new competition.

But, she said, Ankara -- which hopes to draft a new constitution by the first half of 2012 -- must be careful to ensure that human rights are respected, minority groups are included and media freedoms are guaranteed.

"Turkey's ability to realize its full potential depends upon its resolve to strengthen democracy at home and promote peace in the neighbourhood," Clinton said in prepared remarks.

(?)

Clinton urged Ankara to work with Israel "to overcome differences over Israel's Palestinian policies" and its killing last year of nine Turks aboard a Gaza-bound activist ship. "We have been dismayed by the deterioration of relations between Turkey and Israel," Clinton said. "We continue to urge both countries to look for opportunities to get this important relationship back on track."

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Clinton underscored U.S. support for United Nations mediation efforts in Cyprus stating the following: "We believe that public rhetoric must be kept to a minimum to allow the parties to achieve a solution," Clinton said.

"And while we recognize the right of the Republic of Cyprus to explore for natural resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone, including with the assistance of U.S. firm Noble Energy, we look forward to both sides benefiting from shared resources in the context of an overall agreement."

Clinton stressed that Washington would continue to back Ankara in its fight against PKK militants and that the United States hoped Turkey would one day achieve its long-deferred goal of joining the European Union.

"Reducing tensions with neighbours and increasing stability in the neighbourhood is a recipe for expanded growth and influence," Clinton said.

"Turkey's leaders understand this. But it will take bold choices and strong political will to leave the past behind and embrace the future Turkey deserves", she concluded.

[05] Koca Piri Reis is reportedly concluding its explorations in Mediterranean this evening

According to the paper, Koca Piri Reis sailed off to the area which the Turks call zone G in order to conduct its exploration, after it had docked on the 28 October in the occupied port of Famagusta, suspending its activities due to bad weather conditions.

Piri Reis chief engineer, Cemal Imdat, stated that the ship did not face any harassment. He said that everything went well and after concluding its explorations the ship will return to the occupied Famagusta port.

[06] The protocol signed between the Libyan health ministry and illegal YDU hospital is seen as the first step for de facto recognition of "TRNC"

The paper refers to a cooperation protocol signed on 30 of October between Abdal Rahman Ali Al-Kissa, the Minister of Health of Libya and the hospital of the illegal Near East University (YDU).

According to the protocol, which was signed between the Libyan Health Minister and the illegal YDU, 250 beds will be given to Libyan patients.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Bakis (01.11.11) reports on the same issue under the title "Libya has de facto recognized the TRNC!" The paper writes that the news about the protocol signing between the Libyan Health Minister and the Medical Faculty of the illegal YDU was published in the papers of Turkey and of the world which wrote that the protocol signing, despite not been official, constitutes de facto recognition of the "TRNC".

[07] Turkish Cypriots protest under the Trade Unions' Platform

Most unions also organized strikes, leaving many workplaces empty in the morning hours yesterday. Primary and secondary schools were also closed yesterday, due to strikes.

"The [government] has sold Turkish Cypriot people's will to Turkish authorities that threaten each month end to 'approve certain laws so that we contribute to your salaries,'" the Trade Unions' Platform said in a statement published yesterday on the official website of the Turkish Cypriot "Public Servants" Union (KTAMS).

The "government" is giving the electricity corporation, telephone administration, milk corporation and Turkish Cypriots' all other institutions as a present to capital close to Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), trying to make profits out of it, the platform's statement read.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (01.11.11) reports that the plenary session of the breakaway regime's "assembly," scheduled to start at 10 a.m. yesterday, was postponed and the "assembly" was expected to start work in the evening. During the protest, slogans such as "Ankara take your hands off," "We need schools, work, food not parliament" were written in banners and protesters chanted frequently "Unity Struggle Solidarity."

The paper reports that there was a heavy presence of "police" forces in the protest area and in front of the "parliament" have been placed steel barricades and barbwire. Also anti-riot squads have been mobilised and the whole operation was co-ordinated by the general director of the "police," Erdal Emanet, who was on the field.

Additionally, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (01.11.11) reports that they have been targeted by the "police" of the breakaway regime. Yesterday, while the protest was taking place the "police" acquired a "court order" to search Afrika's offices for "banners which constitute a crime" raided into the building and confiscated a banner that has been hung on the balcony, containing previous head titles of the newspaper. Later in the afternoon, two "policemen" accused the editor in chief Sener Levent that he has "insulted and disparaged a foreign state."

[08] Thousands of illegal Turkish workers to be "legalized" in the occupied areas

The so-called government foresees that around 30,000 persons will apply for amnesty; however the opposition, which strongly objects to the "government's" proposal, estimates that around 100,000 people will benefit from this regulation.

[09] Kucuk answers to Kaplan; columnist says "phoney courage"

Kucuk described Kaplan's statements as "unsupported, poor and containing denigrating insults for the state." He said that these statements created unrest and sorrow within the "TRNC [the breakaway regime], which is a republic based on the principles of democracy, social justice and supremacy of the law." He also said that the "government" has decided not to allow anyone to disturb public order.

Columnist and editor in chief of the paper Cenk Mutluyakali comments on Kucuk's statement saying that he showed quite some courage to answer in written to the Turkish MP. He wonders, however, where Kucuk's courage was, when he was being asked in front of journalists about his salary or when the people of this "country" were called servants [by Erdogan]. He also asks whether Kucuk would show the same courage in front of an AKP Deputy.

[10] Gul to host Turkey-Afghanistan-Pakistan summit in Istanbul today

Turkish President Abdullah Gul will host the 6th meeting of the trilateral summit process.

A statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that President Gul would hold bilateral talks with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Istanbul ahead of the trilateral summit.

At the end of the summit, two protocols on joint exercise and cooperation in the area of security will be signed.

[11] Turkey is likely to face new crisis with Israel over Gokturk project

The project will enable Turkey to acquire high-resolution images for military intelligence in Europe, the Caucasus and the Middle East. It will also strengthen Turkey's hand in fighting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Concerned that the satellite will gather images of its territory, Israel has pressured France, which is working on the construction of the satellite in cooperation with the Italian-based company Telespazio, to stop the project. Given the possibility that its efforts in France may yield no results, Israeli officials are also lobbying in Ankara.

Once the satellite is launched in 2012, Turkey will be able to sell the images it obtains to other countries as well. Israel is currently attempting to negotiate with Turkish officials in order to ensure Turkey does not sell images of Israel to other states and Palestine. However, the response from Turkish officials was clear: "We will decide how to use the images taken by our satellite."

Speaking to Today's Zaman, high-level officials from the Turkish Defense Ministry said: "For years, Israel has obtained images of our territory. For the first time, we will have a satellite for intelligence. Reciprocity is essential in international relations. If they observe Turkish soil, Turkey has the same right, too."

Turkey's defence and procurement authorities completed the deal with Telespazio for the construction and launch of the country's first military satellite, Gokturk, in 2009. The 250-million-euro contract was signed on July 16, 2009 at a ceremony attended by representatives of Telespazio and top Turkish officials, including Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul and Undersecretariat for the Defence Industry (SSM) head Murad Bayar.

The agreement includes the provision of an Earth-observation satellite equipped with a high-resolution optical sensor, the building of an integration and test centre for satellites in Turkey and the entire ground control system that will carry out in-orbit operations, data acquisition and processing.

[12] Babacan on Turkish-German Trade Volume

Speaking at Turkish-German CEO Forum in Berlin on Monday, Babacan said that Turkey's trade volume with Germany was nearly 30 billion USD in 2010 and added Germany was Turkey's number one trade partner.

Noting that almost three million Turks were living in Germany and they were contributing to economic, political and social life of the country, Babacan said that four million German citizens were visiting Turkey each year, adding that the number of Germans who wanted to live in Turkey was increasing rapidly.

Babacan said that 4,688 German companies were operating in Turkey, and their investments had reached 4.6 billion USD.

Noting that Turkey was currently experiencing a political, social and economic transformation process, Babacan said that democracy was working well and developing in Turkey which was a highly Muslim populated country. He added that Turkey was a source of inspiration for other countries.

Commenting on Turkish economy, Babacan said that it was important to build a confidence milieu, adding that Turkish government focused on a privatization program and dropped budget deficit to 1.7 in 2011 which was one of the lowest budget deficits among European countries.

Noting that public financing and banking were two important problems for many countries in the world, Babacan said that Turkey remained sound in these two issues thanks to the reforms it fulfilled.

Turkey grew 9 percent after the global shrinkage in 2009, and this year's growth figure was envisioned as 7.5 percent, said Babacan.

He noted that unemployment dropped 4 percent since 2009, and three million job opportunities were created in Turkey since that year.

Babacan also said that Turks, who were living in Germany, should be integrated well in German society.

Following his speech, Babacan proceeded to Washington. He will return to Berlin on Tuesday again, and participate in the meetings of Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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