Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-12-09

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

[01] Illegal TAK has allegedly caused misunderstanding

[02] Talat says Eroglu pulled back from an agreement achieved at the Cyprus talks on the population census; He attacks political parties which visited Brussels to be informed on Cyprus' EU term presidency

[03] Akansoy says the Turkish settlers' children constitute the majority of the students in the "public" schools in the occupied areas

[04] Kucuk met with Atalay and Ozel in Turkey; He returned to the occupied area of Cyprus last night

[05] Kanatli's case of conscientious objection was sent to the "constitutional court"

[06] The breakaway regime will start "e-Passport" procedures

[07] Turkey's Health Minister on Erdogan's health condition; Erdogan's surgeon assures that Erdogan does not suffer from cancer disease

[08] A Russian official states that Akkuyu nuclear power plant project to be concluded in 2022

[09] Turkish MFA issues travel warning to Turkish citizens for Syria; Syria closes another border gate with Turkey

[10] Turkey to host the World Economic Forum next year

[11] "European debt crisis knocks Turkey's door"; Statements by Caglayan on Turkey's economy

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

The Turkish press report today on the health condition of the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and publishes statements by the doctor, who performed Erdogan surgery, saying that the Turkish Prime Minister has no cancer. The papers also report about the effect that the European economic crisis will have on the Turkish economic and on the hosting of the World Economic Forum on Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia next year in Turkey. Finally, the press report on the growing tension on the Turkish-Syrian borders and write that the Syrian army has reportedly deployed tanks as reinforcements in the borders.

[01] Illegal TAK has allegedly caused misunderstanding

TAK published again the news report, which corrected the sentence: "I think that the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will see in January that there could be no solution on the island and will take the necessary steps" with the following: "I think that in January the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will see whether we are heading for a solution in the island and will take the necessary steps."

[02] Talat says Eroglu pulled back from an agreement achieved at the Cyprus talks on the population census; He attacks political parties which visited Brussels to be informed on Cyprus' EU term presidency

Talat went on and said: "This was the essence of the population census within the framework of the negotiations. However, Eroglu said 'I am a state, I will do the counting'. This could be done any time. There was no need of doing it by discussing with Christofias. Why this census was conducted? Will he believe you? Even if you catch birds with your mouth, Christofias will not believe you. Even if there were 777 and not seven UN officials, he would not believe you. Then, why this census is conducted? Is it possible to have a result while citizenship is continuously distributed, especially with Eroglu's mentality, until a solution is reached? You can double the population within 3-5 months. The census has no meaning for the negotiations?"

Talat argued that it is important to know the population, but the population of the "TRNC", as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, is known. He claimed that the so-called state planning organization could announce the population every day. "Registers exist. Those who enter and exit, those who are born or die are known", he said adding that the so-called state could take this information and the next day could give you the number of the population. "Moreover, the illegal persons, who are said to be hidden in the fields and in the houses, are also known. Those who have not been found with the census will be found from the computer registers. The population is known in any case. Furthermore, how could such a primitive census could be conducted? They should be thankful for the fact that people did not say 'I will not be closed in the house' and did not pour into the streets. It was a meaningless, engage in futile, absolutely useless and unnecessary census. Some persons are satisfied, but I have not understood who. The UN being satisfied is out of the question?"

Talat argued that both sides are unwilling on the issue of reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem. He added: "Perhaps Eroglu thinks that with the declaration that no solution will be reached, the TRNC will enter into the way for recognition! As a result both sides are unwilling. Who will make the solution? Will it be the aliens?"

Talat said that he does not see that a solution to the Cyprus problem is possible soon.

Meanwhile, publishing the same statements, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (09.12.11) reports that Talat, referring to some Turkish Cypriot leftwing parties, said that "circles of the left mortify the Turkish Cypriot honour and identity, by accepting the Greek Cypriot administration", as he described the government of the Republic of Cyprus. "The Turkish Cypriots show a tendency of taking the easy way out when things get difficult. I can understand the people, but I cannot understand the parties. The citizens go and take identity cards, passports, educate their child etc. Yes, I can understand this, but not the parties".

Talat criticized the parties for sending their representatives to Brussels to be briefed for the preparations of the Republic of Cyprus' EU term presidency in the second half of 2012. He argued that some political parties went there just for touring.

He added: "How many times had the parties visited Brussels and they will go again. However, I could really not understand what was the meaning of participating in a tour prepared by Kaminara [Translator's not: The EU representative in Cyprus Androulla Kaminara] and in a delegation almost headed by [Kaminara]. And I cannot know where we are heading to".

Under the title "Talat made the parties angry", Haberdar reports that the leftwing parties, except for the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), strongly reacted to Talat's statements.

The chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), Mehmet Cakici wondered whether the protection of the Turkish Cypriot identity is left to Talat and the National Unity Party (UBP). Cakici recalled that these leftwing parties had supported Talat during the "elections" and added that Talat and the CTP have not demanded the rights which the Turkish Cypriots gained in 1960 in the Republic of Cyprus. "That is why the Turkish Cypriots remained under isolation", he said and added that the Turkish Cypriots have not become member of the Cyprus Football Association because of CTP's strategy. "We remained isolated both in trade and politics and in football", he noted.

The secretary of New Cyprus Party's (YKP) executive council, Murat Kanatli said he was not surprised by Talat's statement because he had the same stance in 2004 when the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU and the BKP was the only Turkish Cypriot party which celebrated the event.

The chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), Izzet Izcan expressed his sorrow for Talat's statements and noted that the aim of this visit was to get to know the EU institutions better and added that if the Turkish Cypriots became minority in occupied Cyprus and are facing the danger of annihilation, this is because of the wrong policies followed by the CTP and Talat when they were in "power".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akansoy says the Turkish settlers' children constitute the majority of the students in the "public" schools in the occupied areas

Akansoy made these statements speaking on a television program where he expressed his thoughts on the 4 December population census and on education in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

Referring to the population census, Akansoy reminded that the issue is related to the negotiations on the Cyprus problem, and said that the problems regarding the census are related to the way it was conducted and added that the results must be made known. He added that it is said that the population in the occupied area will be around 300.000 in the census.

On the education in the occupied areas, Akanosy said that looking at the profile of the children who study at "public" schools, it is shown that the majority is children of the illegal workers (i.e. illegal Turkish settlers) and wondered about the reasons that make the children of the Turkish Cypriots to study at private schools.

Finally, speaking about the opening of a religious department at the vocational high school in occupied Mia Milia, Akansoy stated that according to the same information, students from Mersin, Turkey were brought in order to study at the department and referred to "imported students" from Turkey.

[04] Kucuk met with Atalay and Ozel in Turkey; He returned to the occupied area of Cyprus last night

Kucuk also delivered a speech at the 21st General Assembly of the Turkish Workers' Unions Confederation - Turk-Is.

Upon completion of his contacts, the "prime minister" will return to the "Republic" this evening.

[05] Kanatli's case of conscientious objection was sent to the "constitutional court"

According to the paper, during the trial yesterday morning, the military "court" ruled - as Kanatli's lawyers had asked - to sent the case to the "constitutional court".

The case will be examined by the "constitutional court" at a date to be announced later.

Piet Dorflinger, member of the executive committee from the European Bureau for Conscientious Objectors (EBCO), who followed the trial, said: "This is an issue of conscience, and we, human beings, have a conscience. I came here, and I saw people who do this job decisively, I am grateful to them." He also conveyed the EBCO's solidarity to them.

Meanwhile, Haluk Selam Tufanli, Faika Deniz Pasa, Cemre Ipciler, Nevzat Hami and Ceren Goynuklu have also declared themselves conscientious objectors.

[06] The breakaway regime will start "e-Passport" procedures

Referring to the latest census, he said that, despite the criticism, it was conducted in the best possible way given the conditions in the breakaway regime, and outlined the technological deficiencies. He also said that they are trying to integrate the electronic procedures of all "ministries and municipalities" and said that they have not found yet optical readers for the checkpoints. He said that they have obtained through procurement an optical reader system for the illegal Tymbou airport, which will become operational shortly. Additionally, Cavusoglu said that regarding e-IDs and e-Passports his "ministry" has asked for tenders, and they will proceed with implementation from the 14th of December.

[07] Turkey's Health Minister on Erdogan's health condition; Erdogan's surgeon assures that Erdogan does not suffer from cancer disease

"The Prime Minister's state of health is very well. There is nothing to worry about," Akdag said adding that it would be up to Erdogan and his office to announce when he would return to work.

Erdogan has been recovering at his Istanbul home since the November 26 operation on his digestive system.

The International Investors Association of Turkey (YASED) announced in a press release yesterday that Erdogan would deliver a speech at their annual reception on December 15. However, the Prime Minister's press office did not confirm Erdogan's attendance of the event, saying that his program for that day had not yet been fixed.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish daily Istanbul Milliyet Online in Turkish (08.12.11), Mehmet Fuzun, who is one of Turkey's leading surgeons and the physicians who was present at Erdogan's surgery, described the nature of the procedure and the state of Erdogan's health to egedensoz.com.

Speaking about Erdogan's health condition, Prof Fuzun said: "I was present there as a specialist of the colon and the rectum. We looked at and reviewed the post-surgery examination results. We know the speculation that has been propagated. However, Prime Minister Erdogan definitely has no cancer. The polyps that were removed were well-behaved [non-malignant]."

(?)

Fuzun said that it is hard to determine what caused the polyps that led to the Prime Minister's indisposition and surgery. He added: "This may have many causes. It might have been caused by stress, genetic makeup, work conditions, and the type of food intake. Indeed, if one could know the general cause of polyps, the cause of cancer would also be known. Research and studies on this subject are continuing in the medical field."

[08] A Russian official states that Akkuyu nuclear power plant project to be concluded in 2022

Kasumov said that an advanced technology will be used in the power plant, which will prevent radiation leak and stressed that the project would totally be completed in 2022.

As regards the fuel to be used in the nuclear power plant, Kasumov said that it would be brought from Russia and that the waste would be sent back to Russia.

Kasumov said that nuclear waste could be used again and again; therefore it was valuable. He added that if Turkey wanted to purchase the waste, nuclear waste could stay in Turkey.

The agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on cooperation in relation to the construction and operation of a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu site, envisaged establishing four units of 1,200 MWe Russian design VVER reactors.

In December 2010, Russia established a company, "Akkuyu NGS Elektrik Uretim Corporation." (APC: Akkuyu Project Company) to build, operate and decommission the NPP units.

APC applied to the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) in February 2011 for being recognized as an owner, according to the Article 6 of the Decree on Licensing of Nuclear Installations, and Turkish Atomic Energy Agency (TAEK) recognized it as the owner.

In March 2011, APC started site investigations in Akkuyu for updating the site characteristics and parameters, according to the national procedures laid out in the Decree on Licensing of Nuclear Installations.

[09] Turkish MFA issues travel warning to Turkish citizens for Syria; Syria closes another border gate with Turkey

In a statement released Thursday, the MFA said that clashes in Syria posed a threat to those individuals travelling close to the Turkish border with Syria, and that Turkish citizens should not travel in Syria unless they are obliged to do so.

The MFA stressed that the road between Homs and Cilvegozu border gate was not safe. The MFA advised Turkish citizens to travel in Syria only in daylight and in groups.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia reported also that on Thursday, Syria closed one of its border gates with Turkey as relations were strained further with Ankara's sanctions on Damascus to punish the Syrian regime over its refusal to end a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests.

The closure came after Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said on Wednesday, that Damascus had started on Tuesday allowing Turkish trucks to enter Syria after blocking their entry last week in retaliation for sanctions imposed by Ankara.

Syrian customs officials have forced Turkish truck drivers to form long queues keeping them waiting at the border gates with Turkey but on Wednesday trucks were allowed in.

A local Turkish governor said Syrian officials had cited maintenance work for the closure of the gate at the Nusaybin town of the south-eastern province of Mardin. "They have told us that they would open the gate once the maintenance was over," said Murat Girgin, Nusaybin's governor. The governor said a group of around 100 people including Syrian nationals were denied entry into Syria's Kamisli town, adding that the group was waiting on the Turkish side of border". (?)

[10] Turkey to host the World Economic Forum next year

The World Economic Forum will convene over 1,000 leaders in Istanbul to catalyze new partnerships for growth and human development.

Speaking to AA correspondent, Stephen Kinnock, Director and Head of Europe and Central Asia at the World Economic Forum, said that Turkey, which was a country of prosperity and tranquillity, was very suitable to host this meeting.

Answering a question on Turkey's economy, Kinnock said Turkey showed a great economic performance in the recent years, stating that its economy grew by 8-10 percent. "Turkey has been playing an important role regionally and globally", he added.

[11] "European debt crisis knocks Turkey's door"; Statements by Caglayan on Turkey's economy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on December 7 predicted economic growth of just 2 % next year for Turkey, providing an assessment that hints at the possibility of a short recession early next year. But Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan brushed off the pessimistic review, saying the IMF would have to revise its projections.

However, a similar warning came yesterday from Turkey's top business organization. 'External crises can come knocking on our door at any time,' Umit Boyner, chairwoman of the Turkish Industry & Business Association, said in a speech that intimated an unsustainable current account deficit.

Hopes for a managed slowdown in the economy were dented yesterday as industrial output continued to grow at a rapid pace. In October, the pace of expansion was 7.3%; on a month-to-month basis, the increase was the biggest since December 2010.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank cut its main interest rate to 1% yesterday, displaying its concern for the health of the eurozone economy".

On Turkey's economy, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (08.12.11) reported on statements by Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan who has said at a conference hosted by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) on Thursday, that Turkey's exports have reached $133.97 billion in the past 12 months, indicating that the country has now broken a new record with the highest level of exports in the history of the Republic.

Turkey sold $114 billion worth of goods to overseas markets last year. It witnessed a record in export volume in 2008 with $132 billion, but saw the same figure plunge below $100 billion the following year due to the 2009 global financial crisis. Observers argued this year's exports data could mean a new record and that the latest figures are proof of this. The country aims to reach $500 billion in exports by 2023, the centennial of the foundation of the republic.

Caglayan said Turkey reached the highest level of exports in its history as of Thursday, adding that the country is poised to maintain this performance. "This is a success which many could not even dream of ? but we are here to work harder, and even exceed these figures in exports," he stressed.

Underlining that the government has intensified efforts to diversify export markets, Caglayan said the government will increase the number of trade offices abroad to 250, currently at 109. The minister also said these offices will work to help attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) to Turkey than in the past. "Our trade representatives in Europe tell us that investors, particularly from the UK, Italy and France, are interested in new investments in Turkey," he explained.

Mentioning of improvements in attracting foreign investment in Turkey, the minister recalled that Turkey received $10.9 billion in FDI in the first nine months of this year, more than twice the amount for the same period a year ago. "One important fact was that 87% of international capital inflows to Turkey in the given period were from financially troubled EU countries. ? Turkey maintained its appeal to European investors despite the ongoing crisis," he said.

Caglayan cited political stability in the country as the driving factor behind Turkey's economic success and growth. Regarding the EU crisis, he said the government expected EU leaders to reach a healthy solution at today's summit in Brussels before the troubled eurozone could maintain a speedy recovery.

As regards an International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimate of a 2.5% growth rate for the Turkish economy in 2012, the minister said the government believes the IMF will revise this figure following positive developments in the economy.

With reference to ongoing political instability in Syria, Caglayan called on the Syrian government to reconsider an earlier decision to suspend a free trade agreement with Turkey. "Syria is facing economic difficulties every month due to sanctions, particularly on oil," Caglayan said, adding that 'it is not a wise move for Syria to also place obstacles before Turkish trucks entering the country. 'We are looking for new trade routes bypassing Damascus, and negotiations are under way with Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq to this end. ? We will launch a ro-ro service from the Port of Mersin to Beirut and Alexandria in a few days," he added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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