Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-12-20

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

[01] Eroglu says they corrected some "misunderstandings" yesterday with President Christofias

[02] Eroglu commented on the municipal elections in the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus

[03] Eroglu describes as "correct and beautiful" a statement reportedly made by President Christofias on marketing Cypriot natural gas through Turkey

[04] Eroglu due in Gaziantep; He will deliver a speech on the Cyprus problem

[05] BKP delegation meets with Eroglu

[06] Akansoy calls Eroglu to "listen to the people's voice"

[07] Bulutoglulari believes that sign common projects with newly elected Mayor Yiorkadjis

[08] Cavusoglu says 523 illegal workers benefited from amnesty

[09] Angolemli: "Turkey pumped population into the TRNC"

[10] Denktas family member arrested; grandma steps in for his release

[11] Turkish officials condemn a French resolution on Armenian genocide

[12] "Ankara cautiously welcomes Syria deal"

[13] Columnist suggests 3 scenarios on Presidency

[14] Columnist criticizes the latest report of Committee to Protect Journalists

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Main issue in today's Turkish dailies are the warning statements made by several Turkish politicians and organizations to France not to approve a resolution on the Armenian genocide. Other issues highlighted are statements by the opposition parties, CHP, MHP and BDP that they support the president's term to be 5 year and not 7, reports that the budget debate in Turkey is to be concluded today. About Cyprus, Turkish dailies comment on President Christofias' latest statement that both sides in the island will share the wealth of natural resources.

[01] Eroglu says they corrected some "misunderstandings" yesterday with President Christofias

In statements yesterday at his office after the meeting, Eroglu said that this was the last one for 2011 and added that during the 1.5-hour meeting they discussed EU issues. He noted: "There were some misunderstandings. We have corrected these misunderstandings in this meeting".

Eroglu said that as they did on many issues, they achieved convergences on the EU matters as well and expressed the belief that an agreement could be reached. "A vital issue for us on the European Union matter is for the agreement to be reached to become primary law of the EU. I could say that we have not ended this issue, but there are convergences. We will discuss this issue at length during our meetings next year and try to end it".

Eroglu noted that they really had a very positive and constructive meeting which was held in a sincere climate. "I had said that some debate existed during the meeting last week. Today the negotiations were held in a more sincere climate and both sides ended the meeting today believing that they could approach their views", he added.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (20.12.11) refers to the same statements and reports that Eroglu said he had a telephone conversation with the European Commissioner Responsible for the Enlargement, Stefan Fule and expressed his satisfaction with the statement made by the President of the EU Commission Jose Manuel Barosso, who "clearly expressed the reality" that a solution should be reached to the Cyprus problem until 1 July 2012, when the Republic of Cyprus will undertake the EU term presidency.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu commented on the municipal elections in the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus

He claimed: "Only to tell you the truth is seems a little bit strange for us that they still nominate candidates for areas which are in the north. It is both strange and saddening". Eroglu alleged that it is wrong to nominate candidates and hold elections for areas which are in the "TRNC", as he called the area of the Republic of Cyprus which is under the occupation of the Turkish army since 1974.

He argued: "This serves no other purpose than keeping alive the spirit of people being migrants and the use of these issues by some politicians. The Greek Cypriot side still continues its policies trying to keep alive the spirit of being a migrant. However, I think that it is meaningless for them to elect now mayors of Famagusta, Keryneia and Morfou?Therefore I want to once more say that this stance is not correct and that they act wrongly".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu describes as "correct and beautiful" a statement reportedly made by President Christofias on marketing Cypriot natural gas through Turkey

When asked to comment on statements by officials of the Republic of Cyprus that the Turkish Cypriots will be given a share from the Cypriot natural gas regardless of the solution of the Cyprus problem and it will be distributed with a pipeline through Turkey, Eroglu noted that during the Cyprus negotiations he told President Christofias that the natural gas could be marketed through Turkey in a more practical and cost effective manner, instead of going through the Lebanon and Israel.

Eroglu expressed his satisfaction with the fact that President Christofias reportedly said the same thing and added: "The important thing, however, is to reach an agreement".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (20.12.11) refers to the same issue under the banner front-page title "Greek Cypriot surprise for Turkey", and reports that the Republic of Cyprus has prepared an "interesting proposal" to Turkey noting that this plans concerns a 40-mile pipeline between Turkey and Cyprus with the aim of distributing the Cypriot natural gas to Europe. The paper writes that the Government Spokesman Stefanos Stefanou had said that the necessary ways for the Turkish Cypriots to benefit from Cyprus's natural wealth will definitely be found.

The Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (20.12.11, online) refers to the same issue under the title "Their only choice is Turkey" and argues that a problem regarding the sale of the Cypriot natural gas was came out to be the reason for the "surprising" proposal of the Republic of Cyprus on the issue of the natural gas. The paper alleges that the Greek Cypriots will not be able to sell the gas, even if they find it, without Turkey. "Their only choice to be able to carry, in an economic manner the gas to be found, is to use pipelines which pass from Turkey", argues Sabah citing sources from the Turkish Ministry of Energy. The paper recalls that Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) had signed an agreement with the breakaway regime for carrying out explorations in the entire exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, including parcel 12, where the Republic of Cyprus is currently drilling for natural gas and oil. If the drilling crisis in the Mediterranean Sea get bigger, argues the paper, Turkey could claim rights and start drilling in all the areas where "south Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is describes, is searching for gas.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Eroglu due in Gaziantep; He will deliver a speech on the Cyprus problem

According to information acquired by the so-called presidency, during his visit to Gaziantep, Eroglu will also participate at the celebrations for the liberation of Gaziantep.

Eroglu is to be accompanied to his visit to Gaziantep by his executive assistant, Gokturk Otuken. He is expected to return to the occupied are of Cyprus on Monday, 26.

(AK)

[05] BKP delegation meets with Eroglu

Izcan said that, being a party outside the "parliament", they cannot access easily information and that the reason for their visit was to learn about the progress in the negotiations and evaluate how they will proceed from now on. He said that his party supports solution, peace and a united Cyprus therefore they will also support every step towards a united federal Cyprus. He also said that they are going to meet tomorrow with President Christofias and they wanted to get correct information from Eroglu before the meeting, in order to be informed about the subject.

[06] Akansoy calls Eroglu to "listen to the people's voice"

Akansoy, speaking on Kanal Sim television pointed out that Eroglu, by reiterating the expression "end game", hopes this to be realized and also the recognition of the "TRNC" [the breakaway regime] to take place. Akansoy argued that such a policy will throw Turkish Cypriots against a wall and said: "Mr Eroglu uses expressions like 'last trump card,' 'end game.' He says that the last trump card will be played in Greentree. There is no last trump card, no end game, this is daydreaming. What is important for us is the stance of the President; because we have proven to the world our will for solution. As CTP we wish to support Mr Eroglu in any way, but if this does not happen, being a party with gravity in the international arena, we will do what has to be done. CTP has not yet said its final word."

Moreover, Akansoy said that they do not wish to hear for the progress achieved in the talks by Greek Cypriot press and called Eroglu to disclose his proposals on territory and property chapters, since these issues are related with the fate of the people. He also argued that Eroglu, despite saying on his "election" that he will continue from where Talat left off, today he is not at that point. He noted that what is important is to develop the structure for a solution, not just sit at the table.

[07] Bulutoglulari believes that sign common projects with newly elected Mayor Yiorkadjis

He noted that they had met before with Yiorkadjis at a dinner during which when he told him that he is known as "supporter of EOKA and this creates concerns among the Turkish Cypriots", Yiorkadjis replied that he is in favour of peace and cooperation.

"I believe we will understand each other with the new Mayor. He behaved very moderately. He is a person who knows Turkey and its businesspeople well", he added.

Bulutoglulari expressed his sorrow for former Mayor Eleni Mavrou's defeat in the elections and said they signed many projects together with Mavrou.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (20.12.11) refers to Bulutoglulari's statements under the title "Message to Yiorkadjis" and reports that Bulutoglulari called on Yiorkadjis to "see the reality of the existence of two separate municipalities" in Lefkosia. "I wish for him to sign joint projects with us by seeing the reality that two separate municipalities exist in Lefkosia according to the international law", he argued.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (20.12.11) also refers to Bulutoglulari's statements under the banner front-page title "If his father was member of EOKA, mine was member of TMT".

(I/Ts.)

[08] Cavusoglu says 523 illegal workers benefited from amnesty

Commenting on the issue on its front page, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (20.12.11) writes the following: "If 523 persons have benefited from the migration amnesty in two weeks, what do you estimate this number will be in two months? Will it be 5 thousands the most? E, what will happen with the rest 35 thousand illegal [persons]?"

[09] Angolemli: "Turkey pumped population into the TRNC"

Angolemli, who was guest of a radio programme at Posta FM, commented on the illegal workers in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus as follows:

"The illegal labour has happened in the following manner: First, there was a wish to increase the population here. There was a wish to reach a figure at least near to the population in the South, with whatever way. From this point of view, all the passed governments in Turkey exerted this stance and pumped illegal workers into this place. So, our people, who were settled here years ago, have started to feel anxiety, because their children remained with no jobs. The illegal workers have also been distress, because they have been treated as slaves. They fell in a trap and obligatorily they will do whatever their employer will tell them."

[10] Denktas family member arrested; grandma steps in for his release

Can Denktas, son of the late Raif Denktas was arrested yesterday since he was not able to deposit instalments that a "court" has appointed for his 70,000 Turkish Lira debt. The paper reports that his grandmother paid his bail, despite the fact that after 17:00 the registrar was closed, and once the receipt reached the prison he was released.

[11] Turkish officials condemn a French resolution on Armenian genocide

Cicek told reporters on Monday that he sent a letter to his French counterpart last week which conveyed Turkey's concerns about the issue and also condemned the stance of France.

He added that a Turkish Parliamentary delegation had been in France since yesterday regarding this issue.

Noting that Turkey had comprehensive relations which were rooted in the past with France, Cicek said that attempts to adopt resolutions on parliamentary level regarding historical matters were only exploitations by domestic politics. It is necessary to avoid such attempts only to gain a few more votes in the elections, he added.

Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis on Monday met with Danish Ambassador in Ankara Ruben Madsen.

Responding to a question over a French bill that makes denying of Ottoman-era incidents of 1915 punishable with a one year prison term and a fine of 45 thousand euros, Bagis said the bill was problematic in the sense that it limited freedom of expression.

"The French Revolution was made to secure freedom of expression and now they are set to debate a bill that bans expressing one's opinions. There is no sense in this," Bagis said.

Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said regarding French resolution criminalizing the rejection of Armenian allegations on 1915 incidents that if the resolution was adopted, Joint Economic Committee meeting in France on January 24 would not be held.

A Turkish Parliamentary delegation is holding talks in Paris to convince French officials not to adopt a resolution criminalizing the rejection of Armenian allegations on 1915 incidents.

Turkish parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Volkan Bozkir told reporters on Monday that the resolution was against basic rights and freedoms.

We are here to tell French officials the harms of the resolution on Turkish-French relations, said Bozkir.

Noting that trade volume between the two countries was nearly 13.5 billion Euro, Bozkir said that investments of France in Turkey reached 6.5 billion Euro, and nearly 2,000 French companies were making business with Turkey. He added that one million French tourists were visiting Turkey every year.

Bozkir said that if the resolution was adopted, an uneasy period would begin in Turkish-French relations.

The cooperation between Turkey and France, which made important contributions in peace and stability in the region and the world, will be harmed significantly, if the resolution is adopted, said Bozkir.

He noted that history was written by historians, not parliaments.

Also, deputy Osman Koruturk of Republican Poeple's Party (CHP) in the delegation said that the resolution was an attempt to have some political gain. Koruturk said that the resolution was also against French constitution.

The delegations will continue talks in France today and Tuesday.

The resolution will be voted on December 22 during the French Parliament's general assembly. The resolution punishes people who reject 1915 incidents with one-year imprisonment and 45,000 Euro fine.

[12] "Ankara cautiously welcomes Syria deal"

"The signing of a long-expected deal between Syria and the Arab League has been cautiously welcomed by the government, which underlined the need to see its implementation rather than signature.

However, for the opposition parties, the deal is a clear indication of the Turkish government's failure in its Syria policies.

'Both Turkey and the Arab League's stances [concerning Syria] are well-known. It would be a positive move if Syria would accept the plan as a whole and without any preconditions,' Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters yesterday in the Central Anatolia province of Konya. Davutoglu said he talked with his Qatari counterpart on the phone Dec. 18 to discuss the development, but did not further elaborate on the issue.

Turkish diplomats, on the other hand, said Turkey was advocating the Arab League-backed process from the very beginning and will continue to work with the 22 country bloc afterward. 'Turkey will very closely follow the plan's implementation and whether it will help in ending the crackdown on protestors,' diplomats said, referring the distrust created by the Bashar al-Assad regime.

But for the opposition parties, the signing of the deal is clear evidence that 'Turkey has been pushed out of play on Syria due to the government's wrong policies.'

'If existing policies would not have been amended we will stay out of both Syria and the Arab League's initiative,' Faruk Logoglu, deputy leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), told the Hurriyet Daily News yesterday following a week-long trip to the United States last week.

'And already out of all such efforts, the government is insisting on a threatening policy in the line of Washington and Brussels', he said.

Davutoglu's zero-problems-with-neighbours policy totally nixed Turkey's influence in the region, Logoglu said. 'Contrary to what is claimed by the government, Turkey's influence is becoming confined both from the East and the West. France is likely to adopt a resolution on 'so-called' Armenian genocide, the U.S. recently a bill [calling on Turkey 'to safeguard its Christian heritage and to return confiscated church properties'] despite the fact we are having brilliant ties nowadays.'

Logoglu, who led a CHP delegation visiting Washington and New York last week, said he got the impression the government's Syria policy was making U.S. officials 'very happy'.

'Washington seems to be focused on Syria. As they find Turkey's polices sufficient and right, they are 'happy.' In addition, we understand that Turkey's stance vis-?-vis Iran does also add to their happiness. Beyond that, they have also clinched the idea that Turkey could be a model to the Arab countries,' he said.

But the Syria case will not help to build a healthy and lasting relationship between Turkey and the U.S., Logoglu said. 'It has to be built on more solid ground based on lasting joint values and interests. We told the Americans to think how ties would be affected if things would change in Syria in the future.'

The deputy leader said the CHP was on the same page with the government in demanding a more democratic regime in Syria but differed on the methods. 'This policy the government and Washington follow will only bring about long lasting bloody, violent and probably sectarian armed conflict,' he said."

[13] Columnist suggests 3 scenarios on Presidency

1- The '5+5' year scenario as the opposition suggests. If this will be the case, Gul's term will be completed by August 2012 and a new President should be elected by people by then; in which Gul can put in his candidacy once again.

2- The 7 years scenario. Gul's term finishes by Aug. 28, 2014, a new President is elected by popular vote by then, and Gul will not be a candidate anymore. There are speculations that he will leave his place to Erdogan and go back to politics to be the AKP Prime Minister once more.

3- The 7+5 scenario. No one raises this possibility loudly, but it may be possible unless a law clearly defines otherwise, since Gul has been elected for 7 years but got another chance to get elected a second time for 5 years.

Yetkin concludes that among all these scenarios the "7 years and that is it" scenario looks more realistic, but it seems Turks will have to discuss the issue more when the debates on writing a new Constitution start next month.

[14] Columnist criticizes the latest report of Committee to Protect Journalists

"The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) describes its goal as 'promoting press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal'.

This institution published a report regarding all arrested journalists worldwide on Dec. 8. The report indicated there was a 20% leap in the number of journalists put behind bars since last year, and that Iran topped the list with some 42 prisoners.

There were only eight imprisoned journalists in Turkey, according to the CPJ. The news appeared on daily Milliyet under the title "Portrait of Disgrace" on Dec. 9.

Milliyet's title, of course, was right on the mark, because it would constitute an embarrassment for a country if even a single journalist went to jail for journalism.

The title was well on the mark, but let us takes a look on whether the figure '8' provided by the CPJ in terms of the number of imprisoned journalists in Turkey is correct. By contrast, a statement issued by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on Apr. 4, 2011, regarding this matter indicated there were 57 journalists behind bars in Turkey.

The list on the website of the Turkish Journalists Union (TGS) said there were 63 journalists in prison as of October 2011.

So, how should the massive difference between the figure '8' and the numbers '57' and '63' be accounted for? After reading the CPJ's report, we get the impression that for an imprisoned journalist to be recognized as an 'imprisoned journalist', they have to be put behind bars on accusations pertaining to 'professional activities', such as news or opinion pieces. In Turkey, on the other hand, many journalists are in jail not on the grounds of professional activities but on charges of 'terrorism'.

There is a sinister issue here that calls for an explanation. The CPJ report also indicates that 'offenses committed against the state', such as treason, subversion or activities against national interests, are also used across the world as justifications to arrest journalists in addition to their professional practices.

And there are around 50 journalists in Turkey, most of whom are accused of being terrorists, or committing offenses against the state, who were excluded from the CPJ's list of 'imprisoned journalists'. Is it that the CPJ does not find it convincing when journalists are arrested across the world on this charge, but standing accused of 'being a member of a terrorist organization' becomes a reason to disregard the professional identities of imprisoned journalists when Turkey is in question?

It's quite intriguing. For instance, the CPJ has determined that 'more than half of the 42 journalists imprisoned in Iran stand accused of committing offenses against the state'.

That being the case, why does the CPJ deem those arrested in Iran to be journalists but not those in Turkey?

This, perhaps, is the answer why: When the number of arrested journalists fall from 60 to eight in Turkey, which is upheld by the CPJ as a 'stable democracy' even though it ranks it among the worst in the world in terms of press freedom, Iran then becomes the 'world journalist arresting champion' by default. Or is it that the CPJ is putting its 'struggle for press freedom' at the disposal of a foreign policy objective?

Ahmet Sik and Nedim Sener from the CPJ's list of eight journalists are under arrest on charges of 'aiding and abetting a terror organization'. Naturally, this accusation does not constitute an objective reason that would prevent them from being included in the list of 'arrested journalists'. So, could this CPJ provide any objective reasons as to why other suspects accused of being terrorists in the Oda TV trials ought not to be regarded as having been arrested due to their journalistic activities? The 'Freedom for Journalists Platform' (G?P), which consists of 94 local and national media organizations, issued a message of condemnation against the CPJ last Thursday.

'We would like to highlight the fact that there is a very serious error, unless deliberately made, in this statement, and we are calling upon the CPJ to correct this mistake,' went the message regarding the claim about 'eight arrested journalists'.

Journalists in Turkey need to be protected from the Committee to Protect Journalists as much as they reserve the right to be free." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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