Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-01-13

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

[01] Eroglu informs assembly prior to Greentree

[02] British Ambassadors met with Eroglu

[03] Ertug said that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready for a give-and-take process

[04] Downer: If the sides do not secure progress, the UN can do nothing more

[05] Talat stated that the policy followed by the Turkish Cypriot side, everyone to follow its own road is wrong

[06] CTPs Akansoy evaluates Ankara stance on the Cyprus problem

[07] Unal: Turkey has clear stance on European Security and Defence Identity

[08] Cakici: It is impossible to establish a state in a Greek Cypriot plot

[09] Turkish Ministers due to the occupied part of Cyprus to sign protocols with breakaway regime

[10] Self-styled minister Cavusoglus contacts in Germany

[11] Nadirs company used as middle man for weapons sales to Iraq

[12] Rauf Denktas is in critical condition

[13] Commission approves draft law to fix Guls term

[14] Turkey says not bound by US sanctions against Iran TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS The statements of Alexander Downer, UN Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for Cyprus that if the two sides in Cyprus do not secure progress, the UN can do nothing more, statements of Dervis Eroglus spokesperson Osman Ertug that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready for a process of give-and-take, reports about Eroglus briefing to the self-styled assembly about the Cyprus negotiations and the contacts of the self-styled minister Nazim Cavusoglu in Germany, are some of the main topics in the Turkish Cypriot press today. Reports that Turkey has stop activities convoy on Syrian Borders, reports that Gul will not be candidate for second time for the presidency of Turkey, reports that Greeks in Turkey will open a school in Gokceada island [Translators note: Gokceada is the Greek island of Imvros, North Aegean, given to Turkey in 1923 under the Lausanne Treaty] a public survey conducted in Turkey showing Erdogan to be first in preference of the people for the presidency of the Republic of Turkey, Rauf Denktas health condition, statements by Talat on the Cyprus problem and other internal issues are some of the main stories covered by todays Turkish press.

[01] Eroglu informs assembly prior to Greentree

Eroglu also said that the general wish is a permanent and sustainable settlement in Cyprus, and that he continues the negotiations with this objective. Asked by journalists to define the draft document, Eroglu stated that it is a 20 page document that each side has drafted while heading for the Greentree summit, but has not been exchanged yet. He said that that they are trying to enrich the document, thus Eroglu tried to take the views of the assembly while informing them about it.

[02] British Ambassadors met with Eroglu

[03] Ertug said that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready for a give-and-take process

Speaking on Bayrak this morning, Ertug said that the UN Chief Ban, in his recent letter to the two leaders, had referred to the ongoing solution process as the last stage in the Cyprus talks.

The Turkish Cypriot side is ready for a process of give-and-take. We will do our best to push for the launch of that process, bearing in mind Bans expectations. The give-and-take is possible if supported by the international community. The European Unions stance at this point is important in terms of influencing the Greek Cypriot side, Ertug claimed.

Ertug argued that it is possible to reach an agreement during the Greentree summit, once the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias shows the necessary political will towards reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem.

[04] Downer: If the sides do not secure progress, the UN can do nothing more

There is no other alternative than a federal solution, said Downer noting that since 2008, the solution process in Cyprus cost around 10-15 million US dollars for the United Nations.

According to Milliyet, Downer said that we could solve the problem by June and added that after the problem is solved I want to go to Bosporus in Istanbul and have a wonderful meal. He said that the Prime Ministers of Turkey and Greece, together with President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu should join him at this meal.

Other main points of Downers interview, as described by the paper, are the following:

The Greentree summit is a critical stage. After this summit we should move towards a multilateral conference. If the sides do not achieve progress on the main issues, we, as UN can do nothing more. The UN has no Plan B. There could be no other solution in Cyprus than a federal solution, because the UN Security Council exerts efforts on this solution.

If the sides enter into a deadlock and the process collapses, the UN Secretary-General will announce this to the Security Council. I hope there will be no collapse. Everybody should know that the collapse is also among the alternatives. Everybody should be ready for the possibility of a solution not being found.

The Cyprus issue is one of the most difficult diplomatic topics, but it is interesting for me. However, it does not make me lose my sleep. In some cases it becomes very complicated. Kashmir, Palestine and Cyprus are the worlds most difficult problems. From time to time it is frustrating, but solving even the climate change is difficult. If the Cyprus problem is not solvedThis is an issue between Turkey and the EU. If Cyprus remains divided, the Greek Cypriots have clearly noted that they would not allow Turkey to enter into the EU.

The Secretary-General Ban is very calm. The important thing, however, is that both sides should realize that we are entering into a very critical process. We know very well the positions of both sides. The solution is possible with Eroglu and Christofias. The leaders exert great efforts for the solution. What is important is to find creative approaches for being able to find an agreement, rather than the hope for an agreement. Now is the time for the people to work body and soul for a solution

Downer said that uncertainty still exists on the most difficult issues, which are the citizenship, the territory and the governance and power sharing. He noted that the Turkish Cypriot side wants all citizens coming from Turkey [Tr. Note: as the illegal Turkish settlers are described] to remain on the island, while the Greek Cypriot side insists on their number to be limited to 50 thousand. He said the Greek Cypriot side wants back land, including Morfou and Karpass, which will secure the return of 100 thousand Greek Cypriot refugees to their homes, while the Turkish side rejects this demand. He noted that the Greek Cypriot side accepts the rotating presidency in the federal government, but wants election of the president and the vice president with the method of cross-voting, which the Turkish side describes as injustice.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Talat stated that the policy followed by the Turkish Cypriot side, everyone to follow its own road is wrong

Talat made these statements speaking on a television Program evaluating the latest developments on the Cyprus negations and other issues.

Talat stated that the idea of every side in Cyprus to follow its own road is wrong, because the Greek Cypriot side is a recognized state which will follow its own way, but the Turkish Cypriot side will remain in isolation.

Referring to the current phase of the Cyprus negotiations, he said that the Cyprus problem will continue to be at the agenda, even after this process is completed. Asked about the issues in which according to him the Greek Cypriot side will give a positive answer at the negotiations, Talat stated that President Demetris Christofias will not accept a solution which will create a big reaction. He alleged that not a lot of courage should be expected by Christofias on this. Talat went on adding that something can happen in case the European Union and Greece apply pressure to Christofias.

Asked if there is a possibility to return to the 1960 Republic, Talat said that such a situation is not realistic.

[06] CTPs Akansoy evaluates Ankaras stance on the Cyprus problem

Evaluating his partys recent contacts in Turkey, Akansoy made statements regarding the forthcoming Greentree summit, and Turkeys stance towards the Cyprus problem.

Referring to Ankaras stance towards the negotiations, Akansoy said that Turkeys stance is clear and that Turkey supports the solution of the Cyprus problem through dialogue. He added: We were in Ankara for nine days. What it has been said to us is: We want a solution to the Cyprus problem after all matters will be negotiated. We do not have a policy towards the direction of the recognition of the TRNC, as a separate state. Akansoy, underlined that Davutoglus latest statements were also in this direction.

Akansoy went on saying that what he has understood from Davutoglus latest statements, was that if no solution is found by June, 2012, Turkey will stay at the negotiating table, but it will not negotiate on the basis of federation. According to Akansoy, Davutoglu said that Turkey will not withdraw from the negotiating table, that it is open for negotiations but surely not for federation but for confederation.

Commenting on Ankaras statements towards the confederation, Akansoy said that they do not agree with the continuation of the process on the confederation base, adding that what is important, is a political model that will ensure the continuation of the existence of the TRNC citizens.

Saying that the reason they went to Ankara was to discuss Turkeys approach that is We will see until 2012, and later on we speak differently. He said that this approach means that Turkey do not take into consideration the political actors in the occupied areas. He also said that after discussing Turkeys new approach during their contacts in Ankara, he returned to the occupied area feeling more comfortable.

As regards the Greentree Summit, Akansoy said that Ankara considers it as one of the most important which took place until today.

(AK)

[07] Unal: Turkey has clear stance on European Security and Defence Identity

Replying to a question on Cyprus undertaking term presidency of security and defence policy of the EU at a press briefing, spokesman Unal said: Denmark isolated itself from a part of work for European security and defence identity. Within the context, it told the European Commission that it could not take over some issues when it become the term presidency of the EU. The next term president said they could conduct works on European security and defence identity.

Turkey has a clear stance on the matter, he said. Unal said there was no command that would be assumed by the Greek Cypriot administration (editors note: as he refers to the Republic of Cyprus).

Turkey and countries like Turkey contributing to the ESDP saw EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton as their interlocutor, he said.

[08] Cakici: It is impossible to establish a state in a Greek Cypriot plotTurkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (13.01.12) reports that various self-styled MPs in the occupied areas of Cyprus commented on the issue occurred about the assembly in the occupied areas of Cyprus and the need of a construction of a new building to house the parliament.

Commenting on the issue, Mehmet Cakici, the chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), stated that the new building of the assembly must be constructed in a Turkish Cypriot plot and added: It is impossible to establish a state in a Greek Cypriot plot.

Ertugrul Hasipoglu MP with the National Unity Party and Teberruken Ulucay, MP with the Republican Turkish Party also stressed the need for a construction of a new building. On his part, the speaker of the assembly, Hasan Bozer said that when the money are found the construction of the building will be started.

[09] Turkish Ministers due to the occupied part of Cyprus to sign protocols with breakaway regime

During the press conference, Durust said that his respective meetings yesterday with the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Besir Atalay and the Turkish Minister for Youth and Sports Suat Kilic, had been extremely useful.

Durust announced that the Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Suat Kilic would be arriving in the TRNC on the 9 -11th of February on a two day visit, during which a protocol for cooperation between the Turkey and the breakaway regime will be signed.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (13.01.12) reports that Durust also said that during his contacts in Ankara, they have obtained four important acquisitions: two youth centres including fitness centre in occupied Lefkosia and Famagusta, as well as the construction of tartan fields at the stadiums 20 July in occupied Keryneia and Victory in occupied Morphou.

Durust said that the protocol they will sign with Turkish Minister envisages a financial aid of 8-10 million TL.

Durust announced that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Besir Atalay, will also visit the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus by the end of this month. During his visit, they will discuss all the issues regarding sports, education and youth, Durust added.

Finally, Durust said that Turkish Minister for Youth and Sports Suat Kilic and his ministry gave a positive respond to all their demands.

[10] Self-styled minister Cavusoglus contacts in Germany

According to the paper, after his arrival to Munich, Cavusoglu and its accompanied delegation held contacts with the Consul General Hidayet Eris, while, until Sunday, they expected to visit and evaluate a lot of rubbish dumps and incineration places.

In statements to Ankara Anatolia news agency, Cavusoglu said, inter alia, that they are visiting Germany in order to find out ways how the garbage problem, experienced in the occupied areas, can be solved through modern and friendly to environment methods. He added that after their contacts there, they are thinking to sign an agreement and go out to tenders.

(AK)

[11] Nadirs company used as middle man for weapons sales to Iraq

The documents which contain the details of USA-England cooperation, along with the cover for the secret weapon sales network, expose that the deep state used a series of dirty paths, including murder. The documents prove that Unipac, a company based in occupied Famagusta and which is connected to Nadirs Polly Peck, was among a set of companies used for selling guns to Iraq. According to the intelligence specialist, Mark Thatcher, son of ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, received a 12 million fortune from a weapons sale and Nadirs company Polly Peck tried to cover it. This pushed the button for the companys collapse under the British Serious Fraud Office.

[12] Rauf Denktas is in critical condition

Rauf Denktas is currently receiving treatment at Near East University Hospital ( YDU ) in the occupied part of Lefkosia. Serdar Denkta, Rauf Dentkas son and leader of the Democrat Party (DP), told reporters yesterday that his father s health was getting worse. YDU Hospital chief surgeon Sevim Erkmen told a press conference yesterday that Denktas health condition was still critical. Denktas wife Ayd1n Denktas said Denktas told her to pray for him so that he would not suffer any longer.

Rauf Denktas was first hospitalized in May 2011 following complaints stemming from high blood pressure and later underwent brain surgery in Ankara. He was admitted to a hospital in Nicosia on Jan. 5 following complaints of diarrhoea and fatigue.

[13] Commission approves draft law to fix Guls term

Parliaments Constitution Commission approved a draft bill yesterday to fix President Abdullah Guls term at seven years, potentially ending years of controversy over the mandate of the current head of state.

The article backed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), states that the mandate of the 11th president is seven years. The draft bill also includes a provision indicating that the incumbent president would be bound by legislation that was valid at the time he was elected, an implicit reference that Gul would serve a single term and would not be eligible to stand for re-election in 2014.

Turkeys next president will be elected by popular vote for the first time, and Parliament has to pass a law that will outline the procedural rules for the elections.

Opposition lawmakers harshly criticized the interim provision that fixed Guls term at seven years.

Constitutional amendments passed in 2007 that fixed the presidents term at five years, are also binding for the current President, main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) deputy Atilla Kart said, adding that Gul had the right to be re-elected.

Kart said a constitutional amendment should be made, if the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) wanted to fix Guls term at seven years.

In response to the opposition critics, deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said the charter amendments passed in 2007 were made after Parliament elected Gul for a single-seven year term.

Opposition legislators also raised sharp objections to the provision of fundraising for presidential candidates. According to a draft law, only real persons can provide funding for candidates. The top limit for one person to donate is the salary of the highest-paid public servant, roughly 8,250 Turkish Liras.

CHP deputy Ali Ozgunduz said candidates fundraisers should be publicized before the election, while Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy Faruk Bal suggested that the candidates be financed by the government, not by private persons.

The draft law was approved in the commission with AKP votes and is expected to go before Parliament next week for further debate.

The CHP previously signalled, that it would ask the Constitutional Court to scrap the bill if it is approved by the Parliament on the grounds that the legislative efforts to fix Guls term at seven years were unconstitutional.

Speaking to reporters on the CHPs possible move, AKP deputy chairman Huseyin Celik said he did not expect such a crisis.

Even if the CHP asks the Constitutional Court, I dont think the court will overrule the law, Celik said yesterday.

[14] Turkey says not bound by US sanctions against Iran

Turkey, a US ally that relies on Iranian oil and gas imports, signalled Thursday it will not comply with American sanctions against Iran regarding its nuclear program.

Turkey indicated that it will only enforce sanctions that have been approved by the United Nations, and its announcement is a setback to US sanctions aimed at halting what Western governments say is Iran's effort to develop nuclear weapons.

Those penalties, targeting Iran's oil industry, would bar financial institutions from the US market if they do business with Iran's central bank.

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Thursday secured the support of Japan which pledged to buy less Iranian oil, a day after China reacted coolly to the US effort.

Japan imports about 10% of its oil from Iran, while Turkey imports about 30% from Iran.

Turkey does not feel it is bound by any sanctions taken unilaterally or as a group, other than those imposed by the United Nations, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Selcuk Unal told a news conference, which followed a meeting between Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Iran's parliamentary speaker, Ali Larijani.

US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, who visited Turkey earlier this week, said the United States and Turkey share a broad strategic concern about the possibility of Iran developing a nuclear weapon.

I think both of our countries agree strongly that this would be a very dangerous and destabilizing development for the entire region, Burns told Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency. While it is true we sometimes differ over tactics, I think we share that strategic concern, which is very important.

Ankara has agreed to host NATO's early warning radar as part of NATO's missile defence system, which is capable of countering ballistic missile threats from Iran. Turkey insists the shield doesn't target a specific country, but Tehran says the radar is meant to protect Israel from Iranian missile attacks if a war breaks out with the United States and or Israel.

The Jewish state, which views Tehran as a threat, has warned of a possible strike on Iran's nuclear program. Iran, which insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, has threatened to respond to sanctions by shutting the Strait of Hormuz, a transit route for a fifth of the world's oil. ()

Turkey said it would evaluate the content of the US sanctions, but Turkey's biggest crude oil importer Tupras has already renewed a contract to continue to import crude oil from Iran in 2012.

Right now, our import is continuing and as of today there is no change to our plans, Energy Minister Taner Y1ld1z said on Thursday.

Larijani, after meeting his Turkish counterpart Cemil Cicek, said there we re vast opportunities to increase bilateral cooperation in several fields, including natural gas and oil, to increase the bilateral trade volume of US$15 billion (11.7 billion euros).

There are those who want to trouble the relations between the two countries, said Cicek without elaborating. We should not allow them. () TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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