Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-01-20

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/>

[01] Eroglu says he is aware of his duty in New York

[02] Ozersay departed one day earlier for New York

[03] Atalay: "If there is no solution the TRNC will continue its way"

[04] Ozgurgun: "Ban Ki-moon has no hopes"

[05] Turkey and the breakaway regime will purchase a seismic vessel

[06] Unverdi's contacts in Ankara; Statement by Unverdi and Atalay after meeting

[07] Yorgancioglu asked for the representation of the Turkish Cypriot at the EP

[08] The general strike of Tel-Sen and El-Sen trade Unions caused "chaos" in occupied Cyprus

[09] The breakaway regime participates in 2012 FITUR fair in Madrid

[10] Davutoglu calls for nuclear talks with Iran to be resumed; Statements on the developments in Syria

[11] Turkey-Iran joint economic committee signs MoU

[12] Tens of thousands in Turkey protested against Dink's verdict

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Today's Turkish dailies report on the gathering to commemorate Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, remarks on the health of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a meeting in Ankara regarding PKK and other domestic issues. Sabah reports on statements by deputy Prime Minister and responsible for Cyprus affairs Besir Atalay on the upcoming Greentree meeting and Cumhuriyet daily publishes an interview with self-styled minister of foreign affairs Huseyin Ozgurgun.

[01] Eroglu says he is aware of his duty in New York

Under the title "I am aware of my duty", Kibris writes that Eroglu stated before his departure that the Turkish side was going to Greentree summit with the aim of reaching an agreement. "I am aware of the duty assigned to me by my people", he noted and added: "We are looking for an agreement where the two peoples will have equal status and it will be under Turkey's active and effective guarantees".

Eroglu argued that in contrary to him, President Christofias is going to the meeting with a decision taken by the National Council, which said "no" to arbitration, "no" to a timetable and "no" to holding a multilateral conference without an agreement on all issues. He alleged that if the Greek Cypriot side has a will for an agreement, these three "no's" could be turned into "yes".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozersay departed one day earlier for New York

In statements to illegal TAK news agency before departing from the island, Ozersay argued yesterday that the Turkish Cypriot side was going to New York having completed all its preparations. He alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side will allow no one to extend the process for his own purposes, even though it has been disappointed by the fact that the documents submitted by the two sides to the United Nations have not been exchanged between the sides as well.

Ozersay will reportedly meet with the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe and some diplomats from the five permanent member countries of the UN Security Council. It is reported that he will express the Turkish Cypriot side's expectations from the Greentree summit during his contacts. Ozersay is accompanied by the member of Eroglu's negotiating delegation, Gunes Onar.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Atalay: "If there is no solution the TRNC will continue its way"

In statements to Anatolia news agency, Atalay noted that the meeting which will be held in New York between 22 and 24 January is important and that it will be a turning point. He argued that a multilateral conference with the participation of the guarantor powers and the sides in Cyprus will be considered as a successful result for the meeting at the Greentree. In case the process is unsuccessful, the "TRNC", the economy of which is strengthened every day, will continue its own way, he argued.

Alleging that the problems will become bigger with the Republic of Cyprus's EU term presidency without a solution to the Cyprus problem, Atalay claimed that Cyprus's EU term presidency could be postponed until the Cyprus problem is solved.

Atalay gave the following "advice" to the Turkish Cypriots: "?That is, my advice to the Turks of Northern Cyprus is let us do whatever we can for the negotiations, but let us not be sadden because this or that result came out of them. Let us continue our way. Let us do well our job here, let us exert effort for making more easily viable the life here and let us have faith in the future. Northern Cyprus will always remain standing. Turkey will always be behind Northern Cyprus, it will always be by its side. Either a solution comes out of the negotiations, or northern Cyprus continues its way as independent state, nothing will change in life here. Nothing will change in the life of the citizens. The important thing is for them to make more investments, to work more, we are trying together to make this place a stronger state, God willing".

Referring to the drilling for oil which Turkey and the regime plan to start on shore in the occupied area of Famagusta, Atalay said that the issue passed from the "assemblies" of both "countries", as he described Turkey and the breakaway regime, and that there was no obstacle. "The work will start in full course. It will start on shore first, if necessary it will start at the sea area and it will continue". Asked whether there was an area determined in the sea for explorations, Atalay said "it will be around Famagusta". "However, it is a technical issue, it could move to other areas", he added.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Ozgurgun: "Ban Ki-moon has no hopes"

Replying to a question by paper's reporter Bahadir Selim Dilek on whether he has hopes for the summit in New York, Ozgurgun argued that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has given up hopes for the Cyprus talks, adding: "Esteemed Ban Ki-moon understood that this work will go nowhere. He understood that this game has ended a long time ago, but perhaps it should be played.

Ozgurgun said that as he understood from the UNSG's letter, Ban Ki-moon has no hopes. "There is something like a slam there", he argued, noting that UNSG wanted to try once more.

Asked to commend whether they will follow their own way in case of a failure of the Cyprus talks, Ozgurgun argued that they cannot do it, because Turkey is not ready for this. Ozgurgun also said that although Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said "I recognize the Turkish Cyprus state in OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation)", they cannot have discussions with Saudi Arabia or Egypt. Ozgurgun argued that it is clear that they won't be recognized, because the continuation of the current situation suits everyone's interests.

[05] Turkey and the breakaway regime will purchase a seismic vessel

In statements in the beginning of the meeting, Uysal expressed his condolences for the death of former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas. On his part, Atun argued that the Turkish Cypriots have an independent "state" as a result of the great struggle given by Rauf Denktas and alleged that thanks to this so-called state they can put forward their rights on every issue in their territorial waters and therefore their ownership on the issue of the natural resources.

Uysal noted that they will launch explorations for oil and natural gas with the so-called authority given to them by the "council of ministers" of the breakaway regime and added that the decision taken by their administrative board has been sent to the Council of Ministers.

Uysal said that they expect all the necessary permits for starting to work in Cyprus to be ready until 18 February and added that immediately afterwards they will launch seismic explorations. Following these explorations, he noted, they will start the procedure of drilling for oil and natural gas.

Pointing out to the importance of establishing a "national oil company" in the occupied area of Cyprus, Uysal said that the Egyptian Oil Law could be adapted to the conditions of the breakaway regime and a "national oil company" could be established within this framework. Uysal said that such a company could jointly work with TPAO not only in Eastern Mediterranean, but in many other places of the world and could open the door for the recognition of the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Unverdi's contacts in Ankara; Statement by Unverdi and Atalay after meeting

Bilateral cooperation on issues relating to labor and social security was emphasized during her meeting with her Turkish counterpart.

Unverdi embarked on her contacts in Ankara with a meeting with the Turkish Minister of Labor and Social Security Faruk Celik.

During the visit, Unverdi ensured that bilateral cooperation continues with the aim of building a social security system in the "TRNC", occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, on stronger grounds. "The Turks of Cyprus will always cooperate with their motherland", she said.

The Turkish Minister Celik also gave messages of cooperation and offered his condolences over the death of the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas.

Unverdi held also a meeting with the Turkish Minister of Family and Social Policies Fatma Sahin.

Meanwhile, According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (19.01.12), the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay received Serife Unverdi on Thursday in Ankara.

Speaking during the meeting, Atalay said that every Turkish dignitary attended the funeral ceremony of the late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas on Tuesday. He then added that by attending Denktas's funeral ceremony, they have shown to the whole world how much importance Turkey attached to the "TRNC", as he describe occupation regime.

"We will always continue to attach high importance to the TRNC", Atalay said.

Referring to the occupation regime's economy, he said that the regime has achieved good results in the economy by making reforms in the field of social security. He continued and said: "The TRNC is reaping the fruits of economic programs implemented in 2011. Turkish Cypriots expect a growth figure of 5 percent in 2011. A reform package on social security was adopted at the TRNC Parliament. The reform package was necessary for the economy of the TRNC".

So-called minister Unverdi, in her part, said that they were grateful to Turkey for the support extended to the "TRNC".

[07] Yorgancioglu asked for the representation of the Turkish Cypriot at the EP

As the paper writes, Ozkan Yorgancioglu, in his congratulatory message to Martin Schulz expressed the view that Schulz's presidency of the EP is encouraging for the Turkish Cypriots and the future relations of the EP with the Turkish Cypriots.

The chairman of CTP, whose party is a member of the European Socialist Party (PES) and the Socialist International, stated that CTP will continue exerting efforts for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the political equality.

Yorgancioglu, in his messages to Schulz and to Hannes Swoboda expressed also the belief that without a United Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots, the EU will not be fully integrated.

Yorgancioglu asked also for their cooperation in order for the voice of the Turkish Cypriots and of CTP to be heard abroad and in order for the Turkish Cypriots, to be able to benefit from their representation right at the European Parliament.

(AK)

[08] The general strike of Tel-Sen and El-Sen trade Unions caused "chaos" in occupied Cyprus

According to the paper, as a result of the indefinite strike of the above trade unions, which are protesting against the "law for privatization" which the so-called National Unity Party (UBP) government is trying to impose, organized yesterday a joint press conference in front of the Teknecik Power Plant in Trapeza area in occupied Kerynia.

Speaking during the press conference, the trade unionist stated that they will continue the strike against the "privatization", until the "draft bill to be withdrawn".

Meanwhile, as the paper writes, as a result of the strikes, there was a general power blackout in the occupied Cyprus which caused several problems.

Moreover, according to the paper, the so-called council of ministers held an extraordinary meeting yesterday, in order to examine the situation. After the meeting, it was announced that the "council of ministers" decided to prohibit the ongoing strike of Tel-Sen and El-Sen for 60 days.

Commenting on the above prohibition, the members of the Tel-Sen and El-Sen trade unions, stated that they will not recognize the decision of the so-called council of ministers and that they will use their "legal right" not to proceed to their jobs.

(AK)

[09] The breakaway regime participates in 2012 FITUR fair in Madrid

The paper reports that the "TRNC" participates in the international fairs through "TRNC culture centre", which has been established in Germany and Britain.

Dervis Gezer, self-styled director for tourism promotion and marketing, said that they would try to participate in all the tourism fairs despite the obstacles. He also said that currently he is at another tourism fair in Finland, adding that their aim is to be in all tourism destinations in the world. Gezer noted that they will participate in all tourism fairs in 2012, as they did in 2011.

Evaluating their participation in tourism fairs in 2011, Gezer said that there was an increase of 40% in foreign tourists apart from Turkish tourists. He explained that in 2011 500,000 tourists visited the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus, 350,000 from Turkey and 150,000 from foreign countries.

[10] Davutoglu calls for nuclear talks with Iran to be resumed; Statements on the developments in Syria

Speaking to reporters in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Ali Akbar Salehi in the Turkish capital, Ankara, Davutoglu said: "The important thing is to start negotiations and ease tensions at once. And Turkey is ready to extend any help, make any contribution. Because it is high time for talks and a settlement".

Davutoglu said that Catherine Ashton, the European Union's top foreign and security policy official had conveyed the Union's readiness for the resumption of the talks, adding that a similar willingness was present on the Iranian side as well.

Salehi said on his part that he encouraged Ashton during a gathering few weeks ago to schedule a meeting with Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. "My wish is that these negotiations are held in Istanbul. It is time for the talks to start already if the other side is to act sincerely. If there were any excuses on their part then this would mean that they are against and do not endorse negotiations," Salehi said.

Also, commenting on the developments in Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that Turkey was following the incidents in Syria with a great uneasiness, adding that the developments in Syria are on a very critical level.

"We want bloodshed and attacks on civilians to end rapidly in Syria", said Davutoglu.

He noted that the report and decisions which would be made by Arab League about Syria would have an important role.

Davutoglu added that as regional countries, Turkey and Iran, would pursue consultations about Syrian issue.

He further said Turkey was at an equal distance to all groups in the Middle East. "We will not just watch the negative developments around us although we approach every group in the Middle East with an equal distance", he added.

Asked by an Iranian journalist if Turkey made assurances to Iran on the (NATO) missile shield and what he thought about rumors that Turkey interfered in Iraq's internal issues, Minister Davutoglu said that the most crucial assurance Turkey could give to Iran was "friendship and brotherly relations".

"Whatever the issue may be, we hold face to face talks with Iranian authorities. We have openly talked about the missile defense system radar in Turkey", Davutoglu stressed.

[11] Turkey-Iran joint economic committee signs MoU

Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Bayraktar said they aimed to make good use of advantages with regional countries and turn their relations into a lasting economic partnership. Bayraktar said trade, transportation, industry, customs and investments were discussed in the meeting of Turkey-Iran Joint Economic Committee. "Turkey attached great importance to the improvement of its relations with Iran", he said.

On his part, Salehi said that the two countries, which had great geopolitical and strategic importance, should boost their relations in all fields.

"The number of border gates between Turkey and Iran has been increased to 5 from 22", he said.

Salehi said the establishment of a joint industrial zone on Turkish-Iranian border was one of the projects that would play an important role in the development of economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Salehi also said Turkey and Iran aimed to boost trade volume to 30 billion USD by 2015.

[12] Tens of thousands in Turkey protested against Dink's verdict

Dink's family, friends and human rights organizations placed red carnations on the spot where Dink was shot dead in 0
stanbul, outside the office of the Armenian newspaper he was editor-in-chief of, Agos.

Protesters, estimated to number 40,000, marched from Taksim Square to Agos' office in Halaskargazi Street "for justice," a call shared by Turkish leaders and leading businessmen who expressed unease with this week's sentencing of one man to life in prison for masterminding the killing, while another 18 were acquitted of charges of acting on a terrorist organization's orders.

Many people carried black banners that read: "We are all Hrant, we are all Armenian."

Journalist and writer Karin Karakasl1
, who is from Turkey's Armenian community, read a press statement on behalf of the group from the window of Agos, and slammed Tuesday's ruling. "We want an end to this shame," she said, referring to the five-year-long trial which has failed to shed light on the masterminds behind the murder. "They are telling us that the [case] file has been closed. The Dink case is not a file that can be closed. The Dink case is a wound," she continued.

Protesters marching past the site of the killing carried banners that read: "This case cannot finish like this." A black marble plaque marking the spot bore the solemn words in Turkish and Armenian: "Hrant Dink was killed here."

Dink was shot dead on Jan. 19, 2007 by the ultranationalist youth Og?n Samast outside the offices of his newspaper in 0
stanbul in broad daylight. Even though five years have passed since his assassination, Dink family lawyers and civil society organizations have long remained concerned that evidence relating to the real perpetrators of the crime is still being covered up and that even if the court's ruling punishes the hit men, the public's sense of justice will not be satisfied. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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