Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-02-01

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/>

[01] Downer said that the important thing was the two sides to bring constructive proposals to the negotiation table

[02] ICO's Parliamentary Union decided "active cooperation" with the "Turkish Cypriot State"

[03] Ozgurgun described Russian's statement on the Cyprus talks as "unfortunate"

[04] The illegal regime disposed 200 donums of land to a religious foundation close to the AKP for 100 TL annually

[05] "Ergenekon was established for Cyprus"

[06] Turkey to transport electricity to the breakaway regime

[07] "Turkey hails as genocide bill in France put on hold"

[08] Turkey and GCC discussed opportunities for new cooperation; Cyprus was on the agenda

[09] Turkey and Turkmenistan signed an economic committee protocol

[10] "Trade deficit at historic highs" TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS A meeting between Alexander Downer and Dervis Eroglu within the framework of the Cyprus talks, the resolution on Cyprus adopted by the 7th meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the Islamic Cooperation Organization, reaction by Ozgurgun to the recent statement made by the Russian Foreign Ministry on the Cyprus problem, the disposal of land in occupied Mia Milia area to a foundation close to the AKP for building a "religious complex", and other internal issues are the main topics covered by the Turkish Cypriot press today. The papers refer also to information that the Ergenekon organization was established in the 1950's for the "protection of the Turks in Cyprus". Statements by Turkish officials about the appeal of French Senators to the country's Supreme Constitutional Council to overturn a bill that penalizes the denial of the Armenian genocide, contacts by President Abdullah Gul in the United Arab Emirates, reports about the bad weather conditions in Turkey, the decision of the head of the Turkish Football Federation to resign as a result of a crisis regarding a match-fixing investigation that began in July and other domestic issues are the main topics in today's Turkish newspapers.

[01] Downer said that the important thing was the two sides to bring constructive proposals to the negotiation table

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Downer said that the meeting had focused on the way forward in the negotiations process.

Reminding that limited progress had been reached at the Greentree summit, Downer underlined the need to move forward and to work towards making the process more successful.

Asked when the talks were set to continue, Downer said that this would be determined following his meeting with President Demetris Christofias on Wednesday.

"I think they need to continue soon, that is my view, my judgment and of course they need a work plan", he added.

Responding to a question on the format of the talks, the UN Special Adviser said that the important thing was not the intensity of the talks but for the two sides to bring constructive proposals to the table.

[02] ICO's Parliamentary Union decided "active cooperation" with the "Turkish Cypriot State"

According to information provided by the self-styled assembly of the breakaway regime, in the decision, IKTPAB called on its member states to actively cooperate with the "Turkish Cypriot State", as the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus is described, and strengthen their relations in every field in order for helping in the overcoming of the "inhuman isolations" allegedly implemented on this "state". IKTPAB asked from its member states to continue their active support for meeting the "legitimate demands" of the "Turkish Cypriot State" regarding making the voice of the Turkish Cypriots heard in the international arena on the basis of the equality of the "two peoples in Cyprus" until a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem is reached.

Arguing that the Cyprus problem is on the agenda of the UN Security Council for approximately half a century, the decision recalled the previous decisions taken by IKTPAB and said it reiterates the necessity and the urgency of finding a just, viable and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem that is based on the UN parameters, which are the political equality of two bi-zonal, bi-communal founding states, equal status and a structure of a new partnership state, and on the support of the UN Secretary-General's good offices mission.

The decision condemned the agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel regarding the delimitation of the exclusive economic zone of the two countries, because it allegedly ignores the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and endangers the negotiations between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots [for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem]. It recalled the "constructive" proposal made on 24 September 2011 in New York by the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu, whom it described as "Turkish Cypriot President", regarding the mutual and simultaneous postponement of all actions as regards the hydrocarbon reserves in the shore of Cyprus, and the establishment of a special committee with the participation of the "two sides" on the island. It said it welcomes this proposal and called on the Greek Cypriots to accept it.

The decision expressed satisfaction with the so-called willingness of Turkey and the "Turkish Cypriot State" for reaching a political and viable agreement in Cyprus and added that it shares the view of the UN Secretary-General that the negotiating process could not be open-ended and that this opportunity should be utilized.

The decision said also that, in case the process fails once more, the Turkish Cypriot community should not be isolated. IKTPAB expressed its satisfaction with the call made by the UN Secretary-General (S/2007/699) on the international community for securing economic, social and cultural relations with the Turkish Cypriot "people" and argued that there is no contradiction between the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the lifting of the "isolations" allegedly implemented on the Turkish Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozgurgun described Russian's statement on the Cyprus talks as "unfortunate"

"A statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday on a tri-partite summit meeting in Greentree on January 22-24 encourages the Greek Cypriot administration's [Republic of Cyprus] uncompromising attitude and it is unhelpful to efforts exerted for a lasting and fair solution in the island," Ozgurgun said in a press release on Tuesday.

Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed opposition to "a premature international conference" and "outside attempts to speed up the settlement process" as well as to any arbitration effort.

Ozgurgun described the Russian statement as "unfortunate", calling Russia to act "more responsibly" as a Permanent Member of the Security Council.

[04] The illegal regime disposed 200 donums of land to a religious foundation close to the AKP for 100 TL annually

The paper reports that the Evkaf foundation rejected another profitable proposal by a company, which offered 417 thousand pound sterling in advance and a monthly rent. The Evkaf foundation submitted its proposal for giving the above-mentioned land to the "Cyprus Science, Ethics and Social Assistance Foundation" on 20 January 2012. The proposal was approved and published in the "official gazette" of the breakaway regime within a very short period of five days.

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (01.02.12) refers to the same issue under the banner front-page title: "200 donums for 100 TL annually" and reports that the "Cyprus Science, Ethics and Social Assistance Foundation" is known for its close relations with the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey. "The spiritual leader of Islamist AKP, Fethullah Gulen started spreading over the northern part of Cyprus for good", writes the paper.

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (01.02.12) also refers to the issue on its front page under the title: "Seminary Complex in Mia Milia, 200 donums, 30 years, 100 TL".

(I/Ts.)

[05] "Ergenekon was established for Cyprus"

Mutercimler, who was testifying for the Ergenekon case in the 13th Criminal Court of Istanbul, stated that he first heard about the organization by retired Major General Memduh Unluturk, who told him that Ergenekon was established in the 1950s for the protection of the Turkish Cypriots.

According to Mutercimler, Unluturk told him that including him, Alparslan Turkes, Turgut Sunalp and many other members of the military established Ergenekon. Unluturk further reportedly said that in 1960 the organization was transferred to Turkey and in 1983 was closed down.

[06] Turkey to transport electricity to the breakaway regime

"Turkey and TRNC signed protocols in 2010 to transport water to TRNC from Mersin's Anamur town via 70km pipeline to be constructed beneath the Mediterranean Sea," Oz told AA correspondent.

Oz said a pond would be constructed in "TRNC", and water would be pumped there, thus "TRNC's" potable water problem would be solved.

"Moreover, we will transport electricity to North Cyprus with another pipeline to be attached to the water pipeline," Oz said, adding that Turkey was planning to complete the projects by 2013 or 2014.

Oz also said that Cyprus would take over the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) in July 2012. "We do not accept their presidency, and we do not think that the Greek Cypriot administration represents the entire Cyprus," Oz said.

He concluded by saying that "Turkey would not contribute to any solution that regarded the Turkish side and TRNC non-existent".

[07] "Turkey hails as genocide bill in France put on hold"

"Turkey has hailed a motion by French legislators to halt a bill criminalizing denials of Armenian genocide claims after they produced the 60 signatures required to stop the draft from becoming law.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended 'wholehearted thanks' to the French Senators who appealed the law and voiced hope France's Constitutional Council would quash the legislation.

'I have no doubt the Constitutional Council will eventually make an appropriate decision', President Abdullah Gul said, adding that he was 'not expecting the French from the very beginning to let their country be overshadowed' by the resolution. (?)

On Jan. 24 President Nicolas Sarkozy's office brushed off angry threats of retaliation by Turkey and vowed to sign the bill into law within a fortnight.

But a left-wing group of Senators said yesterday that they had gathered 76 signatures from colleagues opposed to the law. A group from the Lower House of Parliament had also gathered 65 signatures yesterday and had formally requested that the Constitutional Council examine the law.

The move raises the possibility that the law will be dismissed as unconstitutional. The appeal was spearheaded by Jacques Mezard at the Senate and Michel Diefenbacher, the head of the Turkish-French Parliamentary Friendship Group. The groups said they each had gathered more than the minimum 60 signatures required to ask the Council to test the law's constitutionality. If the court finds the law unconstitutional, the legislation will be rejected.

'This is an atomic bomb for the Elysee [Sarkozy's office], which didn't see it coming', said Deputy Lionel Tardy, who said most of the 65 signatories from the Lower House were, like him, from Sarkozy's Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) party. The Council is obliged to deliver its judgment within a month, but the period could be reduced to eight days if the government deems the matter urgent.

Turkish officials were universal in welcoming the development. 'The fact that the application was made with over 60 signatures from both houses [of the French Parliament] is a significant development. I extend my wholehearted thanks to those French parliamentarians on behalf of myself and my nation. They did what they were supposed to do. I hope that the Constitutional Council will rectify this unjust process and bring it in line with the values of France,' Erdogan said.

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu also hailed the French Senators' move, saying that with this step France embraced its own values.

Turkish EU Minister Egemen Bagis, meanwhile, said yesterday that 'freedom of expression is one of the most important features in the EU acquis'. Bagis also noted European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule's remarks about the French resolution in which Fule said illuminating history was the business of historians, not politicians. (?)"

[08] Turkey and GCC discussed opportunities for new cooperation; Cyprus was on the agenda

A Turkish diplomat told the AA that during Saturday's meeting, the participants decided on what to do at the next meeting (to take place in Bahrain) and facilitated the strengthening of mechanisms to take place between Turkey and the GCC.

The participants of Saturday's meeting discussed the "Arab Spring", Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Iran's nuclear program.

The participants decided to continue to support the efforts of the Arab League and expressed that the Hormuz Strait should not be closed to maritime traffic.

The issues of Palestine as well as Cyprus were also discussed during the meeting in Istanbul.

[09] Turkey and Turkmenistan signed an economic committee protocol

Caglayan said that the Turkish-Turkmen Intergovernmental Economic Committee meeting was important for development of commercial and economic relations.

Caglayan thanked Turkmenistan for the support it extended to Turkish contractors, and he invited Turkmen businessmen to invest in Turkey. He noted that they discussed cooperation in energy, agriculture, education, health, culture and standardization areas during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Caglayan invited Turkmen officials in Turkey's southern Antalya province for the fifth term meeting of the Turkish-Turkmen Intergovernmental Economic Committee.

[10] "Trade deficit at historic highs"

"Turkey's 2011 trade deficit exceeded $105.8 billion, an all-time high, with a 47.7% jump from a year earlier, mainly due to increasing energy consumption.

The trade deficit in December stood at $8.11 billion with a tiny recovery from $8.7 billion in December 2010. The gap was $7.5 billion in November last year.

Exports rose an annual 5.6% to $12.5 billion in December while imports gained 0.2% to $20.6 billion, the office said.

Turkey's energy imports jumped by 23% in December compared to the same month a year earlier, reaching $5 billion, Akbank Economic Research, headed by Fatma Melek, said in a note to investors yesterday. The sum of energy imports in 2011 was $54 billion, which constitutes some 45% of the country's total imports.

'We forecast that non-energy imports will keep a slow pace in accordance with the cool down in domestic demand, but energy imports will remain high due to the increasing oil prices,' the Istanbul-based group said. Akbank's projection on 2012 trade deficit stands at $102 billion.

Highest gap ever

Turkey's 2011 exports were $134.9 billion while imports reached $240.8 billion, Turkey's statistics authority TUIK said on its website. The gap was the highest in the 89th anniversary of the modern republic.

Accordingly, Turkey's exports were up 18.5% year-on-year in 2011 as imports jumped 29.8%.

The figures also revealed the share of European Union members in Turkey's exports declined to 41.7% in December to 45.2% the same month in 2010, thanks to the fall in demand on the crisis-hit continent. The volume of Turkish exports to EU countries in December also declined by 2.5% to $5.2 million.

'The figures expose the slowdown in foreign trade,' said Vakifbank Economic Research, headed by Serkan Ozcan, in yesterday's note to investors.

However, strong exports supported by the Turkish Lira's depreciation in 2011 also played a role in December recovery, Vakifbank said.

Russia appeared to be the biggest exporter to Turkey with a volume of $240.8 billion. Turkish sales to Russia stood at only $23.9 billion.

Germany and China were the second and third biggest importers to Turkey by $23 billion and $21.7 billion relatively. Imports from India reached $6.5 billion with more than a 90% rise from 2010.

Germany remained Turkey's top exports market with an annual volume of $13.96 billion. Iraq and Britain followed with $8.3 billion and $8.15 billion respectively." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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