Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-02-13

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] Yorgancioglu asks from the community leaders to exert more efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem

[02] AKP and UBP are accused of wanting to spread Sunni Islam in the occupied area of Cyprus and prevent the solution

[03] Afrika writes that only the Republic of Cyprus is helping the two Turkish Cypriots who face the death penalty in Malaysia

[04] KTTO send a letter to the EP's President; It demands to dissolve the High Level Contact Group

[05] Turkey does not grant permission to Turkish Cypriot products to be imported to the country

[06] The Danish Ambassador to Lefkosia visited Bulutoglulari

[07] Turkey and the occupation regime signed two new cooperation protocols

[08] The "1st TRNC youth workshop" took place in the occupied area; Statements by Turkish Cypriot "officials"

[09] Saner's contacts in Ankara; The upgrading of illegal Tymbou airport among the matters being discussed

[10] Irsen Kucuk on the occupation regime's economy: "Turkey subsides our budget deficit"

[11] Turkish Premier Erdogan discharged from hospital after minor surgery

[12] Davutoglu on Turkish-US ties

[13] Turkish Prosecutor who summoned MIT chiefs removed from duty

[14] Turkey's current deficit up 65.3% in 2011

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

The Turkish press reports, over the weekend, about the health of the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan who underwent a minor surgery to his digestive system and was discharged from hospital on Sunday night. The papers also report about the contacts of the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu in US and his meeting today with the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Finally, the papers write that the prosecutor who was overseeing an investigation into an affiliated organization with PKK was removed from the case on Saturday, following his attempt last week to summon Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (M0
T) Undersecretary and four others to testify as part of the probe.

[01] Yorgancioglu asks from the community leaders to exert more efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem

In a written statement issued on Saturday, Yorgancioglu argued that the statements of the "fanatics" in both sides are the same. He argued that the opponents of the solution in the Greek Cypriot side attack President Christofias for the agreements he reached with the former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat accusing him of giving away the Greek Cypriot rights to the Turks. He added that the opponents of the solution in the Turkish Cypriot side accuse Talat of giving away the Turkish rights to the Greeks by accepting the same agreements.

Referring to a statement reportedly made by Archbishop Chrysostomos II that the Turkish occupation army should be completely withdrawn from Cyprus before the solution of the Cyprus problem, Yorgancioglu alleged that actually by wanting this, the Archbishop helps in making non-solution and the division of the island permanent. He claimed that the Archbishop shows an outworn mentality by demanding the withdrawal of all illegal Turkish settlers from the island and continues to spread seeds of enmity.

(I/Ts.)

[02] AKP and UBP are accused of wanting to spread Sunni Islam in the occupied area of Cyprus and prevent the solution

In statements yesterday during a visit of a delegation of his trade union to the United Cyprus Party (BKP), Gokcebel said that their struggle will continue on this issue and in case no measures are taken, the "government" will be "responsible for the chaos which will be created". He recalled that KTOEOS has been protesting for months against the opening of this department and argued that the "allocation" of land for a complex of buildings adjacent to a mosque in the same area shows that they were right in reacting.

Gokcebel expressed the view that a looting system exists in the occupied area of Cyprus and added that the identity, religion, culture, social structure and wealth of the Turkish Cypriot "people" belong to no one. He said that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government imposes decisions on the Turkish Cypriot community on social, cultural and economic issues and noted that these decisions are implemented by the National Unity Party (UBP) self-styled government. He reiterated that the occupied part of Cyprus is given away to the capital from Turkey.

Moreover, the general secretary of the BKP Izzet Izcan exerted the support of his party to KTOEOS, describing its stance correct and appropriate. He argued that the AKP's practices are in the direction of changing the cultural, economic and social structure of the Turkish Cypriot community. He added that this started with the Koran lessons and continued with distributing to schools books which spread the Sunni Islam. Criticizing the "allocation" of land in occupied Mia Milia area to an "unknown" foundation, Izcan noted that this aims at spreading Sunni Islam in Cyprus, at creating a new kind people and at preventing the solution [of the Cyprus problem].

Finally, the general secretary of KTOEOS Mehmet Tasker said that all organized sectors are being attacked; that efforts are exerted in the direction of changing their social structure and that the aim is to unite the occupied northern part of Cyprus with Turkey.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Afrika writes that only the Republic of Cyprus is helping the two Turkish Cypriots who face the death penalty in Malaysia

Afrika notes that no other initiative was taken for the two Turkish Cypriots and writes that the Republic of Cyprus, through the medium of its representative in Malaysia, is moving forward to help the two Turkish Cypriots and has even sent them money to hire a lawyer.

The paper, citing information by the Ministry of Foreign affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, writes that the two Turkish Cypriots, who have been living in Limassol for a long time, are in good health for the time being.

Afrika, which also notes that Malaysia is one of the countries with zero tolerance on drugs, where the death penalty is valid for accusations regarding drug smuggling, wonders why no initiative was taken for the two Turkish Cypriots until now by Turkish officials or by "officials" of the occupation regime who met with Malaysian officials during the meetings of the Organization of the Islamic Conference held recently in Kuala Lumpur.

[04] KTTO send a letter to the EP's President; It demands to dissolve the High Level Contact Group

In the letter, the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce said the High Contact Group, established under the auspices of the EP to hold talks with the Turkish Cypriots, was no more functional. "The direct trade regulation does not envisage recognition," KTTO said in its letter.

The chamber said that the European Union (EU) had not kept the promises it made to the Turkish Cypriots in 2004, and the direct trade regulation was a means that would help economic development of the Turkish Cypriots.

However, the Greek Cypriots continued to hamper the regulation, saying that it envisaged political recognition, the chamber said. "The direct trade regulation does not envisage anything related to recognition, but is something that regulates the inflow of Turkish Cypriot products to the EU," the chamber statement said.

In its statement, the chamber said that the High Contact Group was sometimes hesitating to cross into "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)" and was not staying in the "TRNC" when it visited Cyprus.

The chamber expressed also its disappointment with the election of Francoise Grossetete, who according to the chamber's claims had negative and firm stance on the contact with the Turkish Cypriots, as the head of the contact group, adding that the group should be dissolved.

[05] Turkey does not grant permission to Turkish Cypriot products to be imported to the country

Commenting on the issue, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Ali Cirali, stated that officials from Turkey will hold a meeting with Turkish Cypriot "officials" in the coming days to discuss the issue. As he stated, he hopes that in this way the problems occurred at Mersin Port will be solved.

The paper also writes that the exports of the occupation regime to Turkey are 60 million dollars while the imports from Turkey are also 60 million dollars.

[06] The Danish Ambassador to Lefkosia visited Bulutoglulari

According to a statement issued by the "municipality", the Danish Ambassador said she was paying a courtesy visit to Bulutoglulari and that this was her first visit on the island.

The statement went on and added that Ambassador Geelan said that with Bulutoglulari they discussed the works and activities which would be made in the capital city of Lefkosia on the occasion of Denmark's EU term Presidency that begun on 1 January 2012.

Geelan and Bulutoglulari assessed also the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

Bulutoglulari thanked the Danish Ambassador for the fact that her first visit on the island was to the "municipality" of occupied Lefkosia. He said he briefed the Ambassador on the projects of his "municipality" and noted that they could work jointly with Geelan for Lefkosia.

At the end of the meeting Bulutoglulari gave Geelan, as a gift, a plaque symbolizing the Gate of occupied Keryneia.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Turkey and the occupation regime signed two new cooperation protocols

The protocols envisage the construction of a student dormitory in the occupied area, the opening of youth centres in occupied Lefkosia and Famagusta and the construction of cinder paths at two stadiums in occupied Keryneia and Morfou.

Speaking before the signing ceremony, "minister" Durust, spoke of plans to organize new youth exchange programs between Turkey and the occupation regime.

Turkish Minister K1
lic for his part referred to brotherhood relations between the two "countries" and said the protocols came as a proof to this.

Also speaking, so-called prime minister Kucuk defined tourism and education as the two locomotive sectors of the occupation regime and vowed to maintain strong bilateral relations with "motherland Turkey".

Meanwhile, according to illegal BRT (11.02.12), K1
l1
c who has paid a one-day "official visit" to the occupied area met yesterday at the so-called presidential palace with the Turkish Cypriot leader.

Speaking during the meeting, Eroglu expressed his disappointment over the continuation of international "isolations" on the Turkish Cypriots.

He complained of the fact that the Greek Cypriot side was still being rewarded by the international community despite its intransigent stance.

Minister K1
l1
c also held a meeting with the so-called prime minister Kucuk and other "officials".

[08] The "1st TRNC youth workshop" took place in the occupied area; Statements by Turkish Cypriot "officials"

The "1st youth workshop" in the occupied area of Cyprus is focusing on several chapters related to youth affairs such as the infrastructure, social life, health, sports and the environment.

Representatives from youth civil society organizations, political parties, academics as well as high school and university students are attending the workshop.

The Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, "prime minister" 0
rsen Kucuk, the so-called minister of national education, youth and sports Kemal Durust and the Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Suat K1
l1
c, delivered opening speeches at the event.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the workshop, Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot youth was an unbreakable part of the Turkish nation. "We share the same language, religion and race& Together we shall move to a brighter future" he said, adding that a healthy and strong youth of today meant a strong future.

Eroglu also said that the workshop was a clear demonstration of the support Turkey attached to the Turkish Cypriots.

Speaking next, Kucuk said that the workshop was another important project accomplished and thanked "motherland Turkey", as he called Turkey for its support.

Also speaking, Durust said that today's youth developed themselves, the better it will be for the future of the "country".

Turkish Minister K1
l1
c for his part read out a message from the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who stressed that Turkey will always remain by the side of the "TRNC".

He said that a roadmap will be determined at the workshop, one that will help tackle the problems experienced by the "TRNC's youth".

K1
l1
c added that the cooperation protocols to be signed between the two countries will help ease the isolation created by the unjust embargoes imposed by the international community.

Also addressing the ceremony, the "director of the TRNC youth department" Gencay Eroglu said that their aim was to further develop relations with Turkey.

[09] Saner's contacts in Ankara; The upgrading of illegal Tymbou airport among the matters being discussed

As part of his other contacts in the Turkish capital, Saner met today with his Turkish "counterpart" Binali Y1
ld1
r1
m.

Projects related to transportation and roadworks as well as the upgrading of the illegal Ercan Airport were discussed at the meetings.

[10] Irsen Kucuk on the occupation regime's economy: "Turkey subsides our budget deficit"

Speaking on a joint BRT-TRT Avaz broadcast yesterday evening, the "prime minister" said that the "TRNC" had grown stronger in terms of economy.

He said that there had been an exceptional development in the fields of agriculture and education.

Stating that all institutions in the "TRNC" are democratic, Kucuk added: "The only country that recognizes us is Turkey. Turkey subsides our budget deficit. We are trying very hard to be able to stand on our own feet but the fact that unjust international isolations are being imposed on the Turkish Cypriots, that we are an island country and that we do not have direct trade with many other countries, is keeping the TRNC from achieving its economic potential."

Stating that the figures achieved in the tourism sector had exceeded expectations this year, Kucuk expressed his belief that 2012 will be even better than the previous year as the "government" now is more organized.

[11] Turkish Premier Erdogan discharged from hospital after minor surgery

The statement said the surgery at Istanbul's private Medipol Hospital over the weekend constituted the second and the final stage in Erdogan's treatment cycle.

The statement said Erdogan was in "perfect health condition" and that he was expected to resume office this week.

The Turkish Premier underwent his first digestive system surgery in November last year.

[12] Davutoglu on Turkish-US ties

Davutoglu defined the United States as a global power and Turkey as a rising regional power. "Relations between the global power United States and rising regional power Turkey are important for regional and global stability," Davutoglu said during the luncheon hosted in his honour by the American Turkish Council.

Davutoglu said Turkey and the United States had perfect political and security cooperation on regional matters; however the deficiency in their relations was on the economic relations.

"Turkey wants to be an economic partner with the United States, besides being a partner in security. This is our strategy," he said.

Davutoglu said the two countries had a good cooperation in countering terrorism, and noted that the terrorist organization PKK continued to pose a threat for Turkey's security.

The Minister interpreted the model partnership as a diversification of Turkish-American relations, and said those relations could not be limited only with cooperation in security.

Davutoglu said Turkish-U.S. trade volume was around 20 billion USD, which was insufficient for Turkey and the United States. "If we are able to boost and diversify our economic relations, this can not only improve Turkish economy but also contribute to global economy," he said.

Davutoglu said that if Turkey was a member of the European Union (EU) today, Europe's economy would be more dynamic and competitive and had a better performance against economic crisis. "When 1.5 million Europeans lost their jobs in 2010, Turkey created new employment for 1.5 million people. They cannot still perceive the new emerging power of Turkey, however the United States can understand it as Turkey's strategic ally," he said.

On developments in the Middle East, Davutoglu said that everybody should understand the main parameters of the change in the Middle East and in his opinion, developments were a post Cold War change. "The main fight in the Middle East is between those who want to preserve Cold War structures, and those who want to change it," he said.

[13] Turkish Prosecutor who summoned MIT chiefs removed from duty

Speaking on the issue outside the court in Istanbul after his removal, Sarikaya said he respects the decision. "This is the chief prosecutor's prerogative. ... There is nothing that can be done. We did our duty," he said.

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Turan Colakkadi explained the reasons behind Sarikaya's removal in remarks to the Sabah daily on Sunday and said the prosecutor was withdrawn from the KCK case on the grounds that he violated the confidentiality of the investigation and hid information from his superiors. "Both me and Fikret Secen learned about the developments from the press," said Colakkadi, adding that this attitude of Sarikaya runs contrary to a regulation that needs to be obeyed by all prosecutors and deputy chief prosecutors.

At the heart of the current investigation is the suspected collaboration between the KCK and some MIT officials, who infiltrated the KCK, to gather intelligence about the activities of the organization but allegedly ended up involved in some illegal acts and attacks masterminded by the KCK.

Reports in the media claim that according to documents in the case file, the KCK was actually founded under MIT oversight. It has also been alleged that orders for some of the KCK's attacks were given from sources inside MIT. In addition, a meeting held in Oslo between MIT officials with representatives of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) last year is also under investigation. The contacts came to light last year through recordings posted on the Internet.

Two new prosecutors have been assigned to the case after Sarikaya's removal. Sarikaya was overseeing the probe into the KCK with Bilal Bayraktar. With two new prosecutors assigned to replace Sarikaya, three prosecutors are now involved in the case.

Last week Sarikaya summoned MIT Undersecretary Hakan Fidan, his predecessor Emre Taner, MIT Deputy Undersecretary Afet Gunes and two MIT officials, Yasar Yildirim and Huseyin Kuzuoglu to testify in the ongoing investigation into the KCK, which Turkish prosecutors say is a group that controls the PKK and other affiliated groups. MIT appealed the prosecutor's move to summon Fidan to testify on Thursday, arguing the prosecutor's office should have asked permission from the Prime Minister, but prosecutor Sarikaya rejected the appeal on Friday.

The prosecutor also requested that the Ankara Prosecutor's Office hear Fidan's testimony and obtained warrants for Gunes, Taner and two MIT officials, Yildirim and Kuzuoglu. The prosecutor requested warrants from the Istanbul 14th High Criminal Court on Friday, and the court accepted the prosecutor's request.

Media reports said on Sunday that Ankara Deputy Chief Prosecutor Huseyin Gorusen called Fidan after receiving Sarikaya's request on Saturday and invited him to the prosecutor's office to testify. In response, Fidan said he would come to the prosecutor's office at an "appropriate time."

Moreover, according to a report published by the Taraf daily on Friday, Kuzuoglu and Yildirim were among the officials who have conducted negotiations with Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the PKK, for a peaceful solution to the Kurdish problem since 2010.

Furthermore, on Friday the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) presented a draft law to Parliament according to which specially authorized prosecutors have to receive permission from the Prime Minister when taking legal action against MIT officials.

Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay criticized the summons on Saturday, saying public officials could not be accused for simply carrying out their duties. "This is how the government sees it. The people in question are carrying out their public duty at great sacrifice to themselves. Therefore, to be accused and summoned like this in the public eye is wrong," he said.

"It is wrong to summon a MIT director in this way who is directly linked to the Prime minister without the Prime Minister's permission and knowledge," he said.

Atalay said he hoped the parliamentary bill presented on Friday by the ruling AK Party aimed at blocking the summons would be passed next week.

(?)

[14] Turkey's current deficit up 65.3% in 2011

The figure marked a rise of $30,446 billion from a year earlier as the current deficit in 2010 was $46,643 billion.

On monthly figures, current deficit in December 2011 was $6,573 billion.

The rise in the current deficit was mainly triggered by the increasing foreign trade deficit. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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