Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-02-15

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

[01] The two leaders in Cyprus resumed talks yesterday after the Greentree summit; Statements by Eroglu after the meeting

[02] Talat: Neither the Turkish Cypriot nor the Greek Cypriot side are disposed to solving the Cyprus problem

[03] Izcan accuses Eroglu of following a separatist stance in the negotiations

[04] Turkish Cypriot political analysts alleged that the negotiations' document leaking is a Greek Cypriot ploy

[05] TPAO's preparations for land drilling are continuing full speed

[06] Direct Traveller tourist company in the UK has launched a signature campaign for direct flights to take place between the UK and the occupied area of Cyprus

[07] The new "representative of the TRNC" in London has "officially" assumed her "duties"

[08] Turkey and the occupation regime's "competition authorities" signed a cooperation protocol

[09] Shopping between the two sides has been reduced

[10] The occupation regimes begun the automation of the self-styled land registry office

[11] The Danish Ambassador in Turkey backs Turkey's EU bid; He stated that the opening of at least one chapter for Turkey is Denmark's highest priority

[12] Gul held a joint press conference with the Czech President; Klaus extended full support to Turkey's EU membership; Gul urges Al-Assad to leave power

[13] Turks with green passport can travel to Bulgaria without visa; 71 countries allow Turkish citizens' visa-free entrance

[14] Turkey's Felicity Party's comments on Houston's death; Attacks Western values

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

The Turkish press reports today on statements by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu, after his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington. According to the Turkish press, Davutoglu commented on the developments in Syria and stated that it is time to take action. The papers also report about the crisis occurred over the Turkish judiciary's move against the intelligence services, and about the first hearing of a match-fixing case, an issue which has started over the summer. Finally, Zaman publishes an interview by Ruben Madsen, the Danish Ambassador to Ankara who stated that Turkey and the EU need to work together to create a positive agenda to get the stalled accession talks to move on.

[01] The two leaders in Cyprus resumed talks yesterday after the Greentree summit; Statements by Eroglu after the meeting

In the meeting, the Turkish Cypriot side brought up the principle of secrecy and expressed its uneasiness over the Greek Cypriot party's leaking the draft solution document to the press without exchanging views on it.

In statements after the meeting that lasted for two hours, Eroglu said that the two leaders would meet again on February 21 and 28, stating that they would continue talks on the property issue.

Eroglu said that they, as the Turkish Cypriot side, would keep complying with the principle of secrecy and they are aiming to reach an agreement soon.

Eroglu and Christofias met for the first time since the Greentree summit which took place in New York between January 22 and 24.

Following the 5th Cyprus Summit in Greentree, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon asked his Special Advisor Alexander Downer to make an assessment by the end of March regarding the Cyprus talk's process.

"If Downer's report comes out positive, I intend to hold a multilateral conference in the end of April or the beginning of May," said Ban earlier.

Recently, Eroglu said that July 1 --the date that the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he referred to the Republic of Cyprus would assume the rotating presidency of the EU-- would be the natural ending of the Cyprus talks.

[02] Talat: Neither the Turkish Cypriot nor the Greek Cypriot side are disposed to solving the Cyprus problem

Noting that there is a blur today, Talat said that diplomats have not understood what the Turkish Cypriot side wants. Asked about his observations regarding the Greentree summit, Talat said that when he looked at the process as a whole, he has the feeling that both sides are not disposed to solving the problem.

Talat accused President Christofias of acting against the solution and alleged that "it is understood that as a recognized state they do not need very much an agreement". Talat noted that he is sad about the future of the Turkish Cypriots and added that wherever he goes he sees people having doubts about their future.

Talat expressed the view that interruptions might happen in the negotiating process, but there could be no "ending" without having a solution.

Talat claimed that the conditions were appropriate for the solution in the period before the year 2010 and during the time of the Annan Plan and accused President Christofias of being the main responsible of this failure.

Responding to a question, Talat argued that Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu is right in criticizing the Greek Cypriot side because of the leak of documents to the press and alleged that the Greek Cypriot side always does this.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Izcan accuses Eroglu of following a separatist stance in the negotiations

In a written statement issued yesterday, Izcan made a call for showing a constructive stance in the negotiations so that progress is achieved. Izcan noted that Eroglu is razing to the ground the belief of the community for a solution and that he is waiting for the collapse of the negotiating process for bringing onto the agenda his separatist objectives.

"If Mr Eroglu thinks that an international conference will be assembled with him doing nothing and he is hoping for help from this, he is committing a big mistake", Izcan said.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Cypriot political analysts alleged that the negotiations' document leaking is a Greek Cypriot' ploy

Taner Etkin, National People's Movement coordinator, commenting on the issue stated that he has no hope that a solution can be reached because, as he alleged, the Greek Cypriots have no intention for an agreement.

On his part academician Dr Murat Ozkaleli alleged that the Greek Cypriot side is cornered therefore is looking for a way out. According to Ozkaleli, the Greek Cypriot side will not abandon the negotiations first and added that the two sides have their red lines each, but they are obliged to show flexibility.

Finally, Ata Atun, member of Eroglu's advisor committee, alleged that the document leaking is "a classic Greek Cypriot ploy".

[05] TPAO's preparations for land drilling are continuing full speed

The mukhtar (headman) of occupied Syngrasi village, Halil Yenigun told Havadis that there is no private property included in the field where the works are being conducted and argued that these works are conducted on vacant land.

The paper recalls that the agreement for land oil drilling in the occupied area of Cyprus was signed on 2 November 2011 between TPAO and the breakaway regime's self-styled ministry of economy and energy.

Citing information acquired from the office of Mehmet Uysal, chairman of TPAO's Administrative Council and General Director, the paper writes that the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources has given instructions to TPAO officials not to make statements to the press on this issue.

Meanwhile, in statements to Havadis, Sunat Atun, self-styled minister of economy and energy, said yesterday that he will personally attend the process and will make statements on the day the drilling will start. He noted that he does not know when the necessary equipment will come to the occupied area of Cyprus and what this equipment will be. He said that necessary statements were issued before on this matter and made no further assessment.

The drilling is expected to start on 28 February 2012 with a "magnificent ceremony" with the participation of the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, reports Havadis.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Direct Traveller tourist company in the UK has launched a signature campaign for direct flights to take place between the UK and the occupied area of Cyprus

Ozdemir said that in order for the campaign to be considered successful, their aim is to collect 100,000 signatures and to achieve to transfer the issue of the direct flights to the British Parliament. "If we collect enough signatures, an increase will be experienced on the number of tourists who will visit our country, but also the prices of the plane tickets will be reduced", Ozdemir alleged.

Pointing out that he is not a politician but an entrepreneur, Ozdemir called on everyone to participate to the signature campaign and sign for the campaign at the website address: "epetitions.direct.gov.uk".

(AK)

[07] The new "representative of the TRNC" in London has "officially" assumed her "duties"

As the paper writes, Oya Tuncali was to assume her "duties" from January 1, 2012, but due to a problem she experienced with her British visa, she just undertook duties.

Tuncali was working as a "consular" in London before. She is married and has two children.

(AK)

[08] Turkey and the occupation regime's "competition authorities" signed a cooperation protocol

Turkish board's chairman Nurettin Kaldirimci, and the "Turkish Cypriot council's" chairman Yenal Surec penned the protocol that includes exchange of competition experts, training and consulting.

Speaking at the penning ceremony, the so-called minister for economy and energy Sunat Atun said that the protocol is of utmost importance for the "TRNC" for the institutionalization of the newly established "Turkish Cypriot council", adding that cooperation with the Turkish Government continued in all fields in economy and trade.

[09] Shopping between the two sides has been reduced

According to the records regarding the use of credit cards by the Greek Cypriots in the occupied area of Cyprus, in January 2011 Greek Cypriots spent 525,041 Euros in the occupied area while in January 2012 they spent 431,737 Euros. In addition, Turkish Cypriots spent 1.37 million Euros in January 2011, while they spent only 1,25 million Euros in January 2012.

As regards the Greek Cypriots, the use of credit cards in the casinos of the occupied area has been reduced while the use of credit cards in clothing shops and super markets has been increased. The use of credit cards by Turkish Cypriots in super markets and clothing shops in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus has reduced while it has increased in buying household items and furniture.

[10] The occupation regimes begun the automation of the self-styled land registry office

The "ministry of interior" stated that the project is taking place upon the aid of the "embassy" of Turkey in the occupied area. It also stated that 927 thousand title deeds have already been registered to 2,604 "registries".

The paper writes that the first title deed was issued for little Irsen Kucuk, the grandson of "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk, during a press conference where the news about the automation project were announced.

[11] The Danish Ambassador in Turkey backs Turkey's EU bid; He stated that the opening of at least one chapter for Turkey is Denmark's highest priority

In an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman, Ruben Madsen, said: "The most genuine way [of bringing momentum to Turkish accession talks] is to try to open at least one chapter during our presidency." Stressing that his country has had experience with regard to the enlargement process during prior terms as holder of the EU presidency, Madsen said his Government realizes as the biggest deficiency in the Turkish accession process the lack of momentum.

He explained that his Government is working on two tracks to reinvigorate the accession talks, saying that the first priority is to open at least one chapter, and the second is to help flesh out the so-called "positive agenda" to align Turkey with the EU acquis.

(?)

The Ambassador reaffirmed Denmark's unwavering support for the Turkish candidacy, adding that most EU countries are positive about the Turkish membership in the EU. "In the Danish Parliament as in other Scandinavian Parliaments, there is support for carrying on the enlargement process with Turkey," he said, stressing that impressive Turkish reform processes in politics and the economy have helped shape that positive image of Turkey.

(?)

The Danish diplomat did not hide his concern over the stalled talks with Turkey, saying the following: "We are of course very concerned like many others that we have a standstill in the enlargement talks," adding that the biggest challenge is the lack of movement. "We don't have this common sense of how to move forward," he lamented.

He underlined that Denmark sees a very clear connection between the enlargement process and reforms in Turkey, expressing his worry that the EU may not matter in the reform process undertaken in Turkey unless a positive change happens the negotiations.

Noting that Denmark needs to move very carefully on how to advance its agenda in the EU, Ambassador Madsen said: "We know that during presidencies the biggest mistake you can make is to try to set your own agenda. You will get nowhere doing that. Denmark is first of all trying to build bridges inside the EU and with important parties outside the EU."

He noted that Denmark is trying to facilitate the enlargement with full knowledge that the EU Commission is the one that is conducting the negotiations on behalf of the EU. He emphasized that the Commission works within the framework provided by the member states, which are represented by the presidency. "The Danish presidency tries to make sure that member states will have a positive approach to this [talks with Turkey]. And if some don't, we try to find ways to move things forward," he stated.

As for the possible opening of new chapters, the Danish Ambassador said that the remaining three chapters can possibly be opened. These three chapters are social policy and employment, public procurement and competition. "In principle, all could be opened," Madsen remarked, warning, however, that the competition chapter may prove to be the most difficult one. "Competition is extremely central to the acquis and perhaps the most central part of the acquis. Normally, one would start looking at it as one of the later chapters to be discussed in the enlargement process, not as one of the early one's," he said.

Stating the importance of creating a so-called "positive agenda" to EU-Turkey talks, Ambassador Madsen said that a positive agenda is only positive if it is perceived as such by both sides. Admitting that the idea is still in the making, he said that It is an idea that the Commission came up with and that It has the support of the European Council. "We will work on chapters that are currently blocked, set up working groups between the Commission and the Turkish Government to try to move some of these very important chapters like fundamental rights and the whole justice sector and so on," Madsen explained.

Ambassador Madsen pointed also out that the EU is still a very important market for Turkey despite being in a crisis. The EU is the largest export market for Turkey and also the biggest source of foreign direct investment.

Responding to EU skeptics in Turkey, Madsen said Turkey can survive without the EU, but he said the EU is needed for Turkey to have a global outreach. "We have a shared strategic interest to develop a single market, to generate growth and make our citizens happy," he said.

The Danish Ambassador also warned about overconfidence expressed by some in Turkey with regard to robust economic growth. He said confidence and self-esteem in Turkey is always good. But he cautioned that it should not lead to an exaggerated conclusion that Turkey does not need the EU. "This country was for centuries oriented towards Europe. I can understand that out of frustration somebody is saying such things. But I think constructive people should never say this," he noted. "It is not a matter of who needs who, but improving the strategic outlook for both sides," he added.

Touching on bilateral relations, the Danish Ambassador said that there is great potential to improve trade ties because both economies complement each other rather than compete. He pointed out that Turkey has a strong reputation in the construction sector, while Denmark is known to have the very best companies for design and architecture.

(?)

[12] Gul held a joint press conference with the Czech President; Klaus extended full support to Turkey's EU membership; Gul urges Al-Assad to leave power

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Turkish President Abdullah Gul in Ankara on Tuesday, Klaus said that "when you consider that Turkey has been a candidate since 1959, the Turks are really individuals with patience. I could not be so patient myself".

"The last time I was in Turkey was six years ago. We realize Turkey's progress made since then and we appreciate such a development. The developments in Turkey have been welcomed with appreciation from the global community", Klaus stressed.

"As the Czech Republic, we want to give a strong message that we intend to promote our relations with Turkey in political and foreign policy issues, security and defense issues and as NATO allies and partners", Klaus underlined.

"We want to hold the most fruitful meetings during our three day stay in Turkey. I am being accompanied by a delegation of businesspeople considered to be the biggest ever that accompanies a Czech President and this shows the importance we attach to Turkey", Klaus said.

Touching on Turkey's EU membership, Klaus said that the financial problems in the Eurozone would not be an issue that blocks Turkey's EU membership. "On the contrary, problems in the Eurozone are the reasons for Turkish membership. Europe has to wake up, move and change. Europe will shake itself with the accession of a large country as Turkey", Klaus noted.

On the issue of Syria, Klaus said that the issue must be resolved within the region.

Also speaking President Gul said that they preferred to see their region solve its problems on its own without a need for intervention from places far away.

Gul's comments came in response to recent developments taking place in Syria.

President Gul said that Turkey has excellent relations with the Czech Republic in all fields.

"Trade volume between our two countries is 2.5 billion USD. Our businesspeople make mutual investments. President Klaus has arrived in Ankara with a large delegation of businesspeople and, on Tuesday, we will have a meeting of the Turkey-Czech Republic Business Forum", Gul noted.

"In our tete-a-tete meeting and meeting between the respective delegations, we discussed bilateral relations in all dimensions. New ideas were proposed to boost our already excellent relations", Gul said.

"Everyone knows that the Czech Republic and President Klaus support Turkey for EU membership. We thank them for their support. President Klaus is a leader who looks at the EU from a critical point of view at times. Everybody has seen how right Klaus was. We had a chance to discuss all relevant topics", Gul underlined.

Following talks in Ankara, President Klaus will travel to the southern provinces of Adana and Mersin. It is crucial for President Klaus to get first hand information on Turkey, Gul stressed.

Asked by a Czech journalist how ready was Turkey for EU membership, President Gul said that Turkey's relations with the EU began when the EU was a Common Market and that entry negotiations began in 2005.

"Negotiations do not continue at the level Turkey desires. Negotiations are a technical issue. However, the negotiations process has been taken prisoner with many political considerations", Gul said.

"During the Czech term presidency of the EU in 2009, the chapter on taxation was opened to talks. Since then, there has not been much progress in Turkey's negotiations. Turkey does everything possible to conclude the negotiations process successfully. Turkey's negotiations process has been blocked due to certain local politics and political acts of an EU member state", Gul stressed.

"Turkey's EU membership is a strategic issue", Gul underlined.

Asked by another Czech journalist on how the Syrian issue would be resolved, Gul said that many important developments took place in the region and by Turkey.

"Change in Syria is inevitable. There is no longer a place for closed regimes and one party politics in the Mediterranean region", Gul noted.

"At the time, we discussed this issue in great length with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad but he could not display the necessary leadership. Now, there is a road in Syria with no return. Turkey, the regional countries and the Arab League are in close cooperation with each other on the Syrian issue. We do prefer that the region solve its problems on its own. We consider intervention from places far away as risky", Gul said.

"I invite Assad to prefer to exit without giving an opportunity to chaos. I call on Assad to hold free elections and open the path for the beginning of a new term in Syria before the Syrian people become enemies of each other", Gul concluded.

[13] Turks with green passport can travel to Bulgaria without visa; 71 countries allow Turkish citizens' visa-free entrance

Turkish Energy & Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz met Bulgaria's Deputy Premier Djankov in Ankara.

Djankov said that according to latest researches, nearly one third of Turks who visited Bulgaria would benefit from this new practice on visa procedure.

Replying to a question on the Trans-Anatolia gas pipeline project, Djankov said that they were ready to extend support to the project.

Yildiz told reporters that a high level strategic cooperation meeting would be held between the two countries in the coming period. "We want to enhance relations between the two countries," he said.

Replying to a question on natural gas supply, Yildiz said that poor winter conditions still affect the country, but there would be no shortage in the coming period.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (14.02.12) reported from Ankara that according to data of the Prime Ministry Public Diplomacy Coordination Office, Turkey, most recently, signed an agreement with Ukraine for visa-free entrance (on December 22, 2011) which increased the number of countries allowing Turkish citizens to pass border without visa to 71.

Also, according to data of the Foreign Ministry, Turkish citizens having regular passport are allowed to enter 60 countries without visa, while they can buy visa on border gates in 11 countries.

Also, under two agreements signed on December 16, 2011, Turkish citizens having diplomatic visa can enter Nigeria and Ethiopia without visa.

[14] Turkey's Felicity Party's comments on Houston's death; Attacks Western values

"Just like the death of many other celebrities before, people that are presented by the Westerners as model characters die alone in a corner," the statement said.

"Like Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse, Houston drew her last breath in alcohol and a drug coma, too," the statement from the conservative party said. "What is befitting us is to protect our own faith and values of civilization, which is the only solution to bring peace and welfare to the world and to rise again just like in our bright history in order to rescue humanity from depression." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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