Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-02-20

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

[01] Eroglu questions the basis of the Cyprus talks, meets with Erdogan and Gul, and comments on Cyprus-Israel relations

[02] Bozer alleges that the agreement in Cyprus will be made between "two states"

[03] Protest by environmental organizations on oil exploration works in the occupied village of Sygrasi

[04] YKP has organized an event for the demilitarization of Nicosia

[05] Turkey's educational system will be implemented in the occupied area of Cyprus

[06] The occupation regime represented to two different fairs in Dubai and Milano

[07] ADFIMI and the "Development Bank" to organize a conference in occupied Lefkosia; Illegal YDU has signed a cooperation protocol with the Islamic University of Gaza

[08] 10 global companies apply for energy projects in Mersin

[09] "Ankara chides Greek Foreign Minister for remarks targeting Turkey"

[10] "Erdogan: Nobody should pray for crisis" TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS The visit and contacts of Eroglu in Turkey, reaction by civilian organizations against the land drilling for oil in the area of occupied Syngrasi village and information that antiquities exist in that area, statements by Turkish Minister of Energy on Turkey's explorations for oil in the Mediterranean, a demonstration by the YKP demanding the demilitarization of Lefkosia, and other internal issues are the main topics covered by the Turkish Cypriot press over the weekend and today. The papers referred also to statements by the self-styled minister of education Durust saying that Turkey's educational system will be implemented in the occupied area of Cyprus, and to the participation of the regime in international fairs in the United Arab Emirates and Italy. Statements by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan over a probe into Turkey's top intelligence officers, the official visit of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping in Turkey, and other domestic issues are covered in today's Turkish dailies newspapers.

[01] Eroglu questions the basis of the Cyprus talks, meets with Erdogan and Gul, and comments on Cyprus-Israel relations

Addressing a conference at Istanbul's Bahcesehir University on Saturday, Eroglu reiterated that an agreement should be reached in Cyprus until 1 July and added: "Accordingly, in case we fail until 1 July, it will be proved that the Cyprus problem cannot be solved on the basis of today's negotiations?Our commitments on the issue of this negotiating process are still valid and our effort is in the direction of being successful. However, at one point we have to think about our own future as well and we do not want to be dragged in this climate of uncertainty?"

Referring to the EU term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu alleged that "the Greek Cypriots", as he described the Republic of Cyprus, should not overtake the EU term presidency on 1 July 2012 and claimed that if this happens, the problem will be put into a further deadlock.

Eroglu claimed that after 1 July the negotiations will lose their meaning because of the EU term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus and the presidential elections of 2013.

Eroglu argued that in case uncertainty continues, a new conflict might emerge with the developments in the field of explorations for oil and natural gas and added that this could instigate tension. He added: "Therefore, this climate of uncertainty should be eliminated. An agreement should be reached by 1 July. If it is not solved by 1 July, I believe that it should be accepted that the Cyprus problem is not possible to be solved in this way with the stance of the Greek Cypriot side. We have tried all methods for 44 years. Now we are trying the Cypriot-led solution method which is preferred by Christofias. If it does not happen with this method as well, it should be courageously said and seen".

Meanwhile, Kibris (19.02.12) reported also that Eroglu met with Turkish President Abdullah Gul at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport. According to the paper, they exchanged views on various issues for around 20 minutes.

The paper further writes that in Istanbul Eroglu attended the foundation laying ceremony of "Rauf Cultural Centre", which will be built at Sisli Municipality. Rauf Denktas' son, Serdar Denktas and the Mayor of Sisli Mustafa Sarigul were also present at the ceremony. In his speech, Eroglu commemorated with gratitude Rauf Denktas, who led the Turkish Cypriots "from the point of being a community to the point of being a people having their own state".

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (20.02.12) reports that Eroglu visited Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan at his residence to wish him quick recovery after the surgery he underwent. No statements were made after the meeting.

Furthermore, according to illegal Bayrak television (18.02.12), Eroglu has described the bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel with a proverb saying that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". Evaluating Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Cyprus before his departure for Istanbul on Friday, Eroglu argued that the Greek Cypriot side, as he described the Republic of Cyprus, was intending to establish strong relations with the United States via Israel.

"Greece and South Cyprus have established closer relations with Israel after Turkey-Israel relations were damaged. This is part of their anti-Turkey stance. I hope they avoid moves which can lead to regional tensions", Eroglu alleged.

Reminding of the cooperation established between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel on oil and natural gas exploration activities, Eroglu expressed his concerns over the fact that this cooperation can even lead to the opening of an Israeli base in Cyprus.

Eroglu gave the assurance that the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, will maintain its own exploration activities within its so-called "own territorial waters and land". He announced that drilling activities will be launched in the near future.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (20.02.12) reports that Eroglu completed his contacts in Turkey and returned to the occupied area of Cyprus last night. In statements at illegal Tymbou airport, he said that with President Gul they discussed the Cyprus negotiations and added that his visit was very useful.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Bozer alleges that the agreement in Cyprus will be made between "two states"

Bozer said that the period until July 2012 is important for the future of the negotiations and alleged that in spite of the promises of the world, the Turkish Cypriots still live under "embargoes". He argued that the Turkish Cypriots have come to the point of saying "it is enough".

In his statements the chairman of the association Ahmet Goksan said that the breakaway regime will experience some difficulties until July 2012, that these difficulties will increase after July and that the position of the "state" will be intensively debated in this period.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Protest by environmental organizations on oil exploration works in the occupied village of Sygrasi

Asuman Kuyucu, member of the Biological Association, said that the area where the land drilling work will begin has natural beauty, warning, also, that the flora and the fauna will be destroyed. He also added that there are also, in the area, antiquities.

[04] YKP has organized an event for the demilitarization of Nicosia

As the paper writes, the participants were gathered yesterday at Ledra Palace and marched to the Eleftheria Square and then to Paphos Gate.

Issuing a written statement there, the YKP has pointed out that it is the 7th time they organize the campaign for the demilitarization of Nicosia, a campaign being launched from 2006, as the statement noted. The statement stressed also the importance of the fact that the campaign became an event which is accepted by several political parties and both sides as well.

YKP' statement pointed also out that the party will continue its struggle towards the demilitarization of the island and the whole region as well.

(AK)

[05] Turkey's educational system will be implemented in the occupied area of Cyprus

Durust said that the land in occupied Mia Milia which allegedly belongs to Evkaf religious foundation has not been leased yet and added that as "government" they will support the establishment of a complex of buildings adjacent to a mosque in that area. He noted that they will establish a faculty of theology which will be completely independent from the above-mentioned complex of buildings.

Referring to the strike and demonstrations of the Secondary School Teachers' Trade Union (KTOEOS) regarding the theology department at the vocational high school in occupied Mia Milia, Durust said: "They have been on strike for months and since we have not closed it down until now, we will not do it from now on".

Durust noted that the curriculum in every school will be "equal and balanced" within the framework of Fatih Projesi and added that the financial cost for this will be covered by Turkey.

Meanwhile, the paper reports also that KTOEOS, which is on strike against the opening of theological school, will start to provide education to students in tents. In statements yesterday, the chairman of the trade union, Tahir Gokcebel said that with the issue of the complex of buildings adjacent to a mosque, the looting, the plunder and the role of green capital [as he described the businessmen who are close to the Justice and Development Party] came to surface. "Our modern, scientific, secular, democratic and pro-Ataturk schools and educational philosophy has been abandoned in the name of acquiring official positions", he argued.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli (20.02.12) reports that 52 persons from the occupied area of Cyprus have been taken to Ankara in order to receive religious education. Under the title "It is obvious where we are heading to!" the paper writes that the wish with these activities, which are reportedly carried out in a sly manner, is to spoil the cultural structure of the Turkish Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[06] The occupation regime represented to two different fairs in Dubai and Milano

According to a statement made by the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" (KTSO), the occupation regime is participating to the fair with seven firms under the umbrella of the "KTSO". The occupation regime is participating to the fair with a 45 square meters stand.

The statement reports also that the "representative of the TRNC" in Abu Dhabi visited the stand of the occupation regime during the first day of the fair.

According to the paper, a total of 3,800 firms from 93 different countries are participating to the fair.

Meanwhile, under the title: "Asikoglu: We are waiting for 12,000 tourists from Italy for this year", Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (20.02.12) reports on statements by the "undersecretary" of the so-called ministry of tourism, environment and culture Sahap Asikogly who has represented the occupation regime to the Borsa International Tourism Exchange Fair (BIT-Milano International Tourism Fair) which took place in Milano, Italy.

The fair begun last Thursday and is expected to close today.

Asikoglu stated that they are expecting around 12,000 tourists from Italy for this year. He further said that it is the first time they participate to the BIT-Milano International Tourism Fair under the name "Cipro Nord-North Cyprus" and with their own stand.

Evaluating his contacts in Milano, Asikoglu said that they are exerting efforts so that charter flights to be launched with Italy as of April. He also pointed out the need for increasing the promotion of the occupation regime to Italy with more advertisement.

Asikoglu recalled that the occupation regime attracts tourism from 14 different destinations, adding that a total of 7,500 tourists are coming from Italy.

(AK)

[07] ADFIMI and the "Development Bank" to organize a conference in occupied Lefkosia; Illegal YDU has signed a cooperation protocol with the Islamic University of Gaza

The conference will begin today.

Among the participants at the conference will be the Secretary General of ADFIMI Nuri Birtek and the so-called minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun, who both will deliver a speech.

Also, according to the same paper, the illegal YDU University ("Near East University") has signed a cooperation protocol with the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG).

The protocol was signed at illegal YDU by the "vice rector" of the illegal YDU Prof. Dr. Senol Bektas and the vice rector of the IUG Dr. Nazmi A. Al-Masri.

The cooperation protocol envisages for the mutual exchange of academic staff between the two "universities", the preparation of joint projects and the exchange of scientific and educational information.

Also, the IUG will also have the benefit to utilize the Library of the illegal Near East University.

(AK)

[08] 10 global companies apply for energy projects in Mersin

"Almost 10 international companies have applied to undertake a project to explore oil and natural gas off Mersin, a southern province on the Mediterranean coast, according to the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz.

The exploration projects will be concluded soon, he said, at a meeting organized by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority [EPDK] and the Turkish Petroleum Industry Association (Perder) in the northern province of Bolu. 'We have opened the project not only to international capital, but also to oil producing companies. We will conclude our initiatives soon.'

Yildiz added that it was not right for the Greek Cypriot administration [editor's note: Republic of Cyprus] to explore oil and natural gas outside its territorial waters. The Greek Cypriot administration should carry out such initiatives together with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus administration [editor's note: breakaway regime in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus], he said, reiterating the official policy of Turkey on the issue.

'All the peoples of Cyprus should benefit from those resources equally. Works [regarding oil and natural gas exploration] continue in Famagusta [editor's note: occupied area of Famagusta] and [the southern province of] Antalya [?] I hope that oil and natural gas exploration, not only in the Mediterranean but also in Cyprus, could prove to be a significant reason for peace,' Yildiz said. (?)"

[09] "Ankara chides Greek Foreign Minister for remarks targeting Turkey"

"The Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized on Sunday recent remarks by Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Dimas criticizing Turkey in the presence of NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who visited both countries last week on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of their membership in the 27-nation alliance.

'It is known by the Greek authorities and all parties concerned that we are paying special attention to ensuring that our relations with Greece are conducted on the basis of a positive agenda. While it is expected that celebration of the 60th anniversary of our countries' simultaneous accession to NATO should strengthen this positive agenda, the fact that Greek authorities resort to such accusations and claims is in contradiction with the spirit of alliance and does not bode well with a positive agenda in our relations,' a statement from the Foreign Ministry said.

The statement did not specify the accusations. According to a Turkish media report, Dimas said during a joint news conference with Rasmussen in Athens that Turkey 'sabotages' NATO by its 'provocations aimed against Greece and Cyprus'.

'We are witnessing acts of provocations that sabotage alliance ties', Dimas was quoted as saying by private Cihan news agency.

The Foreign Ministry said problems with Greece are surmountable and that Turkey will continue to work for the resolution of these problems. But it said, multilateral platforms of cooperation, such as NATO, should not be used as venues to address these problems."

[10] "Erdogan: Nobody should pray for crisis"

"Turkey's top institutions are not in a crisis but are instead working together in harmony, the Prime Minister said yesterday in his first comments on the fight over an attempt to probe top spy officials and his first remarks since emerging from follow-up digestive surgery.

'No one should harbour hopes of growing divisive and sinister seeds. No one should pray for a crisis. No one should dream of chaos and conflict. All institutions are working with harmony and motivation that has never before been seen in the history of the country', Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday in an address to the youth branches of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) via video conference.

The event was his first public appearance since Feb. 10, the date of his second digestive-tract operation.

Erdogan's words came nearly 10 days after a massive crisis erupted in the country since a specially authorized prosecutor called Hakan Fidan, chief of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and four other MIT officials to testify over an ongoing probe on the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), the alleged urban wing of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), on the grounds that some M0
T members who infiltrated the KCK had exceeded their authority in their duties.

Prosecutor Sadettin Sarikaya and senior police officers carrying out the KCK operations were immediately removed from their office while the government increased the immunity of MIT personnel as a result of the call for testimony.

'We won't bow before anybody'

'The judiciary, police, army and the intelligence services are in complete coordination. They are devotedly doing their duties. Tarnishing institutions and trying to show them in disharmony will not bring any benefit to our country,' Erdogan said.

Recalling that the harmony and coordination among the institutions could be possible thanks to this government's efforts through 'silent revolution and transformation', the Prime Minister said: 'We will not permit illegitimacy in this country. We will never enslave those who have been elected under the appointed ones. We have always been sensitive toward the harmony and coordination between the executive, legislative and judicial branches and the institutions.'

Calling all columnists, intellectuals, the media and politicians to exercise common sense when interpreting such developments, Erdogan criticized those who were trying to suggest the AKP was in conflict with the people. 'Those who are trying to do this will be ashamed'. (?)

The crisis appears over following Turkey's President summary approval of an amendment making the Prime Minister's consent obligatory before a prosecutor can launch probes against intelligence officials.

All eyes have now turned to Erdogan, who will find prosecutors' requests to probe Fidan and other senior officials on his desk when he returns to Ankara, likely this week.

Under the amended Article 26 of the MIT Act, the Prime Minister's permission will be required to investigate MIT members as well as 'public officials the Prime Minister assigns to specific tasks' for crimes that arise from the nature of their duties or they commit while on duty or for offenses handled by special-authority courts.

Though the law increases the immunity for MIT personnel, it does not mean that intelligence officers will be above the law. 'If MIT personnel commit a crime, then the laws will be applied for him or her. MIT personnel are not untouchable,' Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag told daily Yeni Safak yesterday. (?) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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