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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-02-28Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 40/12 25-28.2.12CONTENTS
[01] Eroglu boasts about distributing title deeds for occupied Greek Cypriot properties to illegal Turkish settlers; Eroglu, once again, shows his true coloursTurkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (27.02.12) reported that Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu has boasted about distributing occupied Greek Cypriot properties to illegal settlers from Turkey. Addressing a meeting in Turkey, Eroglu said that 55-60 thousand Turkish Cypriot refugees migrated from the government-controlled south to the Turkish occupied north part of the island during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.He added, inter alia, the following: "We gave the properties of the Greek Cypriots to those who came from the south in return for the properties they left in the south, because the economic activity should continue in the north. If you do not give title deeds to people, they make absolutely no investment. Contrary to [what] the Greek Cypriots [did], we gave to our citizens title deeds for the Greek Cypriot properties in the north. A part of them came without having a property. We gave property to them as well. All those who came from Turkey were those who came without having property. We gave houses, land or a working place to them too. Now the Greek Cypriots have no complaint with those coming from the south, but they have a complaint against those coming from Turkey and they say 'you are spoiling the Cypriot identity'. What is in the Greek Cypriots' mind is to create a Cypriot nation. There are two separate peoples in Cyprus having their religion, language and culture. You should never forget this. You cannot create a Cypriot from these two peoples. They, on the other hand, try to create a Cypriot and make the Turkish identity forgotten with the slogan 'Cyprus belongs to the Cypriots'?" Eroglu reiterated the view that an agreement on the Cyprus problem would be achieved by now if the United Nations "accepted the existence of northern Cyprus", as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. He alleged: "However, we are a state not recognized by the world, while the other side is a state recognized by the world and a member of the EU. Especially now, after finding wealth in the sea, their wish for agreeing with us has totally been eliminated. That is why we are saying to the EU officials that it is not possible for the Greek Cypriots to be motivated for an agreement under these circumstances. Therefore, they should be motivated. And this is possible with the lifting of the embargoes implemented on the Turkish Cypriot people?". Referring to their relations with Turkey, Eroglu said he has always believed that the breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus could not exist without Turkey and that during his presidency, in his party, he tried to educate young people to love Ataturk and Turkey. (I/Ts.) [02] Eroglu briefed Turkish journalists on the Cyprus problem and stated that he would not get surprised if the Greek Cypriots allow the Israelis to have a military base in Cyprus; Turkish columnists comments on Eroglu's briefingTurkish daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 26.02.12) reported that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has said that he believes that "southern Cyprus" and Israel have begun negotiations over an Israeli military base in the southern part of the island despite the fact that both sides deny reports on the issue.Speaking to a group of Turkish journalists visiting him at the so-called presidential palace, Eroglu said: "They are hiding this. I would not get surprised if [Greek Cyprus] allows Israelis to have a military base. I think southern Cyprus wants to use this as a tool in the negotiations against us." Referring to the recent visit of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Cyprus, Eroglu said that Netanyahu came to the island because they have mutual interests, adding that "Greek Cyprus", as he referred to the Republic of Cyprus was openly using the tension between Turkey and Israel for its own advantage in the ongoing peace talks. "But there is more than that", said Eroglu. "Netanyahu wanted to land his official plane at the military airport in Pafos [Greek Cyprus] but he could not do so due to the opposition's reaction. He obviously wanted to give a message by landing at a military base", Eroglu added. Both "Greek Cyprus" and Israel denied reports that Tel Aviv was seeking to establish a military base on the island. When asked, Israeli sources said that Israeli state aircrafts could use "Greek Cypriot" and Greek airspace in order to participate in military exercises in various European countries but added that they would not need a base in Cyprus. Newspaper reports, however, said that the possible base would be designed to protect Greek Cypriot's oil and natural gas exploration in the Mediterranean from a potential Turkish attack. Israel appears set to become one of the most prominent customers of a potential Greek Cypriot oil and natural gas discovery. Meanwhile, writing in Turkish daily Hurriyet (28.02.12), columnist Yalcin Dogan in its commentary entitled: "Greek Cypriots demand for new territories", reports that he was one of the journalists who was at the meeting which took place in occupied Cyprus during the week-end, where Eroglu informed them as regards the ongoing negotiation talks in Cyprus. Writing in his column, Dogan writes, inter alia, that the Greek Cypriots demand at the negotiation talks the decrease of the "TRNC's" territorial percentage from 37% to 29% and that, Christofias is constantly bringing to the table the return of Morfou and Varoshia. Making an evaluation of the current situation of the ongoing talks in Cyprus, Dogan supports that after Eroglu's briefing, a negative picture was exhibited as regards the result of the talks, since as he points out, both sides are exerting efforts to follow a political timetable and utilize for their own benefit, their internal contradictions. Saying that all eyes are turned to this political timetable, which is the 1st of July, when the Republic of Cyprus will take over the EU term presidency, Dogan supports that this period would affect the developments on the Cyprus problem because the negotiation talks will be frozen on the one hand, whereas on the other hand, Turkey's ties with the EU will be ploughed. "At the meantime, Sarkozy and Merkel's visits to the Greek Cypriot administration, indicates the difficult period that Turkey and the TRNC would enter", writes Dogan. Dogan continues and writes that Israel's demand to establish a base in Cyprus, clarifies further the complication of the situation in Cyprus and how it will affect the activities of both the Turkish and the Greek Cypriot side to search for oil and natural gas. Also writing in Turkish daily Milliyet (26.02.11), Mehmet Tezkan in his commentary entitled: "A luncheon in Cyprus" wrote that when he participated at a gathering in occupied Lefkosia where the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu invited some Turkish journalists to inform them on the latest developments on the Cyprus negotiation talks, he understood that the result of the negotiation talks in Cyprus has been clarified from now, that is again the non-solution. Tezkan supports that in brief, the Cyprus problem has come to the end and that a period of a lot of years of "no negotiations" will follow. He then analyses the reasons for which the non-solution in Cyprus would be painful for the Turkish Cypriot side, supporting the fact that the "TRNC is not recognized by anyone", the fact that Turkish Cypriots have identity problems, and problems with their status quo, are indicative of how the situation stands. (AK) [03] Eroglu criticizes Downer for asking concessions ?Ertug rejectes the criticism against the Turkish Cypriot side regarding the negotiationsIllegal Bayrak television (online, 27.02.12) broadcast that the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu criticized the UN Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer for calling on various circles in the occupied area of Cyprus to raise their voices in demand of concessions. Eroglu was speaking during an event in Istanbul."Yes we want a solution but a process of give-and-take must be reciprocal. A solution to be reached should not desolate the Turkish Cypriots. Yet, the Greek Cypriots want everything without giving anything in return" he claimed. He also stated that the Turkish Cypriot side, together with Turkey, will decide on a joint course of action, should efforts to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem fail until the Republic of Cyprus takes on the EU Term Presidency on the 1st of July. Eroglu also alleged that the discovery of offshore hydrocarbons by the Republic of Cyprus has contributed to the existing disagreements between the two sides. In addition, Illegal Bayrak also broadcast (online, 25.02.12) that the spokesman of Eroglu, Osman Ertug responded to recent criticisms in the media concerning the ongoing talks with a written statement. Ertug said that the claims, which he described to be part of a smearing campaign, were greatly unfair and did not reflect the truth. "The fact that such criticisms have not be directed towards the Greek Cypriots, which are plainly dragging their feet at the negotiations table, and more importantly, the fact that these claims do not reflect the truth is truly disappointing" he alleged. Claiming that it has been the Turkish Cypriot side which has been adopting a constructive and positive stance at the talks before, during and after the Greentree 2 summit, Ertug alleged that this constructive stance had earned the admiration and support of not only the United Nations but the international community as well. [04] CTP accuses Eroglu of leading the Cyprus talks to collapse; UBP and DP back Eroglu attacking the CTP and DownerTurkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (27.02.12) reports that Ozkan Yorgancioglu, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has said that while the Cyprus problem was about to be solved two years ago, Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu and his negotiating team led the process to the point of being about to collapse. In a written statement issued on Sunday, Yorgancioglu referred to Eroglu's mentality and said: "Just like we did in the past, today as well we are going to struggle in unity against the separatist mentality which wants to cut us off from the world". He noted that in spite of all the warnings, Eroglu is about to convict the "people" to the non-solution.Yorgancioglu said the CTP held a meeting with UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer, who explained to them what should be done in order for him to be able to prepare a positive report at the end of March, but noted that he was not optimistic on this issue. Yorgancioglu said the property and the election of the federal president were the issues which should be overcome by the end of March and added that the talks came to a deadlock because Eroglu has been rejecting for two years the cross voting system. Yorgancioglu pointed out that all the sides are concerned with the issue and mainly the UN officials say that the main deadlock derives from the fact that Eroglu brings proposals to the table which will definitely not produce any result and cause waste of time. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (28.02.12) reports that Ertugrul Hasipoglu, general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), has criticized Alexander Downer, who allegedly says to some "circles" in the occupied area of Cyprus to "shout" for Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu to give concessions. In a written statement issued yesterday, Hasipoglu criticized also the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), which, he said, for the sake of its interests, ignores the so-called Greek Cypriot intransigence. Hasipoglu argued that Downer's stance is unacceptable and not in harmony with diplomatic practices. Commenting on CTP chairman's statement that the Cyprus talks are collapsing because of the stance of the Turkish side, Hasipoglu said that the UBP is closely following the developments on the Cyprus problem and pointed out that no agreement was reached with the Greek Cypriots during the period of former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat who, according to Hasipoglu, had once stated that the Greek Cypriots would prevent the Turkish Cypriots even from breathing if they could. Describing Eroglu's policy at the negotiating table as "very correct", he said the UBP supports this policy. Hasipoglu claimed that it is not Eroglu the one who takes wrong steps at the negotiations, but former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat and the CTP. He added: "The cross voting is unacceptable. The cross voting is contrary to the two peoples, two sovereignties and two separate elections. Rotating presidency exists in the European Union as well, but there is nothing such as the cross voting". Hasipoglu said that the UBP and Dervis Eroglu, his candidate in the "presidential elections", had clearly stated that they are against the cross voting and won the "elections" with the approval of the "people". Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper Bakis (28.02.12) reports that Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), has said that he is watching with surprise and regret the statements saying that Eroglu instigates the non-solution on the island. In a written statement issued yesterday, Denktas noted that at the beginning he thought that these statements were due to internal politics reasons, but when such things were loudly expressed by some circles after meeting with Alexander Downer, the impression that this was something more than internal settling of accounts was given. Denktas argued that accusing Eroglu of supporting the non-solution is tantamount to "playing into Greek Cypriots' hands". Denktas called on those who say that the problem would have been solved if Talat was the negotiator of the Turkish Cypriot side, to state on what issues Talat would give concessions in order to achieve a solution. Denktas alleged that the Turkish Cypriots could not be deceived any more by those who criticize Eroglu only for the sake of relaxing the Greek Cypriots and for the sake of the UN not being forced to unilaterally accuse the Greek Cypriots of the non-solution in Cyprus. Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (27.02.12) alleges that "Downer has pressed the button" and the "militants of the CTP" in the mouthpieces of the party, that is, Yeni Duzen and Havadis newspapers, started attacking Eroglu in a coordinated campaign with leaders of trade unions. The paper argues that CTP's "MP" Ozdil Nami, Yeni Duzen's journalists Cenk Mutluyakali, Sami Ozuslu and Unal Findik and Havadis newspaper's journalist Basaran Duzgun launched this campaign after meeting with a UN official whose name they did not reveal and started writing that the Turkish side should give concessions. Volkan continues to deal with the issue today (28.02.12) arguing that the Turkish Cypriot people want Downer to be declared "persona non grata" to the occupied area of Cyprus, if he continues to exhibit the same stance. (I/Ts.) [05] Downer said that progress cannot be recorded in the negotiations because the leaders are "suffocated" into detailsTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (25.02.11), on its front page, under the title: "Downer's advice to us: yell", reported that during a meeting yesterday with the Unions' Platform (Sendikal Platform), UN Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer said that progress cannot be recorded in the negotiation process because the leaders are "suffocated" into details. When the trade unionists asked him what they should do then, Downer advised them that they should shout, in order their voice to be heard.Replying to the question of Sener Elcil - general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Primary School Teachers' Trade Union (KTOS) ? whether the issue of partnership was on the agenda at the negotiation table, Downer said that President Christofias brought the proposal to return to the partnership, however, he added that Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu rejected it. [06] KTOS: The Republic of Cyprus' identity card and passport will be prohibited for the Turkish Cypriots after Turkey's instructionsTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (28.02.12) reports that Sener Elcil, general secretary of Turkish Cypriot Primary School Teachers' Trade Union (KTOS), has said that, according to what he learnt, the self-styled government of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, after instructions from Turkey, is preparing to prohibit the use of the Republic of Cyprus' identity card and passport by the Turkish Cypriots. Elcil noted that they wait for a statement on the issue by Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk.He said that during exchange of views they had with Alexander Downer, UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Cyprus, they found out that the negotiations are turned into a blame game. He noted that Eroglu's statements confirm this and noted that in the past they [the Turkish Cypriot leadership] were trying to "deceive the community with lies regarding the embargoes and the isolation", and now with the lie that the Greek Cypriot side does not want a solution. Meanwhile, referring to the issue of the prohibition of the Republic of Cyprus' passports and identity cards, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.02.12) reports that a high ranking "state official" told the paper that such a practice could not be implemented. The same "official" said that more than 90 thousand Turkish Cypriots have identity cards of the Republic of Cyprus and added that "there could be no return" on this issue. Furthermore, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (28.02.12), Ertugrul Hasipoglu, general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), told the paper that there is not such an issue on the agenda of the "government". Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (28.02.12) covers the issue under the title: "There is no smoke without a fire!" (I/Ts.) [07] Cakici on Apostolos Barnabas' looted GospelUnder the title: "The secret of Apostolos Barnabas' Gospel", Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (28.02.12), on its front page, reports that Mehmet Cakici, leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), brought on the agenda in the self-styled assembly the looted Gospel of Apostolos Barnabas, which is at the Courthouse's storage area in Ankara, adding that its theft from the Monastery is connected to the murder of Kutlu Adali.Cakici said that the Gospel may play a key role to the enlightening of Adali's murder and may be transferred as evidence. He also wondered why the breakaway regime has not asked the return of the Gospel to the Monastery, adding that the Gospel is cultural heritage. The paper also published reports from the Turkish media, saying that the Gospel was stolen from the museum of Apostolos Barnabas Monastery on March 1996. Kutlu Adali was investigating the theft at that time, when he started receiving threats and on 7th of July 1996 Adali was murdered. [08] Strong criticism to the Republic of Cyprus by a European MPUnder the title: "Criticism to the Greek Cypriots for the EU term presidency", Turkish daily Sabah (28.02.12) reports on statements by Franziska Keller, member of the High Level Contact Group for the Turkish Cypriots at the European Parliament (EP), who in statements expressed criticism to the Republic of Cyprus, saying that, in case the "Greek Cypriot Administration takes over the EU term presidency" before the solution of the Cyprus problem, then we can criticize that "If you cannot solve your own problem, how can you find solutions to the EU problems". Keller recommended also to Turkey to be more strong on calling for a United Cyprus EU term presidency, instead of declaring that its EU ties will be frozen during the period of the "Greek Cypriot Administration's EU term presidency" .(AK) [09] The "Turkish Red Crescent of North Cyprus" will host a meeting of the International Red Crescent in the occupied area of the Republic of CyprusAccording to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (28.02.12), the "Turkish Red Crescent of North Cyprus" will host a seminar on the "Violations of the International Human Rights" and the 27th meeting of the Islamic Committee of the International Red Crescent, which will be held at occupied Keryneia between 29 February and 1st of March.According to a press release, 90 representatives from 35 countries will participate in both events. [10] The occupation regime distributed land in occupied Masari village-Kucuk stated that the distribution will continue in the coming weeksIllegal Bayrak television (online, 27.02.12) broadcast that the occupation regime distributed land in occupied Masari village. According to Bayrak, a ceremony was held at the village of Masari, where 60 young men received "title deeds".Speaking at the ceremony, the self-styled minister interior and local administrations Naz1m Cavusoglu alleged that the aim of donating land to young persons living in the countryside was to provide an incentive for them to set up roots in their "country". Also speaking at the ceremony, self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk stated that the process of donating land in rural areas will continue in the coming weeks and months. [11] Unal Ustel met with Culture Ministers of TURKSOY countries in AstanaTurkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (28.02.12) reports that self-styled minister of tourism, environment and culture Unal Ustel returned yesterday to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus after attending an opening ceremony of "Astana - the cultural capital of the Turkic world" in Astana, Kazakhstan, organized by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY).According to a press release by the self-styled ministry of tourism, Ustel paid a courtesy visit to Kazakhstan Minister of Culture Darhan Minbay and later he attended a lunch offered in honour to all participants by Minister Minbay. During the events in Astana, the breakaway regime was promoted and tourism brochures were also distributed to the participants. Meanwhile, Ustel met with Culture Ministers of TURKSOY countries, as well as with Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertugrul Gunay. [12] Davutoglu discussed Cyprus and Syria with his Finnish CounterpartAnkara Anatolia news agency (25.02.12) reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Saturday met with his Finnish counterpart Erkki Tuomioja over breakfast in Istanbul.Turkish diplomatic sources close to the meeting, said the two Ministers discussed the recent meeting of the Syria's Friends Group in Tunisia as well as efforts to launch a mediation process in Syria under United Nations. Sources said that Davutoglu and Tuomioja also took up the economic crisis in the European Union and the Alliance of Civilizations project as well as Turkey's relations with the EU and the latest developments in Cyprus. [13] A mediation conference was held in IstanbulTurkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (25.02.12) reported that a large number of mediation actors from the United Nations, international organizations and academics gathered in Istanbul for a mediation conference with the aim of presenting new related initiatives, providing a forum for an exchange of experiences and generating new ideas to develop mediation activities.Turkey launched the "Peace through Mediation" initiative with Finland in 2010 during the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and then pioneered the establishment of a "Friends of Mediation Group" at the U.N. "The favourable outcome of mediation is success. Most of the mediators want to win the Nobel Peace Prize but pursuit of success could also lead one to failure and white lies which could hamper one's credibility as a mediator," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said, addressing the conference. Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota and U.N. General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser participated in the gathering. Tuomioja said an early-warning mechanism was needed in mediation efforts. Al-Nasser, for his part, expressed his appreciation for Turkey's support for the U.N. General Assembly and emphasized Turkey's role in the Syrian crisis. As part of the conference, a simulation of mediation in the Cyprus problem was presented by students from Sabanci University. [14] Turkish citizens living abroad to be able to cast votes in Turkey's 2014 presidential electionsAnkara Anatolia news agency (27.02.12) reported that the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said that the first presidential elections in Turkey would take place in 2014.Speaking at the Anatolia news agency's (AA) Editor's Desk, Bozdag said that a draft law at the Turkish Parliament would make it possible for Turkish citizens living abroad to be able to cast votes at the Turkish presidential elections. "Our citizens living in Europe, Germany and elsewhere will be able to cast votes at Turkish missions abroad", Bozdag underlined. [15] "New roadmap by CHP vows for more freedom"Under the above title, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (28.02.12) reports that the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu cemented his victory over the intra-party opposition yesterday and announced "a new road map" for his party highlighting "democracy, freedom and human rights" like European social-democrat movements."The CHP is drawing a new road map focusing on the problems of the people and the country. We draw our new road map in the context of democracy and freedom," Kilicdaroglu said yesterday at his party's extraordinary convention. The convention, which was called by dissidents, led by former secretary-general Onder Sav and backed tacitly by former chairman Deniz Baykal, was held after a first convention the previous day significantly boosted Kilicdaroglu's leadership in the restive party. The gathering was turned into a formality after Kilicdaroglu's certain triumph against the dissidents at yesterday's convention and all of the dissidents' proposals were rejected by the majority of the delegates. After two stormy conventions, the party's old-guard veterans got a slap in the face from the Kilicdaroglu administration. The main opposition party will be more comfortable shifting its route to liberal-left and social democrat policies after overcoming its internal squabbles. "I assure everyone the CHP will be a modern social democrat party. Our main objective is to come to power. We will make efforts for a modern Turkey. This is our way," Kilicdaroglu told his party delegates. Despite Kilicdaroglu's emphasis on social democracy, dissidents accused Kilicdaroglu of shifting the party to the right wing. [16] "Islamic trade tops Turkish defense"Under the above title, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (25.02.12) reported that eight out of ten countries importing defence goods from Turkey are Muslim nations, according to a recent list released by the Union of Turkish Defence Exporters. Total defence sales reached $1 billion in 2011, professionals say.The Union of Turkish Defence Exporters earlier this week released a list of Turkish defence exports to a number of countries, with Saudi Arabia topping the list. The list said Turkey's 2011 defence exports stood at $400 million. However, the exact figure was over $1 billion since sale of offset parts was ignored, according to a professional. The union's list rightly observed the rise of Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries in defence buys from Turkey. In fact, eight of the 10 countries were Islamic nations. "This was not our intention, but is right. We sell most to Islamic countries," one senior procurement official said. SaSaD, the Defence Industry Manufacturers Association, makes a more balanced estimate and takes into account the defence exports of all Turkish companies, including their sales in the fourth quarter of the year. It also takes into account companies, including the likes of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which make major contributions to the sales through offsets. An offset is an industrial compensation given to the companies of arms-buying countries in return for their purchasing activities. For example, Turkey wins large offset rights in the form of parts in return for its acquisition of A400M military aircraft. SaSaD's complete list of sales to countries the previous year is not complete yet and will only appear in April after companies release their fourth quarter sales. But SaSaD Secretary General Kaya Yazgan said that all indications show Turkey exported more than $1 billion in 2011. The Union of Turkish Defence Exporters list still gives a good sense about who buys Turkish defence products. In its list, readers can see the buyers of complete Turkish systems rather than export parts. "Obviously the United States does not buy complete Turkish tanks, but on the other hand, you can see Saudi Arabia buying complete Turkish armoured vehicles," Yazgan said. The union's list includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Lebanon and Italy as Turkey's main 10 buyers, eight of them Islamic nations. Among them, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain buy armoured vehicles, military radios and rocket systems, and Turkmenistan small navy vessels made by the Yonca Onuk shipyards "Actually you can find Indonesia, Malaysia and Qatar among Turkey's real and prospective buyers in addition," said the Turkish procurement official. Last year, Turkey sold armoured vehicles worth $600 million to Malaysia, in the largest single defence export, and is seeking to sell with HDW of Germany a few of the U214 submarines to Indonesia. "A few years ago, no one could see major Turkish efforts to sell submarines with a major country. Now you can see them," said the Turkish procurement official. "Being Muslim makes a difference. The Muslim buyers see that you are Muslim and take up a better attitude. In the coming years, we expect better prospects to sell our products," the official said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio /EI Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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