Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-03-07

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/>

CONTENTS

[01] Eroglu replies to criticism and accuses Downer of instigating the people against him

[02] "Bagis: Cyprus is already integrated to Turkey"; His wishful thinking

[03] Reactions to Bagis' statements continue

[04] Cakici said he is ashamed of his "prime minister's" support to Bagis' statements

[05] CHP: Bagis' statements show that the AKP wants to "completely close" Turkey's "EU chapter"

[06] Serdar launched the campaign for referendum in case of Cyprus talks failure

[07] Turkey's Minister of Forestry will pay an illegal visit to the occupied area

[08] Cakici: "Maronites are also victims of the war"

[09] Dev- Is made a donation at Makario hospital's children section

[10] "Turkey, Netherlands seek improved ties on 400th anniversary of relations"

[11] Murdoch tells Erdogan his interest in expanding his investment in Turkey

[12] Erdogan calls for humanitarian aid corridor to Syria

[13] Bagis said that the investments of Turks living in Europe will reach 90 billion Euro by 2020

[01] Eroglu replies to criticism and accuses Downer of instigating the people against him

In statements yesterday during a meeting with the occupied Kokkina village so-called fighters' society, Eroglu argued that the entire "people" and not only some parties want a solution, but an agreement on the basis of the excessive, as he alleged, Greek Cypriot demands will have no benefit for the Turkish Cypriot "people".

Eroglu alleged: "We are the side which submits proposals on every chapter at the negotiating table. They, on the other hand, are at the same point they were during the first days [of the negotiations]. Negotiations after 1 July when the Greek Cypriots will overtake the EU term presidency will be meaningless".

Eroglu argued that the activity and the accusations against him that started after the meetings of UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer with a party or the trade unions platform are not very pleasant thing.

He also alleged that during his visits in the occupied area of Cyprus, Downer "tried to instigate the people" against him by telling them to "shout" when they asked him what they should do. Eroglu said that he assesses the protest held the day before yesterday in front of his office as "an action launched by Downer".

Eroglu noted that he had read a long time ago the books sent to him by some circles as if he does not know what is being discussed at the negotiations and added: "They are acting as if the negotiator before me had settled everything and I am rejecting it. When I came [on duty] I found six chapters. Not one had been concluded. They (Talat and Christofias) held absolutely no discussion on the territory. They discussed only once the property and then left it aside saying it was difficult".

(I/Ts.)

[02] "Bagis: Cyprus is already integrated to Turkey"; His wishful thinking

During a visit to Brussels where he holds contacts with the EU Commission, Bagis was asked yesterday to comment on the debates as regards the occupied area of Cyprus' becoming Turkey's 82nd province.

Bagis replied the following: "Cyprus is already integrated to Turkey with electricity and water pipelines. We want Europe to integrate it to itself a little bit. I want [the EU] to direct its funds towards the TRNC a little bit. Even if it promised to lift the isolations in 2004, it did absolutely nothing. Since 2004 not even one EU airplane landed in the TRNC. The children born after the peace operation [Translator's note: the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 after which Turkey continues to illegally occupy nearly 40% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus] are now 38 years old".

When he was reminded of his statement to a Turkish Cypriot journalist regarding the option of annexing the occupied area of Cyprus to Turkey, Bagis argued: "I have not said that Cyprus should become the 82nd province. The negotiations are going on. We are in favour of the solution and we are saying solution, solution, solution. However, if the negotiations end with disagreement and the 'let us separate conclusion' is reached, and the TRNC wants to be integrated to Turkey, then this will be assessed. No one could say to Turkey to leave the TRNC alone and Turkey cannot exist without the TRNC".

Asked to comment on the course of the relations between Turkey and the European Union after the Republic of Cyprus' overtaking the EU term presidency on 1 July, Bagis said: "I cannot treat as a state a country which I do not recognize because some call it president. The relations between EU and Turkey will continue. The relations will continue with the member states as well".

Noting that 2013 will be a very important year for Turkey's relations with the EU, Bagis added: "The EU needs Turkey as much as Turkey needs the EU. I hope that these deadlocks will be overcome".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Reactions to Bagis' statements continue

Meanwhile, Kudret Ozersay, special advisor of the Turkish Cypriot leader, told Yeni Duzen's editor-in-chief Cenk Mutluyakali that no benefit will be secured by referring to a solution model other than the federal solution. Writing in his column today (07.03.12), Mutluyakali notes that when he asked Ozersay to comment on Bagis' statement, Eroglu's advisor said that their commitment at the negotiating table is "a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation which will be composed of two founding states on the basis of political equality". He noted that no one of the two sides in Cyprus could impose its ideal solution on the other side. "Otherwise, we would impose on the Greek Cypriots the 'two separate states' and they would impose on us the 'unitary state'", he added. Ozersay argued that a lasting solution could be achieved only with the common will of both sides and noted that if there will be any other model except the federal solution, then a "common will" is needed for this. "However, no benefit is secured by referring to a model for a solution outside 'federation'", he pointed out. "Egemen Bagis is also stressing the common will. However, no reference should be made to a model. The new model should be jointly found by the two communities", he concluded.

Furthermore, Yeni Duzen (07.03.12) reports also that the New Cyprus Party (YKP) issued a written statement yesterday noting that Bagis' statement was nothing else but another indication of Turkey's real intentions. YKP added: "It is very clear that those who administrate Turkey do not really want a solution in Cyprus. The solution model they want is to develop mechanisms to control the south while keeping the northern part of the island under their own dominance". YKP also said that the Justice and Development Party's (AKP) real position on the Cyprus problem is not new and that it has been supporting a solution in favour of the division of the island and integration at various platforms in the past.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (07.03.12, online) reports that Huseyin Ozgurgun, self-styled foreign minister of the breakaway regime, replied to Government Spokesman Stefanos Stefanou's statement who had criticized Bagis' reference to annexation. Ozgurgun alleged that Bagis' statements, in which he supposedly reiterated the Turkish side's will for a solution in Cyprus, have been distorted in order to present Turkey as opponent of the solution on the island. He argued that the Greek Cypriot side, which allegedly does not want a solution to the Cyprus problem, uses some circles in the Turkish Cypriot community for its propaganda.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Cakici said he is ashamed of his "prime minister's" support to Bagis' statements

"I am ashamed of prime minister's statement", said Cakici yesterday in a written statement commenting on Kucuk's describing Bagis' statement as being "very natural".

Cakici noted that they consider Bagis' statements as "going beyond the limit" and added that what is regrettable is Kucuk's statement. He said he was surprised by the fact that Kucuk considers normal the annexation of a "country" of which he is "prime minister" to another country and approves a statement that would be tantamount to abolishing the "TRNC state" which he supports.

Referring also to the statement made by the chairmen of the Freedom and Reform Party and the Democracy and Trust Party, Turgay Avci and Tahsin Ertugruloglu respectively, who also had supported Bagis, Cakici wondered which community these two party leaders represent.

(I/Ts.)

[05] CHP: Bagis' statements show that the AKP wants to "completely close" Turkey's "EU chapter"

In a written statement issued yesterday, Logoglu noted: "Minister Egemen Bagis' statement that the TRNC could be annexed to Turkey is unfortunate from all of its aspects and unacceptable. This approach, first of all, lacks of respect towards the Turkish Cypriot people. Making such a statement without having their consent is contrary to the spirit of the special relation between Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people. This stance is the latest example of AKP's inadequate and humiliating mentality towards the Turkish Cypriot people".

Arguing that this statement is contrary to the "consistent policy", which was followed by all Turkish Governments and was allegedly based on "TRNC's" independence, Logoglu noted that no statement was issued by the Prime Minister or the Minister of Foreign Affairs saying that this policy has changed.

He added: "Mr Bagis' statement has the character of dealing the final blow to the accession negotiations process between Turkey and the EU which is halted. Given that the statement was made by Mr Bagis, it is understood that the AKP wants to close completely the European Union chapter".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Serdar launched the campaign for referendum in case of Cyprus talks failure

Denktas visited yesterday the leader of the Republican Turkish Party ? United Forces (CTP-BG) Ozkan Yorgancioglu to convey his proposal for a referendum, noting that the Turkish Cypriots should say what they think and decide what they will do in case of failure of the Cyprus talks. He explained that they will ask the Turkish Cypriots in the referendum what they think and later they can discuss it in the "parliament".

Yorgancioglu, for his part, said that it is natural the text, at the end of the negotiations, to be submitted for a referendum and he does not see it as a correct approach to conduct a different referendum without first seeing the UN report. Yorgancioglu added that although there are not many hopes, the negotiations are being continued for a Cyprus settlement.

Yorgancioglu said that regardless what the result will be from the negotiations, the Turkish Cypriots should be remained the side that wants solution.

Meanwhile, Denktas met also yesterday with the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk, where they exchanged views on the Cyprus talks.

[07] Turkey's Minister of Forestry will pay an illegal visit to the occupied area

According to the announcement, Turkish Minister Eroglu, who wants the irrigation project to start immediately, will send to the occupied area within March specialists under the auspices of Turkey's Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs to launch the work on this issue.

[08] Cakici: "Maronites are also victims of the war"

During the meeting, Cakici said that Maronites are part of the community like the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, adding that they are also victims of the war. He also said that the Maronites of Ayia Marina cannot return to their village at this moment because is inside a military area.

Reminding that there is a decision of the self-styled council of ministers dated 28 June 2004, where it is said that the Maronites will return to their villages and get their land, Cakici said that the Maronites of Ayia Marina want this decision to be implemented and if they cannot return now to their homes, then they ask to take at least their properties.

[09] Dev- Is made a donation at Makario hospital's children section

During the event, Turkish Cypriot artists donated paintings and books for the children section of the hospital, where Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot children are treated.

[10] "Turkey, Netherlands seek improved ties on 400th anniversary of relations"

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu travelled to the Netherlands on Tuesday to meet with his Dutch counterpart and to attend a conference in Rotterdam.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul's visit will follow next month to mark the anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations in the hope of further advancing ties between the two countries.

Davutoglu said at a joint news conference with his Dutch counterpart Uri Rosenthal that events marking the anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Netherlands will positively contribute to ties between the two countries.

Before speaking to reporters, Davutoglu attended the fifth gathering of the Turkey-Netherlands (Wittenburg) Conference. He also had talks with Rosenthal, where both officials discussed bilateral relations along with regional developments in the Middle East.

The Turkish Foreign Minister told reporters that nearly 400,000 Turks living in Netherlands are playing a positive role in improving relations between the two countries and that the Turkish community in the country is well-integrated.

Speaking on Turkey's EU membership bid, Davutoglu hailed Netherlands' support for Turkey's EU membership. He also said he discussed the latest developments in the Middle East with Rosenthal, particularly Syria, and added that Turkey hosts more than 11,000 Syrian refugees who fled from violence in neighbouring Syria.

Rosenthal said he discussed developments in Iran, Syria and the Middle East with Davutoglu and praised Turkey's steps with respect to Syria as "positive". He also spoke positively regarding Turkey's economic growth and said commercial ties between the two countries are continuing to develop.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.03.12) reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu told reporters after attending the Fifth Turkey-Netherlands (Wittenburg) Conference together with Rosenthal in Rotterdam: "We have taken significant steps, and we debated ways to simplify visa procedures for businessmen and a certain group of people".

Davutoglu said Rosenthal expressed support towards the resumption of talks on visa liberalization within the European Union (EU).

[11] Murdoch tells Erdogan his interest in expanding his investment in Turkey

The Australian-American media mogul's meeting with Erdogan followed last month's media reports that his News Corporation was planning to buy Turkish Calik Holding's Sabah daily and ATV station.

A Turkish official close to the Prime Minister said that Murdoch has expressed an interest in expanding investments in Turkey. The official said Murdoch told Erdogan during the meeting that he regarded Turkish media as an "important sector" for investments.

The Turkish official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government rules, would not say if Murdoch expressed interest in acquiring Turkey's ATV television and Sabah newspaper.

Murdoch in 2007 shared with the Turkish Government that he "seriously contemplated the acquisition of Sabah and ATV" when they were put up for sale by the state's Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF). Following confiscation by the TMSF of Turkish business tycoon Turgay Ciner's Merkez Media Group in 2007, the Calik Group acquired Sabah and ATV along with other smaller entities for $1.25 billion in 2008. The News Corporation's Wall Street Journal said in late January that US media giant Time Warner Inc. and private equity firm TPG Capital are also interested in buying Sabah and ATV.

[12] Erdogan calls for humanitarian aid corridor to Syria

Erdogan said that a humanitarian corridor to Syria should be opened.

"Arab League's plan should be implemented without losing more time and without loss of more lives," Erdogan added.

Erdogan said that the international arena should put pressure on the Syrian administration to distribute humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, particularly to people in Homs.

The Premier said that the Syrian administration had increased violence against its own people, and defined recent attacks as inhumane.

Erdogan said the world had seen photographs and read stories that a group of people above 11 years old were caught and slaughtered, adding: "It was not possible to get accurate news from Syria, where journalists were killed and international aid organizations could not enter".

"Unfortunately, the international community, particularly the UN, are just watching what is going on in Syria," Erdogan said.

He also said that resolutions that could not be adopted at the UN and the stance of some countries are strengthening the hands of the al-Assad administration, and are even inciting him to stage more massacres.

"I am addressing the entire world, and countries which remain silent and indifferent and which condone and tolerate the massacre in Syria. I am also addressing international organizations that cannot produce solutions against this crisis and that encourage insolvability: A drop of blood and a single tear of an innocent child will darken the hands and conscience of those who only watch the massacre as if they are watching a movie," he said.

Erdogan said Turkey would continue to keep the massacre in Syria on the world's agenda, and would go on with its diplomatic initiatives.

"We will draw the world's attention to Syria with a conference we will host in Istanbul this month," Erdogan concluded.

[13] Bagis said that the investments of Turks living in Europe will reach 90 billion Euro by 2020

"We are in the European Union already. Turnover of our investors in the EU has reached 50 billion Euro with 5.5 million Turks living in Europe. The figure is estimated to rise to 90 billion Euro by 2020 and the number of Turks in Europe will increase to 6.5 million," Bagis claimed.

"EU has the highest per capita income today, that is why you live here," Bagis told Turks attending the dinner. "EU is a union of values and it is the biggest peace project of humanity. And the accession of Turkey will strengthen that project to a global level. That is why we want to be an EU member," Bagis 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