Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-03-09

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: "Agreement with concessions is not an agreement"

[02] Ozersay argues that the Turkish Cypriot side has a common target with Downer

[03] Ozgurgun: "We cannot continue after 1 July"

[04] Davutoglu asked for the acceleration of the Cyprus negotiation talks; He proposed an international conference on Cyprus on the model of Burgenstock

[05] Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly criticised the statements of AKP officials on Cyprus

[06] Thirteen trade unions against the building of oil storage installations in occupied Eptakomi

[07] Durust due to Istanbul

[08] The occupation regime at the "ITB Berlin 2012 Tourism Fair" -"Karpassia Ecotourism Union" applied to the International Ecotourism Society

[09] Turkey to host Iran nuclear talks in April

[10] Turkey to ease visa policy for foreigners

[11] Fethullah Gulen rejects allegations that there is a conflict between AKP and the Gulen movement

[12] Turkey's Culture and Tourism Minister at ITB Berlin Tourism Fair; Turkey signed a strategic partnership agreement with China

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: "Agreement with concessions is not an agreement"

He added that for this reason they are looking whether an agreement which will not make them long for the present days is possible. He reiterated his known allegation that the Greek Cypriots rejected all the agreement texts until today and added: "We will continue the negotiations a little bit more. If an agreement is not reached afterwards, we are not out in the cold, we are under the roof of a state, we have a motherland. We will continue to live just like we did until today under our motherland's guarantees".

Eroglu said that if no agreement is reached, they will make an evaluation with their "people" and decide which steps they will take. He argued that if they are sitting at the negotiating table for reaching an agreement until today, this is something that the world should see. He added that an agreement which will be reached with concessions will not be an agreement and that they have not the right to force the "people" live the same experiences like in the past.

Eroglu alleged that the whole world should see now the "intransigence" of the Greek Cypriot side and added: "A life time passed and we are still continuing the negotiations".

Eroglu claimed: "?They said no to the Annan Plan and now we should give more things than the Annan Plan so that Christofias is satisfied and he satisfies his people. Very well, what about our people's satisfaction? Unfortunately, no one wants to think about this. Therefore, we have established a state on the geography created by the peace operation in 1974 [Translator's note: the Turkish invasion of Cyprus since which Turkey illegally occupies nearly 40% of the Republic of Cyprus territory]. A state exists even if it is not recognized. Everything needed for being a state exists in this state?"

Eroglu alleged that they want an agreement during which the Turkish Cypriots will not remain stateless under the "Greek Cypriot oppression". He reiterated the Turkish position that continuing the negotiations after 1 July 2012 when Cyprus will overtake the EU term presidency will be meaningless, because it is impossible to reach an agreement in these conditions.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozersay argues that the Turkish Cypriot side has a common target with Downer

Ozersay noted that they will continue to work in harmony with both the UN Secretary-General and his Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer for the success of the process until 1 July 2012. He said that the representatives of the leaders met yesterday instead of the leaders, because of a change to the program by the United Nations.

Asked on the latest situation on the property issue, Ozersay said they are holding discussions on a common attitude document upon request by the UN Secretary-General. He noted that data on the property issue are exchanged and added: "Our exchange of data contributes to the negotiations to a certain extent, but the exchange of data does not solve the property problem. What will solve the problem is to produce a document of common understanding on principles and criteria".

Ozersay argued that the Turkish side is ready to take steps on property and other issues if it sees some steps from the other side.

Ozersay said that the relations between Alexander Downer and the Turkish Cypriot side are very well. He described Downer as very experienced politician who comes from a federal system like the one existing in Australia and added: "By saying this it does not mean that we agree with all the views of Mr Downer. However, a reality exists. The Turkish Cypriot side and Mr Downer have a common target. Both Mr Downer and the Turkish Cypriot side are exerting efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem. Like it did in the past, the Turkish Cypriot side will from now on also support Downer's efforts for a just solution".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozgurgun: "We cannot continue after 1 July"

Giving a lecture in Turkey at Kutahya's Dumlupinar University, Ozgurgun alleged yesterday that if a solution is not reached by 1 July 2012 when the Republic of Cyprus will overtake the EU term presidency, it will not be possible to continue the negotiations in a productive manner.

Ozgurgun accused the Greek Cypriot side of violating the secrecy principle of the negotiations by leaking documents to the press and claimed that UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer was influenced by the criticism made against him by the Greek Cypriot side and the decision unanimously taken by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus.

Ozgurgun argued that Downer met with some Turkish Cypriot political parties and civilian organizations and called on the Turkish Cypriots to revolt so that the Greek Cypriot positions at the negotiating table are accepted. "Let no one have any doubts that just like we did in the past, we will show the necessary reaction in front of such unethical initiatives", he added.

He alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue doing its duty for a solution by 1 July 2012, but "no one has the right to jail the Turkish Cypriot people in a process with no end". "When that day comes, we will put in front of us all our alternatives and take the most correct decision for our state together with our people", he said adding that they are not without alternatives. "As long as we have our state and the support of our motherland is by our side, we can protect our rights and interests on the island in any case", he added.

Referring to the presidential elections which will be held in the Republic of Cyprus in 2013, Ozgurgun said that it is not important for them who will win. "The important thing is for the realities on the island and the equal sovereign status of the Turkish Cypriot people to be digested. No one of the Greek Cypriot politicians today gives any hope in this direction", he argued.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Davutoglu asked for the acceleration of the Cyprus negotiation talks; He proposed an international conference on Cyprus on the model of Burgenstock

Heading to Nakhchivan after wrapping up talks in the Netherlands on Wednesday, Davutoglu said the current dispute over the island's status poses many threats to regional stability, touching upon problems that arose after "Greek Cyprus'" unilateral oil and natural gas drilling efforts in the eastern Mediterranean began.

(?) "All concerned parties acknowledge the issues involved in the Cyprus problem, given that those [areas] have been under discussion for over three decades. To come to a solution by July 1 would not be that difficult," Davutoglu noted, emphasizing the need to accelerate negotiation talks.

Davutoglu indicated that Turkey wants to hold an international conference aimed at resolving the issue, modelled on the Burgenstock conference which was organized as a negotiating platform for the Cyprus issue in 2004. "This [the conference] option is strongly desired by Turkey, while Greek Cyprus is shunning the idea," Davutoglu said.

(?) Davutoglu also called on EU countries to put pressure on the Greek Cypriots, by stipulating that their taking over the EU presidency should be accompanied by an urgent solution to the issue. "EU countries should not accept Greek Cyprus taking over the EU presidency if the issue is not solved by July 1," the Foreign Minister said.

[05] Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly criticised the statements of AKP officials on Cyprus

Mumcu, who illegally visited the occupied area in order to participate in an event organised by the illegal Lefka University on the occasion of the Women's Day, criticised the statements made by officials of the ruling in Turkey Justice and Development Party (AKP) regarding Cyprus. Mumcu stated that these statements which are made by those who are in power in Turkey, aim to cast a shadow on the "independence of the TRNC", as she called the breakaway regime.

[06] Thirteen trade unions against the building of oil storage installations in occupied Eptakomi

The 13 trade unions and the Initiative announced that they will give any kind of fight in order to stop the building of oil storage installations in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Dogan Sahir, speaking on behalf of the Initiative, criticized the statements of the general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP) Ertugrul Hasipoglu, who said that "two pieces of tombs will not stop their investment" when he was informed that there were antiquities in the area.

Ahmet Kaptan, chairman of the so-called civil servants' trade union (KTAMS), accused the "government" of administrating with a remote control, and while all the values are being trampled, it ("government") continues to take decisions allowing the extinction of the natural beauties of the occupied area. He reminded that a protest will be held on 14th of March in front of the "prime ministry" building to submit at the self-styled prime minister the signatures that they collected against the building of the oil storage installations.

[07] Durust due to Istanbul

During his staying in Istanbul, Durust will also carry out various contacts. He will return to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on Wednesday.

[08] The occupation regime at the "ITB Berlin 2012 Tourism Fair" -"Karpassia Ecotourism Union" applied to the International Ecotourism Society

According to the paper, Yusuf who visited the stand of the International Ecotourism Society, alleged that the Society saw positively the application and that it will reply to the "Karpassia Ecotourism Union" after a few weeks, when the application will be evaluated. He went on and after thanking Ferdinand Weps added that this kind of memberships and efforts, broad the horizon of the Union and are useful towards the promotion of the occupation regime.

On his part, the Director of Membership and Operations of the Society, stated that hundred ecotourism organizations from various countries are becoming members of the International Ecotourism Society, and added that the "Karpassia Ecotourism Union" will become member of the International Ecotourism Society in the coming weeks.

In addition, Havadis also reports that the self-styled minister of tourism, environment and culture Unal Ustel who is also in Berlin for the Tourism Fair, participated in a television program broadcasted by the Sonnenklar Television station which has more than 550 thousand televiewers and spoke about tourism in the occupied area. Ustel stated that the number of German tourists who visited the occupied area increased during the last year due to the charter flights conducted from Germany to the occupied area and called on Germans to visit the breakaway regime, alleging that the occupation regime has the newest hotels in the Mediterranean which offer the best services to tourists.

The paper also writes that in the framework of the Fair, Ustel held contacts regarding the increase of the number of charter flights to the occupied area from Germany. He also held meetings with officials from Belgium and Holland.

[09] Turkey to host Iran nuclear talks in April

Speaking to daily Radikal on his way back from Nakhchivan to Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the target should be for Iran to halt uranium enrichment.

"In this context, the May 2010 Tehran Agreement between Turkey, Iran and Brazil, which was rejected by the West, was a huge "missed opportunity," Davutoglu said, adding that this agreement would have allowed the international community to take 1,800 kg of enriched uranium from Iran, out of a total of 3,000 kg. "If that agreement was accepted, Iran would have taken the uranium it needed from abroad, halting the process of enrichment."

Regarding Iran's oil exports, Davutoglu said Turkey will take into consideration relevant U.N. decisions. He also said Iran had to choose between "the gain and loss of sanctions and the gain and loss of nuclear power."

Meanwhile, Davutoglu also said Turkey and the region are bracing for "crucial" diplomacy traffic on Syria. He reminded Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's March 28 visit to Tehran, the March 29 Arab League summit, and finally, the Istanbul conference on Syria which will be held in early April. Davutoglu said Turkey will continue to talk with Russia on the issue, regardless of the differences of opinion.

Commenting on Iran's position, Davutoglu said the following: "They still favour reforms under the Bashar al-Assad rule. But our trust has ended. We say that Assad should transfer his authorities. Both Iran and Russia were expecting that Assad would take back control. But now they are [looking for] alternatives, not standing behind Assad as they used to do in July. Both countries are concerned over the post-Assad [era]."

[10] Turkey to ease visa policy for foreigners

Under the current visa regulations, tourists are currently only allowed to stay 90 days in 180 days. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has made a change to the visa policy for foreigners, enabling them to extend tourist visas for an additional six months.

Those whose visas have already expired will also be able to extend their stay in Turkey to nine months upon paying a fine.

[11] Fethullah Gulen rejects allegations that there is a conflict between AKP and the Gulen movement

Gulen said through his lawyer Orhan Erdemli, on Wednesday that the allegations are totally groundless. Turkey's Taraf daily reported on the leaked e-mails on Wednesday.

A set of email correspondence between two colleagues at US-based intelligence agency Stratfor, which provides geopolitical analysis to paying subscribers, was released by the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks as part of a massive leak of the company's correspondence. In one of the e-mails, analyst Emre Dogru claims that there was a conflict between the AK Party and the Gulen movement.

The e-mail alleges that the Gulen movement was behind the arrest of journalists Ahmet S1
k and Nedim Sener, arguing that the movement put pressure on the AK Party "to make these arrests." "I discussed this with our Turkish friend who came to Austin recently. He says Gulenists want 150 MPs from AKP if [Prime Minister Recep Tayyip] Erdogan wants less pressure. It's basically post-election bargaining," he had written.

"The claims put forward in the report saying Gulen was trying to take control of the AK Party and wanted 150 Deputies are groundless. Those who put forth these claims should immediately reveal what kind of evidence they have on this issue. Otherwise, it will be considered slander in the eyes of the public," Erdemli said.

The lawyer's statement also criticized the way in which the claims were reported by Taraf. "In the report, the claims were referred to as intelligence rumors. However, gossip-like correspondence between two persons was presented as fact in big font on the front page. It is impossible to reconcile this situation with the principles of journalism, and the report is clearly against the law. As we explained many times in the past, Mr. Gulen has been engaged in intellectual activities based on universal values such as the rule of law, human rights, democracy and dialogue throughout his life. These studies have no political aspect. These are all legal activities and are not against the law, either," he said.

[12] Turkey's Culture and Tourism Minister at ITB Berlin Tourism Fair; Turkey signed a strategic partnership agreement with China

Ertugrul Gunay, who visited Turkey's Fair showcase on March 7, the opening day of the event, said many governors and mayors from Turkey were attending the Fair. "It shows that Turkey is giving more importance to the tourism industry," he said.

Gunay said that Turkey hosted 31 million tourists last year and expected to host 32 million to 33 million tourists in 2012. "But our major goal will be to increase the per capita income, rather than to increase the number of visitors. We want sustainable tourism; therefore, we need to protect our environment and green areas", Gunay said.

Anatolia news agency reported that Minister Gunay also signed a strategic partnership agreement with China related to providing transportation to Turkey for Chinese citizens via Germany's TUI tourism company.

Speaking before the signing ceremony, Gunay said that Turkey was one of the most important tourism countries in the world and that partnerships with foreign tour operators had contributed greatly to this. "Our partnership with TUI is the most important of these. We want to work out new agreements for far away destinations, and one of these is for the Chinese market," he said.

Gunay said China had been one of the most quickly developing countries in recent years in economic and social fields and that some 50 million Chinese people travel to many parts of the world every year. "But Turkey's share in this market is too limited. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Turkey is not quite 100,000 annually."

The agreement with TUI AG aims to increase the number of flights to and from China and attract more tourists to Turkey, the Minister said. "People from China and the Far East are mostly interested in ancient sites, museums and cultural heritage tourism. We want to extend Turkish tourism in these areas, because Turkey is not only a sea and sun country."

Michael Frenzel, the chief executive officer of TUI AG, said TUI had been active in the Chinese market since 2003, and they plan to work together with the Ministry to determine the potential for Turkey in the Chinese market and launch a marketing campaign to increase Chinese awareness of Turkey as a holiday destination.

After the signing ceremony, TUI's 2012 Destinations Awards were presented.

ITB is hosting 10,000 businesses and institutions from 180 countries. The Fair, whose official partner country this year is Egypt, will continue through March 11. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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