Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-03-15

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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] Diplomatic sources on Eroglu's visit to Ankara2. Denktas: Negotiating after 1 July is meaningless

[03] Protests against building oil storage facilities in occupied Eptakomi continue

[04] Six more persons were granted the occupation regime's "citizenship"

[05] "Free port" to occupied Lefka

[06] The Rector of Cukurova University carries out contacts in the occupied area

[07] Illegal GAU signed an academic cooperation agreement with a Jordanian University

[08] Well-known Turkish actor to promote the breakaway regime

[09] Turkish columnist writes that annexation of the occupied area will be dangerous for Turkish foreign policy

[10] Montenegro will support Turkey's membership in UN Security Council for 2015-2016

[11] The Socialist candidate for the French Presidency vows to make the Armenian genocide an EU criterion

[12] Another retired General arrested on charges for an attempted military coup in the past

[13] The Turkish Justice Ministry launched a website about ECtHR rulings on Turkey

[14] Istanbul prepares to host the World Economic Forum in June 4-6

[15] Reports on Turkey's economy show the country to be in good form

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Diplomatic sources on Eroglu's visit to Ankara

Anatolia reported that during the meeting of Eroglu with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey's so-called support to the negotiations was reiterated and the target for reaching a solution by 1 July was reaffirmed. The "constructive stance" of the Turkish Cypriot side on this issue was also mentioned during the meeting and it was said that they will continue in the same manner.

Finally, according to illegal Bayrak television (14.03.12, online), the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding Eroglu's contacts in Ankara and said that they held consultations on the Cyprus negotiations with Eroglu. The statement claimed that Turkey will continue to support the negotiations process in Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Denktas: Negotiating after 1 July is meaningless

In statements to Anatolia news agency in Alexandretta, Denktas alleged that Cyprus EU term presidency would be as wrong as the accession of the island to the EU. Denktas described as "shame for the EU" the fact that President Christofias, "who represents a country which has not solved its own problems" will become EU term president.

Referring to the statements made recently by the Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis regarding the annexation of the occupied area of Cyprus to Turkey, Denktas said that Bagis included integration among the options and added: "However, after we have declared our own state, eliminating this state and turning it into a province is not something which the Turkish Cypriot people could accept. If this could be accepted and the state was eliminated, a solution might be found until today with the Greek Cypriot side. Why we do not eliminate it? Why we defend it? This state was established as a symbol of our equality with the peoples of the world. We have to look at the main message of Mr Bagis. This is the message that Turkey will back the Turkish Cypriots in whatever they want?"

Denktas reiterated his view as regards holding a referendum in the occupied area of Cyprus in case no solution is reached by 1 July. He noted that the "people" should be asked if they want the continuation of the negotiations on the same ground. "The whole world must respect this answer", he alleged.

Denktas said that their call on the Turkish Cypriot leader is that it will be meaningless to continue the negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side when Cyprus EU term presidency begins and that whatever the result of the negotiations is by that date, it should be revealed. He added: "The UN Secretary-General should reveal it in his report. Afterwards let us look after continuing our own way. We cannot wait the Greek Cypriot side for another 40 years. Let us look after our business. We have to draw our own way?"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Protests against building oil storage facilities in occupied Eptakomi continue

Ismail Cemal, representative of the inhabitants of Eptakomi area, thanked everybody for their support and noted that the one-kilometre long beach on which the installations will be built is to a great extend "public" and "Turkish-owned" land. He said that these properties are cultural heritage of the past and should be left for the future generations at least as beautiful as they are today.

The protesters submitted approximately 4,000 signatures against the construction of the installations to the self-styled advisor at the "prime minister's office", Huda Aksoy.

Meanwhile, Yeni Duzen writes also that the self-styled minister of interior and local administrations Nazim Cavusoglu has stated that they are taking into consideration the reactions of the civil organizations on the issue of the oil storage installations, but the decision of the "government" is to build these installations. In statements during one of his meetings yesterday, Cavusoglu said that if the civil organizations have any other places or criteria to suggest, the "government" could take this into consideration and added that if they back step from a decision that will add value to the "country", this will not satisfy the people who are waiting to be employed and earn their living from there.

Moreover, Yeni Duzen reports that the Democracy and Trust Party (DGP) issued a statement yesterday noting that permission to an oil storage facility in occupied Karpassia peninsula should not be given and that the attention should be concentrated on other rational projects, which will contribute to the environment, the nature and the economy.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Six more persons were granted the occupation regime's "citizenship"

According to the "council of minister's decisions" published in the "official gazette" on March 13, the "council of ministers" decided to grant the "TRNC citizenship" to another six persons, the majority of whom are persons from Turkey.

(AK)

[05] "Free port" to occupied Lefka

Invoking reliable resources, Havadis writes that the historical area of the Karavostasi port will be used as an area for "free port". However, some environmental organizations in occupied Lefka express concern over the fact that the port will be turned into a petrol oil storage terminal.

Also, according to Havadis's information, the project foresees for the port to provide all kind of activities and services that a port could provide, like storehouses, customs, machine repairing, maintenance of vessels and other.

The paper continues and writes that the area has been named "Potamos tou Kampou Port". It also writes that for the conclusion of the project, 150 persons are expected to be employed at the first stage, and afterwards this number is expected to reach to 1,000 persons.

(AK)

[06] The Rector of Cukurova University carries out contacts in the occupied area

As the paper writes, it has been announced that Akinoglu is visiting the occupied area in order to discuss the issue of the establishment of a campus of Cukurova University in occupied Trikomo area, after the recent approval by the so-called assembly for the establishment of a campus.

According to the paper, Akinoglu visited yesterday together with the "mayor" of the occupied Trikomo municipality Halil Orun, the so-called minister of interior Nazim Cavusoglu with whom they discussed their plans.

Reminding of the fact that the issue of the establishment of a campus in occupied Trikomo came up three years ago, Akinoglu said that their priority is to establish first a medical faculty and then a faculty of agriculture at the campus.

(AK)

[07] Illegal GAU signed an academic cooperation agreement with a Jordanian University

As the paper writes, the agreement was signed by the "chairman" of the "administration board" of illegal GAU, Asim Vehbi and the Rector of the Al-Isra University Prof. Dr Numan Ahmad Elkhabit.

The academic cooperation foresees among other the preparation of common projects among the two "universities", the exchange of academic staff and students and also provides the right to Jordanian students and scientists to receive education to the international campuses of illegal GAU in the UK, Singapore and the USA.

In statements on the issue, Asim Vehbi stressed the importance of this "agreement" alleging that it will contribute to the promotion of the "TRNC" and to the efforts exerted for "lifting" the "embargoes".

(AK)

[08] Well-known Turkish actor to promote the breakaway regime

In his statements, Sasmaz said he will launch initiatives to contribute in the promotion of the breakaway regime and its tourism abroad.

Kucuk replied that the breakaway regime needs promotion very much. Referring to news published in the press that he would also participate in the above-mentioned series, Kucuk said they have not discussed this issue.

Referring to the issue in his daily column in Yeni Duzen newspaper (15.03.12), Sami Ozuslu writes that the self-styled minister of tourism Unal Ustel told Yeni Duzen yesterday that their "target group" is the Eurasian and Middle East countries. Ustel said that according to public opinion polls, the "Valley of the Wolves" is one of the two most popular series in these countries. Ustel noted that a part of the "Valley of the Wolves" might be shot in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Turkish columnist writes that annexation of the occupied area will be dangerous for Turkish foreign policy

"In American films, you often hear the phrase 'do not even think about it' in circumstances where someone is trying to stop an act that is sure to cause trouble. Recently, EU Affairs Minister and Chief EU Negotiator Egemen Bagis suggested that the annexation of north Cyprus to Turkey is one solution option for Cyprus. This is precisely an option that Turkey should "not even think about." Indeed, considering the scale of the 'troubles' it may cause, it is not even an option.

It is obvious that such a step would run counter to international law, modern norms of international relations, and Turkey's own arguments in Cyprus; confirm accusations that Turkey is an 'occupier' in Cyprus; disregard the existence of the Turkish Cypriots; isolate Turkey in the international arena; and strike a blow at our foreign policy. It is even more obvious that our prospects of membership in the EU will be the first casualty of this move. This is so obvious that it is astonishing for a Minister who has a responsibility to steer Turkey's accession to the EU to refer to an option that would mean postponing this goal forever.

For these reasons, it was natural for Mr Bagis remarks to cause a storm. One of the first questions that his remarks raised was whether the 'annexation option' was only the Minister's personal opinion or whether he was articulating an option that the government is considering. There was some commentary to the effect that these remarks were made deliberately and that "annexation" is the 'Plan B' of the government. Some argued that this option was proposed purely for the purpose of intimidating the Greek Cypriots in the talks. At the same time, some raised suspicions about this being a 'Plan B' by trying to defend the Minister with arguments such as: 'Bagis simply pointed out one of the scenarios. There is nothing wrong in that.'

I do not want to think that the government is seriously considering the 'annexation' option. I believe that the government has enough sense of responsibility not to lead the country into such perilous waters no matter how strongly its nationalist artery beats. I am confident that this word--which is dangerous to use even purely for the purpose of coercion and which may backfire--is not in the government's lexicon.

In the meantime, Bagis defended his remarks with the argument that he mentioned 'annexation' to counter Greek Cypriot claims of Enosis. This is a hollow argument given the common knowledge that the Greek Cypriots and Greece 'do not even think about' Enosis these days. This defence shows where the Minister's remarks may lead. It also shows that the Minister did not give much thought to how he would explain his remarks once matters reach this point. In the meantime, his remarks that this is a "national problem" should be seen as a narrative that every Turkish politician resorts to when cornered rather than a government position.

President Gul said during his visit to Britain: 'You should take some steps in the first six months of 2012. Otherwise, we may opt for two separate states and you may have to recognize what we are recognizing.' Turns out, the government is deeply concerned about how it will cope with the 'two-state solution' articulated in these remarks--as well as in comments made by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister--let alone the option of 'annexation.'

In several of my earlier articles, I discussed the difficulties this 'solution' would pose and the additional burdens it would impose. So I will not repeat those arguments here. The government probably knows the difficulties associated with gaining recognition for an independent Turkish Cypriot state, the problems of a state that is not recognized for a long time, the danger that Turkish Cypriots may lose their identity, the financial burden of deadlock over the property ownership problem, the hurdles that will block our path to the EU, and the potential permanence of the handicap in our foreign policy.

We can see signs of this and hints of the cautious approach of the government in the interview Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu gave to Okan Muderrisoglu of Sabah. Davutoglu was careful to say that our first choice would be finding a solution that would be acceptable to both sides by 1 July. He noted that the alternative would be the continuation of the status quo (he also pointed out the dangers of this). Despite Muderrisoglu's attempts to elicit the answer he wanted, Davutoglu avoided any reference to [the option of] 'two states' in the event of a deadlock. Indeed, he mentioned 1 July not as a 'deadline' but as the beginning date of our refusal to recognize the EU term presidency of the Greek Cypriot administration. He implied that we are hopeful that the report of the UN Secretary General will be positive in the event of a deadlock.

Evidently, for now, the government will avoid any impulsive actions. In the event of a deadlock, it will blame the failure on the Greek Cypriots and will try to gather support--including in Ban Ki-moon's report--for the recognition of north Cyprus as an independent state.

This approach is naturally preferable to the improvidence of 'annexation.' Nonetheless, in view of the difficulties and drawbacks of the 'two-state solution,' it would be better if Turkey stuck to the negotiations until the end and avoided any postures--by proposing meaningless concepts such as 'dual sovereignty'--that make matters more difficult unnecessarily."

[10] Montenegro will support Turkey's membership in UN Security Council for 2015-2016

Turkey's support to Montenegro will continue, which is very important for the peace in the Balkans, added Erdogan who held a joint press conference with Montenegrin Prime Minister Igor Luksic who visited Turkey.

We have always supported Montenegro in the Europe-Atlantic process, the EU process and in the Council of Europe, said Erdogan and added that Turkey was one of the first countries which supported the independence of Montenegro.

Noting that they discussed economic relations between Turkey and Montenegro, Erdogan said that trade volume between the two countries was 42 million USD, adding that they targeted to increase it to 100 million USD as soon as possible.

We encouraged Turkish businessmen to invest in Montenegro, said Erdogan, adding that flights of the Turkish Airlines to Montenegro would be increased from three to four weekly.

[11] The Socialist candidate for the French Presidency vows to make the Armenian genocide an EU criterion

The Co-ordination Council of Armenian organizations of France (CCAF), a representative body of the French-Armenian Community, said in a written statement that Hollande had promised them he would reintroduce the bill penalizing the denial of the Armenian genocide and he will launch a memorial-museum for the Armenian genocide in Paris as of 2015.

[12] Another retired General arrested on charges for an attempted military coup in the past

[13] The Turkish Justice Ministry launched a website about ECtHR rulings on Turkey

The Press Under secretariat of the Ministry of Justice announced the launching of the website, saying that it will help to minimize human rights abuses and to ensure the swift execution of rulings made by the ECtHR.

The website is being run by the International Law and Foreign Affairs General Directorate of the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry's Human Rights Department, which is in charge of preparing Turkey's defence statements in human rights-related trials against Turkey in the ECtHR, is also working to minimize rights violations. The website will also facilitate the Human Rights Department's monitoring of the processes regarding rights violations.

Turkish translations of rulings on other countries found guilty of human rights violations will also be available on the site in certain cases if they are relevant. The website will also serve as a catalogue for ECtHR rulings on Turkey and will facilitate academic and legal research as well as collecting statistical data. According to the Ministry, to enhance research in this field, it will hold joint projects with other public agencies on human rights, national and international symposiums and educational and training events.

The Ministry also announced that as per a recent protocol signed between it and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Human Rights Department of the Ministry of Justice will be preparing defence statements for Turkey in ECtHR cases against the country. The main purpose of the website will be to inform judges, prosecutors and citizens on ECtHR precedents and rulings. The website address is www.inhak.adalet.gov.tr. There are currently translations of 1,400 rulings on the website, and the site will be updated with every new verdict.

[14] Istanbul prepares to host the World Economic Forum in June 4-6

The last WEF summit in Istanbul was in 2008, said Stephen Kinnock, the Europe and Central Asia Director of the Forum, who is in charge of shaping the Istanbul program, talking to Hurriyet recently about the summit.

"Now we are really happy and excited to return to Istanbul. Turkey's role on the global stage is very different in 2012," Kinnock said who is a dedicated WEF staff working hard to organize the WEF's Europe, Middle East and Central Asia Summit.

This is the first time the WEF will hold a summit to handle both Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the 42 years of its history, Kinnock said. The main theme of the Istanbul summit will be "Roadmaps for Reform and Growth."

In parallel with reforms, growth and unemployment in these three regions will be discussed in Istanbul as well as the power of the social media, which the world witnessed during the Arab Spring.

Energy is another main subject to be discussed in Turkey, which stands at a point of intersection for energy lines from the Middle East to Europe. "Along with geopolitics, we will be discussing new energy strategies, their contribution to growth and pipelines like Nabucco," Kinncok said of the summit's energy agenda.

[15] Reports on Turkey's economy show the country to be in good form

According to joint figures from the IMF, World Bank and the OECD, Turkey's overall foreign-debt stood at $309.6 billion with a GDP of $763 billion.

In Europe's biggest economy, Germany, the ratio was around 156% with a $5.6 trillion foreign debt stock and a GDP of $3.6 trillion as Britain's debt stock quadrupled its GDP with figures stood at $10.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion, respectively.

France was under a burden of $5.6 trillion of foreign debt as its GDP was 2.8 trillion. In Ireland, foreign debt was 11 times of the country's $222-billion economy and foreign-debt/GDP ratio was 212% in Portugal, 175% in Greece, 156% in Spain and 111% in Italy.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia (14.03.12) also reports that Turkey's Economy Ministry said that international direct investments in Turkey reached 892 million USD in January 2012.

Health and social services constituted 230 million USD of these investments, and 332 million USD of 667 million USD of cash capital inflow came from European Union (EU) member states.

Seventy-five international companies were established in January, whereas international companies established partnerships with nine Turkish companies in the same month.

29,483 international companies are actually operating in Turkey.

Finally, Ankara Anatolia (14.03.12) reports that the Turkish Economy Minister said that trade volume between Turkey and Latin American countries, which had been 896 million USD in 2002, exceeded 7 billion U.S. dollars in 2011.

"Turkey has broken records in its exports to these countries last year," Turkey's Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said during his meeting with Ecuador's Foreign Relations, Foreign Trade and Integration Minister Ricardo Patino, in Ankara.

There have been great economic and political ties between Turkey and Latin American countries in the recent period, he said, adding that Turkey was eager to establish a network of free trade agreements in Latin America.

Caglayan also said that Ecuador's President Rafael Correa Delgado would pay his first visit to Turkey on March 15-16. During Delgado's visit, Turkey and Ecuador will sign agreements in the areas of tourism, environment, culture and education as well as a cooperation framework agreement, he said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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