Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-03-22

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/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu met with Downer; Statements by Eroglu and Downer after the meeting

[02] Ozersay visits Moscow after the US

[03] Kucuk discussed with Erdogan the 2013-2015 economic package for the occupied area of Cyprus

[04] Bagis: "We will not remain silent in front of spoiled Greek Cypriots"

[05] Turkish Petroleum Corporation announced that oil drilling will start in mid April

[06] Eroglu opposes to the construction of oil storage facilities in occupied Eptakomi

[07] Yorgancioglu accused the so-called government for planning to build oil storage facilities in occupied Lefka as well

[08] The breakaway regime continues to distribute its "citizenship"

[09] Illegal YDU signed a "health and education" protocol with Libya

[10] Davutoglu due to Austria and Brussels; The Cyprus problem among the matters of discussion

[11] Turkish Prime Ministry to speed up Akkuyu nuclear plant construction

[12] "Sweden and Turkey - partnering for the future"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu met with Downer; Statements by Eroglu and Downer after the meeting

Following the meeting, Downer told reporters that Cyprus talks were continuing slower than they expected, adding that they desired a progress to be recorded.

Downer said that he would present his report regarding the Cyprus issue to Ban by the end of next week.

The UN Secretary-General desires parties to reach an agreement till the middle of the year, said Downer, adding that Turkish Cypriot side acted openly by saying it would be meaningless to carry on talks after July 1. Ban also wants a solution till July 1, he added.

Downer said that his report would include his personal assessment about the current status of the negotiations as well as his view about whether it would be appropriate to hold a multilateral or an international conference about the Cyprus problem.

He noted that they would meet with Ban in the middle of April and discuss the report, adding that Ban's final opinion would be shaped up accordingly.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish daily Today's Zaman (20.03.12) the UN Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer, in an interview to Associated Press said that the Turkish Cypriots believe negotiations during Cyprus's EU term Presidency would be "meaningless" since President Christofias would be preoccupied with EU matters.

"If one side chooses not to turn up to the talks anymore, that is the end," Downer also said.

Also, according to illegal Bayrak television (21.03.12), the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu evaluating his meeting with the UN Special Adviser Alexander Downer stated that the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon will have to decide whether or not to call for a multilateral conference in April, when he reviews his Special Adviser Alexander Downer's progress report on the Cyprus talks.

Eroglu reminded that Ban himself had earlier told both sides that the 1st of July was the natural deadline for the negotiations.

He also said that he expects the UN Chief Ban to put forward some alternatives on the Cyprus solution process, after reviewing his Special Adviser's progress report adding that the call for a multilateral conference is among the alternatives. "Ban has earlier told both sides that the 1st of July was the natural deadline for the Cyprus talks and that it would not be possible to achieve a successful outcome from the talks after that date" Eroglu reminded.

He also alleged that the international community would change its stance on the Cyprus issue, only if international actors accepted the Greek Cypriot side's so-called "intransigency" as a fact.

[02] Ozersay visits Moscow after the US

Kudret Ozersay is expected to discuss in details with high ranking officials of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs the negotiating process in Cyprus and possible steps that could be taken by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and his special adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer.

According to Gunes, diplomatic observers describe as "remarkable" the fact that Russian officials meet with Ozersay for the second time in one year.

In statements to illegal TAK news agency, Ozersay said that it would not be correct to make any evaluation regarding the content of his contacts, but the Turkish Cypriot side considers that it is necessary to undertake initiatives in the direction of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, even if some countries are close to the views of the Greek Cypriot side. Ozersay noted that the Russian Federation is so important player that they could not allow Russia to be unilaterally informed by one of the sides of the Cyprus dispute.

Meanwhile, Gunes (22.03.12) reports also that responding to statements made the day before yesterday by the former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat, who had said that they should achieve a solution by beating the Greek Cypriot side up at the international field, if this is necessary, the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu noted yesterday that the only way they could do this is by holding contacts and added: "?We are doing this. My special advisor is currently in Moscow. Yesterday he was in Washington. These are being done in order to inform the international players and show to them our real goal and the real situation in Cyprus?We are doing this, Turkey is doing this. The Turkish Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister, the President, in every visit they hold, spend at least half an hour of their discussions for the Cyprus problem. We often visit the EU and have contacts there. We explain to them. However, unfortunately, I cannot still say that they do not see the reality, but they are facing difficulties to accept it. I think of course that if the realities are seen, if it is understood who the intransigent is, they will behave differently?"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Kucuk discussed with Erdogan the 2013-2015 economic package for the occupied area of Cyprus

In statements yesterday at illegal Tymvou airport after his return from Ankara, Kucuk noted that they had the opportunity to discuss the development of their relations and the issue of the investments to be made in the occupied area of Cyprus. He said that they received a positive response as regards their wish for holding an economic meeting in the occupied area of Cyprus in May-June.

Kucuk said they discussed the laying of the foundation of the second phase of the project regarding the transfer of water from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus and added that Besir Atalay, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and responsible for Cyprus announced to them that he would visit the island together with the competent Minister for the ceremony.

Moreover, the paper cities information according to which the current situation of the within the walls old city of occupied Lefkosia was discussed during the two-hour meeting in Ankara. It is reported that Erdogan will get his hand on a special project regarding this area.

The paper writes that the meeting in Ankara was held in a very positive climate and that no statement was made afterwards.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Bagis: "We will not remain silent in front of spoiled Greek Cypriots"

Bagis, made these statements during a meeting he held with the chairman of the "Parliamentarians Union" of the breakaway regime Vedat Celik and the "Union's" deputy chairman Ahmet Otuken.

Bagis reiterated that Cyprus is a national cause for Turkey and that Turkey has always supported the breakaway regime and will continue to support it. He went on and alleged that the most important process for Turkey is the solution process: Bagis claimed that the Greek Cypriot side is "spoiled". "The Greek Cypriot side is weaker than ever before. We are stronger than ever before. Turkey's potentials as well are clearly obvious", he alleged.

[05] Turkish Petroleum Corporation announced that oil drilling will start in mid April

Sahinturk, who was speaking at the 11th Turkey International Conference on Oil and Gas Exploration, organized jointly by the Chamber of Geophysical Engineers of Turkey and the Association of Petroleum Geologists, gave information on TPAO's activities and stated that researches are also conducted in Antalya, Mersin and Iskenderun.

He went on and added that it is highly possible that hydrocarbon deposits exist in the Black sea and added that even deeper explorations must be conducted in the area.

[06] Eroglu opposes to the construction of oil storage facilities in occupied Eptakomi

(AK)

[07] Yorgancioglu accused the so-called government for planning to build oil storage facilities in occupied Lefka as well

Referring to the issue of the plans by the occupation regime to build oil storage facilities in occupied Eptakomi, Yorgancioglu said that the occupation regime plans to build oil storage facilities in occupied Lefka also.

Accusing the so-called government for deceiving the "people", Yorgancioglu said that even though a licence was given for the construction of marina in occupied Lefka, in fact, it is oil storage facilities that are to be built there.

(AK)

[08] The breakaway regime continues to distribute its "citizenship"

Citing information, Havadis writes that in a very short period, the names of the persons to whom the "TRNC citizenship" will be distributed will come up. It also writes that the "officials" do not deny information according to which around 40 thousand applications are pending to be approved. The paper writes that the files of thousands of persons, who have the "right" to apply for "citizenship", are ready and wait for approval. The "government" will not step back on the issue and will move on distributing the "citizenship", according to Havadis.

[09] Illegal YDU signed a "health and education" protocol with Libya

As the paper writes, the protocol was signed by the founding "rector" of the illegal Near East University (YDU), Dr. Suat Gunsel and the Libyan former Minister of Health, responsible also for education affairs, Dr. Abdal Rahman Ali Al-Kissa.

In statements on the issue, Gunsel stressed the importance of the cooperation agreement between the Muslim Libyan people and the occupation regime in the fields of health and education.

Saying that a delegation from Libya was visiting the occupied area of Cyprus for two days in order to inspect the "YDU University" and the "YDU Hospital", he added that they also had the chance to sign two different "protocols", in the sectors of health and education.

Also speaking, Al-Kissa expressed pleasure over the signing of the protocols saying that this is a preparatory work and that a delegation from the "YDU" will visit Libya by the mid of April in order to proceed to the second step that is the signing of the protocols that will put into practice their cooperation in the fields of health and education.

(AK)

[10] Davutoglu due to Austria and Brussels; The Cyprus problem among the matters of discussion

In a written statement released Wednesday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said that Davutoglu and Spindelegger would discuss Turkish-Austrian bilateral relations, Turkey's EU accession process and Cyprus.

The two Ministers would also exchange views on current regional and international issues, the MFA noted.

Minister Davutoglu will be received by Austrian President Heinz Fischer and will meet with the Turkish community living in Austria together with his counterpart Spindelegger, the MFA said. "It is our firm belief that the visit of Minister Davutoglu will contribute to the strengthening of Turkish-Austrian relations with a long historical background and will enable the assessment of regional and international issues," the MFA also said.

Meanwhile, According to Turkish daily Today's Zaman (21.03.12) a Foreign Ministry statement said on Wednesday that the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is visiting Brussels on Thursday amid stalled talks on Turkey's European Union membership bid.

Davutoglu is paying a two-day visit to Brussels at the invitation of EU High Representative of External Affairs Catherine Ashton, the statement said.

The Turkish foreign minister will have a working dinner with Ashton, EU foreign ministers and foreign ministers of EU candidate countries.

The statement said that Davutoglu and Turkey's EU minister Egemen Bagis will attend the second meeting of Turkey-EU Political Dialogue Meeting on Friday. Ashton and EU Commissioner on Enlargement Stefan Fule will also participate in the meeting.

Davutoglu is expected to participate in the working lunch of EU foreign ministers as part of EU External Relations Council on Friday and deliver a speech at European Policy Center (EPC).

The statement noted that Turkish officials will discuss with EU officials Turkey's EU accession talks and Turkish-EU relations.

[11] Turkish Prime Ministry to speed up Akkuyu nuclear plant construction

Turkish Prime Ministry stated that all procedures and efforts to construct the nuclear power plant would be speeded up in related institutions and organizations and recalled that Turkey and Russia had signed an agreement on construction of the nuclear power plant which was approved on July 15, 2010.

The circular noted that the project was important as it would increase energy productivity; help the country to use renewable energy resources on maximum level in order to decrease dependence on foreign energy resources; provide energy supply security of the country; as well as meet rising energy demand of the country.

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Ministry will undertake the coordination among public institutions and organizations within the scope of the project, added the circular.

[12] "Sweden and Turkey - partnering for the future"

"The global financial crisis, the effects of which are still very present in parts of Europe, has clearly demonstrated the need for global cooperation and solutions. The crisis has understandably turned the energy of the EU's leaders inwards. However, the true recipe for growth and stability for Europe lies in strengthening the motivation for enlargement.

Sweden is one of the leading advocates for Turkey's EU membership, which has the potential to revitalize our economies and boost prosperity in Turkey and EU members alike. Sweden, one of the most successful EU economies, is increasingly pointed out as a model for a dynamic, inclusive society. A key factor of success is women's participation in the labour market. Women's employment in Sweden has over the years increased to 70% , compared to 74 % for men. This has greatly contributed to Sweden's strong economic and financial development. The increasing role and participation of women in Turkey's economic and democratic development in recent years also shows that our countries share the same perception and vision.

From a Swedish perspective, the dynamism and potential of the Turkish economy is obvious. Turkish GDP growth reached 9 % in 2010 and 8 % in 2011, making it one of the fastest growing markets in both the OECD and the G-20. Turkey, with a well-educated, young population and a more liberal business climate than ever before, is not only a unique production platform and large emerging market.

It is also the ideal stepping stone for many Swedish and European companies reaching out to the broader region. European companies can reach a market of 1.5 billion people with a three-hour flight from Turkey.

The interdependence between Turkey and the EU countries is increasing. More than 75 % of foreign direct investments in Turkey come from the EU, which also supplies more than half of the foreign companies present in Turkey. Vital technology transfer is ongoing. Turkey is a neighbouring country to 70% of the world's energy resources, which makes it a strategically important transit country for European energy needs. In the region, the step from energy to the vital issue of peace and security is not far. Also, Turkey's 'soft power' as a forerunner of democratization, free trade and a liberalized economy in the Arab Spring, makes its role indispensible.

Both our countries are deeply committed to international development cooperation and humanitarian aid, not least in Africa. By sharing best practices and through increased cooperation and coordination we can save more lives, alleviate more suffering and contribute more to reducing the scourge of poverty around the world. We both strongly believe in economic development and inclusive growth, and there is much our countries and the EU can do to promote this.

This is why we need to proceed towards the final goal - full EU membership. As a complement to the established framework of full membership negotiations, the Positive Agenda would help gaining new momentum in the accession negotiations. Hopefully, when more favourable political conditions prevail, formal membership negotiations can be concluded. Meanwhile, Sweden and Turkey will work as partners to ensure continued momentum in Turkey-EU integration". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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