Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-04-04

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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] Ihsanoglu invites Eroglu to Saudi Arabia

[02] Eroglu met with the Ambassadors of Austria and Spain

[03] Turkey reveals its intentions for Cyprus

[04] Davutoglu alleges that the "anomaly" which started with Cyprus' accession to the EU will be doubled on 1 July

[05] Atun stated that Turkey will launch oil drilling in occupied Cyprus at the end of April

[06] Kucuk states that the occupation regime will implement its own decision to explore oil, natural gas

[07] The Turkish Cypriots were represented at the Inter-parliamentary Union Meeting in Uganda

[08] A British MEP argues that direct flights to the occupied area of Cyprus should start

[09] So-called minister Saner stated that occupied Famagusta port will be privatized as well

[10] A British Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs' report says that the British Government should assess alternatives on the Cyprus problem in case of not reaching to a solution after the EU term presidency

[11] The Belgian Foreign Minister due to Turkey; The Cyprus problem on the agenda

[12] Portuguese FM's contacts in Turkey;

[13] Davutoglu: "EU visa exemption not a favour but a right"

[14] "Does Turkey care what EU thinks?"

[15] Istanbul to host the World Economic Forum in June

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ihsanoglu invites Eroglu to Saudi Arabia

After his visit to Jeddah, Eroglu is expected to depart for Istanbul on Monday and participate in the 15th Eurasian Economic Summit as guest of the Marmara Group Foundation. During his visit to Turkey he will be accompanied by Hasan Gungor and Gokturk Otuken.

On Thursday 12 April, Eroglu will visit Izmir to participate in the "Presidents' Meeting". He will return to the occupied area of Cyprus on Friday, 13 April.

Meanwhile, according to Gunes, Eroglu will participate in a meeting in occupied Morfou on Thursday in order to brief the inhabitants of the area on the negotiations regarding the Cyprus problem. Eroglu had been invited by the occupied Morfou's "NGO's" Platform. The briefing was to take place on 29 March but it was postponed due to Eroglu's heavy schedule.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu met with the Ambassadors of Austria and Spain

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkey reveals its intentions for Cyprus

As regards the Cyprus problem, the Turkish side referred to the letter sent by the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in which Eroglu reportedly said that he and the Turkish Cypriots are in favour of a solution. According to the paper, the message given to Clinton is the following: "Eroglu's patience will be exhausted, if there is no result by 1 July. In this situation there will be no other chance left than two separate states on the island. The Greek Cypriots are the side which should get into action for the solution". Clinton has reportedly said that they wish a solution in the direction of the UN parameters and that they will continue to encourage the sides for this.

According to Hurriyet, messages were given to Clinton on two other issues as well: the Armenian issue and the Armenian genocide, and the opening of the Theological School in Halki. The Turkish side argued that the "allegations" as regards the genocide must stop. Clinton said she knows very well Turkey's "sensitivities" on this issue and added that she does not expect any initiative which will escalate tension this year. Erdogan and Davutoglu said they were ready to normalize their relations with Armenia, but the latter should stop putting forward allegations on the issue of the Armenian genocide.

As regards the opening of the Theological School in Halki, Clinton said they were satisfied with the steps on the issue of the religious freedoms in Turkey and added that they expected the opening of the Theological School in Halki within this framework. The Turkish side replied that they continue their efforts for this, but the Greek Government as well must take steps on the issue of the election of a mufti in Western Thrace. According to the paper, Clinton said she was expecting positive developments on this issue.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Davutoglu alleges that the "anomaly" which started with Cyprus' accession to the EU will be doubled on 1 July

Responding to a question on the relations between Turkey and the European Union during an interview with Euronews, Davutoglu has argued that it would not be correct to say that their relations with the EU were left behind and that the relations themselves are continuing."However, we have troubles in our negotiations", he admitted alleging that an "anomaly" was created since the accession of the Republic of Cyprus into the EU. The Turkish Minister claimed that this "anomaly" continues "with different stages" and that the second stage of this "anomaly" will start now. "According to the acquis communautaire of the EU, the whole of Cyprus has joined the Union. This time a country, which does not represent the whole of Cyprus, is overtaking the EU term presidency. That is, the anomaly is doubling", Davutoglu claimed

Responding to another question, Davutoglu alleged that this situation is first of all due to a weakness of the EU.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Atun stated that Turkey will launch oil drilling in occupied Cyprus at the end of April

"Drilling will be launched in one area now, but it could be broadened in case of any need," Atun told AA correspondent in an exclusive interview.

Atun said Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz would attend a ceremony that would take place to launch drilling.

Moreover, Atun said that 75 million cubic meters of water would be brought to the "TRNC" from Turkey, and half of it would be used in industry, tourism and general areas, and the rest in agriculture. "This is a project that will meet TRNC's water needs for 50 years," he added saying that 3,000-metre well will be dug in Sinirustu village [occupied Singrasi village of Trikomo]. The well is named "Turkyurdu-1".

(?)

[06] Kucuk states that the occupation regime will implement its own decision to explore oil, natural gas

Kucuk said drilling teams had come from Turkey to "TRNC", and he expected that the drilling would be launched within this month. "We are implementing our own decision on our own territories," he added.

Kucuk said the "TRNC" had suggested that it should explore natural resources and launch drilling studies together with the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called the Republic of Cyprus and then share it with the Greek Cypriots.

"However, the Greek Cypriots ignored all proposals, and launched their own drilling initiatives", Kucuk also said.

The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) will launch oil and natural gas land drilling initiatives in the "TRNC" at the end of April.

(?)

[07] The Turkish Cypriots were represented at the Inter-parliamentary Union Meeting in Uganda

According to a statement issued by the "assembly", the other participants in the Turkish Cypriot delegation were: Arif Tancer ("MP" with the UBP), Kadri Fellahoglu ("MP" with the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces), Mustafa Gokmen ("MP" with the Freedom and Reform Party) and Tahsin Ertugruloglu (chairman of the Democracy and Trust Party).

The delegation held bilateral meetings and a round table discussion with Greek Cypriot officials under the supervision of IPU officials. According to the statement, the Cyprus problem and the issue of oil and natural gas in Eastern Mediterranean were discussed during this meeting.

The delegation visited Turkish schools in Uganda and was hosted at a dinner by the Turkish Ambassador in Uganda Melih Ulueren. The delegation is expected to return to the occupied area of Cyprus tomorrow.

(I/Ts.)

[08] A British MEP argues that direct flights to the occupied area of Cyprus should start

(I/Ts.)

[09] So-called minister Saner stated that occupied Famagusta port will be privatized as well

Saner said that the second program of privatizations is the privatization of the illegal Tymbou airport adding that the process is in a good stage and that the tenders will be completed soon.

Concerning the privatization program for the sector of the telecommunications, he also said that the project which is carried out together with the cooperation of the EU is at the final stage.

(AK)

[10] A British Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs' report says that the British Government should assess alternatives on the Cyprus problem in case of not reaching to a solution after the EU term presidency

In its report on "UK-Turkey relations and Turkey's regional role", the Committee said that there was significant potential to expand UK-Turkey economic and commercial relations; and that as a foreign policy partner, Turkey could potentially add value to UK's foreign policy.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the report said that the British Government should assess whether to have an alternative approach to the condition of Cyprus when "Greek Cypriot administration's" EU presidency ended in 2012, if a consensus was not reached on the Cyprus issue.

The Committee recommended using possible natural gas reserves for a solution in the island.

The reaction to the "Arab Spring" brought Turkey closer to its Western allies including Britain, said the Committee report.

The report also said that UK's visa application on Turkish citizens weakens the credibility of the British Government's will to be strategic partners with Turkey.

The report noted that Turkey is a source of inspiration, not a model, for Middle Eastern and North African countries.

[11] The Belgian Foreign Minister due to Turkey; The Cyprus problem on the agenda

The Turkish Foreign Ministry announced in a written statement on Tuesday that Reynders is scheduled to have a private meeting with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Wednesday.

The two Ministers are expected to discuss bilateral relations, Turkey's EU membership process and the Cyprus issue as well as other current regional issues, including the crisis in Syria.

"Reynders' visit is expected to make an important contribution to the further growth of Turkish-Belgian bilateral ties," the Foreign Ministry said in its statement.

The Minister's visit to Turkey will take place on Wednesday and Thursday. During his visit, Reynders will also meet with President Abdullah Gul.

[12] Portuguese FM's contacts in Turkey;

Speaking to reporters while meeting Portas, Hisarciklioglu said that Turkey's EU accession process had come to a halt. "We are very concerned about Turkey's EU process that has come to a halt due to political reasons", Hisarciklioglu stressed.

Pointing out that the issue of Cyprus came to a stage where a solution was impossible due to the EU's stance; Hisarciklioglu said that Turkey's EU accession process unfortunately had come to a halt.

"Turkey's EU membership would benefit both Turkey and the EU itself. We are concerned by the fact that Turkey's EU process came to a halt due to political reasons. We need to revitalize the process. Portugal's support in this stage is crucial. Goods can move freely thanks to the Customs Union. However, individuals producing the goods cannot travel freely in the EU", Hisarciklioglu underlined.

"Turkish-Portuguese trade volume stands at over 1 billion USD in 2011. Turkey and Portugal could cooperate in third countries. Turkey could be the door opening to Asia for Portuguese companies", Hisarciklioglu noted.

Portas, in his part, said that the effects of the financial crisis continued in Portugal. "Yet we believe that things will get better in Portugal in 2013. In 2012, there are many privatization projects in Portugal. We certainly wish to see Turkish companies doing business in Portugal. Investors must have confidence in the new Portuguese business laws. Turkey is a crucial economic power. We support Turkey's EU membership. If the EU wishes to become a global power, it needs to admit Turkey into the Union as a member", Portas stressed.

Following their meeting, Hisarciklioglu and Portas attended the signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement between Turkey's Investment Incentive Agency and Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency.

Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.04.12) reported also that the Portuguese Minister met also on Tuesday with Turkey's Minister for European Union (EU) Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis.

In statements after the meeting, Bagis said that Portugal was always a real supporter of Turkey's EU bid.

(?). "We thank the Government and nation of Portugal for supporting Turkey's EU bid. We appreciate Portugal's support and hope that this support continues", Bagis underlined.

Portas met also with President Abdullah Gul and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

[13] Davutoglu: "EU visa exemption not a favour but a right"

Speaking to international news channel Euronews on Monday, Davutoglu claimed that visa liberalization is an acquired right for Turkish citizens due to the customs union agreement signed between Turkey and the Union in 1996. This agreement guarantees the gradual establishment of free movement of goods, services, capital and people between the EU and Turkey.

Davutoglu also recalled several decisions by European courts that refer to the visa protocol for Turkey as being against EU law. He anticipated that a meeting on April 26 with the EU Internal Affairs Commission would provide some progress on Turkey's visa liberalization issue. "The logic of the customs union agreement and the decisions of the European courts demonstrate that the visa implementation is illegal. Moreover, it is hard to understand the visa restrictions politically while some Latin American countries that are not even candidates are exempt from visa regulations," the Foreign Minister maintained.

Also, legal circles in Turkey are asserting that being classified as a country whose citizens need visas to enter the EU is in contradiction to the Ankara Agreement, signed in 1963 between Turkey and the European Economic Community (EEC), which later changed its name to the EU. Turkey was defined as a country whose citizens didn't need visas to enter the EU, according to an additional protocol to the Ankara Agreement signed in November 1970.

[14] "Does Turkey care what EU thinks?"

"After a period of intense lobbying, at the end of last week, the European Parliament's Turkey Report was finally adopted. This year's edition welcomes efforts to strengthen civil supervision of the army, while at the same time calling on Turkey to fully open military expenses to judicial control as well as include the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in civil jurisdiction; it reiterates the need for urgent judicial reform and a new "inclusive" constitution, which will help strengthen democracy.

In drafting the constitution, Turkey should provide for full recognition of all its ethnic and religious communities, acknowledge the inclusive nature of modern citizenship and promote the constitutional protection of mother-tongue language rights. The report also recognizes the important regional role Turkey is playing and that the EU and Turkey should step up their cooperation on shared foreign and neighbourhood policy priorities and in the area of energy.

(?)

Cyprus is also referred to several times. Disappointment is expressed over Turkey's decision to freeze relations with the European Council during the presidency of Cyprus, it requests that Turkey refrain from any new settlement of Turkish citizens on Cyprus, calls on Turkey to allow political dialogue between the EU and NATO by lifting its veto on cooperative EU-NATO missions that include Cyprus, and calls on Turkey to work intensively for a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

The conclusion is that EU-Turkey relations need fresh impetus, but will get it only if Turkey makes more progress on reform. I wonder to what extent Turkey's leadership actually cares about what is written in this report and others like it. Will Turkey work on the areas where it is criticized or will it just be put on a shelf to gather dust? I guess Turkey will do what it generally does these days -- "cherry pick."

Today, Turkey feels strong, assertive and bold. The EU process itself has gone some way to helping Turkey reach this point. As an increasingly important regional and global player and, as was just announced by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), having Europe's fastest-growing economy, I doubt that too many people in Ankara will be overly concerned with what a bunch of MEPs think. However, it is important for Ankara to understand that to continue to preach democracy and freedom to others, Turkey needs to adhere to and build up these very things itself".

[15] Istanbul to host the World Economic Forum in June

The World Economic Forum will focus on Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia and relations among these regions.

The theme of the forum will be "Roadmaps for Reform, Pathways to Inclusive Growth".

Approximately 1,000 leaders of governments, business world, media and non-governmental organizations from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia will meet under the forum.

The World Economic Forum, for the first time in its 42-year history, will focus on more than one region. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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