Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-05-04

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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] The "2nd National Urology Congress" took place in occupied Cyprus; Statements by Eroglu and Kucuk

[02] Demirtas: "The aim of the visit was to contribute to the solution in Cyprus"

[03] "Cyprus in the Islamic-Turkish History" conference took place at the illegal Near East University

[04] "The communication with the future workshop" kicked off yesterday in occupied Cyprus; Statements by Kucuk

[05] The occupation regime forbidden the use of the Republic of Cyprus' passport to the members of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry

[06] The breakaway regime to participate in the "VIVA World Cup 2012" in Northern Iraq

[07] Consumer Price Index for April increase by 1.86%

[08] Erdogan's harsh criticism to S&P cut; Erdogan: "We do not recognize you any more as a credit rating agency"

[09] Turkish official inflation rises to 11.1% in April

[10] CHP Deputy Chairman has reportedly resigned from his post

[11] Government and military commanders absent at Israeli reception in Ankara

[12] TBMM approved a bill on the sale of real estate to foreigners

[13] Report figures reveal that 100 journalists remain in jail in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The "2nd National Urology Congress" took place in occupied Cyprus; Statements by Eroglu and Kucuk

Eroglu was speaking at the opening ceremony of the "22nd National Urology Congress" organized by the Society of Turkish Urologists.

Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot side was sincerely seeking a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem. He however pointed out that all efforts to this day to reach a settlement in Cyprus had failed because of Greek Cypriot's intransigence.

Eroglu noted that the Greek Cypriot side which enjoyed international recognition and EU membership was deceiving the world by pretending to want a solution. He added that the Greek Cypriot side's true intention was to keep the Turkish Cypriots at the negotiation table by resuming the negotiations absent of deadlines or timetables.

Reminding that the Greek Cypriot side had rejected all offers by the Turkish Cypriot side for a multilateral conference, Eroglu said that there was no meaning in holding leaders' meetings under the current circumstances.

Eroglu said that the ultimate goal of the Greek Cypriot side was to play for time, downgrading the Turkish Cypriots into 2nd class citizens of a Republic it dominated.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (04.05.12), the so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk who also participated at the same Congress has stated, inter alia, that he wanted to remind to the EU and all those who protest for this congress, that the "TRNC" is a "state" which exist after the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, stating that all the organizations in the occupied area of Cyprus are operating in a democratic way.

Pointing out that the "UBP government" pays a great importance to the health sector, Kucuk said that they are exerting efforts so that to develop the "health sector" of the "TRNC". He further said that these kind of congresses which are taking place in the "TRNC", are of political and economic importance and they contribute to the promotion of the occupation regime abroad and to the efforts for the lifting of the so-called embargoes.

(AK)

[02] Demirtas: "The aim of the visit was to contribute to the solution in Cyprus"

Responding to criticism against him in the press and by the Turkish Cypriot Young Businessmen Association, because of the above-mentioned visit, Demirtas noted that he paid visits to both the occupied and free area of the island within the framework of the initiatives he had launched with the aim of contributing to the solution of the Cyprus problem. He noted that Izmir's Chamber of Commerce has been continuing its initiatives for contributing in the solution in Cyprus since 2009.

"I believe that a united Cyprus will bring benefits to both communities", he said noting that he has undertaken this initiative not as an official representative or a politician, but as a businessman.

Demirtas recalled that he visited President Christofias for the first time on 28 January 2010 and that his visit on 23 April (2012), was the second one. He noted that during his second visit to President Christofias he mentioned to the benefits of the lifting of all obstacles in front of trade in Cyprus, and of all the bans for the sea and airports, which are closed today.

He added: "As a person who has been working for 20 years for the development of trade between Turkey and Greece, I gave the example of the decrease of the prejudices between the Turkish and Greek peoples, because of the increase of trade, in spite of all the problems between Turkey and Greece. Moreover I informed Mr Christofias that I would report the results of our meetings. I recall once more that, as I have mentioned above, I am realizing the initiatives I launched as regards the Cyprus problem with my identity as businessman and I wish the finding of a solution to the Cyprus problem which will be for the benefit of everyone the soonest".

(I/Ts.)

[03] "Cyprus in the Islamic-Turkish History" conference took place at the illegal Near East University

Among the participants in the conference were Dr Mustafa Fayda, Dr Huseyin Aligul and Dr Yahya Ayaza and also the University of Marmara in Turkey.

Speaking during the conference, the rector of YDU, Senol Bektas stressed the need for the establishment of a religious faculty at the illegal university.

[04] "The communication with the future workshop" kicked off yesterday in occupied Cyprus; Statements by Kucuk

So called prime minister Irsen Kucuk, the "Turkish Ambassador" to occupied Lefkosia Halil 0
brahim Akca, the President of RTUK Davut Dursun and the so-called president of the "YYK" Olgun Ustun delivered opening speeches at the workshop which is being held at the conference hall of the Court of Audits building.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kucuk underlined the importance of organizing a joint workshop with the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council.

Pointing out that the "international isolation" imposed in the "TRNC" greatly prevented such organizations from taking place, Kucuk said that there was no justice in the "isolations" imposed on the Turkish Cypriots

The workshop is being held with contributions from the communication faculties of the "Eastern Mediterranean University", the "Girne American University", the "Cyprus International University", the "European University of Lefka" and the "Near East University".

Following the opening session several workshops and activities will be held at the universities.

[05] The occupation regime forbidden the use of the Republic of Cyprus' passport to the members of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry

The paper writes that an email was sent yesterday to all the members of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry notifying them about the decision taken by the self-styled prime ministry dated April 9, 2012. According to the email, owners of firms or their representatives who are TCCI's members shall not use any passport other than those of Turkey and the "TRNC" when they travel abroad to participate in international exhibitions or when they go for market research if they want to safeguard the support of the "government".

Commenting on the issue, the chairman of TCCI stated that the decision was not taken by the Chamber and added that he does not considered it a right one. He also added that the decision should not be applied to businessmen only but to all Turkish Cypriots and to all sections of the Turkish Cypriot community.

[06] The breakaway regime to participate in the "VIVA World Cup 2012" in Northern Iraq

The paper writes that while there are ten "countries" which are allowed to participate in the tournament, the participation of five of them has not yet been clarified.

Kibris also writes that the regional administration of Northern Iraq will issue an invitation to the self-styled assembly so that a self-styled MP to go to Northern Iraq for the tournament.

(TR. NOTE: VIVA World Cup is a tournament in which, participated "states", are not recognized as independent countries and therefore cannot participate in the FIFA world cup).

[07] Consumer Price Index for April increase by 1.86%

According to figures given by the "State Planning Organization (DPO)", the Consumers Price Index for April increased by 1.86. The highest increase has been recorded to the prices of certain clothing and footwear items, while a decrease has been recorded in the prices of squashes.

According to figures which are referring to the prices in five different districts, the Consumer Price Index for April increased by 1.86% compared to last month, 1.83% compared to December 2011 and 11.41% compared to April 2011.

(AK)

[08] Erdogan's harsh criticism to S&P cut; Erdogan: "We do not recognize you any more as a credit rating agency"

Speaking to hundreds of Turkish and foreign businesspeople at the Fourth Fashion, Textile and Ready-to-Wear Conference held in Istanbul on Thursday, Erdogan harshly criticized S&P, which cited Turkey's high debt and worsening terms of trade as the basis for its decision on Tuesday.

"This is totally an ideological decision. No one would buy that. And we shall declare that we do not recognize you any more as a credit rating agency," Erdogan told reporters.

S&P said Tuesday it cut outlook on Turkey's long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings to stable from positive due to "less-buoyant external demand and worsening terms of trade [which] could inhibit Turkey's economic rebalancing."

"It increased the rating of bankrupt Greece and cut our rating. Isn't this nonsense? This is totally an ideological approach. No one can believe this. You cannot fool Tayyip Erdogan. Why? Because I have a developing country. There is a Turkey that is not receiving, but giving," Erdogan said, adding that Turkey could also announce that it does not recognize S&P as a credit rating institution.

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ar1
nc also criticized the S&P move on Wednesday night as he spoke to reporters following a Cabinet meeting. Describing the decision as "unjust and baseless," Ar1
nc said the rating agency holds incorrect data about the Turkish economy.

[09] Turkish official inflation rises to 11.1% in April

Also, the Turkish Statistics Institute said on its website that the Consumer price inflation recorded a monthly growth of 1.52 % in April, pushing a 12-month inflation average to 8.59%.

A breakdown by categories showed that alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices shot up by 18.53 % on a yearly basis, while cost of goods and services increased by 16.56%.

The highest monthly increase according to data, was in clothing and shoes, with a 13.20 % increase from the previous month. In March and February, Turkish inflation stood at 10.43% , declining from January's 10.61%.

Turkey's central bank forecasts inflation to slump to 5.0% in 2012.

[10] CHP Deputy Chairman has reportedly resigned from his post

Cihan news agency reported that Tekin, known as K1
l1
cdaroglu's right-hand man, reportedly resigned from his post at the party administration, but did not renounce his party membership,

The agency said, Ntvmsnbc.com has claimed that K1
l1
cdaroglu has not accepted his resignation and that the issue will be discussed at a CHP Central Executive Board (MYK) meeting later in the afternoon.

According to reports, what lies behind Tekin's decision to resign may be a rift between him and the party administration over the new chairman to be elected to the party's 0
stanbul branch.

The CHP has not made an official statement on the reports as of yet.

[11] Government and military commanders absent at Israeli reception in Ankara

Numerous foreign diplomats attended the reception hosted by Joseph Levy Sfari, Israel's charg? d'affaires in Ankara.

Former Turkish Foreign Minister Hikmet Cetin and former Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Ali Tuygan also attended the reception.

Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman Faruk Logoglu and CHP deputy Kamer Genc were the only representatives from CHP.

As in previous years, Francis J. Ricciardone, US ambassador to Turkey, also attended the reception.

Israel and Turkey were once close allies, but following the Mavi Marmara incident, relations became strained. The Israeli Defense Forces' attack on humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza on May 31, 2010 resulted in the deaths of eight Turks and one Turkish-American for which Turkey expects an official apology and compensation for the bereaved families. These expectations have not yet been met.

Enhanced security measures were taken at the reception. Members of the press who were not on the guest list were required to wear yellow bracelets for identification.

[12] TBMM approved a bill on the sale of real estate to foreigners

The new law, which was discussed and approved in the Parliament, amends title deed laws and changes the current reciprocity requirement, which dictates that the citizens of 89 countries currently do not have the right to own property in Turkey because Turkish nationals are not entitled to own property in their home countries. Among these countries are Russia, the Gulf States and the Turkic Republics of Central Asia. The law also increases the limit on the size of land foreign buyers can purchase from two-and-a-half hectares of vacant land to 30 hectares and buyers will have to comply with a condition to provide plans for the construction of a house on the land before they make the purchase.

Foreign individuals and businesses will be required to submit their project proposals for the vacant lands to the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning within two years. If the ministry approves the project, it will be sent to the local land registry office, which will then monitor it.

Opposition parties put up a fierce resistance to the bill, criticizing the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) for obeying orders coming from large businesses such as the construction sector. The final decision on the articles of the law will be made by the Cabinet, which will be able to determine which of the 89 countries will be added to the list of countries whose citizens are able to purchase property. The Cabinet will also be able to increase the 30-hectare limit on property purchase to 60 hectares as it deems acceptable.

Furthermore, the law allows for the purchase of up to 10 % of the total area of towns densely populated by foreigners. The Cabinet will be able to set limits and bans on the law depending on the country of origin and the number, type and qualifications of foreign businesses which have property in Turkey. Only individuals and private businesses will be allowed to make land purchases, meaning entities such as public institutions, state-owned businesses and the like belonging to foreign countries will be barred from doing so.

The Ministry of Defense is also expected to prepare a map of restricted areas, military zones and strategic areas and submit the information to the Land Registry Directorate General within one year as of the date of the Cabinet approval published in the Official Gazette.

Republican People's Party (CHP) Bal1
kesir deputy Nam1
k Havutca criticized the AK Party for prioritizing ways to recover from a $300 billion current account deficit (CAD) on the country's agenda while diverging from the real concerns of the public. During his speech in Parliament, he stressed the importance of the reciprocity agreement and said, "Bringing this bill to the attention of Parliament is imposition of foreign capital on the current government." Other deputies demanded that the AK Party consider more important issues, such as teachers who are waiting to be appointed to schools, workers employed on temporary contracts, and the prevention of violence in the country.

Environment and Urban Planning Minister Erdogan Bayraktar defended the law, noting the importance of its contribution to the tourism sector and foreign investment. "The law will bring more investors, more tourists and more capital to the country," he stated.

[13] Report figures reveal that 100 journalists remain in jail in Turkey

The Independent Communication Network (Bianet) released on Thursday its regular Media Monitoring report for the first three months of 2012, detailing the strides and setbacks in media freedom and freedom of speech in Turkey. According to the report, which lists the writers and journalists facing prosecution as well as legal and social developments, 100 journalists and 35 newspaper distributors have been labeled as "journalists trying to create a media environment for the illegal organizations" due to a number of allegations, including "following up certain news and incidents," "writing a book," "government-critical journalism" or "working for a Kurdish media outlet."

Only 4 of the 100 journalists are facing trial because of their writing. According to the report, 21 people -- including 12 journalists -- were facing imprisonment for a total of 254 years for allegedly distributing or writing "propaganda for an illegal organization" under Article 7.2 of the Counterterrorism Law (TMK).

Since the previous quarterly report, 13 people have been sentenced to 21 years, 10 months and fined TL 66,946 for their opinions on the Kurdish issue. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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