Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-05-11

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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] Statement by the Turkish MFA for Cyprus negotiations

[02] BES trade union announces more measures in the "municipality" of the occupied part of Lefkosia

[03] KTOS: Presenting "elections" as a way of salvation is tantamount to serving the separatist regime

[04] More about the British families' problems who illegally bought houses in occupied Cyprus

[05] EVKAF foundation will issue a book on the Turkish Cypriot mosques, schools and cemeteries in the government-controlled area

[06] A Founding stone ceremony for occupied Gialousa' "municipality" took place in occupied Cyprus

[07] Turkey's National Security Council's decision about Turkey's role in the Eastern Mediterranean

[08] Erdogan and the Turkish Foreign Minister expressed hope that Turkey-France relations will be improved after Hollande's election

[09] IMF's Managing Director Christine Lagarde is holding contacts in Turkey

[10] "Top Turkish general meets US officials"

[11] Saudi businessman to invest $2 billion in Turkey - Investors of Gulf region for Turkey

[12] Japanese Toshiba Company is interested on the construction a nuclear power plant in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Statement by the Turkish MFA for Cyprus negotiations

Addressing reporters at a press briefing yesterday in Ankara, Selcuk Unal spokesperson of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), stated that Turkey had been hoping that a settlement could be achieved in Cyprus until July 1, moreover, it had been supporting "the creative initiatives presented by the Turkish Cypriot side within that framework".

Alleging that negotiations in the island have practically stopped, Unal said that "it was now apparent that an international conference would not be able to convene under current circumstances".

The spokesperson said that Turkey waits for the results of the studies carried out by UN in an effort to determine the steps to be taken until July 1.

"The essential point here is the Greek Cypriot party's displaying concrete support for a solution, as well as its will to respond to the Turkish party's proposals," the spokesperson said.

[02] BES trade union announces more measures in the "municipality" of the occupied part of Lefkosia

In a written statement, Bozat noted that the employees have not received a salary for 71 days and added that the inhabitants of the occupied part of Lefkosia do not receive services from the employees for two weeks. He said that the occupied part Lefkosia has been turned into a "garbage city" and no one does anything about it.

Kibris (11.05.12) also reports, that the problems in the "municipality" of the occupied part of Lefkosia and in the "local administrations" in general, were discussed yesterday at the so-called assembly of the breakaway regime. The opposition strongly criticized the "government" for the situation in Lefkosia.

Mustafa Arabacioglu, "MP" with the Democratic Party (DP) argued that the "government" has no intention to solve the problem at the "municipality" of the occupied part of Lefkosia and that its only effort is "how to eat" the "mayor" Cemal Bulutoglulari (who is member of the ruling National Unity Party). Arabacioglu called on the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu to invite an extraordinary meeting of the "council of ministers", to take into consideration the deceases which could be caused because of the garbage heaps, and declare a "state of emergency".

In his address, Ozkan Yorgancioglu, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), argued that "elections" will clean up the occupied part of Lefkosia and the "country". He expressed the view that the correct thing to do is the resignation of Cemal Bulutoglulari.

In his statements, Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that administrative problems exist in the "municipality" of Lefkosia and argued that "dark forces and the mafia" administrate this "municipality". He noted that the problem is not only Cemal Bulutoglulari and described as "Muppet Show" the statement issued by the UBP expressing its support to Bulutoglulari.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (11.05.12) refers to the developments under the title "We will stink both alive and dead" and reports that the general secretary of the UBP, Ertugrul Hasipoglu stated that significant progress has been achieved in the direction of the solution of the problem and that the salaries of the employees in the "municipality" of Lefkosia will be paid within a couple of days.

Also, according to the paper, the trade Unions Platform is expected to protest today in front of the "prime minister's" office where it will throw garbage and declare the place as dumping site. The Platform called on the "people" to participate in the protest carrying their garbage. Speaking yesterday at a press conference of the Platform, Tahir Gokcebel, chairman of the Secondary School Teachers' Trade Union (KTOEOS), argued that the UBP does not intent to solve the crisis and referred to "settling of accounts inside the party".

(I/Ts.)

[03] KTOS: Presenting "elections" as a way of salvation is tantamount to serving the separatist regime

Referring to the situation in the municipality in the occupied part of Lefkosia and the demand of some parties for "elections", Elcil expressed the view that "looking at public opinion polls during a period when the employees in Lefkosia municipality are unpaid for months and Lefkosia stinks and presenting the elections as way for communal salvation, is tantamount to servicing the separatist regime".

Elcil noted that a process in which the political will of the Turkish Cypriots is not reflected is not democratic and at the same time it is a method to hide the regime. "The elections could be used only and only as a means to unveil this separatist political regime and spread the communal struggle to the masses", he said.

(I/Ts.)

[04] More about the British families' problems who illegally bought houses in occupied Cyprus

According to the paper, during the press conference, a documentary film of John Hughes who is working in BBC entitle: "Some banks behave in a bad way" has been presented.

After the presentation of the film writes the paper, a discussion took place as regards the situation of the British families who call themselves "victims".

Speaking during the gathering, the secretary of the so-called "Movement For a Better Life in North Cyprus", Malcolm Richardson, replying to a question, expressed the view that in case the British families apply to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), this will bring the "TRNC" and Turkey as well, in a bad position. He also underlined that the mistakes of some banks will lead the "TRNC" in troubles.

(AK)

[05] EVKAF foundation will issue a book on the Turkish Cypriot mosques, schools and cemeteries in the government-controlled area

Kaykamzade argued that many cemeteries, schools and mosques have been demolished and destroyed and many others are in a bad situation. He said they will continue briefing the public on the results of their efforts and in the end they will gather all the information in a book which they will use in a campaign they will launch abroad and at home.

Kaykamzade alleged that as EVKAF they exerted efforts to protect both the Turkish and the Greek cultural heritage in the occupied area of Cyprus, to the extent of their possibilities.

(I/Ts.)

[06] A Founding stone ceremony for occupied Gialousa' "municipality" took place in occupied Cyprus

Speaking during the ceremony, the "mayor" of occupied Gialousa, Ozay Oykun, has said that due to the increase of the villages which are bound to the "municipality", the number of the personnel has been increased as well, and thus, they were forced to build a new building.

Oykun further said their goal is, after the construction of the new building of the "municipality" to provide services to 12 villages totally. He further expressed his gratitude to the "Turkish Aid Delegation" of the so-called Turkish Embassy in occupied Cyprus for its contribution to the construction of the new building of occupied Gialousa "municipality".

(AK)

[07] Turkey's National Security Council's decision about Turkey's role in the Eastern Mediterranean

According to the paper, after the launching of oil drillings in the Eastern Mediterranean by the Greek Cypriot side in cooperation with Israel, Ankara went into action. In this framework writes the paper, the "Mediterranean shield" in Ceyhan which has turned into an energy terminal, will be activated. Moreover, works will be carried out so that some of the naval bases in the Mediterranean to be developed and modernized. At the same time, TSK has accelerated its efforts so that to expand TSK's most important project, "The Long-Horizon Project", which is implemented in the Aegean Sea, to the Eastern Mediterranean as well. The "Long-Horizon Project", includes naval explorations, observation, anchoring and diagnosis. The first stage of the plan which Turkey has set into force, includes the launching of land drillings in the "TRNC", the singing of an agreement between Turkey and the "TRNC" for oil and natural gas exploration in deep-waters between Turkey and the "TRNC", and the decision taken by Turkey to be appeared by conducting seismic research in the parcels which "Greek Cypriots allegedly have rights". According to the paper, all these will be set into practice in stages. The dimension of security constitutes the second part of the project. It has been decided that the "Mediterranean Shield Project" to be expanded to the Eastern Mediterranean. The numbers of the frigates which are in duty in the Mediterranean Shield will be increased from 2 to 4, the number of torpedo boats from 3 to 5 and the number of the coastguard's ships from 1 to 3.

Also, according to the paper, it is planned that the Long-Horizon Project (which will be sent into force in the framework of the Situational Awareness in the Sea) to be expanded until the Eastern Mediterranean. Firstly, the "Long-Horizon Projects" which is implemented in the Aegean Sea and provides the opportunity to any kind of advance technology inspections in Turkey's territorial waters, will be able to be implemented simultaneously in the Mediterranean, in order to watch the maritime traffic. As soon as if something is observed, the related organizations and the services will be informed. And thus, in a short period of time, it will enable the diagnosis of any enemy warships, writes the paper.

(AK)

[08] Erdogan and the Turkish Foreign Minister expressed hope that Turkey-France relations will be improved after Hollande's election

Prime Ministry sources said Erdogan called Hollande and congratulated him on his success on Sunday's presidential election.

During the phone talk, Erdogan said France was among the countries to which Turkey attached great importance, and expressed hope for bilateral relations in this new era. Erdogan also hoped that Turkey and France would overcome artificial problems that contradicted their common history.

Premier Erdogan wished success to Hollande for the parliamentary elections to take place in France in June.

Hollande, in his part, reaffirmed importance he attached to bilateral relations and said France and Turkey were in a consensus on many international issues. Francois Hollande also said that he hoped to have good relations with Turkey, which was an economically emerging country.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (10.05.12) reports that addressing reporters in Ankara on Thursday, Selcuk Unal, spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Turkey expects to improve ties with the new administration to take office in France after the latest presidential elections.

"The current situation in Turkish-French relations, which date back to more than five centuries, does not match with this deep-rooted history. Our hope is to see the re-establishment of common sense after the excitement of elections, to proceed with our relations with an understanding of friendship and partnership during the term of office of the new French president, and to leave behind the problems we have been going through in recent years," Unal said.

Upon a question on the chapters blocked by France in Turkey's ongoing EU process, the spokesperson said that Turkey expected the chapters suspended during the term of outgoing French President Nicolas Sarkozy due to political reasons, to be re-opened in the upcoming period.

[09] IMF's Managing Director Christine Lagarde is holding contacts in Turkey

"The International Monetary Fund (IMF) would be the first to congratulate Turkey if the country manages to grow 4 percent in 2012, way above the fund's 2.3 percent forecast, according to Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

Appearing on Turkish television before a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan today, Lagarde also underlined the risks that the lingering current account deficit poses for the economy.

During an earlier interview with CNN Turk, IMF chief Lagarde said that cutting the country's current account gap and reigning in inflation are the main tasks facing the Turkish economy. Turkey's current account gap dropped to $10.1 billion in January and February 2012, according to figures released by the Central Bank last month. The gap was down 15.88 percent year-on-year in January and February 2012, having been at $12.058 billion in the same period of 2011. The current account gap will continue to recover and the Central Bank is optimistic for the 2012 growth pace, according to Gov. Erdem Basci.

Lagarde stressed that the Turkish government would need to implement a very strong fiscal policy in order to solve these two issues, and that only with such policies in place, would growth be sustainable.

Turkey could benefit from more direct investment and more exports, she added: "Turkey needs to examine its own economy and hear from investors what needs to be done. Maybe there's too much hot money and this needs to be turned into lukewarm money."

In a separate interview on Bloomberg HT, Lagarde said the IMF prepares its forecasts in accordance with the physical data. "If Turkey grows 4 percent and manages to cut its current account deficit meanwhile, I will be the first one to congratulate," the broadcaster quoted her as saying. Commenting on European economic woes, Lagarde said the problems in Spain and Greece were quite different. The IMF has inspected the Spanish banking system in detail and achieved satisfying results, she said, claiming that the austerity measures in Spain will help strengthen the economy. Greece, on the other hand, should stick with reforms, she said.

Earlier in the day, the IMF director visited disabled people in the Kocaeli province neighbouring Istanbul during an event held by a local municipality and a non-governmental organization. Kursad Tuzmen, a former Cabinet minister accompanied her.

Turkish Deputy PM Ali Babacan and Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan also met with Lagarde yesterday, Caglayan also met with World Bank Managing Director Sri Mulyani Indrawati in Istanbul. The World Bank has three managing directors. Lagarde, Indrawati are scheduled to The Coordination Council for the Improvement of Investment Environment meeting today to be inaugurated by PM Erdogan."

[10] "Top Turkish general meets US officials"

"Turkish Chief of General Staff Ozel was set to meet US Defence Secretary Panetta in his office yesterday and was scheduled to be the guest of his US counterpart Dempsey.

As part of his visit to the United States, Turkish Chief of General Staff Necdet Ozel has visited top secret military bases of the U.S. army, where significant operations such as the raid that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, were commanded.

Gen. Ozel was set to meet U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta in his office yesterday and was scheduled to be the guest of the U.S. Joint Chief of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey at the Pentagon. Dempsey and Ozel were to have lunch yesterday; before Turkey's top military official was to be briefed extensively on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the afternoon. Turkey and the Pentagon are seeking to share knowledge on IEDs. Ozel was also invited to dinner as a guest of Dempsey and his wife at their house yesterday. Ozel visited Langley Air Base in the state of Virginia, where the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) is located. In this base, where Pentagon and the CIA jointly command operations, Ozel received a briefing. On May 8, Ozel had visited three separate military bases in Florida. One of them was Key West Navy Base where the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) unit ? known with the operation that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan ? is located.

Ozel also visited Tyndall Air Base of the first Navy Force in Florida and was briefed on the F-35 jet projects at the Eglin Air Base, where the 33rd Fleet is located. He met on May 9 with Turkey's Ambassador to the U.S. Namik Tan in Washington, and also attended a lunch with American-Turkish Council members. Ozel's visit to the U.S. is regarded as the most secret kind, and it has been closed to media.

A source close to the Pentagon, told daily Hurriyet that the visit was symbolically important as a sign of military to military relations between Turkey and the U.S. Former Turkish Chief of Staff Ilker Basbug visited the U.S. three years ago, although his predecessor Is?k Kosaner did not visit the U.S. during his tenure."

[11] Saudi businessman to invest $2 billion in Turkey - Investors of Gulf region for Turkey

According to a released statement on Thursday, Saudi businessman al-Mugherah applied for a land allocation to the Governorship of Bursa.

Al-Mugherah requested one million square meters land to build an enormous complex and thermal resorts and 100,000 square meters to construct an automotive spare parts factory.

Sahabettin Harput, the Governor of Bursa, said that there were plenty of foreign companies planning to make investments in Bursa.

We will release the development to the public in the coming days. All those kind of investments are beneficial for Bursa's economy, stated Governor Harput.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (10.05.12) reports that Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Group's investment company, Turkapital, has set up an online portal to ease potential investments in Turkey by Gulf countries' businessmen.

The portal, 'PortTurkey.com', is believed to boost the commercial relations between countries.

As 'portturkey.com' has close relations with the investment centres, there is a chance to cooperate with companies easily.

Portal will serve in Turkish, English, Arabic and Russian including the subjects of business life, economy, culture investments in Turkey, business market news and cultural news.

[12] Japanese Toshiba Company is interested on the construction a nuclear power plant in Turkey

Turkish Science, Industry & Technology Minister Nihat Ergun, who is currently paying a visit to Japan, said that Toshiba also wanted a Turkish partner in construction, operation and investment of the nuclear power plant.

Following his meeting with Toshiba's CEO Norio Sasaki, Ergun said that Toshiba was willing to open up to regions beyond India, and it was closely following Turkey due to Arab Spring.

Noting that Toshiba did not have any investment in Turkey, Ergun said that Turkey expected the company to make investments in other sectors, besides the nuclear energy.

Turkey has been engaged in talks with Japan since last year, to build country's second nuclear power plant in the Black Sea coastal province of Sinop in the north. However, talks were interrupted after the massive earthquake that hit Japan. (?)

Turkey and Japan resumed talks on construction of Turkey's second nuclear power plant in country's north coast in July 2011.

During his talks on Wednesday, Ergun said that the Japanese NEC company was willing to invest in Fatih project in Turkey.

Fatih Project will be put into practice in all schools around Turkey. With this project, 40 thousand schools and nearly 600 thousand classes will be equipped with the latest information technologies and turned into computerized education classes (Smart Class).

Japanese informatics and technology company NEC has a great interest in Turkey. It is also interested in Fatih project closely. NEC is willing to make production and investment in Turkey regarding the project, said Ergun who met NEC's CEO Kenichiro Yamanichi yesterday.

Noting that NEC was one of the most important technology companies of Japan, Ergun said that NEC was willing to fully enter the informatics infrastructure of Turkey. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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