Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-05-14

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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] Eroglu's contacts in Konya; Statements on the Cyprus problem

[02] Statements by Eroglu to the Spanish News Agency

[03] Ozersay on the Cyprus problem

[04] Cakici on the Cyprus problem and oil exploration

[05] Turkey's Atalay held contacts in occupied Cyprus

[06] A delegation of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce visited the ambassador of EU term presidency Denmark

[07] The occupation regime aims to double the bed capacity of its hotels

[08] Iranian Parliament's Speaker and Deputy Speaker will reportedly participate in the celebrations for the Turkish invasion

[09] The problem in the "municipality" of occupied Lefkosia continues; Dispute between Eroglu and Kucuk

[10] Grey Wolves and Kurds involved in a huge fight in occupied Famagusta

[11] Turkey is hopeful to open chapter in EU talks after Hollande's victory in France

[12] Turkey to foster NATO bid for Balkan nations

[13] Qatar calls on Turkish firms to make investments in Qatar

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu's contacts in Konya; Statements on the Cyprus problem

Eroglu gave a conference titled "the Cyprus negotiations from past to present" at the Necmettin Erbakan University in Konya yesterday afternoon and attended a working dinner in the evening.

During the conference, Eroglu emphasized that since 1977 the Greek Cypriot side has always rejected several issues during the negotiations process.

Reminding that in 2004 the Turkish Cypriot side had voted for the Annan plan while the Greek Cypriot side had rejected it, he said that when he took over the negotiations as of 2010, no convergences had been reached on any chapters. "The Greek Cypriot side does not support a new state emerging, it wants the continuation of the current Republic of Cyprus" Eroglu said.

Last night, Eroglu attended a working dinner organized by the Independent Industrial and Businessmen's Association, (MUSIAD). The investment opportunities in the "TRNC" had been discussed and Eroglu called on the businessmen in Konya to invest in the "country".

[02] Statements by Eroglu to the Spanish News Agency

He claimed: "The message given to us by the UN Secretary-General was that a multilateral conference could take place after [UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus] Downer's evaluation. In the letter I have written to him, I informed him that I was ready to negotiate issues such as governance and power sharing, the cross voting and the property on the condition that a multilateral conference would be convened. Of course, the meeting did not take place because the Greek Cypriot side had announced in advance that it would not go to this meeting".

Asked how an international conference would help in the solution of these problems, Eroglu alleged that no solution could be reached in the Cypriot-led process and added they proposed an international conference thinking that steps forward could be made with the "suggestions" of the three guarantor powers. "Just like it happened during the Annan Plan", he said recalling that the Prime Ministers and the Foreign Ministers of Greece and Turkey and representatives of Britain were in Switzerland during the negotiations then.

Asked whether he thought there would be convergence between the sides soon, Eroglu reiterated the Turkish allegation that open-ended negotiations would lead nowhere, as long as the Turkish Cypriots are allegedly under embargo. Eroglu claimed that after 1 July, when the Republic of Cyprus will overtake the EU term presidency, it will not be possible to find a solution, something which was allegedly said by the UN Secretary-General as well.

Responding to another question, Eroglu argued that it is not possible for Turkey to abandon the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, and added that Cyprus is a national cause for the entire Turkish nation.

Referring to the issue of the occupied fenced city of Varosha, Eroglu argued that some rumours came to surface in a period when the negotiations continued and added that he also had read in a Turkish newspaper that they would change the name of their "state". Noting that all these are rumours, he added that the main target in the "new negotiations" is a lasting and viable agreement.

Referring to the issue of the population, Eroglu alleged that there are not any refugees in the occupied area of Cyprus and that only "citizens" and workers exist. Recalling that foreigners say that the population in the occupied area of Cyprus is one million, Eroglu said that even in "south Cyprus", as he described the government controlled area of the island, the population is not one million. He alleged that people who came from Turkey at least 30 years ago have become "citizens" of the regime and that all countries in the world have citizens who came from other countries. He claimed that the population in the occupied area of Cyprus is 300 thousands and argued that seven UN observers were present during the last population census in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Referring to tourism, Eroglu said that great progress was achieved in tourism especially this year and argued that if there was not an "embargo" in transportation, more tourists would have visit the occupied area of the island.

Referring to the illegal universities in the occupied area, Eroglu said that soon their number will increase from seven to eight.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozersay on the Cyprus problem

Speaking on Bayrak Haber channel today (Saturday), Ozersay said that the solution process will end in complete failure, if the two sides do not agree on a joint stance regarding the next steps to be taken in the process. "Shuttle diplomacy is continuing in the island under the auspices of the United Nations. Discussions are not focusing on the content of the negotiations but just on what steps are needed to be taken in order to resume the solution process. If we fail to reach an agreement on these steps, then the process comes to an end", he said.

Ozersay also criticized the European Union for failing to keep its promises given to the Turkish Cypriots and thus preventing a solution from taking place in Cyprus.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (13.05.12) reported on statements by Kudret Ozersay under the title: "Unfruitful negotiations affect like hashish".

In statements to Sabah Haber program broadcast by illegal BRT, referring to the Cyprus negotiation process which continue for 44 years now, Ozersay said that the ongoing 44 years Cyprus negotiation talks affect like hashish the internal problems and stated that even thought a comprehensive solution is found to the Cyprus problem, they should confront with their internal problems as well.

(AK)

[04] Cakici on the Cyprus problem and oil exploration

On the issue of the oil exploration, Cakici stated that it is natural that the occupation regime is conducting researches and added that in case oil and natural gas will be discovered in Cyprus, this could serve towards peace. He also said that the findings can finance the solution of the Cyprus problem. On the issue of the Republic of Cyprus' surveys for natural gas, Cakici alleged that the Greek Cypriots are embezzled the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Cakici stated that there are rumors lately about a "Plan B" which provides the recognition of the "TRNC" and a confederation as a solution. He said that such a solution is not possible to take place and added: "There are two choices in front of us; either a federal solution or the continuation of the current status quo. The continuation of the status quo is not really an option for us", he stated. On one hand is the solution, EU membership and the possibility the Turkish Cypriots to undertake the EU term presidency in 2026 and on the other hand is their cutting us down from the world. "Our vision is the solution and the EU", he stated.

Cakici said that his party wants the Cyprus negotiation to continue and reiterated that the leaders of both sides are responsible so that the negotiations to continue and a just and permanent solution to be found.

He said that both sides made mistakes in Cyprus but he alleged that a look at the Cyprus history shows that the Greek Cypriot side is the main responsible for the mistakes made in the island. He said that among the main mistakes of the Greek Cypriots are the efforts to change the 13 points of the Constitution, the 15 July 1974 coup and the rejection of the Annan Plan.

He also stated that the time has come for his party to get into "power" in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Finally, referring to his party's relations with Turkey, Cakici stated that the relations between the occupation regime and Turkey must be relations between "governments" and not a mother-daughter relation. He stated that his party is not in fight with the Turkish government since they realize that Turkey is the only window of the breakaway regime to the world. However, he said, the "officials" of the breakaway regime must be in a position to say "no", if they think so, to the measures imposed by Turkey.

[05] Turkey's Atalay held contacts in occupied Cyprus

Speaking during the inauguration event of the "Guzelyurt" (occupied Morfou) Sporting Complex, Atalay noted that despite all of the difficulties experienced in the "TRNC", where it has come to today, should be praised. He reiterated that "motherland" Turkey will fully support the Turkish Cypriots in order for them to live in peace and prosperity.

Atalay also noted that the "TRNC" makes openings to the world via Turkey and that it strengthens its economy despite the "unjust isolations" imposed on the "country".

(?)

Answering reporters' questions during his contacts in the "TRNC", Atalay referred to the Cyprus negotiation talks and ensured that "motherland" Turkey will continue to support the further development of the "TRNC", regardless of what conclusion emerges from the Cyprus negotiations.

Atalay said also that the Turkish side has been working hard to allow the Cyprus talks resume in a constructive way. "On one hand we work to maintain the negotiations and on the other we work to strengthen the TRNC; no matter what the negotiations will bring at the end. Our goal is to ensure that the TRNC can stand on its own two feet. The negotiations don't seem to be fruitful right now", he stressed.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister also made strong reference to the economic development of the "TRNC", stating that the economy in the country is reviving as a result of big developments in the tourism and higher education sectors.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (12.05.12), reported from occupied Lefkosia that speaking to a panel discussion titled "Arab Spring, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus Problem" at the "Near East University" in Lefkosa on Saturday, Besir Atalay said that the countries that went through the Arab Spring considered Turkey's experiences as crucial.

He underlined that the Justice and Development (AK) Party term in Turkey, influenced the Arab Spring.

"The AK Party term was influential in the birth and beginning of the Arab Spring. At the same time, the AK Party term has been influential in the continuation of the Arab Spring process".

Touching on Cyprus at the beginning of his speech, Atalay said that "universities" and academic life in the "TRNC" continued to be successful. "The success of the university sector and other sectors are crucial for the future of the TRNC", he said adding that there are 7 universities and 47,000 students in the "TRNC". "Turkish universities and their campuses in the TRNC add colour to education in the TRNC. The Bosporus University has plans of establishing a campus in the TRNC soon", Atalay noted.

"The TRNC continues to get stronger. Here, the structure is getting stronger and so is the economy. The bureaucracy of the TRNC is getting more experienced", Atalay stated.

"As Turkey, our efforts are designed to keep the TRNC strong. Regardless of the results of Cyprus negotiations, the TRNC must always remain strong. A good economic program is being implemented and investments are on the rise in the TRNC", Atalay noted.

"Exploration for oil and natural gas in the TRNC continues. Efforts are being made to strengthen the private sector and the tourism sector has been blossoming in the last two years in the TRNC. What is crucial is to see the TRNC stand on its own feet as a strong entity", Atalay stressed.

"Turkey happens to be a country growing in the world, whose image is perceived strongly, determining the agenda and with a great vision for the future", Atalay underlined.

"The Arab Spring took place around Cyprus. There is no other country that understands and explains the Arab Spring as good as Turkey", Atalay noted.

"We have been on the side of the Arab Spring since the beginning. There is a serious demand for democratization there. The peoples demand rights and justice. We have always been on the side of legitimate demands and the innocent. Our government's stance on the Arab Spring has been very clear", Atalay said.

"The AK Party term in Turkey has been influential on the Arab Spring. The AK Party term has been influential in the birth and beginning of the Arab Spring. It has also been influential in the continuation of the process. We cannot talk about models in the Islamic world that facilitates co-existence of religious values with democracy, except the AK Party experience", Atalay stressed, adding: "Turkey could not develop as a fearful and reserved country shutting itself off to all external developments. Turkey chose to be more active, courageous, and pursues an active policy vis-a-vis international developments. We consider such a policy vital for Turkey's future".

Following the panel, Atalay left the "TRNC" for Istanbul.

[06] A delegation of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce visited the ambassador of EU term presidency Denmark

According to Cerkez, due to the "obstacles imposed" by the Greek Cypriots and the EU passivity, the promises given to the Turkish Cypriots in 2004 were not kept. According to Cerkez, the regulation for the direct trade did not pass and as a result the uneasiness of the Turkish Cypriots continues to grow. He went on and asked Rosenvold the EU to express the necessary will on this issue.

Cerkez also stated that TCCC wanted to express face to face the feelings of the Chamber and the Turkish Cypriots to the ambassador of the EU term presidency Denmark and to explain why TCCC decided not to celebrate the Day of Europe this year. He also stated that it is not acceptable "south Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus, which is such a small actor to hold down the EU.

[07] The occupation regime aims to double the bed capacity of its hotels

Tatar stated that they aim to increase the number of tourists visiting the occupied area of Cyprus and the bed capacity of the hotels in the breakaway regime to 40 thousands in the next years. He also added that they also aim to increase the number of students who study at the illegal universities from 50 thousands to 60 thousands.

Tatar said that the breakaway regime is improved together with Turkey and added that with the assistance and support of the Turkish government great projects, like the project for water transfer from Turkey to the occupied areas, are taking place. Stating that the water issue is a problem that troubles Cyprus, Tatar also stated that if necessary the Turkish Cypriots can share the water from Turkey with the Greek Cypriots.

Tatar also referred to the e-state project and stated that the occupation regime aims to apply the project in the next three years.

[08] Iranian Parliament's Speaker and Deputy Speaker will reportedly participate in the celebrations for the Turkish invasion

In statements to Star Kibris, Bozer said that they are bored with the ongoing negotiations in Cyprus and that they cannot hold contacts with EU organs or high ranking European officials. "And we are turning our axis towards the Middle East countries", he added noting he had asked the meeting with officials from the Iranian Parliament. He said that they were received "on the basis of two states" in Iran, something for which he expressed satisfaction.

Bozer argued that Iran is very annoyed about the military and economic flirting between Israel and the Republic of Cyprus. He said he wanted to convey the message that Iran will always be by the side of the Muslim Turkish Cypriot "people". "Dialogue between two Muslim countries is extremely vital. The relations will continue", he added. He noted that the Iranian officials promised him that they would send more students from Iran to the illegal universities in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Bozer said that in Iran he met with the deputy general secretary of Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ali Asgar Muhammedi Sincani with whom he discussed the negotiating process in Cyprus. The representative of Sudan, which will host the next meeting of the organization, was also present at the meeting during which the full membership of the regime to the union was discussed.

Bozer noted that he had invited the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament to participate in the celebrations of the regime for the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus on 20 July. He argued that the Iranian Speaker of the Parliament was very pleased with this invasion and added that he will definitely come. Bozer argued also that the opening of a representation office by the breakaway regime in Iran was a must and added that initiatives might be launched in this direction between Iran and the "TRNC". He concluded saying that "there is no problem between the two countries".

(I/Ts.)

[09] The problem in the "municipality" of occupied Lefkosia continues; Dispute between Eroglu and Kucuk

The paper refers to a dispute between Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu and self-styled prime minister Kucuk regarding a ten million sterling pound loan taken by the "municipality" with guarantees of the "government". It has been alleged that the three out of these ten millions had been used in Eroglu's campaign for the last "presidential elections". The paper writes that Eroglu denied this allegation, but Kucuk made statements which were denying Eroglu's statements.

Yeni Duzen newspaper (14.05.12) refers to the issue under the title "Where did the loan go?" and writes that the loan taken by the "municipality" with a decision by the "council of ministers" in 2010 was not spent for any project. The paper wonders whether the "attorney general" will launch an investigation on this issue.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Grey Wolves and Kurds involved in a huge fight in occupied Famagusta

The paper writes that the two groups used sticks, stones and even knifes in the fight between them, broke the windows of cars that were parked at the area where the fights took place and as a result the persons living in Famagusta had a hard time. Persons from both groups got injured during the incident.

According to the paper, the fight started at noon but took greater dimension in the evening. The two groups shouted slogans against each other: The Grey Wolves shouted slogans like "A good Kurd is a dead Kurd" while the Kurds shouted slogans in favour of their imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan. The self-styled police put a lot of effort to take control of the situation, writes Kibris.

[11] Turkey is hopeful to open chapter in EU talks after Hollande's victory in France

Sarkozy, a fierce opponent of Turkey's membership in the EU, blocked accession talks with Turkey on five chapters of negotiations that Paris says are directly related to accession. Contrary to Sarkozy, Hollande has spoken in favorable terms of Turkey's EU bid, raising prospects that his election victory could unblock talks on the five chapters.

According to diplomatic sources speaking to Today's Zaman, Turkey and the EU could open talks on the "economic and monetary policy" chapter, one of the 35 negotiating chapters that candidate Turkey should successfully negotiate with the EU in order to become a member. France, under Sarkozy, said the chapter on economic and monetary policy was directly related to accession. The other four chapters are "agriculture and rural development," "regional policy and coordination of structural instruments," "institutions" and "financial and budgetary provisions." The chapter on economic and monetary policy has no opening "benchmarks," meaning the talks on it could begin immediately in the event the French block is lifted.

Turkish officials hope that the talks on the economic and monetary chapter can begin by July 1, when current President Denmark hands over the EU presidency to "Greek Cyprus" [as the Republic of Cyprus is called by the paper]. No progress is expected in the talks in the second half of 2012 when the Republic of Cyprus will be at the helm of the EU because Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus and has declared it will have no dialogue with the EU Presidency, even if this is in order to open accession talks on new chapters. Denmark is eager to open talks with Turkey on a new chapter, according to the diplomatic sources, thus getting the credit for breaking the two-year stalemate in the Turkish accession bid. The last time Turkey and the EU opened talks on a negotiating chapter was in June 2010, when the two sides began talks on "food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy" during Spain's Presidency.

Diplomats say Hollande may lift the French block on Turkey's accession talks following parliamentary elections slated for June 10 and 17. French diplomats in Brussels have already started working on the possible opening of talks with the EU on economic and monetary policy but have not yet received any directive from Paris to that effect, according to the same sources.

Turkey began membership talks with the EU, but they stalled due to the Cyprus problem and amid opposition from some EU member countries to Turkish accession, including, most notably, France.

[12] Turkey to foster NATO bid for Balkan nations

Though the summit will not focus on, nor make a landmark decision on enlargement, Turkey will still strongly urge allies not to slow this process down but make commitments that the invitations to join the alliance would be offered at the next summit, of course in line with their progress in meeting criteria. Diplomatic sources told the Hurriyet Daily News over the weekend that Turkey will convey the message that "as NATO, we should also give the sign that our Open Door Policy is still valid" during the summit.

Speaking to the paper over the weekend, a senior Turkish diplomat told the Daily News: "NATO's enlargement to the Balkan region is very important in terms of promoting peace and stability to this part of the world. There are still concerns that ethnic tension can be flared up in the region. NATO's entrance to the region could prevent this".

Along with Smart Defense, the missile defense program and mandate in Afghanistan, the alliance will also discuss its enlargement process. The enlargement program of NATO considers three Balkan countries and Georgia, which are known as aspirant countries, as potential future members of the alliance, which would namely be FYROM, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. Turkey supports all the aspirations of all four countries and has promised to be their voice in the meeting in Chicago.

Twenty-eight members and four aspirant countries' foreign ministers will come together along the margins of the Chicago Summit to make a deliberate assessment on the enlargement.

FYROM had already completed the implementation of the Membership Action Plan (MAP) years ago, but is unable to join NATO due to an ongoing name dispute with Greece. Although "Macedonia" (FYROM) made proposals to resolve the problem, Greece has failed to agree to a compromise and still blocks Skopje's request to join the bloc.

FYROM' s Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki will arrive in Ankara Tuesday to hold talks about his country's membership to the alliance. Although it seems hard to overcome a Greek veto, Turkey will continue to raise the issue during the summit.

"Macedonia is a country consisting of various ethnic groups. As its membership to NATO delays, there are concerns that Macedonia could observe new ethnic tension. That's why we urge our NATO allies to consider this situation among the priorities," the senior diplomat said.

Another country whose membership to NATO is very important is Bosnia-Herzegovina. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has become the advocate of Bosnia in its journey to NATO, starting in 2010 where he, and some of his colleagues, successfully invited Bosnia to join the MAP.

Davutoglu is expected to pay a visit to Sarajevo this week where he could possibly meet with his Bosnian counterpart Zlatko Lagumdzija. For Turkey, Bosnia's NATO bid and Serbia's EU bid are interrelated and their realization will only work for the sake of peace and stability in the Balkan region.

Montenegro's aspiration to join NATO is also backed by Turkey. Montenegrin Prime Minister Igor Luksic received Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's support in their efforts to become a NATO member during a visit to Ankara in March. Montenegro is implementing the MAP since 2009 and is expected to get a positive answer from the alliance in the next summit. The Chicago Summit is slated for May 20 and 21.

[13] Qatar calls on Turkish firms to make investments in Qatar

While attending the Expo 2012 Yeosu International Exhibition in South Korea, Al-Attiyah paid a visit to the Turkish exhibit. Al-Attiyah said Qatar is getting ready to host the 2022 World Cup, and the Qatari government would like to see Turkish contractors make investments in Qatar, according to a written statement from Ali Gureli, the chairman of Ikon Events, the company responsible for the Turkish pavilion at the exhibition.

"The construction of new hotels amounting to total of 9,000 rooms is planned in preparation for the World Cup", Al-Attiyah said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

E/I

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