Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-05-17

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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 stated that the Cyprus negotiations could be restart only under conditions

[02] Kucuk visited occupied Morfou; He reiterated that Morfou will not be returned to Greek Cypriots

[03] The "deputy speaker" of the "Parliament of Kosovo" carried out illegal contacts in occupied Cyprus; He met with Eroglu and Bozer

[04] Turkey and the EU to initiate "Positive Agenda" process; Statements by Bagis

[05] EU official stated that Turkey's-EU ties will stay on track during the Republic of Cyprus' EU term Presidency

[06] Talat alleges that the Turkish Cypriots have the right to establish their own separate state

[07] The world Taekwondo championship 2013 to take place in the occupied areas with the participation of five thousand athletes from 100 countries

[08] Columnist says a "general director" of the breakaway regime's "police" from Turkey was appointed

[09] Tension was created again yesterday in the occupied part of Lefkosia

[10] Israeli plane "violated" the breakaway regime's "airspace"

[11] E-coup of April 2007, to be investigated in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu stated that the Cyprus negotiations could be restart only under conditions

Speaking to reporters while receiving Sabanci, Eroglu wished Pegasus Airlines success as a company which contributes to the economy of the "TRNC".

Stressing that the flights conducted and the tourists carried to and from the "TRNC" are important for Turkish Cypriots' relations with the world, Eroglu said that Pegasus keeps growing in its 10th year of operations.

Ali Sabanci said that, back in January 2006, they had four daily trips to and from the "TRNC" and added: "We are now pleased to see the number of daily flights to and from the TRNC at 27", Sabanci noted.

Answering questions of the media, Eroglu said that the Cyprus negotiations continued open endedly for the past 48 years. "The Greek Cypriot side changed six leaders during this time. Several generations came and went away. We cannot wait another 48 years in Cyprus," Eroglu stressed. He added that the Turkish Cypriot side would offer several conditions in order to re-start Cyprus negotiations.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (17.05.12) refers to the same meeting and reports that Eroglu reiterated the view that it is not possible to hold negotiations on the substantial issues during the Cyprus talks and added that the confidence building measures will be discussed at the level of technical committees. The paper covers the issue under the title "Open-ended negotiations cannot continue".

[02] Kucuk visited occupied Morfou; He reiterated that Morfou will not be returned to Greek Cypriots

Addressing the UBP members during the meeting, Kucuk said that stability had been reached in the "country" and constructive developments were continuing. "We predict another 5 % growth in 2013", said Kucuk noting that the "government" will continue to support the occupied Morfou area. He further said that the dual carriage way between occupied Morfou and occupied Lefka will also be completed within this year.

Regarding the lighting project along the occupied Lefkosia- occupied Morfou, Kucuk said that it will also begin this year.

Kucuk also said that the "government" had not only invested in the field of agriculture but also in the tourism sector, adding that new projects for the occupied Lefka district were on the way.

Meanwhile, under the title "Morfou cannot be made an issue of bargaining", Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (17.05.12) reports that Kucuk argued the years, during which Morfou had been in despair because it was an issue of bargaining in the Cyprus talks and the investments stopped, remained in the past. He said that the region recovered and investments started after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement that Morfou will not become an issue of bargaining. He noted that as "government", they attach great importance to Morfou and that investments will continue.

[03] The "deputy speaker" of the "Parliament of Kosovo" carried out illegal contacts in occupied Cyprus; He met with Eroglu and Bozer

Within the framework of his contacts, Kervan met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and the so-called speaker of the "assembly", Hasan Bozer respectively.

Speaking during the meeting with Eroglu, Kervan said the aim of his visit was to further develop the cultural and social relations between his "country" and the "TRNC".

For his part, Eroglu noted that the developments in Kosovo are being watched closely by the "TRNC authorities" and expressed his happiness over the independence and the recognition of Kosovo in over 80 countries.

Kervan met also with the "speaker" of the so-called assembly Hasan Bozer. Speaking during the visit, Bozer reminded that Kervan had visited the "TRNC" before and noted that such visits are important for building bridges between the two "countries".

[04] Turkey and the EU to initiate "Positive Agenda" process; Statements by Bagis

The Enlargement Strategy Paper published on October 12, 2011 by the EU Commission includes the proposal of creating a ''Positive Agenda'' in Turkish-EU relations.

The EU Commission listed a wide range of areas as the main elements of this agenda such as intensified dialogue and cooperation in political reforms, visa, mobility and migration, energy, fight against terrorism, more Turkish participation in the Community programs, sister cities, trade and the Customs Union and support for efforts to comply with the acquis including chapters blocked.

The Positive Agenda process foresees informal talks and exchange of views between the EU Commission and Turkey on the blocked chapters as well.

EU Commissioner Fule earlier stated that such positive agenda did not replace the accessions negotiations, but it complemented them in order to support reforms, to expand freedoms for Turkish citizens and to shape the common future of Turkey and the union.

Ankara Anatolia news agency (16.05.12) reported also that Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said on Wednesday that they always stressed the importance of opening minds and winning hearts rather than opening chapters to talks in the EU process.

Speaking to reporters while attending the national day reception of Norway in Turkish capital of Ankara on Wednesday, Egemen Bagis said that the 'positive agenda' should be perceived as the European Commission's realization of the point that Turkey had announced previously.

"The 'positive agenda', which will begin on Thursday, carries many different dimensions. This is a project proposed by the European Commission in reaction to certain countries who try to block Turkey's negotiations process and the opening of chapters", Bagis stressed.

"As our President and Prime Minister indicated many times in the past, we are not conducting the EU process in order to open chapters. We have always stressed the importance of opening minds and winning hears rather than opening chapters", Bagis noted.

"The European Commission believes that Turkey is making important reforms although chapters do not get opened to negotiations due to the veto of certain countries. The Commission needs a platform to show that they appreciate Turkey's reforms. That platform is the 'positive agenda'", Bagis indicated.

"As part of the 'positive agenda', working groups would be established for eight chapters not opened to negotiations. These groups will work and evaluate what Turkey has done and what it needs to do. More clear information would be published in the progress report (on Turkey)", Bagis stated.

(?)

In addition, Turkish daily Aksam newspaper (17.05.12) reports on the same issue under the title "We will bypass the Greek Cypriots".

According to the paper, Turkey will bypass the Republic of Cyprus' EU term presidency and will hold direct contacts with the EU Commission on the issue of Turkey-EU negotiations. According to the paper, Turkey will hold talks with the team of Fule regarding the legal adjustments of the negations; in addition, the necessary harmonization laws will be prepared in this direction. However, no other EU chapter will be opened or closes for Turkey during the Republic of Cyprus' EU term presidency.

[05] EU official stated that Turkey's-EU ties will stay on track during the Republic of Cyprus' EU term Presidency

Kallas also said he had an opportunity to discuss railway reforms and transportation issues with Turkish officials. "We discussed the cooperation in the field of railway transport as well as other modes of transportation. There is an interest in developing a corridor between Asia and Europe, with one corridor going through Turkey," said Kallas.

He added that a good railway system would play an important role in the relations between the EU and Turkey. "Our relations will improve with good railway connections," said Kallas. "We discussed transport integration issues. We agreed to develop our relations and to have good integration in the transportation field," said Kallas, adding that he would take these issues to Brussels and work on them.

He stated that he had discussions on security arrangements. "There is a mutual interest to increase security issues," said Kallas, adding that a process is under way to address these issues. He added that Europe is continuing to work on developing a good air transportation system. "Turkey's air transportation is well developed," he said.

Further he said that visa liberalization between Turkey and the EU is on track. "It is not my domain but I look positively at visa facilitation and I believe the agreement on this issue is not far away".

Prior to the press conference, Kallas had separate talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Turkish European Union Minister Egemen Bagis on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, Bagis said that during the gathering at the EU ministry headquarters in Ankara, Kallas stated that he had always supported Turkey's EU accession process. He also said that Turkey had entered a new era in its relations with the union. "We feel that we have entered a new era in Turkish-EU relations. We are pleased to have talks with commissioners one after another and experience developments that will make this positive agenda even more positive," Bagis said.

Kallas and Transportation and Communications Minister B?nal? Y?ld?r?m held a press conference on Tuesday before the groundbreaking ceremony of the Irmak-Karabuk-Zonguldak railway project in the northern province of Karabuk. Kallas said Turkey was of great importance to the EU. He said the EU is also trying to improve the transportation field. (?)

[06] Talat alleges that the Turkish Cypriots have the right to establish their own separate state

Referring to the Cyprus talks, Talat said that during his period, progress was achieved in the negotiations with the exception of property whereas no progress was made. Talat alleged that he has always been exerting efforts in the direction of establishing a founding state on ethnic basis under the umbrella of a federation and not independent.

Talat claimed that the Turkish Cypriots have the right to establish a separate independent state on their own will and that this right was created after 1974 on a separate piece of land, but the international community has not accepted it. "Our policies must be in the direction of meeting with the world thought the solution to the Cyprus problem in harmony with these international realities", he added.

Meanwhile, Talat referred also to the situation in the "municipality" in the occupied part of Lefkosia and argued that prohibiting strike was wrong as the employees received no salary for two months. He noted that, from time to time, they experienced periods of crisis, in the occupied area of Cyprus, but today they are witnessing an "unprecedented chaos". "Such chaos existed neither before nor after 1974", he added.

Asked whether it would be better if a governor came, Talat replied: "If they were more successful, they would not have contributed to the TRNC's coming to this situation. I am sorry, but it is because of the governments of the country from where the governor will come that the TRNC is in this situation today".

(I/Ts.)

[07] The world Taekwondo championship 2013 to take place in the occupied areas with the participation of five thousand athletes from 100 countries

This issue was mentioned during a visit paid to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu by a delegation of the Taekwondo team of the breakaway regime, headed by the self-styled chairman of the "national Olympic committee", Eyup Zafer Gokbilen.

Speaking during the meeting Gokbilen stated that this year the team will participate in the world cup which will take place in Canada between 23-26 of July and stated that next year the world championship will take place in the breakaway regime. As he said, five thousand athletes from 100 countries will participate in the championship.

On his part Eroglu stated that despite the "embargoes", the Taekwondo team of the breakaway regime succeeded in participating in various international sport meetings.

[08] Columnist says a "general director" of the breakaway regime's "police" from Turkey was appointed

Arguing that he cannot understand who administrates the "country", as he describes the occupied area of Cyprus, Mutluyakali adds the following:

"?However, we know this: There will be 'a person appointed from Turkey' on the top of the police, like it happens in the Security Forces Command, the Central Bank, the Civil Defense. What does this mean? Is it legal? Does it shake the 'independent and sovereign' (!) structure of the TRNC state? Or is it a new step in the direction of the TRNC becoming 'a subordinate administration of Turkey' with the Plan B? We do not know. Even if we do not know, we can understand! Perhaps even the president of the republic or the prime minister are not aware of this, are not informed. However, the reality is this! Those who do not believe in the solution and caused the collapse of the process have decided to unite the northern part of Cyprus with Turkey, instead with the world! Either their 'power' is not enough to change this process or their only target is this?"

(I/Ts.)

[09] Tension was created again yesterday in the occupied part of Lefkosia

Six "police officers" were slightly injured during the protest and were taken to the hospital. Sefik Ascioglu, BES's lawyer, said that eight protesters were arrested and others were injured during the row.

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (17.05.12) reports that after the protest Savas Bozat said that the employees in the occupied Lefkosia "municipality", who have not received a salary for 76 days, will continue resisting and they will win in the end. He noted that they would apply to the "high administrative court" today against the decision of the "government" to prohibit their strike.

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (17.05.12) reports that two journalists were also injured during the incidents. The injured journalists were Yeni Duzen's Didem Mentes and Halkin Sesi's Ayse Guler.

Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (17.05.12) covers the issue under the front-page title "Battlefield".

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (17.05.12) reports that the employees were protesting against the decision of the "government' of the regime to prohibit strike in occupied Lefkosia "municipality" for a period of 60 days. The paper writes that two protesters were arrested.

Kibris reports also that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu met yesterday at his office with "prime minister" Kucuk and the "ministers" of finance and interior Ersin Tatar and Nazim Cavusolu in order to discuss ways for overcoming the crisis in occupied Lefkosia "municipality". In statements after the two-hour meeting, Eroglu said that there are two sides which have been unjustly treated in this issue and added that these are the employees at the "municipality" and the inhabitants of occupied Lefkosia. Eroglu noted that the salaries of the employees should be paid as soon as possible, the trade union should end its strike and the garbage should be collected. He claimed that in this manner they will end the so-called propaganda allegedly started in the government controlled area of the Republic calling on the Greek Cypriots not to cross over to the occupied area of the island because contagious diseases exist. He said that there was no need for him to declare a state of emergency because no extraordinary situation exists.

Kibris reports also that Ozkan Yorgancioglu, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) asked the resignation of Eroglu, of "prime minister" Kucuk and of the "mayor" of occupied Lefkosia Cemal Bulutoglulari accusing them of turning the "country" into a battlefield.

Furthermore, the New Cyprus Party (YKP) accused all parties which are represented in the "municipal council" of occupied Lefkosia noting that UBP, CTP, TDP and DP are responsible for this situation.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (17.05.12) reports that the so-called Exchequer and Audit Department announced that 487 persons are illegally employed in the occupied Lefkosia "municipality". This information is included in a report having the date 15 May 2012. The report asked the "end of this anomaly".

The self-styled prime minister Kucuk, however, denied the information that 487 persons would be fired because of the above-mentioned report. In statements before entering into the meeting of the "council of ministers" yesterday, Kucuk called on the employees not to worry.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Israeli plane "violated" the breakaway regime's "airspace"

The "airspace violations" reportedly occurred between 11:05 a.m. and 12:49 p. m., and lasted a total of eight minutes. Turkish air forces blocked the Israeli plane as soon as it was spotted.

The incident was reported to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, according to Turkish army's website.

[11] E-coup of April 2007, to be investigated in Turkey

The commission has decided to investigate the April 27, 2007 e-memorandum besides the past four coups d'etat.

The commission decided last week to establish three sub-commissions for the investigation of the May 27, 1960; March 12, 1971; September 12, 1980; and February 28, 1997 coups. Some members of the commission, who are deputies of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said a fourth sub-commission needed to be set up to investigate the April 27 e-memorandum. However, members of the commission from the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) opposed this, saying the e-memo did not have a negative impact on Turkey like the coups, and therefore, it needn't be investigated in Parliament.

The e-memorandum came amid a political crisis over the election of the country's President in 2007. In the document, the General Staff threatened "action" if the AK Party Government did not do more to preserve the republic's secular tradition. Many say the General Staff had hoped to unseat the government with the e-memo. Former Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukan?t declared in 2010 that he had written the statement.

The commission convened on Tuesday for a new round of talks on the establishment of a new sub-commission to investigate the e-memo. After a heated debate, the commission decided that the e-memo be investigated in Parliament but a separate sub-commission will not be established to investigate it. Instead, a sub-commission set up to investigate the 1997 coup will investigate the e-memo, too.

The e-memorandum mainly targeted the AK Party after its decision to nominate then-Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, whose wife wears a headscarf, as a Presidential candidate. The military believed that a headscarved first lady would threaten the secular order in Turkey. The AK Party Government gave what many people called a courageous response to the statement, telling the military it was an institution at the command of the Government.

During the talks, CHP Istanbul deputy Suleyman Celebi criticized the AK Party Government for failing to take the "required action" against the April 27 e-memorandum. "You [AK Party deputies] say the government stood up against the e-memorandum, but standing up against it is not enough. You should have taken action against the e-memo, but you did not. The Prime Minister keeps asking what other political parties were doing at the time when the General Staff issued the April 27 memorandum. I reacted to the memorandum as the president of the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions [DISK] on the morning of the e-memo," Celebi asserted. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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