Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-05-28

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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 carried out contacts in Trabzon city; He called on the Republic of Cyprus and Israel not to take action that would warm waters in the Mediterranean

[02] Statements by Eroglu to the "Azerbaijan-North Cyprus Youth Panel"; He called on Azerbaijan to contribute to the lifting of the so-called embargoes

[03] Ozersay said that the reason of the negotiations' deadlock is not Cyprus' EU presidency

[04] Turkey warns companies and consortiums who participated to the second round of the Republic of Cyprus' oil tender, to include them to a "red list"

[05] The breakaway regime changed the "country code" used in its "passports" from "KKTC" to "CTP"

[06] A US professor comments on Turkey-EU ties; Werz stated that Turkey's ties with the EU should not be interrupted during the Republic of Cyprus' EU presidency

[07] More Russians than British are buying houses in the occupied area

[08] Kucuk on the so-called embargoes

[09] Ustel stated that charter flights from Scandinavian countries to begin as of October

[10] ENQA's chairman to give a conference in occupied Cyprus

[11] The so-called Turkish embassy in occupied Cyprus distributed Koran books to several schools

[12] The participants of the 23rd International Eastern Mediterranean Yachts Rally anchored at the occupied Keryneia port

[13] The Danish FM carried out contacts in Turkey; He stated that there is no time to open chapters during Denmark's EU

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu carried out contacts in Trabzon city; He called on the Republic of Cyprus and Israel not to take action that would warm waters in the Mediterranean

Noting that he warned both Israeli and "South Cyprus" as he called the Republic of Cyprus over the issue, Eroglu said: "Both parties should not take any actions that would further warm the waters of the Mediterranean".

Touching upon the Cyprus negotiations process, Eroglu said that he was searching for a solution that befitted the interests of the Turkish Cypriot "people".

Eroglu is being accompanied by his "undersecretary" Hasan Gungor and "executive assistant" Gokturk Otuken.

Also, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (25.05.12), the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu said on Friday that they received information on Israel's demand from the "Greek Cypriot administration" for an air base in the island.

Speaking to reporters while visiting the Governor of the north-eastern province of Trabzon, Recep Kizilcik, Eroglu said that the Greek Cypriots provided in the past a naval base to the French. "It is EU countries who have to decide whether or not Greek Cyprus' plans to provide an air base to Israel are appropriate", Eroglu stressed.

In response to a question on the "violation" of the "Turkish Cypriot air space" by an Israeli aircraft and that this "violation" had to do with exploration for oil, Eroglu underlined that both Turkey and they protested the "violation" of the "Turkish Cypriot air space" by Israel.

"The Greek Cypriot administration cooperates with Israel while searching for natural gas and oil. When you consider the fact that in the past few months two (high level) Israeli visits took place to the Greek Cypriot administration, it is evident that they will further develop ties. I do wish that they act responsibly without causing tension in the Mediterranean", Eroglu also said.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (28.05.12) reports that Eroglu stated that the negotiations cannot continue open ended. Eroglu who stated that the negotiations have been taking place for many years now, alleged that the stance of the Greek Cypriot side is the reason that no solution have been reached yet. He went on and added that the EU did not set the condition of the solution of the Cyprus problem when the Republic of Cyprus became member of the EU, but it demands the problem to be solved in order Turkey to become member of the EU.

[02] Statements by Eroglu to the "Azerbaijan-North Cyprus Youth Panel"; He called on Azerbaijan to contribute to the lifting of the so-called embargoes

Delivering an opening speech, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu emphasized that none can prevent the peaceful perpetuation of the three Turkic states, the "TRNC", Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Eroglu said that Azerbaijan can own a big role in the removal of "unjust embargoes" imposed on the Turkish Cypriots, since it is a sister country as he said.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriot side has made every possible effort towards a solution in Cyprus, Eroglu complained of the continuation of the "unjust embargoes" on the Turkish Cypriots who, he said, don't want to maintain their existence under conditions set by the Greek Cypriot side's delaying tactics and unjust policies.

"We can accept the launch of a give-and-take process which will foresee a bi-zonal agreement based on the existence of two states and two peoples" Eroglu added, and he called on the United Nations and the European Union to do their bit for that.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (26.05.12) reporting on the same issue, writes that tension was created between Eroglu and two women deputies from Azerbaijan who also participated in the panel. According to the paper, speaking at the panel Eroglu complained that Azerbaijan does not recognize the "TRNC", (as he called the breakaway regime) and left the room that the conference was taking place. The two deputies run after Eroglu and the argument continued at the rector's office.

[03] Ozersay said that the reason of the negotiations' deadlock is not Cyprus' EU presidency

Ozersay made these statements while speaking at a conference under the title "What is left to negotiate in Cyprus after 44 years?", organized at the Orhangazi University in Turkey.

Ozersay stated that the main reason for the negotiations' deadlock is the way the negotiations are conducted and added that for the time being, the talks are not about the essence of the negotiations, about the six chapters of the procedure, but about the way the negotiations are conducted. He said that if the two sides overcome this issue, the talks will continue. He also said that the technical committees will discuss measures building issues regarding the problems may be faced between the two "states".

In a reply to a question by a journalist if the solution of the Cyprus problem is closed or not, Ozersay said that this depends on many factors. This will be possible, he said, if the Greek Cypriot side accepts the "give and take" procedure.

[04] Turkey warns companies and consortiums who participated to the second round of the Republic of Cyprus'oil tender, to include them to a "red list"

According to the paper, Turkey called officially and unofficially the 15 companies who participated to the tender, for "common sense". In case the companies will not pay attention, Turkey will include those companies to a "red list".

The paper also refers to the warning made by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on May 18 which in a written statement, called on the companies who participated in the international tender to withdrawn their interest, and writes that in case that the companies and the consortiums will not withdraw from the tender, Turkey will implement a plan B. Turkey will implement a "red list" that will include the consortiums and companies which are participating in the tender and prevent those companies from doing business in Turkey or to participate in tenders in Turkey, however, it cannot prevent companies' works which are in progress.

The paper underlines that a total of 15 proposals were made from 5 companies and 10 consortiums from the UK, France, the USA, Israel, the Netherlands, South Korea, Russia, Malaysia, Italy, Australia, Norway, Kanada, South Cyprus and Lebanon, for 9 out of the 12 parcels that the "Greek Cypriot administration" has defined. It adds that no applications were made for the parcels 1 and 4 offshore Antalya, whereas; no interest has been expressed also for the parcel 12, which is found in the area between the "TRNC" and Lebanon, writes the paper. Among the companies which submitted proposals are Petronas from Malaysia, Total from France, Novatek from Russia, Kogas from South Korea and Eni from Italy.

(AK)

[05] The breakaway regime changed the "country code" used in its "passports" from "KKTC" to "CTP"

In addition, the council of ministers decided that the "citizenship" of the persons living in the breakaway regime will also change. Instead of "TRNC citizen", the phrase "Turkish Cypriot" will be written at the "passports".

The decision was taken in the framework of the e-passport project undertaken by the occupation regime and in tune with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The paper writes that the name "Cyprus Turkish Republic", is the name used in the Annan Plan for the Turkish Cypriot state and adds that the breakaway participates in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) with the name "Turkish Cypriot state".

The paper writes that with this development, a reply is given in the long-run discussion in the occupied area of Cyprus if there are Turkish Cypriots and if there is a Turkish Cypriot "nation" and notes that the late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas once stated that the only real Cypriot is the Cyprus donkey.

Moreover, the paper writes that some time ago the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu stated that in case no solution is reached in 2012, many changes will take place regarding the "constitution" and the "laws" of the breakaway regime adding that even the name of the regime could change.

[06] A US professor comments on Turkey-EU ties; Werz stated that Turkey's ties with the EU should not be interrupted during the Republic of Cyprus' EU presidency

Commenting on the issue, Werz said: "I do not support the view that says that Turkey's-EU ties should be interrupted during Cyprus EU presidency. It is an issue of dignity and it should not be confused with the issue of who is right or not or with the issue of recognition. This matter is of national interest for Turkey and of Europe's interest. According to me, Turkey's interests are much more important than the Cyprus problem. (...)".

Werz stated further, that the USA supports the continuation the open-ended negotiations of Turkey with the EU and criticized the small states of the EU, (The Republic of Cyprus), which is trying to blockage the opening of negotiation chapters between Turkey and the EU, aiming to block Turkey's EU path.

(AK)

[07] More Russians than British are buying houses in the occupied area

According to statements by Aylin Onar, who is a state agent in the breakaway regime, the British who live in the occupied area have started to leave and return to the UK due to the economic crisis in their country. According to Onar, the problems faced by the British banks made it difficult for the British to pay their mortgage; therefore they are forced to sell the houses they bought in the occupied areas and return to the UK. However, Onar admits that the Orams case affected negatively the British who own houses in the occupied area.

As regards the Russians, Onar stated that the number of persons from Russia who buy houses in the occupied area has been increased since January 2012 but, as she said their number is not as big as the number of Russians who buy houses in the free area of the Republic of Cyprus. She said that this is due to the facilitations made by the Republic of Cyprus towards Russians and added that similar steps must be taken by the occupation regime.

Finally, Omar stated that the number of persons from Turkey who buy houses in the occupied area of Cyprus has also been increased in 2012.

[08] Kucuk on the so-called embargoes

In statements during his meeting with the "president" of the "National Olympic Committee" Eyup Zafer Gokbilen and an accompanying delegation, Kucuk said: "Sporting activities are not a political issue; sporting activities allow people around the world to bond".

Kucuk reiterated once again that he cannot understand the reasons behind the "isolations" and the "embargoes" imposed against the "TRNC" and added that sporting activities allow the youth from around the world to meet with one another, compete and show their capabilities. "Unfortunately our youth are unable to show their capabilities due to the embargoes being enforced against our country", Kucuk said.

[09] Ustel stated that charter flights from Scandinavian countries to begin as of October

In statements, Ustel said that as of February 2012, tourists coming via chartered flights from Holland and Germany have fulfilled 35 to 40 % of the tourisms aim this year.

Noting that chartered flights will begin from Scandinavian countries in October, Ustel expressed the belief that this will increase the number of tourists visiting the "TRNC" this year. "Compared to other years, hotels are not only full during the summer months but in the winter months as well" said Ustel and added that within this framework, restaurants, markets and other businesses were also benefiting from this situation.

[10] ENQA's chairman to give a conference in occupied Cyprus

According to the paper, Hopbach will give a conference today at illegal Near East University (YDU) entitled: "Bologna process, Quality Assurance Implementations and Latest Developments".

(AK)

[11] The so-called Turkish embassy in occupied Cyprus distributed Koran books to several schools

According to the paper, the books were sent to the occupied areas of Cyprus by Turkey.

Invoking reliable resources, the paper writes that the books were distributed to schools in occupied Cyprus probably as a preparatory book for the Koran lessons.

The paper writes that the distribution of the Koran books was made without the so-called ministry of education to be informed and underlines that this issue caused the strong reaction of KTOEOS trade union.

(AK)

[12] The participants of the 23rd International Eastern Mediterranean Yachts Rally anchored at the occupied Keryneia port

The Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu hosted a reception for the yachts crew writes the paper. The rally ends in Egypt.

[13] The Danish FM carried out contacts in Turkey; He stated that there is no time to open chapters during Denmark's EU

Sovndal said Turkey had been making a dramatic progress lately, its economic development was fantastic, and moreover, it played a stabilizing regional role.

He said that Denmark, as the EU's term president, was very much in favor of getting Turkey closer to the union.

Pointing to the stagnation in Turkey's accession talks, Sovndal said his country was eager to revive such process.

He said there was not much time left, as there was only a month until Denmark handed over the rotating presidency and France held parliamentary elections in mid-June.

Noting that there would only be a limited timeframe to deal with the visa issue and opening of new chapters, Sovndal said it might be possible to prepare the framework for the solution of the visa conflict within that time, but for the opening of chapters, there might be no sufficient time. We want to help to get out of the deadlock the relationship has been in for too long,'' he said. ''We hope, with this meeting, to be able to continue to increase the relationship between Turkey and Denmark. We hope we can use this good relationship to bring Turkey steps further to the EU, because Turkey is a part of Europe,'' he added.

Sovndal also said Turkey and Denmark needed to cooperate closely, as they had common interests in all the major issues on the global agenda.

Upon a question on the possibility of opening new chapters during the Danish term presidency, Sovndal said they were doing what they could, however, it was important not to intervene in the upcoming elections in France. ''It doesn't mean we can't act. We can start to prepare, but it means that we can do the final judgment and negotiations only after the French elections. However, if there is a willingness, 13 days is a lot of time,'' he said.

(?)

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (25.05.12) reported that the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc met on Friday with visiting Danish Foreign Minister Villy Sovndal in the Turkish capital, Ankara.

Speaking at the meeting, Arinc thanked for the support that Denmark extended to Turkey's European Union accession bid, saying that trade relations between the two countries were increasing.

"I hope that we will be able to make significant progress in our membership talks before the Danish EU term presidency expires. We need Denmark's support," Arinc told reporters.

Arinc said Denmark was home to many Turks, who he said constituted a bridge between the two nations, adding that trade volume and tourism ties have improved.

Sovndal, on his part, said that Turkish economy achieved an impressive performance over the last few years with high growth rates which, he said, was not seen in Europe. "There is really an eye-catching momentum in not just economy but also in political reforms," Sovndal said.

Sovndal said Denmark's EU term presidency had a month before it ended, "and we want to use the time we have very efficiently in Turkey's membership process."

Sovndal said Denmark closely monitored efforts Turkey made to write a new constitution, which would contribute to the solution of a series of problems the country had faced for years.

The Danish minister said that a legal reform that would widen the scope of freedom of press would be an important step to be taken toward Turkey's internal dynamics as well as the country's future relations with the EU.

[14] Clinton and Ban to visit Turkey for contacts and international meetings

During her stay, Clinton will also have talks with Turkish officials on Syria and Iran, the State Department has said.

The spokesperson of the State Department Victoria Nuland said in a statement on Friday that on June 7, the secretary will co-chair the Global Counterterrorism Forum Ministerial in Istanbul, Turkey, and consult with senior Turkish officials on a range of foreign policy challenges, including Syria and Iran.

The United States has praised Turkey's stance on Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad has confronted a 14-month uprising against his rule. Ankara has insistently called for Assad's withdrawal and hosts Syrian opposition groups.

As regards Iran, Turkey says Tehran has the right to acquire nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and promotes a negotiated settlement to an international dispute over its nuclear program, a stance that has drawn criticism from Washington in the past.

Clinton's visit to Turkey is part of a tour from May 31-June 7 that will take her to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan as well.

Nuland said Clinton will discuss "important issues of regional security, democracy, economic development and counterterrorism" during her visit to the Caucasus countries on June 4-7. Clinton will meet Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan and Armenian civil society leaders on June 4; inaugurate a US-Georgia strategic partnership commission plenary session and meet with President Saakashvili in Georgia; and travel to Azerbaijan on June 6 to meet with President Ilham Aliyev and civil society leaders, according to Nuland.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is also expected to visit Turkey later this month to attend international gatherings on Somalia and the UN-backed Alliance of Civilizations initiative.

Ban will co-chair the first Partners' Forum for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations on May 31-June 1 and will also attend an international conference on Somalia scheduled to take place on the same dates.

The partners' forum will bring together governments, intergovernmental organizations as well as businesses, foundations and individuals "who have shown a strong commitment to realizing the vision of a world free from intercultural conflicts and divides, where cultural diversity is an asset and not a liability," according to a UN statement on the event.

Participants are expected to pledge financial support or to otherwise make a commitment to action, the UN said.

[15] Turkey to host several international meetings in June

The Partners Forum for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations will take place in Istanbul on May 31 and June 1. This event will bring together governments, intergovernmental organizations as well as businesses, foundations and individuals. During the Forum, partners will discuss the results achieved by the Alliance and will address a number of issues including the long-term resource needs, the immediate requirements for 2012 and 2013, and the current UNAOC priorities for action, including the new projects related to the outcomes of the previous global forums.

The World Economic Forum on Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia will convene over 1,000 leaders in Istanbul on June 4 and 6 to catalyze new partnerships for growth and human development.

Istanbul will also host the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum Ministerial on June 7-8. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will co-chair the forum. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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