Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-05-29

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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] British politician Simon Hughes visited the breakaway regime using the illegal Tympou airport

[02] The so-called ministry of interior on the "CTR" issue and the new passports of the occupation regime

[03] Schulz's contacts in Turkey; Schulz: "Turkey's EU membership would take a very long time"

[04] Turkish daily reports on the "violation" of the occupation regime's "airspace" by an Italian plane

[05] The political crisis in the National Unity Party continues

[06] Turkish Cypriot "MP" to participate in a meeting of the European Council Parliamentary Assembly in Bucharest

[07] Noyanlar group of companies will build 600 new residences in occupied Trikomo

[08] Occupancy rate of hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus has been increased to 8% compared to last year

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

[10] Statements by Gul on the Kurdish issue

[11] A Turkish High Criminal Court accepted an indictment against top Israeli commanders

[12] MIT to be developed technologically

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] British politician Simon Hughes visited the breakaway regime using the illegal Tympou airport

According to the paper, Hughes me with the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk who stated before the meeting that he had the chance to meet with the British politician in a current meeting in the UK and invited him in the breakaway regime. On his part, Hughes said that the British government, in which his party also participates, must act proactively so that to be more useful as a guarantor country in order for a just solution to be found in Cyprus. He also said that he wants to listen to both sides of the island and that is why some time ago he also visited the free area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Hughes also met with the self-styled foreign minister Huseyin Ozgurgun and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu. No statements were made after these meetings.

In addition, Haberdar writes that the British politician also met with the self-styled speaker of the parliament Hasan Bozer.

[02] The so-called ministry of interior on the "CTR" issue and the new passports of the occupation regime

The so-called ministry of interior and local administration, issuing a written statement yesterday, commented on the reports published in the press that the "TRNC" is going to change the name of its "state", and stated that this does not reflect the reality.

The written statement points out that the e-passports started to be in use as of June 1, 2010, in the framework of the standards as they were determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization, so that to be readable by the machines. The statement points out that the "TRNC", in order to be able to reach the world standards, put into practice the implementation of the e-identity card and e-passport projects. The "ministry" adds the statements, is exerting efforts to put into force those project which are appropriate to a modern country standards.

The statement continues and writes that the code ISO 3166 is to be used in the "TRNC e-passport project" in order to determine the code of the "country" while the code ISO/IES 7501-1 is to be used in the "TRNC e-passport" in order to determine the code of issuing state and nationality. The statements adds that the changes on the codes were made in order for the "passports and identity cards" to be readable by the machines of the International Electro technical Commission and suitable with the International Organization for Standardization.

(AK)

[03] Schulz's contacts in Turkey; Schulz: "Turkey's EU membership would take a very long time"

Turkey's European Union Minister Egemen Bagis also attended the meeting, which was closed to the news media.

Schulz was received earlier in the day by Turkish President Abdullah Gul at the Cankaya Presidential Residence. Turkish Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek also attended Gul's meeting with EP head.

Earlier in the day, Schulz spoke at the inauguration ceremony of the Inter-parliamentary Exchange and Dialogue Project at Turkish Parliament.

In statements during the ceremony. Schulz said, inter alia, that Turkey needs crucial reforms on way to EU membership. "it is no secret that Turkey's EU membership would take a very long time and would be a difficult one. Turkey needs crucial reforms on way to EU membership".

(...) "Membership in the EU does not imply losing a country's identity. In fact, on the contrary, Turkey's membership would mean contribution to a common Europe. The dialogue between Turkey and the EU will support the "Positive Agenda" process between the two entities", Schulz underlined.

"Turkey's membership process is in a period of deadlock due to chapters frozen based on political reasons. It is no secret that Turkey's EU membership would take a very long time and would be a difficult one. Turkey needs crucial reforms on way to EU membership", Schulz stated.

Pointing out the importance of making constitutional changes and implementing the new laws in the EU process, Schulz said that the centre of constitutional changes had to be the parliament itself.

(...)

Stressing Turkey's support to EU's common foreign policy and security issues, Schulz thanked Turkey for its approach to Syria.

Speaking on behalf of Turkey's EU Minister Egemen Bagis who could not attend the ceremony due to his plane's delay, the Undersecretary of Turkey's EU Ministry Haluk Ilicak said that all pre-conceived notions could be eradicated by dialogue and understanding each other better.

Touching on the deadlock in Turkey's EU process, Ilicak said that the "Positive Agenda" was intended to get over the deadlock but was not an alternative to negotiations.

The EU needs to keep Turkish citizens exempt from visa requirements. The Turkish side is receiving an unfair treatment over Cyprus, Ilicak also said.

Also, in statements at a press conference in Ankara on Monday, the head of the European Parliament has said that Turkey's new constitution should be compatible with the European Union's charter on fundamental rights.

"It is really important and not negotiable that the new constitution must be compatible with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU," said Schulz.

Describing himself as a strong defender of Turkey's EU membership, Schulz said there were still issues that should be resolved between the union and Turkey. The EP president said the state of Turkey's negotiation process, visa debate, the Republic of Cyprus term presidency ahead and the ongoing constitutional reform process in Turkey, were the core issues discussed during his talks with Turkish officials today.

Upon a question regarding imprisoned Turkish MPs, Schulz said he had raised the issue in his talks and urged his interlocutors to look carefully to the conditions under which those parliamentarians were in prison and trials were held.

Commenting on Turkey's decision to freeze dialogue with the upcoming "Greek Cypriot presidency" of the union, the EP head said that all parties should take into consideration the reality that the "Greek Cypriot administration", as the Republic of Cyprus is called, is a member of the EU. Schulz added: "I criticize Turkey which says' I will freeze the negotiation during this period".

Recalling the Positive Agenda launched between Turkey and EU in recent weeks, Schulz said, "It is up to Turkey to decide if they will suspend themselves from realizing this Positive Agenda in the next six months. I find it hard to believe that it will happen."

In response to a question on whether he is concern about the freedom of press in Europe, Schulz said he had always criticized restrictions against the media. "Freedom of media is a world-wide problem, not only in one country," he said.

Pointing to the concerns expressed by Turkish intellectuals regarding the freedom of press in Turkey, Schulz said, "If we raise media concerns in Turkey, it is not to blame Turkey, it is because we raise it whenever, wherever such problems appear."

(...)

[04] Turkish daily reports on the "violation" of the occupation regime's "airspace" by an Italian plane

According to the Turkish Air Forces, an Italian F16 plane has violated the "TRNC's airspace" two days after the Israeli airplane's "violation". As soon as the Turkish air forces spotted the Italian plane, reported the incident to the Chief of General Staff who informed the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

The paper concluding said that more "violations" might occurred from countries like France, Malaysia, Korea, Russia and Australia, since there are companies from those countries which are participating to the tender of Greek Cypriots.

(AK)

[05] The political crisis in the National Unity Party continues

The paper writes that following a "warning" submitted by six "MPs" against Kucuk last week, the self-styled prime minister met yesterday with the chairmen of UBP district organization, who offered him full support and who issued a message for unity and solidarity within the party.

However, Kibrisli writes that Ahmet Kasif, who is a "deputy" with the UBP, is getting ready to be a candidate for the UBP leadership. The paper writes that in a current event which Kasif attended, slogans started to be shouted in favour of this and the persons gathered there shouted "prime minister Kasif". The paper notes that the climate in UBP is very negative for Kucuk and that a news internet site has been established by the son of Turkay Tokel, who is a "deputy" with the UBP, adding that this site is pro-UBP but against Kucuk.

Finally, the paper writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader and former chairman of UBP, Dervis Eroglu is putting forward his special advisor, Kudret Ozersay for the UBP leadership.

[06] Turkish Cypriot "MP" to participate in a meeting of the European Council Parliamentary Assembly in Bucharest

The meeting will be held in Bucharest, Romania.

[07] Noyanlar group of companies will build 600 new residences in occupied Trikomo

According to the paper, "Long Beach project" includes the construction of a total of 600 residences in occupied Trikomo. The complex will also include pools, playgrounds, kids clubs, restaurants, pool-bars, fitness and sport saloons, etc.

(AK)

[08] Occupancy rate of hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus has been increased to 8% compared to last year

According to the paper, the occupancy rate of the hotels last year was 50% while this year is 54%; In addition, the occupancy rate of the hotels for May 2012 increased 15% compared to the same period last year. The occupancy rate for small hotels increased 19% and for five star hotels increased 20%.

Finally, the paper writes that the number of hotels which are closed was reduced this year.

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

(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).

(AK)

[10] Statements by Gul on the Kurdish issue

Turkish President Abdullah Gul has expressed a growing sense of pessimism over the Kurdish issue, suggesting that a little chance of a solution appears to the pressing problem at the moment.

Speaking to journalists yesterday during the flight back from the United States, Gul said: "We must definitely remove this matter from our agenda. On the other hand, however, I frankly cannot say anything about how close we are to a resolution to this problem. Sometimes I [feel] optimistic, and sometimes I lose my optimism".

"The Kurdish issue constitutes Turkey's most pressing and vital issue", Gul said adding that if the Kurdish issue had previously been treated as the country's most vital problem, then Turkey would not still be grappling with it, as he said.

"We ought to solve [the Kurdish issue] now so that it does not become part of the agenda in the future. There is incessant work on this here. [People] sometimes contribute to [these efforts] and sometimes sabotage them. Much [responsibility] falls on the shoulders of the BDP [Peace and Democracy Party] on this matter," Gul said, according to daily Milliyet.

(?)

[11] A Turkish High Criminal Court accepted an indictment against top Israeli commanders

The Istanbul 7th High Criminal Court accepted on Monday unanimously the indictment submitted last week by Istanbul Specially Authorized Prosecutor Mehmet Akif Ekinci. The indictment seeks nine aggravated life sentences each for former Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of General Staff, General Gabi Ashkenazi, Naval Forces commander Vice Admiral Eliezer Marom, Israel's former military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin and former Air Force intelligence head Brig. Gen. Avishai Levy on charges of instigating premeditated murder.

Ekinci submitted the document to the court on Tuesday and with the court's decision to accept it; charges have been officially filed against the Israeli commanders by Turkey. In the indictment, which is likely to further strain already deteriorating ties between the two regional powers, the prosecutor is seeking up to 18,032 years each for the commanders on various other charges, including attempted premeditated murder and causing injury.

Ekinci's indictment names only the commanders who gave orders, with the soldiers who carried out the raid to be named in a separate indictment. The investigation into the soldiers' actions is reportedly still under way.

While preparing the indictment, the prosecutor heard the testimonies of nearly 600 witnesses, including those who were aboard the Turkish ship and the relatives of victims, as part of the investigation. The unprecedented sentences the prosecutor is asking for, are reportedly intended to be a reflection of the numerous victims affected by the Israeli military's actions.

Official Israeli sources have not commented on the indictment but media quoted Ashkenazi as saying he was certain "common sense would prevail in the end."

[12] MIT to be developed technologically

A government decree has authorized the transfer of $6 billion in funds to MIT from the Defence Industry Support Fund (SSDF). At a meeting in January at MIT headquarters officials from MIT discussed new purchases the organization plans to make with officials from the Under secretariat for the Defence Industry (SSM).

One of the first planned expenditures is to increase the technological power of the General Staff Electronic Systems (GES) Command, now the province of MIT, by purchasing devices such as jammers, which can be used to intercept communications between terrorists.

Defence sources indicate that MIT is expected to make more security-related purchases. The police force will also access the MIT budget for its own security expenses. Sources further report that the police force is planning to purchase an aircraft for use in critical operations.

After the change in SSM legislation, MIT's budget was increased to cover security-related purchases for police and security intelligence. MIT until now had a budget of about $400 million. The United States allocates about $54 billion to its 16 intelligence services. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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