Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-06-26

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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] Kucuk says that a group of Turkish Cypriot civilian organizations will visit Strasbourg tomorrow

[02] CTP-BG Women's Branch has been represented to the Socialist International; Ozdenefe: "The current status quo in Cyprus is becoming more permanent every passing day"

[03] Tension on the religious complex of buildings in Mia Milia continues; Cakici: "The identity of the country is being changed"

[04] Turkey's Green Crescent Society wants to open a representation office in the occupied area of Cyprus

[05] Eroglu says that Syria committed a big mistake by bringing down a Turkish airplane

[06] Tatar on the occupation regime's economy; BKP asks for the abolishment of the economic program and economic package to be implemented in occupied Cyprus

[07] Remains that allegedly belong to "first Cypriots" were unearthed in occupied Akanthou area

[08] Erdogan met with opposition leaders over Syria measures; Opposition leaders demand the transferring of the issue to the international platforms

[09] Turkey alleges that Syrian forces fired at second Turkish plane last week; statements by Arinc

[10] Turkey conveyed the Turkish military jet attack to the UN's Ban and the UNSC Term President

[11] Turkey and Azerbaijan to sign cooperation agreement in energy field

[12] The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Summit kicks off today in Turkey; Turkey to undertake the presidency of the BSEC on July 1st

[13] Turkey to donate huge fund to MIT Foundation

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Kucuk says that a group of Turkish Cypriot civilian organizations will visit Strasbourg tomorrow

Replying to accusations against his "government" yesterday at the "assembly" of the regime, Kucuk noted that he had also visited Strasbourg recently and criticized the EU officials because they left the Turkish Cypriot "people" dependent on the passport of the Republic of Cyprus. Kucuk argued that these things should be said and their rights should be defended.

Kucuk added that the regime will provide financial and moral support to the activity of the civilian organizations on Wednesday and argued that they will continue to struggle for their "rights" until the end.

Meanwhile, under the title "Journalists are also being taken to Brussels", Afrika (26.06.12) reports that the Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Union will follow the visit which will be organized to Brussels on Wednesday by the so-called Economic Organizations' Platform. In a statement issued by the Union, a delegation of 15 journalists will follow the contacts of the platform. After a meeting held yesterday at the Union's headquarters with the participation of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of the Turkish Cypriot Tradesmen and Craftsmen it was decided that the delegation will be established by the journalist's organization.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (26.0612) reports that addressing the self-styled assembly of the regime, Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said yesterday that the "government" will send 450 persons to Brussels on an airplane it will lease in order to protest against the "Greek Cypriots'" EU term presidency, as he described the term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus. He noted that the information that the Republic of Cyprus would overtake the EU term presidency was known nine years ago and asked the "government" where its mind had been then.

Cakici said that the Cyprus problem should be solved so that the Turkish Cypriots to become EU term presidents in 2026 and added that he does not see such a will in the UBP "government" and Dervis Eroglu. Cakici said that Eroglu wasted the people's time for two years on the issue of the cross voting. He also suggested to Kucuk to resign from his post and look after his grandchildren.

(I/Ts.)

[02] CTP-BG Women's Branch has been represented to the Socialist International; Ozdenefe: "The current status quo in Cyprus is becoming more permanent every passing day"

According to the paper, speaking at the meeting entitled: "Women's problems are solved through dialogue and discussion", Fazilet Ozdenefe evaluated the latest situation in Cyprus and said that the continuation of the non-solution in Cyprus is dangerous not only for the potential in Cyprus but for the region's potential as well.

Pointing out the strategic importance to the Middle East of the finding of a peace and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, Ozdenefe said that the current status quo is becoming more permanent in Cyprus every passing day.

Ozdenefe said that despite the reaction of the "people", complex of buildings adjacent to a mosque are continue to be built, whereas she said that they are watching anxiously the discussions which are taking place in Turkey on the issue of the abortion and the caesarean section, since as she said, the policies which are followed in Turkey, affect them directly.

Ozdenefe asked from the international arena and the Socialist International to hear their worries and reiterated that they would like to host a region summit the soonest possible in order to discuss again the issue.

(AK)

[03] Tension on the religious complex of buildings in Mia Milia continues; Cakici: "The identity of the country is being changed"

Ozkan Yorgancioglu, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that the construction of the complex should have stooped during the investigation of the issue if there was good will.

Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), recalled that while a department of training imams had been opened a few months ago at the vocational high school in occupied Mia Milia, it was stated that no lyceum or college would be opened. Addressing to the self-styled prime minister, Irsen Kucuk, asked: "Was it worth it to ignore activities which change the culture, the identity of the country for the sake of a post?" Cakici noted that the "government" surrendered to the radical Islamist circles of Turkey in order to continue being "in power". Cakici argued that the Turkish Cypriots need no College of Theology and that this is not in harmony with their culture.

Referring to the construction of a complex of buildings adjacent to a mosque in the occupied area of Mia Milia, Kucuk said that 25% of the people wants religious education, that in the teaching program of the College of Theology there are two different lessons and the other lessons are the same with the ones of the rest of the colleges.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkey's Green Crescent Society wants to open a representation office in the occupied area of Cyprus

In statements during the meeting, the chairman of the Society, Muharrem Balci briefed Eroglu on their activities on the issue of struggling against addictions. He said that they are represented in 26 international organizations and added that they will meet with the self-styled prime minister Kucuk and the "minister" of education, youth and sports Kemal Durust in order to discuss the opening of a representation office in the occupied area of the island.

Referring to the importance of the work of Green Crescent, Eroglu said that addictions destroy the future of the people and the societies. He noted that some habits have been spread in the occupied area of Cyprus and in spite of the work of the "police" and some associations they could not be totally prevented.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Eroglu says that Syria committed a big mistake by bringing down a Turkish airplane

(I/Ts.)

[06] Tatar on the occupation regime's economy; BKP asks for the abolishment of the economic program and economic package to be implemented in occupied Cyprus

Tatar said that the economies of Turkey and the "TRNC" are integrated and added that important investments had been made in the "TRNC".

Stating that everyone should know the value of their "state", Tatar said that the appearance of the "TRNC" will be changed with its ports, communication opportunities, universities and its future mega projects.

Reminding that three years of economic program has been prepared for the "TRNC" with the support of "motherland Turkey", as he described Turkey, he announced that from now on the economic productivity will be discussed with the three year programs.

Noting that the continuation of the structure and stability of the "TRNC" economy was dependent on the continuation of Turkey's support, Tatar said the "TRNC" economy will improve as long as the relations between the two countries remain solid.

Meanwhile, under the title: "BKP: The economic package should be abolished", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (26.06.12) reports that the secretary-general of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan, issuing a written statement yesterday, stated that the economic crisis in the "country" derives from the "economic program and the economic package which were signed with Ankara", and asked for the economic program and the economic package to be abolished.

Expressing criticism to the so-called government for supporting the economic program and package which were imposed by AKP and for supporting "privatization policies", Izcan accused the so-called UBP government for leading the Turkish Cypriot community to poverty.

(AK)

[07] Remains that allegedly belong to "first Cypriots" were unearthed in occupied Akanthou area

According to a statement issued by "UKU", the unearthed remains belong to two persons, a 20-year old woman, who had been 1.50-meter tall, and a 30-year old man. The director of UKU's Archeology, Cultural Heritage and Conservation Centre, associate professor Muge Sevketoglu said that the remains belong to 8.400 BC.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Erdogan met with opposition leaders over Syria measures; Opposition leaders demand the transferring of the issue to the international platforms

Erdogan, accompanied by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Deputy Chief of General Staff General Hulusi Akar, first met with Kemal K?l?cdaroglu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

Speaking after the meeting, the CHP leader criticized the government's policy, saying: "It is obvious that the plane was deliberately downed by Syria. This attack was carried out in retaliation to the [Turkish] government headed by Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Turkish policy on Syria. ? This incident cannot be forgotten and glossed over. ? No one should test Turkey's power."

Calling on the government to do what should be done within the boundaries of international law in the face of this "unacceptable attack," K?l?cdaroglu said he was not provided with information on what measures the government is planning to take.

"Turkey said it would act decisively after one of its F4 jets was downed by Syria on Friday. Erdogan is expected to announce measures during a speech in Parliament on Tuesday", Davutoglu has said.

Erdogan held meetings with other opposition parties, including Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) leader Selahattin Demirtas, later on Sunday at the Office of the Prime Ministry.

In statements prior to Sunday's talks, political parties predominantly deemed the event "unacceptable," while remaining cautious as to a retaliatory response over the attack.

CHP Deputy Chairman Faruk Logoglu emphasized on Saturday that until the causes of the incident are made clear, Turkey should act with moderation. "Syria has to be cautious. Nobody should forget that Turkish people act in unity and decisiveness in terms of protecting the nation's rights," Logoglu noted.

MHP Deputy Chairman Resat Dogru maintained a similar approach and highlighting that Turkish political parties have to give a united response. "It is impossible to accept such an event. If we do not give the required response on international platforms we could be faced with many problems in the coming period," Dogru claimed, also deeming a direct assault to Syria undesirable.

Grand Unity Party (BBP) leader Mustafa Destici said Turkey should claim its rights within the scope of international law regarding the event. Destici questioned Syrian statements that the Turkish plane had first been tracked as an unidentified object entering Syrian airspace and that it was only later found to be a Turkish plane. "The fact that Syria shot down the plane without trying alternative ways [to get the plane out of the Syrian airspace] shows it is not an accident," he said.

Foreign Minister Davutoglu refuted Syrian claims that the plane was hit in Syrian airspace, saying it was in international airspace when it was shot down.

(?)

[09] Turkey alleges that Syrian forces fired at second Turkish plane last week; statements by Arinc

Damascus described its shooting down of the F-4 jet on Friday as an act of self-defence and warned Ankara and its NATO allies against any retaliation. Turkey said the incident would "not go unpunished" but it did not intend to go to war over it.

The disclosure of the second incident came on the eve of a NATO crisis meeting that Turkey summoned to address the shooting down of its F-4 jet, which Ankara has described as an unprovoked attack in international airspace.

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ar?nc told a news conference that Turkey would protect itself within the framework of international law against what it called Syria's "hostile action" of downing its F-4 warplane last week.

Ar?nc said at the end of a seven-hour cabinet meeting dealing with the incident: "Everyone should know that this kind of action will not remain unpunished", and added: "Whatever is needed to be done will definitely be done within the framework of international law. We have no intention of going to war with anyone. We have no such intent."

Ar?nc said that shortly after the F-4 was shot down, four helicopters and two ships were dispatched on an initial search operation, followed by a military turboprop transport aircraft.

"Our plane, which had gone to rescue (the pilots), was fired upon. This situation was brought to an end following a warning from our foreign ministry. But yes, there was a short period of harassing fire," said Ar?nc.

A foreign ministry official later said the plane returned to Turkish airspace immediately after being fired on and the search and rescue operation resumed following communications "through military and diplomatic channels". He said there were no injuries to anyone aboard the transport aircraft.

(?) Ar?nc said Syrian air "elements" had violated Turkish air space five times "recently" but that the incidents had been settled peacefully.

Syria's account of Friday's incident, though tempered with a stated commitment to a "neighborly relationship", seemed likely to increase anger in Turkey ahead of the NATO gathering.

Turkey also said it would take the matter to the UN Security Council.

(?)

[10] Turkey conveyed the Turkish military jet attack to the UN's Ban and the UNSC Term President

"On June 22, Syria downed a Turkish RF-4 type military jet as it was flying alone and without weapons 13 miles off the coast of Syria. Such an attack constitutes serious threat to regional peace and security. I wanted to convey this serious incident to the UN", Ambassador Apakan said in his letter.

Stressing the exact coordinates of the Turkish military jet, Apakan underlined in his letter that the jet did not display any hostile act and kept its identity open. "Our jet was shot down by Syria without making any warning. Receiving a deadly blow, the jet fell on to the sea some 8 miles off the coast of Latakia", Apakan noted.

"All radar and wireless records of Turkey and Syria point out to the fact that our jet was hit while it was in international air space", Apakan stated.

"A Turkish CASA plane received harassment fire from Syrian forces while it was conducting a search and rescue operation after the RF-4 jet was downed on June 22", Apakan stressed in his letter.

"Turkey is now mainly focused on the search and rescue operation", Apakan indicated and added that once all the realities have been detected; a decision will be taken against Syria's act. "This Syrian act, which resulted in two Turkish pilots' missing, is a hostile act against Turkey's national security. We strongly condemn this attack", Apakan also said in his letter.

[11] Turkey and Azerbaijan to sign cooperation agreement in energy field

Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev will sign the agreement.

[12] The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Summit kicks off today in Turkey; Turkey to undertake the presidency of the BSEC on July 1st

In statements on the issue, a senior official from the Turkish Foreign Ministry has said that during its presidency starting July 1, Turkey is preparing to submit a new vision paper to enhance political dialogue in the Black Sea region, seeking to address the frozen conflicts that hinder economic progress amongst the member states of the BSEC.

Turkey and Serbia, the current president, co-chair the Istanbul event.

"When you talk about economic cooperation, you also need to have a certain level of political dialogue amongst the member states ... However, frozen conflicts are hindering economic progress and economic cooperation," the official said.

Today's summit will be co-chaired by Serbia and Turkey, the two consecutive chairmanships-in-office of the BSEC during 2012.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets are amongst the participants. Armenia will participate in the summit at deputy foreign ministerial level.

The summit will focus on sustainable development, sustainable growth, energy, climate change and political dialogue.

[13] Turkey to donate huge fund to MIT Foundation

Speaking to the paper, Ergun said that in order for the Ministry to be able to make this donation, the Parliament will have to pass a new law.

"In return, MIT will also be offering Turkish as an elective course and will be establishing a Turkish research foundation", he added.

Turkish professors will also be able to conduct research at MIT and will be eligible to receive training at the prestigious American university.

Ergun visited the MIT campus as part of his trip to the United States and met with Assistant Dean Philip Khoury to discuss both the donation and joint programs between the university and Turkey.

"While the exact amount of the donation was not clear as of yet, a starting figure of $10 million was being discussed", Ergun said.

"Our donation will be in two parts, $5 million will go towards master's programs and Ph.D students. The remaining $5 million will go toward finance research projects. Depending on the amount of students and researchers we want to send to MIT from Turkey, we will put in $10 million or even $20 million if necessary," Ergun noted.

Ergun explained that countries like Brazil, China, Singapore and Egypt had invested in MIT and that China had invested as much as $17 million.

Ergun believes the new law will be passed this year to facilitate the donation and said MIT had already accepted Turkey's proposal.

In terms of donations received, Harvard University takes the lead having received $32 billion. The MIT Foundation uses the donations to provide resources for academicians, education, research, investment projects and financial aid to students. Of the 10,984 students enrolled in MIT's 2011-2012 academic year, some 92% received some form of financial aid. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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