Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-08-29

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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] The breakaway regime is reportedly trying to lead the Greek Cypriot society to collapse by sending drugs and illegal refugees

[02] The "speaker" of the "Crimean Tatar National Assembly" and Ukrainian Deputy Kirimoglu continues his contacts in occupied Cyprus

[03] A protest will be organized on 3 September to support Asil Nadir

[04] Charter flights from seventeen countries were reportedly conducted to the breakaway regime during the last few years

[05] A Saudi Arabian billionaire anchored with his yacht to occupied Famagusta to gamble in a casino; Prior he anchored to Larnaka

[06] Turkey's National Security Council conveyed to discuss Syria developments and PKK

[07] Turkey still undecided on buffer zone in Syria; 43,000 more Syrians to be hosted in four new camps

[08] Turkey is becoming international center for Muslim youth education

[09] Turkish columnist reports on how the Syria crisis affects Turkish politics

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The breakaway regime is reportedly trying to lead the Greek Cypriot society to collapse by sending drugs and illegal refugees

Izcan said, inter alia, the following: "…Our country has been turned into a centre of human trafficking. Mafia circles, who secure profit from this issue, behave as they wish everywhere. Unfortunately, during the recent incident, six Syrian refugees were drowned and died. This is a murder. All the governments, which have not taken the necessary measures against the human trafficking, are as responsible as those committing the crime. Those who have committed this murder should be punished in the heaviest manner…"

Izcan noted that all kinds of mafia and smuggling have become commonplace in the occupied area of Cyprus due to the fact that the occupied northern part of the island is outside the international law and the non-solution of the Cyprus problem continues. "Every kind of smugglers, mafia, common criminals and thieves who swindle the world and crooks take refuge in our country, because we are outside the international law", said Izcan noting that this situation should end.

Meanwhile, Afrika today refers to the issue of human trafficking in its "Letter from Afrika" column and wonders how this is possible especially in occupied Karpasia peninsula which is full of military bases. The paper goes on and says: "…This is a mystery indeed. However, serious suspicions also exist in this mystery. They say that putting refugees illegally into the country and afterwards letting them free to go to the south is a 'state' policy. The same allegation is also valid for the drug trafficking. They say that these are done in order to turn both the refugees and the drugs into trouble for the Greek Cypriot administration on the one hand and to shake its economy on the other.

If these allegations are true - and the Greek Cypriot side has serious complains in this direction- then it comes out that the arrested smugglers are not alone, that influential forces are behind them and they are only pawns in this issue. We also do not think that the smugglers could undertake this job without leaning upon a very solid rock. In the past they had also brought refugees to the coast of Platanissos and no one realized it. If this boat had not sunk now and the poor Syrian refugees had not died in the sea, would this operation have not been successful as well? …"

Moreover, columnist Sami Ozuslu also refers to the issue in his column in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (29.08.12) under the title "Why the human trafficking is not (cannot be) stopped?" He says that everybody is looking for a "hidden catch" when human trafficking could be carried out so easily in such a small place and notes that the "administrators" of occupied Karpasia peninsula agree that if the so-called state wanted, it could stop human trafficking. He goes on and says: "It is known that the refugees who are brought to the TRNC coasts, in some way, cross over or are lead to cross over to the south. It is said that an average of 4-5 thousand refugees cross over to south Cyprus every year". According to Ozuslu, the "cake" from the human trafficking is roughly estimated around 20 million US dollars.

(I/Ts.)

[02] The "speaker" of the "Crimean Tatar National Assembly" and Ukrainian Deputy Kirimoglu continues his contacts in occupied Cyprus

According to information acquired by the press office of the so-called ministry of finance, Kirimoglu who have visited the occupation regime in 1993, has stated they exert efforts for the improvement and the development of the ties between the "Crimea Autonomous Republic" and the "TRNC".

According to the paper, Kirimoglu has also invited Ersin Tatar to visit Crimea.

Speaking during the meeting, Tatar expressed his pleasure for the visit of Kirimoglu to the occupied area of Cyprus. He also informed Kirimoglu for the economic activities of the "TRNC".

Gunes reports also that Kirimoglu visited yesterday the "rector" of the illegal Near East University (YDU), Suat Gunsel.

In his statements during the meeting, Gunsel referred to the mutual programs they implement for the improvement of the ties of the two "communities" and stated that they also informed by the "Crimean Tatar National Assembly Speaker" about the three scholarship students from Crimean that will study in the "TRNC" during this year, in the framework of the "protocol".

Gunsel recalled that the illegal YDU has signed on 15 August 2009 a "cooperation protocol" with the "Crimea Tatar National Assembly of the Crimean Ozerk Republic" which is related to scientific, technical and educational fields.

The "protocol" envisages according to the paper that 3 students each year who will be proposed by the "Crimean Tatar National Assembly of the Crimea Ozerk Republic" will study with scholarship at the illegal YDU University.

(AK )

[03] A protest will be organized on 3 September to support Asil Nadir

Meanwhile, statements in support of Asil Nadir were issued yesterday by 19 "mayors", the so-called Movement for a Bright Future, the Potato Producers' Union, the tradesmen and craftsmen of occupied Morfou area and Kamu-Is trade union.

Furthermore, self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk visited KIBRIS Media Group's headquarters yesterday and gave the message that the regime will not leave Asil Nadir alone. Kucuk said that they have undertaken an initiative so that the "representative" of the breakaway regime in London, Oya Tuncali to meet with Nadir and ask him if he wants anything.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Charter flights from seventeen countries were reportedly conducted to the breakaway regime during the last few years

Speaking during the event, the self-styled minister of tourism, environment and culture Unal Ustel stated that "tourism industry is the locomotive sector of the country" and added that the "ministry" is working to further improve the sector together with "motherland Turkey".

On his part, Eroglu said that there has been an increase in foreigners visiting the country in the past couple of years. Referring to the Cyprus issue, he alleged the following: "Embargoes on the transportation field are negatively affecting the tourism sector and we are working together with motherland Turkey to overcome this".

On his part, Akca alleged that despite the "embargoes", efforts shown by everyone to promote the occupation regime are commendable.

He also called on the self-styled government to work towards further developing the tourism sector which he said is important for the growth of the economy.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (29.08.12), reports that in his speech Akca further stated that during the last few years, charter flights from 17 countries were conducted to the breakaway regime. He also said that tourism and higher education, are the two sectors that allows to the occupation regime to be known to the world, adding that they must be offered great support.

[05] A Saudi Arabian billionaire anchored with his yacht to occupied Famagusta to gamble in a casino; prior he anchored to Larnaka

As the paper writes, the yacht allegedly belongs to a billionaire from Saudi Arabia whose name is unknown.

The yacht which entered to the occupied port of Famagusta on Wednesday August 22, with a five member's crew and 4 passengers, remained anchored at the port until Sunday, August 26.

As it is said, one woman and four men from Saudi Arabia stayed in the occupied area of Cyprus for four days during which they gambled in one of the casinos there, and afterwards they left.

The paper writes that the four unknown guest, prior to their visit to occupied Famagusta, went also to Larnaka.

(AK)

[06] Turkey's National Security Council conveyed to discuss Syria developments and PKK

National Security Council (MGK) said in a statement following a meeting on Tuesday, that "it reiterates its firm will to avert all threats and risks to national security emanating from the violence in Syria".

The MGK convened to discuss the recent attacks on Turkish soil and the issue of a growing number of Syrian refugees crossing into Turkey every day.

The meeting began at 1:30 p.m. at the Cankaya presidential palace under the chairmanship of President Abdullah Gul, who was temporarily discharged from the Hacettepe University hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment for a recurring ear problem, to attend the meeting.

A top agenda item in the meeting was the increasing number of Syrians seeking refuge in Turkey due to heightened violence in Syria. Turkey has so far taken in more than 80,000 Syrians, and all nine Turkish refugee camps along the border are full. Until recently, newcomers were being housed in schools, dormitories or sports centres near the border while Turkish authorities scrambled to construct four new camps that will increase Turkey's capacity to 120,000 refugees.

The statement said the Security Council discussed the Syrian regime's attacks on civilian population and security threats Turkey are facing due to the conflict there.

The Security Council also said it discussed the growing "terrorist threats" within Turkey and slammed what it said "indiscriminate attacks." It reiterated Turkey's determination to fight against terrorism in line with the law and by protecting security of citizens.

[07] Turkey still undecided on buffer zone in Syria; 43,000 more Syrians to be hosted in four new camps

"A buffer zone is one of the possibilities, in our perspective [regarding the Syrian crisis]. No Turkish officials could say that Turkey would say 'OK' to a buffer zone at this point," said the diplomat.

French President Francois Hollande stated that France is collaborating with its allies for the establishment of a buffer zone in Syria, during a meeting of French ambassadors in Paris on Monday.

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu emphasized last week that Turkey would not accept more than 100,000 refugees and that the creation of a buffer zone could be necessary to contain a refugee flow onto its soil.

Davutoglu will attend a ministerial conference organized by the UN Security Council in New York on Saturday, convened under France's initiative to discuss the humanitarian situation in Syria and its neighbours. France has already declared that security zones in Syria would be an important topic to be discussed in that meeting.

The number of Syrian refugees in Turkey is nearing 80,000 and Turkey has requested that the international community share its burden in the face of a possible new influx of refugees. At least 2,000 people fleeing violence in Syria were prevented from entering Turkey overnight on Saturday at one of several unofficial border crossings in the southern province of Hatay, a Turkish official and witnesses said on Monday.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (28.08.12) reports that four new camps, which will be set up by Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD), will host 43,000 more Syrians.

The camps will host Syrians who are staying especially in dormitories, sport halls and borders as they fled the violence in their country.

375 Syrians have been brought in Karkamis camp in the south-eastern Gaziantep province on Tuesday, while camps in southern Kahramanmaras and Osmaniye provinces will be opened this week, and the camp in south-eastern Adiyaman province will begin to serve in the first week of September.

As of today, there are 79,056 Syrians in Turkey. They are being hosted in eight tents sites in Hatay, Sanliurfa and Gaziantep provinces and a container city of 12,000 people capacity in Kilis.

Karkamis camp will have 2,059 tents, a field hospital with 50 beds and four doctors, six mosques, two playschools, six playgrounds, three lounges, a laundry and a coiffeur, when it is completely set up.

The tent site, which will have 15,000 people capacity, will be opened in Kahramanmaras within a few days. The site will have 2,000 tent capacity, and a mobile hospital complex.

The tent site, which will be built in Cevdediye town of Osmaniye, will host 10,000 Syrian citizens. It will have 2,000 tent capacity and a mobile hospital complex when it is opened on September 1.

The camp in Adiyaman will have 10,000 people capacity, and it will be opened in the first week of September.

[08] Turkey is becoming international centre for Muslim youth education

Countries from all around the world send students to Turkey so they can receive education at the Imam Hatip schools.

As part of a project initiated by the Directorate General of Religious Education and the Turkish Religious Foundation (TDV) on September 3, 2007, 413 students are receiving education in Kayseri's Mustafa Germirli Anadolu Imam Hatip School while 128 others are getting educated in Istanbul's Fatih Sultan Mehmet Anadolu Imam Hatip School.

The Imam Hatip schools train future religious personnel. Works are underway to open an international Imam Hatip school in Konya as well.

In addition, reporting on the same issue, Turkish daily Zaman newspaper (29.08.12) writes that students from the breakaway regime, Indonesia, Senegal, Serbia, Pakistan and other countries are receiving education at the Imam Hatip Schools in Turkey.

[09] Turkish columnist reports on how the Syria crisis affects Turkish politics

"The news from Ankara yesterday was of the cancelation of a Victory Day reception on Aug. 30, which was to have been hosted by President Abdullah Gul, due to his receiving extended medical treatment for a recurring ear problem that resurfaced during his visit to Kyrgyzstan last week.

Gul's physicians at Hacettepe University Hospital in Ankara also suggested that he must not take any flights for at least the next two months. That means he will miss at least two important foreign trips; one a bilateral visit to Sweden and a ten-day long visit to the U.S. to attend the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Well, now Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to go to the U.S. in Gul's place. The word has been around for some time in political corridors that Erdogan would like to go to New York himself this year, and take the opportunity to talk tete-a-tete with U.S. President Barack Obama before the elections in November, particularly on the issues of Syria, Iraq and the terrorist attacks these issues have further inflamed.

These issues are important for the Turkish government, and are putting additional pressure on it amid the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran, which might trigger tremors in the already shaken balances of the greater Middle East and the Caucasus, too, with the common denominator of oil and gas resources. The government does not like to see any challenge from inside to its policies on those matters. Erdogan turned down a recent proposal from main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu to convene Parliament to discuss the Kurdish issue and the joint struggle against attacks by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which continue to claim lives. Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek had to call the Parliament to meet, because a sufficient number of signatures was collected by CHP deputies, but attendance fell short of the required quorum, and the attempt made Erdogan upset anyway.

But when Cicek, who was elected to his post from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) list, proposed on Aug. 27th an 11-point road map for reaching a social and political consensus to stand against the terrorist attacks, an unexpected and disproportionate reaction came from a heavy gun in the government. In answer to journalists following a Cabinet meeting, deputy prime minister and government spokesman Bulent Arinc likened Cicek's good-willed proposal to the military interventions in politics of years past, and said the government was not the addressee for his call. Arinc's reaction was a pre-emptive move against even the distant possibility that Cicek might use his constitutional authority to call the Parliament to discuss those hot issues once again.

Cicek is going to attend the celebrations of Victory Day (the anniversary of the final field battle against the invading Greek armies during the War of Liberation in 1922) in Gul's stead, but he will not have the chance to be acting president while Gul is away, as Gul will not be away due to his health problem.

All of these moves carry additional weight, as the AK Parti is heading toward a critical congress on Sept. 30 (when Erdogan will be back from the U.S., if he goes), at which a major reshuffle among the party's ranks is expected, which might have repercussions for the formation of the Cabinet. That new formation could possibly carry Erdogan to Gul's chair as president in 2014, and the party to the next general elections in 2015. Who will stay, who will go, and where? Those are the hidden questions in the "all politics is local" game in Ankara."" TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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