Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-09-12

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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] Bagis: Turkey achieved progress during the Cypriot EU term presidency; Integration of occupied Cyprus with Turkey is an alternative for the Turks

[02] Bagis on Turkey-EU relations and other domestic and international matters

[03] Eroglu met with European Ambassadors

[04] CHP' Deputy met with Ozkan Yorgancioglu

[05] Kucuk says there will be no early "elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus; Developments in the UBP continue

[06] Illegal Bayrak's director is expected to be relieved of duties

[07] New "education minister" high-school graduate

[08] The "Lefka Foundation" to apply to UNESCO and to the International Justice for the protection of Ancient Soli Town

[09] Several shops were demolished in occupied Morfou for the construction of a Youth Centre

[10] A Turkish Cypriot scout leader represented Turkey and the occupation regime at the International Scout Leader's meeting in London

[11] Chairman of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dempsey to visit Turkey; Daily notes the intensive visits by US Officials to Turkey over Syria crisis

[12] "Suicide bomber kills police officer at Istanbul police station"

[13] Blast in Afyonkarahisar cause new tense between Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu 14. Turkey and Azerbaijan sign agreements in 8 different fields in the framework of Erdogan's visit to Baku

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Bagis: Turkey achieved progress during the Cypriot EU term presidency; Integration of occupied Cyprus with Turkey is an alternative for the Turks

Bagis attended Tuesday a daily editorial meeting of AA and replied to questions on Turkey's EU adhesion process, as well as latest developments on domestic and international matters.

In response to a question on the contributions of the recently launched "positive agenda" to the EU negotiation process, Bagis said, prior to the positive agenda, there had been the impression that Turkey would completely cut its ties with the union during the Cypriot term presidency of the EU.

"On the contrary, we have achieved a certain progress during the Greek Cypriot presidency which had not been seen over the last 30 years", he said.

"Positive agenda is definitely not an alternative to membership negotiations. It is, however, a bridge that helps us to overcome the obstacles before our membership talks", he noted.

He said, working groups on politically-stalled chapters had been formed and talks on visa exemption had started as part of the positive agenda. "This is a process that we obligated the European Union to create in an effort to overcome the obstacles introduced on our EU path for the past 60 years. This is Turkey's diplomatic success", Bagis argued.

Bagis said that he had been holding talks with Irish officials for some time, and as of January 2013, when Ireland takes over EU's term presidency, relations between Turkey and the Union's new term president, would have already started.

"We will continue to take decisive steps during the upcoming Irish presidency in order to achieve remarkable progress in our EU process", he claimed.

Responding to a question on the Cyprus problem, Bagis said there were many alternatives for the solution of the Cyprus conflict, however, Turkey supported the "formation of a single state comprising of two founder states with political equality".

"Bringing together these two states under the roof of a single state but letting them preserve their internal mechanisms, could communicate a very significant message to the world and bring along remarkable contributions to both sides", he argued.

"Until now, the Greek Cypriot party has rejected all our proposals for a solution, has not offered any alternative ways and acted like a spoiled child. Europe is also fed up with that. I believe they will also push for a solution", he alleged.

Commenting on the upcoming UEFA Europa League game to be played between Turkey's Fenerbahce and the Cypriot AEL Limassol FC, Bagis said he was concerned about the safety issue due to the problems witnessed in several sports events in the past.

He alleged: "If the Greek Cypriot party will have difficulties to ensure security prior to the game with Fenerbahce, I recommend them to ask for help from the TRNC. I am sure TRNC would respond to such a demand. Some keep asking if a country could ask for help from a country that it does not recognize. They feel free to demand water and electricity when necessary, why not request help with security".

Meanwhile, under the title "Alternatives are many!" Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (12.09.12) reports that when Bagis was asked whether the integration of the occupied area of Cyprus with Turkey was an alternative on the table in case of a possible non-solution on the island, he replied that he had made such a statement in London trying to show how wealthy Turkey's negotiating positions and alternatives are. He argued that making such a statement in London was important and pointed out that Britain is a guarantor power of the Republic of Cyprus.

Bagis described the policy implemented by Turkey in Cyprus since 2002 as "one of the most important conjectural changes" after the membership of the country to NATO. Bagis argued that in the past Turkey was giving the image of an intransigent country, which ran away from the negotiating table and did not want to negotiate in absolutely no manner. He claimed that this image changed after 2002 with Turkey showing its will to remain at the negotiating table.

Bagis went on and alleged that the only EU member country, which does not implement a so-called embargo on the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, is "south Cyprus", as he described the Republic of Cyprus. He alleged that only the "south Cypriots", as he described the Greek Cypriot citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, are the only EU members who can travel and trade directly with the occupied part of the island.

[02] Bagis on Turkey-EU relations and other domestic and international matters

"Turkey's deepening its relations with the East strengthens its ties with the West, and vice versa, its enriching relations with the West, contributes to ties with the East. These two elements support and complement each other," EU Minister Egemen Bagis told participants of an editorial meeting of AA where he replied to questions on domestic and international matters, on Tuesday.

Bagis noted that Europeans closely monitored Turkey's role in the ongoing process in the Middle East.

"What happened in the recent term shows once again that Turkey is the most western state of the East and the most eastern state of the West," he said.

Responding to a question on criticisms concerning the shift in Turkey's Syria policy, Bagis said principles in Turkey's foreign policy remained the same. "We pursue a policy based on peace, human rights and the right to live," he said.

"What has changed with our policy towards Syria is the number of people killed by the Syrian regime," he continued.

The minister said Turkey could never support a state that bombed its own people, adding that such a country should be warned by its neighbours, allies and friends.

Commenting on the latest accident in which dozens of illegal migrants were killed off the Aegean coast, Bagis said Turkey, which had recently initialled the readmission agreement with the EU, could take steps to save lives and it was determined to act so.

He said Greek authorities had been pleased with Turkey's stance on the matter in the recent term and such incidents in the Aegean Sea had been in decline for some time.

"On the other hand, there is an ongoing process in the Middle East. There are acts of violence and civil wars. The important thing is to eliminate the causes of illegal migration," he said.

Bagis underscored that the current visa practice for Turkish citizens, should be lifted, so Turkey will be able to allocate more resources and time for fight against illegal migration.

"Brussels should be the address of the Greek criticisms. Greece, as a member of the EU, should convince other member states that these visa procedures are unreasonable and unlawful," he claimed.

With regard to the recent acts of xenophobia in Europe, Bagis said he believed the rising extremism, racism and radicalism in Europe stemmed from the economic crisis.

Pointing to several provocative efforts in Germany, Bagis said any disturbance in Germany's relations with the Islamic world would hamper the country's economic interests. "I believe it is now time that Germany and other EU member states did some self-criticism," he noted.

Commenting on a Baghdad court's sentencing Iraqi Vice-President Tariq al-Hashemi to death by hanging, Bagis said such decision was political, not legal. Bagis also noted that the matter did not concern Turkey only and was an international problem.

Upon a question on the upcoming presidential elections in the United States, Bagis said U.S. electors did not vote for the country's foreign policy, but for the progress in economy and employment opportunities.

[03] Eroglu met with European Ambassadors

(I/Ts.)

[04] CHP' Deputy met with Ozkan Yorgancioglu

In statements during the meeting, Ozbolat referred to the strong ties between Turkey and Cyprus, and said that it is impossible to disconnect Cyprus from Turkey. He also said that Cyprus is a part of Turkey's heart.

Saying that Turkey does not confront Cyprus only as a basis in the Mediterranean, Ozbolat said that Cyprus is a real "country" for them.

Expressing his hopes that one day the Cyprus problem will be solved, he said that the Cyprus problem will be solved if the two "people" in Cyprus approach each other with brotherhood feelings.

In his turn, Yorgancioglu referred to the problems the occupation regime confronts and express their willingness for a solution to be found to the Cyprus problem, a solution that will be for the benefit of both sides, as he said.

(AK)

[05] Kucuk says there will be no early "elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus; Developments in the UBP continue

In statements yesterday in occupied Vadili village, Kucuk said that early "elections" are not on the agenda of his party. Referring to the opposition parties, he argued that they had secured the "people's trust" in the past, but were not able to fulfil their duty and transferred it to the UBP.

Meanwhile, in a written statement Kucuk argued that the cries for early "elections" strengthen the UBP, which is allegedly the most prepared party for "elections" today.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (21.09.12) reports that the local congresses prior to UBP's general congress on 21 October continue. Ahmet Eti and Sunat Atun are expected to be the candidates for the presidency of the party in occupied Famagusta area, which will be held on Sunday. Atun is expected to resign today from the post of the self-styled minister of economy. The local congress in occupied Kerynia will be held on 15 September, while the local congress in Gonyeli, which was planned for last night, was postponed for next week because of a disagreement between two separate groups that support different candidates.

Moreover, in statements to Kibris Ahmet Kasif, candidate for the presidency of the UBP on 21 October said yesterday that in case he wins, he will remain at the post only for one term. "I will transfer this duty to young people after five years and retire", he noted.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Illegal Bayrak's director is expected to be relieved of duties

(I/Ts.)

[07] New "education minister" high-school graduate

The paper also writes that Kucuk is under a "dictator's hysteria" and wants everyone to depend on him and notes that Ankara is behind all these and plays an important role in this crisis.

[08] The "Lefka Foundation" to apply to UNESCO and to the International Justice for the protection of Ancient Soli Town

The "Lefka Foundation" announced that in order to protect the Soli Town which belongs to the sites of the "world's cultural heritage", decided to take action and to apply through the legal ways to local and international justice.

(AK)

[09] Several shops were demolished in occupied Morfou for the construction of a Youth Centre

According to the paper, a "Youth centre" is to be built there. The centre will be composed by workshops, cafeterias and music halls and is expected to open on November 15, after the completion of the environment monitoring.

(AK )

[10] A Turkish Cypriot scout leader represented Turkey and the occupation regime at the International Scout Leader's meeting in London

As the paper writes, the so-called representative of the occupation regime in London, Oya Tuncali, visited the campsite and briefed by the "representative of the scouting federation of Turkey in the UK", Celal Izcibayar and by Tony Donn, history teacher and representative of the British scouts abroad, about the event.

Speaking about representing Turkey and the occupation regime in this event, Tuncali Izcibayar expressed pleasure and said that during the event they promoted Turkey and the "TRNC" in the best way.

(AK)

[11] Chairman of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dempsey to visit Turkey; Daily notes the intensive visits by US Officials to Turkey over Syria crisis

Speaking to the Anadolu Agency (AA), the Spokesperson for the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Scott McIlnay said that General Dempsey will be in Romania for a NATO conference between September 14 and 16.

"General Dempsey will proceed to Ankara from Romania and meet with the Chief of Turkish General Staff, General Necdet Ozel. Dempsey and Ozel will discuss Syria, Afghanistan and other issues of interest to Turkey and the United States," McIlnay noted.

"General Dempsey will meet with officials from the Turkish government and also visit Anitkabir (the Mausoleum of the founder of the modern Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk)," McIlnay also said.

In addition, under the title "Turmoil brings Turkey one-way US diplomacy", Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (12.09.12) reports on the same issue and writes that diplomacy on regional issues like Syria, Iran and "terrorism" has become a one-way street as US officials beat a path to Turkey's door to hold talks with Ankara.

According to the paper, the number of senior U.S. officials visiting Turkey has dramatically increased recently, likely due to turmoil in the Middle East, notably including the Syrian crisis, Ankara's fight against terrorism, Iran, and the NATO anti-missile radar system housed in Turkey.

U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey will visit Turkey over the weekend to discuss Syria. The top general said in late August, that any broader activities inside Syria would have to be discussed and conducted within the NATO framework.

Dempsey's visit comes after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the United States "lacked initiative" on Syria and suggested that could be because of the upcoming U.S. election.

Top U.S. official, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief David Petraeus' unscheduled visit to talk with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Istanbul earlier this month, can also be evaluated in light of these developments. The pair discussed the Syrian crisis and the country's possible transition process.

Before the delegations met, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Turkey in August, two months after attending a meeting on "terrorism" in Turkey. On her August visit Clinton said the U.S. is committed to keeping Syria from becoming a haven for outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants. The parties also agreed to further strengthen their coordination on Syria.

U.S. Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman also recently showed up in Istanbul for a reported "fact-finding mission" on Syria on behalf of Mitt Romney.

The U.S. State Department's special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs, Carlos Pascual, also visited Turkey earlier this month for a meeting, in which Turkish and U.S. officials shared their concerns over the ongoing dispute between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and agreed that the dispute should be resolved through "dialogue and in line with the Iraqi Constitution."

In the next few days, Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns will travel to Turkey as part of a visit to the region that also includes Jordan and Iraq. According to U.S. officials, Burns will engage with leaders on a broad cross-section of strategic and regional issues. Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Assistant Secretary Anne C. Richard will also visit Turkey Sept. 10-15, to hold talks in Istanbul, Ankara and Adana.

This intense series of visits over the past 40 days would seem to indicate that the current tensions in the Middle East have increased the level of cooperation between Washington and Ankara. Erdogan's upcoming visit to New York in the second half of September for a UN General Assembly meeting, at which the Syrian crisis and Iran's controversial nuclear program will top the agenda, may also be considered as part of this convergence. The placement of NATO's early warning radar system in Turkey should be also considered an integral part of this cooperation.

[12] "Suicide bomber kills police officer at Istanbul police station"

The blast happened at the 75. Y?l Police Station in Sultangazi, a working-class and largely residential district in the northern corner of Istanbul.

The explosion was caused by a suicide bomber who first threw a hand grenade into the police station, then blew himself up at the entrance where the metal detectors are located, Istanbul Police Chief Huseyin Capkin told reporters at the scene.

Police identified the suicide bomber as Ibrahim Cuhadar (39). Cuhadar had earlier been detained by an Istanbul "counterterrorism police unit" eight times as part of probes into the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C). He had been jailed twice and released.

[13] Blast in Afyonkarahisar cause new tense between Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu

Erdogan and main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, upped the ante in the debate over the cause of a blast at an ammunition depot in Afyonkarahisar, which killed 25 soldiers on Sept. 5. Erdogan has also announced that four officers who were stationed at the military barracks in the western Anatolian province have been relocated on the orders of the chief of General Staff, as part of the ongoing judicial and administrative investigations.

"He [Kilicdaroglu] says [the incident] was '99 percent [certain to have been] sabotage,' and when the deputy chief of General Staff [Gen. Hulusi Akar] called him he said he would make a statement on the issue, and that he didn't say anything like this," Erdogan said.

If the blast was caused by neglect or sabotage, that will become clear after the investigations are finalized, he said, adding that three commissioned officers -- a colonel, a lieutenant colonel and a major -- and one non-commissioned officer have been relocated upon the initiative of Chief of General Staff Gen. Necdet Ozel, thereby lending strength to assumptions that the investigation's findings so far point to neglect as a cause.

"Can something like this -- such inconsistent and insincere effort for picking points -- exist?" Erdogan said, targeting Kilicdaroglu, who said the blast was "99.5 percent likely to have been sabotage."

In the interview, Kilicdaroglu referred to anonymous senior commanders as having told him "there are strong indications showing that [the blast was a result of] sabotage."

Referring to the fact that Kilicdaroglu had yet to confirm his statement, Erdogan called on the CHP leader to clarify whether he had made this remark or not. If Kilicdaroglu does not deny having made the remark, then the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) should take Kilicdaroglu to court on charges of defamation, Erdogan said.

Kilicdaroglu was defiant when he spoke at a press conference held at the CHP's headquarters later in the day. Responding to Erdogan's remark that he should be tried, Kilicdaroglu said he is not afraid of court cases.

"Will you frighten me with court cases, with official notices?" Kilicdaroglu said, adding that the CHP is fighting for democracy, freedom and transparency in government, and that it will not give up this fight.

"The information I received indicated the blast [was caused by sabotage]. I am the leader of the main opposition party; I talk to everyone, I call and ask for information from everyone," Kilicdaroglu said. "The chief of general staff says 'everything is obvious.' If everything is obvious then people want to get accurate information. Why doesn't [the government] inform [the public]? ? All the experts say it was sabotage. No one says it was an accident."

Kilicdaroglu called on those responsible to resign, without openly giving their names.

The government has issued a warning to Afyon Gov. Irfan Balkanlioglu, who courted public outrage by presenting gifts to Turkey's top general during his visit to the province two days after 25 soldiers were killed in the munitions depot blast, Erdogan said. Balkanlioglu should have acted more sensitively, Erdogan said, adding that the public outcry against the gesture was fair. "We have given the necessary warning to the governor in person," he said. The incident saddened Gen. Ozel as well, he said, in an apparent bid to make it clear that Gen. Ozel played no role in the governor's actions.

[14] Turkey and Azerbaijan sign agreements in 8 different fields in the framework of Erdogan's visit to Baku

A meeting of the Turkey-Azerbaijan High Level Strategic Cooperation Council, co-chaired by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, ended in Qabala.

The two sides signed cooperation agreements in eight different fields prior to a joint press conference of Erdogan and Aliyev.

In addition, in statements during his visit, Erdogan stated that it was out of question for Turkey to open its border with Armenia unless the issue of Upper Karabakh was resolved primarily by the Minsk Group.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Azerbaijani President Ilham Alivey at the end of a meeting of the Turkey-Azerbaijan High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Qabala, Erdogan stressed that they have always made their remarks clear on Armenia during their government and will never take a step to open the Turkey-Armenia border unless the matter of Upper Karabakh was resolved.

"Our stance on Upper Karabakh will continue as in the past. As an intervener in the process, we will continue to be on the side of Azerbaijan," Erdogan indicated.

Answering a question on Turkey's investments in Azerbaijan, Erdogan stated that their aim was to increase Turkish investments in Azerbaijan to 20 billion USD. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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