Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-11-26

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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] Lidington expressed frustration over blockage on the opening of new chapters for Turkey and argued that steps are needed for ending the so-called isolation of the occupation regime

[02] Eroglu: In time the world will accept the "state" established by the Turkish Cypriots

[03] Foreign banks are more than the local banks in the occupied area of Cyprus

[04] "Acapulco to be taken to court"

[05] The breakaway regime distributed eight new "TRNC citizenships"

[06] A micrograph of Turkey: Row between Turkish and Kurdish students in the occupied area of Cyprus

[07] A new mosque was constructed in the occupied Gerolakkos village

[08] A new party under the name "Greens and Future of the Left Party" been founded in Turkey; CTP participated to the congress of the party

[09] An Azeri famous stage director is illegally visiting the occupied area

[10] Self-styled mayors attend the 5th Forum on the Financial Management of Local Administrations in Ankara

[11] More on Patriot missiles: Iran warns Turkey not to deploy the missiles while Davutoglu tries to ease the concerns

[12] Davutoglu confirms talks with Israel on Gaza but says reconciliation is not yet possible

[13] "The elected president of Syria's new opposition coalition Khatib asks Turkey for anti-aircraft weaponry"

[14] Erdogan slams Turkish TV show

[15] New poisoning evidence spurs call for expanded probe into Ozal's death

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Lidington expressed frustration over blockage on the opening of new chapters for Turkey and argued that steps are needed for ending the so-called isolation of the occupation regime

In the interview, Lidington highlighted Turkey's significant place within the EU, stated that enormous progress has been made over the years and pledged to increase pressure for new chapters in the accession process to be opened. He emphasized that while more measures need to be taken by Turkey with respect to minority rights, formal negotiations need to be under way in order to set more detailed benchmarks and targets and that the United Kingdom is willing to work together to establish how these are to be met. Calling on other EU countries to do more for Turkey's accession, the minister for Europe expressed his frustration and argued that the longer other countries around the EU table block progress, the harder the UK will continue to press for these chapters to be opened.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

"The EU progress report mentions that the launch of EU-Turkey talks on visa liberalization is conditional on the signing of the Readmission Agreement that was initialled by Turkey and the EU in the context of combating illegal migration. The EU Commission expects Turkey to sign the Readmission Agreement and ratify it before the process starts. What is the guarantee that the visa liberalization process will even result in a favourable conclusion considering the staunch opposition of the Greek Cypriots as well as concerns raised by Greece, Bulgaria and other EU member states?

Well, I think it's in everybody's interest that the Readmission Agreement is signed and implemented as soon as possible. That will help build mutual confidence between Turkey and the member states of the European Union. The UK is not a member of Schengen and we have no intention of joining the Schengen Agreement and therefore our influence on those decisions about the Schengen visa is limited. Our view is that there is a good case for Turkey to move forward in visa liberation measures but ultimately it is for the Schengen countries themselves to come to a view there.

The report highlights that negotiations now, however, have reached a deadlock on the Cyprus issue. Do you think it is a serious deficiency in the report that the EU Commission does not mention the responsibility of the Greek Cypriot side on this negative outcome?

I think the sooner we can get progress in opening more of Turkey's accession chapters, the better. That's something I have said openly at the EU Council of Ministers' meetings. It's something I have said repeatedly in my bilateral conversations with my opposite numbers right around the EU, including both Cypriot and Greek ministers. So the sooner we can make that progress, the better. I think realistically that's not likely to happen under the Cypriot presidency of the EU, but I still believe it is very much in the interest of not just the UK but the EU as a whole, as well as for Turkey itself that we make progress on these areas. I would very much want to see this happen.

Subtitle: Looking at the Cyprus issue

Turkish Cypriot negotiations now claim to be exhausted and neither side believes a comprehensive settlement will be reached. What is the UK's solution to the Cyprus issue?

It's not going to be a matter of the UK coming forward with some magic blueprint that is miraculously going to win the support of all communities in Cyprus. If we're going to get a Cyprus settlement that is permanent, that really endures, it's got to be an agreement that all communities themselves feel that they own. And that's why we have continually said that this has to be a process that is Cypriot owned and Cypriot led. I think everybody agrees that there should be a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in Cyprus that gives equal rights to all communities there and is in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The progress towards that has been desperately slow. I don't think London can simply come in, particularly not as a former colonial power, and say 'this is what you must do,' but we certainly work as hard as we can to show support to Ban Ki-moon's work through Alexander Downer, two negotiators on both sides, because we want a deal to be there.

The progress report does not specify which benchmarks Turkey needs to pass. Can it be argued that Brussels is deliberately pushing Turkey to fail the grade on many issues by not being forthcoming on what to expect of a "candidate" country?

I think that what we're doing with all candidate countries now is giving a much greater emphasis than in some of the earlier enlargement issues to do with the rule of law and with judicial independence and administrative reform. And that is because we've learned with experience. I think there's a very uncomfortable situation for everybody over Romania and Bulgaria, where they became full members but still subject to a cooperation and verification mechanism which means that even though they are full members, they are being told to reach certain benchmarks still in terms of this kind of rule of law reform. And Romania and Bulgaria feel they are being treated as second-class members. I know countries who say, "Well, we shouldn't have let them in at all if they hadn't met the standards to start with." It's just not a happy situation to be in.

There have been a number of packages and traditional reforms and already there are talks between political parties about a new Turkish constitution. There are the various measures that are being taken on languages, also on rights of religious minorities, but I will certainly say that there is more that has to be done and we want to encourage our Turkish friends in that work. I think that if we could get Chapter 23 [on the judiciary and fundamental rights] open and actually get the formal negotiations under way, that's the part in which you then start to set more detailed benchmarks and targets and could work through together how these are going to be met.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Zaman (25.11.12) reported on statement by David Lidington who in an exclusive interview to Zaman, he inter alia, said that the non-opening of the energy chapter for Turkey makes him angry.

Pointing out that Turkey's EU negotiation process moves slowly, Lidington said that the British politicians are irritated since some EU countries blockages Turkey's accession chapters.

Stating that it seems difficult for Turkey to open negotiations chapter during the "Greek Cypriot's administration EU presidency", as the EU Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus is called by the paper, Lidington continued and said the following: "We are aware of the fact that the TRNC is a sufferer by economic isolation. The Turks in the island cannot be benefit from investment neither in the EU common market nor in non-EU countries. This problem needs to be improved the soonest", Lidington said.

[02] Eroglu: In time the world will accept the "state" established by the Turkish Cypriots

Addressing yesterday the "Asure Day" organized by the Alevite Cultural Centre in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu said that they continue their "brotherly relations" with the settlers, who had come from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus in 1975, without making any discrimination between Alevites and Sunnis. "We are all citizens of the TRNC state, we all exert efforts to defend our state", he alleged.

Eroglu referred once more to the so-called embargoes allegedly implemented on the Turkish Cypriots and noted that their struggle will continue. He argued that the world might not see the "realities" they exhibit, but "in time the world will adopt, will accept the struggle given by the Turkish Cypriot people on these lands, the freedom they gained united with their brothers in the motherland and the state they established after the 1974 peace operation", as he described the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus.

Former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ozkan Yorgancioglu, the chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), Mehmet Cakici, the general secretary of the Democratic Party (DP), Bengu Sonya and the self-styled minister of finance of the regime, Ersin Tatar also addressed the meeting.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Foreign banks are more than the local banks in the occupied area of Cyprus

(I/Ts.)

[04] "Acapulco to be taken to court"

According to an investigation carried out by Afrika, the above-mentioned company is not the real owner of the property. The real owners, writes Afrika, are Akis and Maro brothers who live in Limassol. These brothers had reportedly sold the property to Odysseos company in 1969 for 27 thousand pounds sterling.

Until 1974, only 15 thousand pounds had been paid to the two brothers by Odysseos company, which has not paid them the rest of the money after 1974 and now is searching for ways of reaching an agreement with them. Within this framework it had proposed the sum of 30 thousand euros, but the brothers rejected the proposal and decided to file a lawsuit in the occupied area of Cyprus demanding for the purchase to stop. They will also file a lawsuit in the government-controlled area for fraud.

(I/Ts.)

[05] The breakaway regime distributed eight new "TRNC citizenships"

According to the paper, the names of the persons who were granted the "citizenships" were published in the "official gazette" on 21 November 2012, following a decision taken by the self-styled council of ministers.

[06] A micrograph of Turkey: Row between Turkish and Kurdish students in the occupied area of Cyprus

The "police" arrested these three Kurdish students and as a result of this 150 students raided into the "university" and caused damages to the caf? of the school. Three students were injured during the incidents and two others were arrested and taken to "court" together with the other three, who had been arrested earlier. "Police officer", Ercan Atasay said in the "court" that the students were shouting "Long live Apo" [Translator's note: PKK's former leader Abdullah Ocalan] and "Apo will not die". He noted that 20 persons are wanted as it has been established that they are involved in the incidents.

(I/Ts.)

[07] A new mosque was constructed in the occupied Gerolakkos village

According to the paper, the mosque which was named after Emine Adil, the wife of the Seikh of Lefka, began operation last Friday.

Many Turkish Cypriot "officials" participated in the opening of the 400-person-capacity mosque.

[08] A new party under the name "Greens and Future of the Left Party" been founded in Turkey; CTP participated to the congress of the party

The foundation of the Party took place in a ceremony organized in Ankara on November 25. The new Party came up after Turkey's Green Party and the Party of Equality and Democracy were merged.

The Party has also determined its political road map writes the paper.

Among the participants at the foundation ceremony of the new Party were also the Republican Turkish Party's (CTP) secretary-general, Asim Akansoy, who delivered a speech at the congress.

(AK)

[09] An Azeri famous stage director is illegally visiting the occupied area

As the paper writes, Elekperzade is illegally visiting the occupied area in order to direct the play called "Katil" which is to be played in the occupied area of Cyprus after the signing of a protocol agreement called "protocol on theatre cooperation". The protocol was signed in Baku between the "Turkish Cypriot state theatre" and Azerbaijan's state academy of theatre.

[10] Self-styled mayors attend the 5th Forum on the Financial Management of Local Administrations in Ankara

Representatives from international institutions and foreign academics will also take part in the meeting

[11] More on Patriot missiles: Iran warns Turkey not to deploy the missiles while Davutoglu tries to ease the concerns

"The installation of such systems in the region has negative effects and will intensify problems in the region," Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani said on returning from a trip to Syria, Lebanon and Turkey on Saturday evening, according to Iranian state news agency iRNA.

Ramin Mehmanparast, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, told the Iranian Students' News Agency (iSNA) on Sunday that deploying the Patriot system "will not only not help solve the situation in Syria, it will actually make the situation more difficult and complicated as well".

Syria has called Turkey's request for the Patriot missiles "provocative", and Russia said the move could increase risks in the conflict.

Iran has steadfastly supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad throughout the 20-month-old uprising against his rule.

However, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Sunday no one should be concerned by the use of Patriots.

"These systems are solely defensive mechanisms, and will not become active unless there is a direct threat to our country's security," Davutoglu said, speaking to CNN Turk.

"The aim of this action is to protect Turkey's borders as much as possible at a time of crisis. The Patriots will be sent back when the risks to Turkey's security disappear."

In addition, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (25.11.12) publishes an interview with Prof. Mustafa Kibaroglu, chair of the Department of international Relations at Okan University in Istanbul, who said that the Patriot system, designed to intercept aircraft missiles, which Turkey requested NATO deploy last week in an attempt to bolster security along its border with Syria, may remain in place long term due to continuing tension between Israel and Iran.

"European countries might have felt like they should provide assurances to Turkey that Turkey will be defended against scenarios involving bigger conflict in the region with Iran and Israel," Kibaroglu said.

Kibaroglu argues that the deployment of Patriot missiles along the Turkish border is significant as it represents the first time Turkey and its NATO allies appear to be on the same page regarding threats stemming from the Middle East.

[12] Davutoglu confirms talks with Israel on Gaza but says reconciliation is not yet possible

In a televised interview on Sunday, Davutoglu also said that Turkey was actively involved in efforts to bring a halt to the recent eight-day violence in the Gaza Strip and backed the Egyptian-brokered truce.

"Turkey took an active part in the process. There was contact with the Israeli side to end the fighting in Gaza, which was causing human suffering. If there is a possibility to end a human tragedy, Turkey will talk with anybody," the Foreign Minister said.

He stated that when the talks entered a deadlock, Turkey offered alternative formulations and had discussions with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal on various alternatives before a truce deal was reached.

As to the cease-fire deal, Davutoglu dismissed suggestions that Turkey has been sidelined with Egypt's re-emergence as a new regional power as it mediated the truce between Hamas and Israel, saying that Ankara welcomes the political comeback of Egypt in the tumultuous region.

He also announced that himself, along with several other cabinet ministers, might attend the UN General Assembly meeting in New York on Thursday to support a Palestinian bid for UN recognition of statehood.

[13] "The elected president of Syria's new opposition coalition Khatib asks Turkey for anti-aircraft weaponry"

"The main obstacle for [opposition] fighters is aircraft. They attack people everywhere. If there is something that can help us stop them, it would be great and we ask specifically for that," al-Khatib, who had talks with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo
an and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davuto
lu during a visit to Turkey, claimed in an interview with Today's Zaman.

Claiming that the military support that started at the beginning of the 20-month offensive is not enough at all, al-Khatib urged the international community to provide rapid military assistance to prevent a complete victory by President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Al-Khatib also stated that the Syrian opposition is grateful to Turkey for the assistance it provides in all fields, including military assistance supporting the uprising against Assad's military crackdown.

[14] Erdogan slams Turkish TV show

"We move with the minds of our Dumlupinar martyrs," Erdogan said. "We move with the spirit that founded the Ottoman Empire, he added and also dished out heavy criticism on the hit Turkish TV series, "Muhtesem Yuzyil," (The Magnificent Century) for its portrayal of the Ottoman ruler Suleyman.

"We alerted the authorities on this and we wait for judicial decision on it," Erdogan said. "Those who toy with these values should be taught a lesson within the premises of the law."

"Muhtesem Yuzyil" is a popular TV show airing in Turkey and abroad, which follows the lives of the Ottoman ruler Suleyman and his love Hurrem Sultan. The show focuses more on Suleyman's personal life and palace life, portraying characters from the harem, as well as from the royal family.

[15] New poisoning evidence spurs call for expanded probe into Ozal's death

According to sources from the Council of Forensic Medicine (ATK), who spoke to Today's Zaman over the weekend on the condition of anonymity, Ozal was mostly likely poisoned with four separate substances.

An investigation into the former president's suspicious death began earlier this year after a number of witnesses spoke of unusual circumstances on the day of Ozal's death, who was reported to have suffered a heart attack. His remains were exhumed in October for toxicological testing.

Political figures who served during Ozal's terms as either prime minister or president told Today's Zaman that the investigation into his suspicious death should continue in a more detailed manner.

ATK sources said that among poisonous substances found in Ozal's remains were DDT (dikloro difenol trikloroethan), which is used in killing insects and was forbidden in Turkey in 1980, and DDE, which causes heavy damage to the liver after being absorbed by the body.

Experts noted that the poison, which is found in nature and the human body naturally, was present in Ozal's body at 10 times the normal level. Experts also detected the presence of cadmium, a chemical element, in his body. Additionally, experts also found radioactive elements in the remains of the former president. Americium, a transuranic radioactive chemical element, and polonium were detected in Ozal's remains.

According to the experts, the former president's body was weakened with americium and polonium in the long run, and with the use of DDT his death was accelerated. The DDT might have entered Ozal's body through food or drink, experts suggested. They are now investigating what kind of food the former president consumed in the meals he ate during his last days.

The ATK has yet to finalize the report about its findings on Ozal's remains by December and hand it over to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which is investigating the former president's death. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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