Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-01-04

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[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Gul: Turkey must never give concessions on the issue of protecting its legitimate interests in Eastern Mediterranean and especially in Cyprus

[02] The regime has reportedly promised to grant its "citizenship" to 10.000 persons by the end of the year

[03] Bagis continues to mock the Republic of Cyprus' EU presidency; he described the Republic of Cyprus' EU presidency as 'incapanble'

[04] Turkey's Ambassador to the EU appears optimistic about the opening of five chapters on Turkey's EU bid, if blockages will be lifted

[05] Kucuk to appeal against the decision for a second round of voting for UBP's presidency; how the opposition reacted to the developments

[06] The Trade Union Platform announced that it will intensify its "communal existence struggle"; the Platform will carry out contacts in London at the beginning of February

[07] BES trade union protested yesterday for their rights; they warned the so-called government that they will meet with Christofias if they fail to find solution to their problems

[08] Turkey and the UAE signed an energy deal

[09] Turkish Deputies met with Ocalan in prison; the initiative has been supported by the Turkish government

[10] Erdogan to tour African countries; Turkey to afforest African deserts

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Gul: Turkey must never give concessions on the issue of protecting its legitimate interests in Eastern Mediterranean and especially in Cyprus

Addressing the Ambassadors, Gul claimed that Turkey must never give concessions on the issue of protecting its so-called legitimate interests in Eastern Mediterranean and especially in Cyprus. He argued: "Together with this, we must always keep alive our vision to bring about a new pillar of stability and prosperity, which will be formed by Turkey, the island of Cyprus and Greece in Eastern Mediterranean by reaching a just and lasting political solution to the Cyprus problem. Just like in tourism, we must exert efforts to create a just climate of cooperation where the active and potential energy resources of the Mediterranean to be used in a manner that will serve the common prosperity of all the coasting countries and continents. Actually, these efforts which we are exerting are understood well by all the other neighbors and I believe that if this good will finds a response in the same manner, we will all come out with gains from this issue".

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (04.01.13, online), writes that Gul said Turkey's close historical, cultural and political links with the countries of the Mediterranean basin "obligate her" to closely engage in the transition process of the Arab Spring countries, "but this historical fact should not be interpreted as Turkey's imperial dreams". "Modern Turkey has never been a country that has a hidden agenda beyond its national interest", he argued and added: "Turkey should make farsighted plans 20, 30 or even 100 years ahead without the influence cyclical conditions and instantaneous thrills".

Gul went on and said: "We should realize consistent and integrated policies to help our country reach its long-term objectives. We all know that the best implementer of this sort of policy is China. It has walked on its path since 1987 to achieve its own goals...Turkey has its own goals of becoming an economically developed country whose democracy and rule of law has the same standard as other developed countries?I believe developing and implementing policies without ignoring our goals has vital importance..."

[02] The regime has reportedly promised to grant its "citizenship" to 10.000 persons by the end of the year

In statements to Yeni Duzen, Abbas Sinay, so-called deputy with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) argued that the UBP "government" continues to "betray" the Turkish Cypriots and noted that this is just the beginning. According to Sinay, the UBP "government" has promised to grant the "citizenship" of the regime to another 10.000 persons by the end of the year.

Yeniduzen reports also that the trade Union of the Turkish Cypriot Physicians (Tip-Is) stated yesterday that its members cannot carry out their actual duty because of the policy followed by the regime on the issue of the "citizenship". The chairman of the union, Ertugrul Seherlioglu said they had decided to stop making the examinations related to the "citizenship" as of 7 January 2013 and not to examine more than 25 patients per day. He noted that many patients during the past months had been forced to leave the polyclinics without being examined, because of the examinations as regards the "citizenship".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Bagis continues to mock the Republic of Cyprus' EU presidency; he described the Republic of Cyprus' EU presidency as 'incapanble'

Bagis came together with trainees of Anadolu Agency's (AA) certificate programs on diplomacy and finance journalism at the agency's headquarters in Ankara.

Bagis delivered a brief speech about "Turkey's EU accession process" and replied to questions of AA's journalists-to-be.

Touching on the term presidency of "Greek Cypriot administration", as the Republic of Cyprus is called, upon a question, he said: "I do not agree on classifying the Greek Cypriot as an 'unlucky' presidency, I would say an 'incapable' term presidency."

Moreover, he referred to the "Greek Cypriot issue" and said that "Greek Cypriot administration" suffered more than any other country because of their attitude and added: "If they had accepted the Annan Plan back in 2004, the island would have been a very prosperous, rich and self-confident country. The Unites States of Cyprus would be one of the richest countries in the world but because of their attitude and their very unsuccessful manners of dealing with international issues, unfortunately the Greek Cypriot President Demetris Christofias had to appear on live tv in tears and announce that Greek Cypriot administration was in the brink of bankruptcy. I felt sorry for them, prayed for them."

He stressed that they are more optimistic and hopeful about the Irish presidency as it will be Ireland's seventh EU Presidency.

He said that talks with Ireland started much before their term presidency. He then added that he would be attending the summit of EU Ministers in Dublin on January 20 where all member states and candidate countries would take place to discuss issues.

Bagis pointed out to the issue of chapters and said: "Ireland cannot act along as they are holding the presidency. It requires unity on chapters. Therefore, we are hoping that 26 countries would convince those single ones for the union", Bagis said.

Also, in statements on private SKY Turk TV channel on Thursday, Bagis said that he wished the French and Sarkozy were "as visionary as Merkel."

Referring to Turkey's preparation of a self progress report, he alleged that this report was an indication of its self-confidence and its determination in the (EU) process. "The report we have prepared is a printout of Turkey's steps taken in various fields", Bagis underlined. I expect a 'thanks' and appreciation from the EU for our own progress report. If a criticism comes, we have the opportunity and the strength to respond," Bagis indicated.

"German Chancellor Angela Merkel does not have an obstructionist policy on Turkey's EU negotiations process. I wish that the French and Sarkozy were as visionary as Merkel," Bagis added.

"EU countries are waiting for the elections in the Greek Cypriot administration. Certain developments may take place in Turkey's accession talks following the Greek Cypriot elections," Bagis also said.

[04] Turkey's Ambassador to the EU appears optimistic about the opening of five chapters on Turkey's EU bid, if blockages will be lifted

"We don't have much to do in regards to term Presidents. The actual problem is the French and Greek Cypriots. If they lift the blockage on the chapters, we can make progress. If France decides to do so, the blockage should be lifted on all five chapters. I believe Turkey will gain speed in the EU accession process", Yener said.

Also, Altay Cengizer, Turkey's Ambassador to Dublin said that Ireland had good intentions about Turkey adding that France began to understand the importance of Turkey for the EU.

[05] Kucuk to appeal against the decision for a second round of voting for UBP's presidency; How the opposition reacted to the developments

In statements to Halkin Sesi, Kucuk said that the decision was not a surprise for him and noted that he had ran against Ahmet Kasif, his current rival for the post of UBP's president, in "elections" twice in the past. He added that he was not afraid of running in an election, which he had won, and expressed the view that he will win again if a second round is held. Referring to the "court's" decision that the second round of the voting should be held with the same delegates, Kucuk argued that he has no problem as regards the delegates in the UBP congress.

Meanwhile, Kucuk's lawyer, Ergin Ulunay argued that the "court" has overridden its "authorities" by taking a decision in the direction of the repetition of the congress within ten days. He added that they will make the necessary applications so that this period is extended to at least three months.

On his part, Ahmet Kasif stated that the decision of the "court" was a "milestone from the point of view of the country's political history". He said that now they should stop taking their party to "courts", end the procedure as soon as possible and turn to the problems of the "country".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot Kibris newspaper (04.01.13) reports that Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) commented yesterday on the developments in the UBP and said that prolonging the procedure that started with the "court's" decision would be against the Turkish Cypriot "people". Cakici expressed the view that the problems and the "country" could not wait even a single day more and argued that by trying to play with time in such an environment, would be tantamount to mercilessness and selfishness. Cakici accused Kucuk of trying to gain time for the sake of remaining in his post, in spite of the "court's" decision and of inciting chaos.

The chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ozkan Yorgancioglu told Kibris that the uncertainty will continue for two more months and added that problems of the "country" could not be solved with this process, which is "full of contradictions". He argued that the problems could not be solved with the current "administration" and added that the way for "early elections" should be paved, even though the UBP rejects this.

According to Kibris, the TDP and the Democratic Party (DP) submitted yesterday at the "assembly" a proposal for "early elections". The proposal was rejected with 26 votes against 16.

The chairman of the DP, Serdar Denktas said that whatever the decision of the UBP is, this could not "conduce to good". Denktas asked for the issue of holding "early elections", which was rejected in the "assembly", to be discussed by the UBP. "There is no other way out. Being obstinate is meaningless", he said.

(I/Ts.)

[06] The Trade Union Platform announced that it will intensify its "communal existence struggle"; the Platform will carry out contacts in London at the beginning of February

The Trade Union Platform reiterated in its written statement its principles and announced that the Platform will carry pout contacts in London between February 3-8 upon an invitation they received by the UK Parliament.

Reiterating its principles, the Trade Union Platfrom referred to the Cyprus problem stating that they will continue to support the efforts towards the solution of the Cyprus problem within the basis of the decisions of the UN and also to support the efforts so that the Turkish Cypriot will finally take the place they deserve in the international arena.

Also, the Platform stated that respect should be shown to the "self-administration" of the Turkish Cypriots.

On the ties between Turkey and the "TRNC", the Platform said that these should be based on mutual respect and on political equality.

On the economic protocol sighed by Turkey and the occupation regime, the Platform stressed the need for the imposed economic package to be stopped immediately. The Platform expressed further their reaction to any kind of privitizations and the need for the immediate suspension of the implementation to distribute the "TRNC citizenship". They added also that it is necessary for a population census to be repeated under the control of foreign observers, and the need for more controls to take place at the crossing points of the "country" in order to prevent the illegal population. (...).

(AK)

[07] BES trade union protested yesterday for their rights; they warned the so-called government that they will meet with Christofias if they fail to find solution to their problems

The workers at the occupied Lefkosia municipality gathered yesterday at 10.30 in front of the "court" and carried out a protest waiting for the decision of the "court" about the UBP case. The protest was supported by the Trade Union Platform, writes the paper.

Speaking during the protest, the chairman of BES, Savas Bozat said that one week has passed since the arrestment of their members.

Bozat further said that the deadline they gave to the so-called government to find solution to their problem will be expired today and added that that in case the "government" will not solve their problem, they will knock the door of the "Greek Cypriot leader", Demetris Christofias in order to inform him about their problem. Bozat added that they had already asked for an appointment with Christofias.

Speaking also during the protest, the chairman of Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers' Trade Union (KTOEOS), Tahir Gokcebel said that while inside [means inside the court] a "fight is taking place for the seats", outside "the fight is for their bread". He added that the workers will continue to struggle for their rights and added that they will continue to provide material and moral support to BES.

In his turn, the chairman of DEV-Is trade Union, Mehmet Seyis said that they do not care about the fight which is taking place inside the "court", but all the community as he said, cares about the rights of the workers to be met.

Stating that they are present to the protest of BES in order to support them, Seyis said that they will continue to provide their support until the end.

(AK)

[08] Turkey and the UAE signed an energy deal

The deal between the Abu Dhabi-based government-controlled TAQA and Turkey's state-run electricity company EUAS was crucial, according to Turkish Energy Minister Taner Y?ld?z. "This is the second-biggest investment made in Turkey after the two nuclear power plant projects," Yildiz said.

The parties foresee the generation of some 85 million tons of coal annually, or 45 billion kWh every year. Some 15,000 people will be recruited during the construction phase and the facilities will provide jobs for 8,500 once finished, officials said.

According to the Yildiz, the Afsin-Elbistan facility will be the largest among Turkey's planned coal-burning facilities, as some 40% of Turkey's lignite coal lies under the Afsin-Elbistan zone. "We will carry out clean and decent work there. A careful [project]", he added.

EUAS General Manager Halil Al?s said that the current daily capacity of 2,800 MW in the area will be increased by up to 8,000 MW, or 8 billion square meters of natural gas.

Under the intergovernmental agreement, the project partners will modernize and expand the existing 1,400 MW Plant B and develop several new power plants and associated mines in sectors C, D, E and G of the region.

Preparatory work on Plant B and the feasibility study for the planned 1,440 MW Plant C and associated mine development will start immediately.

"The Turkish economy has been doing very well over the years ... because you have a good investment climate. If you have a good investment climate, we'll come and invest," U.A.E Energy Minister Mohamed Bin Dhaen al-Hamli said at the ceremony, noting that the deal will carry on ties between the two countries.

Diversifying energy feed is vital for Turkey, as the country is largely dependent on Russian-supplied gas for power generation. The government, which has already solidified agreements with Russia for the construction of a nuclear plant in the southern province of Mersin, is seeking a partner for a second one in the Black Sea province of Sinop. South Korea, which is one of the short-listed candidates for the plant, will reportedly cooperate with the U.E.A if it wins the tender. However, Y?ld?z said that not providing a government financing guarantee was among Turkey's reservations, as South Korea insists on such a promise.

[09] Turkish Deputies met with Ocalan in prison; the initiative has been supported by the Turkish government

"Our government was informed about the visit and we have authorized it. We consider this as a helpful step for the country. But this process won't last long if it is abused." he said.

Ergin also said that meetings might continue in the oncoming days.

Their visit is the first visit to Imral? by lawmakers since Ocalan was imprisoned in 1999.

According a report by daily Radikal, Ayla Akat Ata, a Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) lawmaker and Ahmet Turk, an independent Deputy and co-chair of umbrella group Democratic Society Congress (DTK), travelled to Imral?, where Ocalan is serving a life sentence.

Also, F?rat news agency, known for its close ties with the PKK, reported that the Deputies visited Imral? Island yesterday.

The visit came amid an announcement from Kemal K?l?cdaroglu, head of the main opposition Republican Peoples' Party (CHP), who said his party cautiously backed talks between Turkey's intelligence agency and jailed PKK leader Ocalan.

The main opposition leader has said his party is concerned but not biased against talks facilitated by Turkey's intelligence agency and the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan.

"If talks result in both sides unconditionally laying down arms, the Republican Peoples' Party (CHP) will have no problem with any deal", Kilicdaroglu, was quoted as saying yesterday. "We also want to see the [PKK] lay down its arms, but once we look at the facts, we see that the government does not sincerely target the solution of the issue as much as it is interested in turning the talks into a matter of political advantage," K?l?cdaroglu said, according to daily Milliyet. "These studies should not be done for the upcoming elections but must be done in order to genuinely solve the Kurdish issue", he said.

Government and ruling party officials have recently made it public that another set of talks have been launched with Ocalan, who is serving a life sentence in a prison on Imral? island. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on December 28, 2012, that his agents were meeting with Ocalan. "I cannot hold such meetings myself as a politician, but the state has agents and they [hold talks]," Erdogan told state-run TRT television. "The meetings on [Imral? Island] are still underway because we must get a result. As long as we see a light [in the potential for a result], we continue to take steps. If there is no light, we will stop there."

Daily Radikal Editor-in-Chief Eyup Can wrote in his column yesterday, that National Intelligence Agency (MIT) chief Hakan Fidan, who was also a part of the failed "Oslo talks" before being appointed as MIT head, spent two days on Imral? late last month to negotiate with Ocalan.

"Fidan and Ocalan agreed on a strategy and according to the agreement, Ocalan is now waiting for a delegation to visit him to talk about the new stage," Can wrote. "The names to be included in the list are not certain yet, but it will mostly include politicians from the [Peace and Democracy Party] BDP."

BDP politicians and Ocalan's lawyers have not been allowed to visit the PKK leader for the last 17 months. His brother, Mehmet Ocalan, visited Ocalan on November 17 for the first time in months and conveyed a call from the PKK leader that led to more than 700 prisoners ending hunger strikes that were risking their health.

Ocalan will issue a call that will include ordering PKK militants to lay down arms after the delegation's visit, according to Can.

Meanwhile, Oktay Vural from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) heavily criticized the talks and slammed the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for "trying to run the country by holding on to Ocalan's rope, ignoring the will of the millions that voted for them."

Vural organized a press meeting in Parliament yesterday, where he said the most embarrassing events in all of Turkey's history had happened during the AKP's term in power. He also condemned all negotiations with the PKK leader.

[10] Erdogan to tour African countries; Turkey to afforest African deserts

Erdogan will visit Gabon, Niger and Senegal in his first foreign trip abroad in the New Year and he will meet with officials, participate in business forums and sign several agreements during the six-day African tour.

Erdogan's first stop will be Gabon, where he will meet with Gabonese President Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba and the country's Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima and appears in a joint press conference.

Accompanied by a large delegation of Turkish businesspeople, Erdogan will speak in a Turkish-Gabonese business forum which would seek cooperation opportunities in trade and investment.

"Turkish Premier's visit is a significant message. The visit aims at continuing relations at the top level and devise new solid projects," Turkey's Ambassador to Gabon, Ahmet Demirel, told to Anadolu Agency, adding that Turkey's national air carrier, the Turkish Airlines, would soon launch direct flights to Libreville.

Erdogan will visit Niger on January 8 on the second stop of his African tour and meet with President Mahamadou Issoufou and chair meetings between Turkish and Nigerien officials. "Our economic and trade relations have gained a significant momentum over the past couple of years and our trade volume increased 70%. Prime Minister Erdogan's visit constitutes a great opportunity to bolster bilateral ties," said Askin Cakmak, a senior diplomat with the Turkish Embassy in Niamey.

On January 10, Erdogan will arrive in Senegal, the last stop of the tour and he will meet with President Macky Sall and Prime Minister Abdoul Mbaye and the two Premiers will chair meetings between Turkish and Senegalese officials.

Turkey's exports to Senegal stood at $109 million in the January-October period of 2012, down from $116 million over the same period a year earlier.

(?)

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.01.12) reported that Turkey will afforest Niger within the scope of an action plan for underdeveloped countries.

A statement by the Forestry and Water Affairs Ministry said on Thursday that Turkey has launched 2011-2020 Action Plan for Underdeveloped Countries that was approved in the 4th Underdeveloped Countries Conference hosted by Turkey between May 9 and 13, 2011.

A project on afforestation in Niger named Turkish-Nigerien Friendship Forest worth 115,000 U.S. dollars has been prepared.

The statement said that within the scope of the project, Erdogan would visit Niger on January 8 to plant trees and open water wells in the country. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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