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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-01-14Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 9/13 12-14.01.13[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS
[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS[01] Comments by Bagis and Atalay on Apostolos Andreas Monastery's restorationTurkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (13.01.13) reported that Egemen Bagis, Turkish Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, has argued that if Apostolos (Saint) Andreas Monastery in the occupied Karpasia Peninsula collapses, it will fall on the heads of the Greek Cypriots. Replying to statements made by Archbishop Chrysostomos II, who had reportedly said that it would be better for the monastery to collapse than to be restored by the Turks, Bagis alleged: "With which capacity those who are as much distanced from religion as saying that it is better for [the monastery] to collapse if the Turks will restore it, come in front of the people? Let them know that if that place collapses, it will fall on their heads. They will remain under the ruins of that place. It has been understood once more that the hatred of the Greek Cypriot administrators will be drowned in the sea of our tolerance. The Greek Cypriot administrators will look and the Turks will act".Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.01.13) reports that Talip Atalay, head of the so-called religious affairs department of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, has expressed his "great sorrow and astonishment" for the above-mentioned statement reportedly made by the Archbishop. He argued that Islam advises them to respect the beliefs and the temples of other religions. "We consider as our own values all the places of worship within the borders of our country", he claimed and described the decision of the breakaway regime to cover the expenses for the restoration of the monastery as "extremely appropriate". (I/Ts.) [02] Eroglu stated that they have other alternatives on the Cyprus problem in the event the negotiations process failed to yield any resultsAccording to illegal Bayrak television (12.01.13), the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has given clear messages regarding a possible new negotiations process following next month's Presidential elections in "south Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is called.Eroglu said that the Turkish Cypriot side had no intention of sitting at the negotiating table for another 44 years. Speaking during a visit paid to him yesterday, Eroglu reminded that the Cyprus issue was the joint cause of Turkey and the "TRNC". He said that the aim of the Turkish Cypriot side was to either reach a settlement that would allow the "people" of the "TRNC" to live in peace and security or to create a more prosperous state. "Perhaps the Greek Cypriots will acknowledge the reality that there is a separate state and people living in the north of the island so that they can adopt a more compromising stance at the negotiating table and we can reach a solution. If that doesn't happen, the current situation where there are two states on the island will continue" he added. He said that although the Turkish Cypriot side had other alternatives in the event the negotiations process failed to yield any results, its primary goal was to reach a settlement. Eroglu also expressed his view that the just struggle and cause waged by the Turkish Cypriot "people" will eventually be acknowledged by the world with the support of "motherland" Turkey. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary General's Special Advisor Alexander Downer is in Cyprus for contacts on both sides of the island. The UN Special Envoy will meet with Eroglu on Tuesday, the 15th of January. [03] Azeri MP's carried out illegal contacts in the occupied area of CyprusAccording to illegal Bayrak television (11.01.13) a group of Deputies from Azerbaijan's Parliament, is having contacts in the "TRNC".The Azerbaijani Deputies met today with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, the "speaker" of the "assembly" Hasan Bozer and the so-called foreign minister Huseyin Ozgurgun respectively. Welcoming the visiting Azerbaijani Deputies, Eroglu said that Azerbaijan and the "TRNC" are brother "countries" and expressed the need for intensified contacts between officials from the two countries. Eroglu also said that although they had a "separate state", the Turkish Cypriot "people", who were part of the same nation with their Azeri brethren, were pleased to see Azerbaijan's strengthening position within the international arena. Also speaking during the visit, the head of the delegation Malahat 0brahimgizi, a Deputy from the New Azerbaijan Party's Nasimi region, expressed the desire to establish stronger relations with the "TRNC". The "speaker" of the "Republic's assembly" Hasan Bozer and the "minister of foreign affairs" Huseyin Ozgurgun who also met the delegation, gave out similar messages of cooperation and friendly relations between the "two countries". [04] Rauf Denktas was remembered yesterday; Messages by Eroglu and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign AffairsTurkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.01.13) reports that former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas was remembered yesterday, one year after his death, during a ceremony held at his grave. The Turkish self-styled ambassador to Lefkosia, Halil Ibgrahim Akca, former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk, the commanders of the occupation army and the so-called security forces, the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ozkan Yorgancioglu and the leader of the Democratic Party (DP), Serdar Denktas attended the ceremony, which was addressed by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu. Another ceremony for Denktas was organized at "Ataturk's Cultural Centre".In his address, Eroglu alleged that Rauf Denktas loved Cyprus, took the Turkish Cypriot "people" from the point of being a community and lead them to the point of being a "people" having a "state", knew very well Turkey's importance for the Turkish Cypriots and was from heart affiliated with Turkey. "I say once more that let God have mercy on our leader, our president and that our state will live as long as the world exists and that the Turks of Cyprus will always remember him and they will never forget him", Eroglu said. Recalling that shortly before he died, Denktas referred to the Greek Cypriot leadership and said "tell them that there is an independent republic here", Eroglu argued that this was the most important legacy left by Denktas to the Turkish Cypriots. Meanwhile, Kibris reports also that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a message on the occasion of the anniversary of Rauf Denktas' death, alleging that Denktas devoted his entire life to "the struggle of the Turkish Cypriots for equality and freedom in consensus and harmony with Turkey". The ministry argued that Denktas presented to the Turkish Cypriots the "TRNC", which allegedly symbolizes their "equal political rights" and their "founding will". (I/Ts.) [05] Bulutoglulari resigned from "mayor" of the occupied Lefkosia; "early local elections" will probably take place in the occupied area of Cyprus in 60 daysAccording to illegal Bayrak television (12.01.13) the "mayor" of occupied Lefkosia Cemal Bulutoglular1 has resigned.Bulutoglular1's resignation was accepted as valid yesterday in line with article 60 of the "Law governing Municipalities". The former "mayor" had initially handed over his letter of resignation to the "Lefkosia district governor" Kemal Deniz Dana on the 9th of January to present it to the "minister of interior" on the condition that the process to settle the crisis at the "municipality" reached a new stalemate. Commenting on the issue, the "minister of interior" Naz1m Cavusoglu said that Bulutoglular1's resignation had been accepted and had come into effect as of yesterday. Cavusoglu also said that an "early local election" by June this year was possible to elect a new mayor to the capital. Asked as to when the workers at the "Lefkosia Turkish Municipality" will get paid, he said that there were no financial problems and that the problem would solve itself by next week the latest. Cemal Bulutoglular1 in a written statement distributed in front of the "prime ministry" said that the 6 million Turkish Liras waiting to be transferred to the "municipality's accounts" were being prevented from being doing so, by various political games. Meanwhile, reporting on the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (14.01.13) writes that Bulutoglulari's resignation is to be convey today to the so-called "High election commission". As the paper writes, the so-called "law for elections and referenda" envisages that "early local elections" are possible to take place by June this year. However, as the paper points out, the "government" may proceed to a "legal amendment" so that the "elections" to take place earlier. Speaking on the issue, the so-called minister Cavusoglu has said it is possible for the "election timetable" to change so that the "early elections" to take place in 60 days. (AK ) [06] The crisis in UBP continues: Rumors has it that Kucuk offered Kasif six "ministries" for not participating in the second election roundTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (13.01.13) reports that the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk, who according to the paper is afraid of not wining on the second round for the presidential elections for the leadership of the National Unity Party (UBP) called on his revival Ahmet Kasif and offered him six "ministries" under the condition to quit participating in the second election round. However, Kasif rejected the offer, according to Afrika.On the contrary, as Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (14.01.13) writes, Kucuk issued a written statement denied the report saying that the rumors are totally fabricated, intentional and rubbish. However, Afrika (14.01.13) writes that despite Kucuk denial on the issue, UBP members Hasan Tacoy and Turkay Tokel confirmed the paper's Sunday publication noting that were presented when Kucuk made the offer to Kasif. "I am a witness on the issue", Tokel stated. (TR. Note: A district "court" in the occupied part of Lefkosia ruled to cancel Kucuk's declaration as chairman of the UBP during the congress of the party on 21 October 2012, and the conduction of a second round between Kucuk and Kasif, noting that this was contrary to the statute of the UBP.) [07] The occupation army closed the Tymvou barricade for 40 minutes in LouroudjinaUnder the title "Barricade island", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (14.01.13) reports that the inhabitants of occupied Louroudjina village who for years now are subjected to identity controls in barricades, faced just another "passing crisis" on Sunday.The paper writes that the Turkish occupation army kept closed for 40 minutes the "Tymvou barricade", which is the only road for entering the village, causing the many difficulties for the persons living in the village. "For 38 year now we have to bear this problem, our punishment is not over", a Louroudjina inhabitant said to the paper. [08] Low participation in the general assembly of the association for promotion and sustentation of the breakaway regimeUnder the title "The low participation caused sorrow", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.01.13) reports that the association for the promotion and sustention of the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, held yesterday its regular general assembly.According to the paper, the fact that very few people participated in the assembly, to which 100 persons had been invited, saddened the participants and mainly the chairman of the association, Bekir Volkan, who in an angry manner said that they had invited about 100 persons, but the participation was "heartbreaking". Volkan recalled that the association had been established on 3 March 2003, in a period when the Annan Plan was on the agenda and that the majority of its members came from the "National People's Movement" (UHH). Volkan was reelected chairman of the association. The self-styled minister of health of the regime, Ertugrul Hasipoglu, who is honorary chairman of the association", was also present at the meeting. In his address, he said that the number of those who will promote the "country" should not be so low. Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu is also honorary "general president" of the association. (I/Ts.) [09] "Association for keeping alive the ideas of Rauf Raif Denktas" was established in occupied CyprusTurkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.01.13) reports that a new institution, under the name "Association for keeping alive the ideas of Rauf Raif Denktas", was established in the breakaway regime.Speaking on the aims of the association, its chairman Latif Akca stated that they will persuade Denktas ideas who work for the establishment of a modern, social and democratic "state" based on the ideas of Kemal Ataturk. [10] So-called minister Ustel speaks on the occupation regime tourismUnder the front-page title: "The goal is 12-months tourists", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (14.01.13) reports on statements by the so-called minister of tourism, environment and culture, Unal Ustel who has stated to the paper that 2012 was positive for the "country's tourism" and announced also their goals and projects for the years 2013-2016.Stating that the year 2012 was positive for the occupation regime's tourism, Ustel said that the fact that charter flights from 11 countries took place during 2012, was important for the promotion of the occupation regime. Ustel said that their aim is to bring 12 months tourists to the "TRNC". He pointed out that their goal for 2013 for the tourism sector is to grow by 35% and added that they expect also an increase to the number of tourists and the number of overnight stays. Stating that the revenues from tourism during 2012 were 510 million dollars, he said that their goal is for these revenues to be increase by 49% for 2016 and reach to 760 million dollars. Ustel said also that in the framework of their strategic plans, they aim to increase the number of tourists visiting the occupation regime so that to reach 1 million, to participate to various markets and to increase the bed capacities, the occupancy rates and the capacity during the winter period. So-called minister Ustel said further, that a total of 434 flights from 11 countries took place during last year, adding that this number is to be increased more. Referring to the importance of the promotion and participation of the occupation regime to tourism fairs abroad, Ustel said that between January-October 2012, the occupation regime participated to 15 tourism fairs which took place abroad. He said that the occupation regime has participated for the first time this years to tourism fairs which took place in Ukraine, Kiev (UITT-Ukraine International Travel & Tourism exhibition), in Moscow, (Matka-MITT-MITT is Russia's leading and largest travel exhibition), in Scandinavia and in the FYROM. Ustel added that within the period of 29 October-3 November, the "ministry", together with representatives of the "sector" carried out a series of contacts in countries of northern Europe where they had also promoted the occupation regime's tourism to an event called Roadshow. He also said that the occupation regime plans to participate to a total of 21 tourists fair which will take place abroad by June and also to one Roadshow event. Referring to the occupation regime's promotion campaign abroad, Ustel said that they renew the protocol for the promotion of the occupation regime in the UK, especially referring to the campaign for the promotion of the occupation regime with advertisements on the black taxis of London. (...) (AK) [11] Erdogan threats Hollande with legal measures; he demands an explanation on the PKK women's assassinationAccording to Turkish daily Today's Zaman (13.01.13) the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on French President Francois Hollande to explain why he had met one of three Kurdish women with links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) who were shot dead in Paris this week.Hollande has said he knew one of the killed Kurdish women and was meeting with her regularly, describing the assassination as "horrible." The bodies of the women -- PKK co-founder Sakine Cans1z, Fidan Dogan and Leyla Soylemez -- were found at around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Kurdistan Information Center on Rue Lafayette in Paris. "How can you routinely meet with members of an organization labeled a terrorist group by the European Union and being sought by Interpol? What kind of politics is this?" Erdogan said in a speech to a business group on Saturday". "The French President should immediately disclose to the public why he met with members of this terrorist organization, what was discussed, to what end he was in communication with these terrorists", the Prime Minister said, adding that Turkey would pursue unspecified legal measures on the matter. Erdogan said the killings may be the result of PKK infighting or an attempt to derail Turkey's efforts to end the Kurdish conflict, which has implications for Syria, Iran and Iraq with their ethnic Kurdish minorities. "The killings in Paris may have been an attempt aimed at sabotaging this initiative. It may also be score-settling within the ranks of the separatist terrorist group," he said. He rejected allegations by Kurdish groups that elements from the Turkish state were behind the killings and demanded French authorities apprehend those behind the attack and shed light on the incident at once. French investigators gave no immediate indication as to who might be responsible. Erdogan pledged to continue efforts to end the conflict. Since his party came to power in 2002, it has expanded political and cultural rights for Turkey's estimated 15 million Kurds to create a basis for ending a war that has held back the country's economic and democratic progress. But Kurdish politicians and activists also accuse Erdogan of escalating tensions through the arrests and trials of thousands of Kurdish journalists, lawyers and others who have sought a civilian, non-violent resolution of the conflict. He has also stepped up military attacks on the PKK, including land and air incursions into Iraq to target rebels in their mountain hideouts. [12] Kilicdaroglu on murder of the three PKK members in Paris: It is French government's responsibility to explain what happenedTurkish daily Toda's Zaman newspaper (13.01.13) reports that the chairman of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal K1l1?daro lu, said the killing of three Kurdish women in Paris should not hamper the government's resumed peace talks with PKK, reiterating his endorsement of the peace initiative.Three Kurdish activists, including one reported to be a founding member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), were shot dead last week in what authorities called an execution in central Paris. The slayings came as Turkey is holding peace talks with PKK leader Abdullah ?calan, who has been serving a life sentence on 0mral1 Island, off the coast of 0stanbul, since 1999, to try to persuade the organization to disarm. K1l1?daro lu made these statements during an interview with journalists on his way to Beijing on Saturday night. The CHP leader said he is receiving information on the slayings from both inside and outside Turkey. "We are expecting light to be shed on the incident. It is mainly the French government's responsibility to explain what happened. The site of the incident is a place constantly monitored by French intelligence and police. We need to learn the motive behind the attack. It is obvious that it is an execution, but we need to reveal the motive behind the execution," he said. The party leader had previously expressed support for the peace talks and now emphasizes that they should continue apart from the incident so as not to be damaged. "It is not right to allow a murder or execution that took place elsewhere to hamper the peace talks on 0mral1. If the government is determined enough, the [peace] process will continue independent of this event," he noted. Answering questions about a call by the leader of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) for the CHP to take part in the talks, K1l1?daro lu stated that this peace process is independent of the CHP. "We do not want to be in this process," he added. The party leader then reiterated his call on the government to inform Parliament of every development regarding the talks. [13] Sinirlioglu visited Russia for talks on Syria; He will visit the USA todayAnkara Anatolia news agency (11.01.13) reported that the Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu discussed the Syria crisis and situation in the region, with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Russian President's Special Envoy to Middle East Mikhail Bogdanov.In a statement released on Friday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that during Sinirlioglu's two-day visit to Moscow, on Thursday, he came together with Bogdanov. The statement said that the two diplomats had exchanged views regarding the latest development in Syria as well as the other developments in the region. The two officials met last November in the Ankara. Russia is one of the few remaining allies of Syria while Turkey is calling for the ouster of Syria's President, Bashar al-Assad. Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.01.13) reported that Feridun Sinirlioglu, will pay a visit to the United States between January 14 and 16. Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Sinirlioglu would visit this country upon the invitation of William Burns, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State. They will take up bilateral issues and regional developments on the agenda of the two countries. This visit will be a follow up of the regular political consultations between the two countries. [14] Turkey's Yildiz to visit UAEAnkara Anatolia news agency (13.01.13) reported that the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz will leave for United Arab Emirates on Monday.Yildiz will attend World Future Energy Summit, and hold several meetings. The summit will take place on January 14. It will be participated by leaders from France, Argentine, Iceland, Spain, Serbia and Montenegro. Yildiz will meet CEOs of several international companies, and visit Al Taweelah power plant. He will return to Turkey the same day. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio /EI Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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