Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-02-11

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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] Interview by Obama to Milliyet; he applauds Turkey's effort to solve the Kurdish problem

[02] Turkey's Yildiz reacts over the Republic of Cyprus' agreement with ENI

[03] Atun comments on the Republic of Cyprus' economic difficulties; he claimed that the exploration blocks claimed by both sides in the Mediterranean, overlapped

[04] Ozgurgun on the Republic of Cyprus' oil exploration activities in the Mediterranean

[05] Italian Ambassador to Turkey on the signing agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and ENI: "Italy understood the complexity of the problem"

[06] Yektaoglu says Turkey will not endure fait accompli in the Mediterranean

[07] Eroglu called on all Islamic countries to implement OIC's decisions on the Turkish Cypriots

[08] Erdogan accused the Republic of Cyprus of playing with time

[09] Erdogan to meet EU envoys tonight; He expressed strong criticism to the USA Ambassador over his recent remarks

[10] Data on the applications by Greek Cypriots to the "Property Compensation Commission"

[11] Ozyigit criticized President Christofias for appointing a deputy governor of the Central Bank

[12] The competition of the Chamber of Industry for halloumi cheese ended

[13] Human trafficking is reportedly held in the occupied area of Cyprus

[14] Plundering of antiquities in occupied Karpasia continues

[15] A new Public Registry of Land in the breakaway regime

[16] Turkey's trade volume with SGO's member countries increased

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Interview by Obama to Milliyet; he applauds Turkey's effort to solve the Kurdish problem

"I applaud Prime Minister Erdogan's efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to a struggle that has caused so much pain and sorrow for the people of Turkey for more than 30 years," Obama told daily Milliyet's Washington representative, P1
nar Ersoy, in an e-mail interview.

Turkey has launched a "peace process" aiming to end the three-decade-old conflict between security forces and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). For the first time in recent Turkish history, Turkish officials have openly held talks with the imprisoned leader of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan.

"I believe that the proactive measures that the Turkish government is undertaking can lead to real progress. A peaceful resolution will not only improve the lives of millions of citizens living in the violence-torn regions of southeast Turkey, it will mean more security and prosperity for people across Turkey for generations to come. The Turkish people should know that the United States will continue to support ? in concrete ways ? their desire to close this terrible chapter and begin a new chapter of peace and security," the president told the daily.

Commenting on the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Obama said it was an outrageous act of terrorism while underlining the cooperation between the two governments. "The attack on our embassy compound in Ankara was an outrageous act of terrorism for which there is absolutely no justification. This was a tragedy for both our countries. Our hearts go out to the family of Mustafa Akarsu, who gave his life to protect others, Turks and Americans. We are very grateful for the prompt response of the Turkish authorities, and the cooperation between our two governments has been excellent. We'll continue to coordinate closely and do everything we can to bring the perpetrators to justice," Obama said.

On the Syrian crisis, Obama said President Bashar al-Assad's regime will ultimately come to an end as it is weakening day by day. "We are very mindful that the days ahead will continue to be extremely difficult, for the Syrian people and the region. But we also know that the [al-]Assad regime continues to weaken and lose territory. The regime continues to suffer defections, while the opposition grows stronger. And make no mistake ? the [al-]Assad regime will ultimately come to an end and the Syrian people will have the opportunity to decide their own destiny. That's the future that we will continue to work toward, in partnership with Turkey and the international community," the President said.

The U.S. President also praised Turkey's role in solving the crisis and dealing with the massive influx of Syrian refugees. "We've taken all these steps in close coordination with the Turkish government, and I want to commend Prime Minister Erdogan and the Turkish government for playing a leadership role in trying to [bring an] end to the violence and begin a political transition in Syria. I especially want to applaud the people of Turkey, who have shown incredible generosity in hosting more than 170,000 Syrians who escaped the violence and found refuge in camps in Turkey."

[02] Turkey's Yildiz reacts over the Republic of Cyprus' agreement with ENI

According to Ankara Anatolia news agency, Y1
ld1
z alleged that the oil and gas research conducted by "Greek Cyprus" in the Mediterranean was contrary to international law, as the water in question lies in an undetermined exclusive economic zone between the two sides. "Turkey will not cooperate with companies who participate in oil and gas research there until the conditions are clarified," he said. He also added that the Energy Ministry has had talks with the Italian multinational oil and gas company ENI.

Y1
ld1
z said Turkey's state-run oil researcher TPAO would continue its operations in authorized regions of the island.

Also, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (08.02.13) Yildiz said on Friday that Turkey's energy sector would not be indifferent to any energy project in Iraq.

On the claims that Turkey and the administration in the north of Iraq signed a deal against the Iraqi constitution, Yildiz said Turkey would have minded the priorities of the Iraqi government and the constitution.

Yildiz added Turkey's energy sector would not be indifferent to any energy project in Iraq, regardless it was in the north or the south. Turkey was one of the 19 countries doing business in Iraq, he added.

Regarding the "Greek Cypriot administration's" agreement with Italian and French companies to conduct drilling in the Mediterranean Sea, Yildiz said that drilling in the exclusive economic zones contrary to the international law was not right. He said, "if it would be done anyway, it should include the whole Cyprus."

He said they would overview the applications of the (Italian energy company) ENI in Turkey and added that ENI should decide which project it would be in.

On a question whether seismic search ship would conduct a contra search activity, Yildiz said they were not after a countermove in eastern Mediterranean.

[03] Atun comments on the Republic of Cyprus' economic difficulties

Speaking during the inauguration of a business and finance TV channel in Istanbul Turkey, Atun reminded that Turkish Cypriots had voted in favor of the UN sponsored Annan Plan in 2004 following promised by the European Union that it would lift the isolation imposed on "north Cyprus". He however reminded that those promises were not kept and pointed out that they were working had since then to open the "TRNC" to the rest of the world.

Touching upon the Greek Cypriot side's hydrocarbon explorations off the coast of the island he alleged that, "This situation poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability", due to the fact that, as he claimed, the exploration blocks claimed by sides overlapped.

[04] Ozgurgun on the Republic of Cyprus' oil exploration activities in the Mediterranean

"Those companies in cooperation with the Greek Cypriots will inevitably become a side to the issue," Ozgurgun said.

Ozgurgun stated that the Greek Cypriots' signing of an agreement in regards to their so-called exclusive economic region in the 10th and 11th parcels with French Total, has added a new dimension of increasing tension in its "unilateral and illegal" hydrocarbon search in Eastern Mediterranean.

Ozgurgun condemned the move of the Greek Cypriots and their inclusion of a French company and said: "The parcels on which the Greek Cypriots have signed an agreement fall in our area. As the Turkish Cypriots we hope the UN negotiation process would end up with a fair and permanent resolution. However, if the Greek Cypriots' attitude of extorting the rights of the Turkish Cypriots continues, we will stand up for our right in terms of hydrocarbon search with our guarantor state Turkey".

[05] Italian Ambassador to Turkey on the signing agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and ENI: "Italy understood the complexity of the problem"

In statements to the paper on February 8, Scarante said that the European Union would struggle to be strong and efficient without Turkey, underlining that Ankara and Brussels both had important roles to play.

"I don't think there are alternatives," the Ambassador told the Hurriyet Daily News in Istanbul on Feb. 8, when asked to comment on the recent debate on Turkey's possible membership to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). "The EU is an important pillar of Turkey. Europe is in your history. In the future, Turkey will be an important pillar of the EU. In the future of Europe there will be Turkey, I believe."

Scarante stressed that 2013 would be an important year for the stalled negotiations. "2013 will mark some positive steps," he said. The EU is preparing to lift its block on at least one accession chapter during Ireland's current bloc term presidency.

Scarante also said that Italy supported the idea of removing visas for Turkey, adding that Rome was lobbying to this end in Brussels. "It is not just to help a friend country, but it is also in Italy's interest and the EU's interest to have a Turkey without visas. There are 100,000 people coming every year from Turkey, but the potential is much bigger. So why don't we remove visas. There is no danger for our country, no danger of illegal immigration," he said.

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Y1
ld1
z said Feb. 8 the government will review the applications of the company, adding that ENI should decide which project it would be in.

[06] Yektaoglu says Turkey will not endure fait accompli in the Mediterranean

In statements to Star Kibris, Yektaoglu described as "blow to peace on the island" the information that the Republic of Cyprus will launch explorations for oil and natural gas in Eastern Mediterranean after signing two agreements with French TOTAL Company. He alleged that these explorations of the Greek Cypriots are not in harmony with justice and that the plots where explorations will be held coincide with plots which allegedly belong to the "TRNC". He argued that the international maritime law will not allow this.

Yektaoglu claimed that the natural gas in Eastern Mediterranean should be distributed fairly in order for serving peace and alleged that the Greek Cypriots should behave "reasonably" on this issue. He noted that absolutely no war is permanent and all disputes are sooner or later discussed at a negotiating table.

He alleged that the actual issue here is the so-called violation of the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people" and Turkey. He argued that "Turkey will not endure such fait accompli".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Eroglu called on all Islamic countries to implement OIC's decisions on the Turkish Cypriots

Eroglu made the call during a working dinner he hosted for foreign missionaries, diplomats, think tanks, politicians, Turkish Foreign Ministry officials, businessmen and media groups in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

Eroglu hosted a working dinner at the Turkish Ambassador to Cairo's residence.

During the dinner, he made a speech regarding "north Cyprus" and answered questions of his guests.

He also handed out documents which contains information regarding his stance towards the upcoming Cyprus negotiations process and the proposal he put forward to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon in September, regarding the petrol and natural gas exploration in Cyprus.

Eroglu called on all Islamic countries to implement the OIC decisions regarding the Turkish Cypriots as this would motivate the Greek Cypriots towards a solution of the Cyprus problem. "The UN and the EU can motivate the Greek Cypriot side for a solution by removing the unjust embargoes imposed on us and the OIC also has a role to play in this process", Eroglu said.

[08] Erdogan accused the Republic of Cyprus of playing with time

Erdogan who was speaking during a meeting of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) reiterated his position that Turkey and the breakaway regime were punished despite saying yes to the Annan Plan, while the Republic of Cyprus became member of the European Union. He went on and added that the Greek Cypriots side is not sincere at the negotiations and is trying to gain time because is pleased with the current situation.

[09] Erdogan to meet EU envoys tonight; He expressed strong criticism to the USA Ambassador over his recent remarks

Erdogan has said on more than one occasion recently that Turkey could drop its EU accession bid and seek membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) instead because the EU has been stalling in negotiations with Turkey for five decades. He repeated criticism of the EU on Saturday, this time saying that it tolerates the activity of terrorists wanted in Turkey.

During his speech at the Istanbul meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Erdogan stated that Turkey will show no further patience over what he called Europe's tolerance of terrorist groups that target security forces and civilians in Turkey.

"The latest incident in Paris and the attack on the US Embassy, in which a Turkish national was killed and a Turkish journalist wounded, have led us to question the relationship between Europe and terrorism," Erdogan said.

(?) Erdogan accused Europe of failing to show the necessary solidarity with Turkey in fighting terrorism, adding that terrorism has cost the country hundreds of billions of dollars over the past three decades.

Erdogan also complained that European officials talked about "freedom" and "law" when Turkey requests the extradition of suspects. He stressed that he will bring up the issue at a meeting with EU country envoys on February 11. "We have already told every [European] leader we meet that our patience has almost run out," he said.

The Prime Minister joined a chorus of criticism against US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone, who criticized Turkey's judiciary in remarks earlier this month. Erdogan said these remarks were "unacceptable," adding that his country is not a scapegoat.

"Turkey is not anyone's scapegoat. No one can dare to meddle in Turkey's internal affairs or stick one's nose into its legislative, judicial or executive systems. Turkey is not a country whose foreign policy guidelines can be dictated [by others]," said Erdogan during his speech.

Ricciardone reportedly told a group of Turkish journalists early last week that "you have members of Parliament who have been behind bars for a long time, sometimes on unclear charges. You have your military leaders, who were entrusted with the protection of this country, behind bars as if they were terrorists. ? You have non-violent student protesters protesting tuition hikes behind bars. When a legal system produces such results and confuses people like that for terrorists, it makes it hard for American and European courts to match up."

In response to these remarks, Erdogan stated without directly mentioning Ricciardone, that no one should misinterpret Turkey's patience, tolerance or friendship.

(?)

[10] Data on the applications by Greek Cypriots to the "Property Compensation Commission"

According to the paper, 316 of these applications have been settled in an amicable way and nine of them were completed in "court". Until now, the "Commission" paid to Greek Cypriot refugees the sum of 101 million 326 thousand and 15 pounds sterling. In one case return of property was decided, in two exchange and compensation and in five cases return and compensation. Moreover, return after the solution of the Cyprus problem was decided in one case and partial return in another.

According to the paper, 1.601 applications were made to the "Commission" in 2012 and only eight of them were concluded. In January 2013, the "Commission" accepted 164 applications.

(I/Ts.)

[11] Ozyigit criticized President Christofias for appointing a deputy governor of the Central Bank

Ozyigit who said that the decision was wrong, said that the appointment is against the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and is violating the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

[12] The competition of the Chamber of Industry for halloumi cheese ended

(I/Ts.)

[13] Human trafficking is reportedly held in the occupied area of Cyprus

Explaining the procedure which is followed, the paper writes that the client applies to the self-styled ministry of labor and social insurance of the regime asking for "preliminary permit". After this "permit' is granted, the client pays social insurance and providence fund expenses for his foreign workers, on the basis of the minimum wage. The foreign workers work six days per week and ten hours per day, according to the paper.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Dev-Is trade Union, Mehmet Seyis told the paper that the "government" of the regime gives special incentives for bringing cheap workforce and noted that "the ground for slave trade supported by the government is prepared".

(I/Ts.)

[14] Plundering of antiquities in occupied Karpasia continues

The "head of the village council" of Rizokarpaso, Cevdet Dag said that this crime could not have been committed only by three persons. He argued that the perpetrators had brought an "exorcist" from Turkey in order to determine the place they would carry out the excavation. He noted that this person has been sent back to Turkey without being arrested. He said that many similar incidents had been covered up in their village in the past and added that they will be following this incident through the press. He said they heard that 20 antiquities had been unearthed during the last excavation.

(I/Ts.)

[15] A new Public Registry of Land in the breakaway regime

According to information by the self-styled land registry public registry of land, the cadastral of the breakaway regime, which is dated on the British period in Cyprus, is regenerated. In addition, the public registry of land documents which remained at the public registry of land of the Republic of Cyprus after the Turkish invasion of 1974, and exist in various copy forms, will be used for new cadastral. The breakaway regime and Turkey even signed a protocol for this issue.

[16] Turkey's trade volume with SGO's member countries increased

The figure accounts for 16% of Turkey's overall foreign trade, 7.5% of the country's exports and 21.6% of its imports.

If Turkey was a member of the Shanghai group, it would have been the third biggest economy of the organization with $783 billion as of 2012. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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