Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-02-22

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Atalay says they will grant the "citizenship" of the regime to 22 thousand families of Turkish settlers

[02] Erolgu expects no change in the Greek Cypriot policy on the Cyprus problem after the presidential elections

[03] Turkish sources refer to a need of changing the negotiator in the Cyprus talks according to the circumstances

[04] Kucuk's press conference on the "activities" of his "government"

[05] The Cyprus problem has been discussed at yesterday's session of the so-called assembly; statements by Yorgancioglu and Ozgurgun

[06] Press conference on the economic program of Turkey to the breakaway regime will take place today with the participation of Kucuk and Akca

[07] Turkey's MFA confirms that Asil Nadir may return back to Turkey

[08] Taekwondo world championship to be held in occupied Cyprus in Summer

[09] Syria, bilateral ties and EU the main topics on Merkel's agenda for her forthcoming visit to Turkey

[10] Turkish Justice Ministry approves BDP's delegation list of members which will visit Ocalan in Imprali on Saturday

[11] The main political parties in Turkey agree to subordinate General Staff to Defense Ministry in the framework of the new Constitution

[12] Another retired general was convicted for February 28 plot

[13] New city construction of Istanbul to begin in six months

[14] Turkey losing its ethnic tongues according a an UNESCO report

[15] The breakaway regime is participating in the Free Munich Messe Tourism Fair

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Atalay says they will grant the "citizenship" of the regime to 22 thousand families of Turkish settlers

The paper writes that during a meeting held at the Turkish self-styled embassy in the occupied part of Lefkosia last Monday, some insults were heard for the Cypriots and the "ministers" of the breakaway regime. Chairmen of organizations of Turkish settlers also attended the meeting. When some participants in the meeting said that they consider Turkey's interference [in the National Unity Party's (UBP) congress] to be "unfavorable", Besir Atalay replied the following: "We are working for you. We will make 22 thousand families TRNC citizens".

According to the paper, Atalay said that both former Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas and the current Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu were "unreligious" and added: "They prevented the imam schools and the Koran courses in a Moslem community. We want to work with Mr Irsen".

Afrika writes that tension existed during the meeting and that when self-styled minister Ersan Saner said "hello, I am Ersan Saner", in an attempt to introduce himself, his hand remained in the air. AKP's propaganda expert in the occupied area of Cyprus, Erol Olcak did not shake Saner's hand and told him: "pass over there, I know you". According to the paper, Erol Olcak complained that the self-styled ministers of the regime "do not exert enough effort" in favor of Irsen Kucuk for the UBP's congress.

Meanwhile, in statements at a press conference yesterday, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime, Irsen Kucuk said that those [foreigners] who have worked in the occupied area of Cyprus for over than five years could apply for being granted the "citizenship" of the regime.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Erolgu expects no change in the Greek Cypriot policy on the Cyprus problem after the presidential elections

Eroglu argued that with "a wide propaganda" they should explain to the world what he called as "the intransigent stance of the Greek Cypriot side". He reiterated the allegation that the world should see the "reality" that "there are a people living under unjust embargoes". He claimed: "?We are not in 1968 or 1974 anymore. We are in 2013. A long time passed since then, many things changed. The realities must be seen and accepted".

Eroglu alleged that the "TRNC state" exists and that the world should see this reality. He claimed that an agreement made taking into consideration the existing "realities" could be lasting.

Referring to his recent contacts in Egypt, Eroglu said that he had met with many heads of states there, but the most important of his meetings was the one with the Turkish President Gul. Eroglu argued that the "TRNC state" has started to be accepted.

"Our bad neighbor has made us owners of state", he alleged adding that in case the so-called intransigence of the Greek Cypriots continues, the world will see that the Turkish Cypriots are right and the decisions of some states could become debatable.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkish sources refer to a need of changing the negotiator in the Cyprus talks according to the circumstances

Replying to questions on the issue, the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk said: "Such moves are definitely discussed in the modern world. Why not being discussed in northern Cyprus as well?"

Kucuk said that in all the world such negotiations are held by the ministries of foreign affairs and added that there was no obstacle in discussing the "legal grounds" of a similar change in the "TRNC", when the conditions of the day and the changing world order is taken into consideration.

The paper argues that presidential candidate and chairman of the Democratic Rally Party (DISY), Nikos Anastasiades had stated that he would not participate in the negotiations in case he won the presidential elections and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be given this authority.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Kucuk's press conference on the "activities" of his "government"

The "premier" underlined the fact that economic stability and growth was a priority for the "government's policies" and said that "motherland" Turkey's continuous support is vital in realizing this goal.

Kucuk told the press conference that positive economic developments have taken place in the "TRNC" as a result of austerity measures taken by his "government". "I guarantee my people that the year 2013 will be better, both in terms of economic growth and prosperity, as a result of our new initiatives and motherland Turkey's support. All sectors of our country will benefit from the transition program for a sustainable economy and new employment opportunities will be created with investments in various sectors. Our major goal is to ensure the continuation of economic growth and stability with reforms and financial arrangements as envisaged in the 2013-2015 economic program", Kucuk stressed.

He also pointed to the significant level of momentum gained in tourism and higher education sectors of the TRNC and noted that his "government" will maintain its supportive policies to help the further development of other sectors as well.

He went on saying that the "government" has put its signature under important projects in various fields such as road construction, road safety, e-state practices and health services. "Motherland Turkey has always provided its support for our stable economic development. A brighter future awaits us with new projects such as the transfer of water and electricity from Turkey. The TRNC has overcome the global economic crisis with slight losses, compared to other European countries such as south Cyprus and Greece. We will continue to maintain our bilateral relations with Motherland Turkey at the highest level, knowing that it is Turkey's desire to see Turkish Cypriots maintain their existence in security and prosperity. We will take the TRNC state to a higher position, in unity with the motherland", Kucuk also said.

Reporting on Kucuk's press conference yesterday, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (22.02.13) writes that Kucuk commenting on the fact that Eroglu has organized a press conference under the title: "evaluation of south Cyprus' elections", said that he would not response to Eroglu and pointed out this was an effort by Eroglu to give directions to the UBP in the light of the congress.

Referring to the forthcoming UBP congress, Kucuk said that he is consider as the favourite at the second round of the congress and expressed his perception that he will definitely be the winner.

Stating that the "election of the president" is not included at the party's agenda at the moment, Kucuk went on and said that after the elections at the occupied Lefkosia municipality, the "local and general elections" will take place. He added that he has no intention to make a "reshuffle of the cabinet" until the "general elections".

As regards his ties with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu, Kucuk said that he hasn't have any personal conflict with the "president" and added that they will continue their contacts in every platform.

(?).

[05] The Cyprus problem has been discussed at yesterday's session of the so-called assembly; statements by Yorgancioglu and Ozgurgun

Speaking during the meeting of the "assembly", Ozkan Yorgancioglu, chairman of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) expressed criticism accusing to the so-called government, for excluding the Cyprus problem from its agenda.

Saying that it is not possible to ignore something that exists, Yorgancioglu said that if the Turkish Cypriots are interested, developments were experienced abroad regarding the Cyprus problem.

Referring to the presidential elections to take place in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus on Sunday, Yorgancioglu said that the elections in "south Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus, are important for the Turkish Cypriots and said: "There would be developments in the future since it will be determined who will be our interlocutor at the Cyprus problem".

Recalling that DISY leader Nikos Anastasiades was ahead during the first round of the elections, Yorgancioglu said that Anastasiades is expected to be the winner.

Referring to the statements made from EU authorized organizations that the person to be elected as the President will need a period of 3-4 months in order to solve the internal problem experienced, Yorgancioglu pointed out that Cyprus negotiations talks are expected to be resumed after this period.

Referring to Turkish-EU accession negotiation talks, Yorgancioglu said that the Cyprus problem will be the main subject on the agenda. He added that despite of this, in "north Cyprus" they are behaving as if the Cyprus problem does not exist. He similarized this as the ostrich which put its head into the sand.

Yorgancioglu spoke also of the possibility that the Turkish Cypriots will not be able to interfere to the solution of the Cyprus problem and not be able to carry out rational policies and said that the process will be under the risk to stay out of circuit. He went on and said that if they, in this country, will not submit a solution proposal that will protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, then the developments will not be in their favour. He warned also that the international community may consider again the Turkish Cypriot side, as the side, which is not willing the solution.

Yorgancioglu accused also the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu for decelerate actions.

Replying to the criticism expressed, the so-called foreign minister, Huseyin Ozgurgun stressed the need for the Cyprus problem to be discussed at the "assembly" more excessively, Ozgurgun said that because of the elections in the "south" and their economic problems, the Cyprus problem was kept behind. He spoke of the possibility of the talks to be resumed on April.

Ozgurgun went on and alleged that due to the intransigent attitude of the Greek Cypriot side, not much progress has been achieved at the Cyprus talks. He continued and said that there is a will for a solution in the "north" of Cyprus, both in the "parliament" and in the "people", still, it is not possible as he said, to say the same for the Greek Cypriot side.

Speaking on the possibility for Anastasiades' election, Ozgurgun said that they will see how far Anastasiades is from the solution. Ozgurgun said that if they sit at the negotiation table and accept the "equality" of the Turkish Cypriots, then the Cyprus problem will be solved, as he said, adding that the solution will bring positive developments to both sides of the island (...).

(AK)

[06] Press conference on the economic program of Turkey to the breakaway regime will take place today with the participation of Kucuk and Akca

According to the paper, the self-style prime minister Irsen Kucuk, the Turkish "ambassador" to occupied Lefkosia Halil Ibrahim Akca, the "economy and energy minister" Sunat Atun and other "officials" will participate in the conference.

[07] Turkey's MFA confirms that Asil Nadir may return back to Turkey

Gumrukcu went on and said that as soon as the British authorities will decide on the issue, the Turkish and British authorities will cooperate and work together on a judicial level.

(AK)

[08] Taekwondo world championship to be held in occupied Cyprus in Summer

According to the paper, Gokbilen asked for Bozer's support regarding the organization of the championship.

[09] Syria, bilateral ties and EU the main topics on Merkel's agenda for her forthcoming visit to Turkey

The German Chancellor is set to pay a high-profile visit to Turkey with top German businessmen accompanying her on a tour covering three cities in two days in an attempt to further boost the strategic dialogue between the two partners.

Merkel, who last appeared in the Turkish capital in 2010, will arrive in Gaziantep on Feb. 24 before heading to Kahramanmara
, where 300 German soldiers have been deployed along with two units of Patriot defense systems. Sparing her Feb. 24 late afternoon to cultural activities, Merkel will visit Cappadocia where she is also expected to meet Christians living in the area. Later she moved on to Ankara on Feb. 25 for official talks with President Abdullah G?l and Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan. She will also pay her respects to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk with a visit to his mausoleum, the An1
tkabir. Merkel will also attend the CEO Forum organized by the TUS0
AD of Turkey and BID of Germany.

"Merkel's visit comes after a series of high-level visits from Germany to Turkey, including the interior minister and his state secretary. According to German diplomatic sources, the visit shows how deep and comprehensive bilateral relations between the two nations are. Leader of the Social Democrat Party, Sigmar Gabriel will also pay a visit to Turkey next week to meet with Erdogan and Kemal K1
l1
?daroglu, leader of the Republican People's Party.", writes the paper.

[10] Turkish Justice Ministry approves BDP's delegation list of members which will visit Ocalan in Imprali on Saturday

The deputies will travel to 0
mral1
Island, where jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan is serving a life sentence, on Saturday.

After a long controversy over the deputies to be included in the delegation, the BDP on Thursday announced that it had officially submitted to the Justice Ministry a list of three -- Pervin Buldan, Altan Tan and S1
rr1
Sureyya Onder. The delegation will meet with Ocalan as part of the talks aimed at resolving Turkey's long-standing Kurdish problem.

Last week, the party unofficially named Ahmet Turk, co-chairman of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Congress (DTK) and an independent deputy, BDP co-Chairperson Selahattin Demirta
and Buldan, the BDP parliamentary group deputy chairwoman, as the politicians who will go to 0
mral1
to meet with Ocalan.

However, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had reportedly rejected the BDP's unofficial list, and the party had been asked to prepare a new list. The BDP made a new list after a meeting on Thursday evening.

The first meeting between Ocalan and Kurdish politicians as part of the negotiations took place on Jan. 4 when Turk and BDP deputy Ayla Akat Ata visited 0
mral1
.

In the meantime, according to a news report in the Vatan daily on Thursday, the crisis over which Kurdish politicians will go to 0
mral1
to join the peace talks was jointly resolved by the National Intelligence Organization (M0
T) and Ocalan.

Erdogan wanted moderate figures who will be able to ensure the continuation of the process until the end to go to 0
mral1
. M0
T met with Ocalan to overcome the crisis. Then, Ocalan's brother Mehmet visited him on 0
mral1
. Ocalan gave the names of Buldan, Onder and Tan to his brother, saying that he thinks the government will have no objections for these names.

"If the government also says 'no' to these names, then I will begin to think there is a bad intention behind this. If something like this happens, the [peace] process will be in serious risk," Ocalan reportedly told his brother.

During his first meeting with Kurdish politicians Turk and Ata, Ocalan told them he expects to see BDP co-chairpersons and the DTK co-chairperson together in the next meeting but gave up insisting on the names of these politicians due to government's sensitivities.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy chairman, Semih Yal?1
n, directed criticism at the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, accusing it of trying to ensure Ocalan's release from jail.

Independent Diyarbak1
r deputy Leyla Zana also spoke about the peace talks in an interview she gave to The New York Times on Tuesday. "In Turkey today, the death tolls on both sides hurt society as a whole. The funds of this country, billions of dollars, are spent on this conflict. The necessary condition is set for the Kurdish question to be solved; this opportunity should not be wasted," she told the daily.

[11] The main political parties in Turkey agree to subordinate General Staff to Defense Ministry in the framework of the new Constitution

According to the existing constitution, the chief of General Staff is answerable to the prime minister; however, the General Staff is not tied to the Prime Ministry and is autonomous in the exercise of its duties and powers. According to many, the constitution is an obstacle to the government's plans to end military tutelage in Turkey.

The move to link the General Staff to the ministry has received a thumbs-up from legal experts, who say it will help normalize ties between the military and the government.

"This [subordination of the General Staff to the ministry] was an expected and required move. The fact that it has happened with the consensus of all four political parties [in Parliament] is pleasing. Some political parties had made independent attempts in the past to link the General Staff to the Defense Ministry. That it has happened through consensus is important for Turkish democracy," stated Re
at Petek, a retired public prosecutor, in remarks to Today's Zaman.

Members of the parliamentary Constitutional Reconciliation Commission from the four parties -- the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the Republican People's Party (CHP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) -- are continuing to work on the new civilian constitution to replace the existing one, which was drafted under martial law after the Sept. 12, 1980 military coup.

The commission convened on Wednesday under the presidency of AK Party deputy Mustafa ^
entop. News reports later in the day, said that the parties agreed to put an article in the constitution stipulating that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) shall be subordinated to the Ministry of Defense. According to the article, the TSK chief will be appointed by the president on the Cabinet's recommendation.

AK Party Deputy Chairman Numan Kurtulmu
said he has defended the idea of linking the General Staff to the Defense Ministry since 2009. "I have also stated on various occasions that the National Security Council [MGK] should not be a constitutional body," he stated.

According to the draft constitution, the President will remain commander-in-chief of the country.

[12] Another retired general was convicted for February 28 plot