Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-02-28

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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] Eroglu: The Turkish army will not withdraw from Cyprus even after the solution

[02] Ozgurgun evaluated to AA the election of Anastasiades and the Cyprus problem

[03] Ozersay held contacts in Berlin and said that the Cyprus problem is an issue between the two communities in Cyprus

[04] British High Commissioner met with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce

[05] Two so-called ministers carried out contacts in Dubai within the framework of the Gulfood Exhibition

[06] Turkish Cypriot journalists were briefed on the EU aid to their community

[07] Flautre suggests that Turkey's problems with Cyprus not enough reason to block Ankara's EU road

[08] Kerry to visit Turkey on Friday; the Cyprus problem in his agenda

[09] Fule: "EU Committee approves opening new chapter"

[10] Halki Seminary discussed at Merkel-Erdogan meeting

[11] KSP announced its candidate for the forthcoming "elections" at the occupied Lefkosia municipality

[12] Five more top commanders under custody for February 28 coup probe

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: The Turkish army will not withdraw from Cyprus even after the solution

Referring to the newly elected President of the Republic Nikos Anastasiades, Eroglu said: "I think that we could agree, if Nikos Anastasiades, who tries to show the characteristic of a new leader in a new period, comes to the table having the will for a solution".

Eroglu argued that today they are both trying to "get the TRNC's existence accepted in the world" and continuing the negotiations with their Greek Cypriot interlocutors in order to achieve a solution.

Eroglu claimed that when he was "prime minister" in 2003, they have taken the decision to open the "border gates", as he described the barricades that exist in Cyprus due to the presence of the Turkish occupation army, in order to give the message to the world that they "could live together in peace". He went on alleging:

"However, we are the side which is accused, excluded and being under embargo, in spite of the fact that we have absolutely no blame. Our demand is the lifting of the embargoes on the TRNC? The world cannot stay so insensitive. I thank the motherland, the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), all the governments until today, everyone who participated in the peace operation [Translator's note: this is how he described the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the occupation of the island since then]?"

Asked whether he hopes that an agreement will be reached, Eroglu argued that he is hopeful, given that he wishes the continuation of the negotiations. He reiterated the view that an agreement will not be reached only if he is hopeful, but "the other side must also want it".

Meanwhile, speaking at a conference in Bursa's Uludag University on the "the Cyprus negotiations from past and to the present", Eroglu alleged that the Greek Cypriots were the side that started the fight on the island and never exhibited an approach in favor of the solution in the negotiations. He argued that even though the newly elected Greek Cypriot leader gives positive messages, the important thing is the policy he will follow at the negotiating table.

Referring to the "history" of their "struggle" in Cyprus, Eroglu said that "the struggle is not new" and added: "When the Greeks established EOKA, we established the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT). Many countries in the world secured their independence with such underground organizations. The TMT was established in communication with the Turkish General Staff in order to increase the will for wide struggle?"

Eroglu alleged that the policy of the Greek Cypriot side has always been to present themselves as the side which wishes reconciliation and claimed that the decisions of the UN and the EU incite what he called "Greek Cypriot intransigence".

Replying to a question as to whether Turkey offers them adequate support, Eroglu argued that Turkey is guarantor power for the entire island of Cyprus and that they lead the Cyprus problem together with Turkey. He concluded saying the following: "We have come to these days with the support of Turkey. We have budget deficits now. Turkey contributes for the completion of our infrastructure. The TRNC is under embargo and the three fourths of its population are refugees. We have given houses and jobs to refugees who had come with their luggage and we tried to guarantee their future".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozgurgun evaluated to AA the election of Anastasiades and the Cyprus problem

Referring to Anastasiades' statement on the Cyprus problem, right after casting his vote, that "he is hopeful towards the solution of the Cyprus problem", Ozgurgun said that he was not surprised from those statements. He added that beside of what Anastasiades' states, the Greek Cypriot side will always be the side that is not willing the solution. "The side that Anastasiades represented wants the non-solution. Anastasiades not only appears to be supporter of the solution, but also, he leaves the solution of the Cyprus problem to the Turkish Cypriots. They always make statements in favour of the solution and they say that the problem is the Turkish Cypriots. It is a part of the approach 'If Turks get close we will solve the problem'. This is the policy they follow for years. They say 'we want solution, we have hopes', but, they will never be the side that wants the solution", Ozgurgun said.

Recalling that it was the Greek Cypriot side which said "no" to the Annan Plan, Ozgurgun alleged that they have a lot of proposals on the table, adding that the Turkish side is very well prepared, like it was the previous years. He continued and said that a mobilization will take place on the Cyprus problem in the forthcoming period.

Ozgurgun went on and said that the Cyprus problem is essential for Germany, France, the UK, and the EU as well. He added that they care about the Cyprus problem, since they see Cyprus as a strategic basis.

Referring to the recent meeting of Erdogan with Merkel, he recalled Erdogan's statements who have said to Merkel that "The Cyprus problem and Turkey's EU bid are different processes" and referred also to Erdogan's evaluation: "This is the policy we follow on Cyprus at the moment. The Cyprus problem and Turkey's EU bid are totally two disconnected matters. There are two sides in the island. The Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. Therefore, the Cyprus problem is a problem between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots".

Ozgurgun went on alleging that Turkey has always contributed on the efforts exerted towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. He added that Turkey's supports on the efforts exerted by the two sides for the solution, is full.

Stating the "the interlocutor of the Greek Cypriots is the Turkish Cypriots", Ozgurgun continued and said that the Greek Cypriots' approach that "Turkish Cypriots are a minority for the Greek Cypriots. That motherland Turkey is an occupied force. That the Turkish troops are occupied troops", will not lead anywhere.

Ozgurgun further said that "motherland Turkey's support" is connected with the most productive use of the water, electricity and the natural gas of the island.

(AK)

[03] Ozersay held contacts in Berlin and said that the Cyprus problem is an issue between the two communities in Cyprus

During his speech, Ozersay referred to the opportunities created after the presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus and the developments regarding the natural gas and other natural sources in Eastern Mediterranean. In the framework of his speech, he stated that the Cyprus problem is not between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey, but it is a problem between the two communities of the island.

During his contacts in Germany, Ozersay met with the deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Axel Schafer and the MP with the Green party Manuel Sarazzin.

[04] British High Commissioner met with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce

Speaking during the meeting, the chairman of the KTTO Gunay Cerkez stated that support from the international community is needed for the solution of the Cyprus problem and added that the solution of the Cyprus problem will not be beneficial for only the Cypriots but for everyone.

On his part, Kidd stated that they will do everything possible in order to offer assistance for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[05] Two so-called ministers carried out contacts in Dubai within the framework of the Gulfood Exhibition

The occupation regime attends the fair with seven firms and under the umbrella of the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry".

Evaluating the fair, so-called minister Amcaoglu has said that it is an honor for the Turkish Cypriot firms to participate to this important fair. He added that the producers of milk products had the opportunity to carry out contacts and exchange views with fabricators as regards the problems experienced in their field.

Also speaking, the so-called minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun said that they had the chance to meet and exchange views not only with manufacture firms but also with customers who were visiting the fair, adding that the aim of their contacts is to make opening to more markets.

Atun further underlined that a remarkable increase has been observed recently on the exports to the Gulf countries, especially with promotion measures being taken.

Atun went on and expressed the belief that after the producers in the "TRNC" make a good evaluation of the potential in the region, the export figures will be increased.

Also, so-called minister Atun said that Turkish Cypriot businessmen met yesterday afternoon with Dubai-Turkish businessmen with the aim to look to seek for the possibility of cooperation.

(AK)

[06] Turkish Cypriot journalists were briefed on the EU aid to their community

In statements during the working lunch in the occupied part of Lefkosia, Kudret Akay, team leader of EU Infopoint, said the aim of the meeting was to present a booklet prepared by the EU regarding the aid of the Union to the Turkish Cypriots.

Michaela di Bucci said that the aid of the EU is increasing and noted that around 1000 contracts have been signed within the framework of the Support Program, something which means that financial aid to 1000 projects has been given by the Union.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Flautre suggests that Turkey's problems with Cyprus not enough reason to block Ankara's EU road

Extracts of the main points of Flautre's article is as follows:

"I have always nurtured sympathy towards the three principles the Turkish foreign policy has recently adopted. These principles are "being proactive," "being one step ahead" and "having zero problems with neighbors." The zero-problem-with-neighbors policy has been subject to various polemics. This policy was praised in connection with the Armenian and Cyprus openings, but it started to be questioned when these openings were clogged.

[?]

Since 2004, when the decision to start membership negotiations with Turkey was taken, Turkey's prime minister has not been invited to any EU summit meeting, and two EU members arbitrarily vetoed 10 chapters. I have always felt ashamed of the fact that one of these countries was France, my home country, all the more as this populist decision was at odds with the long-lasting economic and political friendship between France and Turkey. Except for the Cyprus issue, which I intend to discuss more closely, I cannot find any other example that may indicate Turkey's responsibility for the failed talks.

[?] Those who closely monitor Turkey's internal politics today know well the real magnitude of the internal political risks the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) had taken with its Cyprus initiative back in 2004. As their whole universe was restricted to the island, the Greek Cypriots failed to see the historic opportunity that came with the Annan plan, and this clogged not only the solution in Cyprus, but also the progress of Turkish-EU relations. A closer look at the two items which brought the negotiations to a standstill ? the opening of Turkish ports to Greek Cypriot vessels and direct trade with northern Cyprus -- reveals that these matters are not as important as to block the negotiations. The problem has nothing to do with these two matters. It is about the lack of trust among Cyprus, Turkey and the EU. Following the bad experience with the Annan plan, Ankara does not trust any message from Brussels or from the Greek Cypriots and it is not inclined to take any unrequited steps. Meanwhile. The Greek Cypriots and Greece are currently wrestling with economic crises, and therefore, they lack the self-confidence needed for an opening in their Turkey policies. Any opening related to Turkey will be perceived internally as a weakness, the Greek and Greek Cypriot governments, which are already walking on thin ice, can hardly be expected to come up with positive initiatives. Summing it up, this deadlock may last for years if no initiative is launched. Therefore, if Ankara re-assesses the changing political parameters and manages to be "one step ahead," this may give boost to the negotiations. What are these new parameters?

[?]

We see the most obvious parameter change in Cyprus. We observe that those who undermined the Annan plan have come to realize this has taken Cyprus to the lack of solution. They killed not only the Annan plan but also the hope for a solution. Yet voters in Cyprus do not seem to give any premium to these groups. The election of Nikos Anastasiades as President, who had been declared by ultra-nationalists as a "traitor" because of his support for the Annan plan, shows that Greek Cypriots want solutions and welfare, not tension. Greek Cypriots are begging for help for the banks that hit rock bottom due to the crisis in Greece and which can be saved from bankruptcy with funds of 17.5 billion euros -- this figure is equal to the annual gross domestic product (GDP) of many countries. Not only Germany, but also many EU member countries do not seem to be eager to lend money to these banks that operate like money laundering mechanisms as they don't want to make their taxpayers pay for the damages Russian billionaires may make. In short, a divided Europe, which hit rock bottom in economic terms, needs a new initiative from Ankara.

So that there is no confusion, let me say right away that we don't expect a swift solution process with the election of Anastasiades. Anastasiades knows well that the Annan plan is no longer a model for solution and that it's history as it was rejected by an overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots. Therefore, he needs time for a new solution process that will be accepted and will benefit both communities. Moreover, his priority will be to secure the country's economic recovery. Yet, he also intends to make his country a NATO member and get rid of its image as "Russia's Brussels representative" and make it a full-fledged EU member. It goes without saying that such a policy entails dialogue, not conflict, with Turkey.

If Ankara wants to remove the roadblocks to the membership negotiations, it should open its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels upon the election of Anastasiades as President, taking into consideration the changing parameters of Cyprus and the EU and in order to be "one step ahead." Anastasiades deserves such a "gesture" not only because of his support for the solution, but because he is a reliable politician, especially as regards the political price he had paid. With the election of Anastasiades, Ankara must abandon its Greek-Cypriots-do-not-want-a-solution discourse if it wants to remain convincing. Another and perhaps the most important consequence of the one-step-ahead policy is that this will create the infrastructure for the implementation of the EU's regulations for direct trade, and pave the way for the opening of eight vetoed chapters. In the post-Sarkozy era, there is no factor that can prevent such a development in the EU. We know that Ankara has made the implementation of these regulations a proviso for opening its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels. But we know that the draft resolution for implementation is pending at the European Parliament and unanimity is not required for the vote at the Council of Ministers. Moreover, the Greek Cypriots will not refuse the Berlin and Paris' requests for not meddling with the process. To conclude, everything is suitable for Turkey to be one step ahead. Do you think Ankara can see these new parameters?"

[08] Kerry to visit Turkey on Friday; the Cyprus problem in his agenda

Latest developments on Syria and Middle East are expected to top the agenda on Kerry's first trip as US Secretary of State. During his visit, John Kerry will visit a total of nine countries in Western Europe and the Middle East.

Kerry and Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are expected to make their first face to face meeting at Syria's Friends Meeting that will be held on February 28 in Rome. At the visit, Turkish side will brief Kerry about the situation in Syria and convey Turkey's point of view on what should be done.

US State Department earlier said that Kerry will meet with Turkish officials to discuss US's strategic priorities -from ending the crisis in Syria to promoting regional stability, peace, and security- as well as explore areas to deepen US-Turkey bilateral cooperation, including counterterrorism cooperation.

Alongside Syria issue, a broad agenda will be on the table. Bilateral commercial, economic and political cooperation as well as the latest developments in Afghanistan, Balkans and Cyprus will be discussed.

Kerry will head to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar respectively after completing his talks in Turkey.

[09] Fule: "EU Committee approves opening new chapter"

The chapter, which focuses on "Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments," will be the first one opened in the last two-and-a-half years. After COREPER's approval, the EU council will make the final decision regarding the move. If approved, the number of opened chapter will rise to 14 out of 35.

France had announced on February 12 that it would assist Turkey in opening one of the five chapters once blocked by Paris for Ankara's long-stalled EU membership talks. German Chancellor Angela Merkel had also said she was in favor of such a move before embarking on her recent visit to Turkey.

[10] Halki Seminary discussed at Merkel-Erdogan meeting

A source who did not want to be named, told the Hurriyet Daily News that the Halki Seminary issue was opened for discussion between Erdogan, Merkel and Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos. "The Patriarch brought the topic to the agenda. Merkel said Germany was ready to provide the necessary support with [Greek Prime Minister] Samaras, while Erdogan said they were ready to take responsibility for the reopening of the school on the condition that Greece would take two steps. However, he did not say what these steps are," the source said.

It is believed that Erdogan was referring to the possible building of a mosque in Athens and the Greek government's attitude towards Muslims, particularly regarding the needs of muftis in the north-eastern Western Thrace region, where an important community of Muslim Turks live.

According to a statement issued by Turkey's Armenians Patriarchate, Acting Patriarch Archbishop Aram Atesyan reminded the leaders during the meeting that the Patriarchate is not a legal entity and thus has difficulties obtaining property. Archbishop Atesyan also thanked the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government for their concern toward minority issues, the statement said.

The Halki Seminary was opened in 1844 and served as a school of theology for years. However, as a result of a 1971 Constitutional Court ruling, all private institutions of higher education either became part of state universities or were closed down. Halki's Board of Trustees refused to become part of Istanbul University. Consequently, the seminary section of the Halki school was closed down. The high school section is still open, but no longer has students.

[11] KSP announced its candidate for the forthcoming "elections" at the occupied Lefkosia municipality

The Cyprus Socialist Party announced its decision issuing a written statement yesterday. The statement said that the party determined Zehra Cengiz as its candidate following a "voting" which took place at the party's central committee.

(AK)

[12] Five more top commanders under custody for February 28 coup probe

Just one day before the 16th anniversary of the February 28, 1997 postmodern coup, five retired generals, including former Land Forces Commander retired General Erdal Ceylanoglu and former Deputy Chief of General Staff General Aslan Guner, and one active duty colonel, were summoned to the Ankara Courthouse on Wednesday to testify as part of an investigation into the coup.

Early on Wednesday, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office demanded the testimony of Guner and Ceylanoglu -- who were top commanders during the coup period -- as well as retired Major Generals Mehmet Basp1
nar and Yucel Ozs1
r and Colonel Mehmet Cumhur Yat1
kkaya. Guner and Ceylanoglu were accompanied by police officers to the Ankara Courthouse, while the other officers were in other provinces. They were initially taken to state hospitals in their cities for a medical check-up and later brought to Ankara. They were then taken to the courthouse for their testimony to be heard by prosecutors involved in the February 28 probe.

Prosecutors Mustafa Bilgili and Kemal Cetin demanded the arrest of the top five generals for their alleged role in the February 28 military intervention. Retired General Erdal Ceylanoglu and Yucel Ozs1
r were sent to jail while the remaining three commanders were conditionally released by the court.

(& )More than 10 generals and admirals have been arrested over the last month as part of the same probe. Currently, 72 people have been jailed as part of the February 28 coup probe. The prosecutors have so far heard from 70 victims of the February 28 coup.

(& )

Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ar1
nc spoke to reporters about the latest wave of testimonies in the February 28 probe and said that he finds the investigation "important." "This is a matter being dealt with by the judiciary. We need to follow it [developments] through. I hope the matter will be completed following a case to be launched after the investigation is completed", he stated. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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