Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-04-03

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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 argues that President Anastasiades will adopt intransigent stance in the Cyprus talks; He reiterates Davutoglu's statements on a two-state solution

[02] Ozgiyit criticizes Davutoglu for his latest statement "either division of solution"

[03] Turkish PM Erdogan set to embark on US visit on May 16

[04] US Secretary of State John Kerry to visit Turkey this weekend

[05] Yildiz: Anatolia only feasible gas route for Israel and Cyprus

[06] A protocol on the protection and inspection of the Halloumi dairy product

[07] Efforts on the process to solve the Kurdish problem

[08] Gul asked from Latvian President to create a pro-Turkish lobby in the EU

[09] Babacan said that Turkey shall not leave EU custom union

[10] Caglayan in the U.S.; Direct flights Houston-Turkey

[11] Cigarette smuggling in the occupied area of Cyprus; five people under arrest

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu argues that President Anastasiades will adopt intransigent stance in the Cyprus talks; He reiterates Davutoglu's statements on a two-state solution

Eroglu claimed that, as Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Davutoglu had said, if the Greek Cypriot side did not think that the Turkish Cypriots had rights on the underground wealth of the island, this would be tantamount to accepting the existence of a separate state in the occupied north part of the island.

President Anastasiades, Eroglu said, will not sit at the negotiating table soon with the aim of reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem and argued that the Greek Cypriot leader would face difficulties in convincing his people to accept an agreement which will be satisfying the Turkish Cypriots.

Eroglu alleged, inter alia, the following: "I think that a person who has lost his popularity because of reasons which did not depend on him, will become a little bit tougher at the negotiating table and play with time. However, some circles say that an economic problem exists in the south [Translator's note: as he describes the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus] and that the economic problems could be solved, if the Cyprus problem was solved. This situation could push the Greek Cypriot people into a harder stance?"

Eroglu described as "lack of respect" the publication of the reply by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Ahmet Davutoglu on the Ministry's website before the letter was conveyed to Davutoglu through the Greek Embassy to Ankara. He alleged that by referring to continuation of the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek ministry showed that the Greek Cypriots do not intent to reach an agreement.

Arguing that Davutoglu's proposal was "an appropriate one", Eroglu said that the Turkish side had submitted two proposals in September 2011 and 2012 suggesting the transfer of the Cypriot natural gas through Turkey, the establishment of a commission which will deal with the issue of extracting the natural gas and the creation of a fund for using the income for covering the expenses of the solution. He noted that Davutoglu had said that "let us extract together this gas or come and let us agree, or if we cannot agree and if there is the mentality that the wealth in the south belongs to the south and the wealth of the north belongs to the north, let us sit and discuss the two-state solution".

Eroglu argued that we are at the negotiating table and we submit proposals to each other. He went on and claimed:

"Having a time limit is absolutely necessary, because the negotiations have been going on for more than 40 years and there is no agreement yet. There has to be a time limit in our road map. There are three states concerned with Cyprus: Turkey, Greece and Britain. Our proposal is a five-party summit with the participation of these states. However, the Greek Cypriot side does not accept this. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs refers to a four-party meeting in its letter. It is not in favor of Britain being at the table. Our proposal is for a five-party meeting. Our proposal is the most appropriate method, but we have not come to that point yet.

Christofias has also said openly that we have rights on the natural gas. If you still refer to the Republic of Cyprus, it means you accept that I also have rights from the gas. When they planned to print and sell bonds for the natural gas, which has not been extracted yet, I said that they could not do this?"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozgiyit criticizes Davutoglu for his latest statement "either division of solution"

Referring to Davutoglu's latest statement "Either Taksim [Tranlsator's note: means "Division"] or solution", Ozgiyit said that the slogan during 1950s was "either taksim or death" while the slogan for 2013 is "either taksim or solution".

Ozgiyit stated further that Davutoglu's recent statement is totally groundless and said: "Mr. Davutoglu express with this statements want his wants". Ozgiyit continued and wondered whether Davutoglu is informed about the context of Treaty of Alliance and Treaty of Guarantee which was signed in 1959 from Turkish officials as well, and added: "In that case, this is a big gaffe. Mr. Davutoglu should certainly read this agreement and must understand the reason for the present of Turkey in Cyprus. Because, this agreement, prohibited the Enosis and Taksim", as he said.

(?)

(AK)

[03] Turkish PM Erdogan set to embark on US visit on May 16

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's long-expected meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama will take place on May 16, the Hurriyet Daily News has learned from official sources. An invitation letter to Erdogan was extended to the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The Ministry and the office of the Prime Minister have now started to work on the program of Erdogan, who is expected to depart for the U.S. one or two days before his scheduled meeting.

The intention for a Prime Ministerial visit to Washington was brought to the attention of the Obama administration after the presidential elections in the U.S., but disagreements over a number of issues and Turkey's ongoing dispute with Israel, nixed Ankara's plans. The visit could only be possible after Israeli apologized to Turkey and Turkey accepted this apology, under the mediation of Obama, who played a crucial role in the process. "The visit of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Washington was fixed in a phone conversation on the day Israel apologized to Turkey," diplomatic sources said. Erdogan and Obama had a phone conversation on March 22, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu read the apology statement on the phone.

The agenda of Erdogan's meeting with Obama will be fully-loaded, ranging from Turkey's current peace process to the turmoil in Syria, from the developments in Cyprus to Ankara's ambitious energy deals with northern Iraq. Along with these cases, one of the most important issues will be the Turkish-Israeli normalization process. In a demonstration of the importance attached to this normalization process, Washington is continuing to closely monitor the steps taken and those that will be taken. This monitoring process is accompanied by urgings to both sides not to break this positive climate.

[04] US Secretary of State John Kerry to visit Turkey this weekend

The visit comes as it was revealed that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's long-expected meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama will take place on May 16.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and his U.S. counterpart discussed the fragile situations in Iraq and Syria during a telephone call March 30. The top U.S. diplomat visited Turkey in late February and met with President Abdullah Gul, Erdogan and Davutoglu.

According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.04.13), Kerry is expected to meet with Davutoglu on Sunday in Istanbul. The meeting will focus on Middle East peace process, Turkey-Israel relations, and recent developments in Syria, Iraq and Cyprus.

[05] Yildiz: Anatolia only feasible gas route for Israel and Cyprus

"Turkey is not indifferent towards Israel's energy projects for transferring the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas and oil to the international markets, since the resources would not be feasible unless they were transferred through Turkey", Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said.

"It is the same for Greek Cyprus [Trans. Note: Republic of Cyprus]," Yildiz told reporters yesterday. "It will have no benefit to your people if you say 'I will do it even if it is expensive.' I'm telling this both for Israel and Greek Cyprus," he said, adding that the projects would be meaningful only if the right move is made.

But, discussing energy deals before the restoration of ties between Turkey and Israel has been finalized would be impossible, according to the Minister. "As relations normalize in the future, then we can discuss if natural gas could be transferred by a pipeline through Turkey," the Minister said.

[06] A protocol on the protection and inspection of the Halloumi dairy product

Speaking before the signing of the protocol, the chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry Ali Ciral? reminded that the geographical registration of the Halloumi was made in Cyprus and in Turkey.

Adding that the "Hellim (halloumi) Auditing Commission" was established following the registration, he also announced that the auditing commission will start inspections as early as next week.

Also speaking, the minister of agriculture and natural resources Ali Cetin Amcaoglu said an important protocol had been signed with the Chamber of Industry and stressed that their cooperation will continue on other agricultural products.

Amcaoglu also announced that a coordination committee will be established within the framework of the protocol which will contain two members from the so-called ministry and two from the chamber.

[07] Efforts on the process to solve the Kurdish problem

"(?)

Speaking on Tuesday at his Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) Parliamentary group meeting, PM Erdogan said the settlement process is the first step of the government's target of a stronger, more democratic and more peaceful Turkey. 'Nobody should even attempt to provoke [the nation against the process]. Neither Bahceli nor Kilicdaroglu can provoke this as long as we continue with the support of the nation, which is currently at 58%,' Erdogan said. He was referring to a recent poll conducted by his party showing his party's vote at 58%.

He ripped apart Bahceli's referral to the settlement process as the 'process of betrayal'. Erdogan said: 'If there is any betrayal in this country, it is Bahceli and Kilicdaroglu who are doing that. Because they have not agreed to come together to solve this problem.'

But MHP leader Bahceli continued his criticism of the talks on Tuesday, saying during his party's group meeting: 'Prime Minister Erdogan should know that dividing Turkey along ethnic regions and cracking our established system [of government] is hostility and aggression.'

(...)

The Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) also had a group meeting on Tuesday. Co-chair Gultan Kisanak reiterated her party's demand of a 'legal assurance' that those officials negotiating with the PKK will not get in trouble. 'This Parliament has produced many decisions for war and cross-border attacks. Everyone raised their hands to kill and die. This once they should raise their hands for peace, for a settlement.'

She also criticized Erdogan for 'his general "air" that creates the impression that he is managing the settlement process alone'. She said the process should be a multiple actor process with many sides. Kisanak also said the government should include people who are respected in all segments of society in its 'wise men committee'; a group the government says will explain the settlement process to the general public.

Kisanak also criticized the MHP and its staunch opposition to the solution process. Recalling earlier words from Bahceli implying that MHP supporters could potentially rely on violent means to stop the process, Kisanak said: 'A provocative and irresponsible statement. It should be corrected immediately and young people should be invited to calm down and to peace.' (?)"

The paper also reports that Erdogan will meet with the "wise men" group for the first time on Thursday. The committee, dubbed "wise men," is being formed to liaise with the public while the government continues the talks.

The wise men committee will comprise 49 members separated into groups of seven. The members will be figures from the worlds of academia, business, civil society and the media. They will endeavour to mediate between the Kurdish and Turkish communities to improve the climate for peaceful relations in the country.

In a related development, five deputies from the AK Party will be visiting the country's Southeast this weekend for a three-day trip. The deputies, from western provinces, will visit three provinces -- Diyarbak?r, Batman and Siirt -- and 13 districts as part of the ongoing peace efforts to end terrorism in the country. AK Party group deputy chairman Ahmet Aydin and other deputies will explain the settlement process to locals and listen to their opinions. The visit was reportedly initiated by Erdogan.

Moreover, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 03.04.13), under the title "Turkish President Gul warns of failure in new charter effort", reports, inter alia, the following:

"President Abdullah Gul, speaking to a group of journalists that were accompanying him on a visit to the Lettonia capital of Riga on the evening of April 1, commented on fresh efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue.

(?)

Gul said the main target on the issue should be completely eradicating the problem. The process should not end with 'people going outside Turkey and becoming a power there,' Gul said about the debate on the withdrawal of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants.

'It might be Syria, Iraq or Iran. The conjuncture is changing all the time. As long as such a power remains there, some provocations from inside and divisions would come up, and countries in a conflict of interest with Turkey may use this, [causing] an ever-fragile situation to emerge', Gul said.

'Honestly, If the people in the mountains do not drop their arms and finally go off to a normal life, then these things will restart and things will get even worse,' he said.

Turkey is dealing with such a large issue for the first time, Gul said, noting that there was a positive approach across the country. 'Thus, when there is such an atmosphere, these things should be finalized.'

(?)

Turkey has previously made the mistake of opposing citizens who say 'I am not Turkish, I am Kurdish, I am a citizen of this country. I am a person, child and citizen of this soil,' and telling them instead that 'No, you are Turkish,' he said.

Turkey should also lift its dissenting opinion on the European Charter of Local Self-Government, Gul said. 'We have practically lifted that opinion in deed'."

Turkish daily Hurriyet newspaper (03.04.13) also refers to Gultan Kisanak's statements under the title "Our concerns are justified, but let them not stop up us". The paper writes that Kisanak referred to the Kurdish circles which have concerns about the so-called solution process and said, inter alia, the following:

"What we actually wish to take from this process is a social consensus. A legal basis should be created for such a work. Responsibility falls on everyone. The parliament is the only authority on which responsibility does not fall? There are concerns in different circles of the Kurds. I find these concerns justified. We also have concerns. However, let our concerns not prevent us, not stop us?"

[08] Gul asked from Latvian President to create a pro-Turkish lobby in the EU

Gul made these request in the framework of a diplomatic visit to Latvia aiming to improve Turkish-Latvian relations. He is accompanied by Turkish EU Minister Egemen Bagis.

Gul referring to the Soviet era said that "Turkey has never recognized the occupation and annexation decisions of Latvia" and said that they always supported Latvia to be a part of European and Atlantic organizations. He also said that his visit will open a new page in the relations between the two countries.

Gul added that he and Bagis had informed Latvia about Turkey's EU process and the current situation in relations with the EU. Latvia, as an EU member, attends many meetings Turkey does not participate in Gul said, adding that they want Latvia to express Turkey's arguments in those meetings.

In addition, reporting on the same issue, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (03.04.13) writes that Berzins said his country supported the accession of Turkey to the European Union.

"Latvia fully supports Turkey's EU membership because we think your country's aim to become one of the world's biggest 10 economies is very important for Latvia as well as the EU," he said.

The two countries signed a cooperation act in the domains of transportation and logistics.

[09] Babacan said that Turkey shall not leave EU custom union

Noting that such a development is unlikely to take place, Babcan said that this could harm Turkey's exportations 38.7% of which are directed to the European Union.

[10] Caglayan in the U.S.; Direct flights Houston-Turkey

He said that the beginning of Turkish Airlines flights to Houston would positively affect the trade links within the US, noting they would consider Houston as a logistics base.

Caglayan reiterated that a possible free trade agreement among the US and the EU might "turn to a disaster" for Turkey. He called on the US to take action to not damage Turkey's competition balance, on that issue.

He said Turkey exports literally everywhere in the world, except two small countries in Asia Pacific. He also said Turkey had been making large scale investments on several fields, adding that they could not go anywhere their foot in brake and he was in favour of increasing the speed.

[11] Cigarette smuggling in the occupied area of Cyprus; five people under arrest

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