Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-04-09

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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] Davutoglu will illegally visit occupied Cyprus; He reiterates his view regarding a two-state solution on the island

[02] Ozgrugun was unaware of Davutoglu's letter to Greek MFA on Cyprus; Nami: Turkish "sortie" is unfortunate, unnecessary and untimely

[03] Sinay criticizes Davutoglu's proposal regarding the division of Cyprus and Eroglu's mentality

[04] Soyer: the initiative on the Cyprus problem is left to Turkey, Turkish Cypriots are not actors in the negotiations

[05] Emiroglulari: Bagis refers to Turkish Cypriots as if they are his property

[06] Self-styled ministry of foreign affairs faces economic difficulties

[07] Egypt to hold tender for energy drilling in the Mediterranean Sea

[08] Turkish firms seeks cooperation with Egypt on Suez Canal project

[09] Yildiz said that Turkey sees it possible to cooperate with Cyprus and Israel in joint energy projects

[10] Turkey, Russia to enhance aviation

[11] Bagis to carry out contacts in Brussels

[12] The 1st University Sport Games to take place in the breakaway regime

[13] The final results of the "by-elections" in the occupied Lefkosia

[14] More than four thousand Turkish Cypriots were reportedly affected by the economic crisis in the Republic of Cyprus; No payment of the pensions yet

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Davutoglu will illegally visit occupied Cyprus; He reiterates his view regarding a two-state solution on the island

In statements in Ankara the day before yesterday after meeting Eamon Gilmore, Irish T?naiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Davutoglu argued that no one should doubt about Turkey's and Turkish Cypriot side's good will [as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem] and added that he would visit the occupied part of the island within this framework. He went on and alleged: "However, let no one think that 'if this issue remains unsolved forever, it would be in our favor'. Solution now is for everyone's benefit".

Referring to the energy resources of Cyprus, Davutoglu alleged that the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he described the government of the Republic of Cyprus, has committed a "fatal mistake". He added: "?With a solution now, everything, including the natural resources, could be used in peace. If this is not possible soon, these natural resources could be commonly used with the initiative of a joint technical committee. If they say 'the south belongs to us and the north belongs to you', then let them talk about the two-state solution. No one benefits from shelving the matter in this manner?"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozgrugun was unaware of Davutoglu's letter to Greek MFA on Cyprus; Nami: Turkish "sortie" is unfortunate, unnecessary and untimely

Ozgurgun said that the letter had been sent by Turkey to Greece and ten EU member-countries and that he knew no details of this letter. "However, there is a reference to a bank account for the solution", he noted adding that "actually the substance of the proposal is the use of the resources both before and after the solution for the solution". He argued that the Greek Cypriot side is using delaying tactics and the economic crisis for delaying the process. "The Greek Cypriots should understand that they have something to lose", he alleged and claimed that Turkey "has put forth everything for the solution".

Referring to Davutoglu's letter, Nami pointed out that the first choice in the letter is to reach a solution and added that no one has any objections about this. Noting that the second choice is to establish a commission for the use of the natural gas in case a solution could not be reached, to gather the income from the sales of the gas in a joint account and to use it after the solution, Nami added that the third choice is the division of the island in case a solution in not reached by the end of 2013.

Describing the letter as "unfortunate", Nami said that the letter includes statements which contradict with the proposals previously made by the Turkish side and added: "It was unnecessary and untimely for the Turkish side making such a sortie in a period during which it is obvious that the Greek Cypriot side could not be focused on the negotiations process".

Nami criticized the statement that negotiations should start immediately and wondered: "Is the aim negotiating or a show? This should be decided?"

Pointing out that Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu should closely cooperate with the parties in the "assembly" and prepare for the process, Nami said that especially when the recent developments in the area are taken into consideration, "it is obvious that something is being cooked on the Cyprus problem" and that they are unaware of this.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Sinay criticizes Davutoglu's proposal regarding the division of Cyprus and Eroglu's mentality

Addressing the "assembly" of the regime yesterday, Sinay criticized this statement made in a period during which developments, such as the existence of natural gas and oil in Cyprus and the solution of the Kurdish problem, are experienced and argued that these developments should be used as an advantage in favour of the Turkish Cypriots in the solution process.

Sinay referred also to Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu's statement that "not agreeing is also an agreement" and noted that "nowhere could be reached with such a way of thinking" and that it is better not to sit at the negotiating table instead of sitting with such a mentality.

He argued that a situation which had been in favour of the Turkish Cypriots was turned into a disadvantage. He also said that he feels ashamed when he reads the financial "protocol" signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime and argued that their relations should not continue in this way.

Sinay referred also to the statement made recently by the self-styled minister of health, who had said that the regime could offer health services to Greek Cypriots. He argued that this statement is tantamount to making fun of the "people", as the "ministry" could not offer health services even to its own community.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Soyer: the initiative on the Cyprus problem is left to Turkey, Turkish Cypriots are not actors in the negotiations

Addressing the "assembly" of the regime yesterday, Soyer argued that the Turkish Cypriot political leadership and the policies of the Turkish Cypriots should come forth and added that recently Ministers from Turkey express opinions regarding the Cyprus problem.

Soyer said that the statements made by the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu on the issue of natural gas, weaken the Turkish Cypriot claims for rights on the natural resources and create the impression that they could abandon these rights easily.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Emiroglulari: Bagis refers to Turkish Cypriots as if they are his property

Emiroglulari who was speaking at yesterday's "assembly" meeting said referring to Bagis: "Look at your own business. Do not make statements that will affect our issues at the international community", he said.

He went on and added that Bagis must realize that he must express views that coincide with the Turkish Cypriots' views and added that Bagis has not the right to put the Turkish Cypriot community into the refrigerator.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Self-styled ministry of foreign affairs faces economic difficulties

Ozgurgun, who was speaking at yesterday's meeting of the "assembly", said that the "representation offices" of the breakaway regime have been doubled during the last 3-4 years; however the budget has been reduced. Ozgurgun who stressed the importance of the "representation offices" said that the "representation office" of Saudi Arabia, which is the 22nd place that the breakaway regime received a permission to open an "office", is very difficult to be opened due to the high cost of living in the area.

[07] Egypt to hold tender for energy drilling in the Mediterranean Sea

Saleh said that there were laws which protected investors and noted that there was not a situation that would affect investors negatively in Egypt.

Saleh explained that they would invite leading international companies by the end of the year or in the beginning of the next year to hold a tender for energy exploration and drilling in the Mediterranean Sea. He added that the explorations by the Republic of Cyprus entered into the continental shelf of Egypt, which is a subject of international law and agreements.

Saleh said: "There is no need to give investors in Egypt assurances. I've talked to investors in Egypt and they are satisfied with the situation and have plans to do more business and expand their existing businesses. Egypt is a state with laws and institutions to protect investors."

Saleh explained that the investment system in Egypt is different and added: "Turkish investors prefer to build export-oriented factories in free trade zones because it is exempt from taxes. Also there is a security. Egypt has bilateral agreements with Arab, African, European and American countries. Therefore we present our investors a market with a population of 1.5 billion. The products exported from Egypt to these countries are not subject to customs and extra taxes."

Saleh said that a lot of Turkish factories had moved to Egypt because of qualified and cheap workers. "Among our targets are construction and contracting companies," Saleh added.

[08] Turkish firms seeks cooperation with Egypt on Suez Canal project

As the paper writes, Arab and Turkish businessmen carry out contacts in Suez. The paper envisages the establishment of industry and trade zones, a port and a techno park around the Canal.

In statements on the issue, the chairman of Turkish-Egyptian Business Council Zuhal Mansfield said that Turkish businessmen would like to participate on all fields of the project.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian Investment Minister Osama Saleh who visited Turkey last week explained Egypt's 30 years development projects and said that an international tender will open for the Suez Canal project, adding that Turks are pretenders in all stages.

(AK)

[09] Yildiz said that Turkey sees it possible to cooperate with Cyprus and Israel in joint energy projects

"Weary of a lingering political tension undermining potential large-scale energy deals in its surrounding region, Turkey sees it possible to cooperate with Greek Cyprus [Trans. Note: Republic of Cyprus] and Israel in joint energy projects in the Mediterranean 'so long as the political atmosphere allows it,' Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz told a meeting in Baku on Monday.

The minister was speaking at a meeting with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) president on the side-lines of the World Economic Forum Strategic Dialogue on the future of the South Caucasus and Central Asia that kicked off in Baku on Monday.

'In case of a possible remedy to political issues that remain a gridlock hindering further prosperity in our region, Turkey will be ready to take steps in order to ensure a lasting peace environment,' Yildiz said in a rare statement of what can be regarded as 'extending an olive branch'.

Underlining that a recent Israeli apology to Ankara over the Mavi Marmara raid should not be seen as an excuse for future energy partnerships with this country, Yildiz told reporters: 'But it is possible that cooperation in energy between Turkey and Israel follow an anticipated rapprochement'. He said Turkey will then 'not only warm to partnering in energy deals with Israel but also would like to see Greek Cyprus [Trans. Note: Republic of Cyprus] be involved here'.

But the Minister has some reservations as he cites a single condition Turkey has long seen as vital: Greek Cyprus [Trans. Note: Republic of Cyprus] abiding by international law. 'If we are able to make sure the energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean are made use of in line with international law, this will be an opportunity for regional peace and stability,' Yildiz said. 'If we see the energy plans that are against international law continue, then this is a threat to regional security.'

Turkey has long warned the Greek Cypriot government [Trans. Note: Cyprus government] against unilateral moves to extract natural gas and oil reserves off Cyprus, saying the Turkish Cypriots (?) also have a say on these reserves. The dispute escalated recently when reports surfaced that hydrocarbon exploration rights were part of the Russia - Cyprus talks last week over a possible deal on Russian financial help. The disputed Cyprus Block 12 (Aphrodite field) is estimated to hold between 5 and 8 trillion cubic feet (tcf), or between 142 and 227 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas. Ignoring Turkish calls, Greek Cyprus [Trans. Note: Republic of Cyprus] has already signed deals with some leading energy firms to drill in Aphrodite including Noble Energy from the US and Italy's Eni.

Yildiz's comments follow earlier remarks by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who, for the first time in 30 years, said Ankara would consider supporting a two-state solution on the island in order to claim the rights of Turkish Cypriots to the energy reserves. Ankara frets over the idea that Greek Cyprus [Trans. Note: Republic of Cyprus] insists on using hydrocarbon reserves off the island to overcome its debt crisis without the consent of the Turkish Cypriots. 'The Greek Cypriot administration government [Trans. Note: Cyprus government] will have to rely on Turkey to export the natural gas it hopes to extract from eastern Mediterranean fields,' Davutoglu said last month.

(?)

Yildiz said the region will enhance its power by continuing its political stability and move forward by using energy as a reason for peace. 'We have developed projects with Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Iraq while keeping away from the political commentary. Also we continue to provide Syria with electricity, even though the politics of the state is not approved of, the same with the Greek Cyprus government [Trans. Note: Cyprus government]', he said.

Noting that Turkey's contribution to the region continues to grow with the advantages of its geographical location, which stands as a bridge between consumer Europe and producer Asia and the Middle East, Yildiz underlined Turkey will continue its positive approach to contribute to peace in the region.

(?)

Yildiz noted Turkey's strategic relations with Russia on energy, calling it a 'mutual dependency' and said as Turkey relies on natural gas imports from Russia and their help in constructing nuclear power plant, Turkey continues to open its borders for Russian natural gas to be exported to third countries. He also reminded that the US had passed on its concerns regarding this relationship and said: 'We also had called on US three times before to take part in our projects,' while repeating his call. Explaining that Turkey's energy projects do not represent a barrier to each other, he commented, 'While letting Russian blue stream pipeline to pass through the Black sea, we also have American companies searching for petroleum in the same sea.'

Also speaking at the meeting held with Yildiz, SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev said the company will invest $17 billion in Turkey in the next five years, stating that the investments will be the largest foreign direct investment of the republic's history. 'On top of economic investments, SOCAR also contributed to social projects in the country that includes constructing five vocational higher educational institutions,' he concluded."

[10] Turkey, Russia to enhance aviation

After bilateral negotiations between the Turkish Ministry of Transport's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) and Russia's Civil Aviation Authority between April 3 and 4, the two sides concluded an aviation agreement, as SHGM made public yesterday.

As the agreement will increase the frequency of, and remove restrictions for, flights between several Turkish and Russian provinces, the number of destinations served by flights to and from Russia is set to increase, notably to include locations in Turkey's provinces of Samsun, Nevsehir and Gaziantep. Turkey's airline companies will be able to fly to the Commonwealth of Independent States (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Russia) through Russian airspace without any restrictions on frequency, according to the agreement.

Turkey will be allowed to benefit from trans-Siberian airspace for its flights to the Far East (Tokyo, Osaka, Bishkek, and Ulaanbaatar), although limited to a frequency of 21 flights per week.

The agreement also allows the designated companies to engage in code sharing applications along with third parties.

Turkey and Russia signed 11 agreements in many fields during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Turkey in December. As the two countries bid to increase the $32 billion annual bilateral trade to an ambitious $100 billion, energy ties dominated the talks.

Russia is Turkey's largest gas provider with two main pipelines: the Blue Stream that carries 16 billion cubic meters (bcm) of fuel from underneath the Black Sea and the 6 billion bcm capacity West Line that will be soon used by four private firms rather than by the Turkish state. Russia is also building Turkey's very first nuclear plant in the southern province of Mersin.

There are around 3,000 Turkish companies active in Russia, according to Moscow sources.

After the lifting of visas in 2011, some 3.5 million Russian tourists have visited Turkey last year.

[11] Bagis to carry out contacts in Brussels

According to the paper, Turkey's EU Minister Responsible for EU Affairs, Egemen Bagis accompanied by Turkey's Labour Minister, Faruk Celik will carry out contacts in Brussels tomorrow with the aim to achieve a progress on the opening of the chapter "Social Policy and Employment". However, the EU is of the opinion that no result is expected to come up from the talks, since Turkey has not yet fulfilled the criteria for the opening of this chapter.

Bagis and his accompanied delegation will meet with the Commissioner responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Laszlo Andor and the European Commissioner responsible for Enlargement, Stefan Fule, writes the paper, adding that tomorrow's meeting is very important for the future of the chapter.

(AK)

[12] The 1st University Sport Games to take place in the breakaway regime

Athletes from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Kirgizstan will participate in the games which will include among others games in tennis, badminton, futsal, ping-pong and wrestling.

For the organization of the games the breakaway regime borrowed 2.5 million Turkish liras from Turkey.

Speaking during a press conference, the self-styled minister of education, youth and sports Mutlu Atasayan alleged that the Turkish Cypriots are under sport embargo and added that the games are organized by the Economic Cooperation Organization which has 11 members and the breakaway regime was accepted last year as an observer member.

He also said that the games are important for the recognition of the breakaway regime.

[13] The final results of the "by-elections" in the occupied Lefkosia

Republican Turkish Party (CTP) ? 35.48%

National Unity Party (UBP) ? 27.07%

Democratic Party (DP) ? 19.91%

Social Democracy Party (TDP) 13.33%

The paper also publishes the results of two previous "elections" in 2009 of the political parties as follows:

CTP received in the "general elections" 2009, 29.34% and in the "local elections" in 2009 27.2%. UBP got in the "general elections" 2009, 43.97% and in the "local elections" in 2009 42.7%. DP got 10.64% in the "general elections" 2009 and in the "local elections" in 2009, 11%. Finally, TDP got 6.87% in the "general elections" 2009 and 6 in the "local elections" in 2009.

Paper's chief-in-editor Cenk Mutluyakali wrote that the "by-elections" have changed the political climate in the occupied area of Cyprus. He explained that the UBP on the one hand had a serious loss of votes; on the other hand CTP took precedence over during the "by-elections". Nevertheless, UBP has the most members at the "municipality assembly".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (09.04.13) reports that CTP elected 6 "municipal assembly members", UBP "elected" 4, DP 3 and TDP 2. However, UBP has already 7 "municipal assembly members" who had not resigned. As a result, UBP has total 11 members in the "municipal assembly" of the occupied Lefkosia.

[14] More than four thousand Turkish Cypriots were reportedly affected by the economic crisis in the Republic of Cyprus; No payment of the pensions yet

According to the paper, the Turkish Cypriots who receive pension from the Department of Social Insurances of the Republic of Cyprus, were not able to cash their cheques in the "banks" in the occupied area of Cyprus since the money were not transferred into their accounts yet.

In statements on the issue, the chairman of TURK-SEN trade union, Arslan Bicakli said that they talked with officials of the Department of Social Insurance in "south Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus and they were informed that no problem will occur for the Turkish Cypriots to cash their cheques since in two days the latest, the money will be transferred to their accounts.

(AK) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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