Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-05-14

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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] Kucuk met with officials of the US Department of State

[02] Bayrak director held contacts in USA for cooperation with the Voice of America

[03] Expectations from Obama-Erdogan meeting

[04] Turkey vows response to Syria as toll increases

[05] Germany hopes for progress in Turkey's EU talks soon

[06] Crisis in the UBP continues

[07] YODAK's "chairman" visited Saudi Arabia to supervise King Saud University

[08] Basin-Sen trade union participates at the ordinary general assembly of EFJ

[09] An international conference to be held at illegal DAU

[10] European billiard tournament to be organized in occupied Cyprus

[11] First group of withdrawing PKK militants arrives in northern Iraq

[12] Arinc: Greece should facilitate reopening of Halki seminary

[13] Istanbul to host the 22nd OSCE annual session; So-called speaker of the "assembly" will also participate

[14] Energy rush to Central Anatolia

[15] Statistics on the number of households in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Kucuk met with officials of the US Department of State

The paper writes that Mary Ruth Coleman, head of US Department of State's Bureau of Eastern Europe, Lindsay Coffey, responsible for Cyprus Desk, Kucuk's "advisor", Omer Koseoglu, the "coordinator" of the "EU Coordination Centre", Erhan Ercin and the self-styled representative of the breakaway regime in Washington, Ahmet Erdengiz participated in the meeting.

According to Haberdar, before this meeting Kucuk gave an interview to the Voice of America's Turkish Department during which he referred to the future of the Cyprus talks, the recent contacts of the UN Secretary-General's special advisor Alexander Downer in Cyprus, the influence of the economic crisis in the government-controlled area of the island on the beginning of the Cyprus negotiations and the water and electricity to be transferred from Turkey to the occupied area of the island.

After his meeting with Eric Rubin, Kucuk met also with Robert Wexler, president of the Middle East Peace Centre, which, according to the paper, is one of the most important think tanks. Kucuk expressed his views and expectations on the Cyprus problem during this meeting and argued that time has come for this problem to cease to exist as its the continuation poisons the regional and global relations and cooperation.

Kucuk's day ended with a dinner hosted by Turkish Ambassador to Washington, Namik Tan.

Today Kucuk is expected to meet with members of the US Congress and representatives of some think tanks. Tonight he is expected to depart for New York.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (14.05.13) publishes exclusive statements by Kucuk in which he alleged that the Turkish side wants the Cyprus problem to end and underlined: "This either will happen with negotiations or if the Greek Cypriot side continues running away from the table, we will make an assessment with Ankara and will ask from the international community to take steps which will change the situation in Cyprus".

Kucuk alleged that the international community has expectations from President Anastasiades and added: "We also have expectations from him. We expect him to repeat the courage and the leadership he showed during the Annan Plan process".

Alleging that President Anastasiades needs to be encouraged, Kucuk claimed that the continuation of the Cyprus problem constitutes an obstacle for the deepening of the relations between the EU and NATO.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Bayrak director held contacts in USA for cooperation with the Voice of America

During the meeting possible cooperation between Bayrak and the Voice of America were discussed. It was also decided that the dialogue between Bayrak and the Voice of America will continue for every kind of co-operation, including program modification.

In addition, Tumerkan started contacts for improving Bayrak's relations with CNN, according to the paper.

Tumerkan said that these kind of cooperation are beneficial so that the voice of the Turkish Cypriots to be heard in the world.

[03] Expectations from Obama-Erdogan meeting

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, EU Minister Egemen Bagis and Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan will accompany Erdogan, along with 90 businessmen who will have separate meetings with their U.S. counterparts. The Prime Minister's meeting with Obama is set to take place on May 16. The most important topic of the Erdogan-Obama meeting will be the ongoing turmoil in Syria and international efforts to end the bloodshed in Turkey's southern neighbour. As Turkish officials said they have evidence proving that the deadly blast in Reyhanl? was organized by the Bashar al-Assad regime, Erdogan is likely to ask Obama to do more for the Syrian opposition to speed up the political transition.

Top issues on table

Providing arms and training to the Free Syrian Army and establishing security corridors and a no-fly zone over Syria are among Turkey's expectations from the U.S. These issues are likely to be analysed in a detailed manner at the Pentagon where the Secretary of Defence and top American army officials will brief Erdogan. Erdogan and Obama will also discuss the recent deal between the U.S. and Russia to hold an international conference in the coming weeks for Syria. Turkey is not opposed to the idea of reviving hopes for a political deal but its main concern is whether this will take place with or without Assad.

The Turkey-Israel reconciliation process is also going to be an important issue between the leaders as Obama played a crucial role in pushing Israel to apologize to Turkey for the Mavi Marmara attack. Turkey's relations with Iraq and controversy over its ambitious energy deal plans with northern Iraq will also be on their agenda. Turkey's peace process will also be discussed. Davutoglu will have a separate meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry before the Obama-Erdogan meeting.

On the same issue, columnist Abdullah Bozkurt writing in Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 13.05.13), in his commentary "What to expect from Obama-Erdogan meeting", said that apart the Syria issue, which is the most important topic at the meeting, especially after the twin blast that claimed the lives of almost 50 people on Saturday in the Turkish border town of Reyhanli, Cyprus problem will also be in the agenda.

Bozkurt wrote the following: "On the divided island of Cyprus, Turkey feels there is now a window of opportunity for the last push for unification based on the prospect of rich natural gas in the waters off of Cyprus and economic woes on the Greek Cypriot side. Ankara requires US support for this initiative, and some groundwork has already been laid down during US Secretary of the State John Kerry's frequent visits to Turkey."

Moreover, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 14.05.13) reports that thirteen suspects in total have been detained over connections to the bombs that exploded in the Turkish border town of Reyhanli killing 50 people on May 11, according to Interior Minister Muammer Guler.

Hatay Government Mehmet Celalettin Lekesiz also stated that the investigations had mostly been completed, CNNTurk reported. Nine suspects were detained a day after the explosions, and the number reached thirteen May 14.

[04] Turkey vows response to Syria as toll increases

"We won't fall for the trap, but we will give the necessary response at the necessary time. We will not refrain from this. Everybody needs to know this," Erdogan told reporters on May 13 as the death toll rose to 50 following Saturday's twin blasts in the border town of Reyhanli in the Hatay province.

Ankara says the attack was arranged by a group linked to embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Damascus rejects the allegation.

"The issue is completely related to the regime in Syria, it has no relation whatsoever with the opponents," Erdogan insisted. "When the result fully comes out, all will be publicized. However, the issue is completely related with the regime. The regime is behind this issue. This is obvious. But the regime of course has its extensions in Turkey," he said, noting that intense efforts were being exerted to shed light on these "extensions."

Visiting Hatay was already on his agenda, Erdogan said in response to a question. He said he would visit Hatay, the scene of the deadly bombings, after his return from his upcoming trip to the United States, which kicks off today.

When reminded of claims suggesting that the attackers' original target was the Prime Ministry building and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) headquarters in Ankara, Erdogan implicitly confirmed.

Also in Ankara, President Abdullah Gul yesterday held a meeting with National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Undersecretary Hakan Fidan. It was not a regular meeting as is usually held on Thursdays. The meeting with Fidan was announced in the afternoon, not in the morning, and it appeared to be related to the deadly attack in Reyhanli. While hailing the decision by a court in Reyhanli to impose a state-wide media ban relating to the attacks, Erdogan suggested that similar bans were being implemented all around the world.

Nonetheless, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy Ilhan Cihaner appealed to the Reyhanli Criminal Court of Peace to abolish the ban, arguing that it violated the freedom of press. For his part, AKP Deputy Chair Huseyin Celik justified the ban, saying they had been trying to avoid gruesome images of the incidents from plaguing the media. "Therefore, this was necessary in order not to further deepen the agonies of the people, not to deepen the agonies of the families of those who passed away and got wounded, and I am sure that once all sides of the issue are revealed, these media bans will be lifted," Celik told NTV news channel, giving the example of 9/11 and claiming that a similar ban was enforced at the time in the US.

[05] Germany hopes for progress in Turkey's EU talks soon

"We want to overcome the standstill in the membership negotiations," German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said after meeting his Turkish counterpart, Ahmet Davutoglu. "This standstill is not in the interest of Turkey, and it is emphatically not in the interests of Europe, either."

There is "a realistic chance" of opening another chapter in the negotiations under Ireland's EU presidency, which ends June 30, Westerwelle said. "That wouldn't be a breakthrough, but new movement -- which should and must lead to more".

Davutoglu made clear that Ankara would like to see more action from the EU soon. "One flower alone isn't enough to declare that it's spring", he said. "One chapter alone won't be enough -- all chapters should be opened as soon as possible, and the Cyprus problem should be overcome as soon as possible".

[06] Crisis in the UBP continues

The paper writes that Tokel who participated in a television program referred to UBP's congress held last week which led to the election of Necdet Numan as the new general secretary of the party and stated that they were given the message to leave UBP. On his part Tacoy stated that if the opposition submits a motion of censure against "Kucuk's government" he and Tokel will give a positive "vote".

In addition, under the title "Towards early elections in Turkish Cyprus?", Sefa Karahasan writes the following in Turkish Milliyet (13.05.13):

A consensus has not been achieved within the ruling National Unity Party (UBP) in northern Cyprus. The supporters of Ahmet Kasif, who stood as a candidate against the prime minister, Irsen Kucuk, in the Council, argue that, "The prime minister's term of office has come to an end." For a long time, there has been a serious crisis between Prime Minister Kucuk and Ahmet Kasif; whereas President Dervis Eroglu supports Kasif. The latest conflict within the UBP erupted during the elections of secretary general. Kasif, the leader of the "dissident wing," negotiated with the prime minister and argued that the seat of secretary general must belong to a deputy on whom a consensus is reached. "A candidate whom we favor must be secretary general," the opposition said. The prime minister also gave some messages hinting that "a consensus could be reached." However, not the candidate of opponents, but the prime minister's candidate won the elections. The opponent wing formed by ten deputies released a notice reading "(?) There is no winner. The UBP is losing, and will continue losing if this perception continues (?)"

During my conversation with an opposition deputy, he said "the prime minister ignores us. This is the last straw. From now on, we will not allow the prime minister to perform his duties in the parliament. We will resort to all possible ways, including attempts to overthrow the government." If 10 deputies do not go to the Parliament within the UBP, who has 30 deputies in the 50-seat Parliament; 26 deputies, the number required for the Parliament to assemble, will not be found.

If the opposition does not support the UBP, the required number could not be reached. And with a motion of censure that could be submitted, the government will fall, paving the way for elections. This means that the country might experience early elections. The scheduled time for the elections is April, 2014. This date might be brought forward to September or October, 2013. [..]

[07] YODAK's "chairman" visited Saudi Arabia to supervise King Saud University

According to a statement issued by YODAK, the evaluation delegation which was headed by Bicakli, was composed also by Prof. Inger Boyett from the Faculty of Management of Manchester, Prof. Julia Connell from Curtin University of Australia and Prof. Marios Katsioloudes from the University of Qatar.

Bicakli has also evaluated a lot of faculties of several Universities abroad during last year. Particularly, upon an invitation he received from the Bahrain Quality Assurance Association, he evaluated several faculties of the Bahrain State University, etc.

AK

[08] Basin-Sen trade union participates at the ordinary general assembly of EFJ

The ordinary general assembly of EFJ is taking place at the town of Verviers in Belgium. Basin Sen is represented by the general secretary of the union Canan Onurer and the secretary for foreign relations Ali Kurtoglu.

According to a written statement issued by Canan Onurer, Basin-Sen will be representing the Turkish Cypriots at an international organization and has also presented its candidate for the new administration board of the EFJ to be established.

Basin-Sen is a full member of EFJ and is using the right of three votes out of the three which were given to Cyprus, according to the paper.

AK

[09] An international conference to be held at illegal DAU

Except for Turkey and the occupied island of Cyprus, academicians from France, the USA, India, Australia, Croatia, Portugal, Scotland, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Sri Lanka, Spain, Germany, Indonesia, Mauritius, Malta, People's Republic of China, New Zeeland, Ukraine, Iceland, Jamaica, Taiwan, Russia, the Philippines, Ireland and Northern Ireland will participate in the conference.

(I/Ts.)

[10] European billiard tournament to be organized in occupied Cyprus

In statements during the meeting, Burcu said that David Morris was carrying out a research in the occupied area of Cyprus for organizing Euro Tur tournament which will be held this October at occupied Acapulco Hotel in occupied Keryneia with the participation of 200 athletes from 32 countries. He noted that at the European Billiard Championship will be held at the same hotel in June 2014.

Morris said that the "TRNC" so-called Billiard Federation is a "natural member" of the European federation and added that an amendment they have made in their regulations on this issue was accepted at their general assembly and thus there was no problem for accepting the "TRNC" as member. He noted that Euro Tur will be held in the occupied area of Cyprus in October 2013 and the European Billiard Championship in June 2014.

Referring to the so-called embargoes allegedly implemented on the Turkish Cypriot youth, Atasayan stated that the regime's billiard federation has taken an important step by becoming "natural member" of the European Billiard Federation and added that this could be an opportunity for paving the way of other federations.

(I/Ts.)

[11] First group of withdrawing PKK militants arrives in northern Iraq

The group of 15 militants, including six women, left the south-eastern province of Sirnak's Beydussebap district a week ago, according to the reports.

[12] Arinc: Greece should facilitate reopening of Halki seminary

In an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman, Bulent Arinc, Deputy Prime Minister and Government Spokesman, called on both the Greek Patriarchate and the US to exert pressure on the Greek government to play its part in facilitating steps to reopen the seminary.

"This [the fulfilment of Turkish demands in Greece] will come about partially with the efforts of Greek Patriarchate. It will also partially happen due to US persistence. We are waiting not only for these two, but for anybody who has an influence on Greece to come out and say: 'Do not do injustice to the Muslim Turkish minority in Western Thrace, give them their rights. When these rights are given, Turkey will be more comfortable'," he explained.

"If a religious community or society is saying that 'I need clergymen and I want to raise my own [clergymen],' which they [Greek Orthodox community in Turkey] have already been saying, this is their fundamental right. We should give this right [to them]," Arinc explained. Yet he linked the issue with the improvement on the plight of Turkish Muslims living in Greece.

[13] Istanbul to host the 22nd OSCE annual session; So-called speaker of the "assembly" will also participate

Some 360 foreign parliamentarians from 57 countries, heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) and representatives from the media are expected to attend the PA which will be hosted by the Turkish Parliament between June 29 and July 3 in Istanbul, the Office of the Parliament Speaker announced yesterday.

A high level participation is expected, as President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are among those invited. Alongside Turkish leaders, key figures from various organizations including Arab League Secretary-General Nebil El Arabi; chairman of the Palestinian National Council Salim Zanoun; head of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ahmet Ibrahim El Tahir; Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muiznieks; head of the Temporary Arab Parliament Ahmet El Jarwan El Semsi; head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger; Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani; Secretary General of the Turkic Council Halil Ak?nc?; President of the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) Suleyman Celik; and the "Turkish Cypriot Parliamentary Speaker" Hasan Bozer are also expected.

On the second day of the meeting, speeches under the title of "Improving Dialogue and Cooperation: A Mutual Message to the World on Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance" will be delivered. For this part of the session, head of the Religious Affairs Directorate Mehmet Gormez; Greek Orthodox Patriarch I. Bartholomeos, acting Armenian Orthodox Patriarch Aram Atesyan, Chief Rabbi Ishak Haleva and Turkish Syriac Catholic Deputy Patriarch Chorepiscopus Yusuf Sag are expected to attend.

[14] Energy rush to Central Anatolia

Some 57 companies ? most of them foreign consortiums ? have already started queries on the 60 million-meter-square area that has designated as a special energy area by the government, Karapinar Mayor Mehmet Mugayitoglu recently told Anatolia news agency.

The district in Konya, which was once a source of migrants in the 1960s, is forging a future as an energy production hub of Turkey.

The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry announced in January that it had discovered 1.8 billion tons of lignite reserves in the province, enough to fuel a thermal power station generating 5,000 megawatts of electricity for 30 to 40 years.

Mugayitoglu said the studies to establish a power plant there were continuing. "A coal power plant producing 4.8 million megawatts will be established under the build-operate model," he said.

The "sun fields' project" is another important project slated for Karapinar, as the designated area is awaiting investors that could benefit from the abundant solar power sources in the region.

[15] Statistics on the number of households in Turkey

Due to analysis for the average sizes of households of provinces, the province with the highest average size of households is in Sirnak with 7.9 persons in 2012, and the lowest in Canakkale with 2.8 persons. Hakkari with 7.4 persons, Mus with 6.6, Siirt with 6.5 and Van with 6.4 follow the province of Sirnak. Balikesir and Eskisehir with 2.9 persons, and Burdur and Mugla with 3 persons follow the province of Canakkale.

Number of couples who were married in 2012 was 603,751. While mean age at first marriage of males was 25.5 in 2001, it increased to 26.7 in 2012. While mean age at first marriage of females was 22.2 in 2001, it increased to 23.5 in 2012.

Number of couples who got divorced in 2012 was 123,325. For males, the most important reason for divorce is disrespectful behaviours of their spouses against their families (10%), as for females it is violence (20.8%).

As the proportion of couples married both with official and religious wedding in their first marriage is 93.7%, the proportion of only official wedding is 3.3% and only religious wedding is 3%.

When the types of weddings are examined with respect to regions, it is seen that the region with the highest proportion of spouses not having official wedding ceremony but only religious marriage is Southeast Anatolian Region (8.3%) as the region with the lowest proportion of spouses married only with religious marriage is West Marmara Region (0.9%). TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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