Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-05-15

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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] American Congressmen send a letter to UNSG on Cyprus

[02] Erdogan: "We'll search for oil with Exxon in North Iraq"

[03] Reyhanli's district governor's pictures with members of Al Qaida raise questions

[04] Turkish Cypriot organizations: AKP government is the main responsible for the violence in Reyhanli

[05] Kucuk: confidence building measures could delay the negotiating process

[06] Political parties and trade unions in the occupied area of Cyprus criticized Kucuk's visit to the USA

[07] The submission of a "motion of censure" against UBP "government" is discussed

[08] Turkish Commander of Turkish Land Forces held illegal contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; He met with Eroglu, Ozgurgun and Bozer

[09] A US think tank report makes recommendations to Turkey on the issue of the press freedom and freedom of expression; 49 journalist were imprisoned in Turkey in 2012

[10] Greek Cypriot patients seek medical treatment at hospital in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[11] Music festival in occupied Karpassia will change location

[12] Turkey's Supreme Court of Appeals announced its ruling on Dink's murder

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] American Congressmen send a letter to UNSG on Cyprus

According to Erdengiz, the letter says that the inter-communal negotiations are so urgent that they cannot wait for the solution of the economic crisis experienced in the Greek Cypriot side, as he described the government-controlled area of Cyprus. He said that the letter asks for the commencement of the negotiations the soonest. The letter also notes that the solution of the Cyprus problem will facilitate the solution of the economic crisis and says that all the actors concerned with the issue, and mainly the EU, should encourage the two "peoples".

Illegal Bayrak broadcasts that during his contacts at the US Congress, Kucuk met separately with Congressmen Hank Johnson, Ed Whitfield, Howard Coble and Mark Meadows. Kucuk asked their help on the issue of "making the voice of the Turkish Cypriots heard at the American Congress".

Before departing for New York, Kucuk attended a working dinner hosted by the Turkish American Assembly in Washington and made a speech referring to the Cyprus problem. He argued that the states and the institutions which are closely concerned with the solution of the Cyprus problem should allegedly convince the Greek Cypriot side to sit at the negotiating table without delay and start negotiating.

"As prime minister of the TRNC, I once more extend a hand of peace to the Greek Cypriot side from this platform", Kucuk claimed, adding that we can unite Cyprus under a federal roof within the UN parameters accepted by the sides and contribute to peace in Eastern Mediterranean, which "is currently experiencing big quakes".

Kucuk called on the government of the Republic of Cyprus to end what he described as "unilateral initiatives for hydrocarbon resources" and alleged that these explorations should be carried out after the solution.

Asked what he expected from the meeting between President Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, he replied that he expected agreement that the USA will play a more active role on the issue of the Greek Cypriot side returning to the negotiating table and starting the talks.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Erdogan: "We'll search for oil with Exxon in North Iraq"

On the same issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.05.13) reports also that Erdogan also said: "Our oil company already has an agreement with Exxon Mobil in place ... This is a step with the KRG on exploration work."

Until now, resource-hungry Turkey has been a customer and a transportation outlet for oil exports from the Kurdish region. With this agreement, the Turks would play an active role in exploiting Iraqi Kurdistan's rich hydrocarbon resources.

Turkish industry sources said the likely partner is Turkish Petroleum International Company (TPIC), an arm of state-run Turkish Petroleum (TPAO). A spokesman for the company could not immediately be reached for comment.

"We will develop our steps after this visit," Erdogan said, referring to the plans for northern Iraq, without specifying what the agreement would involve.

The Turkish company will take equity stakes in a partnership with Exxon and KRG and would become part of the production-sharing agreement, an Ankara-based energy source said.

Another energy official in Ankara said any contracts would be in the form of commercial agreements signed between companies, not an agreement between governments.

During his U.S. visit, Erdogan will seek Obama's support for further energy deals that Turkish companies are hoping to strike in northern Iraq.

Furthermore, Turkish daily Milliyet (15.05.13) reports that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership envisaged to be signed between the US and the EU is expected to be discussed during the US visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The paper reports that the issue is how and when Turkey will be included to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which will be signed between US and the EU.

According to the paper, the issue is as follow: there are the joint regulations of Customs Union Agreement, where Turkey is also a member. However, Turkey cannot contribute to these regulations. When the EU does a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with third countries, then Turkey is obligated to open automatically his markets to these countries.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (15.05.13) reports that Erdogan will bring the FTA issue to the agenda among other political topics in Washington. The negotiations of the agreement which are to begin in June will result in the biggest free trade zone in the world.

Within scope of the Customs Union Agreement, it is feared that Turkey would face the risk of 2.5% shrinkage in growth and not being able to compete with the cheap EU products unless Turkey and the US sign another agreement for trade. According to the Customs Union Agreement, for a product produced in Turkey and in free circulation between Turkey and the EU to enter a third country free of tax, Turkey needs to sign a separate agreement with this country.

Nonetheless, once products of third countries that have a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU but not with Turkey are imported to the EU, they can enter Turkey free of tax. This situation emerges as an important factor discouraging such countries to sign a free trade agreement with Turkey when they can do so via the EU. Moreover, Turkey is not consulted in the process of determining countries to sign free trade agreement with.

US Secretary of State John Kerry in March stated that economic cooperation couldn't take place without Turkey and added, "Turkey needs to have a strong position in this structure."

[03] Reyhanli's district governor's pictures with members of Al Qaida raise questions

"While the [AKP] government has insistently accused Syria of the bombed attack held in Reyhanli two days ago and caused the death of 50 people and the injury of more than 100, it has exerted the maximum effort for keeping Al Qaida and the Free Syrian Army, which is included in it, outside of the attack", reports the paper adding that the Turkish Minister of Internal Affairs Muammer Guler stated that the number of the persons arrested for the attack increased to 17 yesterday morning.

"Is not necessary, however, for both the government officials and Reyhanli district governor, Yusuf Guler to issue a statement regarding these photographs", wonders Afrika.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Cypriot organizations: AKP government is the main responsible for the violence in Reyhanli

In a statement they read out yesterday in front of the so-called embassy of Turkey to the occupied part of Lefkosia, the organizations said that even if the perpetrators of the bombed attacks are unknown, those who caused the attack are very well known. "Responsible for this attack is imperialism, which wants war in the Middle East and the AKP government, which is its active subcontractor", they argued.

"Just like the bombing of Bayraktar Mosque by the hand of Turkish Cypriot leadership had instigated the enmity of the two peoples, there is a wish for turning the attack in Reyhanli into a pretext for a new operation", the statement said, adding that "the imperialists and their subcontractors are nourished with blood both in Cyprus and in Syria, and strengthen their position with war". [Translator's note: A mosque on Lefkosia's ancient walls bombed in the 1960's upon instructions by the then Turkish Cypriot leadership, as it has been admitted afterwards]

(I/Ts.)

[05] Kucuk: confidence building measures could delay the negotiating process

Kucuk said that the negotiations for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem should start without delay and expressed the view that the natural gas resources in the southern part of the island and the water to be transferred to the occupied northern part of Cyprus from Turkey "constitute a new opportunity and beginning for peace and lasting solution on the island".

Speaking during a round table meeting at the Washington Institute, Kucuk argued that 2013 should be the year of the solution in Cyprus.

In statements to the press after this meeting, Kucuk said that it was absolutely necessary for the negotiations to start for bringing peace not only to the island but to the entire Eastern Mediterranean.

Referring to the economic crisis in the government-controlled area of Cyprus, Kucuk alleged that the economic problems of the Greek Cypriots are the bitter proof of how necessary the cooperation between the two sides is.

Pointing out to what he called as increasing power of Turkey in the area, Kucuk called on President Anastasiades to re-examine the approach of "starting the negotiations after the solution of the economic problems" and added that the solution [of the Cyprus problem] will have significant benefits for overcoming the economic problems.

Kucuk alleged that seeing a way out from economic crisis in what he called as "unilateral mortgaging by the Greek Cypriot administration of the natural resources which exist around the island" could cause new problems. He claimed that the Greek Cypriots gave no positive reply to so-called proposals made twice by the Turkish Cypriot side. Kucuk alleged that without Turkey it would be very difficult and a possibility without added value for the Greek Cypriots to market the hydrocarbon reserves to Europe. He argued that the way of using the existing pipelines in Turkey to market these reserves, on which "all peoples in Cyprus have equal right", passes through the solution [of the Cyprus problem]. He claimed also that the water to be transferred from Turkey to the occupied part of Cyprus is an important development for the Greek Cypriots as well.

Kucuk said that when the negotiations begin, the governance issues should be discussed "in order for establishing a new partnership based on the political equality of the two states". Kucuk argued that the issues of property, the guarantees and the territory will cause great difficulties to the sides. Referring to the exchange of property, Kucuk alleged: "In parallel to being an appropriate method for the principle of bi-zonality, the exchange [of property] could secure the overcoming of the cost problem because it does not require compensation".

Kucuk reiterated the Turkish view that the continuation of Turkey's guarantees is a sine qua non for them and added that the issues of guarantees and security could be solved at an international conference with the participation of the three guarantor powers. Such a conference, he claimed, would secure the necessary support in the solution of matters, on which the sides have not been able to reach an agreement.

Meanwhile, referring to the same statements, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (15.05.13) reports that Kucuk said the role of the international community in the solution of what he described as "the difficult issues" is big and added that the UN Secretary-General's special adviser, Alexander Downer should intensify his contacts and prepare the ground.

Kucuk claimed that brining onto the agenda some confidence building measures before the negotiations could not be an alternative for the negotiations and could delay the process.

Kucuk reiterated the Turkish view that the European Union is "far from being a neutral mediator", as it has allegedly "unilaterally accepted the Greek Cypriots as member", but in spite of this the Union should increase its initiatives to so-called motivate the Greek Cypriots.

Kucuk completed his contacts in Washington and last night departed for New York.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Political parties and trade unions in the occupied area of Cyprus criticized Kucuk's visit to the USA

In statements on the issue, the chairman of CTP-BG Ozkan Yorgancioglu, criticized Kucuk for visiting the USA, stating that Kucuk's visit is not a step towards the foreign affairs policy, since no "official" from "foreign affairs" issues is included in his delegation.

Yorgancioglu described Kucuk's visit as a "trick" and said that what is necessary for the solution of the Cyprus problem is to take actions and not make statements.

Criticizing Kucuk for not including to his accompanied delegation to the USA any of the "special representatives" who participate to the negotiation process or any "official" from the so-called foreign ministry, Yorgancioglu said that this is a result of the distance existed between Eroglu and Kucuk.

On the same issue, the chairman of TDP, Mehmet Cakici stated that Kucuk's visit to the USA was unnecessary. "In a period into which his party is splitting up and the government experiences a crisis, going abroad is unnecessary", said Cakici.

Referring to the meeting of Kucuk with the USA Assistant Secretary of State, Cakici pointed out that the one he was met was not the Secretary of State.

Also speaking on the issue, Serdar Denktas, chairman of the DP said that he found it strange for the so-called prime minister to visit the USA especially with a crowded delegation, adding that he should be aware of the fact that according to the protocol, only the "president" can carry out that kind of visits.

Serdar Denktas accused also Kucuk for not including into his delegation an "official" from the so-called foreign ministry and stated that Kucuk's visit to the USA, is a gesture from the Turkish government which invited Kucuk to go to the USA.

Serdar Denktas called also Kucuk who allegedly went to the USA to sent the message "we are ready for the solution", to explain to the Turkish Cypriots as soon as he will return back to the occupation regime how are they ready for the solution. "That means that he knows something, and it is his duty to make a statement on this", Serdar Denktas added.

A statement about Kucuk's trip to the USA was also made by Senel Elcil, general secretary of KTOS trade Union.

In a written statement, Sener Elcil accused the so-called government for going to the USA for a tourist travelling after the instructions it received from the AKP, in order to participate to the Turkish day parade.

Elcil reacted also against Kucuk and his accompanied delegation visit to the USA, saying that the cost of 500.000 TL of the trip could be given by the "government" to education organizations in the occupied are of Cyprus, instead of going to the USA for participating to a parade, as he said.

AK

[07] The submission of a "motion of censure" against UBP "government" is discussed

Referring to the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (15.05.13) reports that Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that they very seriously evaluate the situation within the UBP and added that they plan to submit a "motion of census" in the next few days, depending on the stance of the opponents of Kucuk within the UBP.

According to the paper, Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP), said that if those who disagree with Kucuk do not trust the "government", they should submit the census and his party will support them.

Ahmet Kasif, who was the opponent of Kucuk for the presidency of UBP during the party's recent congress, said that the issue of a "motion of census" was not on their agenda for now and added that if the division within the UBP continues, it will not be possible for them to remain "insensitive". He noted that in case the opposition parties submit a "motion of census", he will evaluate the situation with his colleagues.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Turkish Commander of Turkish Land Forces held illegal contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; He met with Eroglu, Ozgurgun and Bozer

Kivrikoglu met with several "TRNC state and government officials" today (yesterday).

K?vr?koglu was first met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and he was accompanied by the "commander" of the "Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces", "Lieutenant General", Ismail Serdar Savas.

Speaking during the meeting, Eroglu alleged that the Turkish Cypriots were able to get through hard times with the belief that the Turkish Army would one day extend its helping hand.

Referring to the Cyprus negotiations process, Eroglu said: "We believe that Turkey will never allow for the Turkish Cypriot people's rights to be lost at the negotiating table as long as the Turkish government and the Turkish Armed Forces' sensitivity on the Cyprus issue, continues".

Eroglu also noted that the Turkish Cypriot side is continuing the negotiations with the full support by the Turkish government, Turkish Armed Forces and the Turkish nation.

Also speaking, General Hayri K?vr?koglu emphasized that the Turkish Army and the "Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces" is the assurance of peace and security in Cyprus. "Our soldiers and our people are inseparable, and this will continue", General K?vr?koglu stressed.

Meanwhile, K?vr?koglu and his accompanying delegation visited the so-called foreign minister Huseyin Ozgurgun.

Stating that he had good relations with Ozgurgun during the term he served in Cyprus, Commander K?vr?koglu expressed happiness over visiting Ozgurgun.

For his part, Ozgurgun expressed his pleasure at seeing Commander K?vr?koglu in the "TRNC" and reminded that he was the leader of the main opposition and had close relations with K?vr?koglu during the time he served in the "TRNC".

Stating that the Turkish Armed Forces has great importance and meaning for the Turkish Cypriots, he alleged that the people of Cyprus is continuing its life in peace and prosperity, as a result of the peace brought to the island in 1974.

Touching upon the Cyprus issue, Ozgurgun said: "We are continuing our intensive efforts towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem."

Kivrikoglu has then met with the "speaker" of the so-called assembly Hasan Bozer.

Speaking during the meeting, Bozer said that the Turkish Armed Forces played a role in the Turkish Cypriot's struggle for existence, adding; "Thank God the TRNC state has been established. We have reached where we are today thanks to this struggle. It is our aim to make this state exist forever".

Touching upon the Cyprus problem, Bozer said that the time had come to take action on the Cyprus issue instead of only voicing concerns. "The situation we are in currently, is an important opportunity for the Cyprus Turkish people and this opportunity must be taken advantage of in the best possible manner" noted Bozer and expressed the hope that the Cyprus issue will be concluded through a solution.

[09] A US think tank report makes recommendations to Turkey on the issue of the press freedom and freedom of expression; 49 journalist were imprisoned in Turkey in 2012

A comprehensive analysis released Tuesday by the Center for American Progress, details the current state of press freedom in Turkey and provides recommendations to expand freedom of expression in an effort to secure Turkey's future as a thriving democracy, the report addressed.

The report says "among its many findings, the brief outlines how political tension between the Turkish government, the political opposition, and Kurdish separatists have led to censorship, arrest, threats, and outright violence against reporters and minority voices; as of the end of 2012, Turkey had imprisoned 49 journalists for their reporting, more than any other country in the world."

According to the press release, political culture and journalism are intensely personal in Turkey, as reporters and editors expressing dissenting or critical views also face professional repercussions from media proprietors concerned about the potential backlash from government officials or tax authorities.

According to the report, freedom of the press and expression in Turkey can be protected through judicial and constitutional reforms, and represents a critical step in order to entrench Turkey's status as a confident democracy.

The report, compiled by CAP researchers Max Hoffman and Michael Werz in collaboration with Turkey's Open Society Foundation, reveals other threats to press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey as follows:

Media ownership: Through the consolidation of major media holdings, large conglomerates afraid of jeopardizing diverse business interests yield enough power to pressure reporters, editors, and owners to refrain from engaging in forms of political criticism.

Subtle censorship: By making examples of dissenting journalists and editors (through prosecution, fines, or public criticism by the prime minister or various other officials), journalists and editors decide not to explore sensitive issues for fear of retribution.

Ill-defined Media Law: Under current law, the Turkish government can prosecute and fine media outlets and reporters based on loosely constructed offenses linked to national security, decency standards, and libel.

Other systematic concerns: The Turkish government is also responsible for the leasing of broadcasting frequencies and issuance of journalist credentials, giving the state full authority to deny opposition media.

In conclusion, the report suggests constitutional and judicial reform to eliminate threats to press freedom and freedom expression.

[10] Greek Cypriot patients seek medical treatment at hospital in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

Dr Gunsel claimed that the 10% of around 500 patients taking care daily in the "YDU hospital" come from the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus. He added: "Greek Cypriots, who didn't even take a bottle of water from the Turkish Cypriots, now they trust their own life to the Turkish Cypriots." Most of them seek for a medical treatment for heart and cancer diseases.

[11] Music festival in occupied Karpassia will change location

The Silk Route Festival 2013 had originally been slated for the protected Natura 2000 area at Golden Beach, but plans were stalled when environmental organizations mounted protests and enlisted the support of the EU.

The paper also reports that Turkish Cypriot director of Silk Route Entertainments Ltd Hilmi Ekrem said that they are looking now for a new site which is outside protected areas.

[12] Turkey's Supreme Court of Appeals announced its ruling on Dink's murder

In the ruling announced today, the court approved the sentences given to suspects but overturned the decision that acquitted them of crime gang connections.

The previous ruling, which claimed that there was no crime gang connection in the murder of Dink, had been highly controversial, causing a stir in public debate.

The suspects will now be on trial again in the Istanbul court that gave the initial rulings.

Dink, an Armenian-Turkish journalist, was assassinated in Istanbul in January 2007 by Ogun Samast, a 17-year old Turkish nationalist, in front of the offices of Agos, the weekly for which he was the editor-in-chief.

After two years of proceedings Samast was convicted on July 25, 2011, of premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm by Istanbul's Juvenile Court for Serious Crimes and sentenced to 22 years and 10 months. Another suspect, Yasin Hayal, was convicted of ordering the murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Following a five-year trial, the court had ruled on January 17, 2012, that it saw no "deep state" role in the plotting of the assassination, despite serious claims that a number of civil servants were "indirectly" involved. The ruling was overturned a year later by the Supreme Court of Appeals, which led to prosecutors restarting their probe into the murder. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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