Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-06-12

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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] Erdogan: "We will continue listening to democratic demands"

[02] Opposition party leaders in Turkey expressed strong criticism to Erdogan

[03] International calls to Turkey for restrain and end of violence; UN's Ban and US White House call Turkey to respect the right of protest and expression

[04] Bagis' responded to Swoboda remarks: "Protests no reason to suspend EU negotiations"

[05] Turkey's Taksim square is calm in the 16th day of the protests; Clashes occurred last night after police entered the square

[06] AK Party to hold rallies in Ankara and Istanbul over the weekend

[07] Siber is the first woman "prime minister"

[08] Kucuk visited Erdogan thanking AKP for its aids to the "TRNC"

[09] Turkish Vice Admiral visited the breakaway regime over the "2013 Martyr Lieutenant Caner Gonyeli exercises"

[10] Support by KTOS for the protests in Turkey

[11] More information about the uncontrolled granting of "citizenships" by the breakaway regime

[12] The Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Association calls on Tumerkan to resign

[13] Number one suspect in Reyhanl1
attack was captured

[14] Davutoglu continues diplomatic efforts on Syria crisis

[15] Turkey and Egypt signed transportation agreements

[16] Turkey's Simsek: "Turkey grows 3% in 2013's first quarter"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Erdogan: "We will continue listening to democratic demands"

In his speech Erdogan said: "We, as the government, have to ensure the security of lives, property, mind, generation and belief. These are our primary duties."

Emphasizing the government's continued commitment to listening to democratic voices, he stressed: "We will not push anyone aside by ignoring their sensitivity as we have never done beforehand. We will continue empathizing with them and listening to their democratic demands, as we have done until now."

Regarding the damage afflicted on the economy, he noted: "the Turkish economy was directly aimed at with these incidents."

Condemning forms of coercion and provocation, he asserted that "we will continue protecting our nation as we did in the past 10 and half years against provocation and we neither impose anyone nor accept anyone's imposition".

Referring to the hijacking of environmental concerns, the Prime Minister warned that "Environment sensitivity has turned into different protests and aims at camouflaging the illegal rebellion against a democratic regime."

"Gezi Park, as befits the name, is a park for walking, not a field of occupation." "Gezi" in English means travel.

Erdogan cautioned the Taksim Gezi Park protesters of the exploitation of the protests, saying: "I invite all the demonstrators to see the big picture, understand the games that are being played and I urge those who are sincere to leave the park and end protests."

Emphasizing Turkey's commitment to rights, he noted: "You could not have seen the rights 10 years ago, which are fully enjoyed today."

Erdogan referred to the police intervention on Tuesday morning in Gezi Park when forces entered to remove illegal banners and posters, resulting in clashes with protestors again and said: "Security forces should not have let this happen in the first place. How could you allow these people in a public office, how could you let them get to the top of the roof? How could you have them hang posters and banners featuring leaders of illegal organizations?"

Addressing the hateful behaviors of individuals seeking to disrespect a place of worship, he said, "You went into the Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Mosque with shoes on, and drank there. You committed this act of disrespect against the worship places of this country?Then you threatened the mosque official to speak misleadingly, and made him say nothing of this sort happened. What are you talking about? We have the video recordings. We will submit all of them to the public on Friday."

Erdogan stated: "During the incidents, the wife of one of my relatives with her 6 month-old child was dragged onto the ground and harassed near the Prime Ministry building. It has nothing to with the fight for freedom. Is it a freedom or environmentalism? However we always said 'patience, patience, patience'."

While emphasizing willingness to listen to democratic demands, he stressed that illegal measures would not be tolerated. He said: "No one should feel intimated in the face of those who wreak havoc, the marginals, the extremists and those who act illegally... We will bring to account those who unjustly criticize, harm, attack or even kill our police officers."

[02] Opposition party leaders in Turkey expressed strong criticism to Erdogan

Addressing his parliamentary group meeting, Kilicdaroglu said: "What is your benefit from dividing this country. You provoke [people]. You are the number-one provocateur".

Kilicdaroglu accused Erdogan of being a "liar," referring to the Erdogan's accusations that protestors had drunk alcohol in a mosque.

He read out a column of Suleyman Gunduz from daily Yeni Safak, in which Gunduz said that he had witnessed the muezzin of the mosque informing EU Minister Egemen Bagis about the incident. The muezzin told Bagis that nobody was holding or drinking alcoholic beverages, K1
l1
cdaroglu read out.

"Saying that alcohol was brought into a mosque is irresponsibility, more than irresponsibility, it is immorality. Why did you remain silent when they harmed the Quran at 0
ncirlik Air Base? Why did you remain silent when thousands of Muslim women were raped in Iraq? What did you do? You congratulated those rapists," said K1
l1
cdaroglu.

K1
l1
cdaroglu criticized Erdogan for delivering tough remarks and harming the Turkish financial markets. CHP leader categorized the police into two groups: the government's police and the people's police.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli speaking in his parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, urged Erdogan not to further polarize the society with his rhetoric and the recent rally decision the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has made.

"Prime minister, I am warning you: You must immediately give up your rhetoric by being raised to the bait by the crowds, on spreading the seeds of hostility to motivate and consolidate your electorate," Bahceli said.

"We wonder how much more the Prime Minister will provoke the hostilities, will deepen this polarization," Bahceli said regarding the government's planned rallies.

Bahceli also argued that Erdogan was once again exploiting the issue of headscarves, while antagonizing the sensitivities on mosques by alleging that protesters drank alcohol in Dolmabahce Mosque in Istanbul during protests, despite rejection of this claim by the mosque's muezzin.

"He acts as the wildest provocateur of all times. He seems ready to create discord among the people like a bomb whose pin has been pulled," Bahceli said. While urging for the infamous "interest rate lobby" to be investigated, he also said: "Those who you said you will suffocate, have they been suffocating you for 10 years?" He announced that the MHP would be submitting a proposal of a parliamentary inquiry into this "lobby."

Alsom S1
rr1
Sureyya ?nder, a critical figure in the Gezi Park protests who has been present from the beginning of the demonstrations, has slammed June 11's ferocious police assault on Taksim, notably criticizing Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu for insulting him.

"This is not the way to end even a fight in the neighborhood. These are the mayors of wartime. No peace can come out of these," Onder, who is also a Deputy of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), said June 11.

Onder criticized the government's approach in handling the protests. "This is not the language of negotiation. When there is no consciousness of democracy in it, this issue cannot be settled with romantic tweets," he said, referring to Mutlu's recent tweets on the beauty of Gezi Park and how he wishes he was there, too.

In the meantime, Selahattin Demirtas, the co-chair of the BDP, urged the government to take a more positive stance toward the protests and to try to understand the youth.

(?)

[03] International calls to Turkey for restrain and end of violence; UN's Ban and US White House call Turkey to respect the right of protest and expression

"The Secretary-General appeals for calm and stresses the importance of addressing differences through dialogue," said U.N. Secretary-General Spokesperson Martin Nesirsky June 11.

"Protests should be peaceful and the right to assembly and the freedom of expression should be respected, as these are fundamental principles of a democratic state," Nesirsky added.

Ban's statement came as police intervened once again against protesters in Taksim Square in an attempt to clear the site of "banners and flags."

"We continue to follow events in Turkey with concern, and our interest remains supporting freedom of expression and assembly, including the right to peaceful protest," White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.

Meanwhile, Turkish worldbulletin.com website (12.06.13) reports that the White House said on Tuesday that it was concerned by attempts in Turkey and called for dialogue to resolve differences between the government and protesters.

"We continue to follow events in Turkey with concern, and our interest remains supporting freedom of expression and assembly, including the right to peaceful protest," White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said in a statement.

"We believe that Turkey's long-term stability, security, and prosperity is best guaranteed by upholding the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, association, and a free and independent media. Turkey is a close friend and ally of the United States, and we expect the Turkish authorities to uphold these fundamental freedoms," she said.

[04] Bagis' responded to Swoboda remarks: "Protests no reason to suspend EU negotiations"

Speaking at the Premier's dinner at Topkapi Palace garden given for IHT Sports Business Summit convening in Istanbul on June 11 and 12, Bagis said: "If Swoboda had suspended Austria's relations with EU when police used excessive force against such protests, then we could have considered his comments."

Bagis added that Swoboda canceled main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu's meeting recently, suggested that he had thought to make such comment in order to show his impartiality by leaving the government during a difficult time. "I was shocked by his behavior, because he is one of the politicians that I respect."

Bagis announced that within the scope of his trip to Brussels on June 25 and 26, he requested an appointment with Swoboda on June 26 in order "to understand what he wanted to say".

"If the EU is really sensitive on Turkey's democratization, transparency, human rights, freedom of expression and gathering, it should determine the criteria for 23rd and 24th chapters, save itself from the dominance of Greek Cypriots, and tell Turkey the lacking points that it identifies," said Bagis. He added that Turkey is ready to take necessary steps after hearing the lacking points and comparing them to the freedoms in other EU countries.

Meanwhile, in statements at the opening of International Herald Tribune Sport Business Summit held at Istanbul's Conrad Hotel, Bagis said that Istanbul has the capacity to host the 2020 Olympics as a distinct city, confirming the trust displayed by Herald Tribune.

"There may be different opinions among us as Turkey is a democratic country. We tell on every occasion that we respect all opinions as long as they are peaceful and non-violent," noted Bagis.

(?)Bagis also stressed that there are similar demonstrations, protests and following incidents in major cities in today's world, saying: "There are instances of security forces excessing their authority."

"Nobody should dare to use these protests against Turkey," said Bagis, warning protesters of provocateurs.

Defining the youth involving in Taksim Gezi Park protests as "our youth," Bagis added: "We may have differences in our language, style, age and generation. However, we love them all and have the self-confidence to settle the issue and related problems via dialogue".

[05] Turkey's Taksim square is calm in the 16th day of the protests; Clashes occurred last night after police entered the square

Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu and Istanbul Police Chief Huseyin Capk1
n visited the square last night after the police took partial control following a harsh crackdown on protesters two times that day.

The police officers "played football" in the square as protestors built new barricades to protect the remaining occupation area in Gezi Park, Anatolia news agency reported.

(?)

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (11.06.13) reported that riot police have taken partial control of Taksim Square after entering the site around 7.30 a.m. and surrounded the Ataturk Statue following use of tear gas and pressurized water on the protesters.

As of 11:30, a human chain had been formed to prevent the police from intervening, but was immediately dispersed by the officers. Crowds at the park do not come down to the square, but try to support the clashing groups by chanting slogans.

The police also intervened with a gathering at the Gezi Park scheduled for 1 p.m. with tear gas and pressurized water. The Taksim Square was under a thick cloud of tear gas as of 1:30 p.m., while more people were reportedly injured during the ongoing crackdown.

Istanbul Governor HUseyin Avni Mutlu said there had been only minor injuries and no one had been hospitalized.

It was the first time the police entered the square since they retreated from the iconic venue on June 1.

(?)

[06] AK Party to hold rallies in Ankara and Istanbul over the weekend

The first rally will begin at 5 pm on Saturday in Ankara and there will not be verbal announcements due to the university entrance exam (LYS).

The sub-theme of the rallies is to be "Let's Spoil the Big Game and Write History!"

The second rally will take place in Istanbul on Sunday at 5 pm.

The rallies would be held as a counterattack to the Gezi Park protests that began as a sit-in protest at Taksim Gezi Park against the plans to redevelop the park, but then turned into clashes after the police intervention.

[07] Siber is the first woman "prime minister"

According to the Turkish Cypriot press, Mrs Sibel Siber is the first woman in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, who will become "prime minister" ? temporarily ? after CTP, DP (Democratic Party) and TDP (Social Democracy Party) agreed on her to be in charge of forming a technocrat "government" in the run-up to next "general election" of 28th of July.

Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (12.06.13) reports that CTP will control the following four "ministries": finance, foreign affairs, interior and local administration, and labour and social security.

DP will take the so-called ministries of public works and transportation, of health, as well as of economy and energy.

According to the paper, TDP will take the so-called ministries of agriculture and natural sources, of national education, youth and sport, and finally, the tourism, environment and culture.

It is also reported that the names of the self-styled ministers are expected to be presented to Eroglu for his approval the latest on Friday.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (12.06.13) reports that the meeting between Siber and Eroglu was closed to the press.

Siber, speaking to the press after the meeting, said that she took the duty to form a "government" with the mutual agreement of the three opposition parties, adding that the soonest possible will convey to Eroglu the list of the "council of ministers".

Eroglu, for his part, said that a temporary "government" will be formed until the upcoming "early election" and the "legal procedure" will be followed.

Asked to comment on the reason for Kucuk's visit to Ankara, Eroglu said that he can't give an answer, adding that Kucuk is the accountable of this question.

[08] Kucuk visited Erdogan thanking AKP for its aids to the "TRNC"

The paper reports that according to information from "prime minister's office", Kucuk went to Ankara upon an invitation of Erdogan. The meeting between Kucuk and Erdogan lasted 1.5 hours and no statements were issued before or after the meeting.

Meanwhile, Kucuk, evaluating his contacts in Ankara to illegal BRT's office in Ankara, said that he went to Ankara in order to thank the ruling Justice and Development (AKP) government for its support and aids to the projects of roads, water and electricity. He also said that he had a close cooperation with Erdogan during his 3-year duties as a "prime minister".

[09] Turkish Vice Admiral visited the breakaway regime over the "2013 Martyr Lieutenant Caner Gonyeli exercises"

Kezek met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, the self-styled parliamentary speaker Hasan Bozer and 0
rsen K???k.

Speaking during the visits, Kezek alleged that "the search and rescue exercises were being carried out within the framework of the cooperation agreement between the two countries and said the main purpose behind the exercise was purely humanitarian".

On his part, Eroglu said the exercises were taking place due to an agreement between the two "countries" and alleged that the Turkish Cypriots were living in peace and harmony thanks to "Motherland Turkey being an active and effective guarantor on the island".

In addition, under the title: "Zero replies from the neighbors: The TRNC was left alone", Turkish daily Cumhuriyet (12.06.13) reports that due to the crisis faced by the Turkish government, the breakaway regime was left alone to conduct the 2013 Martyr Lieutenant Caner Gonyeli Search and Rescue exercises".

The paper writes that the breakaway regime issued invitation to more than fifty countries to observe the exercise, however only two countries replied, Afghanistan and Pakistan which sent observers for the exercise. "It was noted that no neighbors of Turkey and the TRNC attended the exercise", the paper stated. The paper writes that the previous years the following countries sent observers for the exercise: Gambia, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, Bahrain, Qatar and Turkmenistan.

[10] Support by KTOS for the protests in Turkey

Elcil stressed that Kucuk has shown one more time that he takes instructions from Ankara and he obeys to Erdogan's orders, adding that it is a great shame for the Turkish Cypriot community that he was asking support for the "elections" showing that he serves Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Elcil noted that it is impossible for the Turkish Cypriots to have any more joint ideas with AKP, which attacks to peaceful resisters with pepper gas. Furthermore, Elcil said that they are astonished that some political parties, politicians or persons desire cooperation with AKP.

[11] More information about the uncontrolled granting of "citizenships" by the breakaway regime

The paper reports about the information in the residence certificate of a person named Idil E. who was granted the "TRNC citizenship" and writes that the address of a hotel in occupied Lefkosia is given as this person's home address.

[12] The Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Association calls on Tumerkan to resign

The Association also claimed that Turmerkan is not objective and exerts pressure and threatens the personnel, the paper reports.

According to the paper, the Association also argued in the announcement that Tumerkan favours more the members of the Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Union and the members of the Turkish Cypriot press workers trade union (Basin-Sen) than the members of the Association.

Finally, the Association called on Tumerkan to resign from his post.

[13] Number one suspect in Reyhanl1
attack was captured

(& )

On Tuesday, Hatay Governor's Office said in a written statement that the city's police force captured Nas1
r Eskiocak in Hatay's Yayladag district as he was crossing the border into Syria at about 11 p.m. on Monday. Eskiocak is believed to have been engaged with various leftist terrorist organizations. He is also claimed to have connection to a terrorist organization called "Acilciler," (Urgent Ones), a splinter faction of the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C). He was found to have made many visits to the western Syrian city of Latakia from Yayladag1
.

Eskiocak was caught with three other people who are suspected of aiding and abetting him.

(& )

[14] Davutoglu continues diplomatic efforts on Syria crisis

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has continued diplomatic efforts to find a settlement to the Syrian crisis.

According to diplomatic sources, Davutoglu spoke to several foreign ministers over the last three days including those of the United States, Qatar, Britain, France and Jordan.

Davutoglu spoke to US Secretary of State John Kerry and Qatar's Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber bin Muhammad Al Thani on the telephone over the weekend.

Davutoglu also had separate phone calls with his British counterpart William Hague, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and Jordan's Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Tuesday, as well as with EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.

Davutoglu also met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr during his visit in Azerbaijan's capital Baku, where he participated in the conference of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The Turkish Foreign Minister discussed all dimensions of the Syrian issue and the latest developments, evaluating a planned international peace conference in Geneva.

[15] Turkey and Egypt signed transportation agreements

Yildirim and Egyptian counterpart Latif and his delegation held a press conference at the Transport Ministry in Ankara.

Yildirim said that transit transportation between Turkey and Egypt will be free, requires no documents and has no restriction.

Latif noted that today is the third day of his visit in Turkey and added: "l did not feel like an outsider at all".

Stating that the trade volume between two nations sharply increased, Latif said that the bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Egypt reached to 5 billion USD and that Turkish investments in Egypt have been above 1.5 billion USD.

(?)

[16] Turkey's Simsek: "Turkey grows 3% in 2013's first quarter"

Simsek said in a written statement that it was the domestic demand not the exports which contributed to the present growth.

(?)

Simsek pointed out there was a limited rise in current deficit, increasing 3.6 billion dollars in April when compared to March, to level of 51.3 billion dollars.

Turkish Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs, and Communications Binali Yildirim evaluated on the growth numbers in 2013's first quarter following his meeting with Egyptian Minister of Transport Hatem Abdel Latif.

Yildirim pointed to the 3% growth in Turkish economy and said the percentage meant 100% increase in growth when compared to the 1.4% growth in 2012's last quarter. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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