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

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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] Breakaway regime announces plans for violating again Cyprus's EEZ together with Turkey's TPAO

[02] AKP government ordered protesters to leave Gezi Park; it proposed for a referendum to be held for Gezi Park

[03] Erdogan, Davutoglu and Bozdag reiterated that external circles are related to Gezi Park protests; criticism was expressed to international media

[04] Gul: "Turkey will solve issues with democracy"

[05] Mossad's director met with M0
T head; The Syria crisis and Gezi Park protest were discussed

[06] Ashton warns that AKP planned rallies will increase tension in Turkey; she indicated that they are close to open a new chapter for Turkey

[07] Bagis on the Gezi Park protests; He criticized the Republic of Cyprus for preventing Turkey's EU membership

[08] Three airplanes from occupied Cyprus will reportedly carry people to support Erdogan's rally in Istanbul on Sunday

[09] Demirtas stated that the withdrawal of PKK has been completed; he urged the Turkish government to proceed to the second phase

[10] Kucuk: Ankara is disturbed by the situation in occupied Cyprus

[11] Trade Unions' Platform announced their expectations from the "government" that will be formed after the "early elections"

[12] The timetable for the upcoming "early elections" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[13] Evkaf religious foundation employed twenty two new imams in occupied Cyprus

[14] Only Turkish in the road signs in occupied Cyprus

[15] The breakaway regime to have a TOMA riot control vehicle in September

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Breakaway regime announces plans for violating again Cyprus's EEZ together with Turkey's TPAO

In a written statement issued today the self-styled ministry said that they had found out that the "Greek Cypriot side", as it describes the government of the Republic of Cyprus, is carrying our seismic explorations in the area for which the regime had given a so-called license to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). The "ministry" alleged that these "provocative steps" are "an unacceptable approach which increases tension in the area".

The "ministry" claimed also that as "co-owner" of the island, the Turkish Cypriot "people" had "equal and inseparable rights" in the exploration and exploitation of the natural resources in the island's EEZ. It went on and said that they would definitely not allow for the so-called usurpation of the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people" with the creation of fait accompli.

"The works carried out within this framework are continuing and in parallel to the new seismic explorations which will be held in the next few days in the blocks for which permits for exploration/extraction were given to TPAO by our government, drilling activities are also planned according to the result which will be taken", the self-styled ministry said.

"In order for peace and stability on the island and in Eastern Mediterranean to be secured, we hope that the Greek Cypriot side will end its daydreaming policies and start constructively contributing to the negotiations in the direction of finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and the research for a common ground to be determined with mutual understanding for carrying out the exploration/extraction activities for hydrocarbon until a solution is reached", argues the statement.

(I/Ts.)

[02] AKP government ordered protesters to leave Gezi Park; it proposed for a referendum to be held for Gezi Park

Huseyin Celik, Deputy chairman of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), said that hundreds of demonstrators still camped in Gezi Park, which adjoins Taksim Square in the heart of 0
stanbul, must leave immediately.

(& )

"Those with bad intentions or who seek to provoke and remain in the park will (now) be facing the police," Celik said at a news conference following a meeting between Erdogan and a group of public figures linked to the Gezi.

Celik gave few details of how a referendum would be carried out, saying it could either be held across 0
stanbul or just in the district near Taksim.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (13.06.13) reported that the members of the Taksim Solidarity Platform that met the Deputy Prime Minister last week said that they did not accept the government's proposal of a referendum. "Nobody met with us. We rose up because we refused the police oppression that continued until this morning. [The ruling AKP's spokesperson Huseyin Celik] said those who stay in the park are marginal. No one will abandon the site tonight," the group said in a statement.

[03] Erdogan, Davutoglu and Bozdag reiterated that external circles are related to Gezi Park protests; criticism was expressed to international media

Erdogan notoriously reacted by uttering "one minute" to Israeli President Shimon Peres during the 2009 Davos Economic Forum.

"Even if not in such a manner, we had foreseen these events as a series of conspiracies three months ago. We had received some intelligence reports," Erdogan also said.

The Turkish Prime Minister reportedly watched with Palandoken a video showing the damages inflicted on the shops of tradesman during the Gezi Park protests. "The security forces will behave very differently from now onward. [Those who damaged the shops] will render account. The tradesman should be vigilant. The interests of the interest lobby don't match theirs," he said.

According to daily Hurriyet, Erdogan also said during the meeting that he had told the Interior Minister to "finish" the protests in the next 24 hours, without young people at Gezi Park being hurt.

Erdogan also met on June 12 with a group of 11 people, including artists, academics and students that were invited by the government as representatives of the Gezi Park protesters.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (12.06.13) reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday that certain circles on international media tried to damage Turkey's image at Taksim Gezi Park protests.

Speaking on the private "Haber Turk" TV channel, Davutoglu said that Turkey was a rising country and thus the image of the country was hurt by the international media's Taksim Gezi Park protests coverage.

"When compared, Taksim Gezi Park protests coverage by the international media is different from the incidents in Turkey," said Davutoglu. "I know how the same media broadcast the killings in Syria. We know that they broadcast Taksim protests live for long hours without commercials, while the same media did not pay much attention to Banyas massacres."

Also, commenting on the Gezi Park protest, Ankara Anatolia news agency (12.06.13) reported that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said: "Unfortunately we see TV channels with a strong effort are being used as an instrument of falsifying the truths by lies and slanders".

Bozdag talked to the press in Ankara's Esenboga Airport before his departure to Republic of Congo for the Turkey - Republic of Congo Joint Economic Commission meeting.

Bozdag said: "Turkey witness the huge efforts of some media, artists and capital holders and the structures of policy and ideology. Those who deliver the news in Turkey and abroad, act against AK Party ruling and try to set a trap and they will see with whom AK Party has been formed, said Bozdag.

Bozdag added, "The protest which consisted of small part of our nation will be ended as well. We do not have any hesitation about it".

"Turkey is a democratic country and within the framework of constitution and laws, everyone has the right for criticism, demonstration and organizing meetings", said Bozdag.

[04] Gul: "Turkey will solve issues with democracy"

He said that the Gezi Park protests should be solved in a "democratic way" within the law and without resorting to violence.

"This kind of problem should be solved by discussing different thoughts, dialogue and within the law. There may be disagreements; in such situations the courts should be resorted to. In the end, these [disagreements] must be solved without resorting to violence," Gul told reporters.

Gul underlined that the most contradictory thoughts must be able to be voiced within the framework of rules. "It is democratic maturity to take into account and listen to these demands," he said.

However, the President stressed that the protesters should not resort to violence. "Violence should not be allowed ? [Violence] is not permitted in Turkey, in New York, in Berlin, or in Spain," Gul said.

He also called on the international media to be cautious about covering the Gezi protests. He said that what was happening in Turkey was not caused by people's demands for rights, freedom and democracy, but that these demonstrations were held by people who had "different demands."

"We evaluate all peaceful demonstrations, expression of thoughts as a democratic right and we say this from the beginning. We are honoured to say this," said Gul, adding that Turkey was a democratic country unlike countries in the region hit by uprisings.

However, Gul said that it could not be regarded as democratic right if key places of the country such as Taksim Square in Istanbul and K1
z1
lay Square in Ankara are attempted to be seized permanently, breaking rules and by use of violence.

On the other hand, Gul said those who disagree with the project in Taksim must be listened to. "Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's meeting with several people among the protesters yesterday must be regarded as a positive step taken for such a dialogue", Gul added.

Gul also said the police and administration were aware that the intervention at Gezi Park on the very first day was wrong. "What happened in Gezi Park on the first day [of incidents] was unfortunately wrong. Istanbul police acknowledged this too. This is why their attitude has changed [in a positive way] yesterday and the day before [Monday and Tuesday]," said Gul.

[05] Mossad's director met with M0
T head; The Syria crisis and Gezi Park protest were discussed

According to reports, Pardo, who is of Turkish and Serbian origin, traveled to Turkey in a private airplane to see Fidan. They reportedly discussed the latest situation in Syria, which has been in turmoil for more than two years, and the impact of Iran on the situation. The two parties shared intelligence ahead of a planned US-Russia-led peace conference in Geneva, which is expected to bring together the Syrian regime and opposition in July for a solution to the conflict in Syria.

Pardo reportedly told Fidan that members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps are engaged in activities against Turkey by Syrian intelligence agency al-Mukhabarat.

The two intelligence officials also discussed the ongoing Gezi Park demonstrations, which began at the end of last month in protest of government plans for the redevelopment of a park in 0
stanbul's Taksim Square. Demonstrations have spread to other provinces in the country and turned into anti-government protests.

Media reports also said that Pardo wanted to meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to talk about the issue, but that Erdogan did not respond to the Israeli official.

This high-level visit by Pardo is considered an important one for Turkish-Israeli relations, which were strained until quite recently due to the Israeli naval commandos' raid on the Mavi Marmara, a ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in May of 2010, killing eight Turkish civilians and one Turkish-American.

[06] Ashton warns that AKP planned rallies will increase tension in Turkey; she indicated that they are close to open a new chapter for Turkey

"Major AKP rallies in Istanbul and Ankara this weekend would risk adding to the tension when we need to see de-escalation. The answer, I believe, and as I have said, is engagement, not antagonism," Ashton said.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's planned meeting with representatives of the protestors on June 12 "is an important opportunity to find a way forward based on dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect," Ashton told the Parliament also addressed by European Union Commissioner Stefan Fule.

"Democratically elected governments ? even the most successful of them, which have enjoyed three election victories and have half the population's support ? still need to take account of the needs and expectations of those who don't feel represented. And peaceful demonstrations are a legitimate way for such groups to express their views," said Ashton.

President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Hannes Swoboda also targeted Erdogan during a speech he made during the European Parliament session, where he slammed Erdogan's remarks about unwillingness to change.

"The people are the ones protesting against him and his ultraconservative policies. And how does he react? With pure, brutal violence," Swoboda said, adding that chapters on freedom of speech and rule of law "should be opened without delay."

"Let's talk about the problems and either Turkey advances and complies with European standards ? or we can close the negotiations," he stated.

Also, Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.06.13) reports that the European Parliament (EP) discussed the protests in Taksim Gezi Park in EP general assembly meeting.

Speaking during the meeting, Ashton said: "Now it is not time to cut the ties with Turkey, it is time to set closer ties," regarding the protests in Turkey.

About Turkey's EU membership, Asthon said: "We are close to open a new chapter in accession process of European Union".

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu held talks with his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle over the phone to discuss Taksim Gezi Park protests.

Davutoglu criticized the session about Turkey in the Parliament of Germany for the way it was conducted. "When the similar events happen in European countries including Germany, they do not react differently than Turkey did," also said Davutoglu.

[07] Bagis on the Gezi Park protests; He criticized the Republic of Cyprus for preventing Turkey's EU membership

Speaking at Izmir's EXPO 2020 candidacy presentation in Paris, Bagis said that Turkey was a country where democratic elections are held and it was unfair to compare Turkey with the events in countries where there was no democracy.

"Turkey's ruling party came into power with democratic elections", said Bagis adding: "The situation in Turkey is not similar to the ones in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia. If Turkish electors are not happy with our practices they will show this in the next elections."

Bagis said Turkish government had no objection to the protestors who have environmental concerns but had had no tolerance for the terrorist groups using violence.

Stating that the terrorist group which perpetrated a suicide attack on the US Embassy in Ankara, known as Revolutionary People's Liberation Party?Front (DHKP-C), attended the demonstrations to abuse, Bagis said: "If an Al-Qaeda banner was hung over on the Statute of Liberty how would New York Times react?"

"It is interesting to have such incidents in Turkey when the terror organization PKK laid down arms and the economic and development figures are at best levels," said Bagis. "Interest lobby and several financial institutions are disturbed by the growth and development in Turkey", he added.

Bagis also said that Turkey would strengthen the EU and the union would be a global peace project with Turkey's full membership to the EU.

Bagis criticized the "Greek Cypriot administration", as the Republic of Cyprus is called, for preventing Turkey's EU membership negotiations saying: "Turkey was vitally important for the EU in terms of EU's energy policies."

[08] Three airplanes from occupied Cyprus will reportedly carry people to support Erdogan's rally in Istanbul on Sunday

Under the title "Invasion from Cyprus to Istanbul rally", the paper writes that three airplanes from the occupied area of Cyprus will take off from illegal Tymvou airport in order to carry people who will support the rally organized by Erdogan on Sunday, 16 June, in Istanbul. According to Afrika, a group of people activated by the National Unity party (UBP) call on people through the social media to participate in the rally.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Demirtas stated that the withdrawal of PKK has been completed; he urged the Turkish government to proceed to the second phase

Selahattin Demirtas also noted that they are supporting the Gezi protests in the name of freedom.

Demirtas said that now that the initial phase was done, that the second phase of introducing regulations for democratization was necessary, adding that it was now the government's turn to take action.

"There is no problem with the withdrawal, no interruption. A position for reciprocal tension or conflict does not arise. In Ocalan's words, the desire expected from the first phase is largely complete. Actually the first phase is complete. Now, it is time to talk about the second phase. It is time for practice," Demirtas said.

Demirtas stated that the government could introduce a mixed democratization package. "There cannot be [just] one law, but a mixed package that includes practices against human rights in plenty of laws. Some penalties are too high, disproportionate. Periods of detention are implemented arbitrarily. What is right is the lifting of ?YMs [specially authorized courts] too, but I do not know if the government is taking a step or not," he said.

A total of 100 articles must be amended to "clear the way," he said.

[10] Kucuk: Ankara is disturbed by the situation in occupied Cyprus

Kucuk described the eight former "MPs" of his party as "traitors" and the overthrowing of his "government" as "attack against democracy". Kucuk argued that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and circles that wanted the continuation of the status quo in his party were behind this incident.

Commenting of the efforts by the three opposition party to establish a "government" which will lead the Turkish Cypriot to the early "elections" of the 28th of July, Kucuk argued that "this does not represent the will of the people" and therefore it would be difficult to establish a new "government". He claimed that the "real will of the people" will be seen on the 28th of July.

Referring to the leaders of the Social Democracy party (TDP) and the DP, Mehmet Cakici and Serdar Denktas respectively, Kucuk alleged that they have the same "psychological structure" and claimed that both Denktas and Cakici as well as the eight "MPs" who had abandoned the UBP give an impression similar to the one given by the Greek army when it was abandoning Izmir.

Referring to those who criticized him because of his visit to Ankara, Kucuk said that his aim was to thank Ankara for helping the occupied part of Cyprus. He argued that his actions are democratic and transparent and that no one has the right to put "embargo" on him and added: "Ankara is the capital city of our motherland. There is a government with which we work in harmony. Of course I will go to Ankara. I do not feel the need to give account to anyone on this issue".

(I/Ts.)

[11] Trade Unions' Platform announced their expectations from the "government" that will be formed after the "early elections"

The Trade Unions' Platform, which consists of 27 trade unions, announced that they expect from the new "government" to stop to grant "citizenships", as well as the abolition of Turkey's "Aid Committee" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Tahir Gokcebel, chairman of KTOEOS, reading the text which includes the basic principles of the Trade Unions' Platform, said that the cooperation protocols, which are signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime, brings poverty, unemployment, irregularity and environment massacre. Gokcebel also said that these protocols abolish also the social state, impose the system of mafia, prostitution, laundry money and drugs. Furthermore, Gokcebel said that these protocols interfere into the culture, life, believes and education of the Turkish Cypriot community, concluding that the protocols also bring a state of conservatism, fanaticism and militarism instead of democracy.

At the 13th article of trade unions' manifest, it is asked the closure of Turkey's "Aid Committee", arguing that these "financial aids" by Turkey forms a relation of "taking orders".

[12] The timetable for the upcoming "early elections" in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

"Political parties are nominating their candidates for the elections to be held on the 28th of July. According to the election process currently underway, all political parties must determine and nominate their candidates by Tuesday, the 18th of June.

Candidates nominated will be submitting their official applications on the 21st of June while the High Electoral Council (YSK) will be announcing the official list of candidates.

The National Unity Party (UBP) has announced that its candidates determined by the UBP's nomination council will be made public on the 15th of June.

The Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) which completed its deadline for applicants yesterday (Monday) will determine its candidates over the weekend.

Party delegates will be nominating candidates at party congresses to be held simultaneously in all districts on the 12th of June.

The Democrat Party-National Forces (DP-UG) which completed its deadline for applicants on the 5th of June is in the process of determining its candidates.

The Social Democratic Party (TDP) which completed its applications on Monday will be holding a solidarity meeting on the evening of the 15th before heading to a general congress on the 23rd of June."

[13] Evkaf religious foundation employed twenty two new imams in occupied Cyprus

According to Afrika, due to a decision of the Evkaf religious foundation dated 28 May 2013, twenty two imams will be employed in occupied Cyprus and their salaries will not be paid by the Department of Religious Affairs of the breakaway regime but from Evkaf.

The paper notes that the soon-to be employed imams have not even graduated yet.

[14] Only Turkish in the road signs in occupied Cyprus

The paper writes that this development created reaction among many persons who stated that the breakaway regime is a touristic place and also have many foreign inhabitants, therefore the road signs must be written in English as well.

[15] The breakaway regime to have a TOMA riot control vehicle in September

The paper notes that the TOMA vehicles that are used against the demonstrators in the currently taking place protest all over Turkey may be used in the breakaway regime in similar cases.

Not an "official" statement was made regarding the use of the vehicle, which is bought by the so called security forces, writes Kibris. However, some "officials" stated that it may be used in case of fire. The vehicle, which can spray two tons of water in just a few seconds, was bought for 332.900 dollars. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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