Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-06-20

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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] US Ambassador to Ankara paid a surprise visit to AKP headquarters and discussed with Erdogan's main advisor Gezi Park protests

[02] Bagis: "If necessary, Turkey will tell EU to 'Get lost, kid!'"

[03] A call by Swoboda to Merkel not to block EU talks with Turkey; Ankara may recall Ambassador

[04] Third week of demonstrations continue in Turkey

[05] Gulen: Let's not destroy several bridges with a single bridge

[06] Davutoglu: Turkey to take action if border threat identified

[07] Seventeen decisions by Siber's "government" in a week; "EU Support Office" is given the status of "diplomatic mission"

[08] Problems are created in almost all Turkish Cypriot parties in the process of determining their "candidates" for the early "elections"

[09] Ertugruloglu: "Eroglu is working for the DP"

[10] The college of theology in occupied Mia Milia will be ready for the new school year; Only the mosque costs 23 million US dollars

[11] The regime invites tenders for repainting the flag on occupied Pentadaktylos Mountains

[12] Iraqi Kurds announce new oil pipeline to Turkish border

[13] PKK accuses Turkish government of sabotage peace process

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] US Ambassador to Ankara paid a surprise visit to AKP headquarters and discussed with Erdogan's main advisor Gezi Park protests

According to the paper, Ricciardone met with Yalcin Akdogan, the main adviser of the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During the meeting which lasted for about an hour, Ricciardone and Akdogan talked about the recent political developments regarding the Gezi Park protests.

Making a statement after completing the meeting, Ricciardone said that the US Government considers Turkey and its democracy important and that the countries share common interests. "We trust Turkey's power as a democracy. Our relations are still strong and healthy" he said, adding that freedom of expression and assembly are important and that both the US and Turkish government are on the same page in protecting these principles.

He also stated that Washington attaches special significance to Turkey and will continue to stand by its ally and added that they two countries have shared interests ranging from cooperation in business to tourism.

[02] Bagis: "If necessary, Turkey will tell EU to 'Get lost, kid!'"

"In the last three years, Turkey has not stepped back from its intention to join the EU" he said and added the following: "Even if they open a chapter or not, Turkey will continue growing, keep thriving, becoming transparent, and developing. However not opening a chapter will also cost Europe," in regards to chapters which are expected to be opened at the EU negotiations.

Bagis made these statements during a meeting he held with the Governor of Kayseri Orhan Duzgun and he was commenting on the possible veto by Germany and the Netherlands over the opening of the "Regional Policies Chapter" by Turkey.

In addition, writing in Hurriyet Daily News (20.06.13) on the issue, Serkan Demirtas writes that Turkey-EU relations could hit a new nadir if the opening of the 'regional policies' chapter is suspended. Citing statements by a senior Turkish diplomat Demirtas writes that if Germany and the Netherlands reject the opening of the chapter, Turkey's relations with the EU will return to their 1997 level.

"Turkey suspended political dialogue with the EU in December 1997 after its candidacy for full membership was rejected at the Luxembourg Summit of the union. Turkey-EU ties hit a nadir from 1998 to 1999, where the two had almost no exchange of views on numerous political issues, including Cyprus and other foreign policy issues", writes the paper.

"Our agenda with the EU should be limited to economic issues, and implementation of the Customs Union. They should forget about foreign policy consultations with Turkey," the diplomat stated. "But we still hope common sense will prevail and the [regional policies] chapter will not be blocked."

[03] A call by Swoboda to Merkel not to block EU talks with Turkey; Ankara may recall Ambassador

The paper also reports that during the last 48 hours, in addition to Germany, Bulgaria and Netherlands have been added to the countries that are opposed to the opening of the Chapter 22. Germany is reportedly trying to block the opening of the talks on Chapter 22 in response to the police crackdown on protests across Turkey. However, both Turkish and European sides see now as "very low" the possibility of opening the Chapter.

According to the paper, in case the today's decision of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) is negative, then Ankara is expected to give a harsh response and to recall Ambassador Selim Yenel, head of the Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the EU, in Ankara for consultation.

Swoboda noted blocking talks on the new chapter would be a mistake if Merkel insists on it. "This is not a well-considered, well-advised attitude to block opening a chapter after a three-year pause in talks," said Swoboda, stressing that it would need some courage to open the chapter before the upcoming elections in Germany in September and he did not see that courage in Merkel. However, he added that he wanted to be proven wrong, hoping Merkel could change her mind on talks on Chapter 22, which regulates "regional policy and coordination of structural instruments."

Criticizing the German position, Swoboda said accelerating the accession process was about the Turkish people, not the government. "One should not punish the Turkish people for the failure of the government. Also we should put the government to test on human rights, judicial reform, and the deepening of democratization by opening new chapters," he said.

[04] Third week of demonstrations continue in Turkey

Hurriyet reports in its first page that the first decision was taken regarding the police actions on the Gezi Park protests and notes that an investigation was launched against four members of Istanbul municipal police and one operator who according to a report of Hurriyet dated 31 of May, set fire to the tents of the protestors in Gezi Park.

The paper also writes that the so-called "standing man" protest which started on June 17, when performance artist Erdem G?nd?z stood in front of the Atat?rk Culture Center in Taksim Square without speaking or moving for more than five hours, continues and notes that many men and women inspired by G?nd?z's protest have held similar protests in several cities including Istanbul, Ankara and 0
zmir since then. In 0
zmir one demonstrator named Erdal ?oban held a "standing" protest for 24 hours, wearing the costume of an efe, local bandits from Ottoman times, and had dyeing his body silver.

As the tension of the protests started to calm down in big cities, the Central Anatolian province of Eski
ehir staged a police intervention with gas bombs and water cannons against nearly 5,000 protesters' all-night action late on June 18.

Three protesters, a journalist and a police officer were injured in the police intervention, Do
an news agency reported. Slogans like "everywhere Taksim, everywhere resistance" and "government resign" were chanted by the crowd in front of a mall called Espark in the city's Eskibaglar neighbourhood.

The police's heavy crackdown managed to disperse the group; however a group of 500 people stayed in the mall and blocked the way in front of it.

Milliyet writes that some people held a counter-protest in Taksim Square against the anti-government demonstrators' "standing man" protest.

Under the title "An assembly in every park", Cumhuriyet writes that after Gezi Park was sealed off from protesters, many people started to gather at other parks in Istanbul to hold discussions.

In addition, Sabah writes that the cost of the demonstration in Turkley so far is 135 million Turkish Lira.

Finally, Hurriyet Daily News wrote that hacker group Redhack has claimed responsibility for all tweets that were posted about the Taksim Gezi Park protests after the government announced that an investigation into the matter had been launched.

[05] Gulen: Let's not destroy several bridges with a single bridge

Stressing that they should reinforce the institution of living together, Gulen gave the following advice: "There are bridges that we try to establish in our days. The bridges that are being built with the idea that we should spend time together in the same parks built for mosques and cemevis [Alevi place of worship] and that we should not create new reasons for enmity by reviving past problems. We should not destroy these bridges, which can lead to cohesion, with a bridge's name. Yes, we should not destroy several bridges with a single one. So, we should not sacrifice the essence to a detail, I mean a bridge, in an environment where we are coming together in Ramadan and Muharrem [sacred for Alevis], breaking fast, seeing sema [Sufi whirling ceremony] and semah [Alevi religious dance],"

G?len also said that everyone should respect others' sensitivities, adding that the best way to understand each other's feelings is to come together and get to know one another better.

[06] Davutoglu: Turkey to take action if border threat identified

He added that the Turkish authorities in their probe into the Reyhanl1
attacks had established certain linkages with the regime and now were gathering the evidence.

Commenting on the U.S. government's statement that they held evidence that showed Syria had used chemical weapons, Davuto
lu said that it was not "something surprising" for Ankara. "As Turkey, as a neighbouring country we had our own investigation, we had several cases, incidents where we suspected that chemical weapons were being used and there was special research regarding injured people and we also found strong evidences regarding the use of chemical weapons," Davuto
lu said.

Davuto
lu also said during the interview that he was hopeful the new Iranian administration under the leadership of Hassan Rowhani, elected this week-end, would be more cooperative on Syria. "We hope that the new Iranian administration will understand the situation in Syria better than before, they will listen to the Syrian people more," he said, adding that they expected Iran to "understand Syria" and contribute for a solution.

Davuto
lu also touched upon the ongoing Gezi Park protests that have entered their fourth week. He repeated his criticism of foreign media coverage and especially of CNN's reporting of the protests. "I was shocked when I saw CNN International or some other international reporters, they used gas masks during the day when there was no tear gas being used, they broadcast as if there was a war. While, on the same days, thousands of people were being killed in Quasar, Syria, there was no coverage at all," Davuto
lu said.

[07] Seventeen decisions by Siber's "government" in a week; "EU Support Office" is given the status of "diplomatic mission"

According to Mungan, 17 decisions were taken by the current "council of ministers" during its second meeting held yesterday. Some of the most important decisions are: to give the "status of diplomatic mission" to the EU Support Office", to determine criteria on the issue of who will be appointed to the post of the "cultural attach?" of the breakaway regime, the annulment of the allocation of a plot of land [Translator's note: this plot is known as 'Zeyko land'] to two companies on the grounds that this is contrary to the "law" and to express a negative view on the issue of the construction of oil storage installations after the "ministry" of tourism and environment carried out a risk analysis.

On the issue of the "EU Support office", Mungan said that a "Diplomatic Mission Regulation" was adopted describing the conditions under which the status of "diplomatic mission" could be given in the "country".

Meanwhile, self-styled prime minister, Sibel Siber stated that they would determine criteria on the issue of who can become their "cultural attach?". She referred to the issue of Turkish actor Necati Sasmaz and said that being a very successful actor is not enough. The important thing, she added, is the "institutions of the state and the state institution".

(I/Ts.)

[08] Problems are created in almost all Turkish Cypriot parties in the process of determining their "candidates" for the early "elections"

The paper writes that Aslan Bicakli, chairman of Turk-Sen trade union and former candidate in the "parliamentary elections" with the Democratic Party (DP), and Nazim Beratli, former "MP" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), have announced that they will run in these "elections" as candidates of the Social Democracy Party (TDP). After this information was known, news in the political backstage yesterday said that two prominent members of the TDP, Baris Mamali and Dr. Suphi Hudaoglu resigned from the party. According to the same information, efforts have been exerted until late night hours to persuade both of them change their mind. The paper recalls that another important member of the party, Mehmet Barissever had resigned recently accusing Mehmet Cakici of acting contrary to the rules of the TDP.

Moreover, the chairperson of National Unity Party's (UBP) women's organization in occupied Lefkosia, Sureyya Gurses has resigned from her party and joined the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG) yesterday, stating that she would be honored to work in a party which followed the tracks of late Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas.

The DP-UG, however, is not without problems, as it is said that the "government's" taking "vote of confidence" at the "assembly" is at risk in case Ejder Aslanbaba is not nominated as candidate in occupied Trikomo area of the above-mentioned party [Translator's note: see Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review of 18 and 19 June, 2013].

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (20.06.13) publishes statements by Serdar Denktas, chairman of the DP-UG, who says that there is no change on the issue and that Aslanbaba will not be candidate with their party. He accused the media that supports Irsen Kucuk, chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP), of presenting the issue as a problem in DP-UG and added that there is no problem in his party. Referring to the other seven former "MPs" of the UBP who joined the DP, Denktas said that they will all be nominated for candidates.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Ertugruloglu: "Eroglu is working for the DP"

In statements yesterday to Radio Havadis, Ertugruloglu argued that Eroglu is going around the local organizations of the UBP and invites members of the UBP to his office calling them not to vote the party. According to Ertugruloglu, Eroglu says to the UBP members that the UBP should fail in the "elections" so that "we take back our party". Ertugruloglu wondered whether Eroglu's daughter, Resmiye Canaltay, who is chairperson of UBP women's organization in occupied Famagusta, works for the UBP in the "election campaign" or for the DP-UG.

(I/Ts.)

[10] The college of theology in occupied Mia Milia will be ready for the new school year; Only the mosque costs 23 million US dollars

Hikmet Kaynarca, chairman of KISAV's board of trustees told Kibris that the school will have the capacity of providing education to 1250 students, but during the first stage, it will host 625 students. Noting that the first stage will be ready for the next academic year, Kaynarca said that they will start accepting students. He added that 90% of the building has been completed and pointed out that they plan to accept around 430 students for the next year in the college and lyceum departments.

Kaynarca said that the campus of the college will have the capacity to host 700 students and the groundbreaking ceremony will be held soon. Sports installations and a mosque will be included in the complex of the buildings. According to Kaynarca, only the mosque will cost 23 million US dollars. He noted that the cost of this mosque will be covered by Turkey's Religious Affairs Department. The school will cost eight million Turkish liras (TL) and the campus 17 million TL.

(I/Ts.)

[11] The regime invites tenders for repainting the flag on occupied Pentadaktylos Mountains

Meanwhile, in statements to Kibris, Caglayan Cesurer, chairman of the trade union of the employees at the so-called electricity authority (El-Sen), said that 2.700 kilowatts per hour are needed for the illumination of the flag in one month. He noted that the cost for this varies between 1300 and 1600 TL and added that the bill is paid by the "prime minister's office".

(I/Ts.)

[12] Iraqi Kurds announce new oil pipeline to Turkish border

Iraqi Kurdistan will start a new oil pipeline to Turkey within months, its Energy Minister, Ashti Hawrami, told a conference in London yesterday, increasing the autonomous region's control over its resources in a dispute with Baghdad, as reported by Reuters.

A Turkish source, however, told the H?rriyet Daily News yesterday that the planned pipeline would not cross the border. Some companies were about to finalize an agreement to carry the KRG oil near the south-eastern Turkish border, the Turkish source said, adding that any company could ask authorization to build a pipeline from inside a country to the borderline.

Such a move, which was announced by Hawrami, will provoke Baghdad, energy sources said. Hawrami noted that the KRG would complete the pipeline by the end of September with an initial capacity of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd). With the further construction of new pumping stations, the pipeline would be able to export more than 1 million bpd by the end of 2015 and 2 million bpd by 2019, Hawrami said, Reuters reported.

Baghdad has recently announced it aims to ramp up oil production by nearly 45% by the end of 2014 - without any input from its autonomous Kurdistan region - which suggests a lasting compromise in their long-running oil feud may be a way off.

The KRG has stopped exporting through the central government-controlled pipeline, which has stranded its oil output. It has been able to truck only small amounts to Turkey on road tankers.

"Nowhere in the world does 1 million barrels per day remain stranded, so I'm confident that the KRG's exports via pipeline will be a reality very soon," Hawrami said. The KRG's oil production capacity is now at 300,000 bpd and is rising rapidly to 400,000 bpd by the end of this year, most of it destined for export, he added.

No agreement between KRG and Baghdad

Sales of the Kurdish oil via the central government through Iraq's federal pipeline system also could resume but that will depend on a permanent resolution of the political and constitutional issues between Arbil and Baghdad, Hawrami said.

No agreement has been reached so far between Iraq and the KRG on payments to oil companies working in the region, despite a meeting earlier in June between leaders on both sides. Hawrami stressed the benefits of having a direct pipeline.

"The new export infrastructure will be a cost-effective and secure solution that will enable more of Iraq's oil and gas to reach the international market, which will allow all the citizens of Iraq to benefit from increased revenue," he said.

[13] PKK accuses Turkish government of sabotage peace process

"The state is doing what it can to sabotage this process. It is preparing for war. This is creating serious problems for us," Murat Karayilan, the PKK commander based in northern Iraq, told the Firat news agency, which is close to the rebels.

He pointed to increased military surveillance and the construction of new army posts in the mainly Kurdish southeast as undermining the rebels' withdrawal, which is expected to take months.

Karayilan said the peace process had now reached a "critical stage" at which the government must take its own steps as the PKK withdrew. He added his comments could be taken as a "warning". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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