Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-01-13

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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] Davutoglu alleges that their "proactive policies" for a solution in Cyprus continue

[02] German Ambassador: The division of Cyprus and Nicosia is a "stain of shame" in Europe and the world

[03] Self-styled deputies will carry out contacts in Strasbourg at PACE

[04] Izcan accused Eroglu and Nami that their statements contradict their actions

[05] Atun said that the "TRNC" cannot stay in history as a joke

[06] British expert: Only after the solution of the Cyprus problem the Cypriot gas could be transferred through Turkey

[07] Afrika: "The economic package belongs to the parallel state"

[08] Bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage: Othelo's Tower renovation to start in 2014

[09] The chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot Football Federation" received an official invitation to participate in an international conference

[10] Davutoglu discussed with his French counterpart about Hollande's visit to Turkey

[11] Debate on controversial bill to restrict judicial body in Turkey deepens

[12] Erdogan: Dostmodern coup is taking place in Turkey

[13] Davutoglu to chair Turkish Ambassadors conference

[14] Turkey condemns Israel's new housing project in Jerusalem

[15] Davutoglu denies saying that Turkey's growing power is worrisome to France and Britain

[16] Turkish journalist leaves Sabah newspaper accusing it of being turned into means for propaganda

[17] New internet law said to carry risk of being used as censorship tool

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Davutoglu alleges that their "proactive policies" for a solution in Cyprus

Addressing the Ambassadors' Conference, which is organized for the sixth year with the participation of the Ambassadors of Turkey abroad, Davutoglu referred to the Cyprus problem and alleged that Turkey and the breakaway regime have confirmed many times how sincere they are on the issue of the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Davutoglu said that they are telling all their interlocutors that they would continue their "proactive policies" and added: "However, on the other side we will make the TRNC and our Turkish Cypriot brothers to walk tall in the world. Therefore, the TRNC is standing more soundly on its feet today because the per capita income in northern Cyprus has reached 15.000-16.000 dollars, just like it happened in Turkey".

Davutoglu claimed that the issue is to pursue an effective policy which shows to the world that they are right.

(I/Ts.)

[02] German Ambassador: The division of Cyprus and Nicosia is a "stain of shame" in Europe and the world

Responding in writing to Kibris' questions, the Ambassador noted that Germany has always been supporting a just, lasting and functional solution to the Cyprus problem. Describing as "positive" the fact that no hot conflict exists on the island, the German Ambassador said that the time that passes is not in favour of finding a solution on the island. "Time is also not in favour of the negotiating sides' achieving a better result", she added.

Dr Guellil went on and said that the division of Cyprus and Nicosia continues to be a "stain of shame" in Europe and the world.

Noting that because of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem, other problems "have been frozen" before us, the German diplomat pointed out that stagnation exists regarding Europe's defence and security structure. She added: "The Cyprus problem locks the achievement of an agreement in the decision making mechanism here. The Cyprus problem has since a long time been a headache for NATO".

Dr Guellil went on and wondered how right it is for the international community to spend time and energy for the Cyprus problem while unrest exists in the area because of the "Arab Spring".

The German Ambassador said that the solution of the Cyprus problem has the potential of being the way to settle the on-going economic difficulties in the island and added that "Germany supports any steps to be taken for the improvement of the Cyprus' economy".

Referring to Turkey's accession process to the EU, Dr Guellil noted that her country maintains the position that Turkey is obliged to fulfil her obligations as regards the Ankara Protocol and added that the solution of the Cyprus problem "could change the rules of the game".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Self-styled deputies will carry out contacts in Strasbourg at PACE

The delegation will follow the deliberations of PACE and will meet with political group officials. They will discuss with them the resumption of the Cyprus talks, the representation of the Turkish Cypriots to the European Parliament (EP) and what the Turkish Cypriots expect from the EU.

The delegation will participate in more than 20 meetings and will meet with the Chairman and members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of EP, the European Parliament's Turkey Rapporteur, the EP President Martin Schulz, members of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee as well as the Socialist Group, the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, the Christian Democrats Group, the Greens and the Conservatives Reformists Group.

According to the paper, the delegation will follow the plenary session of the EP, in which the programme of Greece EU-term presidency will be discussed. It is also expected that the Cyprus problem to be in the agenda at the plenary session.

Meanwhile, Armagan Candan of CTP will participate in the meeting of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), in which CTP is a member.

[04] Izcan accused Eroglu and Nami that their statements contradict their actions

In a written statement, Izcan said that Cypriots can no longer tolerate paying the price for the lack of a Cyprus settlement. He added that both Eroglu and self-styled foreign affairs minister Ozdil Nami made statements that they want an early solution. However, their statements contradict their actions. Izcan said that proposals submitted to agree on a joint declaration, are separatist proposals aimed at undermining the UN resolutions on Cyprus and envisage two separate states.

Izcan said that they should immediately stop using delaying tactics and to start looking like they sincerely want a solution. He added that they cannot deceive the Turkish Cypriots.

Izcan noted that sovereignty is one and inseparable within a federation and added that this is provided for in the UN Security Council Resolutions. He noted that a confederation based on two separate states is impossible and it is just another way to say "we don't want a solution".

[05] Atun said that "TRNC" cannot stay in history as a joke

In a written statement, Atun alleged that the attempts of self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu to accuse the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu instead of the Greek Cypriots, show that the politics of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) are irresponsible and distant from the interests of the Turkish Cypriots.

Regarding the joint statement, Atun said that both sides should stop looking for a joint statement and sit at the negotiation table the soonest possible. He added that the agreement to be reached should include the continuation of Turkey's guarantees, the bi-zonality, the political equality and sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots. He alleged that the "TRNC" cannot be considered as a joke in the history.

[06] British expert: Only after the solution of the Cyprus problem the Cypriot gas could be transferred through Turkey

According to information given by company officials, Noble Energy is conducting three dimensional seismic explorations in an area of 2.849 kilometres in order to find out whether there are more gas reserves in parcel 12 in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone.

Havadis publishes also statements by Julian Lee, a senior energy analyst at Britain's Centre for Global Energy Studies who follows Noble Energy's activities. Lee argued that exporting the Cypriot gas by Nobel Energy to Europe with pipe lines through Turkey is very "attractive and convenient both from economic and mechanical point of view". He noted, however, that in order for this alternative to be realized, the political obstacles must be overcome. He expressed the view that transferring the Cypriot natural gas to Europe through Greece is not a very attractive alternative, because building pipe lines through Greece would be expensive and difficult.

According to Lee, liquefying the Israeli natural gas in Cyprus would not be very reasonable. He said that no country until today liquefied her natural gas in another country. He noted that Israel has various alternatives on the issue of the natural gas and argued that liquefying the gas in Cyprus would not be an attractive alternative for this country and at the same time it would be strategically risky. "I think it is impossible to liquefy Israel's gas in the LNG installation in Cyprus", he concluded.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Afrika: "The economic package belongs to the parallel state"

The paper writes that "it was identified" that the so-called parallel state in Turkey was the one that prepared this "economic package", which "created new destruction in our community and has become an issue of debate since a long time".

"The emergence of the parallel state in Turkey spoiled the balance of the government in Cyprus which is depended on Ankara", reports Afrika noting that "no one can estimate from whom the orders come from".

It has been established that the construction of mosques and imam hatip schools [Translator's note: schools to train government employed imams] in the occupied area of Cyprus is administered by the "parallel state", writes Afrika noting that Turkey's so-called Aid Delegation is believed to be depended on this "parallel state".

(I/Ts.)

[08] Bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage: Othelo's Tower renovation to start in 2014

Ali Tuncay, member of the Committee stated that very important projects will take place in Famagusta in 2014 and added that these monuments do not belong only to Turkish and Greek Cypriots but are part of the world's heritage.

[09] The chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot Football Federation" received an official invitation to participate in an international conference

The paper writes that FIFA manager Mete Feridun, who is of Turkish Cypriot origin and is associate professor at London Greenwich University is member of the conference organization committee. The Conference has the support of the London Greenwich University and the English Football Federation.

In statements, Feridun stated that he invited Sertoglu because of the brave steps he has taken regarding the opening of "Turkish Cypriot football" in the world.

[10] Davutoglu discussed with his French counterpart about Hollande's visit to Turkey

According to the paper, they discussed the details of French President Francois Hollande's visit to Turkey on 27-28 of January, as well as the Syrian issue.

[11] Debate on controversial bill to restrict judicial body in Turkey deepens

On the third day of deliberations in the Justice Commission on Sunday, tensions escalated as Deputies continued to fight over a bill that many see as a government attempt to control the judiciary through extraordinary powers. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended the bill, saying everything is happening by the book and that what matters in the Commission is the vote at the end of the day. "

The Turkish Prime Minister also accused the judiciary of being unaccountable to the people's will and preventing businesspeople from doing their jobs.

So far, 15 members of the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK), have voiced their strong objection to the governing party's proposal to restructure the board, saying the plan violates the Constitution. But Erdogan claimed on Sunday that the bill is not a violation of the Constitution, adding that the opposition will have an opportunity to ask the Constitutional Court to reverse the decision after it is adopted by Parliament.

[12] Erdogan: Dostmodern coup is taking place in Turkey

Erdogan further said that he has no concerns over economic indicators regarding the crisis and said that the greatest problem Turkey faces is the judiciary tutelage.

[13] Davutoglu to chair Turkish Ambassadors conference

President of Slovenia Borut Pahor and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Iyad Madani will participate in the sessions in capital Ankara where they will address the Ambassadors. In addition, former OIC secretary general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu will attend the dinner during which Davutoglu will meet with the Foreign Ministry family.

Having become a tradition after being held for the first time in 2008, the Ambassadors' Conference focuses on assessing Turkey's foreign policy and international relations, determining future strategies, and coordinating with agencies and organizations which play a role in the implementation of Turkish foreign policy.

[14] Turkey condemns Israel's new housing project in Jerusalem

Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement expressing Turkey's support to the peace process for a two-state solution within the borders before 1967, process that started with the initiative of US.

[15] Davutoglu denies saying that Turkey's growing power is worrisome to France and Britain

According to a report released on Saturday by the private Ihlas News Agency (IHA), Davutoglu confirmed that he had a meeting with the with presidents of European states' friendship groups on Thursday as a part of his regular meetings with friendship groups in Parliament; however, he slammed Turkish dailies for falsely reporting on the closed-to-the-press meeting.

According to the dailies' reports, Davutoglu stressed that some countries have been disturbed by Turkey's growing power, pointing in particular to France and Britain, and said that foreign powers had a role in the latest developments in Turkey, referring to the corruption scandal that erupted on Dec. 17 with the detentions of officials, businessmen close to the government and the sons of three ministers. Several dailies also quoted Davutoglu as saying, "We didn't know who to believe and started to look around with suspicion."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Levent Gumrukcu also denied Davutoglu's alleged statements from the meeting, saying that the media reports are inaccurate.

[16] Turkish journalist leaves Sabah newspaper accusing it of being turned into means for propaganda

(I/Ts.)

[17] New internet law said to carry risk of being used as censorship tool

The draft law proposes the founding of an Association of Access Providers, an umbrella organization for all mobile and land line Internet providers. The association will block an Internet site within four hours of a decision taken by TIB or the Ministry.

1- Who is going to block the contents?

With the amendment in the draft law, the content blockage will be enforced by TIB and the Ministry of Transport as well as courts.

2- How is the blockage going to be implemented?

Once inappropriate content is identified by TIB or the Ministry of Transport, first an injunction will be issued whereby Internet service providers will be able to block the inappropriate content within four hours.

3- How is the blockage going to be lifted?

Internet site owners or users will need to take legal action for the ban on the Internet contents to be lifted. In other words, if the courts rule that the banned content is not offensive, then the ban will be lifted.

4- What does the decision to block cover?

It will be possible to take a decision to block "inappropriate" content on the Internet. This practice will cover the publication of sections, parts, pictures, and videos that violate the right to privacy.

5- Will it be possible to view blocked content?

Blockages will from now on be implemented on the basis of IP addresses. Therefore using DNS [Domain Name System] numbers or VPN [Virtual Private Network] services will not be of any use. In other words, it will not be possible to access blocked Internet sites even through the back door.

6- Will Internet sites be filtered?

Access blockages will be done on the basis of Internet pages. Even when the sites are available, the banned content on the site will not be viewable to the users. In this way, the banned content will be hidden from the users.

7- Which Internet sites can be blocked?

The pages with inappropriate content will be blocked on the basis of their URL, that is, their resource locators. For instance, instead of denying access to the whole YouTube, the video in question will be blocked. In social media, users' Tweets will be dealt with in this fashion.

8- What are the Internet service providers going to do?

Mobile and land line Internet service providers such as TTNET, Super online, D-Smart, Turkcell, Vodafone, and Avea will be required to join the Association of Access Providers.

9- Will records be kept on users?

Under the article regarding the Association of Access Providers in the draft law, it will be compulsory to store the Internet browsing history of the subscribers for two years. In other words, the Internet sites visited and the applications used on smart phones by the subscribers will be stored. In this way, subscribers' profiles will be established.

10- Is Internet going to cost more?

The requirement to store the browsing history of 34 million subscribers for two years will create an additional financial burden on the Internet service providers. The companies will need to purchase servers with higher capacity. This will be passed on to the end users as price increases.

This can be used as means of censorship TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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