Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-02-06

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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] Eroglu: There is no agreement on the joint declaration, the process continues

[02] Nami: We are close to reach an agreement on the joint statement

[03] Davutoglu and Kerry discuss Cyprus in Munich

[04] British High Commissioner visits ????

[05] Cavusoglu wants Germany and France to exert pressure on Cyprus for the opening of chapters in Turkey's accession negotiations

[05] Cavusoglu wants Germany and France to exert pressure on Cyprus for the opening of chapters in Turkey's accession negotiations

[06] BKP to attend the European Left meeting

[07] Turkish Cypriot building contractor withdraws lawsuit against Ankara in Larnaka District Court

[08] Akca: In the absence of proper planning, possible negative effects could emerge after the transfer of water from Turkey to the "TRNC"

[09] Nami: Graduate students from high schools in the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus will be able to apply for scholarships

[10] Controversial Internet bill passed by Parliament raises concerns over freedom

[11] Romanian and Italian Presidents support Turkey's membership to the EU

[12] Obama to skip Turkey in upcoming visit to the region

[13] Davutoglu cancels visit to Bulgaria, creates tense relations

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: There is no agreement on the joint declaration, the process continues

The statement went on and added: "As Turkish Cypriot side we are committed to our proposal which was submitted on 14 December 2013 during the visit of Motherland Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ahmet Davutoglu, with the approval of all sides concerned and by taking the views of the government's coalition parties and the main opposition party. We are continuing our contacts regarding the issue in accordance to this position. In case any proposal is submitted to our side, it will be evaluated and the necessary stance will be determined in the direction of the Turkish Cypriot people's rights and interests and in case an agreement is reached it will be announced without delay".

Meanwhile, citing sources from Eroglu's office, the paper writes that minor but important differences exist in the papers submitted by the two sides on the issue of the joint declaration and negotiations are being held for overcoming these differences.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (06.02.14) reports that international diplomatic sources confirm the "text of the agreement" for launching the negotiations aiming at a "United Cyprus". The text will be submitted to the Turkish Cypriot leadership today and a meeting between the leaders is targeted for Monday. Referring to Eroglu's statement after the text was published on Yeni Duzen's website, the paper wonders whether Eroglu "reins back" the process.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Nami: We are close to reach an agreement on the joint statement

Speaking at a program broadcast on "BRT", Nami made statements on the Cyprus problem.

Asked to evaluate the US diplomat Victoria Nuland's visit to Cyprus, Nami said that the US Envoy's visit was a sign that the US believed there was a chance of a success for the Cyprus talks. He noted: "She wouldn't have come if they (the US) did not believe there is a chance. She held important contacts, two meetings with the Greek Cypriot leader and issued a written statement expressing her contentment with the two side's determination. We, as the foreign ministry, did what we could to assist her".

Responding to another question on the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alexander Downer, Nami claimed: "Downer has an important duty in Cyprus. It is the proof of the UN Secretary General's interest on the issue. This should not be wasted. Downer has no difficulties with us. We have always been constructive".

Also expressing the hope that Downer will resume his duties, Nami warned that if Downer leaves before accomplishing his goals, this will be a waste of precious time.

[03] Davutoglu and Kerry discuss Cyprus in Munich

According to ABHaber news portal, a high ranking official from the US State Department said that a series of issues, including the Cyprus problem, had been discussed during the Kerry-Davutoglu meeting. The official noted that "USA supports the negotiating process within the framework of the UN's good offices mission aiming at the reunification of the island with a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation".

(I/Ts.)

[04] British High Commissioner visits ????

According to the newspaper, the British High Commissioner and his accompanying delegation met with the KTTO Chairman Gunay Cerkez and members of the administrative council.

During the meeting, the representatives of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber stressed the importance of the role of the High Commissioner in Cyprus and expressed their support to the solution process of the Cyprus problem.

(EA)

[05] Cavusoglu wants Germany and France to exert pressure on Cyprus for the opening of chapters in Turkey's accession negotiations

In statements yesterday during a meeting with some trade unions, Cavusoglu argued that they wish for this year to pass very productively from the point of view of their relations with the EU and underlined that Turkey should do its duty in the best manner during this process and continue the reforms.

Replying to a question as regards Prime Minister Erdogan's recent visit to Germany, Cavusoglu noted that the opening of chapters 23 and 24 was discussed during this visit and added that "we saw determination as regards the opening of these chapters in the leaders with whom we met during this visit". He alleged that in order for concrete steps to be taken, the blockade of the Republic of Cyprus should be lifted.

(I/Ts.)

[06] BKP to attend the European Left meeting

According to a BKP written statement, the Turkish Cypriot party will be represented by its general secretary Abdullah Korkmazhan. As it is reported, Kormazhan will hold group meetings where he will exchange BKP's views and proposals.

(EA)

[07] Turkish Cypriot building contractor withdraws lawsuit against Ankara in Larnaka District Court

Gurcafer told Milliyet that his aim was not to accuse Turkey, but he took that step because he had been unjustly treated by the breakaway regime's authorities. "I have given instructions to my lawyer and we are withdrawing the lawsuit", he said.

The paper recalls that Gurcafer had moved to the government-controlled area of Cyprus because he received threats after the filing of the lawsuit. After the change in the regime's self-styled government, he returned to the occupied area of the island.

Explaining why he had filed the lawsuit, Gurcafer said that he did this because the then "government" of the regime "pledged allegiance to Ankara". He added: "I believed that Ankara should not remain silent before the injustices that were made. After thinking about the issue now I am acting more reasonably. If I wanted, I could have condemned Turkey. The result would cause repercussions. However, I will never do this. My problem is with the TRNC officials, not with Turkey".

(I/Ts.)

[08] Akca: In the absence of proper planning, possible negative effects could emerge after the transfer of water from Turkey to the "TRNC"

Noting that some preparatory projects are in line within the framework of the water transfer project, Akca said this work is not enough to complete the water transfer project. He also added that the details of the preparatory projects will come out in the coming days.

"It is not enough to bring the water to the Panagra Dam. It is necessary to plan and to work out on its effects. If there is no plan or project, negative effects could emerge after the transfer of the water. Projects are underway to prevent this from happening. The committees that were established in the two countries are working on it", Akca concluded.

[09] Nami: Graduate students from high schools in the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus will be able to apply for scholarships

[10] Controversial Internet bill passed by Parliament raises concerns over freedom

According to the changes, the Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister will be able to block websites without first obtaining a court order.

In addition, the TIB [Turkey's Telecommunications Directorate] head will be authorized to block access to a web page by his initiative in the event there is a request concerning the violation of the right to privacy.

The Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) said the right to privacy is protected under existing laws and that introducing a new law which will allow blocking access to Internet content for the protection of privacy may result in problems in terms of preserving human rights.

The amendment specifies that web pages and online video footage that violates the privacy of individuals over the Internet could be blocked within four hours when TIB receives a complaint, while the courts are expected to announce a verdict on such issues within 48 hours. The move is seen by many people as an attempt to control Internet tools in order to prevent dissidents and citizen journalists from sharing video footage or other information regarding any social or political activity.

The bill also includes a measure that allows for the recording of Internet users' browsing histories and saving them for two years. The move has raised concerns over the government's increasing encroachment into people's private lives as well as into the different mediums through which people can express their social and political opinions.

TUSIAD further argued that the Internet bill may negatively affect investors in the Internet sector at a time when private capital and investments in the telecommunications sector are being urged.

Turkey tightening its grip on the Internet has drawn reactions from numerous domestic and foreign organizations. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Internet Advocacy Coordinator Geoffrey King told Today's Zaman that protection of the freedom of expression in Turkey has already been terrible, as it is the world's leading jailer of journalists, but the new Internet law will seriously worsen it.

King called on the government to avoid treating reporters as criminals. "Given the seriousness of the allegations about possible corruption within the Turkish government, it is all the more vital that the press have breathing room to do its job of reporting truthful information to the people of Turkey," he added.

[11] Romanian and Italian Presidents support Turkey's membership to the EU

"In 2013, Romania openly gave support to Turkey for the opening of all chapters and for the acceleration of negotiations. These negotiations should be finalized," Basescu said on Feb. 5, speaking at a joint press conference with President Abdullah Gul in Ankara.

"It's time to speed up negotiations and the process," he added. Turkey's membership of the EU is in Romania's interests too, Basescu said during his two-day official visit to Turkey, adding that his country wanted EU membership for as many countries in the Balkans and the Black Sea region as possible.

For his part, President Gul welcomed Romania's support for Turkey's EU bid. Citing the current total trade volume of nearly $5 billion between the two countries, Gul said they both aim to increase this to $10 billion.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (05.02.14) reported that Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano said he supports Turkey's reminder to EU leaders that ''agreements must be kept'', regarding negotiations on Turkey's accession to the EU.

In a two-day visit to the EU parliament, Napolitano voiced support for Turkey's comment to EU leaders that included the words 'pacta sunt servanda' - Latin for 'agreements must be kept'.

Napolitano reiterated Turkey's sentiments, saying that the agreements must be respected.

[12] Obama to skip Turkey in upcoming visit to the region

Some experts in Washington, speaking with Today's Zaman on condition of anonymity, said that Obama skipping Turkey in his regional visit is no surprise, given the fact that the US administration doesn't want to give the impression that the relationship between Turkey and the US is "business as usual."

"It is possible that the Obama administration wants to show Turkey that the US is disturbed by internal developments in Turkey, such as democratic rights, the problems of the independence of the judiciary and separation of powers, as well as the corruption investigations. This could be a message," said the Deputy chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Faruk Logoglu, speaking to Today's Zaman on Wednesday.

"Secondly, it could be a sign that the US need of Turkey in the region has decreased. If Obama has not included Saudi Arabia in his visit, there is no problem there. But if you say that Saudi Arabia is your strategic ally and you add it to your trip, then on the way to Saudi Arabia or back home, Obama could have visited Turkey," he added.

"The postponing of US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's visit to Turkey was one of the first visible signs of the US displeasure," one source said, alluding to events following the unveiling of a graft probe on Dec. 17, including the restructure of the judicial system.

Today's Zaman has learned that the White House told Hagel at the last minute to postpone his visit to Turkey, which had been scheduled to take place in late January, even though Hagel's meetings with Turkish officials were already arranged. "Secretary Hagel hopes to visit Turkey soon and we [the Department of Defence] will continue to look for opportunities. It was under discussion as a possible option for his upcoming trip to Europe, but scheduling issues precluded us from being able to make it work," a US Embassy official in Ankara told Today's Zaman.

[13] Davutoglu cancels visit to Bulgaria, creates tense relations

Davutoglu's two-day visit was scheduled to take place on Feb. 6-7. Talking to diplomatic sources, Today's Zaman learned that Davutoglu decided to cancel his visit when he learned that he would not be able to meet with Plevneliev due to tight scheduling.

The decision has seemed to create a bit of disappointment and is perceived as "arrogant" by the Bulgarian authorities, according to sources who spoke to Today's Zaman. The regular procedure for a Foreign Minister is to meet only with his or her counterpart.

"Foreign Minister Davutoglu's visit was postponed reciprocally. A new date will be determined," Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic told Today's Zaman on Tuesday. When told that postponing Davutoglu's visit just a couple days before the planned date seems strange, Bilgic responded that these days, the speed of communications technology often leads to last-minute schedule changes.

The visit was going to take place upon the invitation of Vigenin, Today's Zaman learned. The main topics of the talks were going to be extending bilateral cooperation on economy, security and politics and regional cooperation, "?as two neighbours, allies and friends in the region," another source, speaking under the condition of anonymity told Today's Zaman on Tuesday.

Although the diplomatic sources and Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman have not raised this issue as a possible reason for the postponement of Davutoglu's visit, Turkey's trade to Europe has recently been experiencing hard times amid a worsening crisis over clearance certificates (dozvola), which allow trucks carrying goods to pass through Bulgaria. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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