Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-02-07

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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 issues three statements within 24 hours on the Cyprus problem; He had a telephone conversation with the US Deputy Secretary of State

[02] Reactions by Turkish Cypriot political parties to the joint declaration

[03] US push brings breakthrough closer on Cyprus talks

[04] Eroglu discussed the hydrocarbon exploration and the Cyprus problem with the Israeli Ambassador

[05] British diplomat of Turkish Cypriot origin alleges that the best solution in Cyprus would be an exchange of land

[06] A Turkish Cypriot at the EU Commission's Directorate General for Health and Consumers

[07] Salamis Bay Hotel in occupied Famagusta has been renovated

[08] The cost of living in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[09] The breakaway regime was represented at the Berlin Fruit Logistica 2014

[10] The Turkish government submits to Parliament tutoring centres bill

[11] Europe expresses serious concerns over the Internet law

[12] Today's Zaman journalist faces deportation over critical tweets

[13] Various polls for Turkey's local elections; Turkish daily claims some surveys are manipulated

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu issues three statements within 24 hours on the Cyprus problem; He had a telephone conversation with the US Deputy Secretary of State

"As it is known, the proposals mutually made by the Turkish and Greek sides regarding the 'joint statement' are on the table", noted Eroglu's statement adding: "We are continuing negotiations with the sides concerned within the framework of the efforts exerted with the aim of bringing these proposals of the two sides to a common point. Within this framework, another draft regarding the 'joint statement' was conveyed to us this morning through the UN".

The second statement was issued in the evening and said that the efforts for continuing the negotiations from the point they had been left have come to their final stage. The statement argued also that the Turkish side was waiting for the clarification of the stance of the Greek Cypriot side for the resumption of the negotiations the soonest.

The third statement noted that Eroglu continued his contacts with the "actors" on the Cyprus problem and that within this framework he held a telephone conversation yesterday at 18.30 hours with the US Deputy Secretary of State, William J. Burns.

Moreover, according to the paper, the activity on the issue of the joint declaration caused a "tensed traffic" yesterday at Eroglu's office. Yesterday morning, after the statement that the Turkish side had received a new proposal by the Greek Cypriot side, successive meetings were held.

On the other hand, Eroglu's special representative, Osman Ertug left his office yesterday afternoon and questions were raised by the fact that Eroglu's former special representative Kudret Ozersay was also at Ertug's office and stayed there working even after Ertug left. The paper writes that confusion was created by one of Ozersay's tweets yesterday, saying that the negotiating process for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem "is becoming serious" and that "I am trying to contribute".

Ertug told Realist that Ozersay was helping them and that he had never denied his help. He added that Turkish Cypriot leader's former representative Ergun Olgun is also helping them. Ozersay himself told Realist that he did not return to the duty of Eroglu's representative and that "my help was needed and I am helping".

Realist publishes also the statements made yesterday by President Anastasiades under the title "Anastasiades is ready for negotiations".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (07.02.14) refers to the developments under the title "Babel of statements by Eroglu" and recalls that on Wednesday night at 22.15 hours Eroglu had said that there was no agreement on the joint declaration, yesterday morning at 11.15 hours he announced that he received a draft text for a joint declaration and yesterday afternoon at 18.00 hours he said that "the end came in the joint text, we are waiting for the clarification of the stance of the Greek Cypriot side for the commencement of the negotiations".

Yeni Duzen's editor-in-chief, Cenk Mutluyakali wonders why Eroglu is sitting at his post if he will reject this proposal as well. Mutluyakali argues that Eroglu will either accept this last text of the joint declaration or he will "withdraw". Mutluyakali recalls how former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas had withdrawn after saying that he did not accept the Annan Plan.

Mutluyakali writes that Eroglu's first reaction was that "this text is the position of the Greek Cypriot side". He goes on and writes that this 'position' provides for the use of the powers of the "founding states" without interference by the federal government and for a federal constitution which will be saying that United Cyprus will be formed by two founding states with equal status and that none of the sides will have authority and administrative power over the other.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Reactions by Turkish Cypriot political parties to the joint declaration

Kutlay Erk, general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) told the paper that "it is understood that reconciliation has been achieved with a joint text". He added: "The content and the text is valuable and important. However, this text is not the solution itself. The solution will be found at the negotiating table".

The chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), Cemal Ozyigit described as "positive" the text and added that "a solution should be reached by starting substantial negotiations".

The chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), Izzet Izcan argued that "the joint text is a mystery, the text has not been clarified yet" and added that "the joint text will not solve the basic problem, negotiations should start the soonest".

Finally, according to illegal Bayrak television (07.02.14, online), Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party – National Forces (DP-UG) and self-styled deputy prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, argued that Eroglu's performance is good on the issue of the joint declaration, but "some things are being done without the knowledge and the approval of the negotiator". He said that everybody agreed with the text prepared during Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu's illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus. He added however, that he has some reservations as regards the current text, which he described as "not sufficient".

Denktas alleged that absolutely no federation could have single sovereignty from the point of view of the internal politics. He argued that the current text includes contradictions and added that they will evaluate what stance they will exhibit. He claimed that it would be "naivety" to expect something positive to come out from the negotiations under the current conditions.

(I/Ts.)

[03] US push brings breakthrough closer on Cyprus talks

Diplomatic sources say that Washington's push was critical in overcoming the deadlock on the joint statement issue. US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland visited the island on Tuesday and met with Anastasiades and Eroglu. According to sources who talked to Today's Zaman on condition of anonymity, Nuland delivered a message from US President Barack Obama to the leaders of the island, saying that it is important to overcome the joint statement issue and start negotiations.

Ankara has been working with US officials very closely to overcome the disputes over the joint statement, sources said to Today's Zaman. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited the island on Dec. 14 of last year to push for a solution. The US Ambassador to Cyprus, John M. Koenig, has been carrying messages between Ankara and the Greek Cypriots.

A veteran diplomat who has worked on the Cyprus issue closely told Today's Zaman on Thursday that what is important for the US at the moment is to see progress on the issue. "The US is not interested in the issue of sovereignty in Cyprus. What is important for the US is to manage the problem. Cyprus is not a priority, and honestly I don't think I will see a solution in my lifetime," said the former diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, stating that the leaders of the island do not believe the negotiations will bring a solution either, but they are going forward just to please the US.

On the same issue, columnist Yusuf Kanli, in Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 07.02.14), under the title "Cyprus cacophony, writes the following:

"(…) Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Nami Ozdil and many Turkish Cypriot friends are united in saying, 'I was wrong of thinking Turkey bypassed the Turkish Cypriots and contacted through U.S. good offices,' the Greek Cypriot side. Indeed, they were correct. The Turkish Cypriot side was not left in the dark by Ankara, informed on every move it undertook together with the U.S. Embassy in southern Cyprus. Yet, the Turkish Cypriots were bypassed, as Turkey has told the Americans that should they receive a 'yes' from the Greek Cypriot side on a modified Turkish offer, Ankara would get the Turkish Cypriot 'yes' with no problem.

That is, Ankara has not bypassed the Turkish Cypriots, but promised a 'yes' to the Americans on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side to a proposal the Americans would develop, based on an earlier proposal crafted by the Turkish Foreign Minister. Which is better? Being bypassed by Ankara or Ankara giving your 'yes' to the U.S. even without consulting you? Well, but at Turkey's every move, the Turkish Cypriots are 'adequately informed' and indeed they know well how the ball is rolling. (…)

In the meantime, in the north, junior coalition partner Democrat Party (DP) re-elected Serdar Denktas at its convention last weekend and moved on to bickering as to whether to continue the left-right coalition or forge a three-way new coalition with the conservative National Unity (UBP) and the social democratic Communal Democracy parties (TDP). Even though a government crisis might not be imminent, it is very likely a serious one will brew by the summer or at the latest before the presidential elections campaign starts in the fall. (…)"

[04] Eroglu discussed the hydrocarbon exploration and the Cyprus problem with the Israeli Ambassador

The latest developments on the Cyprus problem and the issue of hydrocarbon exploration were discussed at the meeting. Eroglu's undersecretary Hasan Gungor, and Eroglu's special representative Osman Ertug were also present at the meeting.

No statement was issued to the press before or after the meeting.

[05] British diplomat of Turkish Cypriot origin alleges that the best solution in Cyprus would be an exchange of land

According to Kibris, Mehmet noted that the explorations for hydrocarbon resources in the sea of Cyprus have changed many things and added that this wealth might make finding an agreement more difficult.

Mehmet expressed the view that the best solution formula for Cyprus passes through the exchange of land, the payment of compensation by both sides and security. He went on and argued: "At the same time Turkey's army should get out of the island and the Turkish Cypriots should have their autonomous administration, their elections and economy".

He said that the Turkish Cypriots living abroad could help in the lobbying activities of the regime, but financial problems exist on this issue.

Mehmet was born in 1948 in occupied Louroudjina village, went to London in 1956 and he is, inter alia, member of the so-called "Embargoed Group".

(I/Ts.)

[06] A Turkish Cypriot at the EU Commission's Directorate General for Health and Consumers

(I/Ts.)

[07] Salamis Bay Hotel in occupied Famagusta has been renovated

During a press conference on the event, Kiral indicated that despite the fact that there are no direct flights to the occupied area of Cyprus, they have succeeded to bring tourists with charter flights via Turkey. He further stated that a possible solution to the Cyprus problem will make a great contribution to the tourism sector.

As Kiral said, the occupancy rate of the hotels in occupied Cyprus increased during the last three years and reached 70%, in comparison to 35% in previous years.

Furthermore, Kiral noted that in March 2014 they plan to have completed "Salamis Park", which is unfinished and in a skeleton phase for years. He pointed out that "Salamis Park" will be a 7-storey-building having 84 rooms, with 5-star standards and with 750 square meters of outer spaces.

Kiral also said that 70% of their hotel's personnel are "TRNC citizens" and described this as "a record" if the number of the "local staff" in the other hotels in the occupied area of the island is taken into consideration.

(E/A)

[08] The cost of living in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

The highest rise in the cost of consumer spending was experienced in transportation with a 4.87% rise, followed by private education at 4.67% and 2.67 in other goods and services.

According to the "DPO" the cost of living over the past year has risen by 11.41%.

[09] The breakaway regime was represented at the Berlin Fruit Logistica 2014

As the paper reports, KTSO is participating in the Exhibition for its 7th time with six companies operating in the occupied area of Cyprus, using a stand of 105 square meters under the name "North Cyprus". It is further noted that the permanent secretary of the so-called ministry of agriculture and natural resources Akay Ince also attended the Fair.

(E/A)

[10] The Turkish government submits to Parliament tutoring centres bill

Of those becoming private schools, they will be supported by the government.

Student study centres will only serve students aged 12 and under, and the teachers working at dershanes might be employed at public schools.

The draft bill aims at enabling the transformation of dershanes into private schools to adopt the necessary legal regulations both for functional reasons and the institutional organization of the Turkey's educational system, and to provide more efficient educational services.

It is noted that government's decision to transform dershanes in Turkey has been a source of controversy in the country.

[11] Europe expresses serious concerns over the Internet law

EP President Martin Schulz tweeted on Thursday that the Turkish Parliament's approval of the bill tightening control over the Internet is a step back in an already suffocating environment for media freedom.

Also on Thursday, Peter Stano, spokesperson for EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule, told reporters in Brussels that the new Internet law raises serious concerns. "Turkish people deserve more information and transparency, but not more restrictions," he said. He added that the law needs to be revised in line with European standards since Turkey is a candidate for EU membership. Stano also said Brussels is very closely monitoring how Turkey is lining up with membership criteria.

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muiznieks said in a written statement that the regulations approved by the Turkish Parliament toughen restrictions on the Internet that are already in place and further limit channels for free expression in the country. "I urge the Turkish authorities to reconsider [the restrictions] and amend the Internet legislation in a way that would foster freedom of expression online, not limit it further," Muiznieks said.

Furthermore, the paper reported that the Ambassadors of several European Union countries on Thursday met with Turkish EU Affairs Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at a lunch meeting in which they raised their concerns over a newly adopted controversial law on the regulation of Internet news portals and websites.

According to an EU Ambassador, who attended the meeting and wished to remain anonymous, the Ambassadors have expressed their uneasiness about the Internet bill that led to concerns over Internet freedom and people's right of access to information.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 06.02.14), under the title "Turkish Parliament approves Internet bill despite concerns", reported that the Turkish Journalists' Association (TGC) has called on President Abdullah Gul to veto the bill, saying it violated a number of rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

The EP President Schulz was joined by Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule and Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt in criticizing the law.

[12] Today's Zaman journalist faces deportation over critical tweets

Zeynalov, a national of Azerbaijan, has been put on a list of foreign individuals who are barred from entering Turkey under Law No. 5683, because of "posting tweets against high-level state officials," Today's Zaman has learned. The decision, dated Feb. 4, is signed by Deputy Police Director Ali Basturk on behalf of the Interior Minister.

Article 19 of Law No. 5683, which covers foreigners' residence in Turkey, allows the deportation of foreigners "whose residence in Turkey is considered detrimental to public security and political and administrative requirements."

[13] Various polls for Turkey's local elections; Turkish daily claims some surveys are manipulated

The survey was conducted with the method of face-to-face interview by asking 5,200 persons in 31 provinces between 26 December and 30 January.

In the question: "If a general election were to take place this Sunday, whom would you vote for?" 50.2% of the voters taking part in the survey answered the AKP [Justice and Development Party]," while 26.1% said the CHP [Republican People's Party]. According to the survey, the votes of the MHP [Nationalist Action Party] were 12.6%, the votes of the BDP [Peace and Democracy Party] 6.1%, the votes of the Islamist Felicity Party (SP) 2.3% and those for the Grand Unity Party (BBP) 2%.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 07.02.14), under the title "News editor manipulates survey results in favour of ruling AK Party", reports that a new voice recording reveals that the editor-in-chief of a mainstream newspaper manipulated findings of a survey that was conducted to measure voting tendencies of the public as the country is braced for a series of elections scheduled for the next 18 months.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Milliyet (04.02.14) reported that as the local elections approach, varying public opinion poll results are being reported by different polling companies, which have drawn attention with their polls and forecasts.

So where do the parties stand in terms of their electoral shares based on the latest polls?

Below are the widely varying results of different polls and the projected voter share of the parties as compiled by Radikal.

According to the latest opinion polls, the projected vote share of the AKP ranges between 49% and 36.4%. The projected electoral support rates for the AKP are as follows: GENAR: 49%; Konda: 47.7%; SONAR: 42.3%; Konsensus: 41.7%; Cihan: 36.4%.

In contrast, projected voter shares for the CHP fall within the narrow range of 29.8% and 26.5%. Specifically, the CHP is projected to win 29.8% of the vote according to SONAR, 29.5% according to Konsensus, 28.85 according to Cihan, 28.2% according to Konda, and 26.5% according to GENAR.

The projected voter shares for the MHP vary in the broad and inconsistent range of 20.5% to 13.5%. The party scores the highest in the Cihan poll, which projects a share of 20.5%. The other projected figures for the MHP are: SONAR: 18.7%; Konsensus: 15.4%; Konda: 14.4%; GENAR: 13.5%.

Voter support figures for the BDP vary within a narrow range of 2% points. Specifically, the party is projected to win 7.4% of the vote according to Cihan, 6.5% according to Konsensus, 6.4% according to GENAR, 5.9% according to Konda, and 5.6% according to SONAR. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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