Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-08-11

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Havadis newspaper on the project between Russia and Turkey regarding occupied Cyprus

[02] Russian and Israeli businessmen have launched projects in the shores of occupied Cyprus worth $100 million

[03] Eroglu: No significant progress has been recorded in core issues during the first round of talks that were concluded on August 6

[04] Eroglu met with the American Turkish Council

[05] Statements by the self styled minister of economy on the economic difficulties the illegal regime is facing and the financial aid which is granted by Turkey

[06] Six hundred Turkish Cypriots study in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus. Alternatives will be offered to stop them.

[07] The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce organizes the 1st Turkish Product Fair in Qatar with the participation of 200 Turkish firms

[08] The Soultan Murad who expanded the Ottoman Empire to Europe was commemorated in Kosovo

[09] $20 billion worth of cannabis field was found in Turkey

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in Todays Zaman: When Abdullah Gul visited Moscow in 2004 as Foreign Minister, Putin personally stated the important factor that opened the door to change. It was Parliaments refusal of the March 1 motion to allow US troops to open northern front before the Iraqi war

[11] Turkey-Russia deals: Who won what?

[12] From the Turkish press of 10 August 2009

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Havadis newspaper on the project between Russia and Turkey regarding occupied Cyprus

When Turkey agreed with Russia to extend the Blue Stream Natural Gas pipeline to Israel, Jordan and Syria via Cyprus, it also wanted to realize a project that for the first time will be implemented in the world. According to the project which was explained to the Moscow Administration during the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putins recent Ankara visit, the pipeline to be opened from Ceyhan to the Mediterranean Sea will have five outlets; besides the natural gas it will also carry petrol, electricity, water and fibreoptic cables. Turkish Foreign Ministry sources said that this project was for a long time on Ankaras agenda, but they were waiting for the appropriate opportunity to realize it.

According to information taken from diplomatic sources by the AKSAM newspaper published in Turkey, behind the statement made by Putin and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that the Blue Stream project will go through Cyprus, lies a project the world has not seen any similar.

According to the project which was explained to the Moscow Administration as well, the feasibility study for the Blue Stream Pipeline will be made by Turkey, Russia and Israel. The project will definitely pass from Cyprus as well. And the reason for this is Turkeys efforts for years now to implement to the island the Peace Water Pipeline and Fibreoptic cables.

According to this project, Turkey will make additions to the pipeline that will pass from Israel and will extend up to Jordan and India. From Ceyhan not one but five pipelines will go to Cyprus and from there it will extend to Israel. The most important element which will be transported by the pipelines, which will be built in the TRNC, will be water which is of vital value to Cyprus. For years Turkey wanted to realize a water pipeline to the island. However, reactions coming from the EU, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration forced continuous postponement of this project.

However, it is noted that Ankara, after securing Russias backing, will start realizing the project through the extension of the Blue Stream pipeline. One of the pipes of the five fold pipeline to be extended from Ceyhan will transport petrol. Since the pipeline will extend to Israel, Ankara will secure permanent full capacity operation of the Samsun-Ceyhan pipeline.

(MHY)

[02] Russian and Israeli businessmen have launched projects in the shores of occupied Cyprus worth $100 million

Noting that the Turkish banks which operate in the occupied areas should issue mortgages to TRNC title deeds, he added: Here, the compensation committee makes decisions in the name of Turkey and this is recognised by the international law. Do not be scared by law suits filed by the Greek Cypriots for one or two title deeds. Ersin Tatar concluded by stating that Russian and Israeli businessmen have launched projects worth 100 million dollars in the shores of occupied Cyprus, while a businesswoman has applied to set up a large shopping mall in occupied Lefkosia.

(ML)

[03] Eroglu: No significant progress has been recorded in core issues during the first round of talks that were concluded on August 6

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday that they would not be discouraged by the economic problems and Cyprus problem.

"The TRNC government will continue to work for a prosperous future for the Turkish Cypriot people working in full harmonization and cooperation with Turkey," Eroglu said while addressing Turkish Cypriot people from TV channels.

Eroglu said his government would take brave steps to protect interests of the country, noting that they started to keep the promises they have given.

Eroglu said: "We continue to support negotiations carried out between TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias. However, as you know no significant progress has been recorded in core issues during the first round of talks that were concluded on August 6."

Eroglu said a way out should be found to economy against isolations, noting that, "we will pay a visit to Turkey in the coming days to discuss formation of a free zone in TRNC."

Eroglu said Cyprus Turkish Airlines would be restructured, adding that they were exerting efforts to start flights to Italy, Iran and Azerbajian as well as Britain and Germany.

[04] Eroglu met with the American Turkish Council

Mr. Eroglu evaluated the Cyprus issue and the negotiations process during a visit paid to him by the members of the American Turkish Council today.

Expressing that although the Turkish side is ready to sign a peace agreement, the Greek side is refraining from this, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said because of the Greek sides effective propaganda the Turkish side has been shown as the intransigent side. However, it is the Turkish side which is in favour of a solution Mr. Eroglu stressed.

Pointing to the need for the United States to monitor the current situation in Cyprus more carefully, he asked the US to see that it is actually the Turkish side which supports an agreement on the island.

Explaining that for many years they have been stating that the Greek Cypriot side does not have any intention to agree with and share with Turks of Cyprus, Mr. Eroglu said the world should understand that the Greek Cypriot side does not want a partnership in Cyprus and it only desires the continuation of the Cyprus Republic.

The United Nations Security Council should overview its 1983 and 1984 decisions in order to bring the Greek Cypriot side to compromise with the Turkish Cypriot side the Premier added.

Explaining that a solution would not be possible in Cyprus by only taking the red lines of Greek Cypriots side into consideration, Mr. Eroglu stressed that the government of the TRNC is a reality with its democratic institutions and organizations.

The Prime minister also said as the head of the government they are supporting the negotiations process and President Mehmet Ali Talat during the process.

Explaining that the first round of the negotiation process has been completed and agreement was reached only on some minor points, Mr. Eroglu said no agreement has been reached on the topics of property, land, government and map despite of all goodwill intentions of the Turkish side.

Noting that an agreement would be reached in Cyprus if both sides desire a solution, he said until now the Greek Cypriot side has sat all negotiation tables just for sitting adding that it is not possible to reach a deal with such mentality.

Stating that the negotiations process will continue and the second round will start, the Prime Minister said however the latest surveys show that the Turks of Cyprus have been losing their faith for a solution and prefers to live in two different states.

Meanwhile, members of the American Turkish Council also paid a visit to the Speaker of the Parliament Hasan Bozer today. No statement was issued before or after this meeting.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (11.08.09) reports that the delegation of the American Turkish Council visited also the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. According to information given by the self-styled presidential press office, the delegation of the ATC is carrying out various contacts in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus as guest of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Trade. Mr Talat exchanged views with the delegation regarding the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and the ongoing negotiations.

[05] Statements by the self styled minister of economy on the economic difficulties the illegal regime is facing and the financial aid which is granted by Turkey

As the paper writes, Mr. Tatar came across the reaction of 25 trade unions as soon as he launched efforts to tackle public deficits which, until today, had never been undertaken by any government and cannot even be met with Turkey's financial aid. As a first step to confront the problem, Mr. Tatar said in his statements that they have minimised overtime payments which have become a second salary, however, the trade unions went on strike which resulted in paralyzing life in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

"Turkey is our IMF. Yet, the time when money was taken from Turkey and was distributed to the public is over. I will not retreat," Mr. Tatar said and noted that the time of lavishness is also over.

"When I came at the ministry two and a half months ago I came before an empty state coffer. I do not want to criticize the previous government, yet Turkey's financial aid which was granted for one year was spent in the first four months. Our budget deficit was estimated at about 205 million Turkish Lira (TL) but it reached 470 million TL. Overtime payments, however, were taken for a long period as a second salary in this country. I am not refraining my words. Turkey is the single place from which we can receive financing. Turkey is our IMF. As a first step, therefore, I took measures in the state which are to save money. Following this we will not proceed to new employments. Unnecessary trips and expenses will not be made. The time when money was taken from Turkey and was distributed is over, he, inter alia, added.

Mr. Tatar also said that necessary works will be carried out for restructuring the so called ministry of finance. In this framework, two tax specialists came from Turkey and they are currently working with computers on transitional programs of automation. Mr. Tatar concluded by saying that next year the illegal regime will sign a three-year economic protocol with Turkey.

(ML)

[06] Six hundred Turkish Cypriots study in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus. Alternatives will be offered to stop them.

Referring to the number of Turkish Cypriots who study in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Durust stated that this is not prohibited, however, by creating alternatives the students will be dissuaded from preferring south Cyprus. On the issue of the Koran classes, which are taking place in the summer period, and for which a lot of discussion is created, he said that the ministry has a supervisory role to play on this and added that these classes, which were taking place in the previous years without the control of the ministry, are under control this year.

Replying to criticism that the school books will be changed by the new government in the occupied areas, and teachers will be brought from Turkey, Mr Durust stated that for years both teachers and books were sent to the occupied areas by Turkey. He also said that they are working on the history books but clarified that they are not changing anything but simply filling up the deficiencies and improving the books.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (11.08.09) under the title They are abolishing Cyprus History as well, reports that the School Curriculum Director Mehmet Kortmaz, revealed that he aims to lift from the 6th grade curriculum the lesson of Cyprus History. Mr Kortmaz, who said that the reason for the abolishing of the lesson is that there are a lot of archaeological elements in the lesson books, stated that he will add the religious lesson in the curriculum in the place of the Cyprus History.

According to the paper, this development created a lot of reactions and adds that the Morfou MP of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Mr Mehmet Caglar, stated inter alia, that the new self-styled government of the National Unity Party (UBP) will not be able to embody its own Cyprus culture with the childrens education.

(CS)

[07] The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce organizes the 1st Turkish Product Fair in Qatar with the participation of 200 Turkish firms

(ML)

[08] The Soultan Murad who expanded the Ottoman Empire to Europe was commemorated in Kosovo

Turkish State Minister Faruk Celik attended a ceremony to commemorate Sultan Murad I in Kosovo on Monday. Murad I, one of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, was commemorated on the 620th anniversary of his death.

Celik, who spoke at the ceremony, said that Turkey attached importance to the independence and development of Kosovo. Celik is expected to have meetings with Kosovo's President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci.

Murad I (1326-1389) was the ruler of the Ottoman Empire from 1359 to 1389. He established the Empire by building up a society and government in the newly conquered city of Edirne [Adrianopolis] and by expanding the realm in Europe, bringing most of the Balkans under Ottoman rule and forcing the Byzantine emperor to pay him tribute. It was Murad who established the former Osmanli tribe into an empire. He also established the two provinces of Anadolu (Anatolia) and Rumeli (Europe). Murad I was killed in the battle of Kosovo.

[09] $20 billion worth of cannabis field was found in Turkey

Turkish gendarmerie teams found a massive cannabis farm, planted in an almost 4.6 million square meters of land, in eastern Turkey. Officials said nearly 25,000 tons of hashish could have been obtained from the farm.

The haul was discovered after gendarmerie forces received a tip in the eastern province of Van. Gendarmerie raided the field which was owned by 41 villagers and found nearly 2 billion stalks and roots of cannabis planted in the field.

The plants have an estimated street value of 30 billion Turkish liras (20 billion USD), officials said. It took nearly four days for soldiers to burn the cannabis, gendarmerie officials said.

Meanwhile, gendarmerie teams launched another operation in the area and found two tons of hashish near the field. Operations are under way to catch the people in relation to the raids.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in Todays Zaman: When Abdullah Gul visited Moscow in 2004 as Foreign Minister, Putin personally stated the important factor that opened the door to change. It was Parliaments refusal of the March 1 motion to allow US troops to open northern front before the Iraqi war

The meeting between Russia's powerful leader, Vladimir Putin, who landed at Esenboa Airport with four airplanes, 40 agents and several doubles, and Turkey's Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoan, was the ninth rendezvous to take place between the two leaders.

The leaders of the two countries, which used to be enemies, have come together a total of nine times in the last five years for different occasions. Putin was the first Russian leader to visit Turkey in December 2006 since former USSR President Nikolay Podgorni visited Turkey in 1972, 34 years prior. His most recent visit to Turkey was his third one.

The meeting between the two leaders was confirmation of the historical turning point concerning relations between the two countries. A total of 20 different protocols, ranging on issues from aerospace research and energy to trade, were signed. Both leaders appeared to be very happy as they announced that they had reached an agreement on every issue that was discussed. The humorous comments of the Cold War country's agent-rooted leader were signs that the talks went well.

The entire world, and especially Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who was observing the developments, learned a striking truth from the two leaders, namely that Russia had become the No. 1 country in foreign trade for Turkey and that Turkey had become Russia's No. 5 trade partner, surpassing both the US and the UK.

The situation and mutual trust have improved so much that the leaders have agreed to have an annual intergovernmental meeting to discuss remaining issues. With government officials from both countries coming together as of next year, the countries will be taking another huge step toward a multi-faceted strategic partnership. The most attention-grabbing aspect of the development of Turkish-Russian relations is that, contrary to some incorrect analyses, the evident momentum being gained is not a result of Turkey's new quest due to the problems it has experienced with the US and the EU.

The current situation in Turkey is different than when, during Atatürk's time, Turkey was at war with the West and forced to have friendly relations with Russia. Turkey is not leaning toward Moscow because it doesn't have good relations with Washington or Brussels.

Turkey is a country whose profile is making a name for itself from the East to the West and from the Middle East to Africa and is simultaneously developing relations with all nations' actors. One of US President Barack Obama's first bilateral visits was to Turkey. Relations between Turkey and the US are fairly good, especially due to their similar outlooks on global issues.

It is no secret that there are chronic problems with the US. But let us not forget that just under a month ago European leaders, starting with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, were in Ankara to sign the Nabucco project.

Likewise, Turkey's relations with the Middle East are at their brightest. The development that needs to be recognized is that not only has Turkey recognized its own importance and is slowly reflecting this new mindset in its policies but others are recognizing Turkey's importance as well.

Is there any other explanation why apparent rivals Europe and Russia would sign critical agreements with Turkey less than a month apart? In the joint press conference, the Russian leader openly stated that Turkey was indispensable for Russia with respect to its location for energy routes. European leaders pointed to the same fact just a month ago. The role of mutual economic dependency stemming from tourism, contractual works and the luggage trade, which started after the late President Turgut Özal signed a natural gas agreement with the USSR, must not be forgotten.

But the main reason for improved relations between Moscow and Ankara and for the Russian leader's routine visits to Turkey lies behind the change in Russia's view toward Turkey.

If this change had not taken place, Turkey would continue to be an advanced Western outpost in the eyes of Moscow. It would have been seen as a neighbor that needed to be approached with suspicion due to its stance on sensitive issues such as Chechnya and Tatarstan. But why did Russia's perspective on Turkey change?

When Abdullah Gül visited Moscow in 2004 as the foreign minister, Putin personally stated the important factor that opened the door to change. It was Parliament's refusal of the March 1 motion to allow US troops to open a northern front before the Iraqi war. Putin, who knows Russia's view very well because he is a former KGB officer, said that until that action Moscow did not see Turkey as a worthy actor and therefore opted not to deal with Ankara but directly with its boss, Washington. But with this decision, Turkey proved to be an actor.

Although Putin did not say this, I think the second development that reinforced relations took place during the Georgia crisis. With mutual trust intact, no one should be surprised if relations continue to excel. I believe Turkey will use its credibility not only to develop economic ties but also to improve democracy and address minority rights and the problems of Muslims living in the federation, and Turkey's warnings on matters will be more effective than the warnings of Westerners.

[11] Turkey-Russia deals: Who won what?

Its very much likely that the pundits will continue to discuss the impacts of last weeks historical agreements signed between Turkey and Russia. However, we still have to wait and see the consequences of these deals to better analyze the future of the energy equation in the region.

For now, it would be better to look into the agreements reached between the two countries and try to understand the gains of each party. That would help us figure out which party is now more advantaged in reaching its regional goals.

Turkeys gains:

1. The most important gain of Turkey was securing the flow of Russian oil through the Samsun-Ceyhan oil pipeline which is being constructed by Çal1k Holding. The project which was designed to by-pass the Turkish straits to reduce the heavy tanker traffic was not endorsed by Russia for years. The Russians preferred the much cheaper Burgaz-Alexandropoulos line. The realization of Samsun-Ceyhan will ease the tanker traffic in the straits.

2. The agreement between Turkey s Aksa and Russia s gas giant Gazprom on establishing an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal in Ceyhan is seen an important development to turn this region into an energy hub. Turkey is trying to turn Ceyhan port into a second Rotterdam Port. However, from another angle, this deal can also be seen as an important gain for Russia as well.

Russias gains:

1. Thanks to Turkeys permission in letting Russia use its territorial waters for the construction of the South Stream project considered to be the main rival of the European Union-backed Nabucco of which Turkey is also a part - Russia could remove one of the most important hurdles before the realization of the project.

2. Its not yet sure whether the government will accept the Turkish-Russian consortiums proposal for the construction of a nuclear plant. Energy Minister Taner Y1ld1z has hinted that the decision will be given at the end of this month, adding: To be able to reduce the cost of electricity produced at the nuclear plant a 25 percent participation by the state in the process could be considered. For many in Ankara, in order not to miss this opportunity to build the countrys first nuclear plant, the government will use the mentioned formula to make a deal with Russians.

3. Turkey will also help Russia sell natural gas to Israel through the Blue Stream-II pipeline. The original idea was to build a multi-pipeline system for gas, oil, electricity and water from Turkey to Israel. Pumping Russian gas to Israel is seen as the first leg of this project.

4. Building an LNG terminal in Ceyhan is equally important for Gazprom, the worlds leading gas producer. Gazprom will be able to take its own place in this very strategic centre.

5. Another agreement allows Russia to lengthen the validity of the gas deal for another 20 years. Turkey will have to buy 14 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia instead of seeking new opportunities from other regional gas suppliers like Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iraq. In addition, Russian companies will be able to built much-expected underground gas storage facilities in the Tuz Gölü region.

Under these terms, it would not be an exaggeration to argue that Russians has increased its energy dominance in the region. Already dependent on Russian natural gas as the country imports around 63 percent of it from Gazprom, Turkeys reliance to Russia on nuclear power and oil will obviously shape the new nature of bilateral ties of the two countries.

Furthermore, Turkeys rapprochement with Russia on energy relations could also be evaluated as a deviation from European and American allies policies. These agreements would be seen as counter-productive to its allies strategies to reduce Russian dominancy in the European gas market. Thats why the top U.S. envoy in Ankara urges Turkey to remain loyal to its promises for the Nabucco project. Obviously, Turkeys clear assurances that the importance given to Nabucco will not be eroded by these agreements have not been bought by Washington and the Europeans.

Having said that, one should not conclude that Turkey should totally turn its back to Russia and fully ignore its northern neighbour. However, while making business with Russia, giving the impression that the regional priorities were forgotten and stakes are taken for the advantage of couple of pro-government companies, that is Çal1k and Ciner groups, causes confusion and even unreliability among allies.

[12] From the Turkish press of 10 August 2009

On the energy agreements signal during Putins recent visit to Ankara.

We do not think that Washington is pleased with the documents that Turkey has signed with Russia in the field of energy, argues Semih Idiz in a commentary in Milliyet and explains that, unlike Europe, Washington looks at the issue in terms of its strategic, military, and political interests in the region. Given that Washington is concerned about the strengthening of Russia in the Caucasus, it is not able to look favorably at Russia's South Stream project, says Idiz and, drawing attention to Hudson Institute's Zeyno Baran's remarks in this regard. Noting that Washington also looks at the issue in terms of its Iran and Middle East policies, Idiz argues that the United States knows that if the Nabucco project is not realized, it will be difficult for the Iraqi gas to reach Europe. Idiz adds that Washington knows that the South Stream process will mean a serious loss of resources in terms of Iraq's post-war development.

We will understand the historic meaning of Putin's visit when we clearly see the vital mistakes that Turkey has made in the energy field, says Erdal Saglam in a commentary in Hurriyet and argues that the statements that Prime Minister Erdogan has issued together with Putin have shown that he has almost no information on the energy project agreements that have been signed between the two countries. The agreements that have been reached with Russia show that Turkey has been playing the energy game without any plans or programs, without thinking about the future or the Turkish people, and with the aim of rescuing certain people, points out Saglam and draws attention to the dangers of this game.

Referring to Italian ENI's and Russian Gazprom's efforts to control the energy distribution routes in Turkey, Hurriyet's Ferai Tinc in a commentary talks about the progress that has been made in this regard during the visit conducted by Putin and Berlusconi in Turkey. Also recalling that after signing the agreement in Turkey, Putin announced that he will not approve the Energy Condition Agreement that prevents him from establishing a monopoly in the field of energy, Tinc says: "The secrecy that prevailed regarding the energy agreements that were signed in Ankara last week gives us the impression that the friendly ties between the three prime ministers has been decisive in the energy agreements between Rome, Ankara, and Moscow. There are different details in the statements that have been separately issued by the prime ministers. For example Berlusconi said that the cooperation between Calik Holding, ENI, and Gazprom will not be limited to today and that 'this cooperation will look at the future with the nuclear plants that will be newly established'."

Recalling that the Nabucco project that is supported by the United States had aimed to end Europe's energy dependency on Russia, Omer Taspinar in an article in Sabah emphasizes that by signing agreements that serve the interests of this country Putin has shown that the United States is not as strong as it appears to be. Taspinar explains that now that Turkey has given a green light to the South Stream project Russia will get stronger and Europe and the United States will be deprived of the strategic advantage they wanted to achieve against Russia. Arguing that Ukraine will have the pay the heaviest price as a result of this project, Taspinar stresses that Moscow which has defeated the United States and the EU and which has made Ukraine totally dependent on Russia is the real winner of the South Stream project.

Turkey is located in the center of a region that is encircled by natural gas and oil and the new vision that has emerged with Putin's visit suggests that Turkey will acquire the position of a transit route that has to pay more attention to Russia, its energy supplier, says Ceyda Karan in an article in Radikal and suggests that Turkey may turn into an energy terminal in the region as a result of the projects that are being developed with Russia. Also pointing out that Russia may establish Turkey's first nuclear plant, Karan notes that despite the fact that Putin's visit has not ended the historical rivalry between Turkey and Russia, the two countries agree that the regional problems should be resolved without the intervention of outside forces. Given that energy lines are based on economic interests, they may turn bloody war arenas into major peace projects, says Karan and adds that despite the fact that Turkey is dependent on Russia in the field of energy, it should not be forgotten that Turkey is located at the center of the energy routes in the Caspian and the Middle East. The developments show, says Karan, that in addition to the competition between Russia and Turkey in the energy field, the possibility of cooperation has also increased.

In an article entitled "You cannot fit new Turkey into old molds", Yeni Safak columnist Hakan Albayrak expresses ironic "curiosity" as to what Turkish commentators who cite "American calculations" as the driving force behind the ruling AKP's policy on Georgia, its African initiative, its "interest in Palestine," and its recent signing of the Nabucco deal have to say on the latest "historic" energy agreement between Ankara and Moscow, which has made Turkey a "strategic ally" of Russia. Accounting for what he describes as the apparent "contradiction" between the Nabucco deal and the Turkish-Russian agreement, Albayrak argues that "a new Turkey is in the making, one which has broken the chains binding it to the West by starting to implement a multi-dimensional foreign policy."

In an article entitled "Let those who know tell those who do not", Yeni Safak columnist Fehmi Koru, writing under the pseudonym Taha Kivanc, objects to certain commentators representing the efforts being made to end the PKK's terrorist activities against Turkey as being part of a "US plan." He argues that if the United States has come from being accused of supporting the PKK to "expecting or at least appearing to expect" Turkey to become a "terror-free" country, it is thanks to a "diplomatic" achievement" on the part of the ruling AKP whereby Turkey's repositioning of itself as a major energy hub in the global system has caused the United States, the EU, and Russia to start investing in political stability in Turkey.

Finally, in an article entitled "Turkish-Russian pipelines of realpolitik", Today's Zaman columnist Omer Taspinar argues that the "conclusion" reached in Washington regarding the meaning of the Turkish-Russian agreement signed during Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Ankara is that "Turkish-Russian relations are based on the firm grounds of pipeline realpolitik."

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