Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 10-03-16

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Objections against Talats candidature

[02] Ertugruloglu asks for DPs support; He is expelled from the UBP

[03] Mustafa Kemal Tumkan visits the DP; Serdar Denktas says Tumkan is one of the candidates they might support

[04] Ertugruloglu explains his vision in an interview with Ada TV

[05] An opinion poll carried out by the AKP in February showed Eroglu leading with 37.7%

[06] Data on the increase of the electorate in occupied Cyprus by 2.597 persons within a year

[07] Soyer says that the solution of the Cyprus problem is inevitable and can be achieved only by Talat

[08] EU Commissioner urged Turkey to open its ports to Cyprus vessels. Davutoglu alleged that Turkeys EU process should not be affected by political problems like Cyprus

[09] Erdogan said that the Cyprus talks entered into a critical stage

[10] Edward Davey: Turkey should not be asked to abandon Cyprus

[11] Chancellor Merkel to visit Turkey on March 29; Cyprus among the issues of discussion

[12] Jordanian education advisor is in the occupied areas of Cyprus after an invitation of the illegal DAU

[13] An AACSB official to give a conference regarding the accreditation of academic programs in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[14] A cooperation protocol between BRT-YDU

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] From the Turkish Press of 15 March 2010

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Objections against Talats candidature

Afrika, however, writes that these are the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat and the only woman candidate, Serap Tezcan.

Meanwhile, another two newspapers, Vatan and Volkan (16.03.10) report also that objections were raised against Mr Talats candidature by some members of civilian organizations.

Volkan writes that Vedat Celik, former self-styled minister of foreign affairs of the breakaway regime and member of the National Council, Kamil Ozkaloglu, member of the administrative council of the TMT Association and Vural Turkmen, president of the Fighters Association were the persons who raised objections against Mr Talats candidature. In their application they ask for the annulment of Talats candidature, because of the following reasons:

1) Mr Talat defends solutions which will cease the existence of the TRNC. 2) He gave up the sovereignty of the people contrary to his oath at the assembly. 3) He accepted the elimination of the right of the Turkish Cypriot people for self-determination. 4) By approving the deprival of the Turkish Cypriots from their right of leaving the federated state which will possibly be established, he condemned them to live forever as minority under the administration of the Greek Cypriot majority. 5) By accepting the cross voting, he eliminated the equality right of the Turkish Cypriots which is included in the international agreements and paved the way for the Turkish Cypriot representatives to be elected with the Greek Cypriot votes at the highest levels of the federated state or the constituent state. 6) And by accepting that the Turkish Cypriot side has no red lines, he turned all the indispensable rights and values of the Turkish Cypriot people into an issue of debate at the negotiating table.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ertugruloglu asks for DPs support; He is expelled from the UBP

In statements after the one-hour meeting he held with the DP delegation headed by Mr Denktas, Mr Ertugruloglu noted that he paid his first visit to the DP with the aim of asking for support within the framework of the program he prepared. He said he will meet with other political parties and organizations.

On his part, Mr Denktas stated that they will evaluate Mr Ertugruloglus candidature today in the meeting of DPs central administrative committee. He said that by becoming a candidate, Mr Ertugruloglu used a right he had. He noted that they might meet again with the candidates, before announcing their decision.

Responding to a question, Mr Denktas said that the DP will choose among three candidates: Dervis Eroglu, who is the candidate of the National Unity Party (UBP) on the one hand, and Tahsin Ertugruloglu and Mustafa Kemal Tumkan, who are independent, on the other.

Meanwhile, Star Kibris writes also that Mr Ertugruloglu visited the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and met with a delegation under its chairman, Ferdi Sabit Soyer. In his statements, he expressed the belief that the candidates should now put forward and discuss their visions and targets. He said he was aware of the fact that the CTP has made its mind up for the elections, but it would be extremely wrong not to visit the CTP, which is one of the most fundamental political parties in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Furthermore, Mr Soyer expressed his satisfaction with the visit and said that the most important thing is the dialogue between them even though they have different views.

Finally, Star Kibris reports that the decision of the National Unity Party (UBP) to expel Mr Ertugruloglu was submitted yesterday to the self-styled assembly. Thus the number of the MPs of the UBP decreased to 25.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Mustafa Kemal Tumkan visits the DP; Serdar Denktas says Tumkan is one of the candidates they might support

According to statements made by Serdar Denktas, Mustafa Kemal Tumkan is one of the four candidates the DP is considering to support during the so-called presidential elections which are to be held in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus in April 2010.

(ML)

[04] Ertugruloglu explains his vision in an interview with Ada TV

I believe that those who have as their starting point the mentality of not serving the state and the people, but only certain groups of people and those who act by not believing in the state and the sovereignty should not become presidents and I believe in this state and in its sovereignty. I think that the TRNC should be strengthened and live forever. Neither Mr Talat nor Mr Eroglu has this vision. That is why I became a candidate.

(I/Ts.)

[05] An opinion poll carried out by the AKP in February showed Eroglu leading with 37.7%

The survey was conducted by Ankara-based Pollmark Research Company on the account of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The survey was carried out between 17-23 February 2010 in the occupied areas using a sample of 1,466 voters.

According to the survey, Eroglu leads Talat by 13 points. Some 37.7% of the respondents said they intend to vote for Eroglu, while 24.8% of the respondents will cast their ballot for Talat. Some 25.5% of respondents said they are undecided, while only 1.4% replied that they will vote other candidates. Some 10.6% of respondents said that they will not vote.

Replying to the question, 'which political leader you find more successful besides Talat and Eroglu', 10.2% of respondents said Rauf Denktas. Mustafa Akinci followed with 5.2%. Tahsin Ertugruloglu came third with 3.3%.

(DPs)

[06] Data on the increase of the electorate in occupied Cyprus by 2.597 persons within a year

As a result, the distribution of the voters in the occupied territories in 2009 and 2010 is as follows:

             2009    2010
Lefkosia:  50.653  51.461
Famagusta: 42.325  42.983
Keryneia:  30.428  30.980
Morfou:    21.017  21.279
Trikomo:   16.950  17.267
Total:    161.373 163.970

Cenk Mutluyakali, editor-in-chief of Yeni Duzen, wonders whether this increase is normal or is the result of the distribution of the citizenship to more people and asks for the issue to be investigated in more detail.

(ML)

[07] Soyer says that the solution of the Cyprus problem is inevitable and can be achieved only by Talat

(ML)

[08] EU Commissioner urged Turkey to open its ports to Cyprus vessels. Davutoglu alleged that Turkeys EU process should not be affected by political problems like Cyprus

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Monday that European Union (EU) was a strategical essential target for Turkey.

Speaking at a joint news conference with EU Commissioner for enlargement Stefan Fuele, Davutoglu said their meeting focused on three main topics, naming them as the strategic vision of Turkey-EU relations, the course of the negotiation process as well as the coordination of policies Turkey and EU carried out regarding neighboring regions.

Davutoglu said he had a very fruitful meeting in the weekend in Finland on the strategic vision of Turkey-EU relations. "EU is our common unity and Europe is our common continent," he said.

Turkeys membership is an opportunity for the EU and EU membership is an extremely important strategically essential target for Turkey," Davutoglu said.

Davutoglu said they also discussed the course of the negotiation process, noting that he told Fuele that Turkey's EU process should not be affected by political problems like Cyprus which were not directly related to the matter.

Davutoglu said they discussed the Cyprus question comprehensively, exchanged views towards a comprehensive and lasting peace and shared the view that talks should be speeded up.

Davutoglu said he gave information to Fuele about the ongoing political reforms in Turkey and once again relayed the EU Turkey's demand for visa exemption by taking into consideration previous legal commitments.Davutoglu said they also discussed the developments in the Western Balkans, Caucasus, West Mediterranean, neighboring countries and energy security issues.

He said: "We reached to a consensus of opinion that EU should establish a new strategic dialogue mechanism with Turkey after Lisbon Agreement." EU Commissioner for enlargement Stefan Fuele on Monday reaffirmed his support to Turkey's accession talks and bid to join the European Union (EU).

Fuele also underlined his support to the efforts to normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia while speaking at a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara.

Fuele said he welcome Turkey's policy of zero problems with its neighbors, which was discussed at the meeting. He said he also welcome the historical steps made between Turkey and Armenia to normalize their relations.

Fuele said they also discussed Cyprus question adding that implementation of the Additional Protocol was important for the EU and urged Turkey to normalize relations with the Greek Cypriot party.

The additional protocol to the Ankara Agreement foresees extension of Turkey's customs union deal to ten countries that joined the European Union (EU) in 2004, including the Greek Cypriot administration.

He said any comprehensive solution that would be found on the Cyprus question would be a historical development both for Turkey and the EU.

Reaffirming his commitment to see Turkey as a member of the EU, Fuele said his meeting with Davutoglu focused on EU's commitments and Turkey's requirements to make steps during the reform process.

"We have also reaffirmed that the EU should assume a role not only as an observer but a leader of the world," he noted.

Turkey became an EU candidate country in December 1999. The union launched accession talks with Turkey on October 3, 2005.

Asked to comment on visa liberalization to Turkey, Fuele said this was important both for Turkey and the EU.

Fuele said some studies were in question to help Turkey deal with illegal migration, and noted that some studies should be carried out regarding extradition of those who went to Europe via Turkey.

EU Enlargement Commissioner said studies to liberalize visa requirements could start in the following stages in case any progress could be recorded in dealing with illegal migration.

Asked to comment on the approval of the Armenian resolution in the Swedish parliament, Fuele said the commission did not make comments on the internal decisions of the member countries.

Earlier in the day, Fuele also got together with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a closed-doors meeting. Turkish State Minister and Chief EU Negotiator Egemen Bagis were also present at the meeting.

Moreover, Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.03.10), under the title EU Commissioner commends Turkey for normalization efforts, reports, inter alia: Ankara is determined not to change its position and keep its ports closed to Greek Cypriot ships and planes unless the EU lifts sanctions on northern Cyprus, Davutoglu said.

[09] Erdogan said that the Cyprus talks entered into a critical stage

Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan who left for London on an official trip Monday said Turkey wanted to further enhance ties with United Kingdom. Erdogan, who will attend the Turkey-UK Business Forum in London, held a press conference before his departure.

Erdogan told reporters that his visit bore importance for enhancement of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries in the international arena.

He said UK had been the country that extended the greatest support to Turkey's EU membership bid, adding that Turkey would be in close cooperation with UK.

Erdogan said he would meet with his British counterpart Gordon Brown and discuss bilateral relations as well as accession talks with the EU. He said they would also discuss the Cyprus issue as well as the recent developments in Pakistan, Yemen and Afghanistan.

Erdogan said the ongoing extensive talks in Cyprus entered a critical stage, adding that the steps taken by the Turkish Cypriot side should be reciprocated by the Greek Cypriot administration. He said Turkey continued to support the guidelines for a solution, the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders agreed over on May 23, 2008.

[10] Edward Davey: Turkey should not be asked to abandon Cyprus

British Liberal Democrats Foreign Relations Spokesperson Edward Davey has said that Turkey should not be asked to abandon Cyprus for its EU membership. If I were a Turkish politician, I would adopt a similar stance and say we would not abandon Cyprus for EU membership he added.

Mr Davey told the Anatolian News agency that TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias have been carrying out praiseworthy efforts, underlining the need for Britain and the international community to support the two leaders in their efforts towards settling the Cyprus problem.

Commenting on claims that the presidential elections in the TRNC would affect the negotiations process negatively, he said We hope that the progress achieved in the last few months and the goodwill shown would prevent backward steps, because the reward of this will be a lasting agreement and it will be good for everyone.

[11] Chancellor Merkel to visit Turkey on March 29; Cyprus among the issues of discussion

As the paper writes, during her two-day visit, Mrs Merkel will be received by the Turkish President Abdullah Gul, meet with Turkish businessmen and pay a visit to the Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate.

(EA)

[12] Jordanian education advisor is in the occupied areas of Cyprus after an invitation of the illegal DAU

According to a statement issued by the ministry, speaking during the meeting, the Jordanian advisor noted that in the upcoming period the relations between them might increase. Dr. Nasrullah reportedly stated that the TRNC is an important education island as regards its opportunities and its possibilities and said that their relations in higher education will continue and increase.

(EA)

[13] An AACSB official to give a conference regarding the accreditation of academic programs in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

(EA)

[14] A cooperation protocol between BRT-YDU

Bayrak Radio Television Corporation and the Near East University [YDU] have signed a cooperation protocol which will enable the University to broadcast its own programs within BRT broadcast schedule. BRT and the NEU will also realise joint projects on educational studies, in-service training and the preparation of programs within the framework of the new protocol signed.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, BRT Director Ozer Kanli expressed his willingness to cooperate with all driving forces of the society.

He underlined the important role being placed by the universities in brightening the future of the Cyprus Turkish People.

For his part, the NEUs Founding Rector Dr. Suat Gunsel described universities as a loom giving shape to societies and the world of communications as a compass, showing the right way for societies.

He noted that compared to other countries, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has obviously increased its position in the world.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] From the Turkish Press of 15 March 2010

a) Cyprus issue:

Turkish State Minister Egemen Bagis and Greek Prime Minister Papandreou have held a "critical" meeting in Athens during which they have agreed to implement confidence-building measures to resolve their problems in the Aegean and Cyprus, according to a column by Hurriyet's Fatih Cekirge. The columnist says in return for permission for a mosque in Athens Turkey may be inclined to open the Greek seminary, adding that Greece has realized that it has to be on good terms with Turkey in order to reduce its defense spending. In the second part of his column, Cekirge also repeats his previous argument that Turkey should stop the "comical" traditional Turkish march in New York and sever its ties with the American lobby groups for these are no more helping the Turkish cause.

Commenting on the Cyprus problem in a column in Cumhuriyet, Mumtaz Soysal says that the ECHR decision on empowering the Turkish Cypriot courts on property compensation was probably a ploy by Britain to increase current Turkish Cypriot leader Talat's reelection chances so as to prevent the emergence of an agreement based on two states. Soysal is amazed that Turks are happy with a development that would bring about the demise of their cause.

b) Foreign policy issues:

As a condition for restoring normal ties, Turkey has been demanding from the United States assurances that the Armenian bill will not be submitted to the House of Representatives and President Obama will make no mention of "genocide" in his 24 April statement, says Asli Aydintasbas in a column in Hurriyet, pointing out that the American officials are refusing to give any binding promises. The columnist says the standoff could be resolved through a "pull-aside" meeting between Obama and Erdogan during the nuclear security summit in Washington on 12 April. But the Turkish cabinet is divided on whether to ease the tension with the United States; a group lead by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu wants the adoption of hard position against the United States until 24 April.

In his column in Taraf, Markar Esayan says that the Armenian problem constitutes the litmus test of AKP's commitment to genuine democracy but PM Erdogan will be unable to move forward in this area by acknowledging the wrongs done to Armenians because of his ignorance of the issue, nationalism, and fear of losing votes. Nevertheless, AKP's policies have opened the way for the acknowledgment of the Armenian issue in Turkey, says Esayan, adding that as a crucial factor for Turkish democratization, the 1915 is more important for the future than past.

Semih Idiz devotes his column in Milliyet to the book, "The Turkish foreign policy has fallen into strategic depth," by Democratic Party [DP] deputy leader Sinan Ulgen, who is also a former diplomat. Idiz says that the book notes both the achievements and failures of FM Davutoglu's foreign policy. In its criticism, the book says AKP's foreign policy has become hostage to its Islamic ideology and lost equilibrium, with the result that AKP government's ties with the EU, US, and Israel have suffered and the erroneous protocols with Armenia have collapsed.

Omer Taspinar warns in his column in Sabah that AKP government's inability to handle the Cyprus and Armenian issues is distancing Turkey from the West. Arguing that AKP is probably aggravating the situation motivated by a desire to deny votes to the CHP and MHP, Taspinar notes that unless the AKP stops this populist reaction to the West, it will lose control of the country to neo-nationalists, who will then really change Turkey's axis and take Turkey into a dangerous path away from the West.

Ferai Tinc says in her column in Hurriyet that by mishandling the Armenian and Azerbaijani problems Turkey discredited its role in the Caucasus. She believes the basic component of Turkey's policy should be to restore trust with Azerbaijan and put in place mechanisms that would enable both countries to act in tandem from time to time, like in the case of Armenian bills in the United States.

Also front-paged is a report entitled "No visits to US until 24 April," which asserts that Zafer Caglayan, State Minister in charge of Foreign Trade, has responded to the US House decision on the Armenian resolution by canceling the visits he was scheduled to make to the United States before 24 April. The report quotes Caglayan as saying that they will strengthen the Turkish Diaspora against the Armenian Diaspora politically as well as commercially. This story is expanded into a report on an interview with Caglayan on Yeni Safak.

In an article entitled "The Turkish-American standoff", Zaman's Washington correspondent Ali H. Aslan asserts that the latest "crisis" between Ankara and Washington caused by the US House Foreign Affairs Committee's recognition of the Armenian genocide claims has revealed the problem in Turkish-US relations to be part of a fundamental "tissue incompatibility" between Turkey and the West, adding that Turkey's alliance with the United States and NATO does not go any deeper than a "realistic and pragmatic business partnership" and that there are "considerable" social and cultural differences that make their impact on bilateral relations at "critical" junctures.

In an article entitled "Back to reactionary foreign policy?", Today's Zaman columnist Ihsan Dagi slams the Erdogan government for the way it has "fallen back to the old 'reactionary' policy line" by recalling Turkey's ambassadors to the United States and Sweden after these countries adopted resolutions defining the 1915 events in Ottoman Turkey as genocide of the Armenians.

EG/

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