Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 10-12-06

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu: Solution with "two sovereign peoples, two states, bi-zonality and Turkey's guarantees"

[02] Kucuk: Turkish Cypriots ready for a solution based on existing realities

[03] UBP congress decision on the Cyprus problem

[04] UBP congress decision on the economy of the breakaway regime

[05] Irsen Kucuk re-elected UBP chairman; Talks for a new so-called coalition government to be resumed

[06] Turkish political parties address UBP congress

[07] Kucuk announces privatization of illegal Tymvou Airport next March

[08] Businessmen group proposes "opening" of Varosha

[09] Ozgurgun: SG's Report on Cyprus has come as a serious warning to the Greek Cypriots

[10] An OIC conference to be held in occupied Cyprus next year

[11] Eroglu's adviser argues that the ties of the "TRNC" with international organizations should be strengthened

[12] Eroglu to address the International Universities Council meeting in Ankara

[13] 2011 declared "year of Cyprus" in Turkey

[14] Turkey's annual financial assistance reaches 900 TL

[15] Figures on building construction in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[16] Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan establish the Levant Business Forum

[17] Turkey and Tunisia sign MoU and agreement

[18] Claims that the Turkish Government plans to restructure YAS

[19] "2011 last elections for AK Party's 147 deputies"

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Eroglu: Solution with "two sovereign peoples, two states, bi-zonality and Turkey's guarantees"

For his part, the so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk, said the solution should be based on realities, but complained that the problem has remained unresolved as a result of the Greek Cypriot stance. He noted that no imposed agreement will be approved. He also highlighted UBP's strength and said that "Cyprus Turks will be walking towards a brighter future with motherland Turkey's support".

Speeches were also delivered by guests from Turkey who referred to the strong friendly relations between Turkey and the "TRNC", and voiced Turkey's continuous support to "Cyprus Turks" in all fields, including the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[02] Kucuk: Turkish Cypriots ready for a solution based on existing realities

Addressing UBP's congress on Saturday, Irsen Kucuk referred to the Cyprus problem and noted that his party fully supports the stance of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu in the negotiations.

He reiterated that the Turkish Cypriots are ready for a "solution agreement based on the existing realities in Cyprus". "However," he added, "we will never approve the imposition [of a solution] which will mean return to the period before 1974."

Noting that the Cyprus problem should not continue like this, Kucuk alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side cannot tolerate to be punished "despite the Greek Cypriot intransigence".

(I/Ts.)

[03] UBP congress' decision on the Cyprus problem

The decision on the Cyprus problem noted that the party is determined to protect all the rights obtained by the people as a result of long lasting struggle for freedom and existence. "Our pledge is the survival and elevation of our state", says the decision adding that "two peoples, two states and two areas exist in Cyprus". The decision expresses the view that 'if the new coalition is built on these foundations, the agreement to be reached will be viable".

"As the TRNC assembly unanimously decided in 2009, the continuation of motherland Turkey's active and effective guarantees is sine qua non, and red line for us," says the decision.

Referring to the Turkish settlers and the property issue, the decision argues the following: "No one has the right of have a say regarding the TRNC citizens. Our citizens are not and could not be an issue of bargaining."

According to the UBP, the property issue will be solved through exchange, compensations and the return of some property, but the developments after 1974 and the socioeconomic structure created in the occupied part of Cyprus are elements on which no concessions will be made.

"In order for a solution agreement to be reached in Cyprus it is necessary for the Greek Cypriot-Greek duo to "digest these realities", the decision alleges, expressing full support to Dervis Eroglu's policy and views on the Cyprus problem.

Moreover, the decision of the UBP calls on the EU to lift the "isolation and the embargoes" on the Turkish Cypriots. It also supports a timetable for the negotiating process "as it has been determined by the UN Secretary-General after the meeting in New York". The UBP claimed that it wants an early solution based on the existing realities in Cyprus and not an endless negotiating process. It alleged that the UN, the EU, the members of the UN Security Council, the Islamic Conference Organization and other countries have the duty to make the Greeks and Greek Cypriots "see the realities and change their intransigent stance".

"The UBP is TRNC's guarantee, it is its fearless guard," concludes the decision.

(I/Ts.)

[04] UBP congress' decision on the economy of the breakaway regime

The decision expresses, inter alia, its satisfaction regarding the aid granted by Turkey for investments in the occupied part of Cyprus, the projects of water and electricity transfers from Turkey, the increase to 60.000 of students studying in the illegal universities and with the target of increasing bed capacity in the field of tourism.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Irsen Kucuk re-elected UBP chairman; Talks for a new so-called coalition government to be resumed

Addressing the congress following the announcement of the final results, Kucuk said that the congress had demonstrated UBP's strength. Stating that the UBP's goal has always been to serve the people, Kucuk said that no matter how many candidates contested the party leadership, the UBP would still work for the unity and solidarity of the people. "I had told everyone that the UBP emerge as the winner of today's congress; that is exactly what happened," he added.

Furthermore, speaking to illegal to Bayrak Haber after his election, Kucuk said that the UBP and the "government" have entered a new chapter following Friday's party congress and added that the "government" will be able to become more active and take decisions easier in the period that lies ahead.

Complaining that not enough administrative decisions had been taken in the country over the last year and a half due to "Parliamentary and Presidential elections", Kucuk said: "There will be no elections in the country in the period ahead. As a result we shall be more active and comfortable in taking decisions."

Asked to comment on possible changes in the government cabinet, Kucuk said: "We had launched talks on forming a coalition government but we had to postpone them due to the party congress. I predict that the talks will resume but I do not know how they will be concluded. Our focus for the coming month will be the budget."

[06] Turkish political parties address UBP congress

Addressing the congress, Kapusuz said that the relation between Turkey and "TRNC" is one of friendship, not based on interests. He added that AKP always supports the just cause of the Turkish Cypriots and the improvement of their prosperity. Kapusuz also said that no one should expect Turkey to make any concessions on the sovereignty and the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, adding that Turkey has always been supporting an agreement that will protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots on the basis of UN parameters. He added that a just solution will also aid to consolidate peace not only in the island but also in the region. He concluded saying that the Greek Cypriot side should uphold an honest and sincere stance.

In his address Oyan, said that the ongoing negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, started with the commitment to reach a successful conclusion. He added that a viable agreement is possible if envisages a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, retains the treaties of alliance, guarantee, and provides for political equality.

He accused the Greek Cypriot side of trying to slow down the negotiation process and to present the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu as the side that does not want a solution. He concluded inviting UBP to the CHP congress in December.

Addressing the congress, Akgonenc said that "TRNC is in the middle of the Mediterranean which will be overwhelmed with energy war and water struggle of 21st century. She also warned that the proposals of the Greek Cypriot side non-ending negotiations as well as the withdrawal of the Turkish army from the island should be well examined.

[07] Kucuk announces privatization of illegal Tymvou Airport next March

On the so-called government's policy of privatizations, Kucuk announced that the privatization bid for the illegal Tymvou Airport will be made in March next year, the latest.

In addition, he denied claims that retirement pensions will be cut via a new tax and assessment method. "There is no such direct or indirect statement in the related protocol signed with Turkey," Kucuk said. He added that the new minimum wage will be determined at a meeting to be held next week in his presence.

[08] Businessmen group proposes "opening" of Varosha

According to the project prepared by the group, the return of Varosha to its owners could gradually take place, provided it remains under Turkish Cypriot administration, it does not contradict UN decisions, and it is consistent with European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) decisions and the "Law for the Immovable Property Commission." The group argues that such an initiative would have important positive effects for the "TRNC" economy and important political effects for the Greek Cypriot side. Such a step before the Geneva meeting in January could assist the solution of the Cyprus problem, it is added.

Ozalp Nailer, spokesperson of the group argued that: "this opening under the direction of Immovable Property Commission (TMK), the legitimacy of which has been de facto accepted by the ECHR, is completely legal, and a humane action for the Varosha property owners who have been victimized since 1974." He also argued that the implementation could start by changing the military status of the area, followed by gradually development of the area. "Keeping all the economic activities within the TRNC could lead to a 15% growth in TRNC's GDP and 10% increase of income in the budget, claimed Nailer who said that the Greek Cypriot government will try to avert Greek Cypriot owners from claiming their property. "However they will not be able to influence the owners who are faced with the choice to take back their property now, or the threat to loose it completely," stated Nailer.

On the other hand, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (04.12.10) reports that the group's, call for the return of Varosha to the rightful owners, disregards the "original" owners of the property, who are the Lala Mustafa Pasa, Abdullah Pasa and Bilal Aga Foundations, and the decision of the so-called Famagusta District Court which proves it.

[09] Ozgurgun: SG's Report on Cyprus has come as a serious warning to the Greek Cypriots

He said the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Good Offices Mission Report on Cyprus has come as a serious warning to the Greek Cypriot side that negotiations could not be left in abeyance. Calling on the Greek Cypriot side to give up on polemics and save its energy on efforts to bring a fair and permanent solution to the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun complained that the Greek Cypriot side is resuming its intransigency and working for the continuation of unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriots.

[10] An OIC conference to be held in occupied Cyprus next year

For his part, Bakary Drame, Special Adviser of the OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, said that the OIC member states shared the pain and hope of the "TRNC people" and that they very much appreciated the Turkish side's peaceful stance on the Cyprus problem. Drame also announced that the "Higher Education Forum of the OIC Conference on the Islamic Civilization in the Mediterranean" will be held in the TRNC next year, in order to support the "TRNC".

[11] Eroglu's adviser argues that the ties of the "TRNC" with international organizations should be strengthened

Under the title "Levant Quartet", Atun notes in the beginning of his column that Turkey's power is continuously increasing, while the power of Greece and the Greek Cypriots started to decline. He expresses the view that this increase and decline will definitely influence the Cyprus problem and after some time the resolutions number 186 and 541 of the UN Security Council "will become debatable or lose their validity". He recalls that the 186 resolution recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as the only legitimate government on the island and that the 541 resolution calls on the UN members not to recognize the breakaway regime.

Referring to the activities of Turkey in Africa and the Middle East, Atun writes that the establishment of "Levant Eastern Mediterranean Quartet Project" has been proposed by Turkey to Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Turkey called on the above-mentioned countries to economic cooperation. Atun notes that this idea resembles NAFTA model in Northern America and adds that the target is the strengthening of the economic ties among the countries in the region and the establishment of a free trade area zone. Atun says that within the framework of the Project, businesspeople from the above-mentioned four countries established the Levant Business Forum.

He concludes noting that if the Cyprus problem is to be solved in the UN, the "TRNC" should expand its relations with organizations friendly to the Turks, and strengthen its communication and ties with groups in which Turkey participates.

(I/Ts.)

[12] Eroglu to address the International Universities Council meeting in Ankara

[13] 2011 declared "year of Cyprus" in Turkey

Referring to the work being carried out by the government on the tourism sector, Kucuk said a protocol signed between Turkey and the "TRNC" aims to attract 700.000 tourists to the country. "If 700.000 tourists come to the country then the government will be able to cover its budget deficit," he said.

[14] Turkey's annual financial assistance reaches 900 TL

Announcing the news on illegal Bayrak Haber, so-called finance minister Ersin Tatar said that the annual financial assistance by "motherland" Turkey, which is around 900 million TL (around 450 million Euros), will be primarily saved for investments and the real sector.

Answering questions on his Ministry's achievements, Tatar pointed out that of local income has increased in the "Republic". On tax payment, he stated that with the introduction of the tax automation system work will be more effective. He added that fuel, cigarette and alcohol were cheaper in the "TRNC" compared to prices in "south Cyprus".

[15] Figures on building construction in the occupied areas of Cyprus

According to the study, the number of building constructions prior the Annan plan was among 400-850 new constructions yearly. However, after 2004 the number of new constructions was around 2000 per year.

18,901 new buildings were built between the years 1992-2008, covering an area of 5,127,672 m2.

The yearly distribution of the buildings is the following:

2008: 2,847; 2007: 2,805; 2006: 2,395; 2005: 1,597; 2004:1,149; 2003: 846; 2002: 651; 2001: 761; 2000: 794; 1999: 780; 1998: 782; 1997:835; 1996:578; 1995: 610; 1994: 509; 1993: 520; 1992: 442.

The study also shows that the majority of the new buildings are in the rural areas.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[16] Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan establish the Levant Business Forum

Representatives of business organizations, who gathered in Istanbul as the "East Mediterranean Quartet", signed a declaration to implement 75 projects under 14 chapters, including transportation and logistics, finance, investments, energy security, tourism, education and culture.

The action plan will run under the coordination of the Levant Business Forum, which will be based in Istanbul. It aims to boost prosperity and economic stability in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. The plan also aims at increasing efforts for free movement of goods and people, as well as cooperation in education and culture.

In the long-term, the project's goal is to achieve transition to the perspective of intergovernmental solidarity, which centres on stability and economic growth, from security-oriented intergovernmental competition in the region covering the Red Sea, the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf.

The forum will carry out lobbying for free movement of goods and people in every member country. Forum-member countries hope to get first results by 2014 and plan to welcome new members in the years ahead. It will also unveil a progress report in 2015.

[17] Turkey and Tunisia sign MoU and agreement

During Caglayan's visit, Turkey and Tunisia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on technical cooperation between national standards organizations and a customs cooperation agreement that aims to facilitate flow of goods and passengers between the two countries.

In addition, AA reported on statements of Caglayan who said that Turkish exports have reached a value of 112.2 billion USD as of December 2.

Speaking to reporters after completing talks in Tunis, Caglayan said that Turkey does not want to leave any location in Africa untouched. "We will continue to visit countries in Africa and be on a commercial safari," Caglayan said. "Africa's imports are worth 450 billion USD; 10% of this figure is 45 billion USD. There is no reason why Turkish companies cannot provide ten percent of Africa's imports," Caglayan also said.

[18] Claims that the Turkish Government plans to restructure YAS

According to the daily, this move comes after dissidence emerged between the civilian and military wings of the council during meetings in August. According the bill, generals other than three force commanders and gendarmerie general commander will no longer attend the meetings. Currently, 15 full generals are members of the council in addition to force commanders and the chief of General Staff. While the prime minister and the defence minister are currently the two sole civilian members of the council, the bill envisages including two deputy prime ministers and the interior minister in the council. If the bill is approved in Parliament, the number of civilian and military members of the council will be five each.

One of the most critical changes in the bill, according to Haberturk, is related to the decisions to be taken by the council. The bill plans to turn the council into a consultative body just like the National Security Council (MGK), which was given a civilian majority and its role downgraded to that of an advisory body with a constitutional amendment in 2001. If the bill is approved in Parliament, the government will decide whether to implement YAS decisions or not.

[19] "2011 last elections for AK Party's 147 deputies"

AKP also decided that 35 deputies, who served as deputies in Parliament before the foundation of the AKP in 2002, will be allowed to run as candidates in the next parliamentary elections, which are expected to be held in June next year.

Among these 35 deputies are state minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, state minister and Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek, Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin, Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul, State Minister Faruk Celik, AK Party Deputy Chairman Salih Kapusuz and Parliamentary Justice Commission President Ahmet Iyimaya. The 35 deputies are among the 147 who will not be able to run as candidates in parliamentary elections after 2011. In addition to Cicek, Arinc and Gonul, 15 more ministers are also among these 147.

The fact that it will also be Prime Minister Erdogan's last term as a deputy, raises the question of the party's leadership. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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