Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-01-11

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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's meeting with Downer

[02] Erdogan: "Papandreou did not speak as I expected"

[03] Turkish Cypriot politicians react to President Christofias' statements to Milliyet

[04] Strikes for an indefinite period begin today in the occupied part of Cyprus

[05] British Lords demand from FIBA a more strict punishment to APOEL

[06] Tore meets with TMT

[07] Hasipoglu announces his targets

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] The "TRNC" to open an office in Kuwait

[09] "Ending Turkey's EU bid would be a 'nightmare' for Greek Cyprus, minister says"

[10] Papandreou's 'old' perception of Cyprus

[11] "Turkey should be in EU only if its desire is heartfelt, says Belgium"

[12] "Turkey to increase arms expenditure in 2011"

[13] If the Cyprus obstacle is overcome, Turkey will still have to face its "French problem"

[14] Turkey and Yemen agreed on lifting visa requirements

[15] Turkish journalists demand release of colleagues

[16] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu's meeting with Downer

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Downer said that he had a fruitful meeting with Eroglu, adding that the two sides in Cyprus have intensified their efforts towards the tripartite meeting to be held in Geneva on January 26.

[02] Erdogan: "Papandreou did not speak as I expected"

Responding to a question (at Eseboga airport before his departure for Kuwait yesterday), whether he had expected such a statement by George Papandreou, Erdogan replied that they had "very very fruitful discussions" during their bilateral meeting and the meeting held with the participation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. He said the speech delivered by George Papandreou at the opening ceremony afterwards, which included messages of unity and solidarity between Greece and Turkey, was "a very nice speech". "However, the speech at the meeting of the ambassadors was actually a speech which I did not expect", he noted.

Erdogan said during a meeting he held afterwards with Papandreou, the Greek Prime Minister told him that he did not want his speech to be misinterpreted. "And as you saw, he retrieved it [the statement] at the press conference", he added.

Erdogan noted that the important thing is not what a person says, but what is understood by his interlocutor. Erdogan expressed the view that with their statements they should exert efforts to build up relations between Turkey and Greece and not to create tension.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkish Cypriot politicians react to President Christofias' statements to Milliyet

Former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat alleged that the Greek Cypriot side has always been trying to exclude the Turkish Cypriots and have Turkey as its interlocutor in solving the Cyprus problem. He argued that these efforts of the Greek Cypriots are in vain. He said the Greek Cypriots do this in order to prove that the Cyprus problem is a problem of occupation and that there is no problem among the Greek and the Turkish Cypriots.

Ferdi Sabit Soyer, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) argued that Turkey, Greece, the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots should sit together and solve the Cyprus problem at the negotiating table. He alleged that the problem cannot be solved at a platform where the Greeks and the Turks of Cyprus are not equal. He expressed the wish President Christofias goes soon to Istanbul to eat fish, but to do this together with the representatives of the Turkish Cypriots, Greece and Turkey.

Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP), said that Turkey should clearly give the message to the Greek Cypriots that their interlocutors are the "Northern Cyprus and president Eroglu". He said these statements show the Greek Cypriot approach that the problem in Cyprus is Turkey.

Mehmet Cakici, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), described President Christofias statements as "wrong" and added that the Cyprus problem will be solved "with the Turkish Cypriot people, not with Turkey". He argued that Turkey is part of the solution and that a "Cypriot formula" should be found. He claimed that a "serious disappointment exists" about President Christofias, who "could have taken steps appropriate for a leader with leftist views".

"We give the impression that Turkey administers us. Therefore, statements in this direction are made", he said arguing that the Turkish Cypriots should administer well their "economy and republic" so that they are "not exposed to such statements". He said that if the Cyprus problem is to be solved with the participation of other interlocutors, Greece and Britain should also be interlocutors in these discussions.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Strikes for an indefinite period begin today in the occupied part of Cyprus

The paper reports that when the "minister of finance", Ersin Tatar, addressing Guc-Sen's chairman Memduh Ceto said "Be quiet, do not talk, you are my employee", Sener Elcil, general secretary of KTOS, replied saying: "And you are an employee of Cemil Cicek" [the Turkish Minister of State responsible for Cyprus].

Afrika writes that strikes for an indefinite period begin today in the "Land Registry Office" in the occupied part of Lefkosia and the "courts". The teachers are also going on strike at Ataturk and Arabahmet primary schools, Democracy secondary school and Ataturk Teachers' Academy. The secondary and primary school teachers' trade unions, KTOEOS and KTOS respectively, will strike every day from 08.00 am until 11.00 am. According to the paper, the strikes will continue in other "departments" if the "government" makes no concessions. The trade unions will not recognize the "decisions" of the self-styled government to prohibit the strikes.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Volkan (11.01.11) reports that the so-called Turkish Cypriot Fighters' Association issued a statement condemning the "efforts of some trade unions to turn these economic developments into enmity against Turkey". The statement alleges that criticizing Turkey using as pretext these financial problems serves the policy of the Greek Cypriots and Greece. The statement notes that the measures of the "government" might be wrong, but these issues are solved through dialogue and reconciliation.

(I/Ts.)

[05] British Lords demand from FIBA a more strict punishment to APOEL

According to information acquired by the "Embargoed Group", in the letter which was signed by the Lord of Rotterdam Ahmed, the Lord of Drumglass Maginnis, the Baroness of Islington Hussein Ece and the Former Air Chief Marshall Sir Michael Graydon and sent to the president of FIBA Olafur Rafsson, a criticism is expressed for the mild punishment which was implemented to APOEL. In the letter, a calling is made to FIBA to investigate in depth the incidents and to react against the Greek Cypriot racism.

(AK)

[06] Tore meets with TMT

He also stated that they wish an agreement that will ensure the continuation of "TRNC" and that there will be no agreement without a "state". Tore expressed the belief that the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, Dervis Eroglu, has the same views on the subject and thus they continue to support him.

[07] Hasipoglu announces his targets

Speaking about his goals as UBP new general secretary he said that he wants to create new dynamics in order to strengthen relations with citizens, increase promotion actions [of the breakaway regime] and overcome problems through a culture of reconciliation.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] The "TRNC" to open an office in Kuwait

The paper also reports that Erdogan discussed with the Prime Minister of Kuwait Seyh Nasir the Iran nuclear crisis, the investment opportunities of Turkish businessmen in Iran and the issue of cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence.

In his statements Erdogan said, inter alia, that Turkey will support the improvement of ties between Kuwait and NATO.

Prime Minister of Kuwait said that they support Turkey's diplomatic stance regarding Iran's nuclear issue. He added that Kuwait will not forget the support extended by Turkey during the Iraq occupation.

(AK)

[09] "Ending Turkey's EU bid would be a 'nightmare' for Greek Cyprus, minister says"

"Turkey has the rightful thesis on the Cyprus issue. European Council member countries, including Greece, earlier decided to remove the blockade on northern Cyprus but they have not implemented it," he said.

Bagis also said: "First, they should put an end to the unjust blockade on northern Cyprus. Turkey has stated it would do everything needed to open ports."

He also said "Turkey went to Cyprus with its troops in 1974 to ensure security there", and added that "the Greek Cypriot view that violence has not been widespread in the run-up to the intervention is an indication of their insincerity".

Bagis also referred to the incidents after the basketball game, saying, "They should not try the patience of Turkey".

[10] Papandreou's 'old' perception of Cyprus

Regarding Merkel's visit, the writer wonders whether Merkel will visit the northern part of Cyprus and argues that "When we look at Cyprus, we see that 'real actors' like Israel and Germany are stepping in. These actors used to hide behind secondary actors like Greek Cypriots (or Armenians). Turkey is now able to see the real actors that are creating obstacles in its foreign policy. In fact, this assessment can be generalized. It is clear that the Cyprus issue is just an excuse and that the aim of competing forces is to balance out Turkey."

The writer considers that Turkey holds a unique position internationally: "Turkey is the only Muslim country that is part of military, economic and political organizations that were formed by the union of First World countries, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Council."

This unique position becomes even more appealing, the writer adds, considering that Turkey is a Western-style secular-democratic country that is a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). "Particularly after the Sept. 11 attacks, there were efforts to make Western states led by the US, on one hand, and the Muslim world, on the other, opponents. The only common denominator for both of these sides was Turkey."

The writer reviews Turkey's growing power as of the early 2000s, suggesting that Turkey pioneers the establishment of various associations in the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East to foster cooperation among regional countries. At the same time, it is added, Turkey assumes critical roles in organizations that support cooperation and rapprochement between the East and the West such as the G-20 and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Turkey's efforts to increase its visibility in international organizations within the scope of the Davutoglu doctrine, which puts more and more soft power factors into play, produces as important and effective outcomes as its leading role in increasing mutual interdependence in the region.

Viewing the Greek Prime Minister's intervention at the Ambassadors Conference, the writer argues that the tone used shows how difficult Turkey's job is. It seems the economic challenges of EU-member Greece have made Greek politicians adopt traditional perceptions once again. Therefore, he continues, Erdogan's warning on the need for a new tone against old problems was both timely and important, and adds: "Of course Turkey should maintain its constructive and pro-solution attitude about the Cyprus issue and it should continue to pursue any diplomatic, economic and cultural initiative that is necessary in 2011 to address this issue". Greece, he argues resorts to heroism because it is the most convenient and risk-free option, and adds:

"Papandreou may have made that speech due to pressure from Turkey's and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus's (KKTC) coordinated pro-peace and positive peace-oriented policies in negotiations that are being held at the UN initiative. Despite everything, Turkey should not lose its pre-Geneva solution-oriented approach while at the same time it should seek a dynamic approach that will make northern Cyprus economically and socially prepared for all solution alternatives.

Turkey should be prepared for all possible internal and external interventions that could happen because of the upcoming elections. Cyprus is going through a sensitive period in which it will not be made a domestic policy issue in Turkey in any way. In this respect, there are important and special roles Davuto
lu must assume. Turkey should not focus solely on negotiations and potential initiatives but also make plans that won t cause even the slightest damage to Turkish-northern Cypriot relations. It seems 2011 will be a year susceptible to any kind of surprise regarding northern Cyprus."

[11] "Turkey should be in EU only if its desire is heartfelt, says Belgium"

"Turkey has clearly stated that it wants to become an EU member, and Europe has been handling this very appropriately. A conviction about the membership question can be made only when it is known that Turkey complies with the EU acquis communautaire. The problem is that so far there have been problems in implementation of EU regulations, Turkish airspace, ports, Cyprus. That is to say, there are still things that should be done," Leterme said.

"It is true that there are not many chapters left to be opened due to the problem with Cyprus, and it is true that it is getting more and more difficult. But efforts are continuing, and this is the important point. Some people in Turkey are asking whether Turkey's future is in the EU or not; however, this is a question for Turkey itself. Europe has accepted Turkey's candidacy, and the process is going on," he said.

[12] "Turkey to increase arms expenditure in 2011"

Turkey's major procurement programmes spanning the next 10 years will include the purchase of around 100 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Lightening II aircraft worth around $15 billion, the purchase of 30 F-16 Block 50 fighters and the modernization of its fleet of F-16s, the acquisition of six modern U-291-type submarines costing $3 billion, the purchase of utility and attack helicopters worth over a total of $7 billion, the building of long-range air and missile defence systems worth several billion dollars and the development and production of a national battle tank worth several billion dollars. Smaller programmes include the purchase of frigates, corvettes, armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles and trainer aircraft.

In late December the Turkish Parliament endorsed a budget of $11.3 billion for the Defence Ministry, up from last year's $10.5 billion. The appropriations account for 1.4% of Turkey's gross domestic product and 5.4% of the overall state budget, according to Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul.

The Gendarmerie was granted $3 billion for 2011, up from $2.7 billion in 2010, while Coast Guard Command was granted a higher figure than last year ? $210 million, compared to 2010's $198 million. Both the Gendarmerie and the Coast Guard are part of the Interior Ministry but are commanded by the military.

Overall, the Turkish security forces will receive additional funds worth around $1.1 billion, bringing total spending to $15.51 billion, or a nearly 8% increase compared to last year. These figures exclude contributions from the country's special Defence Industry Support Fund, which helps finance arms purchases.

[13] If the Cyprus obstacle is overcome, Turkey will still have to face its "French problem"

Idiz writes that "what the EU represents for Turkey is a set of culturally and religiously neutral social, economic and political standards that are incorporated in the 'acquis communautaire'. (...) However, for many in Europe Turkey's EU membership has become a cultural and religious topic today.

In the meantime it is undeniable that as far as the real and practical advantages of its EU perspective are concerned, Turkey is increasingly coming under the influence of 'the principle of diminishing returns'. In other words, extra energy put into its membership bid is not necessarily going to change the current morass in Turkish-EU ties."

Idiz argues that "no Turkish government can concede anything on Cyprus for the sake of unblocking the eight chapters that cannot be negotiated because of this problem. Any concessions, especially after the Annan Plan process, would be politically costly and possibly even suicidal for any government, a risk hardly worth taking given the mood in Europe concerning Ankara's membership bid.

Turks are aware that even if the Cyprus obstacle were to be overcome somehow by unilateral concessions, Turkey would still be faced with its 'French problem'. France has vetoed negotiations on five critical chapters, arguing that these concern full membership issues and therefore go beyond the 'privileged partnership' that it ? along with Germany ? is calling on for Turkey. These facts on their own are enough to turn Turks away from Europe, and it is clear that faith in the EU is at an all time low among them."

Claiming that there are also developments in Europe that make the prospect of EU membership less attractive for Turks, Idiz writes that "the EU today looks more like it is in a state of 'disunion' rather than being in a process of enhancing and deepening its 'unity'. (...)

It seems from today's vantage point that clearing the economic mess the EU is in will take years, given the arduous mental, political and infrastructure reform that some member states will have to undergo for this to happen, while facing the domestic resistance that will inevitably come as a result of this."

In addition to this, the EU looks more like "a union of unequals" with every passing day, with some members actively discriminating against others."

Semih Idiz concludes saying that Turks are as no so keen on EU membership: "Turkey will have general elections in six months' time and it is a foregone conclusion that none of the politicians will run on a ticket that actively promotes the EU perspective. (...)

But if the EU perspective were to disappear altogether Turkey would still face the need for social, economic and political reforms given the pressures coming from society. But it will have to do so without the EU. Developments in Turkey over the past few years in particular show that this is not as impossible a prospect as some may think."

[14] Turkey and Yemen agreed on lifting visa requirements

Five agreements were signed between Turkey and Yemen on Monday within the scope of Gul's visit to Yemen. Foreign Ministry Diplomacy Academy and Yemen's Foreign Ministry Diplomatic Institute, International Cooperation & Development Agency of Turkey (TIKA) and Yemeni Telecommunication & Information Technologies Ministry, TRT and Yemen's Television, and Anadolu Agency and SABA News Agency of Yemen signed cooperation agreements. A.A Deputy Director General Tahsin Akti signed the agreement between Anadolu Agency and SABA News Agency of Yemen.

[15] Turkish journalists demand release of colleagues

"More than 50 journalists are being kept under arrest while being tried," Ercan Ipekci, the chair of Turkey's Journalists Union, said in his speech on behalf of all platform members. He added that an additional 30 journalists risked jail time after first being taken into custody and then arrested.

Some 24 professional organizations of journalists, members of the platform, met Monday to mark "Working Journalists' Day" at the Turkey's Journalists Association's Burhan Felek Conference Hall in Istanbul.

According to a written statement the platform sent to the paper on Monday, more than 2,000 court cases potentially involving jail time or fines have been opened against journalists or media outlets and more than 4,000 investigations are ongoing.

[16] Highlights

Turkish-Greek relations

Milliyet columnist Semih Idiz draws attention to the fact that no crisis emerged as a result of the remarks Greek Prime Minister Papandreou made in Erzurum regarding Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, and notes that Papandreou did not make those remarks to humiliate his hosts but out of obligation given the political climate in his country. Idiz argues that Papandreou's participation in the Ambassadors Conference is a goodwill gesture and that actually it is Greece that is in a weaker position, adding: "In conclusion, the Greek nightmare has been realized. While their country is on the decline from every single point of view, they are faced with a giant Turkey that is on the rise. The margin of powerful countries to relate gently to certain issues is always larger. Meanwhile, no matter who says what, at this stage there are no concessions that have been made to Athens on the issues of Cyprus and the Aegean."

In his article in Taraf, Cem Sen views the fence Greece plans to erect along its border with Turkey and notes that such walls generally do not serve their purpose and cites as examples the Berlin Wall and the fence between Mexico and the United States. In conclusion, Sey warns that the wall Greece plans to erect along the Turkish border will only cause more deaths.

Referendum in Sudan

An editorial in Hurriyet Daily News entitled "Turkey's stake in Sudan's referendum", explains the reasons why Turkey is watching the referendum process in Sudan with a keen interest. Noting that Turkey is among the largest investors in Sudan, the editorial adds that the country has been a key element in the Foreign Ministry's outreach to Africa. Praising "the maturity, sobriety and vision with which al-Bashir has approached this referendum," the editorial concludes: "Turkey's political investment in Sudan and in al-Bashir is substantial. No one, other than the Sudanese themselves, has as critical a stake in the referendum outcome as Turkey."

Star columnist Ardan Zenturk writes that according to new findings, the southern region of Sudan will, in the near future, become one of the significant actors of the world energy balances. Underlining the importance of Sudan as well as Kazakhstan in the world's energy balances given the fact that the two countries are not only rich in oil reserves but are also in uranium reserves, Zenturk notes that Sudan's uranium reserves disturb many western countries, adding: "The United States and Israel believe that the uranium reserves in this country can be used by Muslim countries having nuclear capacities such as Iran and Pakistan and that in time this might create very serious strategic problems." The secession of south Sudan from the north and the establishment of a pro-Western administration in the south will open a new era, one that will create instability with regards to the sharing of the waters of the Nile, argues the writer, adding that this development will lead to the weakening of Egypt and Sudan.

In her article in Radikal, Ayse Karabat maintains that the partition of Sudan based on ethnic and religious foundations will inevitably cause new clashes. Describing the involvement of many world countries in Africa and Sudan, Karabat draws attention to US-Chinese competition in the African continent and urges Turkey to take an interest in Africa in general and in Sudan in particular.

"Turkey's 'Number one' enemy?"

In an article in Today's Zaman with the above title, columnist Ihsan Dagi comments on what he describes as the alarming findings of a MetroPoll survey suggesting that some 43% of the Turkish people feel threatened by the United States and that some 23% perceive Israel as a threat. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EG

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