Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-03-31

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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] Statements by Eroglu after the Cyprus talks meeting

[02] Statements by Kucuk before the "cabinet meeting"

[03] Statements by Rauf Denktas on oil exploration

[04] Ozgurgun on the Cyprus problem

[05] Soyer condemns the attacks against the trade unionists who visited Brussels

[06] Serdar Denktas: "Northern Cyprus is a market of 500 thousand persons with its active population"

[07] "Under this regime the census becomes 'a report for the estimated crowd'"

[08] So-called agriculture and natural resources minister holds contacts in Turkey

[09] Information on the new action to be held on April 7

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Ankara insistent on tight fiscal policy for northern Cyprus

[11] Erdogan said Cyprus talks cannot remain pending forever

[12] Turkey plans to use national currencies in its trade with Iraq

[13] Ankara will not renew a natural gas agreement with Russia

[14] Davutoglu sees a bright future in Turkey-UK relations

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Statements by Eroglu after the Cyprus talks meeting

He also announced that the special representatives will continue their discussions on the issue of police forces and their authorities in the event of a settlement.

"We will hold another meeting with Mr Christofias next week on Wednesday the 6th of April. Our special representatives will meet on the 5th of April," Eroglu said.

Referring to the issue of citizenship, Eroglu said that the sides' views regarding the issue of citizenships were clear and that this issue would be revisited at a later date.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (30.03.11) reports that asked if the citizenship issue was concluded, Eroglu said: "Views of both parties are apparent on citizenship. Technical delegations will assess this issue under the chairmanship of representatives. This issue will be brought to the negotiation table again in the future and we'll see whether a convergence can be achieved."

[02] Statements by Kucuk before the "cabinet meeting"

Touching upon the issue of holding a simultaneous census with the Greek Cypriot side, Kucuk said that it was only natural that both "states" had their own domestic duties to fulfil, adding that there was no requirement to hold a simultaneous census and that a population count would be held in the "TRNC" within this year. Kucuk also said that they were open to the idea of having UN or EU observers taking part in the census.

Kucuk also brought clarification to the payment of salaries of "public sector employees", stating that the salaries would be paid tomorrow as usual on the last day of the month. He added that the salaries of pensioners had been paid today following an one-day delay.

Meanwhile, Kucuk will be flying to Istanbul tomorrow to undergo health checks as well as a follow-up heart angio for a stent placed a year ago.

He is expected to return next Monday.

[03] Statements by Rauf Denktas on oil exploration

On the issue of oil exploration off the coast of Cyprus, he expressed the view that Israel chose to cooperate with the Greek Cypriot side on the matter because of its souring bilateral relations with Turkey.

"Greek Cypriots say Turkey has no rights over Cyprus and Greece says there is no need for Turkey's guarantorship and the peoples of the island shall resolve their problem on their own. However, there is no single identity or nationality in Cyprus. There are Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots", Denktas said.

He underlined the need for jointly expressing the red lines of the Turkish Cypriot side while working towards a settlement.

Speaking on behalf of the Association, Can Gurol said that "the Turkish Armed Forces, who fought shoulder to shoulder with the Turkish Cypriot fighters in 1974, will continue to stay by the side of the Turkish Cypriots in case of repetition of the bitter past".

[04] Ozgurgun on the Cyprus problem

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the "2nd Think Tank Forum of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference", which was organized by the Institute of Islamic Countries of the Turkish Asian Centre for Strategic Studies (TASAK), Ozgurgun stressed the need for the Turkish side to use its public diplomacy in the best way in order for the international community to understand the goodwill of the Turkish Cypriot side.

He also said that they should give importance to the information of the international community about the problems occurred as a result of the "unfair and inhuman" isolation against the Turkish Cypriot side by the Greek Cypriot side, as well as to the fact that the international community should understand that it is not the Turkish Cypriot side which is "intransigent" at the negotiation table but the Greek Cypriots side."

Referring to the recent developments at the negotiation process, Ozgurgun reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue exerting efforts and showing a constructive stance for finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and added that they are determined towards this issue.

Accusing the Greek Cypriot side for its "intransigent" attitude at the negotiation table, he recalled the period of the Annan plan and said that it was due to the negative attitude of the Greek Cypriots that a solution is not reached until now.

[05] Soyer condemns the attacks against the trade unionists who visited Brussels

Soyer argued that when these trade unionists were criticizing the CTP, they were applauded by the same nationalists, who attack them now. He noted that this behaviour suffocates the expression of different views and the climate of mutual criticism among different views.

Soyer argued that those who attack the trade unionists try to repeat what was experienced in the period of the military coup of 12 September 1980 in Turkey and added that this is unacceptable.

"Therefore, as CTP-BG, even though we do not agree with some views, we think that it is unacceptable to describe the trade unionists as traitors of the country and oppress them with the power of the state", said Soyer adding that if the "attorney general acts according to these screams, the CTP will oppose to all antidemocratic acts".

"We strongly condemn this campaign against Sener Elcil, Ahmet Kaptan and the other trade union leaders", noted Soyer adding that the disagreements with the views of the trade unionists can be expressed openly but no one is to be threatened and accused of treason.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Serdar Denktas: "Northern Cyprus is a market of 500 thousand persons with its active population"

Denktas added: "We want to produce and sell our products. Because of the unjust embargo imposed on us by the world, if we produce, where shall we sell our products? Northern Cyprus is a market of 500 thousand persons with its active population. The TRNC cannot trade with the world. Restrictions exist. It cannot trade with Turkey too. The Mersin gate is close. If the Republic of Turkey recognizes us, if it has a Customs Union Agreement with South Cyprus and if the TRNC is a country considered by the European Union [as territory] within the EU borders, Turkey could implement the same customs protocol with us. Then we will start producing more".

Denktas said that his party has prepared a formula for the breakaway regime to come out of the economic crisis and it is ready to share it with the "government".

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Denktas reiterated that his party worries that a new plan might come up within the next few months and it warns the "citizens" to support the "TRNC" and the breakaway regime in the occupied part of Cyprus. He explained to the inhabitants of the above-mentioned occupied villages the preparations of the DP aiming at showing that the "TRNC" should be supported and exalted.

(I/Ts.)

[07] "Under this regime the census becomes 'a report for the estimated crowd'"

Moreover, he argues that a census is not conducted because of the uncontrolled and unknown population in "North Cyprus", which is the biggest support base of the political regime that exists there, and also the base of groups with prevailing economic interests who organize this regime and are on the state's back. Tekman supports his argument saying that the system of closed councils in the "TRNC" feeds the political elements of the status quo. He continues saying that this uncontrolled crowd, which they claim that is not possible to be counted, is needed by the elements which try to preserve the model of "a regime always in power." And this is, he writes, because this crowd is turned into citizens instantly, who vote in favour of the regime in elections.

Also, Tekman supports that a proper census will bring into surface the illegal workforce, which until now has been used by capitalists. "Capitalist bosses who offer their support to the status quo powers which in their turn prefer poor slaves who work continuously and too harshly without any social insurance," writes Tekman, who points out that the results of a census, believed to reveal the problem, will be sent to Turkey and if they do not get Turkey's approval, the results of the census will not be announced.

Tekman concludes that he cannot believe that a sound and correct census can take place in this "country" within the mechanisms of the existing regime and the established power structure.

[08] So-called agriculture and natural resources minister holds contacts in Turkey

In addition, Tore met with the Turkish Minister of Environment and Forestry Veysel Eroglu with whom he discussed about the water issue. During their meeting, they decided that projects regarding the usage of small dams that exist in occupied Cyprus for irrigation purposes will be developed soon.

[09] Information on the new action to be held on April 7

Moreover, the paper reports on statement of the Democratic Party (DP) leader Serdar Denktas, who said that DP will not participate in the upcoming strike and action of April 7. During a visit to the villages of occupied Karpass area, Denktas, inter alia, noted that the Unions' Platform should re-evaluate its approach towards the political parties.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (31.03.11) reports on statements by the general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers' Trade Union (KTOS) Sener Elcil who said that a delegation by the European Parliament Liberal Group will travel to occupied Cyprus in order to follow closely the situation and the April 7 action. As Elcil noted, during their contacts in Brussels they had the chance to explain to EU officials the realities that exist in Cyprus and the visions of the Turkish Cypriots that were expressed during the two recent rallies.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[10] Ankara insistent on tight fiscal policy for northern Cyprus

"Turkey's new Ambassador to northern Cyprus Halil Ibrahim Akca will start his new post on Friday. Turkish State Minister and chief EU negotiator Egemen Bagis met with Akca on Wednesday. 'Akca knows northern Cyprus closely. He knows well the dynamics of the relations between Turkey and the Turkish part of Cyprus and Cyprus's importance in EU negotiations,' Bagis said.

Once the EU fulfils promises made to Turkey, Turkey will then fulfil its own promises. These promises must be fulfilled simultaneously, Bagis said.

Akca, Turkey's former fiscal grant-maker in northern Cyprus, was among the targets of demonstrations on the island due to his work on drafting tight fiscal policies for the island territory. Turkish Cypriots are unhappy that an economic reform program, drawn up under Ankara's guidance, calls for lower public spending, privatization and curbing the rights of trade unions, which often strike.

However, Ankara is insistent to apply the new fiscal program. Turkish officials stress that postponing the economic measures would be malicious to Turkish Cypriots, since a change of economic system is a must for the island.

Unfair income distribution is one of the major problems, officials say. 'Not only should the 30,000 public servants, but all 285,000 northern Cypriot citizens derive benefits from these sources,' officials say.

The salary for public servants is nearly 3,200 Turkish Liras (TL); their pensions are nearly 4,200 TL. However, private sector workers are paid below 2,000 TL, with pensions for them reaching 600 TL.

Replying to the suggestion of Ankara, the northern Cypriot cabinet approved three draft laws on social security, public finance and privatization."

[11] Erdogan said Cyprus talks cannot remain pending forever

Noting that negotiations in Cyprus had come to a deadlock due to the Greek Cypriot side's efforts to "run out the clock", Erdogan said: "We want this reality to be seen by everybody. Negotiations cannot remain pending forever".

Erdogan claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side was displaying efforts for a rapid, fair and lasting solution in the island.

He also said that holding a high-level meeting in Cyprus with the participation of the Turkish and the Greek Cypriot sides and the guarantor countries was of vital importance so as to conclude the matter with an agreement.

Erdogan said that Turkey's EU negotiation process, G-20, latest developments in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as regional and international matters would also be discussed during his talks with British officials.

He said that the implementation of UN Security Council's Resolutions on Libya and ways to help the Libyan nation establish peace and security are to be discussed during his meeting with the British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Commenting on Turkey's EU process as well, Erdogan said that Britain had always expressed support for Turkey's EU bid.

Pointing to several countries' efforts to block Turkey's membership, Erdogan said that Turkey expected its friend Britain to assume a pioneering and leading role in the ongoing process.

The Turkish Premier also said that cooperation opportunities between Turkey and Britain in various areas such as energy, tourism, IT sector and construction would be assessed during a business forum and conference to be attended by representatives of Turkish and British private sectors as well as relevant Ministers during his visit.

Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU Talks Egemen Bagis, State Minister Zafer Caglayan and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek are accompanying Erdogan during his visit to Britain.

[12] Turkey plans to use national currencies in its trade with Iraq

Erdogan said that Turkey also wanted to lift visa requirement but added that the Iraqi side was cautious, because of security concerns. "We said let's at least lift visa requirement for holders of diplomatic passports. We will follow with total abolishment of visas as well," he said.

The Prime Minister, who visited the Shiite province of Najaf and the Kurdish province of Arbil in addition to Baghdad during his visit, said that the visit to Arbil was long overdue, although it was not easy to do it. "During the first two years of our rule, Turkey's policy was focused on [the situation of] Turkmens in Iraq. We showed great patience to transform our Turkmen-based policy into one that takes into consideration all of Iraq," Erdogan said. "I went to Arbil when we agreed that it was time for that", he stressed.

Erdogan also said that Turkey was involved in efforts to resolve a crisis in Bahrain, noting that all parties involved in the crisis have supported the Turkish efforts. On Libya, he said that France, which initiated coalition operations against Libya, was sidelined when NATO took full control of operations in the North African country. "We also insisted that the Arab League, the African Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) should also join NATO [in determining policies for Libya]. This happened," he said.

[13] Ankara will not renew a natural gas agreement with Russia

Speaking to Today's Zaman, Yildiz noted that private companies can buy natural gas from Russia for less and thus have the ability to sell it at lower prices in Turkey. He stated that the Government is not going to renew its natural gas agreement with Russia, which expires at the end of this year. The current agreement for natural gas was signed on Feb. 14, 1986 by Turkey and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the former name of the current Russian state. According to the agreement, Russia would sell 6 million cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey annually for 25 years.

The agreement will expire on December 31, 2011; however, it will continue for another five years unless one of the two countries does not want to abolish it. When questions were raised, such as who will sign a new agreement and which articles will it include, Yildiz introduced this new offer. "Turkish private energy firms import natural gas at lower prices than the state-owned Turkish Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) does. The Turkish Government wants a new agreement to be signed by Turkish private firms, instead of the Government," Yildiz told Today's Zaman, adding, "The Government wants the private energy sector's share in the energy market to increase. I hope [Turkish private energy firms] get natural gas at even lower prices and sell to [the Turkish market] more cheaper because providing natural gas at a good price is important for Turkey and it is not important who imports the gas." He also stated that the Turkish Government told Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin that BOTAS will not renew the current agreement with Russia's Gazprom.

[14] Davutoglu sees a bright future in Turkey-UK relations

Davutoglu also said 2.200 British companies are operating in Turkey, and more than 30,000 Brits own properties on Turkey's coasts and added that last year, 2.7 million British tourists visited Turkey.

"It is important for Turkish and British companies to develop joint projects in our vicinity, for example, there is a great potential in Libya, in North Africa and in Central Asia," Davutoglu also said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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