Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-05-27

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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] Rauf Denktas' hospitalization continues; "condition stable but critical" doctors say

[02] Kucuk alleges that Cyprus' EU term presidency should be postponed

[03] Two self-styled deputies carry out contacts in Brussels

[04] Talat evaluated the Cyprus problem at illegal BRT

[05] Reactions to the new "citizenship law" prepared by the regime; Turkish settlers say they are satisfied

[06] Reactions to Kucuk's statement over "citizenship"

[07] Authorities of the breakaway regime continue to deny passage to a Turkish Cypriot, holder of the Republic of Cyprus ID card

[08] Major Turkish Cypriot newspaper wonders if the occupied area of Cyprus is part of Turkey

[09] Turkish businessman has reportedly bought daily Haberdar; Turkish Ciner Group is said to want to buy Kibris Media Group

[10] Allegations for torture by the police of breakaway regime

[11] Kamu-Sen withdraws from the "Unions' Platform"

[12] "Azerbaijan night at the YDU"

[13] A cooperation protocol between "BRT" and Turkmeneli TV

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[14] AKP leads national vote with 48%

[15] Erdogan hints Istanbul attack at terrorism

[16] Turkey welcomes the arrest of war crimes suspect Mladic

[17] Davutoglu warned Israel for planned Gaza flotilla

[18] Turkey hosts Hamas-Fatah reconciliation talks in Ankara

[19] Russia's envoy on anti-missile defence expected to visit Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Rauf Denktas' hospitalization continues; "condition stable but critical" doctors say

Answering to questions regarding the health status of Denktas, Prof. Dr Finn Rasmussen of the Near East University Hospital said that the former "president" was in stable, but critical condition. Also Professor Erkan Kaptanoglu told reporters yesterday: "Unfortunately, we encountered an undesired complication this morning. We had to put Denktas on ventilator after he suffered respiratory problems. We also started antibiotics." Kaptanoglu responding to another question said that Denktas is not in a condition to travel and that they do not think to transfer him to Turkey.

His son Serdar Denktas told reporters that "medicine did everything it could" and explained in a press conference yesterday evening the latest developments in his father's health. He said that his treatment continues, but due to complications he is having difficulties in breathing which further stressed the condition of his heart. Serdar said that his father is now on a breathing apparatus, which has alleviated his pain.

[02] Kucuk alleges that Cyprus' EU term presidency should be postponed

In statements to the correspondent of Kibris in London, Kucuk alleged that the Turkish side supports the solution in Cyprus, but President Christofias' stance is not constructive. Kucuk claimed the following: "In the second half of 2012, south Cyprus [Tr note: This is the named used by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot officials for the Republic of Cyprus] becomes term president of the EU. I am looking at this situation with suspicion. Think, how Christofias, who could not solve his own internal problems, will deal with the huge EU problems? The term presidency of the Greek Cypriot side should be postponed. The EU term presidency of the south without the Cyprus problem solved, is tantamount to wasting six months of the EU".

Kucuk referred also to his contacts in London. He said he had "a very useful" meeting at the British Parliament with Mrs Simon Hughes, Vice President of the Liberal Democrat Party (which is the minor partner in the UK's coalition government) and Member of the House of Commons. Kucuk noted that their relations with the Liberal Democrat Party will continue and be strengthened.

Kucuk said he also met with Lord Maginnis, who is known as friend of the Turkish Cypriot side, and with Baroness Meral Ece, the first Turkish Cypriot member of the House of Lords. He noted that they asked from Lord Maginnis and Baroness Ece to submit a question at the Parliament on the recent decision of the British Government regarding the visas for the Turkish Cypriots. He claimed that under this decision, eight Turkish Cypriots employees of the British High Commission were fired. "I think that the aim was not to decrease the expenses. It seems to be a little bit political. This situation should be examined", he noted.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (27.05.11) reports that Kucuk and his spouse participated in a dance event, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary from the establishment of the Turkish Cypriot community in London. Speaking at the event, Kucuk said their duty is to solve their problems with mutual understanding. He added: "However, we all have another duty and this duty is to keep the TRNC alive. Our aim is to keep the TRNC alive and develop it".

Referring to the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus, Kucuk said: "In 1974 we embraced our Mehmetcik [Tr. Note: Mehmetcik is a name used for the Turkish army] with our fighters and we will never be separated".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Two self-styled deputies carry out contacts in Brussels

The discussions focused on the tripartite Cyprus summit which is to be held on the 7th of July.

It's been reported that there was consensus during the discussions on the need for launching the give-and-take process following the tripartite meeting and motivating the two leaders in Cyprus towards that process.

The EU officials also welcomed a proposal submitted by the two "deputies" on organizing a conference which will be attended by the bi-communal technical committee on the protection of cultural heritage in Cyprus.

On the same issue, "BRT" (online, 27.05.11) also reports that Ulucay, in an interview to AB Haber before departing from Brussels, said that the Direct Trade Regulation should come into force as soon as possible.

[04] Talat evaluated the Cyprus problem at illegal BRT

Speaking at a program called "Sabah Haber" broadcasted by illegal BRT yesterday morning, Talat expressed the belief that nothing will change after the elections in the "south" and added that the elections gave the signal that the "Greek Cypriot leader", as he called President Christofias will be candidate again. Talat said further that for this reason he does not predict any possibility for courageous steps to be taken.

Evaluating the result to be obtained from the 7th of July summit, Talat said that the stance of the United Nations depends on the sides. He then stressed the need for progress to be achieved on issues such as the "property Issue" and the issue of "administration and power share" so that the UN to undertake an arbitration role.

Talat went on supporting that he sees that it is not possible for Turkey to harden its stance towards the Cyprus problem or to recognize the "TRNC" after the elections in Turkey, as it is supported. He then stated that no steps will be taken towards the direction of the will of Greek Cypriots for the opening of ports to Greek Cypriot vessels.

Regarding the July summit, Talat stated that the result that might come up from the process is the withdrawal of the UN from the process.

Referring to the non-solution of the Cyprus problem, Talat said that the biggest responsibility for the non-solution belongs to Russia which is a Permanent Member of the Security Council, saying: "It was Russia which prevented the discussion of the Annan report. He used this as a new tool of the cold war with the west".

Regarding Turkey's EU negotiation process, Talat stated that it is obvious that due to the aggressive stance of the Greek Cypriot side, Turkey will not become a member of the EU before the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Replying to another question, Talat stated that the primary problem in the "country" is the distrust being developed against politics and thus called on all political parties represented in the "assembly" to cooperate and to exert efforts for finding a solution to this problem.

(AK)

[05] Reactions to the new "citizenship law" prepared by the regime; Turkish settlers say they are satisfied

Addressing the "assembly" yesterday, Emiroglulari referred to the issue of the "citizenship" of the breakaway regime and noted that the Turkish Cypriot community gained some international "rights" and became an equal side in the Republic of Cyprus as a result of many struggles, but those who administrate it remember this community only when it suits them.

Emiroglulari said that the population and the population structure of the "country" is not known and described the "citizenship", "amnesty' and "migration laws" as sine qua non for them. He noted that no one should expect from the TDP to implement decisions which are not within the limits of the international law, change the structure of the "country", cause damage to its economy and culture, and destroy the future of the young generation. He said they are not against giving the "citizenship" in a "legal" manner and added that this "citizenship" could be given in the cases of marriage and persons who are born in the occupied area of Cyprus. He said, though, that they are against applications which will pave the way for thousands of persons to take the "citizenship".

Emiroglulari added that it is not right to make amendments in the "migration law" without having clear information about the population living in occupied Cyprus. He noted that issues like the "citizenship" and the "population", which are closely connected to each other, "cause damage to the foundation of the country". He said 2.400 persons are granted the "citizenship" of the regime every year through marriage.

Meanwhile, Kibris (27.05.11) reports that delegations of the National Unity Party (UBP) and the People's Justice Council (HAK), which is an organization of Turkish settlers, discussed the issue of the "citizenship" and the "amnesty law" prepared by the self-styled government. In statements on behalf of HAK, Arif Ozbayrak said they are very satisfied with these "laws".

Moreover, writing in his daily column in Yeni Duzen (27.05.11), Sami Ozuslu refers to statements made by the "interior minister" Nazim Cavusoglu, who said during a meeting with the political parties yesterday, that around 250 persons are granted the "citizenship" of the regime every month through marriage. Ozuslu notes that if this number is multiplied by twelve, it means that 3.000 persons are granted the "citizenship" of the regime every year through marriage. He says that if the total population is estimated to be 225 thousands, this means that the population increases by 1.3% every year only because of those who become "citizens" through marriage. Ozuslu notes that everybody knows that some of these marriages are bogus and are made only for obtaining the "citizenship".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Reactions to Kucuk's statement over "citizenship"

Specifically in his written statement Izcan said that Turkish Cypriots, being citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, have the rights to residence, to elect and be elected and these rights cannot be deprived, therefore Kucuk should stop intimidating the society. He supported that an early solution to the Cyprus problem would help in order for every Cypriot to enjoy human rights and freedoms and criticized the UBP "administration" for being willing to deprive Turkish Cypriots of their "citizenship" but at the same time fills the occupied part with Turkish citizens.

Nevvar Nolan the chairman of the "High Election Council" (YSK) commented on Kucuk's wish for "YSK" to examine the matter as soon as possible and said that in order to do so, there must be a written request. Nolan added that so far, no such written application was received, however if there is one, "YSK" will gather and examine the related "legislation" in order to provide an answer.

Moreover, Yeni Duzen's columnist Fayka Kisi, comments on Kucuk' statement and wonders if the people who are going to vote in Turkey's General Elections and are "citizens" of "TRNC" will also be deprived or their "citizenship." She calls the "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk to answer, since many people have double "citizenships" and are voters in Turkey and "TRNC."

[07] Authorities of the breakaway regime continue to deny passage to a Turkish Cypriot, holder of the Republic of Cyprus ID card

The lawyer of Aziz, Oner Serifoglu, said that this condition is contradictory to "TRNC's" constitution, and even if Aziz wanted to become a citizen of "TRNC," the "constitution articles" do not allow it, because in the 1985 declaration, as natural "TRNC" citizens were accepted Cypriot citizens of Turkish origin, living within the boundaries of the northern occupied part of Cyprus. However, according to the paper Aziz has been living for 52 years in the free area of the Republic of Cyprus, and he has tried to cross with a Republic of Cyprus ID card.

Moreover, the paper reports that during the conversation that took place with "officials" in the crossing point, a question was placed regarding Turkish Cypriots coming from the UK and cross to the northern part from the free area. The response was that Turkish Cypriots with English passports can cross, but not with Greek Cypriot ID cards.

[08] Major Turkish Cypriot newspaper wonders if the occupied area of Cyprus is part of Turkey

[09] Turkish businessman has reportedly bought daily Haberdar; Turkish Ciner Group is said to want to buy Kibris Media Group

Havadis reports that the new owner of Haberdar, Yahya Kurt had come onto the agenda with the debates regarding the construction of skyscrapers in occupied Keryneia. Due to his investments in the occupied part of Cyprus, Kurt was granted the "citizenship" of the regime some time ago. He is dealing in the field of gambling. He is the owner of Galaxi Casino, which is at Oscar Hotel, and Galaxi Bet. He also owns many bet offices in the occupied area of Cyprus. It is known that he has undertaken an initiative to invest in the hotel business as well.

According to Havadis, the bargaining between Kurt and Bozkurt ended yesterday and Kurt became the big shareholder of Haberdar. It is said that journalist Rasih Resat will still have some shares in the paper.

Meanwhile, citing information from reliable sources, Havadis reports that Asil Nadir, owner of Kibris Media Group, faces economic difficulties because of his debts in many banks in the occupied area of Cyprus and the expenses of his ongoing trial in Britain. Therefore, the sale of the Kibris Media Group came onto the agenda. According to Havadis, Turkish Ciner Group, which introduced the "Haber Turk" brand into the media business in Turkey, wants to buy Kibris Media Group. The chairman of Ciner Group is Turgay Ciner. According to Havadis, the group is one of the strongest in Turkey, having as its members Haber Turk newspaper, Haber Turk TV and www.haberturk.com website.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Allegations for torture by the police of breakaway regime

According to Cakici, there are very serious allegations that the young man faced torture by the illegal police. As the young man's family said, their child was forced to sign a text in Turkish, despite the fact that he does not know the language in an adequate level. The family also noted, that their child had purple spots on various parts of his body, whereas when he was hospitalized, it was alleged by the "police" that the young man "had fell down" and hurt himself. Cakici stated that he will examine the report prepared by the hospital and he will proceed as necessary.

Cakici added that the US Embassy in Cyprus has also intervened, and as he noted, the issue has reached a level that could take an international dimension. He also noted that he tried to contact with some "police officials", but with no result, adding that he waits for a response from both the "police" and the "government". Otherwise, as he said, he will go to the next week's "parliament assembly" with names.

[11] Kamu-Sen withdraws from the "Unions' Platform"

In the statement, Ozkardas censured the "UBP government" that has not kept its promises and its written commitments to the people. He noted that, in addition to the economic burden put on the people due to the uncontrolled population and the illegal workers, the people became depressed because of the various criminal incidents. He also stated that for years now, their most natural and democratic demands, such as the demand of having Turkish Cypriots at the heads of the so-called institutions, such as the "security forces", the "central bank" and the "civil aviation", have been ignored. He, inter alia, stated that, during the January 28 and the March 2 rallies held at Inonu Square in occupied Lefkosia, the actions of the provocateurs came forward, and not the common denominators.

In addition, Ozkardas, inter alia, noted that they ignore some "realities" existing, such as "the denigration of the cooperation made with the political parties, the failure of the EU to keep its promises and the hypocrisy", and demanded from the "Platform" to make its self-criticism.

[12] "Azerbaijan night at the YDU"

As the paper writes, a 10-person delegation from Azerbaijan composed by Azeri MP's, state artists and a youth branches delegation are to participate at the event.

The so-called ambassador of Turkey in the occupied area Halil Ibrahim Akca, "MP's" and "government officials" are also expected to participate at the event, writes the paper.

(AK)

[13] A cooperation protocol between "BRT" and Turkmeneli TV

Speaking before the signing of the protocol,  BRT director Ozer Kanl1
pointed out that  the Turkish Cypriots gained independence and established their own state with contributions from motherland Turkey and the heartfelt support of the Turkic world".

Adding that they knew the problems faced by Turkmenians in Iraq, he expressed the hope that Turkmenians will maintain their peaceful and sovereign existence in the country.

Also speaking, the Director of the Kirkuk-based (in Iraq) Turkmeneli Radio and Television Corporation Yalman Haceroglu said that all broadcasting equipment owned by his corporation is in the service of the BRT. He underlined the importance of establishing cooperation among Turkic media corporations in order to realize the goal of uniting the Turkic world.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[14] AKP leads national vote with 48%

The poll was carried out by the Genar research company on May 17-23, covering 2.175 people from 17 provinces in 215 districts.

The 35.1% of the respondents said that the most important problem is "unemployment".

[15] Erdogan hints Istanbul attack at terrorism

He responded to questions by reporters in Nigde after an election rally he held in the province. "There is no exact information [about the perpetrators of the attack]. It is still being investigated. It would not be appropriate to make immediate comments before anything is determined. However, the attack bears the hallmarks of those staged by the terrorist organization," he said, referring to the PKK. He added that the Istanbul Governor and the police chief will make the necessary statements on the issue when they have concrete information about the instigators of the attack.

Thursday's explosion took place near Akmerkez, one of Istanbul's leading shopping centres and injured seven civilians and a police officer.

[16] Turkey welcomes the arrest of war crimes suspect Mladic

"This is indeed a very important stage, which we consider as a major step taken towards the future of Serbia. We appreciate the Tadic Government's efforts to that end", Davutoglu told reporters.

[17] Davutoglu warned Israel for planned Gaza flotilla

Speaking on Turkish private TV channel "Ulke TV", Davutoglu said that they hoped that the Mavi Marmara incident of 2010 would not repeat itself.

Davutoglu also said: "We think that Israel is well experienced not to repeat the Mavi Marmara attack. There are differences between last year's situation and this year's situation. Hamas and Al Fatah reached a compromise and Israel's justifications on this issue have been eradicated. The Palestinian authorities have united. Moreover, the international community displayed a hard stance towards Israel following their attack on Mavi Marmara."

"If Israel does not want to see new convoys, it has to recognize the Palestinian administration and end the blockade. Accordingly, there will not be a reason for the aid convoy. However, Israel insists on not recognizing the Palestinian compromise and continuing the blockade," Davutoglu also said.

In response to a question on the developments in Syria, Davutoglu underlined that there was still a possibility in Syria for stability and reforms.

[18] Turkey hosts Hamas-Fatah reconciliation talks in Ankara

"There were 37 representatives from different Palestinian political parties attending the meeting and discussing the recent Palestinian reconciliation agreement. A second meeting will be held in June, possibly in Istanbul," a diplomat from the Palestinian Embassy to Turkey told the H?rriyet Daily News.

Implementing reconciliation mechanisms between Fatah and Hamas were discussed in the meeting, the official said.

The representatives of Hamas and Fatah also had another meeting with Turkish Foreign Ministry officials, he said.

Former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, a veteran negotiator who has played a leading role in peace deals in several regions of the world, asked the Turkish Government to host the conference, Turkish officials said. Turkish Foreign Ministry held a reception and opening speech, but Turkish diplomats did not attend the discussions, an official from the Ministry told the Daily News.

Following Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's initial call for help in establishing a unity government, Turkey moved to build dialogue between the two groups in April. Ankara had proposed Abbas to hold a meeting in Istanbul with Hamas leader Khalid Meshaal to resolve their differences. However, a move by Egypt succeeded so as to reach reconciliation.

[19] Russia's envoy on anti-missile defence expected to visit Turkey

Dmitry Rogozin, Russia's envoy to the alliance, is expected to come to Turkey ahead of NATO's meeting of Defence Ministers next month. Rogozin was appointed last February as a special representative on anti-missile defence negotiations with NATO countries on this issue.

Moscow is increasingly worried about U.S. plans to build missile defence facilities in formerly communist eastern Europe and is also offended that NATO appears to have shunned its proposals for a joint missile defence shield.

"Our idea is to have two independent systems that cooperate ? a NATO system and a Russian system ? each responsible for protection of its territory but capable of cooperation," said NATO's Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen last week.

"Russia believes U.S. plans could harm its strategic capabilities. The Americans have explained to them that the interceptors technically cannot stop Russia's missiles. But the Russians want a written guarantee," a Turkish diplomatic source told H?rriyet Daily News.

Moscow wanted "some kind of written guarantees from NATO that the missiles will not threaten Russia," said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week.

"We (NATO) told Russia that such a written guarantee cannot be given," said the same diplomatic source. "As long as Russia has missiles, NATO will not be willing to give such a guarantee," added the same source.

"The statements that the new missile defence shield is not against Russia are OK, but who can confirm it and how is it possible?" said Rogozin recently. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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