Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-05-30

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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 accuses President Christofias of having excessive demands in the Cyprus talks

[02] Eroglu supports the Turkmenians' struggle in Iraq for a stabilized country

[03] Kucuk said the "draft law on public reform" was discussed in London

[04] Kucuk in Istanbul to promote tourism

[05] A friendship group is established between the breakaway regime and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

[06] PACE President expressed the need for a Cyprus settlement

[07] Cakici reiterates that tens of thousands of persons will be granted the "citizenship" of the regime if the new "law" passes in its current form

[08] "The illegal workforce problem will end by 2012"

[09] DP and KADEM announce results of latest survey

[10] Elcil met with Jerzy Buzek and other EP representatives

[11] "Azerbaijan day was celebrated at the YDU; Azeri MP's among the participants"

[12] "Turkey's-TRNC" latest international agreements published in the official Gazette of Turkey

[13] Former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas is recovering well

[14] The illegal central bank publishes data on the Q4 of 2010

[15] Bomb attack against the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot-Russian Business Council

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[16] Atun said that ship trips may begin between the breakaway regime and Alexandretta

[17] Passport-free regime between Turkey and Georgia

[18] Gul satisfied with the internet filter

[19] Head of TUSIAD fires back regarding personal freedoms and Internet censorship

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu accuses President Christofias of having excessive demands in the Cyprus talks

In statements on Saturday during a festival in occupied Agios Amvrosios village, Eroglu said that agreements are reached with mutual give and take and reiterated the allegation that his wish is to sign an agreement which will be securing a happy, peaceful and secure life to the "TRNC people". Otherwise, he added, the agreement will not be "a treaty, but a demolition of the TRNC state, a disaster for the Turkish Cypriot people".

Eroglu alleged that the Turkish Cypriots have given him the duty of making an agreement with which they will be living in security within the "borders" of the "TRNC" having equal and same rights with the Greek Cypriots and being under the guarantee of Turkey. He said he will continue the negotiations having in mind this duty and argued that an agreement could be reached if the other side wants it.

Eroglu recalled that MPs from occupied Keryneia area were also elected during the parliamentary elections held in the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus last week. He said that great and important developments and changes happened in occupied Keryneia area since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. He noted that the non-agricultural land abandoned by the Greek Cypriots is full with villas now and alleged: "With the settlement of people coming from various countries in this area, the messages given by the TRNC to the world have also changed".

Finally, Gunes writes that folkloric dance groups from the Russian Republic of Komi, the Russian Republic of Bashkordostan, Syria, Turkey, Jordan and the Republic of Congo are participating in the festival which will end on 5 June.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu supports the Turkmenians' struggle in Iraq for a stabilized country According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 27.05.11), the first broadcast by "Bayrak Radio Television Corporation" ("BRT") and the Iraqi T?rkmeneli Radio and Television Corporation after signing a cooperation protocol was realized on Friday with Eroglu's interview.

During the interview Eroglu expressed support for the Turkmenians in Iraq and their struggle for a stabilized country and a peaceful existence.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriots are under "embargoes" imposed on them by a civilized Europe, Eroglu said: "We cannot trade with foreign countries. We cannot fly directly to other countries. We are under cultural, sporting and economic embargoes. Embargoes are a shame of humanity."

Noting that Turkish Cypriots officials had carried out a variety of contacts outside EU countries in order to establish cooperation in the field of trade, Eroglu expressed his discontent about not being able to achieve the same expected developments from member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) as well.

Eroglu said that the entire world currently accepts the Greek Cypriots as the sole owners of the island, and do not see the Greek Cypriots as the side that does not favour a solution in Cyprus. "The Turkish Cypriot side is trying to be portrayed as the side that does not favour a solution in Cyprus," said Eroglu despite the fact that it is the ones who approved the Annan plan in Cyprus.

[03] Kucuk said the "draft law on public reform" was discussed in London

On his meeting with Lord Maginnis and Barones Meral Ece, he said he found the opportunity to take up the problems experienced by British citizens living in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and the new visa applications for "TRNC citizens".

Noting that he also had a fruitful meeting with the Deputy President of the British Liberal Democrats and MP Simon Hughes, he said that his party has decided to improve relations with the British Liberal Democrats Party.

Kucuk also said he had visited the unit dealing with the EU harmonization process and said that "the draft law on public reform which was prepared by the TRNC government was taken up in detail during the visit". He also announced that the "draft law" will soon be made public.

[04] Kucuk in Istanbul to promote tourism

During a breakfast press conference given by the Beyoglu Mayor Ahmet Misbah Demircan, Kucuk said that "his government aims to increase investments and the number of tourists that visit the TRNC".

Kucuk also said that their aim is to increase the capacity of beds in the occupied area, adding "Currently we have 16 thousand beds which means we have reached 45% of our goal. We will continue with our incitements until we reach 40 thousand beds".

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (28.05.11) reports that during a press conference in the north-western province of Istanbul, Kucuk said that the lack of political recognition of the "TRNC" had a (negative) impact on tourism and that the absence of direct flights was a big factor affecting tourism.

Noting that they are working closely with the Republic of Turkey to overcome such problems, Kucuk said: "The development of tourism cannot be achieved merely with an increase in the number of beds. We are making great efforts for the tourism sector and pay high attention to tourism based on golf, yachts, congress and health. We want to spread tourism in the TRNC to winter months as well. We are thankful to Turkey for its support to us in all fields."

[05] A friendship group is established between the breakaway regime and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

Evaluating their visit at occupied airport of Tymbou, Bozer said that they were warmly greeted in Nakhchivan and aimed to improve the relations between the breakaway regime and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Bozer said they also had discussions towards allowing the breakaway regime to take part in international sporting and cultural activities that are held in Nakhchivan.

Bozer also briefed that a friendship group was also established during the "parliamentarians meeting" and Sinay and Numan alongside two Nakhchivan parliamentarians make up the group.

Bozer said that further official visits will be carried out to Nakhchivan in order to continue both the political and friendly bond between them.

During their visit to the country the so-called parliamentary delegation was escorted by the parliamentary chairman of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan Vasif Talibov. The delegation also attended the National Day celebrations in the country.

[06] PACE President expressed the need for a Cyprus settlement

He also stated that PACE would provide important contributions for the improvement of relations between the two communities in the island.

[07] Cakici reiterates that tens of thousands of persons will be granted the "citizenship" of the regime if the new "law" passes in its current form

Referring to the "citizenship law", Cakici said that as it is planned, the "citizenship" will be granted to thousands of persons by changing the "law" and giving the "citizenship" right to tens of thousands of persons. Cakici reiterated that his party will oppose to the planned transfer of population (from Turkey to the occupied part of Cyprus).

Cakici argued that if the "draft-law" passes in its current form, this will be tantamount to the annihilation of the Turkish Cypriot community. He reiterated that they will carry the issue to international platforms.

Cakici said that they are definitely against granting the "citizenship" in cases except than marriage, blood bonds and births in the occupied area of Cyprus. He noted that the "citizenship law" should pass with consensus among all parties.

Cakici said that the "citizenship right" is granted mostly in cases of marriage and added that there are some serious speculations and allegations recently that many bogus marriages are conducted only for acquiring the "citizenship".

(I/Ts.)

[08] "The illegal workforce problem will end by 2012"

[09] DP and KADEM announce results of latest survey

Faiz said that the general purpose was to find out the views and political tendencies of "north Cyprus" de jure voters regarding the "country's" problems and agenda. More specifically, explored issues were: expectations from political parties, "country's" problems, which political leader you prefer, expectations by the "government" regarding the future, views and evaluations of various AKP policies, opinions regarding the solution of various aspects of the Cyprus problem, if there is need for a new political party, opinions regarding Cyprus Turkish nationalism, etc. Faiz also announced that the research sample was 849 persons, who were "TRNC citizens" and that the margin of error was +/- 3.34%.

Faiz said that the two most important problems according to the survey were the economic problems (51.9%) and the unemployment (30.1%). Also results regarding an evaluation of the leaders of the 5 parties represented in the "parliament" showed that Ferdi Sabit Soyer was the most liked with 2.80, Denktas 2.71, Cakici 2.59, Avci 2.56 and Kucuk 2.50 (scale 1-5, where 1- "I don't like at all", 5- "I like a lot")

Faiz also announced that 43% said that they prefer early elections, a percentage elevated compared to the 20% that they generally observe. Also 34% prefer UBP to continue in power alone, while 1.5% says that UBP should form a coalition.

When asked regarding Turkey's AKP approach towards the Turkish Cypriots, 62% described it as negative; 60.4% also said that the policies that AKP pursues in relation to the Cyprus problem are also negative. Also in the research they asked the opinion of people regarding the progress of various chapters discussed in the ongoing negotiations. Faiz said that approximately 50% said that in relation to all the chapters, progress is difficult.

Meanwhile, answering to the question "who would you vote if elections would take place next week" 6.9% said that they would not vote, 13.3% have not decided, 25.3% would vote for UBP, 18.3% for CTP-BG, 9.5% for DP, 7.7% for TDP and 2.3% for ORP.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (30.05.11) reports that Mehmet Cakici chairman of TDP evaluating the results, said in his written statement that the party managed to double its percentages and that this support shows that they are on the right track. On the other hand, Turgay Avci, ORP's chairman characterized the report as an unfair attack to ORP and "propaganda which does not reflect the true will of the voters."

[10] Elcil met with Jerzy Buzek and other EP representatives

Speaking to the paper regarding his contacts, Elcil stated that he conveyed to the EP the conflicts experienced in the "country".

In his statements Elcil said they evaluated the latest incidents occurred in the "TRNC" after his visits at the European Parlimanet the previous months. Elcil said that issues related to the arrestment which took place at the demonstrations as well as the issue related on how the money which were given to the "TRNC" to be spend, were brought into the agenda of the European Parliament.

Elcil further said that he also discussed with European officials the solution process in Cyprus. He then said that Eroglu is not representing the Turkish Cypriots and added that they undertook an initiative in order for the voice of the Turkish Cypriots to be heard. Noting that although they did not go to Brussels as representatives of the "Trade Union Platform", Elcil said that they have the support of the Platform.

(AK)

[11] "Azerbaijan day was celebrated at the YDU; Azeri MP's among the participants"

As the paper writes, among the participants at the event in "YDU" were the so-called ambassador of Turkey in the occupied area Halil Ibrahim Akca, Ganiere Pasayeva and Musa Kasimli MP's from Azerbaijan, several self-styled deputies, the rector of the illegal YDU Suat Gunsel, students and professors from the occupied area and others.

According to the paper, Tunzale Agayeva, state artist from Azerbaijan gave also a concert during the event.

(AK)

[12] "Turkey's-TRNC" latest international agreements published in the official Gazette of Turkey

As the paper writes, two of the agreements signed by Turkey are related to the "TRNC". The names of these agreements are the following: "Decision regarding the approval of the protocol for the detention and prevention of smuggling and cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on custom issues", and "Decision regarding the approval of the international agreement as regards the mutual promotion of the universities being established according to the law of the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

(AK)

[13] Former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas is recovering well

Whether or not the veteran leader will be taken out of the respiratory unit, it will be decided later on.

[14] The illegal central bank publishes data on the Q4 of 2010

In addition, the banking sector's total active operations during 2010, compared to 2009, indicated an increase of 8.63%, reaching 8.416,8 million TL. In parallel, the number of the bank branches increased from 184 to 192 and the number of the bank personnel increased from 2.408 to 2.429.

Moreover, data regarding the number of the foreigners who visited the occupied area of Cyprus are also published, inter alia, in the report. Accordingly, the number of foreign travellers increased by 12.75% in 2010, rising from 800.376 people in 2009, to 902.390.

[15] Bomb attack against the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot-Russian Business Council

In statements to Kibris, Atalay said that Yucel Irmak, the person who was arrested by the "police" as the perpetrator of the attack, has been living for 7-8 years in the occupied area of Cyprus and entered with a false identity card.

Atalay's house was guarded by the "police" because another bomb attack against him was conducted 40 days ago. Irmak was arrested red-handed.

Atalay described Irmak as a "provocateur" who infiltrated the MAP and wondered how he could live on the island for so many years with a false identity card. He also wondered how Irmak could find out that he arrived in the occupied area only twelve hours after his arrival.

Referring to the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (30.05.11) reports that Atalay stated that he closely knew the arrested person, not by the name Yucel Irmak, but as "Recep". He said that "Recep" was living for six years in the "hearths of the ideal" (Grey Wolves) in occupied Cyprus. Earlier "Recep" was in MAP, Atalay said.

Recalling that he is one of the founders of the Cultural Association of the people coming from the Black Sea area in occupied Cyprus, Atalay said that the aim of the attack was to murder him and added: "I believe that the aim was to murder me today, my friend Kenan Akin from Adana tomorrow and another person from Turkey the day after tomorrow".

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (30.05.11) reports that Irmak admitted that the reason for his action was that Atalay "did something wrong to the state". Haberdar writes that this confession was "a shattering piece of news".

(I/Ts.)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[16] Atun said that ship trips may begin between the breakaway regime and Alexandretta

Speaking to journalists in Iskenderun where he arrived at an invitation by the Association of Young Businessmen of Iskenderun, Atun said that "tourism in the TRNC made great progress". He added: "Iskenderun and the southern province of Mersin are our two windows opening up to the whole world. We utilize the port of Iskenderun mainly for imports. We are evaluating the possibility of beginning trips of passenger ships between Iskenderun and the TRNC."

A majority of the breakaway regime economy is comprised of the tourism sector. The number of tourists visiting the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus went up 14% in 2011 compared to the previous year.

"Our existing bed capacity is around 16.000. With the projects being implemented, the number of beds would double. The tourism sector of the TRNC will receive crucial investments", Atun also said.

[17] Passport-free regime between Turkey and Georgia

A ceremony will be held at the Sarp land border gate on the very same day with the participation of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili and Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri.

The modernized Sarp border gate will be inaugurated by the three leaders at the ceremony. By implementing a passport-free travel regime via the Sarp border gate -- through which approximately 2 million people pass in a year -- the traffic at the gate will also be eased. It is the main gate between the two neighbours through which almost 90% of road transport between the two countries passes.

[18] Gul satisfied with the internet filter

President Gul announced on his twitter account: "In my opinion, there should be no freedom restrictions. People should be able to surf on the internet freely. Private sector will carry on presenting their products in a way they were always doing and the public sector will provide an alternative product in regard to its responsibilities. When these arguments started I have called the T0
B directors to be fully informed on this issue. According to the information given to me, no one is subjected to restrictions. No one's freedom is restricted."

President Gul said there were some questions which had accumulated and he would soon reply to these questions. Gul stated that many of these questions concerned the internet, repeating his opinion that there were no restrictions to be introduced on the use of the internet.

[19] Head of TUSIAD fires back regarding personal freedoms and Internet censorship

"This debate is beneath my level. Everyone should mind [their own] business. Turkey has very serious problems. The economy is splendid, it is growing phenomenally. But there are many problems. These are what politics must be concerned about, and not about the pornography of Umit Boyner. Such debasement of style does not suit a civilized society, said Umit Boyner, head of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (T?S0
AD), while speaking to members of the press at the Retail Leaders Conference in Barcelona.

Such rows always take place at election times, Boyner said, adding that she did not take the quarrel personally. This was not, however, the first time T?S0
AD was put in the line of fire, she said, recalling a previous remark by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he had urged the association to pick a side in the 2010 constitutional referendum, "or be neutralized." Boyner also referred to another incident in which the president of Hak-0

, a trade union known to be politically close to the Government, called T?S0
AD a "civil society go-girl," on the eve of the referendum. Such declarations are reprehensible to all Turkish women, said Boyner.

Deputy Prime Minister Ar1
n? said Friday that if Boyner and those who share her sentiments came to power, then they could liberalize porn, in response to earlier criticism by Boyner regarding restrictions on the Internet. Boyner, in turn, had responded the same day, denouncing Ar1
nc for connecting her remarks about Internet censorship immediately with porn and violence.

"Our conscience does not allow us to relish in [Turkey's] economic success. We will not see better days unless the winners share [their lot] with the losers. Let the money flow and push the freedoms down, let the money flow and arrest the journalists, let the money flow and keep up with honour killings. Turkey, in fact, is in the 86th place on the human development index," Boyner said. Turkey has the world's 16th largest economy, but this did not excite them, Boyner said. Retailers should not concentrate solely on opening more stores and economic growth, she added, highlighting the importance of democratization. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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