Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-06-01

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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] Ozersay alleges that the EU term presidency of Cyprus could be postponed if the Cyprus problem is not solved by 2012

[02] Statements by Kucuk on the Cyprus problem, the "TRNC" economy and tourism

[03] Reactions and comments over the proposed "immigration decree"

[04] Turkish Cypriots are reportedly selling their property in the government-controlled area

[05] The Trade Unions' Platform distributed leaflets against the "economic package"

[06] "Religion lessons will start again"

[07] "Embargo in Mersin for the potatoes"

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Ozgurgun claims no reduction in Turkish troops before Cyprus settlement

[09] Turkey's RTUK warns CNN Turk

[10] Protests, death mar Turkish PM Erdogan's election rally in Hopa

[11] Poll shows slip to Turkish PM Erdogan's support

[12] Konsensus survey showed AKP at 48.6%

[13] Turkey and Kosovo signed judicial cooperation agreements

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Ozersay alleges that the EU term presidency of Cyprus could be postponed if the Cyprus problem is not solved by 2012

In an interview with Kibris, Ozersay said that this idea is not new for him and that it is seriously discussed recently in diplomatic circles. Ozersay alleged the following: "If no measure is taken and this time the EU term presidency is guaranteed in a tray as a gift to the Greek Cypriots like it happened in 2004, it will be an illusion to expect that they will come close to an agreeable solution that will be taking into consideration the interests of both sides and to be ready for compromise".

According to Ozersay, the fact that the accession to the EU was guaranteed for the Republic of Cyprus in 2004, which he described as "mistake", was one of the most important factors for the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriot side.

Ozersay confirmed that progress was achieved on the economy chapter at the Cyprus talks and expressed the hope that after the parliamentary elections, the Greek Cypriot side will come to the negotiations with "more realistic proposals which do not ignore the situation in the island". He said that the issue of the Central Bank and the decision taking mechanism is the most important point on which disagreement exists in the economy chapter. Another problem, he said, is the issue of the transitional periods.

Moreover, Ozersay said that there are some convergences on the property issue, even though these convergences are very limited. For example, he noted, it is agreed that the immovable properties, which were influenced by the incidents in the 1963-74 period and are used for public benefit, now will be expropriated by the founding state in which they are located and the persons which lost their properties will be compensated. He alleged that the insistence of the Greek Cypriot side on the view that the "old property owner", as Ozersay describes the legal owner of the property, should have the first say on the properties used for other purposes leads the property chapter into a deadlock.

Ozersay noted that the sides had the opportunity to discuss in detail other issues, except the issues on which progress has been achieved. He said that even though convergence has not been achieved on these issues, at least the sides know better each other's expectations and worries. "If the necessary political will exists, this will shortly help us to reach a result much more quickly at a four-party meeting where all issues will be put onto the table", he argued.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Statements by Kucuk on the Cyprus problem, the "TRNC" economy and tourism

Speaking at a conference in Istanbul organized by the Academic Council of the Marmara Group Foundation entitled: "The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Tourism", Kucuk expressed his satisfaction for participating at the event saying that this kind of events are important for the Cyprus cause and for explaining the situation in the "country".

In his statements, Kucuk referred especially to the importance of the fact that the public opinion of Motherland Turkey is very well informed about the developments in the "TRNC". He also said that the Cyprus problem is a national and common problem of Turkey and the "TRNC" and underlined the strategic importance of Cyprus.

Referring to the economic difficulties experienced in the "TRNC" due to the "embargoes", Kucuk said that the fact that their "territories, state and sovereignty" are unquestionable will block this uncertainty they feel.

Kucuk further stressed the need for infrastructure projects to be implemented and stressed that they will take economic measures for a sustainable budget and that they will encourage the investments in the private sector.

As regards the tourism of the occupation regime, Kucuk pointed out that they are implementing the biggest cooperation with Turkey in the field of tourism and said that they have set as a goal that the tourism of the "TRNC" in a period of five years to be 1 million hundred thousand tourists per year and for 2013 to reach 2 million tourists.

Referring to the solution to be found in Cyprus, he reiterated that the solution will be based on the UN parameters and that it will be a new partnership state which will be based on the equal status of the two founding "states" and the political equality of the two "people".

About the ongoing negotiation process, Kucuk reminded of the fact that the UN found the proposals submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side about the property issue constructive and realistic. Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot side wishes for a solution to be found to the Cyprus problem as soon as possible, he stated that it is necessary for the ongoing talks to be related to a time limit.

Referring to the stance of the Greek Cypriot side at the talks, Kucuk alleged that the Greek Cypriot side is reluctant to a solution, something which is proved by the proposals it submits, as he said. Saying that the Greek Cypriot side's accession to the EU has eliminated its motivation for a solution, he accused also the Greek Cypriot side for not been ready to accept any kind of power sharing with the Turkish Cypriot side.

As regards the fact that the Greek Cypriot side is against the enhancement of the role of the UN to the process and for a timetable to be set at the talks, self-styled prime minister claimed that the Greek Cypriot side is trying to put pressure towards the issues of the opening of the ports of Turkey to the Greek Cypriot vessels, the termination of the Turkish guarantees and the withdrawal of the Turkish army from the island, by using Turkey's EU membership.

Alleging that the Greek Cypriot side is trying to make propaganda by using the elections in Turkey, Kucuk underlined that the elections in Turkey are not related to the negotiation process in Cyprus. He further said that Turkey, independently from the results to come up from the elections, will continue expressing its strong support to the efforts exerted towards finding a fair and a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem.

Kucuk underlined then that the Greek Cypriot side is planning to extend the negotiation process until the second half of 2012 when it will take over the EU term presidency so as not to make any more concessions.

Kucuk then called on the EU if it wishes for a solution to be found in the island to keep its promises towards the Turkish Cypriots and to implement the direct trade regulation, saying that the implementation of it will encourage not only the Greek Cypriots for a solution but also will help to the recovery of the "TRNC" economy.

(AK)

[03] Reactions and comments over the proposed "immigration decree"

He accused the "government" that they did not do what was needed in the past two years, they did not supervise illegal workers and now they bring onto the agenda a pardon decree. Due to all these, they have increased the number of illegal immigrants, concludes Soyer, which consequently led to Turkish Cypriots feeling less safe and secure. He also argues that this situation can have negative effects to the Turkish Cypriots' side request for political equality in a solution, especially at this critical stage of the negotiations and warns the "government" that big changes are to occur if they pursue the pardon issue.

Moreover, Mehmet Cakici, chairman of Communal Democracy Party (TDP) warned that such a "law" would be the end of the Turkish Cypriots. Speaking as a guest in "Son Durum" TV program in Kibris TV (Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris, 01.06.11) he said that if the "government" pushes on with this "bill" and brings it to the "parliament" there will be strife. "We will do anything we can to block an initiative that threatens the future of our children, our people. If we must we will turn to the people, we will go and complain to Europe, to the UN, to every other organization," said Cakici, who supported that this "decree" is contrary to the "constitution" and was prepared in order to allow illegal workers to travel to Anamur, Turkey and vote in the June 12 general elections.

On the other hand, Turkish daily Kibrisli (01.06.11) hosts an interview with businessman Asim Dedezade. Dedezade also comments on the issue of illegal workers and noted that there are thousands of people in occupied Cyprus, who do not wish "citizenship" to be given to illegal workers. However, he says that the economic benefits by illegal workers are big. "The number of illegal workers in north Cyprus is unknown but there are approximately 30-35 thousand... With their work, small or big, they make profit. Therefore, they contribute to the development of the country. If you suddenly throw this people out of the country, our economy will instantly collapse." Dedezade proposes to "legalise" these people and after working for a period of time and evaluating their contribution to the socioeconomic structure to give them also "citizenship".

[04] Turkish Cypriots are reportedly selling their property in the government-controlled area

Noting that these persons have been given property in the occupied part of Cyprus for the property they had abandoned in the government-controlled area of the island, some circles in the occupied area of Cyprus told Yeni Duzen that these sales might create problems in case of a possible solution to the Cyprus problem in the future.

(I/Ts.)

[05] The Trade Unions' Platform distributed leaflets against the "economic package"

As the paper writes, Sener Elcil, General Secretary of KTOS trade union in his statements yesterday stated that they were distributing the same leaflets against the economic package as exactly 25 years ago, in 1986 and said that with the organization of this protest they wanted to give the message that "nothing has changed since then".

Speaking also during the protest, KTOEOS chairman Tahir Gokcebel, inter alia, said that everybody is aware of the fact that the problem is related to their national existence adding that the people have stated clearly that they want to be self-administrated.

Also speaking, KTAMS chairman Ahmet Kaptan stated that they will not permit to those who say that they "give money" to mortgage the peoples' will.

(AK)

[06] "Religion lessons will start again"

Commenting on the religious courses that are expected to start after the closing of the schools, Dere said that it is important to announce the courses early, for families who want to send their children abroad [Turkey] to be educated and that the families must apply themselves. He also said that they have no objection for the courses to take place in schools under the supervision of the "ministry" instead of mosques and asked for the implementation of last year's system, where children from villages were gathered and transported to central locations.

The union also requested not to change often the president of religious affairs, at least half of the members of the religious affairs department administration council to have religious knowledge and also to give "citizenship" to religious officers who have been living for many years in "TRNC."

Durust said that in "TRNC", there is an Islamic culture and the religion is Islam, therefore the "ministry" will establish cooperation and dialogue for the religious courses. He also said that the courses which took place the past three years will definitely be repeated this year and the "ministry" will only supervise and assist in the teaching program.

[07] "Embargo in Mersin for the potatoes"

According to the producer of the potatoes, the authorities in Mersin exhibit this stance deliberately. The chairman of the Potato Producers' Union of occupied Elia Morfou village, Mehmet Bicen said that he is unable to understand why the products were sent back from Mersin to the occupied area with various pretexts. He noted that the same products are marketed in Turkey by a Turkish tradesman named Yasar Polat.

Furthermore, the chairman of the Potato Producers' Union Ahmet Yesilada strongly reacted against the application implemented in Turkey, noting that he could not understand why only the potatoes produced in occupied Cyprus are given negative reports.

Meanwhile, Havadis writes that while these negative developments happened in Mersin, the European Union decided to facilitate the trade of agricultural products in Cyprus through the Green Line Regulation. The paper publishes a statement issued by Androulla Kaminara, EU Commission's Representative in Cyprus, who said that the trade of potatoes produced by Turkish Cypriot producers will be allowed through the Green Line. She noted that this decision is expected to increase the volume of trade through the Green Line because potatoes will be one of the most important products to be sold though the Green Line.

Moreover, Havadis reports that the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce issued a statement yesterday noting that its initiatives in Brussels on the issue of selling olive oil though the Green Line were successful. The Chamber calls on the producers who want to sell olive oil to the government-controlled area of the island to make an application to its headquarters.

(I/Ts.)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[08] Ozgurgun claims no reduction in Turkish troops before Cyprus settlement

Describing the Cyprus President's remarks as "groundless", Ozgurgun claimed that Turkey had been the biggest supporter of the comprehensive negotiations held in Cyprus for nearly half a century.

He added: "Turkish soldiers, who are the guarantee of Turkish Cypriots' future, are the only assurance of peace in the island. Unless a fair and comprehensive solution is achieved in Cyprus, there can be no reduction in the number of Turkish troops. Even after a solution, an adequate number of Turkish soldiers should stay in the island within the scope of the Treaties of Guarantee in order to ensure the Turkish Cypriot community's security and safety."

Ozgurgun also said that Turkey had expressed numerous times that it was ready to acknowledge a new partnership to be established in Cyprus within the framework of the good will mission of the United Nations Secretary-General, however, "it would never accept the Greek Cypriot administration as the 'Republic of Cyprus'".

Ozgurgun also noted that the "TRNC expects the Greek Cypriots to stop their slandering campaign and start displaying sincere efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem".

[09] Turkey's RTUK warns CNN Turk

According to information, during its last meeting, RTUK discussed the above-mentioned programme and said that Yilmaz's statements exceeded the borders of censorship, noting that these statements are insulting and humiliating. For this reason, RTUK decided to warn CNN Turk. However, three members of RTUK opposed the decision stating, inter alia, that the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic is powerful and he does not need RTUK's protection. They noted that the Premier, just like all the politicians, is obliged to be open to harsh criticism, adding: "In the programme, Mehmet Yilmaz had criticised the Premier's attitude. The words that he used are related to the behaviour and are not aiming at the Prime Minister himself."

[10] Protests, death mar Turkish PM Erdogan's election rally in Hopa

The bodyguard fell from the top of Erdogan's bus and was transferred to a hospital in nearby Trabzon for treatment, the Dogan news agency reported, adding that he was in serious condition.

The Anatolia news agency reported, however, that the police officer fell after being hit by a rock thrown at the bus in Hopa, a city near the Georgian border.

Metin Lokumcu, a retired teacher, died in the hospital due to a heart attack, reportedly after collapsing during a police crackdown in the city. Lokumcu's friends said he was kicked by a police officer while already on the ground due to the gas bombs used by the police.

Suat Kilic, the deputy parliamentary group leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), claimed the protests in Hopa were "proof of the close relationship" between the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

"Just like the BDP supporters, the CHP supporters helped by throwing rocks, invading squares and [holding] illegal protests," Kilic told reporters in Samsun. "The biggest threat to democracy now is the fury of the CHP. Of course, this fury will be answered by the people in the June 12 elections."

[11] Poll shows slip to Turkish PM Erdogan's support

The survey by polling company DORInsight showed support for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party at 39%.

The results stood in stark contrast to those by other better known Turkish pollsters, whose surveys showed the AK Party carrying between 45%-50% of the vote. A socially conservative and economically liberal party, the AK Party's strength is based in large measure on its success for driving the economy to new heights while providing political stability.

Conducted between May 11-18, the DORinsight survey of 2.508 voters in Turkey's 81 provinces had a confidence of accuracy level of 99%, the pollster said.

Support for the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), which is under new leadership, was put at 24% of the vote, while the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) was 12%, just above a 10% threshold required for a party to take up its seats in the Parliament. The ultra-nationalist MHP is reeling from a "sex videotape" scandal that broke days after the poll was taken and has resulted in the resignation of 10 leading party members.

[12] Konsensus survey showed AKP at 48.6%

According to the survey, Turkey's ruling AK Party is on course for a resounding third consecutive election win on June 12, with support at 48.6%. Support for the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), which is under new leadership, was at 28.3% of the vote and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) at 11.6%, above the 10% threshold needed for a party to enter the Parliament.

[13] Turkey and Kosovo signed judicial cooperation agreements

During the signing ceremony, Kahraman said that the rights of Turkish and Kosovan people had been taken under guarantee with the three agreements.

Kahraman said that Turkey and Kosovo would prepare protocols on legal and commercial cooperation as soon as possible, which would encourage investors and contribute to development.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Kuci underlined the importance of the protocols signed. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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