Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-06-27

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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] Turkish Minister announces future projects for occupied Cyprus; His visit is reportedly related with future privatizations

[02] Erdogan is reportedly expected to visit the closed city of Varosha during his illegal visit to the island on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion

[03] Eroglu on the Cyprus problem

[04] Turkish Cypriot political parties comment on Downer's interview with Alithia newspaper

[05] Statements by Kucuk to Turkey's Milliyet newspaper

[06] Kucuk holds contacts in Istanbul

[07] Ertug comments on the delineation of the EEZ between Cyprus and Israel

[08] Granting the "citizenship" of the regime to Turkish settlers will reportedly be carried to ECHR

[09] A "deputy" with TDP asks for the abol1
shment of the entrance fee in the occupied Karpasia park

[10] Izcan says that BKP will bring the issue of the arrests of "trade unionists" to the EP and other EU organizations

[11] Tahir Gokcebel released

[12] New tourism facility in occupied Davlos village

[13] The occupation regime continues "distributing" plots of land

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[14] Turkey's National Security Council convenes; The Cyprus problem in the agenda

[15] BDP states its conditions

[16] Gul and Erdogan call for consensus and settlement of problems in Parliament

[17] Turkey and Hong Kong sign good-will deal to establish business council

[18] Turkey's unemployment rate was 11.9% in 2010; Minimum wage to be increased by 5.1% next July

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Turkish Minister announces future projects for occupied Cyprus; His visit is reportedly related with future privatizations

In his statements, Soluk said that a road between occupied Famagusta and Lefka areas will be built and studies will be carried out for a road between the occupied part of Lefkosia and Keryneia with a tunnel that will be passing through Pentadaktylos Mountain. He noted that the works will start if the studies have a positive result.

Soluk said that Turkey is acting with the mentality that "whatever exists in the motherland will exist in the TRNC as well". He noted that within the framework of the targets for the period 2010-2012, Turkey aims at building 875Km-long roads of high standards in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Kibris reports that the "protocol" envisages granting to the breakaway regime of some materials and vehicles that are used in road works.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (27.06.11) reports that the "secret agenda" of the illegal visit of Soluk to the occupied area of Cyprus was the privatization of illegal Tymbou airport. Noting that the process for this privatization came to its final stage, the paper writes that three big companies are interested in investing in the illegal airport: The first is the Yasar Dede Aslan Company (known as YDA) which operates Dalaman Airport, the second is the well-known TAV and the third is LIMAK, operator of Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (26.06.11) reports that the privatization of occupied Famagusta port is on the way. The paper writes that the first steps for the privatization of "Cyprus Turkish Port Workers' Company" have been taken. According to Yeni Duzen, the illegal visit of Turkish Minister Soluk to the occupied area of Cyprus and his inspection at the occupied port strengthened these allegations. Citing reliable sources, the paper reports that Turkey and the self-styled ministry of transport have taken a step towards the privatization of the above-mentioned company "at the point of Turkey's opening its ports to south Cyprus", as the paper describes the Republic of Cyprus. Negotiations with an Arab-Italian company begin for the privatization of the port. Representatives of this company have reportedly carried out the necessary examinations at the port and met with officials. It is said that the company will invest ten million Turkish liras in the port.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Erdogan is reportedly expected to visit the closed city of Varosha during his illegal visit to the island on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu on the Cyprus problem

Speaking during the meeting, Eroglu referred to the importance of the cooperation that exists between the "Turkish Cypriot Bar Association" and the Adana Bar Association and pointed out that their relations with Turkey are always sincere and friendly.

Referring to the ongoing negotiation process, Eroglu stressed the need for both sides to be willing in order for a solution to be found. He then said that Turkish Cypriot's will for a solution is much more than that of the Greek Cypriot's.

Referring to the realities of the past, Eroglu said that they should take lessons from the realities of the past, adding that they should also not ignore the realities of the present.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (26.06.11) reports on statements by Dervis Eroglu who participated at the 34th Morfou Orange Festival.

In his statements during the festival, Eroglu accused the Greek Cypriot side for misleading the EU and for not being the side that it wishes for an agreement to be found.

Saying that 37 years have passed from the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus, Eroglu argued that during that time, the Turkish Cypriots were always in favour of the solution while the Greek Cypriot side was always following an intransigent attitude. Eroglu brought as an example the Annan Plan and said that although it was the Turkish Cypriot side which approved the Annan Plan, it was also the side which was accused and punished.

Referring to the 1974 Turkish Invasion in Cyprus, Eroglu said that the 15th of July coup was the invitation card for the Turkish Armed Forces and added that the "Turkish Armed Forces in Cyprus brought the democracy to Greece and the Greek Cypriots and saved the Turkish Cypriots from the massacre and further brought the independence and freedom to the Turkish Cypriots."

Referring to the Geneva tripartite meeting, he called on the UN Secretary General to clarify his attitude after the meeting, especially in the case that no solution is found.

(AK )

[04] Turkish Cypriot political parties comment on Downer's interview with Alithia newspaper

Commenting on Downer's statements, Ozkan Yorgancioglu, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) said that the UN sees that not much progress was achieved during the talks between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu and added that the UN tries to encourage the two leaders for having a "more positive result" at the Geneva summit on 7 July. Yorgancioglu noted that Downer expressed the demand of the UN towards the two leaders to create a ground on which discussions could be held on issues where no agreement is reached. Yorgancioglu noted that the implication that the UN might leave the island was a warning. He argued that the UN warned the Greek Cypriot side that the negotiations could not last forever.

Moreover, the chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) Mehmet Cakici said that the UN is already exerting pressure on the two sides and added that from Downer's statements we understand that this pressure might be increased. "This is normal. In any case, this is what should be done", he argued. Cakici noted that Downer's statements were positive. He said that the UN playing a more active role in the process is also positive.

Furthermore, the leader of the Democratic Party (DP) Serdar Denktas described Downer's statements as "pressure and threatening approach". Denktas said that "no marriage could happen by force", arguing that the fact that the UN wants to reach a result by the use of force and pressure is a wrong method. He said that Cyprus' EU term presidency will not constitute a problem and that the policy of the EU will not change within these six months. Denktas noted that he would not be surprised if the UN exerted pressure and if this pressure leads to arbitration by the international organization.

Finally, Turgay Avci, leader of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), said that his party had predicted months ago that Downer might come to this point and argued that Downer's statement was addressed to the Greek Cypriot side. He noted that a process similar to the one in 2004 will be experienced and either a solution will be found by the beginning of 2012 or the UN will announce that it abandons the solution process in Cyprus. "In our view, this statement of Alexander Downer is a very correct statement, it is a very timely statement. The Greek Cypriot administration is the one that should think", he claimed.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Statements by Kucuk to Turkey's Milliyet newspaper

Referring to the economy of the breakaway regime, Kucuk said there was a deficit of 450 million US dollars when the National Unity Party (UBP) came to "power" and added that now they decreased this deficit to 100 million dollars. "Our target for the end of the year is a deficit of 50 million dollars", he noted pointing out that they have taken measures in this direction.

Kucuk said that the breakaway regime's income from tourism this year is estimated to reach 500 million dollars. He noted that the number of the students in the illegal universities increased to 43 thousands this year from 42 thousands that were last year. He added that their aim is to have 60 thousand students, noting that the annual income of the breakaway regime from the illegal universities is 750 million dollars.

Kucuk argued that the Turkish Cypriots feel no anger against Turkey. He described as "minority" those who get angry with Turkey from time to time and noted that this minority existed even in the 1950's. He alleged: "Now they are trying to make their voice to be heard more. The people want the TRNC to be strengthened. Some circles say that we should unite with the Greek Cypriots?"

Referring to the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, Kucuk alleged that the Greek Cypriots do not want a solution and that Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu showed his will in this direction, but received no response. He said that the re-election of Ban Ki-moon to the post of the UN Secretary-General gave hopes to the Turkish Cypriot side, because he knows the Cyprus problem and there will be no interruption (in the talks). "However, a timetable should be put to this process", he said.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Kucuk holds contacts in Istanbul

During his contacts in Turkey, Kucuk attended a television program that was broadcasted on TRT 1 channel. Speaking on the program, he called on people in Turkey to visit the "TRNC" more and called on businessmen in Turkey to invest more in the "TRNC". He also reminded that the "TRNC government" had put extra emphasis on the tourism industry this year and within this framework, 2011 had been declared as the year of north Cyprus tourism in Turkey.

Kucuk also explained that after Turkey, Britain is the largest tourism market for the breakaway regime and announced that they got into contact with other countries and new chartered flights will begin to the "TRNC". "We have been in contact with Poland, Azerbaijan and Iran and we are beginning chartered flights" said Kucuk.

Meanwhile, according to a statement released by the "prime ministry press bureau", Kucuk also met in Istanbul with the chairman of the MEDIASA Board of Directors and its members and attended a variety of television programs and talked about tourism investments in the "TRNC".

Additionally, he met with members of the Society of Cyprus Turkish Businessmen and Professionals. Kucuk said that the Cyprus Turkish businessmen have expressed their intentions of sharing their experiences and bringing their knowledge to the "TRNC" and this is a very important development.

[07] Ertug comments on the delineation of the EEZ between Cyprus and Israel

Ertug alleged that initiatives of this kind intend to usurp the "Cyprus Turkish People's" rights over the prosperity of Cyprus and that these harm the ongoing Cyprus negotiations process. He also called the Greek Cypriot side to withdraw such acts, which "lack legal grounds and may create serious drawbacks across the region".

[08] Granting the "citizenship" of the regime to Turkish settlers will reportedly be carried to ECHR

Moreover, recalling statements made by Sener Elcil, general secretary of the primary school teachers' trade union, after the incidents at illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU), the paper writes that the Trade Unions' Platform will at the same time carry to the ECHR the issue of the so-called police director of occupied Famagusta who is wanted by Interpol with Red Bulletin. The arrests made during the incidents at illegal DAU will also be taken to the ECHR.

(I/Ts.)

[09] A "deputy" with TDP asks for the abolishment of the entrance fee in the occupied Karpasia park

Issuing a written statement yesterday, Yilmabasar said that the implementation which was set into practice in the entrance of Karpasia park for collecting extortion (entrance fees), is "unconstitutional" and called for this "wrong decision" as he characterized it to end immediately.

Saying that the implementation of selling tickets in the entrance of the Karpasia Park causes only damages to the area, Yilmabasar argued that this implementation constitutes also an obstacle to the freedom of travelling of the tourists who are visiting the "country" and of the other "citizens" in general.

Yilmabasar stated further that the area is included in the "Natura 2000 program" and added that the road which is used, is used primarily by Greek Cypriots who are crossing over the occupied area in order to visit their homes or to pay a visit to the Apostolos Andreas Monastery. Yilmabasar added that there is not such an implementation in any other place in the world.

(AK)

[10] Izcan says that BKP will bring the issue of the arrests of "trade unionists" to the EP and other EU organizations

In a written statement, Izcan said that the Turkish Cypriot community will disappear in case of not discarding Ankara's oppression.

Izcan condemned strongly the arrest by the so-called "police" of the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers' Trade Union (KTOEOS) Tahir Gokcebel and another trade unionist and said that BKP will follow the issue.

Izcan further said that BKP will transfer the issue of the arrest firstly to the European Left Party as well as to European United Left?Nordic Green Left (GUE-NGL) Group of the European Parliament and also to several other international organizations. He also characterized the arrests which took place in the occupied area as "state fascism".

(AK)

[11] Tahir Gokcebel released

Speaking to the paper after his release, Gokcebel said that his arrest warrant was not legal and added that they experienced an operation of political intimidation.

(AK)

[12] New tourism facility in occupied Davlos village

During the event self- styled finance minister Ersin Tatar said in his opening speech: "These lands are ours and it is our duty to invest in them and aid in their development... Believing in our country and investing in it is the development that we want to see." He also noted that the construction of the northern coastal road has developed even further the occupied Karpasia peninsula.

[13] The occupation regime continues "distributing" plots of land

As the paper writes, self-styled minister of interior and local administrations Nazim Cavusolgu, self-styled minister of health Ahmet Kasif and the "mayor" of occupied Trikomo were among the participants at the ceremony.

In his statements during the ceremony, Cavusoglu said, inter alia, that their aim is for the villages in the occupied area to reach the living standards of the towns.

(AK)

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[14] Turkey's National Security Council convenes; The Cyprus problem in the agenda

According to the paper, the developments in Syria, Turkish-Israel ties, Turkey's EU bid, the Cyprus problem and the PKK organization actions will be among the subjects in the agenda.

(AK)

[15] BDP states its conditions

The conditions outlined by pro-Kurdish independent Deputy Altan Tan on Sunday include "the resignation of Oya Eronat, a Justice and Development Party deputy who could win the elections as a result of the YSK [Supreme Election Board] decision to bar Dicle's deputyship due to an approved conviction."

BDP has also demanded a promise that all legal and constitutional amendments be realized without delay to secure Dicle's release from prison so that he can become a Deputy, Tan said.

Third, Parliament should immediately roll up its sleeves for a major reform on the Constitution.

"We are expecting a declaration from either the President or the Prime Minister that these concrete steps will be taken. If they do it, the solution can be found. We want the solution to be found with common sense and wisdom," he said.

Tan's statement corresponds to that of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK's imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan, who approved the independent Deputies' boycott plans. "The BDP and the democratic bloc have decided not to go to Parliament. I respect their decision. There is no need to go to Parliament. They can continue their struggle within their own people," Ocalan said, according to Dogan news agency.

AKP officials, on the other hand, continued to blame the YSK for the crisis but said there was no chance for Dicle to return to Parliament under the current laws. Furthermore, AKP Deputy and parliamentary group leader Mustafa Elitas argued that releasing Dicle would pave the way for other criminals to also be released in the future ? a clear reference to Ocalan, who received a life time sentence due to terrorism charges.

BDP's demand to have Dicle's seat remain empty until he can be released did not received a positive response from the AKP brass, such as Energy Minister Taner Yildiz, who instead called on the pro-Kurdish party to come to Parliament to solve their problems.

[16] Gul and Erdogan call for consensus and settlement of problems in Parliament

"Turkish parliament's composition should be considered a great chance to solve our problems all together. Recent decisions made by judicial organs and arguments over those decisions revealed once again that we needed more rooted reforms to increase our legal system and our democracy to the universal levels. I believe that we can turn those problems into a serious opportunity for our country. It is inevitable to consider those problems as a chance to find a solution and to make a new constitution to increase our democratic standards. Any delay in efforts to find a solution will make these problems more serious. The only venue for a solution to all those problems is the Parliament. I call on all political parties having seats at the Parliament, to work together on this legitimate and democratic ground by taking into consideration views of all segments of the society," he added.

Also, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivering a speech at the 18th General Assembly of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly in Istanbul, said the following: "Let's leave behind all prejudices and preconditions. Let's talk, discuss freely and make our proposals. Let's prepare a new Constitution with a great consensus. [...] We have committed that the new Constitution will be made with a broad-based consensus. I call on opposition parties, nongovernmental organizations, media and everyone to leave aside all prejudices and prepare the new Constitution together."

Moreover, Erdogan during his speech highlighted that by the end of 2011, Turkey's exports will exceed $132 billion. "Our target is to reach $500 billion on the 100th anniversary of the Republic in 2023," he said and added: "Turkey's economic growth is a result of our democratic reforms in an atmosphere of confidence and stability. Now, a new process has begun after the June 12 ballot. Our target is to turn Turkey the most powerful, modern and stable country in its region."

[17] Turkey and Hong Kong sign good-will deal to establish business council

International Chamber of Commerce Honorary President Victor Fung said at the signing ceremony that companies in Hong Kong are aware of Turkey's importance, adding that a prominent chain of hotels would open its first hotel in Istanbul in the coming months. He said that relations with Hong Kong, the 10th biggest commercial city in the world, would boost Turkey-China relations.

Union of Chambers & Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu, on his part, said that they wanted to further improve economic and commercial relations with Asia Pacific countries, especially with China. "China has become the growth motor of the global economy. Turkey-China trade volume increased by $19 billion in 2010. But there is a serious imbalance in this volume against Turkey. We need to correct it," he said.

[18] Turkey's unemployment rate was 11.9% in 2010; Minimum wage to be increased by 5.1% next July

The employment rate was estimated at 43% in 2010, while the unemployment rate was calculated at 11.9%.

Furthermore, under a decision by the Minimum Wage Commission, the new minimum wage given to workers above 16 years of age will be net 658.95 TL with an increase of 28.99 TL. Earlier, the Minimum Wage Commission decided to increase the minimum wage for workers above 16 years of age by 4.7% during the first half of the year and by 65.1% in the second six months. Accordingly, the minimum wage for a single employee older than 16, which currently amounts to 796.50 TL gross (net 629.96 TL), will increase to 837 TL gross (net 658.95 TL) after the 5.1% rise. (1 USD equals 1.63 TL) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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