Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-07-15

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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's meeting with Fule

[02] Andrew Duff: "If Erdogan is serious, he will take action on the solution of the Cyprus problem"

[03] Turkish Cypriot politicians comment on the recent statement by Davutoglu

[04] Yorgancioglu: "People do not trust UBP"

[05] Yeni Duzen reveals data on more "citizenships" granted by the occupation regime

[06] Irsen Kucuk met with a delegation of the Kuwait International Aid Association

[07] Ertugruloglu to establish the "Democracy and Trust Party"

[08] More contacts by Chinese businessmen who are illegally visiting the occupied area

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[09] Davutoglu clarifies his latest statement that Turkish-EU ties may come to a freezing point

[10] Erdogan to illegally visit occupied Cyprus on July 19-20

[11] "Mental fatigue marring settlement"

[12] Bagis met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister

[13] Davutoglu met NATO chief

[14] A Kurdish platform declares "democratic autonomy" within Turkey's territorial integrity

[15] "Turkish armoured vehicle industry expanding horizons"

[16] Foreign investments to Turkey reach 5.6 billion USD

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu's meeting with Fule

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Eroglu said: "It was a very good meeting. We discussed in detail every issue, and the views that have emerged have highly satisfied us."

Eroglu also said that he is satisfied to see that he is in consensus with the EU Commission that there should be a Cyprus settlement until the end of this year.

Noting that they also discussed the issues related to trade across the Green Line and the EU projects applied in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu said that he briefed once again Fule that they do not see from the Greek Cypriot side reciprocal conveniences that they provide to the Greek Cypriot lorries and taxis.

Eroglu added that he was briefed by Fule on his meeting with Davutoglu. Replying to a question whether he discussed with Fule the recent statement by Davutoglu, Eroglu said that there was no reaction by Fule on this statement.

Eroglu noted that when the Greek Cypriot side will take over the rotating EU presidency in July 2012, it will not only offend them it should also make the EU uneasy.

Eroglu added that he shared with Fule the view that a Cyprus settlement may be reached in October if the Greek Cypriot side displays the same intention. Eroglu concluded by saying that Fule wants a Cyprus settlement and that Fule is also satisfied from the Turkish Cypriot side's policies.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (15.07.11) reports that Fule, in a written statement after the meeting with Eroglu, said that he reiterated to Eroglu the strong support of the European Commission for the efforts of the leaders of both communities and the United Nations to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, which will bring an end to one of the oldest conflicts on European soil.

Fule also said that he exchanged views with Eroglu on the recent tripartite meeting in Geneva and the importance of reaching an agreement on the outstanding core issues by October.

Finally, Fule appealed to the leadership and spirit of compromise required to achieve this outcome.

[02] Andrew Duff: "If Erdogan is serious, he will take action on the solution of the Cyprus problem"

Commenting on the recent statement by Davutoglu on freezing Turkey-EU relations, Duff described it as "interesting", adding that EU-Turkey process has come to a deadlock, and there is need for new initiatives to overcome this.

Duff also said that he hopes that Erdogan during his visit in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus on 20 July will bring new proposals regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem. He added that in his opinion Eroglu and Christofias did not make any progress at the negotiations.

Duff also said that he is planning to visit Ankara on the end of this week and he will discuss with officials the Turkey-EU relations as well as the Cyprus problem.

[03] Turkish Cypriot politicians comment on the recent statement by Davutoglu

Mehmet Cakici, leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that the relations between Turkey and the EU cannot be frozen, because there is a trade of $100 billion between Turkey and the EU. For this reason, he added, nobody can permit this "freeze".

Cakici also said that they should think what they will do in order to overcome this deadlock and to leave behind the threats.

The general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP) Ertugrul Hasipoglu said that Davutoglu spoke correctly, adding: "Everyone will know the limit. The Cyprus problem is a national cause for Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots. ?. For us the situation cannot be worse than what it is now."

Asim Akansoy, general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that Davutoglu with this statement tried to get the attention of the EU member countries by attributing to them their responsibilities.

[04] Yorgancioglu: "People do not trust UBP"

Commenting on the deadly explosion at the Naval Base in Mari, Yorgancioglu said that everyone must comprehend that so much military armament in such a small island constitutes a huge risk.

[05] Yeni Duzen reveals data on more "citizenships" granted by the occupation regime

The paper writes that in spite of the statement made by "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk that "They put a stop to citizenships. The citizenship was granted only to seven persons", from the day the "UBP government" came to power until the period of January 2011, that is 19 months, the occupation regime has granted the "TRNC citizenship" to 239 people. The paper adds that during the last six months 781 people received the "TRNC citizenship".

As the paper writes, the monthly average index of the people who are obtaining the "TRNC citizenship" is 150 people. It continues and writes that during March, 201 people received the "citizenship", a number which is consider as a record, writes the paper, while during June the number of people that received the "citizenship" were 152.

(AK)

[06] Irsen Kucuk met with a delegation of the Kuwait International Aid Association

Speaking during the meeting, Kucuk expressed pleasure over the visit of the responsible of the Kuwait International Aid Association to the "TRNC" for contacts.

Saying that the "TRNC" carries out several contacts with different Arab countries, he expressed the will of the "TRNC" to establish contacts with Kuwait as well.

In his turn, Halit Ali Almulla expressed his pleasure over his visit to the "TRNC" and stated that he is in the island as a representative of the people of Kuwait. Saying that his country is exerting efforts to provide help to several Muslim countries, he stressed that they are ready to provide help to everybody who has needs.

(AK)

[07] Ertugruloglu to establish the "Democracy and Trust Party"

[08] More contacts by Chinese businessmen who are illegally visiting the occupied area

As the paper writes, the Chinese businessmen met yesterday with Turkish Cypriot businessman Hasan Ozbafli and visited also Kibris Media Group offices where they met with the editor-in chief of the paper Resat Akar.

In his statement during the meeting, Ozbafli said that the Chinese businessmen are visiting the occupied area since they are interested to make investments in the field of tourism, the bio-energy, the green power, the construction and the agriculture sectors.

Saying that the businessmen delegation is composed by investors from China and the US, Hasan Ozbafli said that they are examining the possibility to make trade between China and the "TRNC".

Ozbafli further said that the Chinese businessmen are interested especially to invest in the tourism sector adding that they are also interested on agriculture products, like oil olive and carobs. He further said that they already exerting efforts to buy all the olive oil which is produced in the "TRNC".

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese businessmen delegation, Henry Qin, chairman of the Melongda Group stated that they are carrying out contacts in the "TRNC" in order to look for investment opportunities and to bring tourism and students from China. Qin reiterated the problem that exists with Turkey on visa requirements and stressed the need for the problem to be solved so that to be able to bring tourists to the "TRNC".

(AK)

[B] TURKISH PRES

[09] Davutoglu clarifies his latest statement that Turkish-EU ties may come to a freezing point

Speaking to Turkish journalists yesterday, the first meeting with the journalists after the June 12 elections, Davutoglu threw light on a series of issues, including also the Cyprus problem and Turkey's EU bid.

Evaluating his statement that "Turkish-EU ties may come to freezing point", Davutoglu said: "It is a kind of an early warning I sent. In order to save EU ties?Let's see what will happen in July 2012. Everybody is making their preparations in the framework of this. The conclusion which derives from my words is that the reforms will stop? Greek Cypriots, the UN and the EU know very well, they understood what I have said. I say to the EU: "Do not repeat the mistake you committed in the past, you received the Greek Cypriots as a member of the EU without the solution of the Cyprus problem, and now, you should not give over the EU presidency to the Greek Cypriots without a solution first. It will be a freezing point".

Asked to reply to a question whether he and Prime Minister Erdogan would participate at meetings which would take place during the period the Greek Cypriots will take over the EU presidency, he replied saying: "Of course I would not go. Neither me nor the Prime Minister".

(AK)

[10] Erdogan to illegally visit occupied Cyprus on July 19-20

During his visit, Erdogan is expected to meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk and other so-called officials. As the statement said, at the meeting, the opportunities for a lasting and permanent solution in Cyprus, which would contribute to security, stability, cooperation and prosperity in Eastern Mediterranean, will be discussed.

[11] "Mental fatigue marring settlement"

"A fire and consequently an explosion at an ammunition depot in a shabby naval base in the Greek Cypriot side not only killed six people and wounded many people but also impaired one of the power plants of southern Cyprus, producing a very serious energy shortage. July, August are the hottest months of the island. Energy shortage is no joke. Particularly, in view of the already simmering economic difficulties, like northern Cyprus, southern Cyprus as well cannot risk its services sector that constitutes the backbone of its economy.

For the past several years, the Turkish Cypriot side has finally acquired with assistance from Turkey a power plant and has put a full stop to hours-long electricity cuts all through hot summer months. The plant has the capability of producing, though very expensively as it consumes fuel oil, more than enough electricity required by northern Cyprus.

Though it preferred not to hear some officious proposals for the declaration of mourning for a day or two and to fly flags at half mast to demonstrate solidarity with the Greek Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriot [so-called] government offered the Greek Cypriot administration [the Government of Cyprus] to provide it with up to 150 megawatts of electricity, an amount that would considerably, though not totally, eradicate the electricity shortage problem. Days have passed since the Turkish side made the offer. Greek Cypriots are without electricity for hours and hours everyday because of the shortage. Hoteliers are complaining. Temperatures are hovering over 40 degrees centigrade. The Greek Cypriot Government is still pondering whether accepting electricity assistance from northern Cyprus might compromise its 'sole legitimate Government of entire Cyprus' status.

This is a humanitarian issue. Turkish Cypriots did not think for one second about extending their hand in help to their neighbours out of their belief that as two people sharing the same homeland before any other country or that people, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, should rush to each other's help at time of need, be it an acute energy shortage because of a blast or a forest fire or whatever. Foolishness and monkey business are so rampant in southern Cyprus, however, that for the past many days, the Greek Cypriot administration has been trying to decide whether the electricity administration or the chamber of industry should have talks with the Turkish Cypriots to determine how much energy the north might supply to the south and for how long. This isolated problem indeed demonstrates the mental fatigue in southern Cyprus that has successfully killed all efforts to find a resolution to the inter-communal problem of power sharing on the island for the past almost half century.

Rightly, Turkish officials and Turkish Cypriots are complaining that the latest direct talks' process would have been going on for three years in September. If no stone was left unturned over the past 45 years of inter-communal talks have been continuing in various formats, if there is political will for a settlement, indeed there can be a deal, two peoples can go to a referendum to vote on that deal and in the first quarter of 2012 the Cyprus problem can become history with the creation of a new partnership state on the island.

In Ankara not only is there optimism that a Cyprus deal might finally become discernible but also a deep concern as reflected by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu that missing this opportunity as well might produce an unprecedented crisis in Turkish-European Union process and beyond."

[12] Bagis met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister

Speaking during his meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Hryschenko in Ankara, Bagis said that Turkey and Ukraine could cooperate in many areas including EU membership.

Pointing to EU's need for member countries like Turkey and Ukraine due to its aging population, Bagis said: "I have a slogan for Europeans: 'Hang on Europe, Turkey will save you!'". Bagis noted that Ukraine's membership could make a similar contribution to the Union.

On his part, the Ukrainian Minister said that both Turkey and Ukraine were still neighbours of the EU while they had to be a part of the Union. The guest Minister also said that Ukraine was eager to learn from Turkey's experiences in its EU negotiation process, as well as in privatization and visa exemption processes.

[13] Davutoglu met NATO chief

Davutoglu and Rasmussen met over a dinner which was closed to media. During the meeting, Davutoglu reportedly told Rasmussen that the political talks within the contact group were planned to be carried out in the light of a road map which Turkey had proposed in the hope to find a settlement to the Libyan crisis. Davutoglu also briefed the NATO chief about his latest visit to Benghazi and his talks with the rebel government.

As it is reported, Australia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Britain, Malta, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland as well as the United Arab Emirates and the United States will participate at the meeting, sending their Foreign Ministers. The Greek Foreign Minister is expected to attend the meeting as well. China and Russia said they will not attend the meeting. Heads of the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, NATO and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation will also join the meeting.

[14] A Kurdish platform declares "democratic autonomy" within Turkey's territorial integrity

Pro-Kurdish independent Deputy Aysel Tugluk told reporters in a declaration after a six-hour meeting of the DTK on Thursday that the Kurdish people declare democratic autonomy while remaining loyal to the national unity of Turkey under the country's territorial integrity and based on democratic national principles. She also referred to international human rights documents that allowed them to do so.

Tugluk, who is also DTK chairwoman, delivered a positive message regarding the centuries-long friendship of Turkish and Kurdish people in this land and warned that a continuing deadlock in the Kurdish issue will keep people in a situation of violence and conflict. DTK's declaration came at a time when outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) members killed 13 soldiers and wounded 7 others in an ambush in Diyarbakir, escalating already high-running tensions. Tugluk stated that the solution to the Kurdish problem could only be solved if Kurds are recognized as a nation based on equal status. The Kurdish Deputy also called on the international community to recognize the democratic autonomy her Congress has declared.

According to the paper, DTK, which describes itself as a local organization of Kurds in eastern Turkey comprising intellectuals, representatives from civil society organizations, pro-Kurdish politicians and some members of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), presented the first comprehensive draft of its "Democratic Autonomous Kurdistan Model" at a conference in Diyarbakir in December of last year. Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned PKK leader, is known to be the mastermind behind the idea of democratic autonomy, a term no one can clearly define. DTK argues the term refers to strong local government, but the Government and other parties are suspicious that it would lead to the use of a separate language and flag, which they argue is out of the question.

[15] "Turkish armoured vehicle industry expanding horizons"

Enginsoy writes the following:

"'The making of armoured vehicles is one of the strongest sectors in our defence industry', said Kaya Yazgan, secretary general of Turkey's Defence Industry Manufacturers Association (SaSaD), an umbrella group bringing together defence companies.

A senior procurement official with a portfolio to support Turkish arms exports said that the armoured vehicles manufacturers are now expanding beyond their traditional markets in the Middle East. 'We are happy to see these companies now chasing deals in parts of the Far East they have not yet sold their products to, and there are initial signs of penetration into difficult markets like the U.S. All of that is very encouraging', the official said on condition of anonymity.

One top manufacturer, Otokar, exhibited the internally commanded armed version of its signature 4x4 wheeled armoured vehicle, the Cobra, at the BRIDEX defence fair in the Brunei Sultanate between July 6 and 9. This is the Cobra's debut in Brunei, the company said. The company later said Wednesday that it had signed a nearly $54 million contract with an unnamed country to export various 4x4 tactical wheeled vehicles, including spare parts and training.

Subtitle: Seven armoured vehicles produced in Turkey

Istanbul-based Otokar, which is owned by Turkey's top business conglomerate Koc Holding, produces a family of seven different armoured vehicles. Its sales to both civilian and military clients amounted to 517 million Turkish Liras in 2010. The company won $40 million worth of export deals only in December from unspecified buyer countries, including a $10.6 million order for its new vehicles, the Arma. The Arma, which comes as either a 6x6 or 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle, was designed, developed and manufactured by Otokar.

The Cobra, a 4x4 vehicle, comes in 10 models designed for different missions. Otokar has so far sold its military vehicles to over 15 countries. Otokar is also the prime Turkish contractor for a multi-billion dollar program for the design, development and manufacturing of Turkey's first domestic main battle tank, the Altay. Otokar has sold the Cobra to over 10 countries while the vehicle has been used in a number of NATO and United Nations missions. 'There is increasing demand for the Cobra from an increasing number of countries', Otokar said in a written statement. The procurement official said eastern and south Asian countries are potential customers of Otokar's products.

Subtitle: New deal with US company to span five years

In June, JWF Defence Systems, a U.S. defence firm, signed a deal with the Turkish Hiscar Automotive Industries to help produce armoured vehicles that JWF said could be worth $50 million over the next five years. Hiscar is one of Turkey's largest manufacturers of tractor cabins and construction equipment.

Under the deal, JWF will develop the armour for the four-wheel drive vehicle called the 'Turkar', which is a light-cargo truck. The firms would market the vehicle internationally and develop a version for military use as well, the companies announced.

Subtitle: $600 million Malaysian deal for amphibious vehicles

Another top manufacturer is the Ankara-based FNSS, which is 51% owned by Turkish business group Nurol, with the remaining 49% shares held by the American subsidiary of the Farnborough, Britain-based BAE Systems. In February, FNSS signed a $600 million deal with Malaysia for the joint development and manufacturing of 257 8x8 Pars amphibious armoured vehicles. The Pars was designed by FNSS, and also comes in 8x8 and 6x6 versions.

Izmir-based BMC, which is owned by industrial conglomerate Cukurova Holding, has also developed two armoured vehicles, a 4x4 multi-purpose vehicle, and the Kirpi, a mine-resistant vehicle which can also counter ballistic threats."

[16] Foreign investments to Turkey reach 5.6 billion USD

Analyzing the data, Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said that 87.7% of the investments were from European Union member countries. "This shows that Turkey is indispensable for the EU."

In May, Turkey attracted FDI of 882 million USD, almost triple the figure of 303 million USD in May 2010. The Government arranged a total of 105 investment incentive documents during this period, four of which were related to four big investments totalling 954 million USD. Caglayan said the FDI inflows data related to the pre-election period.

According to the Ministry, companies are expected to invest 4.5 billion USD over the next three years in Turkey, creating 6.433 jobs. In the first five months of 2011, FDI was mostly directed toward banking, insurance, energy and manufacturing. In this period, foreign investors were net sellers of equities, selling 1.77 billion USD worth of stock. "These increasing investments will contribute to a healthy financing of the current account deficit," Caglayan said, adding: "They will also increase Turkey's production capacity, contributing to output, exports and employment." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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