Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-08-01

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Erdogan: "Turkey will continue to stand by the TRNC"

[02] Eroglu says a deal is possible by the end of 2011

[03] Eroglu's statements after the negotiations

[04] Bagis blames Cyprus for blocking Turkey's EU accession

[05] The breakaway regime criticizes the opposition on the "regulation" of white and green "identity cards"

[06] Reports that a petrol terminal will be constructed in occupied Karavostasi

[07] Azeri State Minister carries out contacts in the occupied area

[08] KTSO and ADASO sign a "protocol of brotherhood and cooperation"

[09] General Isik Kosaner asks to retire from post as Chief of Staff; publishes farewell message

[10] Gendarmerie Commander becomes new Chief of Staff

[11] Turkey and Japan resume talks on Turkey's second nuclear power

[12] 'Erdogan increases stakes for Cyprus while army is no longer a pretext'

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

The meeting of Turkey's Supreme Military Council (YAS) on Monday amidst discussions after the resignation of the top military brass last Friday, criticism by Turkey on the Syrian army's latest crackdown on protestors in Hama, the visit by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu at the funeral ceremony of Gizem Dogan in Oslo, the beginning of the Islamic holly month of Ramadan, and other domestic issues are covered in today's Turkish press.

Also, the address of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the nation, the resignation crisis in the Turkish Armed Forces and other domestic issues are covered in the Turkish press over the weekend.

[01] Erdogan: "Turkey will continue to stand by the TRNC"

Erdogan said that Turkey had always stood and will continue to stand by the "TRNC", moreover it would keep implementing major projects that would help the country improve economically.

Regarding the ongoing negotiation process in the island, Erdogan said that a settlement in Cyprus would be for the benefit of both Cypriot communities and the whole region.

"Turkey will neither allow efforts targeting TRNC, nor will it negotiate with the European Union or any other party on the Cyprus issue," Erdogan stated.

Moreover, Erdogan said that Turkey would replace its Constitution with a comprehensive, pluralistic, liberating and integrating one. He expressed commitment to his Government's targets for 2023, the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, and promised that Turkey's transformation would continue. "Accordingly, I believe that our most important task is to write a democratic and liberating Constitution which would meet today's needs," Erdogan said.

On terrorism, Erdogan said that Turkey had made significant headway to become a happier and more prosperous country, adding: "Turkey achieved it thanks to stability and trust, democratic reforms and furthering brotherhood. We will continue to walk on this path and help our country grow by cementing our brotherhood. Turkey is leaving behind its troubles and overcoming its chronic problems. Some powers, who are jealous of Turkey's growth and its development, have made moves to stop it. I would like to make it clear that terrorism targets Turkey's growth, progress, development, prosperity and most importantly its brotherhood."

Regarding the economy, Erdogan said that the Turkish statistics authority TurkStat's data revealed that the economy had grown by 11% in the first quarter of 2011, becoming the fastest growing economy in the world. Reiterating Turkey's goal to become one of the world's top 10 economies by the year 2023, Erdogan said that the Government had made all its plans to achieve such a goal.

[02] Eroglu says a deal is possible by the end of 2011

Additionally, Ankara Anatolia news agency (30.07.11) reports that Eroglu said inter alia: "It is not possible for us to stay at the negotiation table for years. Now, we must show our children what will happen after the end of this year. [...] We wish to reach a long-lasting settlement in Cyprus by the end of this year. However, it is not possible to link a deal with concessions only from the Turkish Cypriot side. [?] We do not want our children to experience what we had faced before 1974. We are seeking a solution in that direction."

[03] Eroglu's statements after the negotiations

In his evaluation of the meeting, Eroglu said that the two sides continued to present their positions regarding the chapter and also laid emphasis on the need to obey the principle of confidentiality during the talks.

Eroglu and President Christofias have two more scheduled meetings for this week, before giving a break to the talks until the 23rd of August. The leaders will meet on the 2nd and the 5th of August.

[04] Bagis blames Cyprus for blocking Turkey's EU accession

"They should use their imagination. How would the EU be without Turkey? We have thought about a Turkey without Europe since 1959. But at the point we are at now, we believe it's time for them to think this over," Bagis said.

Earlier in July, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened the European Union that relations would be suspended in the second half of 2012 if "Greek Cyprus" were to assume the bloc's term presidency without the collaboration of "Turkish Cyprus".

The paper writes inter alia: "The discouraging mood around talks to resolve the Cyprus dispute has further strained relations between Turkey and the EU. Turkey blames Greek Cyprus for the deadlock in talks and criticizes the bloc for not putting enough pressure on the Greek Cypriots. Calling on EU countries, Bagis said: 'Do not remain silent to the efforts of Greek Cyprus -- the spoiled child of Europe -- to block Turkey in almost every field.'"

[05] The breakaway regime criticizes the opposition on the "regulation" of white and green "identity cards"

The press release also reported that when the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) was in power, it gave three times amnesty, adding that if the amnesty is considered a betrayal then the CTP betrayed three times its people.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (30.07.11), in its front page under the title: "Announce the number of the persons", reports that the breakaway regime has not announced the number of the persons who are allowed to get these "cards" nor the persons who are allowed to get an amnesty.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (01.08.11) reports that the chairman of Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers' Union (KTOEOS) Tahir Gokcebel said that the implementation of this "regulation" aims to the annihilation of the identity and culture of the Turkish Cypriot community. He also said that the time has come that the Turkish Cypriots should get out of their shells.

Gokcebel added that this implementation will also alter the demographic structure in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

[06] Reports that a petrol terminal will be constructed in occupied Karavostasi

It was reported that the terminal will be constructed in an area of 136 donums. Zafer said that a port will be built in the sea, on which there will be 36 tanks where fuels such as diesel oil, gasoline, fuel-oil and LPG will be stored. In this way, the oil ship tankers will be able to freight any kind of fuel and take it to various countries. As Zafer stated, the tanks will be leased to international companies and small ships, belonging to that companies, will assist to the transfer of fuel. Zafer added that 295 people will be employed in this project.

Zafer, inter alia, noted that they will take all the necessary steps in order not to harm the environment.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi writes that the above-mentioned project is expected to be concluded in 2013 and begin operating in 2014. The paper notes that the petrol terminal will be constructed by a Swiss company and will be located in an area between occupied Peristeronari and Pentayia. Referring to Zafer's statements, the paper reports that the investment will reach 230 million dollars, noting that the company undertaken the project did not received any financial assistance from the so-called government of the occupation regime.

On the contrary, the paper reports that great reactions were created by various environmental organisations which express their unrest about this project. Both the chairman of the Green Peace Organisation Dogan Sahir, and the chairman of the Biologists Association Niyazi Turkseven, noted that the under discussion project is dangerous for the environment and that it will be a disaster for the nature of the area.

[07] Azeri State Minister carries out contacts in the occupied area

In statements after visiting the "YDU" hospital, Ibrahimov said that the necessary works with the "YDU hospital" will begin soon in order a coordination centre to be formed in Baku.

The paper reports that a protocol, envisaging the cooperation in the education field signed last year between Azerbaijan's Ministry of Education and the illegal YDU, was renewed by Dr Gunsel and Ibrahimov.

[08] KTSO and ADASO sign a "protocol of brotherhood and cooperation"

Speaking prior to the signing ceremony, Hisarciklioglu said that by being united and with joint actions, they can move forward, noting that this protocol is the fundamental stone of this.

As it was reported, the protocol foresees increase in the commercial and economic ties between the two chambers. It is also provided that both ADASO and KTSO will offer their assistance to investors coming to Turkey and the occupied area of Cyprus, respectively. In addition, in the monthly newspapers and announcements of the chambers, the activities of both chambers will be published --without carrying political content. The newspapers and the announcements will be sent to each other. Furthermore, technical support in various fields will be offered reciprocally and both chambers members will attend important activities when necessary. Finally, each chamber will assign a coordinator who will provide the existence of productive and continuous relations between the two chambers.

[09] General Isik Kosaner asks to retire from post as Chief of Staff; publishes farewell message

"Currently a total of 250 Generals and Admirals, commissioned officers, warrant officers and specialist gendarmerie sergeants, 173 of whom are still serving and 77 retired, are being held in remand, deprived of their freedom. As many jurists have expressed, it is not possible to accept that these arrests were carried out in accordance with universal legal rules, rights, justice or conscientious values. Despite being conveyed and explained many times to the relevant authorities and despite all pursuit of this matter it has not been possible to resolve this situation under any legal context. The 14 Generals and Admirals plus 59 full colonels who are currently in remand with no final verdict having been made in their cases have not only had their freedom put in jeopardy, they have also being stolen their right to be evaluated for promotion at this year's Supreme Military Council in accordance with our current legislation, and are effectively being punished. It does not fail to escape attention that one purpose behind the investigation and the long-term detentions is to keep the TSK [Turkish Armed Forces] continually in the news thereby creating the impression in public that it is a criminal organization. Nor has it escaped attention that bias media seeing this as an opportunity are encouraging our great nation to shun its own armed forces through publishing all manner of false news, slander and accusations. The failure to prevent this situation plus the fact that appeals made to the relevant authorities have fallen on deaf ears and made it impossible for me to stay on in this lofty position I hold because I am being prevented from fulfilling my obligation as Chief of the General Staff to protect the rights and laws of my personnel. While expressing with full confidence my absolute faith that the heroic members of the TSK will achieve success in their sacred duty under all conditions through superior discipline, courage and self-sacrifice from here on, as they always have, I wish all the members of the TSK health and happiness."

[10] Gendarmerie Commander becomes new Chief of Staff

Ozel, who is the only commander who did not requested retirement, came to the Prime Ministry to meet with Erdogan late on Friday. Erdogan met with Ozel - the highest-ranking commander who remained in office. Ozel was widely expected to become the next head of the military and Kosaner's resignation might speed up the process.

"The Turkish Armed Forces will continue to do their duty in a spirit of unity," the office of Prime Minister said in a statement issued after the military's top four commanders quit. The statement also named Ozel as acting Chief of the General Staff. It also said a key Supreme Military Council meeting to decide promotions would go ahead as planned today. Ozel and Erdogan later went to Cankaya Presidential Palace to have three-way talks with President Abdullah Gul.

The paper notes that the resignation of so many top commanders for the first time ever in Turkey signals a deep rift with the Government, which has been confident in confronting a military that once held sway over Turkish political life. The arrests of high-ranking military officers would once have been unimaginable.

The resignations of Turkey's top generals came hours after a court charged 22 suspects, including several Generals and officers, with carrying out an Internet campaign to undermine the Government.

Kosaner, who took over as head of the armed forces in August 2010, is regarded as a hardline secularist, but he has kept a lower profile than previous chiefs of the general staff. Alongside Kosaner, the land forces head Erdal Ceylanoglu, air forces chief Hasan Aksay and navy commander Ugur Yigit have also sought retirement. All the commanders except Kosaner were already set to retire on Monday.

The Government made it clear that the appointments and promotions at the upcoming YAS meeting will be in line with laws regulating dismissals and promotions, while commanders insisted on upholding long-held traditions the military has adhered to for decades in the appointment and promotion of senior-level commanders.

[11] Turkey and Japan resume talks on Turkey's second nuclear power

In May 2010, Turkey and Russia signed a deal for the construction of Turkey's first nuclear power plant in Akkuyu, a small town on the Mediterranean coast, which is expected to cost about 20 billion USD. Russian state-owned atomic power company ROSATOM is likely to start building the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in 2013 and the first reactor is planned to generate electricity in 2018.

[12] 'Erdogan increases stakes for Cyprus while army is no longer a pretext'

"Whether the near collective resignation of the leadership of the Turkish Armed Forces was the last battle of a long war or the beginning of a new one, this will take some time to determine. Certainly this year's meeting of the Supreme Military Council or YAS, which starts today and ends on Thursday, will give us some hints as to what extent the Erdogan Government intends to diminish the influence of the military in the affairs of the state. Most probably, a lot.

But even if the unprecedented events of last Friday were a master plan by the military to cause maximum damage to the AKP Government, what appears to have been provided ? at least for now ? was a perfect segue to Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan to appeal to the nation last Saturday asking for everybody's contribution in order to draft a new democratic Constitution, 'free from the democratic shames of the past' ? a direct hit on the military for its past record of overthrowing civilian Governments. It also gave him the opportunity to promote his own idea of a Constitution which would transform the present system of government to a presidential one ? with himself as the obvious candidate. I am not sure whether all of these are pointing to the right direction for a more democratic Turkey ? as the spokesperson for the EU rushed to point out. They are certainly showing that further concentration of power is gathering under one institution ? the President ? and that at the same time the other fundamental institution of the Turkish state, the military, is being stripped of its duties as guardians of the regime and is being marginalized.

Historically, the military in Turkey has had a major role in the affairs of the country. It was also thought to be a major player in certain foreign policy matters which were considered as a matter of national interest. Cyprus and the relations with Greece had been issues where the Turkish military had traditionally had its say providing sometimes an excuse for Turkish politicians to justify their tough stance.

Very soon after his impressive electoral victory of the 12th of June, Erdogan and his Foreign Minister Prof. Ahmet Davutoglu, took up the issue of Cyprus and adopted a tougher line both against the Greek Cypriots and, through them, towards the EU. They openly threatened by freezing their negotiations with the EU, if Cyprus takes up its term as president of the EU in the second half of 2012. With Cyprus in a domestic political and economic turmoil at the moment, the Greek Cypriots are seeing now that they have to deal with a much tougher interlocutor in the face of Erdogan. The well-known diplomatic axioms of the past that 'the politicians are willing, but the Turkish generals do not allow them to be more flexible', cannot apply any longer. Freshly confirmed to power as a Prime Minister by an impressive third electoral victory, Erdogan is heading now for a presidency while pushing the military back to their barracks.

And I wonder whether the Greek Cypriots ?and the Greeks for that matter- would find this popularly elected absolute leader more willing to give away any ground on the negotiating table than the intransigent Turkish generals." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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