Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-08-04

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu claimed: "There is a state here and I am the president of this state"

[02] Eroglu's contacts

[03] "Keep up the momentum"

[04] Turkish Energy Minister objects to Cyprus' EEZ

[05] Self-styled education minister's contacts in Ankara

[06] The Russian Ambassador to Cyprus met the "mayor" of occupied Lefkosia

[07] An interview with the Chinese Ambassador in Ankara

[08] Cost of living in the occupied area at 120.19%

[09] "Who are we dancing with?"

[10] "Japanese firm withdraws from Turkey's nuclear power plant bid"

[11] Turkey's exports reach 78 billion USD in first seven months of 2011

[12] Gul approves Turkey's new top military brass

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

The decision by the Supreme Military Council (YAS) meeting, with which General Necdet Ozel is the new chief of the General Staff while General Hayri Kivrikoglu is appointed as the new commander of the land forces, statements by Energy Minister Taner Yildiz on the Cyprus' EEZ, an interview with the Chinese Ambassador in Ankara in Sabah daily, reports regarding the withdrawal of DIKO from the Cyprus Government, Durust's contacts in Ankara and other domestic issues are covered in today's Turkish press.

[01] Eroglu claimed: "There is a state here and I am the president of this state"

Eroglu also said: "There is a state here, and I am the president of this state. No country other than Turkey recognizes us" and added: "We believe that the civilized world will see as a reality the justice struggle of our people, our independence which was gained as a result of this struggle and the state which was established."

Teoman Kuran, chairman of the advisory board of AIESEC, speaking at the meeting, said that last year they hosted around 90-100 students from 14 different countries. He added that this year they have 120 students from 24 different countries. He also said that these students came to the occupied area to study and for tourism so, when they complete their programme, they will return to their countries as honorary ambassadors of the breakaway regime.

[02] Eroglu's contacts

Yesterday, he met with the UN Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer.

Eroglu also met with the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Lefkosia Andrew Schofer, who is also currently serving as the Charge d'Affaires, pending the arrival of the next US Ambassador. Schofer also met with Eroglu's Special Representative Kudret Ozersay who briefed him on the Cyprus talks.

[03] "Keep up the momentum"

"Turkey expects Turkish and Greek Cypriots to carry on with peace talks despite the economic and political crisis in the southern part of the divided island. Peace talks are a process whose parameters are certain and which should go on independently of [any] political and economic crises. [...] There have been continuous delays especially because of the southern part.

Turkey does not want to see an economic or political crisis in any of its neighbours, but the latest crisis in Greek Cyprus showed that obstacles in front of peace should be removed. [...]

We live together in the same region. It's not possible to get anywhere through isolation of northern Cyprus. On the contrary, there could be situations where you might need to expect support."

In the same press conference, Davuto
lu also said that Turkey and Kazakhstan will establish a group composed of diplomats in order to work on "joint Asian projects."

[04] Turkish Energy Minister objects to Cyprus' EEZ

Yildiz alleged that "Greek Cypriot administration's" [as he called the Republic of Cyprus] oil and/or natural gas exploration initiatives in the Mediterranean were not a legitimate behaviour. "We do not see it as normal, and we once more state that international law will operate here," Yildiz told reporters.

Yildiz said that decisions on restricted economic zones could be made with compromise of all neighbouring countries, and claimed that this process had not been completed yet. "Therefore, we will continue to say in every platform that these initiatives are not legitimate," Yildiz said.

[05] Self-styled education minister's contacts in Ankara

During his stay in Ankara, Durust first met with Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Cyprus Affairs Besir Atalay. Speaking to reporters prior to his meeting with Atalay, Durust wished every success to Atalay on his new post and said: "We came here in the name of finding a solution", adding that "motherland Turkey's support has always allowed Turkish Cypriots to feel secure".

Atalay on his part, stated: "We want you to come always here with this feeling of security. Actually, you are coming to your country. This is very important for us." According to the press, Atalay reiterated Turkey's continuous support to the breakaway regime and referred to various upcoming joint projects aimed at the development of the occupied area.

After his meeting with Atalay, Durust met with the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Cemil Cicek. Speaking prior to the meeting, Durust whished every success to Cicek on his new post, thanked him for his efforts during the period he was responsible for Cyprus affairs and asked from Cicek to keep his interest and support. Durust, inter alia, said that the messages of support delivered by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during his illegal visit to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, created a "flood of love" among the Turkish Cypriots.

On his part, Cicek said that despite all the negativities, the Turkish Cypriots made significant achievements for protecting their "existence" and their "state", adding that there are a lot to be done from now on. He also said that tourism and education are priority issues for the breakaway regime. Cicek reiterated that Cyprus is a "national cause" for Turkey and noted that their relations with the occupation regime are not based on interests but on "brotherhood ties".

As it is reported, while in Ankara, Durust also met with the Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, the Minister of Youth and Sports Suat Kilic and the Minister of National Education Omer Dincer. According to the press, during all the meetings, the support towards the Turkish Cypriots was confirmed once more.

[06] The Russian Ambassador to Cyprus met the "mayor" of occupied Lefkosia

Speaking to reporters after the metering, Bulutoglulari evaluated the meeting as "very useful" and pointed out that Russian tourists and businessmen show special interest towards Cyprus. He also noted that the issue of strengthening ties between Russia and the occupation regime was discussed. Moreover, Bulutoglulari said that they discussed the latest developments on the Cyprus problem as well.

[07] An interview with the Chinese Ambassador in Ankara

Referring to the evacuation of 1.500 Chinese citizens from Libya thanks to Turkey, the Chinese Ambassador said: "We will never forget the Turkish Government's and people's friendship." He added that they are expecting Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to pay a visit to China.

Asked to give China's approach on the Cyprus problem, Mr Gong said: "We desire a peaceful solution through dialogue on all international issues. On the Cyprus problem, we expect a solution of the problem with political way together with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides, the related countries and the international organizations."

[08] Cost of living in the occupied area at 120.19%

In a written statement, the "director" of "DPO" Ali Korhan said that the Consumers Price General Index monthly rate of change is 1.01% compared to last month, 7.02% compared to last December and 9.51% compared to the same month of the previous year. The highest rise in the main spending groups was noted in the transport group.

[09] "Who are we dancing with?"

"Undoubtedly, the fall of the Greek Cypriot Government, the disclosure by the Greek Cypriot Central Bank that the economy in south Cyprus has shrunk to the point that existed in 1974, and the reaction against Greek Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, which was caused by the loss of confidence and the criticism in the south, are creating negative effects on the negotiations that are held on the Cyprus problem.

Due to the unending protests at his door and in his close environment, Christofias now feels the need to inspire confidence to the Greek Cypriot people. But, an interlocutor, who feels such a need, cannot be useful. The Greek Cypriot side has acted like a "coquettish bride" at the negotiation table. Christofias has created an opportunity for it to be even more reluctant.

However, I must stress that the opportunities that are created for the Greek Cypriots and the reluctant way they behave will be against them. The 'October calendar' Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan outlined during his recent sensation-creating visit to north Cyprus is still valid. He put an end to the uncertainty on the Cyprus problem. He clearly said that Turkey will put its plan B on Cyprus into effect if the summit that will be held in October fails to yield a result.

The most important aspect of the plan is related to the Turkish Cypriot people's right to self-determination. But, who are the Turkish Cypriot people? Erdogan takes calculated steps. He is able to see the future of the structure he is giving to the Turkish Cypriot community. We have all closely observed during his recent visit to the TRNC the formation of electoral masses, which are ready to comply with his views. In fact, the recent measures that have been put into effect in connection with the structure of the TRNC population clearly show that Erdogan will strengthen and restructure his influence on the administration in the north.

The economic crisis and shortage of funds in the TRNC help Erdogan to carefully get what he wants. That recalls the proverb "He who pays the piper calls the tune."

The salaries and wages were easily paid shortly after the TRNC government officials disclosed the new rules for the issuing of ID cards for a new population of 40.000 people at the end of the month. That is not something that can be ignored among the daily developments. A new decision is made in accordance with Erdogan's expectations every month. That is followed by the flow of funds to north Cyprus. That has become a tradition in the TRNC.

The need the Turkish commanders felt to resign because of Erdogan's inflexible policies and the pressure that was exerted on the Turkish military forces to force them to agree to be under the control of the elected administration, can be seen as a rather important breaking point in the Republic's history. No one would even dream of such a situation in Turkey a few years ago.

Erdogan believes that he has a very strong position. One of the main objectives of this column is to assess his vision, not the relations between the Turkish Government and the military forces. The reality is that Erdogan does not make concessions. He remains strongly committed to his principles and maintains a resolute approach. He conveys the message: "What I say is what has to be done" in a most effective tone.

The opposition groups in Turkey have realized who they are dancing with. They draw up their policies accordingly. I wish to stress in this column that those who are opposed to Erdogan in Cyprus should also realize who they are dancing with, regardless of whether they are Turkish or Greek Cypriots."

[10] "Japanese firm withdraws from Turkey's nuclear power plant bid"

Yildiz said that a Japanese delegation arrived in Turkey at the end of last week, and told Turkish executives about the recent developments in the Fukushima nuclear power plant which was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Yildiz said Japan's bid consisted of three steps, including construction, finance and operation, however the Japanese Government had told Turkish executives that it would make a new model offer. "We have told them that we will assess all flexible cooperation alternatives," Yildiz said.

Yildiz said that Turkey would definitely take into consideration the Fukushima disaster and lessons to learn from it, and therefore preferred a more secure model that minimized risks. He said that Turkey preferred pressured water reactor technology in another nuclear power plant planned to be constructed in the south of Turkey. "There is a boiling water system in Japan, and we have told them that we are reviewing this system," he said.

[11] Turkey's exports reach 78 billion USD in first seven months of 2011

"Today, our exports reached 78 billion USD, and we made 640 million USD of exports in the last two days," Caglayan said during his meeting with heads of chambers of commerce and industry of the southern province of Adana.

"Our year-end export target is 127 billion USD, and we have already achieved it," Caglayan said and expressed the hope to break the export record by the end of the year,

He also said that the Government will bring investors from all around the world to Turkey and that they are taking measures against the current account deficit.

[12] Gul approves Turkey's new top military brass

The new TSK force commanders are the following: Chief of General Staff: Gen. Necdet ?zel. ?zel was born in 1950 in Ankara.

Land Force Commander: Gen. Hayri K1
vr1
ko
lu. K1
vr1
ko
lu was born in 1948 in Konya.

Naval Force Commander: Adm. Emin Murat Bilgel. Bilgel was born in 1952 in Istanbul.

Air Force Commander: Gen. Mehmet Erten. Erten was born in 1948 in Mu
la's Bodrum district.

Gendarmarie Commander: Gen. Bekir Kalyoncu. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article