Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-08-10

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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] Kucuk alleges that the Republic of Cyprus could not carry out alone oil and natural gas explorations in the Mediterranean Sea

[02] Yorgancioglu remembered the rights of the Turkish Cypriots in the Republic of Cyprus; Reference to the explorations for oil and natural gas

[03] Angolemli says that Turkey's policy is to increase the population in the occupied area of Cyprus; Reactions on the white "identity card" issue

[04] Kucuk met with a delegation of CCPIT

[05] Turkish Cypriot "ministers" comment on the economy

[06] The "ministry of transportation and communication" calls the Republic of Cyprus to cooperate on the air traffic control

[07] So-called minister of education explains the all-day education project

[08] Davutoglu's statements after meeting with the Syrian President

[09] CHP, BDP react to AKP's policy towards Syria

[10] Turkey's Finance Minister said that Turkey will not experience long term economic problems

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Main issue in today's Turkish dailies is the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu to Syria and his 6 hours meeting with Syrian President Basar Al Assad to whom it sent messages that Syria must put an end to the massacre and make democratic reforms. Other issues highlighted are Davutoglu's statements during his return from Syria, statements by Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan after an economic summit which took place at his office that the economic crisis will not have a permanent impact on Turkey's economy. On Cyprus, Turkish daily Hurriyet publishes a report about the UN Secretary General's report on Cyprus which is to be announced soon.

[01] Kucuk alleges that the Republic of Cyprus could not carry out alone oil and natural gas explorations in the Mediterranean Sea

Replying to a question regarding the Republic of Cyprus's explorations for oil and natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea, Kucuk said:

"Turkey's reaction is very clear against these manoeuvres which the Greek Cypriots claim that they will start in the end of September. In any case, our reaction against such unilateral fait accomplis is always there. What we see here is actually a climate of panic in the Greek Cypriot side. Their motherland, which they trusted very much, has gone bankrupt economically. It has collapsed. We see that the same situation is step by step happening in south Cyprus. The Government is in economic crisis and it was forced to resign. The Greek Cypriot people are in the streets. We are actually watching the sad end of a community that has been used to living without producing. In contrary to this, the guarantor of the Turks of Cyprus, motherland Turkey exhibits a great growth in every field and mainly in the economy. Turkey has become one of the few countries which guide the world. The Greek Cypriots are trying to cover up the pressure they started experiencing in every field by turning the attention of their public opinion to other directions. I see this as a manoeuvre to divert the public opinion. The Greek Cypriots do not have enough power to do this job alone. And some big powers, the backing of which they think they will acquire, could not come face to face with Turkey at this stage. Who will say anything to Turkey?"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Yorgancioglu remembered the rights of the Turkish Cypriots in the Republic of Cyprus; Reference to the explorations for oil and natural gas

In a written statement issued yesterday by CTP's press office, it is noted that Yorgancioglu commented on matters which are on the agenda speaking on a television program yesterday.

Responding to a question on the explorations for oil and natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea by the Republic of Cyprus, Yorgancioglu said that the Republic of Cyprus is an internationally recognized state and therefore its actions are legal according to the international law. However, he described as "behavior contrary to the 1960 agreements" the fact that these explorations are held without the permission and the approval of the Turkish Cypriots, who are equal partners of the Republic of Cyprus and without any profit for them. He argued that the Turkish Cypriots have rights in the Republic of Cyprus and therefore any initiatives before the solution of the Cyprus problem "include approaches that will create tension between the two sides". "The solution of the Cyprus problem is important from this point of view as well and perhaps the solution of the problem should be speeded up for this reason", he added.

Referring to the reactions of Turkey on this matter, Yorgancioglu expressed the view that Turkey will not be able to do many things on this issue. He recalled that the company which will carry out the explorations for oil and natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea is an American company and argued that since the USA protects its company, Turkey will not go too far.

Responding to a question regarding Turkey's statement that it will freeze its relations with the European Union (EU) in case the Republic of Cyprus takes over the EU term presidency before the solution of the Cyprus problem, Yorgancioglu expressed the view that it is not right for such a small country such as Cyprus to have so much influence in the EU. He recalled Turkey's political and economic relations with the EU and pointed out that no one refers to the price that Turkey will be forced to pay when it freezes its relations with the Union. "Why Turkey should enter into such a great economic difficulty? Instead of doing this, if it is focused on the solution of the Cyprus problem and the problem is solved, this difficulty will not be experienced", he added.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Angolemli says that Turkey's policy is to increase the population in the occupied area of Cyprus; Reactions on the white "identity card" issue

In statements yesterday on a program of Kibris TV, Tokel said that this mentality could not continue and added that they had invited the officials of that hotel and demanded from them to make a step on the issue of employing local staff. He noted that the participants in the meeting complained that the Cypriots want to work less and receive higher salaries.

"While we have more than 10 thousand unemployed young people in our country, we cannot accept such situation", he said and noted that 42 thousand foreigners are employed with "work permit" in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Tokel noted that according to the migration records, the number of the unregistered workers was around 35 thousands 2.5 years ago. Tokel argued that amnesty should be given for the last time, but this time they should be serious on this issue.

"If you want the number of the illegal and the unregistered persons as well the number of tourists, this could be established", he added noting that things could not be improved only by changing "rules and regulations" every day.

Tokel pointed out to the importance of holding a population census in the occupied part of Cyprus in 2011.

In statements at the same program, Ertugrul Hasipoglu, general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), said that robberies constitute a big problem for the occupied area of Cyprus and added that a house in his own neighbourhood was robbed recently. Referring the issue of white and green "identity card", he noted that amnesty to illegal workers was given in the past by the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) as well. "We should not be contented with the amnesty. First of all, holding a population census is a must", he argued noting that this census will be held in the end of 2011 or in the beginning of 2012. Hasipoglu said that in case those who illegally live in the occupied area of Cyprus are not sent away after the population census, this census will be meaningless.

In statements at the same program, Huseyin Angolemli, "deputy" with the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that the doors of the occupied area of Cyprus are wide open because of the right [of the persons from Turkey] to enter by showing only their identity card. He noted that when they conveyed the issue to Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan during his recent illegal visit to Cyprus, he told them that "the transfer of population from Turkey to the TRNC should continue". Angolemli said that Turkey's policy is to increase the population in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Kucuk met with a delegation of CCPIT

According to information acquired by the "prime ministry", Wang Chunrong, chairman of CCPIT in Eurasia region stated during the meeting that they are visiting the "TRNC" in order to establish trade ties.

Expressing his pleasure over the fact that they are in the occupied area, Chunrong further said that in order to strengthen the ties of the two "countries", some cities of China could twinned with some cities in the "TRNC".

Also speaking, Kucuk expressed the belief that they could develop light industry projects in China and cooperate on several issues.

As the paper writes, during the meeting, self-styled minister of transportation and communication Hamza Ersan Saner, so-called minister of finance Ersin Tatar, so-called minister of tourism and environment Unal Uster and so called deputy prime minister Omer Koseoglu were also present at the meeting.

(AK)

[05] Turkish Cypriot "ministers" comment on the economy

Evaluating the status of the breakaway regime's economy, Atun said that they are in the right track with the economic measures they have taken. In order to justify his position, he compared figures from the Republic of Cyprus and said: "The per capita debt deficit of the Greek Cypriot administration [as he referred to the Republic of Cyprus] is 1.447 Turkish Liras (TL), while TRNC's is 395 TL, meaning it is 3,5 times bigger. Our budget deficit will subside in 2012. The Greek Cypriot administration's deficit amounts to 6% of their GDP; TRNC's is 3.1, two times smaller."

Atun also said that they had better growth figures than the Republic of Cyprus since in 2009 they had 5%, in 2010 3.8% and they expect economic growth for 2011 4.5%-5%

Additionally, illegal Bayrak television (09.08.11, online) reports that Ersin Tatar so-called finance minister has said that the breakaway regime, which has a small and closed economy, will not be affected much by the latest global economic crisis. Speaking on Bayrak Haber's economy program, Tatar said there has been some discontent in the markets amid fears that the US-led crisis will drag on.

"Many negative developments around the world had negative reflections on the Turkish Lira but there are no concerns about the Turkish economy. The TRNC, which has a small and closed economy, will not experience a major crisis" Tatar said.

[06] The "ministry of transportation and communication" calls the Republic of Cyprus to cooperate on the air traffic control

As the paper writes, the "ministry of transportation and communication" accused the "Greek Cypriot administration" as it called the Republic of Cyprus for trying to hide its ineffectiveness on the issue of the air traffic control by accusing and slandering the "TRNC". Nevertheless, the statement underlines that, the "TRNC" since 1977 provides effective and secure air traffic services to the airplanes which land and depart from the ports of the "TRNC advisory airspace".

The "ministry" underlines also in the statement that the "Ercan air traffic control centre" will continue providing secure and high quality services with the latest technology devices it has. It then refers to the implementation of a system called SMART (Air Traffic Control System) which was implemented in 2009, supporting that the "north Cyprus airspace" has reached the highest level of technical and technological security.

The "ministry" in its statement stresses also that the "TRNC" is in the position to provide services at almost any level to the "south Cyprus Airspace" if it is asked.

The "ministry", through its written statement, expressed also the readiness of so-called minister Ersan Saner to meet with the Greek Cypriot Transportation Minister in order to explain to him in detail the SMART system.

The written statement refers then to the news report published on August 7 by Associated Press from Nicosia that "the existence of two separate traffic control centres in Cyprus is an element that could create dangers" and the "ministry" claims that the "TRNC air traffic control centre" from the day of its establishment expressed its readiness to cooperate with the south neighbors in every field. However, if there is no communication among the two air traffic control centres, the "Greek Cypriot administration" is the only responsible for this, concludes the statement by the "ministry".

(AK)

[07] So-called minister of education explains the all-day education project

In his statements, Durust, inter alia, said that they started preparations for the all-day education at schools and added that he carried out contacts in Ankara the previous week and asked for material and moral support from Turkey.

Durust said that the educational system in the occupied area needs reforms and said that these reforms will be launched with the implementation of the all-day education system at schools.

Saying that the cost for the all-day education is high, Durust added that they need at minimum 20 million Lira for this.

Referring to his contacts in Turkey, Durust said that in Ankara they held not only face to face contacts but also there were contacts among the delegations. Durust said that he discussed in detail the issue with Besir Atalay, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs, and with Omer Dincler, National Education Minister, adding that both the Ministry and the Government stated that they will contribute to the all-day education project. Durust then added that this project is not possible to be implemented without the financial support of Turkey.

Stressing that there is a lot of preparation that is necessary to be done for the implementation of the project, Durust said that they set as a goal a period of about 13 months and added that the goal is for the project to be implemented in 2012 in primary and secondary schools.

(AK)

[08] Davutoglu's statements after meeting with the Syrian President.

"The steps to be taken in the coming days are important," Davutoglu told reporters after his return from Damascus. "We hope measures will be taken to stop the bloodshed." Turkey's objective is an immediate end to the bloodshed, he said, adding that Turkey hoped for a peaceful transition in Syria resulting for the Syrian people determining their own future.

Davutoglu, who is due to report to the Government about his talks with Assad, was unwilling to reveal much about what was discussed. "We, in the clearest and most open manner, shared with President Assad the measures that could be taken to prevent confrontations between the army and people and events similar to those in Hama," Davutoglu said, describing the marathon talks he had as frank and friendly.

The Turkish Foreign Minister also underlined that the messages he conveyed to Assad were those of Turkey's, not any other third countries, dismissing charges at home that he visited Syria on behalf of the US. "I want to emphasize, as a matter of principle, that I only convey considerations by our President, the Prime Minister and the Government," Davutoglu said, when reminded of a phone conversation he had had with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ahead of his visit.

Meanwhile, the paper reports that Syria pursued an army offensive despite Davutoglu's visit. Syrian forces killed at least five civilians and moved into a town near the Turkish border yesterday, activists and witnesses said, even as Turkey's Foreign Minister pressed President Assad to halt assaults on protests against his rule.

[09] CHP, BDP react to AKP's policy towards Syria

"Foreign policy cannot be based on romanticism. We are border neighbors with Syria. ? We should pursue more consistent policies," main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal K1
l1
cdaroglu told reporters on Tuesday as he commented on the Government's recently toughened stance with regards to the spiralling death toll in Syria in a bloody Government crackdown on protestors.

He recalled recent remarks by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said that Syria is a matter of internal affairs for Turkey. "The Prime Minister is saying that Syria is an internal affair and that Turkey ran out of patience on the Syria issue. What will the Government do then? Is it going to conduct a military operation? The Prime Minister should explain why Turkey ran out of patience," the CHP leader said.

When asked about Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's Damascus visit on Tuesday to meet with President Bashar al-Assad, K1
l1
cdaroglu said it is okay for the Minister to travel to Syria. "We do not oppose his visit to Syria. He should have talks. He should say that stronger initiatives should be taken. Turkey should contribute to this. We have no problem with this. The problem is that Turkey has been displaying a pro-intervention approach," he added.

Noting that Syria is not an ordinary Arab country but has a key role for Turkey, K1
l1
cdaroglu said that any kind of unrest there directly influences Turkey. "The AKP Government will be responsible if the unrest in Syria spreads to Turkey. Turkey is not pursuing an independent foreign policy. It is following the policy of sovereign powers. Millions of Muslims died in Iraq. Did they ever say that 'Iraq is our internal affair'?" K1
l1
cdaroglu asked.

Also, pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) leader Selahattin Demirtas criticized the Government on the Syria issue and accused the Prime Minister of "almost deciding to start a war against Syria on his own." "The Prime Minister is saying that they ran out of patience. What does it mean if a country says it has run out patience with its neighbour? It means we can wage a war against Syria. He is neither asking the Parliament nor the public. He is about to declare war on Syria on his own," he said.

Demirtas also slammed Foreign Minister Davutoglu's visit to Syria saying that he travelled to Syria "not only as the Foreign Minister of Turkey, but also as an envoy of the US."

[10] Turkey's Finance Minister said that Turkey will not experience long term economic problems

Before the meeting, Babacan said that they will review future policy measures, adding: "When we look at economic figures, we see that Turkey's economy is totally sound. It is sound and strong like a rock. There is not any problem," and added that Turkey is a model country with its low interest and inflation rates.

Meanwhile, Turkey's Finance Minister said that Turkey would not experience long lasting difficulties as the country has a sound basis while commenting on the developments regarding the world economy and markets.

"Turkey is on a firm footing, but it is not an island. Of course there may be an interaction but it is important that a long lasting difficulty will not be experienced," Simsek told reporters.

"We were affected to some extent in 2008-2009, but a lasting difficulty was not experienced. As Turkey's macroeconomic basis is strong, it got rid of the crisis quickly. We also displayed a very good performance than other countries in the world," he said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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