Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-12-02

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

[01] Statements by Eroglu on the Cyprus talks and on the upcoming census

[02] Yorgancioglu attributes to the behaviour of the "government" the mistrust for the population census

[03] "Talat: 'Eroglu does not want a solution'"

[04] Akansoy says Turkish officials' statements regarding the Taiwanese model for Cyprus do not contribute to the solution

[05] Bagis insists on calling the Republic of Cyprus "a semi-state"

[06] "Davutoglu slams EU decision not to invite Turkey to Syria meeting"

[07] "Property commission's" mandate to be extended

[08] Former employees of "KTHY" ended their 407-day long protest after Kucuk promised employment to 60 persons

[09] Tourists who visit the occupied area spend 200-500 euro during their stay

[10] "Turkish Cypriot Culture House" to be reopened in Istanbul

[11] Turkish President says OK to open Dersim tragedy archives

[12] Turkey makes record export to some African countries in November

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

US Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Turkey, the situation in Syria and exchange of arguments between Ahmet Davutoglu and the Syrian Foreign Minister, the ongoing investigation in Germany related to the death of 8 Turks, reports on yesterday's attack to the Topkapi palace and other internal stories are covered in today's Turkish Press.

[01] Statements by Eroglu on the Cyprus talks and on the upcoming census

Eroglu also said that they exchanged papers regarding these issues, adding that during Monday's meeting they will evaluate the reciprocal papers in detail.

Referring to the population census that will take place this Sunday, Eroglu called on all "citizens" to take part in the census and cooperate as "this will remove all questions regarding the population" in the occupied area of Cyprus and have a positive affect during the Cyprus talks. He also said that 7 UN observers taking part in the census will remove all doubts regarding the population in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (02.12.11) reports that Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu briefed yesterday the so-called MPs at the "TRNC assembly" on the latest stage reached at the Cyprus talks.

In a statement after the briefing, Eroglu said that the meeting was a meaningful one. He also added that it appeared that they have the same thoughts with the political parties represented in the so-called assembly on many issues.

[02] Yorgancioglu attributes to the behaviour of the "government" the mistrust for the population census

In a written statement issued yesterday, Yorgancioglu said that knowing the population in a country is important for planning, and added that the practices of the "government" raised doubts as regards the census.

Noting that CTP, as the main "opposition" party, is very sensitive on the issue of the population census, Yorgancioglu added that mistrust for the results of the census is created due to the allegations that some of the employees who will be employed in the census are foreigners, and that the employees are urged not to register persons even if they are at home as long as they do not make a declaration themselves.

Yorgancioglu said that the population is an important chapter in the Cyprus negotiations and argued that such a census, which causes doubts, will create troubles to the (Turkish Cypriot) negotiating delegation.

(I/Ts.)

[03] "Talat: 'Eroglu does not want a solution'"

In statements to AS TV yesterday, Talat noted that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu does not dream of a solution and wants the recognition of a separate state in Cyprus.

Referring to the statements made recently regarding the implementation of the Taiwanese model in Cyprus, Talat argued that this is not an appropriate model for the Turkish Cypriots and added that this model cannot substitute the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Referring to the economic situation in the occupied area of Cyprus, Talat said that unemployment is the most important problem and pointed out that many shops are closing down. He noted that the solution of the Cyprus problem is necessary for the improvement of the Turkish Cypriot economy.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Akansoy says Turkish officials' statements regarding the Taiwanese model for Cyprus do not contribute to the solution

In statements yesterday, Akansoy commented on the statement made by Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator, Egemen Bagis, who referred to the Taiwanese model and the opening of Turkish sea and airports to Cypriot vessels and airplanes "if an airplane of Lufthansa lands" in the illegal Tymvou airport.

Akansoy described these statements as "statements which have not been raised on serious arguments and will not contribute to the solution". He pointed out that the statements were made by Turkey's EU Minister and not the Foreign Minister. He noted that it is obvious that the aim is to intimidate the Greek Cypriots. Akansoy expressed the view that it would be more meaningful for the Turkish Cypriot side to concentrate on the negotiations and take initiatives rather than making such statements.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Bagis insists on calling the Republic of Cyprus "a semi-state"

Bagis argued that the Republic of Cyprus would save at least 30 million Euro if Turkey opened its air space to Cypriot vessels.

Bagis said Turkey used to open its ports to Cypriot vessels until 1987, and this did not mean recognition. "Even if we open our ports in coming days, this does not mean that we recognize that 'semi-state'," he added.

Bagis said similarly, "If EU member states launched direct trade with the TRNC and Luftansa, Air France or British Airways operated direct flights to Ercan airport [editor's note: illegal airport of Tymbou in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus], this should not be interpreted as a diplomatic recognition but evaluated as a commercial relationship".

"Let them send commercial ships and planes to TRNC, and we will open our ports to Greek Cypriot ship for commercial purposes," Bagis said.

Bagis alleged the Greek Cypriots should put forth radical and reasonable solution proposals instead of returning solution proposals.

The Minister expressed hope that Greece, as a guarantor state, would put pressure on the Republic of Cyprus and make recommendations.

"We hope that comprehensive peace initiatives, carried out by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, will bear positive fruit before July 2012", Bagis said.

Bagis said: "Thus, a reunified Cyprus Republic, based on political equality and representing the entire island, will undertake the rotating EU presidency in July 2012, instead of a state representing half of the island."

"Then, we will be pleased to cooperate with that new Cyprus state," Bagis also said.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes (02.12.11) reports that asked whether there is a reply to his proposal for "Taiwan model" the Cyprus, Bagis argued that as it happened until today, the Greek Cypriot side gave an extremely "cold and negative" response to this proposal, as far as the Greek Cypriot press has reported. Bagis also said: "Actually, it would be na?ve to expect anything different from them".

[06] "Davutoglu slams EU decision not to invite Turkey to Syria meeting"

"Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu harshly criticized the European Union on Thursday for its decision not to invite Turkey for talks on Syria, saying the 27-nation bloc bowed to pressure from a 'capricious' small country.

EU heavyweight France announced on Monday that it asked its EU partners to invite non-member Turkey to a foreign ministerial meeting in Brussels on Syria on Thursday, apparently acknowledging Turkey's active involvement in the formation of a united stance against the Syrian regime at global level. But the Turkish participation was blocked when Greek Cyprus [editor's note: Republic of Cyprus] raised objections, according to Turkish officials.

'The EU bowed to the whim of a small country. I don't know if I might be able to join if I am invited to a new meeting on Syria because I have a busy schedule', Davutoglu told journalists accompanying him on a visit to Germany. In addition to France, Germany and the United Kingdom also supported the Turkish participation in the meeting, Davutoglu said.

The foreign minister also recounted that he had a phone conversation with his German counterpart, Guido Westerwelle, who, he said, sounded 'apologetically' over the diplomatic setback. Davutoglu told the German minister that Turkey had not requested to attend the meeting on Syria and that it was ready to join because the three main countries of the EU had asked for its participation. (?)"

[07] "Property commission's" mandate to be extended

Moreover, noting that the mandate of the "commission" will end on 21 December 2011, Mapolar said that the "legal and political affairs committee" of the "assembly" of the breakaway regime decided the day before yesterday to extend this mandate for another two years. He also explained the procedure that is followed and said that if a party is not content with the arbitration of the "commission" and the proposed settlement, they can go to "court". He reminded that persons cannot go directly to the European Court of Human Rights, before they exhaust all the "internal judicial procedures." However, he noted that so far only three cases appealed to the "Higher Administrative Court" of the breakaway regime, which approved the "commission's decision."

[08] Former employees of "KTHY" ended their 407-day long protest after Kucuk promised them employment to 60 persons

After this development, the "resistance tent" which was place for 407 days in front of the head offices of the "Turkish Cypriot Airlines" by the former employees who were protesting against losing their jobs, was removed with Kucuk's help.

According to the paper, Kucuk promised that within the year 2012, all the former employees of KTHY will be employed.

[09] Tourists who visit the occupied area spend 200-500 euro during their stay

According to the poll, 58% of the tourists spend 200-500 euro during their stay in the occupied area, 25% spend 500-1000 euro, 10% spend 100-200 and 6% more than 1000 euro.

In addition, 95% of the tourists are pleased with the hotels' hospitality, mostly due to the friendly and smiling faces of the hotel employees.

Asked about the places they visit the most in the occupied areas, 40% said Keryneia, 26% Lefkosia, 23% Bellapais, 21% Famagusta Port, 15% Ayios Illarion and 7% Salamina.

As regards the three things they like the most in occupied Cyprus, tourists listed the following: The people, the climate and the food. The thing they like the least is the pollution of the environment.

The paper writes that 68% of the respondents said that they will visit again the occupied area.

The opinion poll was conducted in October and November 2011 with a sample of 267 tourists who visited the occupied area with charter flights. The sample consists of 185 British, 51 Dutch, 16 Germans and 15 persons from other countries.

[10] "Turkish Cypriot Culture House" to be reopened in Istanbul

The "Turkish Cypriot Culture House" is part of the Turkish World Culture District that was established by the Istanbul Municipality in 2009.

Self-styled ministry of tourism, environment and culture made contributions for the renovation of the "Turkish Cypriot Culture House" in Istanbul.

According to a press release by self-styled ministry of tourism, environment and culture, so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk will attend the ceremony on Saturday.

So-called minister of tourism, environment and culture Unal Ustel and the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertugrul Gunay will be present at the ceremony.

The Culture House includes souvenirs that are part of the Turkish Cypriot culture, as cane chairs, chests, table cloths, baskets, lamps, old irons, and other handmade items.

[11] Turkish President says OK to open Dersim tragedy archives

"I believe it should not be a problem to open archives of [Dersim tragedy]," Gul said in a response to a question asked through a YouTube World View initiative.

Gul said Turkey's history is a big one and that there were "bad and good periods" in the history. He added that there were sad events in the history of Turkey which could not be justified by modern day human rights practises. "This is what I think based on information I accessed," Gul stressed.

On the other hand, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, whose party was ruling the country then, avoided a similar apology and said the issue must be left to historians to discuss not politicians.

[12] Turkey makes record export to some African countries in November

TIM made public export figures in November 2011, and said that Turkey's exports to Ethiopia were up 311%.

"Turkey's exports to South Africa rose by 229%, to Angola 206%, to Nigeria 199%, to Ghana 172% and to Kenya 142%," TIM said.

Turkey's exports to Iraq, Russia, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Azerbaijan rose the most in this month.

Turkey's exports to Iraq were up 46%, and Turkey's exports to Russia rose by 26% in this month. The rise in exports to the United States was 24%, and exports to United Arab Emirates were up 16%.

Exports to Egypt were up 35%, to China 25% and to Saudi Arabia 83%.

Moreover, Turkey's exports to European Union (EU) were on the rise. Exports to Germany were up 9% and exports to Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ukraine, Poland and Greece rose by 19, 12, 16, 28, 31, 18 and 8 per cent respectively. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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