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

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

[01] Kucuk announced that according to the census' preliminary result the population in occupied areas is 294.906

[02] The Turkish Cypriot press describes the census result as a fiasco

[03] Cakici says the population census in the occupied area ended with a fiasco

[04] "KTAMS: 'The numbers of population are not in accord with reality'"

[05] Eroglu says the "people" have not assigned him with the duty to solve the Cyprus problem by giving to the Greek Cypriots whatever they want

[06] Exclusive statements by Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem

[07] Turkish MFA comments on the European Council Conclusions

[08] Turkish Energy Minister announces oil exploration in Cyprus to begin in 2 months

[09] Hakki Atun admits that they have committed mistakes on the issue of settling the population after the Turkish 1974 invasion of Cyprus

[10] Article proposes Turkish flag in Pentadaktylos Mountain as a sight-seeing attraction

[11] "Cyprus: No solution in sight"

[12] "Small countries join EU, big countries bargain"

[13] Romanian President urges EU to support Turkey

[14] Standoff in Turkish-Israeli relations in the Austrian capital

[15] Erdogan message to Qatar Forum: "No peace, stability in Mideast with dictators"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Main issues in today's Turkish dailies is the video message sent by the Turkish Premier, Erdogan to the UN's Alliance of Civilization's meeting in Qatar, statements by the Romanian President Traian Basescu prior to his visit to Turkey that Romania supports Turkey's EU bid, reports that Turkey's 2011 budget debate continues, reports that Erdogan is to chair the Council of Ministers meeting on December 16, statements by Gul on Turkish-Israel relations and the Turkey, Africa Commerce Bridge meeting which is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on December 16. About Cyprus, the Turkish press covers extensively the incidents occurred during the volleyball game between Galatasaray and Apollonas team and to the announcement of the preliminary results of December 4's population census which took place in the occupied area of Cyprus.

[01] Kucuk announced that according to the census' preliminary result the population in occupied areas is 294.906

Kibris writes that according to a written statement of the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk, there has been an 11.2% increase in the de-facto population, compared to the last population census that was conducted in 2006. Lefkosia is the most inhabited town, while Keryneia is coming second. Famagusta, which was the second inhabited town during the two previous censuses, is coming third.

According to the results, there are 98 thousand 739 persons living in Lefkosia, 72 thousand 284 persons living in Keryneia, 69 thousand 273 persons living in Famagusta, 31 thousand 254 persons living in Morfou and 23 thousand 356 persons living in the Trikomo region.

Compared to the 2006 census result, the population in Lefkosia was increased by 15.4%, the population in Keryneia was increased by 16.3%, the population in Famagusta was increased by 7.8%, the population in Trikomo was increased by 6.3% and the population in Morfou was increased only by 0.4%.

The paper notes that the de facto results cover all the persons who were within the "borders" of the breakaway regime the day the census was conducted.

Kucuk stated that 900 more persons were registered the days after the day the census was held on 4 December.

Finally, Kucuk who argued that the census was completed successfully, stated that the census results are very important for the occupation regime.

This was the third census for the occupation regime. The first census was conducted in 1996 and the second one in 2006.

[02] The Turkish Cypriot press describes the census result as a fiasco

Under the title "294.906: Is that all?" Yeni Duzen reports about the census and questions the credibility of the results. The paper's editor-in-chief Cenk Mutluyakali, publishes an analysis of the results and writes that the number of the persons living in the occupied areas is 161.373, the students under 18 are 45.373, the number of the persons between 0-4 year-old is 10.000, the number of the foreign students who study in the occupied areas is 33.425 and the workers with a work permit are 40.000. Tourists etc are 5.000. "So, we are coming to 295.000. That means that there are no illegal workers in the country!" Mutluyakali writes.

Under the title "Here are the census results: 294.906 and it is unbelievable", Afrika writes about the census results and notes: "We are not even 300.000", The paper further notes that the former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat estimated in 2005 that the population was 500.000 and the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk had estimated, that the population was more than 600.000. "The only real guessing came from the ambassador [Translator's note: The illegal Turkish ambassador to occupied Lefkosia] Halil Ibrahim Aksa, who estimated that the population is around 300.000", writes the paper.

Under the title "Figures that cause laughter", Kibrisli writes that the results of the census are different from the results seen in the streets of occupied Cyprus. The paper notes that every two persons in the occupied areas were counted as one and adds that the estimation about the population was that it is around 500.000.

Ortam reports on the issue under the title "Who believes it?" and writes that it is unbelievable that the number of the persons living in the occupied areas is so small.

Star Kibris writes that the first results of the census were announced and notes that the population in Keryneia has exploded while the lowest population increase was observed in Morfou.

Kibris reports on the issue under the title "Keryneia is the second city" and publishes the statement of the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk on the census.

Halkin Sesi: "We are not even 300.000!".

Bakis: "The population of the TRNC is 294.906".

Vatan: "The population is clear anymore".

Volkan: "The de-facto population is 294.906".

Haberdar reports on the issue under the title "Keryneia is now second".

Gunes: "The census results were announced by prime minister Kucuk: 294.906".

Havadis: "The total population is 294.906".

[03] Cakici says the population census in the occupied area ended with a fiasco

Noting that the de facto population was announced to be 294 thousand 906 persons with an increase of 11% or of 29.806 persons comparing to the population census of 2006, Cakici pointed out that the situation in the streets, the roads, the hospitals and the schools denies the numbers announced by the regime.

Cakici noted that they have many times said that the population census conducted last Sunday could not show the real numbers and structure of the population in occupied Cyprus and argued that they need an electronic system through which they would be able to have access to all information about a person by pressing a button. Cakici warned that as long as this is not done, it would not be possible to have correct numbers.

Cakici argued that the biggest mistake and deficiency was that they have not adopted an electronic system and this resulted in the people being closed in their houses once more.

Noting that because of the mistakes the population was not counted correctly, Cakici added: "It is not possible to accept as correct the numbers announced after a census conducted in such a manner. The numbers are wrong and incapable of showing the real number of our population".

Cakici said that the numbers which have been announced are an indication that the population census was a fiasco.

(I/Ts.)

[04] "KTAMS: 'The numbers of population are not in accord with reality'"

"Even with a simple calculation it comes out that these numbers are a lie", argued Kaptan, noting that in the "elections" of April 2009 the "voters" older than 18 years of age were 161.373. He said that the self-styled ministry of education announced that 40.000 persons receive pre-university education in the occupied area of Cyprus, while according to data given by the "Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council" (YODAK) more than 30.000 persons, except for the "TRNC citizens" have registered in the illegal universities in the occupied area of Cyprus. He went on and said that according to data given by the self-styled ministry of labor, 40.000 persons are employed in the occupied area after acquiring work "permit" and there are also about 40.000 soldiers with their families. Noting that if all these are taken into consideration the announcement of a population of 294.906 persons "could be nothing else but effort by the UBP government to deceive the people".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Eroglu says the "people" have not assigned him with the duty to solve the Cyprus problem by giving to the Greek Cypriots whatever they want

In statements on Saturday during a groundbreaking ceremony, Eroglu alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side has submitted proposals in order to force the Greek Cypriot side to come closer to the solution and claimed that the Greek Cypriot side must show the same flexibility for a solution.

Eroglu argued that the Turkish Cypriot "people" have not assigned him with the duty to "give whatever the Greek Cypriots want and solve the Cyprus problem". He reiterated that he carries out the negotiations for an agreement which will be protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people", and by which they will live in peace and security under Turkey's guarantees.

Referring to the tripartite summit to be held in New York on 22 January, Eroglu alleged that they would exert efforts for achieving an agreement at this stage, that they would exhibit their views on the table and that what would happen afterwards depends on the Greek Cypriot side.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Exclusive statements by Davutoglu on the Cyprus problem

Replying to Kibris' questions, Davutoglu referred to the ongoing Cyprus negotiation process under the auspices of the UN and accused the Greek Cypriot side of exerting efforts to prevent the progress of the process by giving several excuses. Davutoglu said that it would be better for the "Greek Cypriot leadership" to focus on the solution and not try to create unnecessary tensions.

Davutoglu stated that at all events, "motherland Turkey" will continue to secure the freedom, equality and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots. He added that Turkey, as a requirement of its conventional obligations which derive from international agreements and its responsibilities towards the Turkish Cypriots, will continue to provide any kind of support to the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to his recent contacts in the UK, Davutoglu said that together with his British counterpart, William Hague, they discussed the Cyprus problem in depth. Davutoglu stated that Turkey, as a guarantor power in Cyprus, like the UK, and at the same time, as motherland, fully supports the establishment of a new partnership state containing two founding states of equal status within the framework of the established UN parameters based on political equality and bizonality. He also said that Turkey will continue to support the solution process in Cyprus, adding that the "new partnership state", should continue to be the active and effective guarantees of Turkey. He added also that Turkey will continue to provide any kind of support to the "constructive efforts" exerted by the Turkish Cypriots towards the solution.

Davutoglu stated also that during his meeting in the UK with William Hague, he stressed the importance for a solution to be found to the Cyprus problem in 2012, so that the "new partnership state", to undertake the EU term Presidency. He then said that Turkey, together with the UK, as guarantor countries, are determined to continue their cooperation so that the ongoing negotiation process in Cyprus to be concluded successfully.

As regards the oil drilling activities of the Republic of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean, Davutoglu alleged that the "unilateral" as he called them, oil drilling activities of the Greek Cypriots on the island, without taking into consideration the Turkish Cypriot rights, are untimely and they have negatively affected the negotiation process.

Asked to evaluate the progress of the Cyprus negotiation talks, Davutoglu said that they consider that their goal for the establishment of a new partnership state by the first half of 2012 that will undertake the EU term presidency, could be realistic and attainable.

Asked to comment on how the situation will be in case that no solution is found to the Cyprus problem until 2012 and the Republic of Cyprus takes over the EU term presidency, Davutoglu reiterated that Turkey will not participate in the Working Group Meetings for EU Enlargement and Negotiating Countries.

[07] Turkish MFA comments on the European Council Conclusions

Turkey's relations with the EU cover half a century. Turkey is fully cognizant of and duly respects the institutional structure of the EU. However, the problem at hand is not of Turkey's making.

We would like to recall that the situation surrounding the Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2012 results from political miscalculation and mistake made with regard to the 2004 enlargement. [...]

Therefore, Turkey deeply regrets the statements in paragraph 14 of the Conclusions of the European Council. [...]"

The statement also recalled Turkey's stance with regard to the Conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 5 December 2011 as previously communicated to the public. Additionally it reiterated Turkey's allegedly "sincere desire for a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus in the coming months" and asked for signs of "good will" from the EU by "putting more pressure on the Greek Cypriots."

[08] Turkish Energy Minister announces oil exploration in Cyprus to begin in 2 months

The minister told reporters following a meeting held in Kayseri that the direction for oil exploration is shifting from the Black Sea region to the Mediterranean region and that the results from seismic searches near occupied Famagusta were combined and are being evaluated. He noted that in addition to new oil companies, the Royal Dutch Shell Oil Company will also be included in a deal to find and produce oil in occupied Famagusta.

Yildiz had announced in November that the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) had signed a joint deal with Royal Dutch Shell for the exploration and joint production of oil and natural gas off Turkey's Mediterranean shores as well as onshore in Turkey's south-eastern region. He said the joint deal with Shell in the Mediterranean would only include drilling off Antalya's coast. However, the drilling in occupied Famagusta could also include a partnership with Shell, according to his speech on Friday.

Yildiz also signed a protocol to build a department of nuclear physics at Erciyes University in Kayseri, and talked about sending 50 students each year to Russia in order to educate them on the use of nuclear power. He said these students would be trained at nuclear power plants and gain further knowledge about the nuclear energy sector. He added that over 400 students would be sent in seven years to provide the labour force needed for the country.

[09] Hakki Atun admits that they have committed mistakes on the issue of settling the population after the Turkish 1974 invasion of Cyprus

In statements to journalist Mete Tumerkan, Atun said that actually Varosha had been set aside for being given to Turkish Cypriots from Pafos or Limassol, and explained why this did not happen. Atun noted that this situation changed after the then "minister" of housing Ismet Kotak went to Turkey and signed an agreement.

Atun noted: "I remember that the event of population coming from Turkey has been realized with the great enthusiasm and initiative of esteemed Kotak during those days. Mr Kotak went to Turkey and signed an agreement. And he said that with that agreement those who would come from Turkey would have settled in Varosha. However, according to the first decision, people from Pafos and Limassol would have settled in Varosha".

(I/Ts.)

[10] Article proposes Turkish flag in Pentadaktylos Mountain as a sight-seeing attraction

The article also notes that the breakaway regime with its four main cities Lefkosia, Keryneia, Famagusta and Trikomo [which are under Turkish occupation] reminds of a time tunnel, where you can see marks form bullets in the buffer zone. It also mentions the St. Barnabas monastery in occupied Famagusta, which has been turned into an archaeological and icons museum.

[11] "Cyprus: No solution in sight"

"[...] A solution on the island seems so far away that when Alexander Downer, special representative for UN, stated recently in a television interview that a federal solution would be no longer on the agenda, neither side reacted. However, all this does not mean that efforts towards finding a solution will completely stop. The Turkish [Cypriot] side surely wants to free itself from the international isolation imposed upon it, and the Greek [Cypriot] side is not at all giving up its claims on property in the north. There are some who believe that the rich natural gas reserves under the Mediterranean will induce all parties and all major international players to reach a solution on the island. Another optimistic view is that if Nicos Anastasiades wins the presidential elections in February 2013, no one should be surprised when he agrees on a settlement with Eroglu on the following terms: A loose federation with Turkey as guarantor for the North, Greece for the South, and the EU for the entirety of Cyprus. It looks like hopes for a solution on the island are postponed until at least February 2013."

[12] "Small countries join EU, big countries bargain"

"Small countries are joining the EU, but big countries are bargaining," Gul said when replying to a question at the Fourth Edition of the World Policy Conference in Vienna, Austria. Gul said Turkey's real aim was to conclude the negotiation process successfully, and then it may decide not to join the union, just like Norway.

Gul said Turkey was a G-20 country, and asked how many EU member countries were also member of the G-20. "Only three or four of them, and therefore this should be evaluated well," Gul also said.

[13] Romanian President urges EU to support Turkey

In an exclusive interview with Today's Zaman on the eve of his state visit to Turkey, which begins on Monday, Basescu said the "EU needs Turkey as much as Turkey needs the EU." Reiterating his country's strong support for Turkey's membership bid to the EU, the Romanian President said, "In [our] relations with our European colleagues, we continue to advocate the need for the EU to send more positive signals to Turkey."

"Turkey brings an important contribution and is an important actor in the union's wider neighborhood, playing an active role in this year's events in the Middle East and Northern Africa," Basescu noted, adding that he welcomes the European Commission's proposal for a positive agenda of priorities with Ankara, recently endorsed by the European Council, which envisages boosting the current negotiation process with Turkey in areas of common interest.

Dismissing suggestions that Turkey does not belong in the EU, the Romanian President argued that Turkey has proven on many occasions its European vocation. "Its history has long been intertwined with that of Europe, while European values are part of the country's identity," Basescu said while praising Turkey's dynamic economy, which has been geared towards substantial trade and investment links with the EU.

The Romanian President is expected to attend the Romanian-Turkish Business Forum, to be held in Istanbul on Tuesday.

[14] Standoff in Turkish-Israeli relations in the Austrian capital

Austrian President Heinz Fischer was set to host a luncheon in honour of heads of state and government participating in the Fourth Edition of the World Policy Conference in Vienna, and Turkish President Abdullah Gul was expected to attend it.

However, Gul did not participate in the luncheon after he had learned that Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak would also take part in the luncheon. Gul did not take part in the family photograph due to the same reason. Instead he visited a neighbourhood where overwhelmingly Turks were living.

Also, Barak and an accompanying Israeli delegation left the conference hall just before Gul delivered a speech.

[15] Erdogan message to Qatar Forum: "No peace, stability in Mideast with dictators"

Erdogan also slammed Israel without mentioning its name, and said without its state terror, peace and stability will not come to the region. He recalled the previous gathering of the Alliance of Civilizations in Rio last year, which followed an Israeli lethal raid into Mavi Marmara ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza to breach the Gaza blockade Turkey says is illegal.

Erdogan also expressed his disappointment over a US decision to cut off funding for the UN cultural agency because it approved a Palestinian bid for full membership.

Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay, who is representing Erdogan in the conference, met with UN chief Ban Ki-moon in Doha, where the Secretary-General urged additional financial assistance to the Alliance of Civilizations.

In a statement released by UN spokesperson's office, Ban had talks with Atalay and Spanish deputy Prime Minister Manuel Chavez. The statement said the officials discussed ways to increase the funding of the initiative and complete ongoing projects.

The statement also added that the officials discussed possible repercussions of the Arab Spring on the Alliance of Civilization project and that they agreed that the Alliance is a significant project that needs to be advanced.

Atalay told reporters following his meeting with Ban that he had very useful talks with the Secretary-General. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

EG/

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