Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-01-17

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

[01] Eroglu vows that he will not abandon his state

[02] The Azeri foreign minister attends the funeral of Rauf Denktas

[03] British High Commissioner sends Eroglu a message of condolences for Denktas death

[04] Davutoglu met with Downer

[05] Turkeys Finance Minister gives figures on Turkeys economy

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

The main issue in todays Turkish dailies is the funeral of former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas, as well as the participation of Turkeys President Abdullah Gul, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chief of General Staff Gen. Ozel, leaders of the Turkish political parties and many Turkish officials. Turkish dailies also report on the meeting of Davutoglu with Downer on the Cyprus talks, as well as statements by Turkish Foreign Ministrys official Selcuk Unal on a Russian vessel, which allegedly carried weapons from Cyprus to Syria.

[01] Eroglu vows that he will not abandon his state

Eroglu argued that what made Denktas the man he was, are his efforts to drag Turkey into the Cyprus problem, the establishment of the terrorist TMT organization and his insistence to bring a commander from Turkey to head this organization in order to avoid possible quarrels among the Turkish Cypriots, the fact that he was not deceived by late President Makarios on the issue of making constitutional amendments in 1963, his upright stance during the negotiations process which started in 1968, his efforts for a Turkish military intervention in the island after the coup of 15 July 1974, the declaration of the TRNC, breakaway regime, on 15 November 1983 and his belief in the continuation of the TRNC until he died.

Addressing Denktas, Eroglu said: Our founding president, our eternal leader, be at ease. No one will ever make me and our people step back from the existence of the state. Absolutely no pressure, no promise will be able to make us refrain from supporting bi-zonality, the existence of the two peoples and the continuation of Turkeys active and effective guarantees.

Eroglu argued that few leaders in the world have been loved and respected by their people like Rauf Denktas. Recalling the words of Denktas that he wanted to be remembered as the person who secured the Turkish army stepping foot in Cyprus again, Eroglu noted: We understand the importance of these words and we will continue with determination to do whatever is necessary.

(I/Ts.)

[02] The Azeri Foreign Minister attends the funeral of Rauf Denktas

Moreover, the Haberdar reports that the Azeri Minister of Foreign Affairs Nazim Ibrahimov is among those who are illegally visiting the occupied area of Cyprus in order to participate in the funeral of Rauf Denktas.

In statements to Haberdar, Ibrahimov said: Denktas place in the Turkish world has always been distinct. He added: He put his heart into his people living in a sovereign state. We have come to participate in the funeral of esteemed president and to share the deep sorrow of the Azeri people because of his death. We have come to convey the prayers and the sorrow of the Azeri people to esteemed president. He is always in Azerbaijans heart.

(I/Ts.)

[03] British High Commissioner sends Eroglu a message of condolences for Denktas death

The paper writes that Mathew Kidd, the British High Commissioner to Lefkosia, has sent a message of condolences to the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu for the death of Rauf Denktas. According to Eroglus office, Kidd expressed his sorrow for Denktas death and described Denktas as a special person. He noted that he had the opportunity to see Denktas hospitality, passion and brightness during the first term of his service on the island and during his current term as well by talking to the late Turkish Cypriot leader.

Meanwhile, under the title Great gesture, Kibris (17.01.12) reports that the command of the British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus has given a paid day off today to the Turkish Cypriot employees in order for them to be able to participate in Rauf Denktas funeral.

In statements to Kibris, some employees said they were very touched by this gesture, noting that perhaps it is the first time that administration does something like this.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Foreign Minister warns of Cyprus miss

Ankara urged Downer to schedule a multilateral conference with the participation of guarantor states during the New York meeting, according to the paper.

During his meeting with Downer, Davutoglu also noted the flexible stance of Turkish Cypriots while pursuing Cyprus talks, diplomatic sources said.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Sabah (17.01.12) reports that during the meetings with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Beirut and Bans special adviser in Cyprus Alexander Downer in Ankara, Davutoglu alleged that the Greek Cypriot administration, as he refers to the Republic of Cyprus, sent intentionally weapons to Syria. Davutoglu also informed Downer that during a search in a Russian vessel documents showed that 60 ton of dangerous cargo was unloaded. He added that according to the vessels documents the 60 ton of dangerous cargo was unloaded in Syria before docking to Alexandretta port.

In a statement to the paper, Turkeys Foreign Ministry spokesperson Selcuk Unal claimed: The ship, which took permission from the Greek Cypriot sector to transfer munitions to Syria, docked at the port of Iskenderun (Alexandretta) two days ago. Turkish customs officials finished yesterday the inspection of the vessel. In the documents appears that 59 thousands 422 kg of dangerous cargo was unloaded at Tartus port.

[05] Turkeys Finance Minister gives figures on Turkeys economy

Referring to Turkeys economy, Simsek said that Turkey saw its budget deficit plunge by an impressive 56.5 percent last year over 2010, adding that the worst of problems due to a eurozone crisis was now over.

The minister attributed a better than expected budget performance to a noticeable increase in the state's income last year, mostly due to an increase in tax collection.

Turkey's budget recorded a $9.36 billion deficit last year, around half of the $18.03 billion annual target. Turkey collected 20.5 % more in taxes over the past year, resulting in a total of $136.6 billion.

The country enjoyed a 16.4 % rise in overall budget income last year in comparison to 2010, resulting in a budget deficit of 1.4 % of gross domestic product (GDP). The minister recalled that this figure was 11.5 % in 2002.

Highlighting that the government allocated $6.3 billion to relief efforts following an earthquake in the southeastern province of Van, Simsek said the budget deficit could have been far below the current level had Van not represented an urgent financial need. The deficit could have totalled 0.5 % of GDP if we exclude the money sent to Van.

Other figures support a strong performance: Turkeys primary surplus in 2011 was three times bigger than in 2010 and, totalling $13.3 billion, the Minister announced.

Referring to the ongoing debt crisis in the eurozone, the minister said the government believed the worst of the crisis was over, suggesting that recent positive signs from the US non-financial sector inject optimism into markets to some extent and we have faith that Turkey will maintain its growth potential despite external shocks.

According to Simsek, economic activity in Turkey will slow down this year in comparison to 2010, while the current account deficit (CAD) is expected to remain a major problem.

Simsek said the CAD would represent around 10% of GDP in 2012. Underlining that the government has the right tools to overcome possible external shocks, the minister said the strengthening of the Turkish Lira against foreign currencies and slowdown in domestic demand, would keep growing inflation under control. The growth in domestic demand is returning to desired levels. a strong macro-economic outlook and resilient banking sector will keep us secure amidst possible global fluctuations, Simsek added.

When asked about the central banks activities in economic markets, the minister said the Government appreciated efforts to maintain price stability in markets and emphasized that the central bank was independent in its acts.

The minister said 2012 will be a year in which the Government will implement a series of measures to maintain dynamism in the markets. The minister brought attention to an anticipated government incentive pack proposed, in response to fears that certain risks will undermine Turkeys growth over the coming months. Noting that studies were underway in preparation for the new incentive package, he said: The new measures will initially address the CAD, as well as offering packages to minimize differences in regional development. Second of all, new investments in high-competition sectors will be encouraged to help minimize unemployment.

Recalling that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) had earlier estimated 0.3 % higher growth for Europe in 2012 than in 2011, he said Turkish growth would be around 4 % in the same period: Recent figures show that our economic growth will be around 8% for 2011 The world economy grew by 5.1 % in 2010 and there are different predictions for 2011. According to the latest predictions, growth will probably be lower than 4 % in the global economy. It could be close to 3%.

Referring to plans to build a third bridge over Istanbuls Bosporus Strait, Simsek said public involvement in this project was the last option on the table, adding: We are placing priority on ensuring the project is undertaken by the private sector. If no offers are received from private companies then we will start to discuss handing it over to the public, he said.

The call for tenders for the contract to build the third bridge was not concluded last week due to a lack of offers from construction companies. However, government officials expressed a determination to go ahead with the project despite the setbacks. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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