Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-01-31

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

[01] US State Department strongly encourages the sides in Cyprus to remain at the negotiating table and evaluate the UN proposals

[02] Ozgurgun argues that Downer has psychologically been worn out during the Cyprus talks

[03] Yorgancioglu: "The reason for the rejection of the international conference is Eroglu"

[04] ICO's Parliamentary Union will reportedly express support to the "Turkish Cypriot State" in its resolution

[05] Cicek views the Turkish stance on the Cyprus problem at PUOIC

[06] Infrastructure works for oil drilling in occupied Cyprus have started yesterday

[07] The Communal Existence Movement begun a campaign for the solution of the Cyprus problem and for protecting the assets of the Turkish Cypriots

[08] US energy official met with Turkish energy firms in Istanbul

[09] Tourism revenue grew by one-tenth to $23 billion last year in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Reports about the continuing reactions by Turkish politicians on France's genocide bill, appeals by Turkey's human rights groups to the Turkish government to exercise political will in order to shed light on forced disappearances in the country, reports about the growth of the tourism revenue in Turkey and other internal issues are some of the main topics in today's Turkish newspapers.

[01] US State Department strongly encourages the sides in Cyprus to remain at the negotiating table and evaluate the UN proposals

Asked about the stance of the United States, if the process for reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem come to a deadlock and an international conference cannot take place, Spokeswoman Nuland said that the Cypriot-led process continues within the framework of the UN good offices mission for creating an environment for the reunification of the island under a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. "Last week the sides met under the auspices of the UN", she recalled adding that the US strongly encourages both sides to stay at the negotiating table and evaluate in the best manner the UN proposals for reaching a "strong, bi-zonal, bi-communal federation", which will secure a stable, successful and sound Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozgurgun argues that Downer has psychologically been worn out during the Cyprus talks

In statements to illegal Bayrak television, Ozgurgun evaluated yesterday the tripartite summit held recently at Greentree and claimed that the Greek Cypriot side has no will to reach an agreement.

"It is not easy to carry out this process", said Ozgurgun alleging that the pressure and the problems of the Greek Cypriot side are great and that the positive steps are always taken by the Turkish side. Ozgurgun noted that Downer knows the approach of the Greek Cypriot side and argued that he is "squeezed" with the pressure exerted by the Greek Cypriots.

Ozgurgun claimed that the USA could see the so-called positive steps taken by the Turkish side and added that the fact that the USA is a leading country in the world is positive for the Turkish side.

Ozgurgun argued that the Turkish side will continue to take positive steps at the negotiating table and exert efforts for a final solution in Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Yorgancioglu: "The reason for the rejection of the international conference is Eroglu"

In statements to a television channel yesterday, Yorgancioglu evaluated the tripartite summit held recently at the Greentree and the developments in the Cyprus problem.

Yorgancioglu argued that the two community leaders paid no attention to the warnings of the UN Secretary-General, made no preparation and left all issues to be solved in front of Ban Ki-moon.

Yorgancioglu described as "not correct attitude" the proposal of the Turkish Cypriot side according to which the issue of the cross voting should first be transferred to the senate and afterwards to be submitted to referendum. He wondered: "Why this process is being prolonged? What is the benefit of the Turkish Cypriot people from this? This is not a correct approach, because even though [our] interlocutor is not right, he will say that in this case the same thing should happen with the rotating presidency as well".

Yorgancioglu added: "Actually, every community should criticize its own leader, but not like the Greek Cypriots who say 'you sold us out'. It should be said 'why have you not exerted efforts for a solution'. It is not correct to reject the international conference, the timetable etc, but the reason for the rejection of the international conference also is Eroglu? The Republic of Turkey is not so rigid especially on the issue of the cross voting. I know this very well. Mr Eroglu is not the only one who meets with Turkey. Lack of will by Mr Eroglu exists here. In any case, Mr Ozersay speaks about the majority of the issues. Mr Eroglu stands like a figurant?"

(I/Ts.)

[04] ICO's Parliamentary Union will reportedly express support to the "Turkish Cypriot State" in its resolution

The decision will reportedly fully support the negotiations under the auspices of the UN and call on the Islamic countries to show solidarity with the "Turkish Cypriot State" and develop their relations in order for the international "embargoes" to be lifted.

The resolution will allege that the explorations of the Republic of Cyprus for oil and natural gas threaten peace and stability in Eastern Mediterranean and condemn these initiatives. It will also argue that the drilling for oil and natural gas negatively influences the peace talks in Cyprus and express its support for the establishment of a joint committee on the issue under the surveillance of the UN.

Moreover, the decision will express support to a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, an agreement in which the treaties of guarantees will continue on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. It will also welcome the so-called constructive proposals of the Turkish side.

The Islamic Cooperation Organization will oppose to an open ended negotiations process in Cyprus and support UN's good offices mission.

The resolution will call on the Islamic countries to be in solidarity with the "Muslim Turkish Cypriots", in case no solution to the Cyprus problem is reached.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Cicek views the Turkish stance on the Cyprus problem at PUOIC

Turkey supported and kept supporting legitimate demands by the people in the region, he said.

In regard to the Cyprus problem, alleged that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots have been exerting great efforts for a comprehensive solution to the problem by the first half of 2012 in accordance with the target set by UN Secretary General.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan (31.01.12) reports that Mahmut Erol Kilic, General Secretary of PUOIC said that the Greek Cypriot side went to Indonesia to regulate activities of lobbying, adding that they [Greek Cypriots] even had specialists, who know the Arabic language and had discussions with the Indonesian Foreign Minister. However, he said, the Turkish delegation did not have any specialist speaking Arabic.

[06] Infrastructure works for oil drilling in occupied Cyprus have started yesterday

During the first stage of the works, which are taking place in the area of occupied Syngrasi village, a team of forty persons will build a road, put wires and open a well in the area. The works are conducted by the Turkish Dadasoglu Harfiyat firm and the Turkish Cypriot Arpalikli Ltd.

According to the paper, the area will be handed over to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) the latest by 28 February when the infrastructure works will be completed. A ceremony will take place for the first oil drilling hit in which the Turkish Minister of Energy Taner Yildiz will definitely participate. The paper writes that the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan may also participate in the ceremony.

[07] The Communal Existence Movement begun a campaign for the solution of the Cyprus problem and for protecting the assets of the Turkish Cypriots

The campaign of the Movement, which consists of trade union organizations, producers' organizations and political parties, is taking place at the Kugulu Park in occupied Lefkosia in which the members of the Movement set up tents and lit a solidarity fire. The members of the Movement opened banners at the Park in which the following slogans are written: "Let us defend our country, our labour and our honour. Say no to privatization", "Who are you? Do not lay a finger upon my country and my labour", "Solution=United Cyprus".

The self-styled police put barricades in front of the "parliament" and the "Turkish embassy" because of the campaign.

Speaking to the press, Irfan Calik, Chairman of the Olive Producers Union, stated that the Movement has a list of 12 aims, the most important of which is to help towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. He stated that the Communal Existence Movement was established in order to say "stop" to those who applied the wrong policy in the "country" for years. He also said that the Movement was established in order the Turkish Cypriots to have the right to rule themselves with social and cultural values which will help them to re-build the economy and to stand on their own feet.

[08] US energy official met with Turkish energy firms in Istanbul

Sandalow was briefed on the Turkish energy sector's structure and the condition of the energy market.

Sandalow told AA that his target in meeting Turkish officials was to exchange information about energy markets in Turkey and the U.S. as well as to develop and sustain cooperation in this sector.

Noting that Turkey and the U.S. were two strong allies, Sandalow said that the two countries were already working together in energy and other sectors.

There are facilities for us to work together in the energy sector, said Sandalow, adding that the two countries could also cooperate in renewable energies and energy productivity.

[09] Tourism revenue grew by one-tenth to $23 billion last year in Turkey

Tourism revenue is highly important for Turkey since its economy produces a wide current account deficit (CAD) because of its heavy dependence on foreign energy and intermediate goods as it embarks on a swift growth, particularly in the past decade. Its CAD is currently some 9% of its gross domestic product (GDP) and the fiscal and monetary measures prove only partially effective in countering the rise of this gap, as a result of which its international reserves continue to bleed out.

With the country's prospect of finding rich oil and natural gas reserves unknown and advancing its industry requiring extensive R&D investments, the sum it earns each year from foreign visitors, therefore, is actually one of the few ways Turkey can effectively use in its fight against the CAD. The amount of money Turkish nationals spent overseas also increased last year, albeit at a much slower pace, to nearly $5 billion from $4.8 billion in 2010. The number of Turks who travelled abroad decreased from 6.6 million in 2010 to 6.3 million in 2011. These numbers suggest that the average Turkish visitor spent some $790 overseas last year, up from $735 a year earlier. A total of $23 billion in tourism revenue minus $5 billion in Turkish spending overseas is the sum written on the plus side of the country's current account. Given Turkey's constantly growing reputation as a globally cherished holiday destination, it is not unlikely that over the next few years inbound tourism figures may well reach beyond the 40 and even the 50 million mark, but the question is whether such a high number will be sustainable both from an environmental and a business administration perspective. Diversification could well be the answer, directing future visitors, not only to the well-established sunshine belt, but much further inland, too. City tourism attracting visitors to Istanbul and other metropolitan cities as well as mid-sized destinations, eco-tourism, health tourism, winter tourism and religious tourism are only but few such possibilities at this point. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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