Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-05-15

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: It is out of question to continue discussions on the substance of the negotiations

[02] Eroglu assesses President Christofias' decision not to run for re-election

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press cover the decision of President Christofias not to run for re-election

[04] Davutoglu met with Westerwelle in Turkey; He reiterated that Turkey will freeze ties with the EU during the Republic of Cyprus' EU term Presidency

[05] Fule to visit Turkey for contacts; EU seek to start talks on 'positive agenda' for chapters on Turkey's EU accession talks to open

[06] Turkish columnists comment on the efforts exerted by Turkey and the EU to seek for a new formula for the revival of Turkey's EU accession negotiation talks

[07] A new movement under the leadership of Kudret Ozersay is taking place in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Fule stating that the Greek Cypriots embargo the Turkish Cypriot products

[09] Petrol stations' owners in occupied Cyprus went on a strike

[10] A part of a Bollywood movie was filmed in the breakaway regime advertising tourism of the occupied area of Cyprus

[11] FYROM's FM to carry out contacts in Turkey

[12] Turkey and Colombia lift visa procedures

[13] Turkey to host Middle East Tourism Exhibition

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: It is out of question to continue discussions on the substance of the negotiations

"I had very serious doubts on whether many proposals submitted to the table by my predecessor as proposals of the Turkish side, would have secured the support of you, of the Turkish Cypriot people", said Eroglu noting that the most important of these proposals was the package of 4 January 2010. Erolgu said he was saddened to watch how the issue of the cross-voting, which he described as a "technical matter", was "exploited" by the Greek Cypriot side and some circles of the Turkish Cypriot opposition.

Eroglu expressed the dissatisfaction of the Turkish Cypriot side for the fact that the UN Secretary-General had not invited a multilateral conference. Eroglu reiterated his accusations against the Greek Cypriot side, alleging that the reason of not being able to hold a multilateral conference and leading the process to a successful result was the "lack of will" and the "delaying tactics" allegedly implemented by the Greek Cypriot side. He claimed: "We have to put forward that we have come to a deadlock at the negotiating process. However, the reason of this deadlock is definitely not the Turkish side?The fact that the Greek Cypriot side is satisfied with the status quo and it wishes to continue the current situation by open-ended negotiations is at the root of the deadlock we experience today?"

Eroglu said that after the announcement by the UN Secretary-General that a multilateral conference could not be held, the final stage of the process could not be completed and that there is no common will between the sides on the issue of the future of the process. He noted that the UN is searching, through shuttle diplomacy, the common will of the sides as to what the next step will be or under what conditions the negotiations could be held. "As long as there is no agreement on this issue, it is out of the question to continue the discussions regarding the substance of negotiations in the way we did before", he added.

"A solution which ignores the realities or will take us back to the pre-1974 period, is not a solution for me", he noted and assured the Turkish Cypriots that they could relax because he will never allow such a solution.

Referring to Turkish side's Plan B, Eroglu said that many speculations are made on this issue and alleged: "Taking as starting point examples from the world, reference is made to a process of becoming Taiwan or Kosovo. Thanks God, we have a sovereign state in which we live in peace and tranquillity. The TRNC is a democratic state of law which takes its reason to exist and its power from the Turkish Cypriot people...."

Eroglu claimed that the breakaway regime has democratic institutions and argued that even those who "ignore" their so-called democracy could not reject both this so-called democracy and their "democratically elected representatives".

Eroglu said that the breakaway regime has almost 20 "representation offices" abroad in places such as New York, Brussels, Strasburg, Washington, London, Rome, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, etc. He added that they are observers at the Organization for Islamic Cooperation and they are exerting efforts towards the opening of a representation office of the above-mentioned organization in the occupied area of Cyprus soon. He also noted that they offer consular services in countries such as the USA, Germany and the UK. Eroglu said that their aim is to make sure that all these countries, in which the breakaway regime is represented, are able to have representation offices in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Referring to the internal affairs of the Turkish Cypriots, Eroglu said that it is possible to enter into a rabid process of development by uniting their experience and entrepreneurial spirit with Turkey's increasing power. He noted that he was always ready to assist the self-styled government, but this depends more on the latter's initiative.

Eroglu expressed the view that the breakaway regime needs a new constitution and they should start working on it. "The constitutional amendments should be submitted to referendum during the first elections", he argued.

Referring to the ongoing strikes in the occupied area of Cyprus, he said that these strikes have a very heavy social cost and argued that dialogue and good will are essential in the solution of problems.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu assesses President Christofias' decision not to run for re-election

Eroglu said, however, that the statement made by President Christofias that "we are far from finding a solution in Cyprus" is important and alleged that some circles might accuse him [the Turkish Cypriot leader] of this situation, but actually President Christofias has allegedly put forward that his people do not want a solution and that he is not sincere on the issue of the solution.

(I/Ts.)

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press cover the decision of President Christofias not to run for re-election

Other newspapers cover the issue under the following titles:

Haberdar: "Christofias: I am not a candidate"

Volkan: "Christofias threw in the towel"

Ortam: "Christofias officially withdrew from candidacy"

Bakis: "Christofias is leaving"

The Turkish press covers the issue as follows:

Hurriyet reports on the issue under the title "Christofias: "I am leaving politics because I have no hopes left for the Cyprus problem".

Milliyet: "Christofias: I will not be a candidate again"

Radikal: "The Greek Cypriot leader Christofias will not be a candidate again".

AKSAM: "Christofias stated officially that he will not be a candidate for the 2013 elections"

Hurriyet Daily News: "Christofias to give up due to Cyprus problem"

[04] Davutoglu met with Westerwelle in Turkey; He reiterated that Turkey will freeze ties with the EU during the Republic of Cyprus' EU term Presidency

Speaking at a joint press conference with his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle in Ankara on Monday, Davutoglu said: "We all hope that, after Mr. Hollande takes office as a result of the elections in France, Turkish-EU relations will gain momentum again and get back on a positive track. We need to intensify efforts to that end".

Davutoglu said bilateral relations, Turkey's EU accession process and visa-free travel of Turkish citizens across Europe were the main issues discussed during his meeting with Westerwelle today (yesterday).

"Close friendship ties between Turkey and Germany are of great importance so as to add momentum to the relations between Turkey and EU," the Minister said.

Pointing to the extraordinary developments in Europe and regional countries in recent days, Davutoglu said the timing of Westerwelle's visit to Turkey was of great significance, particularly following the elections in France and Hollande's upcoming visit to Germany.

Regarding talks on visa exemption for Turkish citizens, the Minister said: "We expect the EU to grant the necessary authorization to hold talks on visa exemption", saying that the next step would be to initial the readmission agreement and to take further steps for the removal of visas.

Upon a question on the progress of Turkey-EU negotiations in the upcoming period, Davutoglu said Hollande's positive remarks about Turkey's EU bid were encouraging for the opening of new chapters in accession talks.

Davutoglu said that Turkey hoped this new period would provide the opportunity for the opening of the chapters that had been shelved due to unilateral French moves during Sarkozy's term.

Commenting on the upcoming "Greek Cypriot" rotating Presidency of the EU, Davutoglu said Turkey's stance on the matter was clear, reiterating his country's decision to freeze relations with the union's term President. "Turkey's talks with the European Commission were not to be affected and technical studies would continue", he said. "Our problem is not with the EU, our problem is with the Greek Cypriot administration which will take over the union's rotating presidency before the settlement of the Cyprus conflict," he added.

Noting that there was still time to resolve the matter until July 1, the Davutoglu added: "The best scenario would be to see a united Cyprus taking over the rotating presidency together".

Also speaking, the German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has said that a revival could be achieved in Turkey-EU relations as a result of the latest elections in Europe.

Westerwelle said Turkey and Germany had a strategic cooperation and close coordination and praised the role Turkey played in the solution of numerous problems.

Commenting on the situation in Syria, Westerwelle said Germany was extremely concerned about the latest developments in this country as incidents of violence had recently spread to Syria's neighbour Lebanon. "Annan Plan needs a chance," said Westerwelle, calling on the al-Assad regime and all political parties to put an end to violence.

Westerwelle also said Turkey had a breath-taking success story both in economic and political aspects, and therefore Germany, which was attached to Turkey with millions of people, wanted to improve its political and strategic ties with Turkey.

Pointing to the slowdown in Turkey's EU accession talks in recent years, Westerwelle said there was no use in blaming any party for such pause at the moment, adding the opportunities that had arisen after the latest elections in Europe should be assessed well so that the process could start over.

Expressing his country's support on the matter, the Minister said progress could be achieved especially on practical issues.

Noting that Germany was eager to bring action to Turkey's EU process, Westerwelle added that the improvement of relations between Turkey and EU is for the benefit of both sides.

Describing Turkey as a growing economy, he said that If we would like to accelerate our growth in Europe, we need to have close ties with major growth centres like Turkey.

(?).

[05] Fule to visit Turkey for contacts; EU seek to start talks on 'positive agenda' for chapters on Turkey's EU accession talks to open

Turkish officials told Today's Zaman that Fule, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European neighbourhood policy, will have talks with Egemen Bagis, Turkey's EU minister, and Sadullah Ergin, the Justice Minister, on Thursday in Ankara. The talks will focus on ways to achieve progress on what the EU calls a "positive agenda."

(?) The positive agenda foresees informal talks between the EU Commission and Turkey on the blocked chapters in which views will be exchanged over how Turkey could make progress in them without affecting their status as being blocked. Should the EU Commission and Turkey engage in successful negotiations over some points in these chapters the Commission would try to persuade EU Council members, which have the last say on enlargement and the opening of chapters, in favour of Turkey.

In addition to aiming at progress in the blocked negotiating chapters, Turkish and EU officials also hope to deepen cooperation in certain areas, namely energy, visa liberalization, human rights, judicial reform, constitutional reform, trade ties, counterterrorism cooperation and foreign policy. Eight working groups have been formed to work on these areas with a view to increasing Turkish-EU cooperation, irrespective of the speed with which the accession negotiations proceed.

No progress is in sight regarding one of these areas, visa liberalization. The EU says Turkey first needs to finalize a re-admission agreement for illegal migrants with the 27-member bloc before starting talks over facilitating visas for Turkish nationals.

But Turkey first wants to see progress on visa liberalization before signing the readmission deal with the EU.

Fule's visit comes amid hopes that Turkey's EU membership process might finally come out of a two-year stalemate after Nicolas Sarkozy, a fierce opponent of Turkish membership, lost the race for re-election as France's President to his Socialist contender, Francois Hollande, known to have a more favourable view of Turkey's EU bid.

Sarkozy, who says Turkey does not belong to Europe culturally, has blocked accession talks on five out of 35 negotiating chapters with Turkey, saying these chapters are directly related to accession. Diplomats have told Today's Zaman recently that Hollande may lift the French blockade on the five chapters later in May, paving the way for the opening of accession talks on one of these chapters by July 1. Progress in the talks after this date is unlikely for the next six months, given that Greek Cyprus will be holding the rotating Presidency of the EU throughout this period. Turkey does not recognize "Greek Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is called, and has declared that it will have no dialogue with the EU presidency during the "Greek Cypriot term".

The EU suspended negotiations with Turkey in 2006 due to Turkey's refusal to open its ports and airports to traffic from the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey refuses to open its ports and airports in protest of the lack of EU steps to ease the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots despite its promises to that effect back in 2004 when the Turkish Cypriots voted for a UN plan to reunite the island. The Greek Cypriots voted against the plan, but Greek Cyprus was admitted as an EU member only a few days after the vote.

[06] Turkish columnists comment on the efforts exerted by Turkey and the EU to seek for a new formula for the revival of Turkey's EU accession negotiation talks

(?) The EU membership of the Greek Cypriot administration stands as one of the important factors complicating Turkey's relations with the union, as it has been using its veto power to bloc progress in Turkey's accession talks. In addition, France, Austria and Germany also oppose the Muslim-majority country's EU bid.

There have, however, been positive developments taking place recently through diplomatic efforts between Ankara and Brussels to avert a political crisis that may erupt when the Greek Cypriots assume the EU presidency on July 1. As a result, Ankara and Brussels have agreed to "kick off a political dialogue," also described as a "positive agenda." Under this policy, Turkish EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis, Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin and the EU commissioner responsible for enlargement and European neighbourhood policy, Stefan Fule, will meet in Ankara on Thursday to open political dialogue on one of the stalled topics related to the accession negotiations. This is Chapter 23, on the Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, one of the most important EU criteria to be met for membership.

EU policies in the area of the judiciary and fundamental rights aim to maintain and further develop the union as an area of freedom, security and justice, as its member states must ensure respect for fundamental rights and those of EU citizens as guaranteed by the acquis (EU body of law) and by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.

Talks on Chapter 23 will continue between Turkey and the EU after the Greek Cypriot government assumes the EU presidency on July 1. 'Once the Greek Cypriot political obstacle is removed, this chapter will automatically be opened as the groundwork will have already been laid down during technical talks scheduled to begin on Thursday,' said Western diplomatic sources in Ankara who spoke with this columnist but wished to remain anonymous. It is too early to say that Turkish-EU relations will be back on track. There is, however, increased awareness within the EU that Turkey being inside the bloc is in the strategic interest of Europe for reasons such as stability in the Balkans and the Middle East. 'Turkey outside the EU is more of a pain. Turkey makes us look anti-Islamic,' said the same diplomatic sources.

If Turkish-EU relations turn positive from stable as a result of this newly invented formula called a "positive agenda," it will not only avert a political crisis from erupting between Turkey and the bloc but will also help motivate Turkey to push for democratic reforms that have long been stalled."

Moreover, in a commentary in Today's Zaman (14.05.12) entitle: EU-Turkey fundamentals: How strong are they?", columnist Abdullah Bozkurt writes, inter alia: "During a welcome speech for Turkish visitors over lunch in Berlin last week, the German government's commissioner for human rights policy and humanitarian aid at the Federal Foreign Office, Markus Loening, kindly mentioned how important it is for Turkey to begin talks on Chapter 23 of negotiations on Turkey's EU membership, which deals with 'Judiciary and Fundamental Rights.' He said it will help ensure that the rule of law in Turkey -- a candidate for European Union accession -- is in line with the EU's values. The commissioner also openly expressed his displeasure at the Greek Cypriots' attempts to block the opening of this chapter".

[07] A new movement under the leadership of Kudret Ozersay is taking place in the occupied area of Cyprus

The new movement held its first meeting last Saturday in occupied Lefkosia and decided "to take action", writes the paper which notes that the members of the new movement are gathering through various social media networks like Facebook and twitter. Kibris citing information reports that the new movement is not related to any political party or with any "state institution" of the breakaway regime.

According to a statement issued by the members of the new movement "We are gathering", aims to a fair society and to a democratic, transparent reliable political culture which will have accountability.

"We are gathering" movement will hold another meeting on May 19.

[08] The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Fule stating that the Greek Cypriots embargo the Turkish Cypriot products

He stated that officials of the municipalities in the free areas and engineers were accused after reports on the Greek Cypriot press of using paving stones produced by Turkish Cypriots and added that the Greek Cypriot public opinion is terrorized with pressure exerted to them not to buy the products. He said that statements were made of not using the Turkish Cypriots paving stones and said that even the church called on people not to light candles in order not to use electricity from the occupied area of Cyprus.

As he said "conscious defamation" against the Turkish Cypriot products is taking place and added that the Greek Cypriots have "psychological obstacles" towards these products and as a result they impose embargo on them.

[09] Petrol stations' owners in occupied Cyprus went on a strike

According to statements made to the paper by Niyazi Cagaoglu, chairman of the "Association of Petrol Stations" in occupied Cyprus, the reason for the strike was that specifically: the so-called government went on changes to the "Petrol stations feature regulations".

The distance of seven km that should exist between the petrol stations, now is abolished.

(AK)

[10] A part of a Bollywood movie was filmed in the breakaway regime advertising tourism of the occupied area of Cyprus

The paper writes that the movie, which was filmed at the hotel casinos in the occupied area of Cyprus, will show to the Indian audience Cyprus culture and national beauty and will also help so other countries to be introduced to the "TRNC", as it call the breakaway regime.

One of the film producers, Ramesh Taurani, who along with other producers of the "Race 2" held a meeting with the self-styled minister of tourism Unal Ustel, praised the beauty of the occupied area of Cyprus and said that the film will reflect to the "TRNC", in the best possible way. He also stated that other Bollywood movies can be filmed in the breakaway regime as well.

On his part, Ustel said that his "ministry" works together with Turkey for the development of tourism and for the recognition of the "TRNC" and added that in this framework they will offer support to film projects. He also stated that the talks regarding the filming of the Indian movie were held during a visit he paid a few days ago to FYROM in which he was escorted by a famous Turkish actor.

[11] FYROM's FM to carry out contacts in Turkey

This visit is of special importance since this year is the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In addition to Foreign Minister Davutoglu, Minister Poposki will meet with Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis; and Volkan Bozkir, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish Parliament. Poposki will also meet with President Abdullah Gul as well as the Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek.

The agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and FYROM's Government on the Travel Conditions for the Citizens of Both Countries- will be signed during the visit of Minister Poposki.

The meetings to be held with Minister Poposki will include a discussion of all aspects of bilateral relations as well as a comprehensive exchange of views on regional and international issues.

The visit of Minister Poposki to Turkey is also of particular importance, since it is being paid immediately before the NATO summit in Chicago on 20-21 May 2012.

Considering FYROM as a close friend and a credible partner for cooperation in the Balkans, Turkey is the first country to recognize "Macedonia" with its constitutional name along with its national identity, and to open an Embassy in Skopje. Strongly supporting its integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions, Turkey views Macedonia, where different ethnic and religious groups live side-by-side in peace, as an indispensable element of lasting peace and stability in the region.

[12] Turkey and Colombia lift visa procedures

A statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry recalled that during Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos's visit to Turkey as a guest of Turkish President Abdullah Gul on November 17 and 19, 2011, the two countries agreed on visa liberalization.

The ministry said that talks had been finalized on visa procedures and an agreement on visa-free entrance between Colombia and Turkey had been signed in Ankara.

[13] Turkey to host Middle East Tourism Exhibition

Tourism experts from several Islamic countries will attend the exhibition that will focus on innovative ideas, alternative tourism fields and new cooperation possibilities.

Speaking to AA correspondent on Tuesday, METEX executive board deputy chairman Yalcin Avci said that METEX 2012 would bring together representatives from all Middle East countries and focus on new opportunities in the tourism industry. Avci said that tourism executives from the Middle East and North Africa would participate in the exhibition, stating that more than 200 tourism companies and representatives were expected to attend the exhibition. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article