Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-01-28

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Self-styled minister says they need more population for military purposes and economic investments

[02] Statements by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay that occupied Cyprus needs religious education created strong reactions

[03] Columnist says Cavutoglu's and Atlay's statements are the substance of Ankara's Policy in Cyprus

[04] The occupation regime has launched the project to revamp Apostolos Andreas monastery's surroundings; statements by Kucuk

[05] Ayios Panteleymon Monastery in occupied Myrtou ready to collapsed

[06] Tense between activists and villagers in occupied Karpasia over the construction of a new environmental-dangerous road in the area

[07] A Belgian-scout vessel from Turkey is conducting ground scanning in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] Turkey is looking for a formula to open the Theological School in Halki

[09] Bagis at the CELAC-EU summit in the Chile; he discussed the Cyprus problem with his Austrian and Danish Counterpart

[10] Turkey continues efforts for opening chapters in its accession negotiations with the EU; Maneuvers by Erdogan

[11] Turkey's TPAO will reportedly explore fuel with Shell in Black Sea

[12] Erdogan seeks for a new law on the detected army generals, after he imprisoned them

[13] Staff colonel is sentenced to 16 years in prison for Sledgehammer Case

[14] CHP's Deputies racist remark have reportedly caused rift inside the Party; Erdogan's reactions

[15] The occupation regime was represented at two more fairs abroad

[16] Istanbul's Pendik Municipality became a sister municipality with occupied Trikomo

[17] Yilmaz Bora the new chairman of "TMT association"

[18] Turkey's population reaches 75.5 millions

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Self-styled minister says they need more population for military purposes and economic investments

In statements to Kibris TV, Cavusoglu noted: "It is true that we grant the citizenship, but a discussion should be held on the issue of whether this is done legally. We make 3-4 persons citizens at almost every meeting of the council of ministers".

He went on and said that everyone who lives in the occupied north part of Cyprus with a work "permit" and completes five years has the right to apply for the "citizenship" of the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of the island. He noted that the "minster of interior" is the "authority" which approves these applications and added, inter alia, the following:

"We are on duty in order to implement this policy. When the need of population in the TRNC is taken into consideration, there is [such need] in the military field. With this population, we all must do military service for ten years. Again, the population is not enough in order for economic investments to be made. At the moment there are 35 thousand persons with work permit. If we had enough population, the 35 thousand persons who have come from abroad could not have found a job here. This means that there is a need for workforce here and these people can earn their bread here?"

Noting that this policy is not his own, but he is implementing the policy of his "government", Cavusoglu criticized the opposition parties and especially the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) for the employment policy they had followed when they were in the "government". He said that the CTP had employed 5.700 persons, but could not win the "elections" as it lost 50% of its power.

[02] Statements by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay that occupied Cyprus needs religious education created strong reactions

Atalay stated that along with the religious school a very big mosque will be constructed in occupied Lefkosia soon, noting that in this way "fortunate generations will be brought up" in occupied Cyprus.

The protocol was signed by Atalay, the self-styled minister of education Mutlu Atasayan, Chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Rifat Hisarciklioglu and the chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot foundation", Hikmet Kaynarca. It provides the construction in occupied Mia Milia village, of a religious college under the name "Hala Sultan TOBB Religious College" with a capacity of 300 male and female students.

Kibris (27.01.13) writes that the chairman of the Republican Turkish party Ozkan Yorgancioglu, criticized Atalay's statements noting that are harmful and show no respect to the Turkish Cypriots. As he said the Turkish Cypriots condemn and reject any statements that do not respect their political will, their reach cultural past and their identity.

Under the title "Respect please!", Ortam (27.01.13) writes that the chairman of the Communal Democracy Party Mehmet Cakici, stated that Atalay's statements are offending and noted that Turkish Cypriots have their own social and culture structure and no-one should try to show them the road towards this direction.

[03] Columnist says Cavutoglu's and Atlay's statements are the substance of Ankara's Policy in Cyprus

Ozuslu writes, inter alia, the following: "The project of taking the Turkish Cypriots from one place and carrying them to another, both from the religious point of view and in the sense of population, is not something new. However, the situation now could be explained with the expression that 'things got out of control'. They are doing these things without stopping, without hiding behind their fingers any more. Actually, what they call 'economic package', which has social-cultural aspects as well, is not demanded or approved by the people living in this country?"

He goes on and says that there is a great reaction and anger against the initiatives of carrying population, distributing the "citizenship" and "wide spreading and activating the religious elements" in the occupied area of Cyprus. According to Ozuslu the actions taken by the regime are contrary to the will of the community. He argues that not only the opposition parties and organizations, but the vast majority of the people who "vote" for the "ruling" National Unity Party (UBP) are annoyed from what is done on the issues of population and religion.

(I/Ts.)

[04] The occupation regime has launched the project to revamp Apostolos Andreas monastery's surroundings; statements by Kucuk

Speaking at the site yesterday, Kucuk said that the "TRNC government" was prepared to take on the restoration of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery, should they receive such a request.

Drawing attention to the intentional damage caused to two mosques in "south Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is called, Kucuk said that the grounds around the Apostolos Monastery was being rearranged, adding that they expected the "Greek Cypriot administration", to show the same sensitivity.

Also touching upon the ongoing work to expand the Dipkarpaz road [occupied Karpasia], Kucuk said that great care had been shown to keep out of the Karpaz [Kaspasia] National Park during the tender process and implementation of the project. He said that the road work in the area was continuing in that direction.

[05] Ayios Panteleymon Monastery in occupied Myrtou ready to collapsed

The paper, which also publishes a picture of the church, writes that part of the monastery walls are in a complete demolished state.

The paper also writes that other historical buildings of the village are under danger as well.

[06] Tense between activists and villagers in occupied Karpasia over the construction of a new environmental-dangerous road in the area

The paper writes that the self-styled district governor of Trikomo Bunyamin Merhametsiz called on the villagers to react against the protestors.

Afrika (28.01.13) reports that announcements were made with loudspeakers from the mosques in occupied Karpasia that the protestors are "atheists, faithless, Greek Cypriots" and notes that the activist were under lynching due to the attacks of the villagers. One of the villagers stated to Afrika that the protestors are "even against the religious (quran) lessons, are faithless, traitors, giaour (non muslim) seeds".

[07] A Belgian-scout vessel from Turkey is conducting ground scanning in the occupied area of Cyprus

The "Brabo"-named ship arrived in the occupied Keryneia port yesterday and later cast anchor to occupied Vasilia shore. It has started ground scanning since yesterday morning.

Ersoy Gorkey, the Director of the Arles Shipping Firm, stated that the ship previously conducted research in Anamur area in Turkey adding that it will remain in occupied Cyprus for a week during which it will conduct its work under the supervision of foreign engineers. He also said that the ship arrived in occupied Cyprus once before to conduct works.

[08] Turkey is looking for a formula to open the Theological School in Halki

According to the paper, they elaborate on a formula that will allow the opening of the Theological School at the level of a high school, but the Ecumenical Patriarchate is not approaching positively the idea of the school being bound to the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YOK) or any other Turkish university. The issue of the Theological School being bound to a foreign university is also discussed, according to Hurriyet, noting that these efforts are exerted upon directions given by Prime Minister Erdogan himself.

According to the first formula elaborated by YOK, a Greek Orthodox citizen, who has a doctorate, will be appointed as head of the "Orthodox Science Department of the Main Department for Comparative Religions", which will be established within the structure of a university. If such a Greek orthodox citizen cannot be found, continues Hurriyet, a scientist will be brought from abroad and will be granted the Turkish citizenship. The students will not have to take Turkish history or Turkish language lessons, notes the paper adding that the practical lessons will be held at Halki's monastery. Moreover, wearing priest clothes will be permitted.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Bagis at the CELAC-EU summit in the Chile; he discussed the Cyprus problem with his Austrian and Danish Counterpart

Representing Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the CELAC-EU summit in the Chilean capital of Santiago, Bagis had separate talks with Reinhold Lopatka, State Secretary for European and International Affairs for the Austrian Foreign Ministry, and Danish Minister of European Affairs Nicolai Wammen.

Bagis conveyed Turkey's expectation for increased Austrian support for Turkey's EU bid, mentioning that Turkey hopes for the opening of at least one chapter in the EU acquis communautaire during the Irish term presidency of the EU. Ireland assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the EU, starting from January.

Bagis also exchanged views on the Cyprus issue and the reform process on the rights of non-Muslim Turkish citizens with the EU officials. Cooperation on counterterrorism, Turkey's Kurdish initiative and the Syrian conflict were among other issues discussed at the meetings.

About four years ago, EU countries told Turkey they were ready to grant visa liberalization for Turkish citizens in exchange for allowing the EU to return illegal migrants to Turkey who had reached EU countries by way of Turkey.

Turkey has already declared it is ready to meet the EU's demand as long as the EU drops its visa requirements. EU countries have also taken, upon Turkey's persistent efforts, minor positive steps. In June of last year, the Council of Europe authorized the European Commission, the executive arm of the 27-nation bloc, to begin talks with Turkey on visa liberalization. As a gesture of goodwill, Turkey initialled the readmission agreement, which took Turkey and the EU four years of negotiations to put together, allowing the EU member states to send back irregular migrants to Turkey. However, Turkey is waiting for an action plan on visa exemption on the part of the EU countries to put its final signature on the agreement.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Council President Herman van Rompuy also extended their support for the revival of Turkey's EU accession talks by the opening of one chapter in the EU acquis communautaire during the Irish presidency in their talks with Bagis.

Bagis has had intensive bilateral talks with the top officials of many countries during the conference. Czech President Vaclav Klaus, Romanian President Traian Basescu, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, Cuban President Raul Castro, Luxembourgian Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, Irish Deputy Prime Minister Eamon Gilmore, Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Portas were among the officials with whom Bagis had talks on Sunday on the sidelines of the summit.

[10] Turkey continues efforts for opening chapters in its accession negotiations with the EU; Maneuvers by Erdogan

The paper writes that while invitations are received by the Prime Minister Erdogan to visit Brussels, the latter is waiting for the opening of a chapter and the acceleration of Turkey's relations with the EU in order to hold contacts with the Union.

Meanwhile, according to the paper, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the President of the EU Council, Herman van Rompuy promised to the Turkish EU Minister, Egemen Bagis that they would support the opening of chapters in Turkey's negotiations with the EU. During their meeting in Chile, Merkel told Bagis that they attach great importance to the continuation of Turkey's negotiations and that they will support the opening of chapters in Turkey's negotiations during the Irish term presidency. She said she would discuss this issue with French officials.

Meanwhile, writing in Turkish daily Radikal newspaper (27.01.13), Turkish columnist Cengiz Candar reports that in statements to a program of TV24 on Friday, Erdogan said that he had told the Russian President Putin that if Turkey was accepted to the Shanghai Five it would forget about its accession into the EU. Candar describes this statement as "Tayyip Erdogan's 'geostrategic bomb'".

Erdogan argued, inter alia, the following: "The EU wants to forget about us, but it hesitates. However, if it says this, we will be relaxed... Therefore, I have said it before to Putin. 'Take us in the Shanghai Five and we will say goodbye to the EU, we will depart from there..." Asked whether the Shanghai Five is an alternative to the EU, Erdogan argued that it is better and stronger than the EU.

Moreover, according to Turkish daily Taraf newspaper (27.01.13), Turkish Professor Dr. Mensur Akgun said that these statements would have consequences either they are a bluff or they are serious. Professor Dr. Eser Karakas noted that Erdogan wants to increase his bargaining power with these statements. Taraf's columnist and Bahcesehir University's professor Cengiz Aktar said that no country could be member of both the EU and the Shanghai Five. He noted that if these statements are a message to the EU, Erdogan should know that this "auction" will be of no use.

(I/Ts.)

[11] Turkey's TPAO will reportedly explore fuel with Shell in Black Sea

The Ministerial sources said that TPAO and the Holland-United Kingdom-based Shell have been in contact for an oil exploration partnership in the Black Sea. The contract date has been determined to be February 14, when the two companies will reveal their search and production deal to the public, sources said.

Furthermore, TPAO, which has carried out oil and natural gas exploration by itself, has received a proposal from Shell to work together in the Gulf of Mersin, alongside the other companies' proposals, sources say. TPAO might strike a deal with Shell or another company for a partnership in Mersin, as it had talks with 13 companies for exploring in the Iskenderun [Alexandretta]-Mersin Gulf last year.

However, Energy Minister Taner Y?ld?z has stated that TPAO would make a deal with "a giant company" in the next two or three weeks for oil exploration in the Black Sea, but did not give company's name. He also said in November 2012 that a company that has not made oil explorations in the Black Sea yet applied for oil exploration there. The world's leading companies, such as Petrobas, Chevron and ExxonMobil, have drilled in the Black Sea.

On the other hand, the Shell CEO said during his meeting with Y?ld?z and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in September 2012, that the company was working on the other side of Black Sea, but they would also like to work on the Turkish side. Moreover, Shell Turkey's CEO recently stressed their interest in the Black Sea.

Shell has been conducting gas and oil exploration with TPAO in Turkey in the south-eastern provinces of Batman and Diyarbakir, the central Anatolian province of Sivas as well as off the Mediterranean shore.

Y?ld?z stated Turkey should urgently renew its aging power stations and grids, adding that electricity meters that have operated for ten years will be renewed and the cost will not be reflected on consumers, Anatolia news agency reported yesterday.

"We cannot allow Turkey to have stations and grids used for 30 or 35 years in 2023. Turkey should be renewed completely in the energy sector in 2023," he said.

Meanwhile, Y?ld?z stated that TPAO would continue its work in Libya despite the country's rising internal disorder. TPAO applied for new search fields during its visit to Libya two weeks ago.

[12] Erdogan seeks for a new law on the detected army generals, after he imprisoned them

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has publicly criticized the long detention of army generals, saying it may be having an adverse effect on the fight against terrorism. "There are currently 400 retired officers and non-commissioned officers. Most of them are detained. ? If the evidence is indisputable, [the court should] give a verdict. If you consider hundreds of officers and the [former] chief of staff to be members of an [illegal] organization, this would destroy the spirits of the armed forces. How will these people be able to fight terrorism?" Erdogan said, responding to journalists' questions in a live television interview on private 24 news station on January 26. Erdogan referred to former Chief of General Staff retired General Ilker Basbug, who is being tried under arrest in alleged Ergenekon coup plot.

"There are detainees who have to nourish themselves with baby food," Erdogan said, emphasizing the poor detention conditions of some of the retired generals. Erdogan said he told President Abdullah Gul that this problem should be solved with a law.

Erdogan's remarks came after a trilateral meeting between President Abdullah Gul and Chief of General Staff General Necdet Ozel and the Prime Minister on January 24. Ozel voiced concern about long detainment periods for the members of the Armed Forces and how it affected the terror fight, Fikret Bila wrote in his column in daily Milliyet yesterday.

Ozel also complained about the lack of high-ranking officers in the Armed Forces, particularly at the Naval Forces, due to the widespread arrests and detainments. Ozel told Premier and President how the attempts to convince Navy Admiral Nusret Guner not to resign had failed.

Guner's resignation was the latest episode bringing to light the discontentment of senior officers. According to his wife, Guner's resignation was a reaction to the ongoing investigations into unfair arrests, spying and blackmailing inside the Turkish Navy.

Speaking of the situation in the Turkish Naval Forces, Erdogan also said they could not even find officers to assign posts on frigates. In the Turkish Naval Command Forces, 16 of the top 30 commanders have resigned, been arrested or been tried as suspects in various cases, daily Ayd?nl?k reported yesterday.

Bila wrote that the circles in the Armed Forces were pleased with Erdogan's remarks. Erdogan complained that because of the long detentions, there were few officers left in the command structure in the fight against terrorism during his televised interview.

He said 232 active soldiers are being asked to appear in courts where the trials are about spying or being a member of the terror organization. The Premier also said the chief of staff would have difficulty calling those 232 people to fight against terror with such bad morale. A total of 250 active soldiers, including 36 generals, have been arrested in various cases, daily HaberTurk reported yesterday.

[13] Staff colonel is sentenced to 16 years in prison for Sledgehammer Case

(I/Ts.)

[14] CHP's Deputies racist remark have reportedly caused rift inside the Party; Erdogan's reactions

"The Kurdish nation cannot be equal to the Turkish nation," Guler said, addressing lawmakers who convened last week to discuss a law to allow suspects to use their mother tongue in court when delivering defense statements. "There is no Kurdish conflict in Turkey," Guler further stated. Many Deputies from the CHP and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) were seen applauding Guler's speech.

Many groups, CHP branches -- particularly in the Kurdish-dominated regions of eastern and south-eastern Turkey -- and other politicians were outraged by the remarks. CHP Deputies, organizations and voters in the Western cities have not offered any public criticism. The remarks have caused a serious divide inside the party, based on comments made to Today's Zaman from sources close to the CHP.

The emergency meeting will be held tomorrow, Tuesday. Bilal Dogan, who heads the CHP Ad?yaman Provincial Branch, and whose only Deputy, Salih F?rat, resigned from the party following the inflammatory remarks, said they were going to request disciplinary action for Guler. "We have an honest and hard-working party leader. We also work day and night for our party. And then a Deputy comes up and makes such a statement, washing away all our hard work. This is very unfortunate for us", Atila Kart, a Konya Deputy has said in a released statement, criticizing Guler. He also accused the Deputy of discriminating against others.

Guler however, is not entirely alone in her thoughts and speech. CHP Eskisehir Deputy Suheyl Batum has expressed support, saying Guler was only criticizing "crude Kurdish nationalism."

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a speech on Saturday accused Guler of racism. "Considering oneself above others is inhuman. To put it in modern terminology, it's racism, fascism," Erdogan said.

Though not quoting Guler in his speech on Saturday, Erdogan said: "Those who believe that their race is superior should take a look at the cemeteries where [our] martyrs rest. Cemeteries are a manifest example that demonstrates how we were woven into a single nation." Erdogan was speaking at the Haydarpasa campus of Marmara University in Istanbul on the occasion of the university's 130th anniversary. Noting that racism is a notion that originated in Europe, the Prime Minister said: "To maintain that a race, a nation is superior to another is the same as betraying the essence of this land."

Guler's words have drawn criticism not only from the Prime Minister but also from many government politicians, including the newly appointed Culture and Tourism Minister, Omer Celik. "From bottom to top this is racism," Celik commented on NTV on Saturday.

AK Party deputy Galip Ensarioglu blasted Guler's remarks as "grave," saying he would not expect such "fascist" thoughts from a party that describes itself as a social democratic party on the left. Ensarioglu also said he was appalled to see members from the CHP and MHP applauding Guler's speech.

Mustafa Destici, the leader of the Nationalist Grand Unity Party (BBP), also said he cannot accept Guler's remarks.

[15] The occupation regime was represented at two more fairs abroad

According to the paper, the occupation regime has been represented at the event by the so-called ministry of tourism, environment and culture.

The fair has opened on January 24 and lasted until January 27.

According to information acquired by the so-called ministry, the occupation regime has been represented by a delegation of the "department of promotion and marketing" of the so-called ministry, headed by the "director" of the "department", Dervis Gezer.

The occupation regime has been represented in the fair with its own stand and distributed leaflets in Slovene, Italian and English languages, promoting "country's historical and natural beauties".

A total of 338 participants from 15 different countries were attending the fair, writes the paper. Among the countries participating were Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, FYROM, Morocco and other.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (26.01.13) reported that the occupation regime, represented by the so-called ministry, has participated at the 3rd ITM Tourism Fair (International Travel Market), which took place in Warsaw, Poland between Januray 26-26.

According to a statement issued by the "ministry", the occupation regime, was represented at the fair with its own stand of 42 meters squares. They also distributed a leaflet entitled: "50 reasons why to visit north Cyprus". The occupation regime is represented at the fair for the second time, writes the paper.

(AK )

[16] Istanbul's Pendik Municipality became a sister municipality with occupied Trikomo

Earlier today, the Pendik Municipality signed a cooperation protocol with the Iskele Municipality [occupied Trikomo municipality] with which it has been carrying out cultural cooperation during the last 15 years.

Speaking during the meeting, Eroglu said that he was happy to see Pendik as a sister municipality with the "Iskele municipality". He said that there was much "municipal administrators" in the "TRNC" that could learn from their Turkish counterparts.

Also, in statement during the meeting, Kucuk underlined the importance of Turkish municipalities sharing their experience and knowledge with "municipalities" in the "TRNC". He also reminded that the Turkish government's support to "north Cyprus" was steadily increasing.

Informing the visiting delegation on ongoing joint projects with "motherland Turkey", Kucuk expressed the view that the successes of the "TRNC" will continue once the water transfer project is realized. He said that the "TRNC" will experience a "2nd peace operation" with the completion of the projects in 2014.

The Head of the Pendik delegation Kenan Sahin for his part, informed Eroglu and Kucuk on the history and activities of the Pendik Municipality.

[17] Yilmaz Bora the new chairman of "TMT association"

Y?lmaz Bora who ran against Vural Turkmen was elected as the new "president" of the society. The outcome of the general congress was announced with a press conference yesterday.

(?)

[18] Turkey's population reaches 75.5 millions

Turkish statistics authority TurkStat also declared that the population increased at 0.12%. The annual increase is 903.115. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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