Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-03-14

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 received a replying letter from Anastasiades

[02] Kilicdaroglu: the target in Cyprus is the recognition of the "TRNC"

[03] Izcan: "The negotiations should be launched as soon as possible"

[04] Bozer accused the Greek Cypriot side for showing an "insatiable" stance on the issue of oil and natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean

[05] Tanker leaks fuel oil into sea off occupied Gastria village

[06] Smuggling of fuel oil is also held through the occupied area of Cyprus

[07] Efforts McDonalds and similar international chain food restaurants to be operating in illegal Tymvou airport

[08] Danish tourists to visit occupied Cyprus

[09] Davutoglu held a phone conversation with Kerry

[10] Gul addressed the Swedish Parliament; "It will be a strategic myopia for Europe to distance itself from Turkey"

[11] Erdogan to visit Denmark and the Netherlands

[12] US Congress members urge Erdogan to retract Zionism remarks

[13] Study shows that 193 thousand Turkish migrants return back to Turkey from Germany in the last four years

[14] Alcohol consumption was banned in open places in Isparta province in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu received a replying letter from Anastasiades

According to the statement, the details of the letter's content would not be announced due to the principle of confidentiality, but it was a kind of a thank you letter, adding that they know that Anastasiades has trouble now with the financial situation and they hope that once he gets through these financial troubles in a short period of time, they will come together and discuss the road map and how they can proceed on the Cyprus problem.

According to the announcement, the Turkish Cypriot side will continue today and as always its concrete and proactive stance in consultation with motherland Turkey in order to be able to reach a just and lasting understanding without wasting time.

Commenting on the meeting of Eroglu with Downer, the announcement said that during the meeting they discussed how the process of the negotiations can be re-launched from the point that they have stopped some time ago and how the road map that they have proposed on this issue can be carried out, as well as related topics on the Cyprus problem.

[02] Kilicdaroglu: the target in Cyprus is the recognition of the "TRNC"

In an interview with Havadis' journalists Mete Tumerkan, BasaranDuzgun and SeldaIcer at his office in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), Kilicdaroglu was asked whether there were approaches in Turkey in the direction of solving both the Kurdish and the Cyprus problem.

Kilicdaroglu replied the following on the Cyprus problem: "There is a target regarding the Cyprus problem. The recognition of the TRNC, and the TRNC governments should follow a determined, consistent policy together with the governments of Turkey in the direction of this target".

Asked about his views on the Cyprus problem and how he sees the election of the new President of the Republic of Cyprus, Kilicdaroglu alleged that the field of freedoms in "TRNC" is wider than the one in Turkey and that the quality of democracy and the human rights is also higher in the occupied area of Cyprus. He referred to the referendum on the Annan Plan and reiterated the Turkish view that the promises given by the EU to the Turkish Cypriots have not been fulfilled after their "yes" vote in the referendum. He said that every time they meet with European officials they ask them why they do not keep their promises and why they do not put the "Direct Trade Regulation" into effect.

Referring to the reactions of their interlocutors when they tell them this, Kilicdaroglu said that the Europeans reply that they are working on this issue and that they have transferred it to committees. He went on and said: "There is the following tradition in the bureaucracy in Turkey: when you do not want to do something, you transfer it to a committee? I hope that there is no such a thing now in the EU?"

Referring to Turkey's role in the Middle East, Kilicdaroglu noted that it had been said that Turkey was a "play maker" in the area, but "it has been revealed that this is not correct". He added the following: "If Turkey had really undertaken the role of the play maker in the Middle East, many of these countries would have recognized the TRNC today and significant progress would have been made there".

Kilicdaroglu said also that per capita income in the occupied area of Cyprus is higher than the one in Turkey, but comparing to per capita income in the government-controlled area of the island, the situation is "not very bright". He argued that the illegal universities could promote the breakaway regime in the whole world.

Asked to comment on the way by which the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) sees Cyprus, Kilicdaroglu said that all political parties in Turkey see Cyprus as their "national cause" and alleged that the "TRNC" is an "independent country", which they have to respect. He went on and argued the following: "Turkey should not implement on the TRNC the conditions and the pressures, which had once been implemented by the IMF on Turkey. This should be made in a different, better, diplomatic manner. The style of esteemed Prime Minister regarding the citizens living in the TRNC, is not a kind of style which we could bear".

Replying to a question as to whether they consider Cyprus and the Kurdish issue as a fetter for Turkey, Kilicdaroglu said that they never see Cyprus as fetter. "We see it as mutual solidarity of two countries, because a country seeing another country as fetter could not be accepted. However, the Kurdish problem is also a very big problem for Turkey and should be solved", he argued.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Izcan: "The negotiations should be launched as soon as possible"

Noting that it is necessary to make a good preliminary preparation in order to re-launch the negotiations, Izcan added that however time should not be lost. He also said that the time that has gone without a solution on the Cyprus problem is against to all Cypriots, asking that the resumption of the negotiations for a comprehensive solution should be done from the point that were left off.

Izcan also said that the ground of the negotiations is "a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation based on the political equality, which is a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international personality" as defined in the resolutions of the UN Security Council. He called on both leaders, Anastasiades and Eroglu, to stick to this basis for a solution and to the already agreed ?upon issues of the negotiators before them.

[04] Bozer accused the Greek Cypriot side for showing an "insatiable" stance on the issue of oil and natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean

In statements during the meeting, Bozer accused the international community of turning a blind eye to the usurping of the Turkish Cypriot "people's" rights.

Informing Bozer over the works being carried out by the "association", Ahmet Goksan, chairman of the "association" said that they have agreed with the "Eastern Mediterranean University" for organizing the 4th International Cyprus Symposium next year.

Bozer also pointed to the importance of the symposium which will be held under the title of 'Cyprus Turkish People's Place In the International Law'.

Alleging that the partnership state which was established in 1960 was destroyed by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots were excluded, Bozer said that the world has turned a blind eye to the usurping of the Turkish Cypriot people's rights.

"Although we are the side which is in favor of a solution in Cyprus, Greek Cypriots have refrained from reaching a solution", Bozer said and called on the international community to give rights to the Turkish Cypriots.

Reporting on the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan (14.03.13) reports that Bozer, in statements during the meeting, referred, inter alia, to the issue of the oil exploration activities in the Mediterranean, alleging that the Greek Cypriot side stance is "insatiable".

(AK)

[05] Tanker leaks fuel oil into sea off occupied Gastria village

The "district officer" of occupied Trikomo, Bunyamin Merhametsiz said the "officials" of the "department of environment" estimate that the leakage is around 1200 litres and that its dimensions were not as big as to cause pollution to the environment.

Dogan Sahir, chairman of the initiative No to the Fuel Oil Storage Installation, said that the gulf of occupied Gastria is from time to time polluted with small spills, and added that their fears have become true and tons of petrol leaked into the sea last night. He noted that the "authorities" had been informed about the accident 12 hours after it had happened and added that this shows that those who caused the accident do not care and are insensitive. He said that delaying to act in such incidents causes great damages and especially when the oil reaches the shore. He argued that the accident proved that they are right when they oppose to the construction of an oil storage installation in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Smuggling of fuel oil is also held through the occupied area of Cyprus

According information obtained by Kibris, ships under foreign flags are used by smugglers for selling a lot of products in the open see by false manifests. It is understood that they mainly sell cigarettes and fuel oil, writes the paper, adding that the two ships which are currently under detention are the ships "Flamingo", under the flag of Sierra Leone, and "Sirena", under the flag of Togo. The paper notes that 66 million 500 cigarettes carried by these ships have been destroyed. In this manner the regime has saved a loss higher than 13 million TL.

An "official' told Kibris that almost every week one ship under foreign flag and loaded with cigarettes, come to the occupied port of Famagusta and departs after giving the information that it will go to another country. The "official" noted that because the regime is an unrecognized "country", it has no right to ask for information in the international field.

A ship, notes Kibris, said it would go to a port in Montenegro, but the authorities of Turkey found out that this information was not true. Another time, a ship asked for 50 thousand tons tax free fuel oil from occupied Famagusta's so-called customs' directorate in order to go to Senegal, but afterwards it was understood that it never went there.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Efforts McDonalds and similar international chain food restaurants to be operating in illegal Tymvou airport

Bodur, who stated that Gloria Jean's coffee shops will be operating in the illegal Tymvou airport, stated that upon a request by the "Turkish Cypriot people" they will try to have McDonalds restaurants and similar international chains in the illegal airport. Commenting on how difficult this can be, Dodur said that they work in cooperation with "the state and the nation" adding that a "high ranked official" supports Tasyapi Constructions' efforts towards this direction.

He went on and said that due to the efforts made by the Republic of Cyprus, franchises or distributions are not given to the breakaway regime and he gave the example of Vodafone which cannot use its trade mark in occupied Cyprus and uses the name Telsim. In the same framework Burger King fast food chain, became Burger City.

Bodur went on and stated that investments in the breakaway regime continue and said that they are making plans regarding investments in hotels.

[08] Danish tourists to visit occupied Cyprus

According to the paper, Akmina Travel Club participated in the Herning tourism fair which is the biggest tourism fair in Scandinavia and which was organized by Turistrejser firm.

The chairman of Akmina management board Ismail Abidin claimed that they managed to participate in the fair despite efforts by the Republic of Cyprus which tried to prevent them from attending.

[09] Davutoglu held a phone conversation with Kerry

Diplomatic sources said that the phone conversation took place at the request of John Kerry.

Kerry conveyed his thoughts to Davutoglu on his recent tour in the Middle East. The two officials discussed the latest developments in the region.

[10] Gul addressed the Swedish Parliament; "It will be a strategic myopia for Europe to distance itself from Turkey"

"Allowing Turkey to successfully complete membership negotiations without permitting any artificial delays is, first and foremost, a prerequisite of "pacta sunt servanda" [Latin for 'agreements must be kept']. The eventual membership shall, of course, be shaped around the decision of the peoples of the European Union and Turkey," Gul told members of the Swedish Parliament yesterday.

"At a time when democracy is expanding in the Middle East and North Africa and the center of gravity in the global economy is shifting toward Asia, it would be a strategic myopia for Europe to distance itself from Turkey as this would have serious strategic ramifications in the long term," the President said, adding that Ankara was closely following the debate around a "differentiated Europe" within the European Union, with which it has a longstanding association.

"It is obvious that not all members of the European Union are in favor of more integration, especially on fiscal policy. The fundamental issue here is how the EU, as a 'project for peace and prosperity,' shall overcome differences of opinion," Gul told the Parliament on the last day of his landmark trip to Sweden.

"I find the open and transparent debate in the context of a 'multi-speed EU' very appropriate. This debate shall result in a formula reflecting the collective wisdom because the EU project has always moved forward after World War II and never regressed despite grounding to a halt at times," he said.

"Multi-speed" Europe is the term used to describe the idea of a method of differentiated integration even as common objectives are pursued by a group of member states.

"It is also important for these issues to be discussed not only by member states, but also by countries such as Turkey, which is negotiating for membership, because the future of Europe concerns us all," Gul said.

The President also thanked Sweden for its sincere and strong support for Turkey's accession to the bloc.

[11] Erdogan to visit Denmark and the Netherlands

According to a statement released by the Turkish Prime Ministry, Erdogan will travel to Denmark and the Netherlands upon an invitation of his counterparts.

The first stop of Erdogan's formal visit will be the Danish capital of Copenhagen where Erdogan will meet with Queen of Denmark Margrethe II and Prime Minister Thorning Schmidt, make official contacts and attend round table discussions.

Erdogan will then travel to the Netherlands where he will meet with Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands on Thursday. Erdogan will also meet with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and will attend a meeting with Turkish and Dutch company representatives in Rotterdam.

"These visits will contribute to our bilateral relations as well as Turkey's EU accession process and discussion of international matters," the statement said.

[12] US Congress members urge Erdogan to retract Zionism remarks

Eighty-nine members of the US Congress signed a letter urging Turkish Prime Minister to backpedal on his remarks over Zionism in a speech in Vienna last month.

Speaking at the UN Alliance of Civilizations conference in Vienna in late February, Erdogan complained of prejudices against Muslims and said Islamophobia should be considered a crime against humanity "just like Zionism, like anti-Semitism and like fascism."

The remarks received a barrage of criticism from the White House, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Israel, after a video recording of the speech was published by a Geneva-based nongovernmental organization, UN Watch. "Our grave disappointment with the statement you made at the United Nations-sponsored conference in Vienna last month equating Zionism -- the foundation of the Jewish state and the movement for Jewish self-determination -- with fascism and anti-Semitism, and labeling it a 'crime against humanity,' the members of the US Congress said in the letter.

[13] Study shows that 193 thousand Turkish migrants return back to Turkey from Germany in the last four years

"Young Turkish origin migrants are increasingly returning to Turkey due to high unemployment, discrimination and better economic chances", said Professor Faruk Sen, the President of the board of TAVAK. He added that the figures indicated that Europe should not be concerned about a population flock from Turkey if visas restrictions are lifted.

"Returns from Germany to Turkey among young migrants increased considerably between 2007 and 2011. Even young Turks who have a profession and own property in Germany are returning. The biggest reasons cited are discrimination and unemployment," Sen said in a phone interview with the Hurriyet Daily News yesterday.

According to the study, there are currently 2,950,000 people of Turkish origin living in Germany, of whom only 1,020,000 are in possession of German citizenship. Some 1,930,000 people keep their Turkish passports and hold foreigner status.

Individuals of Turkish origin make up 31% of the nearly 9 million immigrants in Germany. Around 720,000 of these are tenants while 230,000 own their houses. Average household size is 3.9 and average income is 2,020 euro, meaning that the total income of Turks in the country amounts to 16.5 billion euro.

The unemployment rate among Turks in Germany is 30% according to TAVAK figures, compared with the overall unemployment rate of 5.90%. However these statistics do not tell the whole story, according to Sen.

"Nearly 2 million short term workers are not counted among the unemployed. In addition, nearly 1.5 million people taking vocational courses and the nearly 1.6 million women who have remained jobless for over 15 months do not have unemployed status," he said, suggesting that the real overall unemployment rate in Germany was 14.5%.

The paranoia that Turks may flock to EU if Turkey becomes a member of the bloc and visas are lifted is unjustified, Sen also said, adding that Turkish citizens would not leave Turkey if unable to "find a job suitable to their skills and education."

Sen also claimed that excluding Turks from professional life was a regular practice in Germany. "Firms do not want Turks or other outsiders that are suggested for their positions by the Labor-Employment Exchange Institute," he said, adding his opinion that the reason behind this, is rising "Islamophobia" and "Turkophobia," especially in Germany. He said that the neo-Nazi attacks against Turks, were concrete results of discrimination.

Some 44% of the Turkish migrant population lives below the national poverty line (372 euro per month) in the country, according to Sen. "These people do not know what to do, where to go. They are not considering returning to Turkey as they are afraid of not finding any jobs there either," Sen said .

However, Sen said some 55,000 or 65,000 people per year are expected to return to Turkey in the future, if equal employment requirements are not met.

Turkey and Germany do not have a double citizenship agreement, which forces youngsters to make a choice between the two before the age of 23.

[14] Alcohol consumption was banned in open places in Isparta province in Turkey

A corresponding decision has been made by the province's governor, MemduhOguz.

A similar regulation was recently implemented in the province of Afyonkarahisar. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

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