Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-04-05

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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] Ozgurgun stated that a "two state solution" is inevitable if the Greek Cypriot side does not come to the negotiation table

[02] Davutoglu will meet with five counterparts from different countries in April

[03] Irish MFA talks to AA prior his visit to Turkey

[04] Bagis suggests to Lithuanian MFA to hold a conference on Cyprus during their EU Presidency

[05] Self-styled MPs to visit Brussels and Strasbourg for meetings of the European Parliament

[06] MUSIAD to open a representation office in Germany

[07] Kucuk presents the 2013-2015 economic program

[08] The so-called by-elections will be held on Sunday

[09] Gul asks from Lithuania to create a lobbying during the meetings with the EU

[10] First meeting of Erdogan with "Wise People"

[11] Turkey's opposition parties stay out of parliamentary settlement commission

[12] Turkey wants to be part of the EU's free trade deals with third countries

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozgurgun stated that a "two state solution" is inevitable if the Greek Cypriot side does not come to the negotiation table

"Downer has tested the waters with both sides and Turkish Cypriots expressed their will to restart negotiations, but Greek Cypriots have not responded yet", Ozgurgun said.

A delegation of Turkish Cypriots held talks with Turkish Foreign Ministry officials on April 3 and yesterday in order to build roadmap on the Cyprus problem.

"The roadmap could include working on a two-state solution if the Greek Cypriot side does not come closer to the negotiation table", Ozgurgun said, reiterating a recent statement from Ankara that underlined the possibility of a "two-state solution."

"There are already two states on the island, and 'they cannot meet under the same roof'", he said, adding that "a two-state solution is inevitable" at the end of the day if one of the parties avoids reunification.

"Anastasiades uses the economic crisis as a reason to avoid reunification talks", Ozgurgun said, adding that the economic crisis has increased fanaticism among Greek Cypriots. "The burning of the Turkish flag is an outcome of that", he added.

Ozgurgun said also that reunification could boost the prosperity of the island and bring the number of tourists to more than 5 million. He noted the electricity trade between the Turkish Cypriot side and the Greek Cypriot side and added that the water to be transferred from Turkey to the "north" of Cyprus, as he called the occupation regime, could be "the water of peace". He said that the economic profitability of Cyprus would be enhanced by the cooperation of both sides.

Also, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (04.04.13), the so-called foreign minister Huseyin Ozgurgun met on Thursday with members of the Diplomacy Correspondents Association in Ankara.

Speaking at the meeting, Ozgurgun stressed that "an optimistic development in Cyprus seemed not possible due to the Greek Cypriot perspective". "Greek Cypriots argue that they must firstly end the economic crisis and deal with the Cyprus problem later. When such approach is the case and also represents the views of the new Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades, an optimistic development seems far in Cyprus," Ozgurgun indicated.

The economic crisis gives Anastasiadis a chance to not deal with the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun also said.

[02] Davutoglu will meet with five counterparts from different countries in April

Davutoglu will meet Foreign Minister of Guinea Lonseny Fall first. He'll then meet Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Tieman Hubert Coulibaly, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore and Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov.

During his second visit in Turkey, Kerry and Davutoglu will discuss the peace process in the Middle-East, relations between Turkey and Israel, Syrian crisis, the developments in Iraq and "Greek Cypriot Administration" this weekend.

Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov will also visit Turkey in April. Lavrov will attend the 3rd Turkey-Russia Joint Strategic Planning Group (OSPG) meeting on April 17.

Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Gilmore will visit Turkey between April 7-10 and come together with Davutoglu on April 7 in Istanbul.

Guinea's Minister for Foreign Affairs Fall and Davutoglu will discuss African and international issues during their meeting on April 5.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali Coulibaly will be in Ankara on April 6-7 and discuss with the Turkish Foreign Minister the latest developments in Mali.

[03] Irish MFA talks to AA prior his visit to Turkey

"Further progress would depend on the efforts of all parties, both the EU and Turkey and enlargement was a conditional process, and Turkey could accelerate the pace of accession by advancing in the fulfilment of benchmarks, meeting the requirements of the Negotiating Framework and by respecting its contractual obligations towards the EU", said Gilmore.

On a question whether he would like to see Turkey in the EU, Gilmore said: "Ireland was supportive of Turkish EU accession, provided of course that the conditions of membership are met."

Gilmore said membership of the EU was not a question of religion; rather it was a question of satisfying the conditions of membership, and of respecting and promoting the values of the Union adding that "any country in Europe which can satisfy the economic and political conditions of membership, and which respects and promotes the fundamental values of the EU, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including the rights minorities, may apply to join the European Union."

"These reforms continue, and the EU that Turkey may join in the future will be very different from that operating now, just as I expect that the Turkey that joins the EU in the future will be different from the country today", noted Gilmore. He said accession was a long, slow process; but it was one that requires continual forward momentum. It was far better to stay on the path, leaving the final decision about membership to the point when the full package was finalised and its benefits could be properly considered.

Responding to a question on if Cyprus problem was an obstacle in front of Turkey's EU membership, Gilmore said it was true to say that the Cyprus problem was affecting Turkey's EU membership prospects. He said the EU was pleased to welcome the Republic of Cyprus as a member state in 2004 but of course the EU wishes to see a resolution to the Cyprus problem, which would be for the benefit of all the peoples of Cyprus, for Turkey, and for the whole region. As outlined in the December 2012 Council Conclusions, in order to progress on its EU path Turkey must commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to normalising its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. Implementation of the Ankara Protocol could also provide a significant boost to Turkey's accession process, said Gilmore.

Reminding that 2013 marks the 40th anniversary of Ireland's EU accession, Gilmore said membership of the EU had been a driving force for social and political change in Ireland, one of the first three "accession" states of the European Union. He expressed that they worked hard to resolve recent difficulties through reforms such as in the area of economic governance and have seen a certain stability return to the region over the past two years as a result. He said Ireland's strong export performance was playing a crucial role in supporting their economic recovery and Turkey remains a key trading partner for Ireland. This trade mission reflects their commitment to further expand trade and economic links between Ireland and the Republic of Turkey, he added.

Gilmore's 4-day Turkey visit has several aspects. He will lead a high-level trade mission to Ankara and Istanbul, with the aim of expanding trade and economic links between Ireland and Turkey. Secondly, he will meet with Foreign Minister Davutoglu and EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis to discuss political matters, including Turkey's EU accession process, Irish-Turkish bilateral relations, and current regional and international issues. He will also be paying a courtesy call on President Gul.

[04] Bagis suggests to Lithuanian MFA to hold a conference on Cyprus during their EU Presidency

Bagis also said that he expects a new impetus in Turkey's EU accession talks during Lithuania's term as the presiding member over the Council of the European Union in the second half of this year and he also sees an opportunity to resolve the Cyprus problem.

Noting that 11% of the French society is Muslim, 9% of the German society is Muslim and that by 2025 more than 10% of Europe would be of the Islamic faith, Bagis said: "I am sure there are some people within some parts of Europe who reject Turkey based on the predominant religion of Turkey. But I don't think it is a relevant issue because Islam is also a European reality".

"So a European country like Turkey, which has a predominant Islamic faith but has a great example of free market economy, supremacy of law, co-existence of democracy, can give a very strong message which would be the antidote of the sick messages that is poisoning some Muslim minds in Europe," Bagis said.

In his words, Ankara hopes the forthcoming Lithuanian EU Presidency will provide a new impetus to Turkey's stalled EU accession talks.

"We are hoping to open one chapter in June during the Irish Presidency, a chapter on regional policy, but we are hoping for a new momentum in the relationship during the Lithuanian Presidency," Bagis said.

Commenting on the Cyprus problem, Bagis said: "I even told your Foreign Minister that if during the Lithuanian Presidency you would like to organize a conference between Turkey, Greece, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, I assure you, Turkey and Turkish Cypriots would be there,".

Moreover, according to news portal Lithuania Tribune (04.04.13), in the same interview to BSN, Bagis also said on the Cyprus problem the following: "I had even proposed earlier an idea of dealing with the Cyprus problem like the election process of the Pope. Let's lock ourselves in a room and not leave until we resolve the Cyprus problem. Turkey is as self-confident as to make this kind of the proposal."

[05] Self-styled MPs to visit Brussels and Strasbourg for meetings of the European Parliament

According to the paper, Hasan Tacoy "MP" with the National Unity Party (UBP) and Ozdil Nami "MP" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) will "participate" in the General Assembly Works of the European Parliament between 9-11 of April, in Brussels.

In addition Tacoy and Teberruken Ulucay "MP" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) will "participate" in the General Assembly Works of the European Parliament between 16-19 of April in Strasbourg.

The paper also writes members of the "Economy, finance, treasury and plan committee" of the breakaway regime will go to Ankara in order to participate in a meeting of the Great National Assembly of Turkey, between 9-12 of April.

[06] MUSIAD to open a representation office in Germany

According to a statement issued by the association, all Turkish Cypriot businessmen are invited to participate to the inauguration ceremony and business meetings which will take place between March 12-14.

(AK)

[07] Kucuk presents the 2013-2015 economic program

Kucuk said that the 2013-2015 economic program will boost the economy and that infrastructural investments envisaged as part of the package, will help to complete the infrastructure of the occupied area of Cyprus by 90 %.

Kucuk also said that the economic program will make contributions to the real sector as well as to the sectors of tourism, agriculture and animal husbandry in the occupied area of Cyprus. He added that the goal was to increase the income per capita from 15 thousand dollars to 17 thousand dollars by the year 2015.

[08] The so-called by-elections will be held on Sunday

A total of 9 candidates are racing for the position of the mayor in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

A total of 35, 531 thousand citizens will be voting at 113 ballot boxes during Sunday's so-called by-elections at the municipality of the occupied part of Lefkosia.

3 of the 9 "mayoral candidates" contesting are independents while the remaining 6 are candidates of the National Unity Party (UBP), Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Democratic Party (DP), Social Democracy Party (TDP), New Cyprus Party (YKP) and the Cyprus Socialist Party (KSP).

A total of 77 candidates are contesting for the 15 seats at the so-called municipal assembly. Two of the candidates are independents.

The new "mayor and municipal council members" will be serving for the next 14 months until the next so-called local elections in 2014.

[09] Gul asks from Lithuania to create a lobbying during the meetings with the EU

Gul said that the visits to Latvia and Lithuania were very beneficial.

Referring to Lithuania's EU Term Presidency beginning in three months' time he said: "An extraordinary development. I am very pleased that both Latvia and Lithuania have shared their strong support to Turkey's EU membership with the public. They told us some chapters would be opened during the EU Term Presidency of Lithuania. We are on the wait. However, what is more important is the opportunity to speak about Turkey's thesis in meetings Turkey isn't present. I believe president of Lithuania will fulfil this duty with his broad experience."

Moreover, A.A. (04.04.13) reports that Turkey's President Abdullah Gul, delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the Turkish-Lithuanian Business Forum in Vilnius, said on Thursday that EU had not signed a visa lifting agreement with Turkey yet was a big deficiency.

Gul said Turkish Airlines will start Istanbul-Vilnius flights in June and "Viking Project" that would enable trains to carry goods from Lithuania to Turkey and to the Middle East via Turkey were important steps to enhance bilateral economic relations.

Gul also called on the Turkish businessman to invest in Lithuania, which was not affected from the economic crisis like Turkey; and invited Lithuanian businessman to invest in Turkey and to the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia via Turkey.

[10] First meeting of Erdogan with "Wise People"

"We have some thoughts about the path that we will embark upon. However the consultations that this delegation will hold are also going to be decisive for the path and the method that we will follow," Erdogan said, describing the Wise People as a "snapshot of the 76 million".

"The delegation gathered here represents very different opinions, ethnicities and beliefs. But they all have a common point: They all want to resolve a rotten problem. This is our approach as well," he added.

Erdogan praised the participants for their eagerness to contribute the talks that have been launched between the government and the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

"The people here are not only wise, they are also brave, idealistic, patriotic and pacifistic. The fact that so many people from different backgrounds stand in the same picture has revived hopes for a solution," he said, emphasizing the psychological mission that the commission is intended to play for obtaining the public support. "What politicians can do is limited. Everyone should take their responsibility for dissipating terrorism on the psychological dimension."

Erdogan also added that he was open to any contribution from outside the 63 members of the commission.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister criticized the opposition for not openly supporting the ongoing peace process. "The proposal of those who oppose a solution is the continuation of deaths. This mind-set is neither human nor ethical," he said, adding that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) had "always been alone on the path."

Following a meeting that lasted around four and a half hours, prominent academic Dogu Ergil, a member of the Central Anatolia group within the "Wise People Commission", described their task as being to "ferment peace".

"[The decision about] the conditions of peace are at the government's discretion. What they expect from us is to understand whether there is resistance in society [for the process] and, accordingly, to try to persuade such resistance to the path of peace," Ergil said, adding that the commission did not have any specific program. "This is entirely a civil society movement".

It was decided during the meeting that Erdogan will regularly meet with the heads of the seven groups, and the Prime Minister also agreed to extend the work of the commission to two months, from the one month that was initially declared.

[11] Turkey's opposition parties stay out of parliamentary settlement commission

"The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has announced that it will not take part in a parliamentary assessment commission concerning a resolution process to the Kurdish issue.

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) proposal for the establishment of a Resolution Process Assessment Commission is against Parliament's internal regulations, as well as the Constitution, CHP deputy parliamentary group chair Akif Hamzacebi said at a press conference in Parliament today.

Parliamentary investigatory commissions are supposed to deal with past events, while the prospective commission is slated to deal with the future of an ongoing process, the CHP said, insisting on its earlier proposal for the establishment of such a 'Societal Reconciliation Commission' in Parliament to work on the resolution of the Kurdish issue along with a group of 'wise people' linked to the parliamentary commission.

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) also announced that it would not take part in the commission, as it also argued that the proposal was against the internal regulations of Parliament.

(?)

Wise-people commissions work under Parliament elsewhere in the world, but such panels are brought into being by government decree in Turkey, Hamza?ebi said.

The investigation commissions are composed of 17 members, and the AKP has 10 seats, more than the number of the seats required to form a commission with an absolute majority, which is nine.

'It is a requirement for all parties to name deputies for the commission. Yet, even if they don't, we will be working with whoever names deputies,' AKP deputy parliamentary group chair Nurettin Canikli told the Hurriyet Daily News today.

When asked whether this was meant to say that they are ready to work solely along with the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), Canikli replied in the affirmative.

The government responded favourably yesterday to requests to submit the country's fledgling peace process to greater parliamentary oversight, submitting a motion to establish a legislative panel.

The BDP introduced two separate proposals for parliamentary investigations which call for the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission and a commission dealing with the history of the Kurdish issue since the foundation of the Republic of Turkey.

Since these proposals could be united with the AKP's proposal, the name of the prospective commission could change in a way that would be satisfactory to both the AKP and the BDP."

[12] Turkey wants to be part of the EU's free trade deals with third countries

Caglayan stated that the EU's free trade deals with third countries blocked Turkey's right to the free movement of goods because it faced quotas, during his visit between April 1 and 3.

He criticized the fact that the Customs Union Agreement between the EU and Turkey created unfair competition. In addition, the Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the U.S. would seriously affect Turkey's economy under current conditions.

"Turkey should simultaneously start negotiations with the U.S. when the EU does. Turkey should be given a place as observer at least during the negotiations [of the EU] with third countries," Caglayan said.

However, Caglayan said during the Turkish-American Business Forum that the economic relations between the US and Turkey were "like a platonic love," as Turkey's exports to the US were worth $5.6 billion while its imports from US were worth $14.1 billion last year. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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