Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-04-26

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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] PKK will start withdrawing from Turkey on May 8; NSC discusses "permanent result"

[02] Political parties divided over PKK withdrawal

[03] Downer met with Ozgurgun at the self-styled foreign ministry

[04] Cicek meets Bozer and says Turkey would definitely prefer Cyprus if it had to choose between Cyprus and the EU

[05] Atun meets with Turkish Ministers of Economy and Energy

[06] Ozyigit accused the two leaders in Cyprus for not serving the solution of the Cyprus problem in the framework of the UN parameters

[07] BKP: "The economic crisis should not be used as a trump card"

[08] Tatar attended the 7th Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy in Istanbul

[09] A "regiment unit" of the occupation regime's army in the illegal Tymvou area to be transferred to occupied Kythrea village

[10] Industrialists announce results of a survey: "the actual embargo is the costs"

[11] Turkish businessman was granted the "citizenship" of the regime

[12] Fuat Namsoy resigned from UBP

[13] The carpets of Hala Sultan Tekke mosque in Larnaca will be replaced

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] PKK will start withdrawing from Turkey on May 8; NSC discusses "permanent result"

Karayilan, however, told reporters yesterday that any military operation targeting the militants would delay the withdrawal and cause the militants to retaliate.

The PKK also released a number of suggestions to facilitate the withdrawal during the press conference, which was attended by high ranking PKK members Zeki Sengali and executive board member Hacer Zagros.

The PKK militants will use previously travelled routes during the withdrawal organized and disciplined while avoiding any clashes, the group said, according to Firat news agency, which is known to have close ties to the organization.

According to the ongoing preparations, the withdrawal will start on May 8 and will continue in phases. The process will be finalized "as soon as possible" and in secrecy.

The withdrawing militants will be deployed to "southern Kurdistan," which refers to northern Iraq. Karayilan said they expected understanding from the Iraqi authorities, and particularly from the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The Turkish military should show a "similar sensitivity," while avoiding any "provocative and opportunist attitudes" in northern Iraq, he added.

In the event of any military operations being conducted against the militants, the withdrawal will be halted and the militants will use the "legitimate right of defence" to retaliate, Karayilan said.

The leader did not disclose in his statement whether the militants would pull out with or without arms. Both Turkish President Abdullan Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan have insisted on a withdrawal without arms in repeated remarks, while the military is asking for a legal regulation for the process as it is legally obliged to fight against terrorism.

In a statement on April 22, the military said it would keep on fighting against terrorists.

A number of other items that were mentioned in a letter to the jailed PKK leader, Abdullah Ocalan, and which are also known by the Turkish authorities, should also be considered, Karayilan said, without giving further details.

The last item in the list was related to observation by independent groups that could help spot problematic issues regarding the withdrawal.

The resolution process, meanwhile, will take place in three phases, according to Karay?lan, who named the withdrawal as the first stage.

The second stage is the efforts, mainly from the Turkish government and the state, for a permanent solution, he said.

"With the reforms within the frame of a constitutional solution, the conditions for democratization in real terms and a solution to the Kurdish problem will emerge," he said, calling for the abolition of the village guard system, support for the Turkish military and other "special war bodies."

He also called for the new Constitution, which is currently being drafted under government auspices, to accord a place to the democratic rights, identity, beliefs and religious sects of Kurds.

The third stage, which deals with "normalization," would include freedom for Ocalan, according to Karayilan. "The disarmament of guerrillas will be brought to the agenda following the realization of this process, which will witness the liberation of everyone, including that of leader Ocalan," Firat quoted Karayilan as saying.

Ocalan made a historic call on March 21 for the withdrawal as part of the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue. The call came amid direct talks between him and a group of deputies, mainly from the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), and letters to and from Kandil and the European arm of the PKK.

Moreover, HDN also reports that the National Security Council (MGK) discussed the additional measures for ensuring that efforts for peace and security give a "permanent result," according to a statement issued following the bi-monthly meeting on April 25 that gathered top civilian and military officials, implicitly referring to the ongoing peace process.

"The pursuit of our determination in the fight against all terrorist organizations, the importance of coordination and partnership with the international community has been emphasized once again," the statement read.

[02] Political parties divided over PKK withdrawal

All that has happened has only shown that it is jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and the PKK's military leader Murat Karayilan who have made the decision about Turkey's future, but not the government or the people, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman Faruk Logoglu suggested, speaking to reporters.

"It is concerning that a three-stage road-map has been drawn and that they [the PKK] are imposing a situation on Turkey, as if they are the ones holding the authority," Logoglu said.

"Statements from Ocalan and Kandil are revealing the bargaining conducted with Ocalan. If there was no agreement on elements of the statement by Kandil, then this statement would not have been released. All of us want friendship and peace, but we cannot swallow the point to which the AKP has brought Turkey and our people," he added.

The PKK should hand over its arms instead of laying them down, Logoglu also said.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, questioned the sincerity of the PKK's withdrawal, slamming the government's management of the peace process. "The symbolic withdrawal is an insidious tactic aiming to gain time. Turkey is not a stopover or a rest area for terrorists," said Bahceli in a statement. "Again, the submission of the AKP [to the PKK] is publicly attested. The security forces will not allow PKK terrorists to withdraw freely from Turkey."

For his part, MHP's deputy parliamentary group chair Oktay Vural also argued that there is "no laying down of the arms." "The coup plan prepared in Imral? and Oslo will be legitimized by the PKK weapon. The PKK in the region will be turned into the KCK [Kurdistan Communities Union - the alleged urban wing of the PKK] and will be introduced as resolution plan," Vural said.

AKP Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Aysenur Bahcekapili emphasized the importance of caution when discussing the issue. "We are in a delicate period. Everyone must be careful with the way they talk, with every word they say. If a withdrawal is happening, we cannot be anything other than glad. From now on, it will not be the holding of arms that will be talked about, but rather friends holding one another's hands," she said.

Pervin Buldan, the deputy leader of the BDP, said yesterday that Turkey was experiencing a historic period, but also that the biggest tasks were still yet to begin. "We should express for Kurds that these people are now accepted as an addressee," she said, adding that people were under no illusion that there will be peace so easily.

[03] Downer met with Ozgurgun at the self-styled foreign ministry

Downer visited Huseyin Ozgurgun, self-styled minister of foreign affairs, at the latter's office. At 14.00 hours he is expected to visit the self-styled prime minister, Irsen Kucuk.

(Ed. Note: This is the first time a U.N. official meets with breakaway regime "officials")

In a statement after their meeting, Ozgurgun said they held a positive official dialogue and discussed the steps and the road map that will be followed in the Cyprus problem.

Ozgurgun said he told Downer that the Turkish Cypriot side was ready for the negotiations and that they support Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu's efforts on this issue.

Ozgurgun noted that Downer told him that the economic situation in the government-controlled area of Cyprus constitutes a serious problem for the resumption of the negotiations. "Therefore he told us that in spite of the fact that he is hopeful, he does not expect the negotiations to start soon", he added.

Ozgurgun said that the Turkish Cypriots will definitely not accept the EU to be a side at the negotiating table and claimed that Downer told him that he agrees with them on this issue.

Ozgurgun noted that he told Downer that a road map should be prepared for the negotiations and added that Downer did not tell him anything satisfactory on this issue.

Replying to a question, Ozgurgun said that his conclusion from his meeting with Downer today was that the direct negotiations might start in the end of this year. He added that the Turkish side has conveyed the view that this process should be the "end game". He said he saw that it is as if we have come to the beginning of the talks today, in spite of the fact that the UN Secretary-General had allegedly said that these negotiations should end at last.

He claimed: "They think that the fact that Anastasiades said 'yes' to the Annan Plan is an advantage and that if he starts these negotiations with Mr Dervis Eroglu, they could reach a good point, but I am not optimistic on this issue. Anastasiades' saying 'yes' to the Annan Plan, it was directed towards their internal politics'? Anastasiades says that he rejects the Annan Plan today and that it is not in the agenda. Anastasiades is the leader of the party of the members of EOKA and the members of EOKA constitute an important obstacle both in the beginning of the Cyprus problem and in its continuation".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Cicek meets Bozer and says Turkey would definitely prefer Cyprus if it had to choose between Cyprus and the EU

In his statements, Cicek said that if Turkey had to choose between Cyprus and its membership in the European Union (EU), it would definitely choose Cyprus. "Turkey will never enter into such a clamp", he argued. Addressing the Turkish Cypriot delegation headed by Bozer, Cicek said that the relations between Turkey and the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, "are a little bit extraordinary" and added: "Here has always been your home. We are very pleased when we meet with you, discuss our problems, and exchange views. Unfortunately, peace could not be realized on the island in this sense. Actually there is peace in the north. The situation in the south is for themselves. I can say nothing, but there is a negotiating process going on. This negotiating process could not be concluded positively".

He went on and alleged that as long as the mentality of the Greek Cypriot side continues to be the same, the process could not be concluded positively, because "it would be too optimistic" to expect that the Greek Cypriot side will take any step after "its accession to the EU on behalf of the entire Cyprus". He argued that after the election of every new President in the Republic of Cyprus, optimism exists, but "absolutely nothing changes". He alleged:

"I think that the Greek Cypriot side appears as if it would make a step, raises its foot and steps on the same place again. Those before him were like this. He will also be the same. Especially if now he will be bringing a proposal and taking a step after securing the support of the 75% of the parties, he is anyway turning something impossible into a precondition. Therefore, in spite of all our efforts, expectations and hope, and in spite of your very positive contribution, nothing is visible in the near future. Moreover, if their economic problems and troubles are added into this issue, I think that we should look after our own job. This is my view. If this issue is concluded positively, we will be happy, but in case this does not happen, a state mechanism has anyway been established and works there, with its parliament, its political parties and its institutions. ?If a solution could be reached there by accepting the existence of two states and two equal peoples in really equal conditions, this will be fine. If this cannot happen, then we believe that we must continue our own way?"

(I/Ts.)

[05] Atun meets with Turkish Ministers of Economy and Energy

In statements after his meeting with Atun, Caglayan referred to the economy of the Republic of Cyprus and argued: "Actually there is a very good expression: 'with such an attitude, it serves them right'. The fact that south Cyprus, the economy of which could not endure, could put up with even 10 billion euros, prevented the economy of the EU, one of the world's biggest economic and political unions, as well as very big, gigantic countries of the world and carried out EU's term presidency, is surely an extremely saddening event for the EU. This matter has really become a humorous issue. A sector which is forced to close its banks because of 10 billion euros has carried out the presidency of a gigantic economy for six months. We saw and we know how the world public opinion evaluated this. We will continue our way on this issue. Turkey's policy and stance on the TRNC is very clear".

Caglayan alleged that the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, continues to progress in spite of what he called as "injustices and embargoes it faces in the international arena". He said that Turkey's priority has always been "TRNC's" growth and development on a sound basis and alleged that the economy of the regime is being continuously strengthened and has become extremely strong.

Caglayan said that in comparison to last year, per capita national income in the occupied area of Cyprus increased by 5.5%. He argued: "The fact that the economy of the TRNC grew by 2.8% during such a period when south Cyprus has gone bankrupt is admirable for us".

Caglayan described as "important" the fact that more than one million tourists visit the occupied area of Cyprus and added: "Each of these things is important indicator of TRNC's economic, political and diplomatic developments".

In his statements, Atun said that per capita income in the occupied area of Cyprus will exceed 17 thousand US dollars in 2015 and added that they will do this with Turkey's support. Atun said that the situation in the government-controlled area of Cyprus is not "a breath of a fresh air" and alleged that "south Cyprus", as he described the Republic of Cyprus, has come to the situation of needing the help of the Turks. "South Cyprus will not be able to solve the deadlock in which it has fallen, without cooperating with the Turkish world", he alleged.

Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by his so-called ministry", Atun's meeting with Yildiz lasted for one hour. No further details are mentioned.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Ozyigit accused the two leaders in Cyprus for not serving the solution of the Cyprus problem in the framework of the UN parameters

Ozyigit went on and accused the "leader" of the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called President Anastasiades for using the economic crisis as an excuse for the delay of the negotiation talks.

Referring to Eroglu, Ozgiyit said that while Eroglu says that he wants the immediate re-launching of the Cyprus negotiation talks, he, as he said, looks for other alternatives for the basis the solution, than federation. "Both attitudes do not serve the solution in the framework of the UN parameters; they serve nothing else but the division", added Ozyigit.

(...)Ozgiyit stressed also the need for the immediate re-launching of the negotiation talks that will finally yield to a result and added that they are aware that the issue of natural resources will play a catalyze role to the negotiations to be launched.

(AK)

[07] BKP: "The economic crisis should not be used as a trump card"

In the written statement which was read by Abdullah Korkmazhan, the organizing secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), Kormazhan accused the Turkish Cypriot side for continuing its insincere stance towards the early solution on the Cyprus problem and adds that by using the economic crisis experienced by Greek Cypriots and by imposing separatist policies, the existing stalemate will become deeper.

Korkmazhan goes on and points out the need for the immediate re-launching of the Cyprus negotiation talks for a comprehensive solution on the Cyprus problem and the need for creating a constructive dialogue unity.

"The discharging from the impositions of Troyka and Ankara is the early solution", stated Korkmazhan, adding that the early federal solution and the common struggle constitutes the way out.

(AK)

[08] Tatar attended the 7th Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy in Istanbul

The congress was organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and INTERPOL, in partnership with the International Trademark Association (INTA) and International Chamber of Commerce and Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (ICC/BASCAP).

Tatar also attended the gala dinner, which was hosted by the Turkish Minister Yazici, as guest of honour. During the dinner, Tatar met with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Kunio Mikuriya, and the Secretary General of INTERPOL, Ronald Noble.

Evaluating his participation at the congress, Tatar said that they are in cooperation with international organizations on sensitive issues as fighting smuggling within the "borders" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Noting that "TRNC" is locating in an important trafficking point of the East Mediterranean, Tatar claimed that they do whatever they can in order to prevent counterfeiting and piracy of any kind of products.

Tatat also stressed that the important thing is to promote "TRNC" through this cooperation with the international organizations and to gain respect in the world as "TRNC".

[09] A "regiment unit" of the occupation regime's army in the illegal Tymvou area to be transferred to occupied Kythrea village

According to the paper, the above decision of the so-called council of ministers, which was not published to the "official gazette" of the breakaway regime, caused strong reactions by live stockers in the occupied Kythrea village.

In statements on the issue, the "governor" of the occupied part of Lefkosia, Kemal Deniz Dana said that the "council of ministers" did not receive a final decision yet.

Meanwhile, according to the paper, the live stockers in the occupied Kythrea village organized yesterday a protest against this decision, asking for an official statement to be made on this issue.

The paper adds that the reason for the transferring of the "military unit" to occupied Kythrea village was because of the decision taken for the privatization of the illegal Tymvou airport and the works to be done there for the broadening of the area.

Also, in statements on the issue, Mustafa Naimogullari, "chairman" of the "live stockers union", said that they will transfer the issue to the court and added that they will demand for their rights through the justice.

(AK)

[10] Industrialists announce results of a survey: "the actual embargo is the costs"

The results of the survey were announced yesterday at a press conference by the chairman of the chamber, Ali Cirali, its general secretary Doga Donmezer and employees of the chamber who contributed in the preparation of this work.

Referring to the results of the survey, Cirali said that the firms which conduct exports from the occupied area of Cyprus do not see the political situation on the island as their biggest problem, something which he described as "interesting result". He noted that they mentioned as their biggest problem the high transportation costs. He said: "The political situation in Cyprus is shown as the third problem by our members who conduct exports. The exporters consider the decrease of the transportation and input costs as more important than sticking on the Cyprus problem".

He noted that according to the economic program signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime for the period 2013-15, the ratio of the their exports to their imports was 6.9% in 2011 and added that the aim is to decrease this ratio to 6.4% in 2015. He noted that the program's aim is not to increase exports, as the target for 2015 is for the export to reach 127 million dollars, while in 2011 they were 120 million dollars.

Referring to the regime's foreign trade, the paper writes that exports were 25 million dollars in 1977 and increased by five times in 2012 reaching 116 million dollars. On the other hand, imports increased by 21 times in the same period, as they were 82 million dollars in 1977 and rose to 1.7 billion dollars in 2012. The foreign trade deficit increased from 57 million to 1.6 billion dollars in the same period. The ratio between exports and imports was around 30% in the period 1977-1990 and has been continuously decreasing to reach around 6% in 2012.

According to the data, around 48.92% of the regime's 56-million-dollar exports in 2012 were made to Turkey, 34.25% to Middle East countries, 7.46% to EU countries, 0.87% to other European countries, 0.18% to Far East counties and the rest 8.32% to other countries.

The 1.2-billion-dollar imports of the regime in 2012 were made from the following countries: Turkey 72.43%, EU 14.54%, Far East 4.76%, Middle Eat 4.78%, other European countries 1.66% and other countries 1.83%.

(I/Ts.)

[11] Turkish businessman was granted the "citizenship" of the regime

The "ministry" condemned the paper for publishing such information, and argued that the news was incorrect and aimed at deceiving the public and harming the relations between Turkey and the "TRNC", which allegedly exist for centuries.

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (26.04.13) refers to the issue on its front page and wonders whether the "TRNC" existed centuries ago.

(I/Ts.)

[12] Fuat Namsoy resigned from UBP

Issuing a written statement yesterday afternoon, Namsoy announced his resignation from the general secretary of the party, he, however, did not entered into details for the reason of his resignation.

Namsoy thanked all the members of the UBP who supported him while he was on duty, and stated that he will continue working for the good of the UBP and the "TRNC" in general. He said that he will return back and work as a "mayor" of the occupied Lapythos municipality.

(AK)

[13] The carpets of Hala Sultan Tekke mosque in Larnaca will be replaced

According to the paper, the organization of Evkaf (Vakif) and the so-called director of the head office of Evkaf as well as members of the so-called administrative board of the religious affair department, will visit today the Hala Sultan mosque in Larnaka, which will be refurnished. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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