Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-05-09

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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] Eroglu assesses Rasmussen's statement on Cyprus

[02] Kucuk will depart for the USA next Sunday

[03] The natural resources of Cyprus is included on Erdogan's agenda during his forthcoming visit to the USA

[04] Davutoglu discusses Syrian issue and Kerry's contacts in Russia with US counterpart on phone

[05] Gul stated that France prevented the opening of chapters for Turkey by hiding behind the Cyprus problem

[06] Turkish EU Minister Bagis: "The chapter of 'social policy and employment' should be opened"

[07] Ozgurgun met with ministers and officials on the sidelines of Turkish International Defense Industry Fair

[08] Turkey and Azerbaijan signed an agreement on 5th generation war craft F-35

[09] PKK begins withdrawing from Turkey as part of settlement process

[10] Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief president seeks at least $1 billion from Israel for Mavi Marmara victims

[11] New director of EVKAF foundation was reportedly appointed upon Erdogan's instructions

[12] Discomfort exists for involvement of settlers' associations in the distribution of the regime's "citizenship"

[13] The occupation regime to carry out restoration works at the ancient port of occupied Keryneia

[14] Asil Nadir renounced his British citizenship in order to return to Turkey

[15] Busy day in the UBP; Early "elections" are out of the question

[16] GATAA held its first meeting in the occupied area of Cyprus; KITSAB signed an agreement with MATTA

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu assesses Rasmussen's statement on Cyprus

Asked yesterday to comment on President Anastasiades's reaction to the statement by Rasmussen that the Cyprus problem must be solved in order for the problems in the cooperation between the EU and NATO to be solved and that Cyprus's natural gas could be extracted after a solution to the Cyprus problem is found, Eroglu argued that these statements were said as a wish. He noted that various comments are made on this issue and alleged:

"Of course a problem exists and in case this problem is not solved, various proposals will come out from various countries from time to time and I think that the side which has not exhibited a will for the solution until today should have to digest this".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Kucuk will depart for the USA next Sunday

In statements yesterday Kucuk said that he will hold contacts in Washington and New York and added that he briefed the "deputies", the "administrative committee" and the "council" of his party on this issue yesterday.

Kucuk noted that he will participate in the traditional Turkish Day Parade, which will be held in New York on 19 May. Kucuk added that the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan will also visit the USA and participate in the same parade, after meeting with President Obama on 16 May.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The natural resources of Cyprus is included on Erdogan's agenda during his forthcoming visit to the USA

According to the paper, the basic files that Erdogan will put in his suitcase during his visit to Washington and the messages he is expected to send are the following:

"The flushing in Syria cannot continue anymore. The only red line is that there should not be chemical weapons. Hundred thousand people died. What are we expecting?

We are expecting you to use you effect towards the Israeli government for the peace in the region. We should together take action for the unity in Palestine. Hamas' transformation should start as soon as possible. We expect from you to encourage Abbas.

The denominationalism in Iran region becomes deeper. The nuclear talks dialogue should not be abandoned.

On Iraq, we expect that you will stop the support of Maliki to Iran. The first contacts took place, now; it is Bagdad's turn to take steps.

It is unacceptable for the Greek Cypriot side to market the natural resources of the island to Russia. If this is overlooked, then the Turkish side will undertake his own steps. And the UN process will be unnecessary".

Meanwhile, the paper underlines that the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu who is in Bosnia Herzegovina, held yesterday a phone conversation with the USA Foreign Minister Kerry with whom he discussed Erdogan's visit to the USA. (...)

AK

[04] Davutoglu discusses Syrian issue and Kerry's contacts in Russia with US counterpart on phone

Kerry gave information in regards to his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, as well as his thoughts about the Syrian issue.

Davutoglu and Kerry both stated that Syrian issue would be handled thoroughly in light of the current developments during Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Washington visit.

[05] Gul stated that France prevented the opening of chapters for Turkey by hiding behind the Cyprus problem

Gul was asked how the constitutional and other developments would affect the country's relations with the EU, and what might be the next steps in the Cyprus problem and other subjects. Gul replied as follows:

"The suspension of the EU process, or the negotiation process, is not because of Turkey, but the EU countries. EU countries are mainly responsible for that. Some developed countries, especially France, prevented the opening of some chapters by hiding behind the Cyprus issue. It stems from the lack of strategy within the EU countries. Of course we see the economic crisis in the EU but it has nothing to do with the blockage of the negotiation process.

Also, the negotiation process does not bring full membership, it only would result in a referendum, and political decisions will be made with regard to it. We are telling our counterparts not to block the process since it is not good for them, either. The country which completes the negotiations is the one which validates all the EU criteria in itself. Such a country does not suggest anything to be afraid of, instead, it should evoke feelings of joy. We are asking the French whether their companies would function better in a country where EU criteria are practiced or not. We tell them that they are actually harming themselves.

Of course there is a lack of motivation for us. When they did not open some chapters for inhibiting reasons, this is a prohibitive attitude. I think we would help our country if we behave as if we open or close the chapters by ourselves. The initiation of the negotiation process has made great contributions to the point Turkish economy has reached. Implementing the Maastricht and Copenhagen Criteria has made Turkey stronger. We will revive the process".

[06] Turkish EU Minister Bagis: "The chapter of 'social policy and employment' should be opened"

Bagis alleged that "technical blockage" in addition to "political blockage" was experienced in Turkeys' negotiations process with EU and he added that Turkey forged ahead with the chapter of "social policy and employment", which should be assessed by EU, thus the chapter should be opened. "Opening this chapter would encourage Turkey to go on with its performance in this area," said Bagis.

Andor also talked about the chapters negotiated with EU by Turkey and said, "Chapters were set out by Council of Europe, and could not be changed. However, I am very happy about the performance and development put forward by Turkey." Andor said that he will meet Turkish Labour and Social Security Minister Faruk Celik about fulfilling the technical criterions.

"We will assess together with Minister Celik how to extend to further steps in this area," also said Andor.

[07] Ozgurgun met with ministers and officials on the sidelines of Turkish International Defense Industry Fair

Reporting on the same issue, illegal Bayrak (09.05.13) broadcast that Ozgurgun stated that "a powerful defense system was essential for peace to be secured in a country". "If your defenses are weak then peace is not possible", he stated.

[08] Turkey and Azerbaijan signed an agreement on 5th generation war craft F-35

According to the deal, signed by Turkish Undersecretary of Defense Industry Murad Bayar and Minister of Defense Industry of Azerbaijan Yavar Jamalov, MKE will produce Mp5-K machine gun, ROKETSAN 107-122 millimeter multiple rocket launcher and OTOKAR will be responsible for cobra production.

Stating that Turkey and Azerbaijan are one nation and two states, Turkish Minister of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz said, "Both our economic and political relations are getting better. The deal that was signed today is a declaration of a step to improve our already good relations".

Yilmaz emphasized that the relations will be made better with the production of Otokar, Roketsan and Machine and Chemical Industry (MKE). His Azerbaijani counterpart Safar Abiyev said that it is a step for closer relations in the future between two countries.

[09] PKK begins withdrawing from Turkey as part of settlement process

"All eyes on were on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Wednesday as it reportedly began withdrawing its militants from the country as a part of a settlement process launched by the Turkish government in a bid to resolve the country's long-standing Kurdish problem.

At a news conference in the Kandil Mountains, a PKK stronghold, in late April, the chief of the PKK's armed wing, Murat Karay?lan, and several of his deputies officially declared the withdrawal of their members from Turkey would begin on May 8, adding that the PKK would keep its pledge about the withdrawal with no hesitation.

Selahattin Demirtas, co-chairperson of pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), told Agence France-Presse on Wednesday that the militants had "started moving." He earlier said the full withdrawal of forces could take three to four months.

According to reports, militants were expected to take shelter in the PKK camps in Zap, Avasin and Metina in northern Iraq. [?] It was not immediately clear on Wednesday whether the PKK terrorists left the country after laying down their weapons.

Commenting on the reported withdrawal of the PKK terrorists, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ar?nc said on Wednesday that the important thing for the government was to see the end of the PKK's violence and its withdrawal from the country, adding that the process is being closely monitored by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT).

"What we had expected from this [settlement] process was the PKK ceasing its violence and leaving the country by laying down its weapons. The first has happened, now its withdrawal is in question. Kandil may have its own calendar [for withdrawal]. We are certainly following whether this [the PKK's withdrawal] has taken place via MIT. But we don't have any information for the time being to show that the withdrawal has begun and say, here are the images. The important thing for us was to see a result. We are getting closer to a result," he said.

A PKK statement, carried by the pro-PKK F?rat News agency on Tuesday, confirmed that "a first group" of fighters will leave Turkey on Wednesday and be settled in bases in northern Iraq within a week. The group said it was pressing ahead with its decision to withdraw despite what it called "provocative" acts by Turkey, including the construction of military border posts, reconnaissance flights by unmanned drones and the mobilization of troops in Turkey's Southeast. The statement did not say how many militants would start withdrawing on Wednesday or when the pullout would be completed. [?]

In addition, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (09.05.13) reports that Jean-Maurice Ripert, the EU's top envoy to Turkey, says the Union is ready to assist if Turkey asks help in economic and social issues.

"We are ready to assist if we are asked to, including the IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) that could be used in financing some projects for the social, economic and cultural development of the Southeast," Jean-Maurice Ripert, the EU's top envoy to Turkey told Ankara bureau chiefs in a meeting, just a day before Europe Day on May 9.

[10] Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief president seeks at least $1 billion from Israel for Mavi Marmara victims

"Not only the martyrs, but also all of us, all participants [in the flotilla] including the injured and heavily injured will receive compensation. But we will receive a biting [sum of] compensation. A state sent its warships towards us in front of the whole world. The amount of compensation that should be given is not $1.5 million, but at least $1 billion," Bulent Y?ld?r?m, whose IHH led the 2010 humanitarian convoy, said while speaking at a conference organized by Mus Alparslan University on Wednesday.

Y?ld?r?m's statements come as Turkish and Israeli officials are holding negotiations on the issue of how much Israel should pay the families of the Mavi Marmara victims.

The chairman also criticized Turkey for opening negotiations with Israel on the issue before the latter agreed to comply with Ankara's original demand to lift the blockade of Gaza. Y?ld?r?m said that the lifting of the blockade has been put on the backburner due to pressure on Turkey from the US for a quick normalization of ties with Israel.

"Yes, Israel has apologized, but it should also lift the blockade; it has not lifted it. Instead Israel is offering small-scale compensation," he remarked.

[11] New director of EVKAF foundation was reportedly appointed upon Erdogan's instructions

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (09.05.13) reports that EVKAF's new director is being brought from Kuwait upon instructions by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The paper argues that Benter was chosen by Turkey's Religious Affairs Department and was approved by Erdogan. The only job remained for the breakaway regime's "council of ministers" is to sign the decision, reports Afrika.

Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Benter is of Cypriot origin, lives in Kuwait and works at the Pharmaceutical Department of the University of Kuwait's Faculty of Medicine.

(I/Ts.)

[12] Discomfort exists for involvement of settlers' associations in the distribution of the regime's "citizenship"

In a written statement issued yesterday, Ayar said that "the names of the associations that the people coming from Anatolia have established with the aim of maintaining the culture of the area from which they had come" should not be mentioned with the issue of the "citizenship" of the breakaway regime.

He noted that the demands of some associations in the direction of the "citizenship" procedures to be carried out through them cause wearing of all associations in the Turkish Cypriot community. "Especially the fact that some associations are referred with money or donation on the issue of the citizenship is extremely thought provoking and meaningful", he said and added that there is no need for any association to mediate on the issue of the "citizenship", as the people who fulfill the necessary criteria become "citizens" of the regime.

(I/Ts.)

[13] The occupation regime to carry out restoration works at the ancient port of occupied Keryneia

The protocol was signed by the so-called minister of tourism, environment and culture, Unal Ustel and the general director of Vodafone Mobile Operations Ltd, Rasim Karas.

In statements after the signing of the protocol, the so-called minister Ustel said that they will are exerting efforts to restore the appearance of the ancient port of Keryneia and added that in the framework of the works to take place they will modernize the administration building of the port, the infrastructure of the breakwaters, the gang board and the dock e.t.c. Ustel went on and stated that the works for the renovation of the ancient port of Keryneia are expected to be completed by the end of June and said that when the works will be completed the port will be modernized.

AK

[14] Asil Nadir renounced his British citizenship in order to return to Turkey

According to information published in Turkish Takvim newspaper, the Turkish Minister of Justice, Sadullah Ergin asked from his country's Ambassador to London, Unal Cevikoz to launch an initiative in order for Nadir to be taken away from Britain. Cevikoz filed an application and asked from Nadir to abandon his British citizenship. Nadir renounced this citizenship and handed over his British passport and identity card. Thus, the only obstacle for Nadir's returning to Turkey was lifted, according to the paper.

After these developments, the Turkish Consul in London met with Nadir in prison. During the meeting Nadir told Demirok that he would like to spend the rest of his sentence in Istanbul. Turkey's demand is currently before the British Minister of Justice.

(I/Ts.)

[15] Busy day in the UBP; Early "elections" are out of the question

In statements after these meetings, Kucuk said that holding early "elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus is out of the question. Recalling that the "elections" are planned for April 2014, Kucuk noted that they have anyway entered into the year of the "elections", because even if they decide today to hold early "elections", eleven months remained until the [regular] "elections" and the restrictions for the "elections" will start after nine months. "This means that we have already entered into the election year? Early elections are out of the question", he said.

Kucuk noted that they have reached an agreement on the issue of becoming more active in the "parliament" in which more than 100 "draft-laws" are waiting to be discussed. He said that they will limit the summer vacations to one month. Referring to the issue of the post of the general secretary of the National Unity Party (UBP), Kucuk pointed out that this issue is still open and that no name was mentioned or discussed for this post.

The opponent of Kucuk for the post of the president of the party during the recent congress, "deputy" in occupied Famagusta, Ahmet Kasif offered his support to Kucuk's statement that early "elections" will not be held and pointed out to the economic problems which the breakaway regime is facing. "With early elections these problems will increase", he argued.

Referring to the allegations that are heard as regards his supporters' demands on the issue of the new general secretary of the UBP, Kasif said that they have not suggested any name. He added, however, that they expect the solution of this issue before Kucuk's visit to the USA and they want consensus to be reached on a name for this post until tomorrow. He noted that a consensus could be reached just like it had happened during the previous "election" or they could find two or three candidates.

(I/Ts.)

[16] GATAA held its first meeting in the occupied area of Cyprus; KITSAB signed an agreement with MATTA

Among the participants writes the paper, were the general secretary of GATAA Ahmet Necati Ozkan who made the opening speech. Also the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Travel Agent's Union (KITSAB), Orhan Tolun, the so-called minister of tourism, environment and culture Unal Ustel were participated and delivered speeches. In his message during the meeting, the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu pointed out to the importance of the fact that the first meeting of the administration board of GATAA took place in the occupation regime and stressed that this is a positive development for the lifting of the "implemented isolations".

Moreover, as the paper writes, during the meeting, a cooperation protocol between KITSAB and the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) was signed. This agreement writes the paper paves the way for cooperation between travel agents in Malaysia and travel agents in the occupation regime.

AK TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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