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

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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 opposes to Downer's conveying the proposal on occupied Varosha to Ankara

[02] Yorgancioglu says they will discuss with Eroglu the "government's" role in the Cyprus negotiations; He knows nothing about TOMA

[03] How Turkish Cypriot politicians, organizations and academicians react to the return of occupied fenced Varosha to its legal owners

[04] Turkish Cypriot businessmen hold contacts in the Dutch Parliament

[05] Bagis said that the EU should persuade Cyprus so that chapters 23 and 24 are opened; he appeals France to remove political blocks

[06] Erdogan: I am all with Syrian opposition

[07] Erdogan compares the Gezi Park protests to the events that lead Turkey's first military coup in May 27 1960

[08] Erdogan refutes charge of intervention in lifestyles through alcohol restrictions

[09] Education in Kurdish and the reopening of Halki seminary not on government's agenda

[10] Protest rolls into third day in Istanbul

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu opposes to Downer's conveying the proposal on occupied Varosha to Ankara

In statements last night during a reception to the newly "elected" "MPs" in the occupied area of Cyprus, Eroglu said that he is the interlocutor of President Anastasiades added: "If Anastasiades has a proposal, he will bring it to the negotiating table and we will discuss it. In fact, I was saddened by the fact that he behaved as if he has no interlocutor here, he used Downer as a postman and Downer accepted this".

Eroglu noted that they have a common view with their motherland Turkey on the issue of Varosha. He added that there has not been any form of action outside of this view until today and expressed the opinion that there will not be such action in the future as well.

Eroglu said he feels that the Cyprus talks have entered into a critical stage and argued that "reference to foreign interferences has started".

Addressing the "MPs", Eroglu noted that the Cyprus problem must concern all of them" and that he will not be alone in carrying out the negotiations. He said that it is natural for him to hold a sincere dialogue with the "assembly" and the political parties, because the "assembly" will have to approve an agreement which might be achieved during the negotiations. Eroglu argued that the Cyprus problem could be solved if they acted in unity and solidarity.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Yorgancioglu says they will discuss with Eroglu the "government's" role in the Cyprus negotiations; He knows nothing about TOMA

In statements yesterday before the meeting of the "council of ministers", Yorgancioglu said that they will discuss with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu the issue of whether a representative of the "government" will be participating in the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team.

Asked whether a representative of the "government" will be participating in the above-mentioned team, Yorgancioglu noted that Eroglu will brief him, the self-styled deputy prime minister and the so-called foreign minister today, and added that they will evaluate all these issues. He said that today they will be briefed on the issue of the occupied fenced city of Varosha as well.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (13.09.13), asked as to whether a "Vehicle of Interfering into Social Incidents", known as TOMA, will be received by the breakaway regime in September, Yorgancioglu said he was not informed on this issue, but even if such vehicle is received, it will not be used against the people. The paper wonders for what purpose this vehicle will be used and recalls that such vehicles have been used in Turkey against the protestors during the Gezi Park incidents in Istanbul and are still being used against protestors all over the country.

(I/Ts.)

[03] How Turkish Cypriot politicians, organizations and academicians react to the return of occupied fenced Varosha to its legal owners

Huseyin Angolemli, "MP" with the Social Democracy Party (TDP) told the paper that the return of Varosha to its legal owners should definitely be discussed, together with the opening of the port of occupied Famagusta and the illegal airport in Tymvou, separately from the comprehensive solution, and that a result should be taken on these issues. "If we can achieve this, there will be a positive influence both on Famagusta and the entire Cyprus", he said adding that an agreement on Varosha will give acceleration to the comprehensive solution on the island.

Erkut Sahali, "MP" with the Republican Turkish Party ? United Forces (CTP-BG) said that moves such as the return of Varosha to its legal owners, the opening of the port of Famagusta for free trade and the opening of Tymvou airport to international flights are necessary. He noted, however, that the solution of the Cyprus problem will eliminate the problem of both the inhabitants of Varosha and the entire Cyprus. He argued that the reason of putting forward the issue of Varosha is the city's economic potential and expressed the view that the solution's economic potential will be much bigger. He claimed that the return of Varosha to its legal owners before or after the solution would be a big move and alleged that this could lead as away from the solution and that the target of finding a comprehensive solution might be postponed.

Dr. Arif Albayrak, "MP" with the CTP-BG, described Varosha as a "vital" issue for occupied Famagusta as well as the opening of Famagusta port is "vital" for the occupied northern part of Cyprus. "Varosha's palliative solution is a plus for Famagusta and Cyprus", he said adding that the solution of the Cyprus problem will bring "much better things". He noted that if it is considered that "palliative measures" will make the community relax, they must be discussed exhaustively.

Fikri Ataoglu, "MP" with the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG), said that the issue of Varosha should be solved the soonest and expressed the view that an invitation should be made to Varosha's legal owners to return. Although he did not specify under whose administration Varosha's legal owners should return, Ataoglu argued that if they do not return within the determined period, their places should be leased and the area should be reconstructed by local firms.

Dr. Erdal Ozcenk, "MP" with the National Unity Party (UBP), expressed the view that the issue of Varosha is a part of the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem and underlined that his party does not agree that Varosha should be returned to its legal owners and the port of Famagusta should be opened separately from the comprehensive solution.

Okan Dagli, representative of the Initiative for Famagusta expressed the view that with the opening of Varosha under the control of the UN and the opening of the port of Famagusta to international trade, both their area and entire Cyprus will be benefited.

Dr. Ahmet Sozen, professor of political science and international relations at illegal Eastern Mediterranean University (DAU) said that his view on Varosha is different than the official Turkish position which argues that this issue should be a part of the comprehensive solution. He noted that confidence building measures which could create positive change should be implemented and that a package of confidence building measures should be discussed while the negotiations are held. He said that the opening of Famagusta port together with the opening of Varosha will greatly contribute to direct trade.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.09.13) reports that the so-called National Existence Council - National Forces held a conference yesterday on the issue of Varosha. During the conference it was alleged that the area of Varosha is mainly a Turkish property and that its return to its "pre-1974 owners", as the area's Greek Cypriot legal owners were described, would make difficult the solution of the Cyprus problem.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkish Cypriot businessmen hold contacts in the Dutch Parliament

The chairman of KTIAK Ilker Zugurt explained to Ozturk the difficulties experienced by the businessmen and asked him to refer to the problems of the Turkish Cypriots at the Dutch Parliament. He also asked him to "explain the realities" not only in the parliament but at other platforms as well.

In statements during the meeting, Ozturk argued that the Dutch people were alienated from "south Cyprus", as he described the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus, and do not prefer it as tourism destination, because of what he called as relations with the Russian mafia, the "money laundering" by Russians and the economic crisis.

He argued that the Turkish Cypriots have also been influenced by the "bad image" created by the Greek Cypriots and alleged that even though "two separate states" exist on the island, "the image of being a single state is influential" for people seeing Cyprus from abroad. Ozturk said that the Dutch people know the Cyprus problem, "but in spite of this", the view of "a single country" predominates.

"Because the TRNC is not recognized and Cyprus is seen as a single country, the northern part of the island is not preferred for tourism" he claimed, alleging that "the TRNC", which had allegedly serious problems because of the non-recognition and the so- called embargoes, now is influenced by the "mistakes of the Greek Cypriots".

Ozturk alleged that he and some other parliamentarians explain the so-called realities to the Dutch people and added that he would exert efforts so that the Turkish Cypriots are not unjustly treated from now on. He said it is not easy for the so-called embargoes to be lifted soon and added that he could offer the necessary help to the businessmen on the issue of opening doors in the Netherlands during their bilateral contacts and on the issue of holding trade.

The Turkish Cypriot delegation met also with the vice president of the Netherland's Young Businessmen Federation (HOGIAF), Vecihi Er. Zugurt explained to Er the aim of their visit to the Netherlands and conveyed to him their demands, asking him to undertake initiatives for the Turkish Cypriots.

In his statements, Er said that they will try for the Turkish Cypriots to benefit from the Netherlands' big potential and that they will secure opportunities to Turkish Cypriot businessmen to hold contacts with Dutch investors.

The Turkish Cypriot delegation visited also the "Gassan Diamonds" factory and a factory where dairy products are produced.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Bagis said that the EU should persuade Cyprus so that chapters 23 and 24 are opened; he appeals France to remove political blocks

Bagis said that during his meetings in Lithuania, he had the opportunity to share Turkey's concerns regarding the opening of new chapters. Bagis called on the EU to take a more just stand on the Cyprus issue.

He also repeated the Turkish demand that the EU exerts more efforts in order to bring an end to the bloodshed and to actively intervene in Syria and Egypt.

Replying to a question whether Turkey's accession talks will resume or not after the opening of EU chapter 22, Bagis said: "EU has taken a decision. Chapters 23 and 24 include topics such as the judiciary, fundamental rights, freedom, security and justice and we, as Turkey, see that the 95% of EU's criticisms on Turkey are related to these subjects? Although Turkey has opened 14 chapters until today, the opening of these two chapters, however, cannot happen due to an objection by a single country. Due to the solitary veto of the South Cyprus Greek administration (Trans. Note: as he refers to the Republic of Cyprus), we cannot open these two chapters. However, we see that in light of efforts by our Ministries of Interior and Justice, Turkey meets at the present the criteria of opening of these two chapters."

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (13.09.13) reports that Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis called on France to remove political blocks imposed by former President Nicolas Sarkozy, who opposed the entrance of Ankara in the union.

Upon returning from Lithuania, Bagis met with France President Francois Hollande's special envoy Thierry Repentin in Istanbul to discuss Turkey's long-stalled EU membership talks and bilateral relations on Thursday evening, according to officials.

Bagis said Turkey is pleased with Hollande's step to remove opposition on 22nd chapter - regional policy and coordination- in membership talks but stated it is not sufficient.

Bagis urged Paris to pull aside its opposition on remaining chapters in order to gather momentum in bilateral relations and Turkey's EU membership.

Socialist President Hollande, in contrast to Sarkozy, is not against Turkey's membership into European Union and declared his intention to open "a white page" with Ankara. Brussels opened negotiation talks last July on the 22nd chapter after Paris removed its objection. However, France is still blocking four chapters, Cyprus another six, and the EU has ruled that eight cannot be opened because of Turkish policies regarding Cyprus.

In response, French Minister of EU Affairs Repentin told Hollande's intention to pay a visit to Turkey in near future and stated their support on Turkey's EU membership. He stated France's intention to increase ties between countries. French minister noted Bagis' call for removal on chapters and said will deliver the message. Bagis and Repentin also discussed latest developments in Syria and Egypt and visa exemption process.

[06] Erdogan: I am all with Syrian opposition

Responding to criticisms that the government was taking a warmongering stance on Syria, the Prime Minister lashed out at the CHP. "Where were you when 110,000 people were killed in Syria? Where were you at when 7 million people were displaced? Historical artifacts, mosques, sanctuaries, tombs have been destroyed, where were you? Kids, women, mothers, fathers have been massacred, where were you?" Erdogan asked emotionally.

"The ones, who did not speak against one of the biggest tragedies of humanity, and even slapping al-Assad's back, now accuse us of warmongering, without shame. The main opposition sides with the regime and we stand by the opposition, the oppressed and suffering. This is our difference," Erdogan told a meeting of the All Industrialist and Businessmen Association (TUMSIAD) yesterday in Istanbul.

Erdogan said the number of deaths in the war-torn country had reached 110,000. "Death is death. It is not important which weapon ? chemical or not ? was used. We should put all the weapons used in Syria in the same category. The Syrian regime should pay the cost of these atrocities to humanity," Erdogan said, adding that the open door policy of Turkey would continue.

The Prime Minister also said he doubted whether President Bashar al-Assad would fulfil his pledge to put Syria's chemical weapons under international control, accusing him of buying time for new "massacres."

"The al-Assad regime has not lived up to any of its pledges, it has won time for new massacres and continues to do so," Erdogan said. "We are doubtful whether the promises regarding chemical weapons will be met."

[07] Erdogan compares the Gezi Park protests to the events that lead Turkey's first military coup in May 27 1960

"Those behind the Gezi protests are the CHP and the CHP deputies. This is clear and obvious. Those who understand that they can't win at the ballot box, set their hopes on streets and avenues," Erdogan said Sept. 12.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the TUMEXPO commercial fair in Istanbul on the 33rd anniversary of the 1980 coup d'etat, Erdogan also denounced CHP for still being supportive of the military coup.

Erdogan said that the Gezi Park protests were similar to the events that lead to Turkey's first military coup in May 27 1960.

"I have recently researched about what happened in those days. I have looked to the headlines of the newspapers and columns. They are the same," Erdogan said, adding that the Justice and Development (AKP) government would not allow a coup to take place again.

"We won't allow democracy to be interrupted. Our youth will defend democracy and won't allow a new Sept. 12 [coup]," Erdogan said.

[08] Erdogan refutes charge of intervention in lifestyles through alcohol restrictions

Speaking at the opening ceremony of TUMEXPO commercial fair in Istanbul, Erdogan blamed the alcohol consumption for the high number of traffic accidents in Turkey.

"Those who claim we intervene in people's lifestyles should look at the regulations in the United States, in the West," Erdogan said, asserting that the government should even take further measures on the issue.

Reiterating his government's sensitivity on the issue, Erdogan denied the alcohol restrictions were brought in with a religious motive, claiming the main reason for this regulation was people's happiness and health. "Everyone can live freely respecting his/her own faith," Erdogan has said.

[09] Education in Kurdish and the reopening of Halki seminary not on government's agenda

"There are some objections to [a certain] mother tongue being [an official] language of instruction. The issue is not on our agenda," Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ar?nc told NTV news channel.

A new package of democratic reforms the government has been working on is expected to be finished on Friday. In the coming days, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will inform the public about the content of the package, which is expected to introduce greater freedoms for Kurds as part of the settlement process. "Most probably next week, I will announce the democratization package in a big press meeting, Erdogan said at the opening of a fair in Istanbul on Thursday.

Regarding the reopening of the Halki Seminary in Heybeliada (Princes' islands), Istanbul, Arinc said that the government's attitude depends on factors that he didn't specify. "There are people who want the seminary to be opened. There are things, in the country and abroad, that need to take place; then we would move [to reopen it]," Arinc said.

[10] Protest rolls into third day in Istanbul

Fresh demonstrations were staged in Istanbul's Anatolian-side district of Kadikoy, which witnessed a severe crackdown a day earlier. Police also intervened in demonstrations in the Asian suburb of Sarigazi and in the European suburb of Gezi. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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