Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-03-16

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu says not much progress is achieved in the Cyprus talks and asks for a time limit

[02] Rauf Denktas asks interference of the Turkish navy to stop the oil explorations by the Republic of Cyprus in the Mediterranean

[03] Statements by Ozgurgun on the oil explorations of the Republic of Cyprus in the Mediterranean

[04] Elcil: "We did not resist for becoming a province or a hostage"

[05] Scenarios for a new "government"

[06] Farewell visits by Turkmen to Turkish Cypriot "officials"

[07] The regime distributes plots of land in occupied Patriki and Spathariko villages

[08] Internship project for university students in the occupied areas

[09] So-called education minister to hold contacts in London

[10] Problems with property buyers in occupied Cyprus continue

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] Erdogan says no suspension of Turkey's nuclear energy projects but experts warn otherwise

[12] Erdogan attended Turkey-Russia Business forum

[13] EP rapporteur defends the 2010 Turkey progress report

[14] Highlights

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

[01] Eroglu says not much progress is achieved in the Cyprus talks and asks for a time limit

Referring to the issue of the settlers which President Christofias brought onto the agenda in the talks, Eroglu alleged that the "TRNC state" exists and that this "state" has a "government" and a "parliament". He claimed that the persons who were given the "citizenship" of the breakaway regime are protected by its "constitution" and added: "We do not and could not consider of sending our own citizens away from this country".

Noting that the "citizenship" is a sensitive issue, Eroglu called on the people to "continue working at peace" in the occupied part of Cyprus adding that a possible agreement in the Cyprus problem will not cause disquiet to them.

Pointing out that not much progress has been achieved until today in the Cyprus talks, Eroglu said: "Our intention is to end these talks within a time limit, in the one way or the other".

Eroglu reiterated the allegation that the Turkish side wants an agreement, that reaching an agreement does not depend only on the Turkish side and that the talks could last for many years if the other side has not the same intention. He said the Turkish Cypriot side included a time limit in the "practical plan" it has submitted to the UN Secretary-General, but the Greek Cypriot side continues "using delaying tactics". He wished for the UN Secretary-General to evaluate the situation and put a time limit in the negotiations.

Eroglu said life should go on in the occupied areas of Cyprus in parallel to the continuation of the Cyprus talks. He noted that the self-styled government should take measures for overcoming the existing economic problems and if necessary it should invite to dialogue the social partners.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Rauf Denktas asks interference of the Turkish navy to stop the oil explorations by the Republic of Cyprus in the Mediterranean

Denktas alleged that the Greek Cypriots are using the dispute between Turkey and Israel and "got out of control in the oil business". "Their aim is to give the message that 'we are the rulers of the entire Cyprus'", he claimed.

Denktas said Turkey was strongly reacting to this situation in the past and added that the Turkish Cypriots were also raising their voice. He argued that Turkey and the breakaway regime should sign between them agreements similar to those signed between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel or other states.

Denktas alleged that the Turkish Cypriots and therefore Turkey have also rights on the area where the Republic of Cyprus carries out explorations for oil.

Denktas claimed that no one has the right to abandon their so-called state and added that everyone should write in their hearts with capital letters the statements made recently by the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and State Minister Cemil Cicek. He said those who challenge Turkey should actually challenge Israel, the EU and the Greek Cypriots.

Referring to the issue of the occupied closed city of Varosha, Denktas reiterated the Turkish allegations that "the property rights of EVKAF religious foundation are violated" and claimed that the Turkish side should ask compensation for 103 Turkish Cypriot villages and the Turkish Cypriot properties used by Greek Cypriots since 1963.

Touching upon Turkey's obligation to open its ports to Cyprus, Denktas alleged that Turkey should insist on the recognition of the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied areas of Cyprus, by the EU before it opens its ports.

Denktas said the entrances and the exits of the occupied areas of Cyprus should be taken under control and added that it is absolutely necessary for Turkey to do this. Referring to the two rallies held recently in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Denktas noted that his spouse participated in the second rally because they found out that flags of Turkey and the breakaway regime would be carried and that nothing would be said against Turkey. Denktas said he could participate in every rally which defends the "sovereignty of the state and the Turkish sovereignty".

Referring to the referendum on the Annan Plan, Denktas argued that 30% of the 65% of the people who voted "yes" to the plan in the occupied areas were Turkish settlers. Denktas claimed that these people were told that "Turkey will be destroyed if you do not say yes".

Meanwhile, commenting on Denktas statements, Resat Akar, General Director of Kibris Media Group, writes that Turkey will not launch a war because of the Greek Cypriot explorations for oil in the Mediterranean Sea, but a Turkish vessel will be sent to watch the ship which will be carrying out the explorations on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus. Akar argues that the Turkish navy will be closely watching these explorations. Under the title "Dancing with fire", Akar says that the relations between the sides will be deteriorated and the Cyprus talks will be negatively influenced by this development. Akar argues that the correct thing to do is not carrying out explorations for oil and giving priority to finding a solution on the island.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Statements by Ozgurgun on the oil explorations of the Republic of Cyprus in the Mediterranean

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Ozgurgun evaluated President Christofias' visit to Israel. He said that the "TRNC", as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied areas of Cyprus, has a certain policy on the Exclusive Economic Zones. He alleged that it is unacceptable for the Republic of Cyprus to collaborate with Israel on the Exclusive Economic Zones "by gaining courage from the thorny situation between Turkey and Israel". He called on President Christofias "to come to his senses".

He alleged: "This mentality and attitude displayed by the Greek Cypriot side is wrong. This behavior is contradictory not only to the Cyprus negotiations process but to the realities on the island as well".

Referring to the recent arrest of European citizens, including Members of the European Parliament (MEP), in the occupied closed city of Varosha, Ozgurgun claimed that the "violation" of the closed city of Varosha was "a result of the Greek Cypriot mentality that considers itself as the sole owner of the island".

"They have now learnt that there is an authority system here, there are laws and security forces and if they do not abide by these laws they will be held accountable for their crimes", said Ozgurgun.

Ozgurgun argued that the "Greek Cypriot Administration", as he described the Republic of Cyprus, must accept and respect the "TRNC" as its "equal founding state".

[04] Elcil: "We did not resist for becoming a province or a hostage"

Elcil went on saying that AKP appears to be in favour of the solution but in fact it encourages the non-solution in Cyprus. He then alleged that AKP continues its imposition policy towards the Turkish Cypriots and added that the Turkish Cypriots will continue to resist against AKP's impositions and policies of cultural, social and economic assimilation and colonization. He noted that they will also struggle against the Greek Cypriot chauvinism.

Elcil expressed also harsh criticism against the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu and the "UBP government".

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi (16.03.11), under the title "Protest will be transferred to Brussels" reports on statements by Sener Elcil who said to the paper that a delegation from the Trade Unions' Platform will go to Brussels in order to organize a protest on March 21 with the aim of conveying the people's message to Brussels.

Elcil stated that during their five-day stay in Brussels, they will meet with Jersy Buzek, president of the EP, several EU officials and representatives of EU member countries. Elcil further said that they will have the chance to deliver a speech at the European Parliament.

Elcil stated that they will make AKP's impositions known to Europe and that they will examine the EU's stance towards the Turkish Cypriots.

(AK)

[05] Scenarios for a new "government"

According to the paper, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu is also in favour of a change in the "government". Eroglu believes that the self-styled minister of interior Ilkay Kamil should stay in the "government", while the "ministers" of health and agriculture, Ahmet Kasif and Zorlu Tore should change, writes Havadis adding that possible new "ministers" are Serife Unverdi, Ali Cetin Amcaoglu, Unal Ustel and Mutlu Atasayan.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Farewell visits by Turkmen to Turkish Cypriot "officials"

Speaking during the visit to Eroglu, Turkmen said throughout his term of duty in the occupied areas he received the biggest support from Eroglu, adding that Turkey will always support the breakaway regime and that bilateral relations between the two "countries" will improve even further in the future.

Eroglu for his part noted that during Turkmen's short term of duty they had held very friendly meetings, adding that the dialogue established between the "government" and Turkmen in order to improve the economy was very important.

Speaking during the visit Bozer noted that although Turkmen served only 7 months as an "ambassador" in the occupied areas he has won over the hearts of the people.

Kucuk for his part noted how Turkmen has been in constant communication with not only the "government" but with all the Turkish Cypriots.

[07] The regime distributes plots of land in occupied Patriki and Spathariko villages

(I/Ts.)

[08] Internship project for university students in the occupied areas

Ozgurgun said: "With this project, students who want to work in the diplomatic field will gain firsthand experience at our representative offices abroad".

[09] So-called education minister to hold contacts in London

In addition, he will pay a courtesy visit to the Turkish Ambassador to London Unal Cevikoz, while tomorrow he will visit the Canterbury Campus of the illegal American University of Kerynia (GAU). Cavusoglu will also inaugurate an exhibition of hand-made products, as well as the local headquarters of the Turkish Community Football Federation in the UK.

The so-called minister is expected to return to the occupied areas of Cyprus on Sunday.

[10] Problems with property buyers in occupied Cyprus continue

"We came here and relied on your system? We relied on the courts, we rely on our contracts, and we relied on the police and the government to protect us. I can give you only one promise: These pictures and these events will be sent to the European Court of Human Rights, and we will increase our claims to include Protocol 12 - discrimination and other articles and protocols," he wrote in his letter.

Barclay and other residents in Kulaksiz 5 estate were upset with the "police" who did not respond to a telephone call reporting the breaking and entering for more than two hours. The "police" was called to the site in occupied Vasilia village after people linked with Akfinans Bank went to change locks at a property there last Saturday.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (16.03.11) reports that "police" evicted a British family at occupied Akanthu village. "Police officers" forced Michael Tapp and his wife to leave their house and gathered hastily their belongings. The eviction came after the director of Nesa Investment, retired colonel Salih Uz, applied to the police due to unpaid debts by the British family. Tapp claims that although he bought the house, which was constructed by Nesa Investment, the company failed to complete the house and he was forced to pay an additional contractor. The paper also notes that owners who bought houses from this company in occupied Kalogrea and Agios Amvrosios villages face similar problems.

[B] TURKISH PRESS

[11] Erdogan says no suspension of Turkey's nuclear energy projects but experts warn otherwise

When recalled that some countries suspended or stopped nuclear projects following the nuclear leak in quake and tsunami-hit Japan, Erdogan said that Turkey did not have such an agenda or timetable, adding that Turkey wanted to complete its nuclear projects as soon as possible.

Noting that every investment had some risks, Erdogan said that all advantages of modern world such as industrialization and technology had some difficulties, adding that Turkey would take all necessary measures.

On the same issue, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.03.11) under the title "Turkey goes ahead on nuclear plans as experts warn", reports that experts, however, have been warning that the technology Russia has proposed for the planned nuclear power plant in Akkuyu in the southern province of Mersin has not been tested yet.

Noting the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, Osman Kemal Kadiroglu, the former head of the Nuclear Engineering Department of Hacettepe University, said Turkey was buying nuclear technology from a country that had no credibility.

"This is true even if the technology of the Akkuyu nuclear plant will be different than that of Chernobyl," he told the H?rriyet Daily News & Economic Review on Tuesday.

The paper also reports that Turkey has made safety  a priority for the Mediterranean plant, while both planned plants the second one in Sinop, in the Black Sea region would use new, third-generation reactors, Energy Minister Taner Y1
ld1
z told NTV news channel on Monday. Erdogan will request that Russia should increase its safety standards for the Akkuyu plant, Y1
ld1
z said.

"We have no idea which reactors will be used for the plants in Turkey. We learn about them from the press, since nobody has asked us for advice," said Kadiroglu, one of the few nuclear energy experts in Turkey. He said countries that have made serious nuclear investments such as the United States have set up teams of experts to ask for advice.

The Chamber of Electrical Engineers said in a statement Monday that the Akkuyu plant would be built 25 km from an active fault line in the region.

The government should consider its decision on nuclear plants and cancel the deal with Russia on Akkuyu, said Hediye Gunduz from the Climate Union for the Mediterranean. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Gunduz said the Akkuyu plant would be built near the Ecemi
fault line.

[12] Erdogan attended Turkey-Russia Business forum

Recalling that they decided to establish a high-level cooperation council during Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev's visit to Turkey in May 2010, Erdogan said that the council has added a new dimension to their multi-dimensional relations with Russia."

Referring to economic and commercial relations, Erdogan said: "Our trade volume exceeded $26 billion in 2010. We want to increase our trade volume up to $100 billion in the next five years. Turkish construction firms have already undertaken nearly 1,200 projects in Russia worth of $32 billion."

"Despite global financial crisis, Turkey hosted 3 million Russian tourists in 2008, 2.7 million in 2009 and 3.1 million in 2010. I believe that the number of Russian tourists visiting Turkey will increase in 2011. We invite Russian people to benefit from Turkey's opportunities in tourism," he said.

"Energy is the most important dimension of our economic and commercial relations. Energy investments worth of $100 billion will be made in Turkey in the next two decades. I think that such an environment will create new cooperation opportunities between our countries. As you know, we are about to begin the construction of a nuclear power plant in cooperation with Russia. It will cost about $20 billion. We also attach great importance to establishing a big Turkish logistic centre in southern Russia," Erdogan concluded.

[13] EP rapporteur defends the 2010 Turkey progress report

Replying to many statements on the resolution of the EP on the 2010 Turkey progress report, EP rapporteur explains in her article that the procedure of adopting a resolution in the European Parliament and adds that the report on Turkey's progress in 2010 is critical, but balanced.

[14] Highlights

a) Press Freedom/Turkey-EU Relations

Temel Iskit, in his article entitled "EU and press freedom", in Taraf, reminding earlier reports issued by European Parliament and EU Commission on press freedom, says the last report is not any different than the previous ones, albeit it has a stronger tone of criticism. Drawing attention to Prime Minister Erdogan's strong reaction, Iskit says that criticizing the EP report is not going to yield any result, instead, he says: "There is an upcoming test in the aftermath of 12 June elections. A genuinely democratic constitution ensuring the freedom of the press is going be the best response to give."

Eser Karakas in Star explains the importance of structural changes for Turkey. A full harmonization with the EU is the best way to respond to criticism, he notes. In his article under the title "An impolitic article on the EU" Karakas writes: "Let us not forget that Spain, Portugal, and Greece were ruled by military regimes. However they all changed their constitutions completely before starting negotiation and harmonization process with the EU." The writer says Turkey should do the same as opposed to getting angry with Sarkozy, Merkel or others.

Cengiz Candar in Radikal sees a growing anti-Turkey lobbying in the West which he attributes to "strong connections that Ergenekon figures" have in the West. In his article entitled "The Anti-Turkey tsunami or the source of the police state rhetoric", he argues that "it will not be surprising to see some organic ties between Ergenekon figures and some Americans" eventually.

Hurriyet's Sedat Ergin emphasizes the thin line between directly interfering in media and creating an atmosphere of pressure. In an article entitled "Interfering in newspaper headlines", the writer reminds that Erdogan responded to criticism about press freedom by asking: "Have we ever interfered in a headline during the last eight years?" The writer lists Prime Minister's angry remarks about newspaper reports and recalls that he even asked media bosses to fire some columnists. Ergin writes: "The statements of Erdogan reflect an obvious interventionist mentality against press freedom. It is inevitable to have a negative psychological perception when you put such intervening statements together." The writer then concludes: "As long as Prime Minister keeps his interventionist approach, freedom of press is going to be a problematic area before Turkey progresses toward a genuinely liberal democracy."

Zaman columnist Abdulhamit Bilici, in an article entitled "Empire of Fear", comments ironically on protests by a group of journalists against arrests in the Ergenekon probe that signify Turkey's gradual transformation into an "empire of fear". He expresses regret at what he mockingly describes as his belated realization in response to the protests that "our democracy has been functioning without a hitch for so many years", that "civilian-military relations have always been perfect in this country", that "the dates 27 May [ 1960], 12 March [ 1971], 12 September [ 1980], 28 February [ 1997], and 27 April [ 2007] in our calendar signify nothing except times of strong south-easterly winds", that "it was Honduras where an elected prime minister was hanged with two of his ministers before the very eyes of the public", etc. He also claims that the arrests actually mean that a long standing "empire of fear" in Turkey is ending.

Today's Zaman columnist Ergun Babahan, in an article entitled "freedom of the pro-military media ended!", asserts that "the pro-military media" in Turkey is "disturbed" by the ongoing Ergenekon and Sledgehammer investigations not because these probes threaten freedom of the press but because they have restricted "the freedom to shape society and politics through the military".

Milli Gazete columnist Abdullah Ozkan, in an article entitled "The media's record", accuses part of the media of paving the way of past coups in Turkey by providing "shameful support" for militarism and claims that those newspapers and journalists that are complaining about government attempts to restrict the freedom of the press today should not suppose the public has forgotten how they used to "applaud" military takeovers. He also argues that Turkey needs a free and independent press "with a clean record" to be able to evolve into an advanced democracy.

b) CHP election campaign

Murat Yetkin in Radikal, in an article entitled "CHP will focus on people, not the state", writes about the political strategy of Republican People's Party (CHP), as explained by its leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. He comments: "CHP is now advocating liberal democracy. As seen in statements from the party leadership, the concept of liberal democracy is not only limited with engaging in the NGOs. It is a civilianization project in a broader context."

Mehmet Ali Birand in Hurriyet Daily News, in his article entitled "Media doing injustice to the CHP" criticizes a bias in the media toward CHP. Birand criticizes the press for disregarding CHP leader Kilicdaroglu's election strategy: "People complain about a lack of opposition but show no interest either. You may be pro-CHP or counter-CHP, what is important is to spread the opposition's views. We cannot continue democracy by only criticizing the AKP and dragging the party through the mud."

Milliyet's Fikret Bila, in an article entitled "The civilianization overture by CHP" defines the CHP strategy as "free individuals and organized society". He says CHP wants to be a party with close connections with society rather than the state. On Kurdish issue, CHP leadership treats the issue as part of social and economic problems of the southeast, Bila adds.

c) Turkish economy

Analyzing figures in Turkish economy, Erdogan Alkin in Hurriyet Daily News, in an article "Inflation, unemployment, and poverty", notes the rise of poverty and growing unbalance in income distribution. He explains: "Poverty increased in 2009 as compared to 2008. The percentage of people living below the poverty line jumped from 16.7% to 17.1%. This indicates that nearly 13 million people can be defined as poor. The number of poor people was 11.6 million in 2008. The deterioration in income distribution in 2009 can partly be explained by the worldwide crisis, but it must be accepted that there are deep-rooted reasons behind the situation."

d) Deep State

Yeni Akit columnist Serdar Arseven, in an article entitled "Deep state coalition, 21 March, and the aftermath", comments on "security reports" warning that the PKK and KCK are preparing to escalate violence as of 21 March Nevruz Day in a bid to enable the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) to win "at least" 30 seats in Parliament. He asserts that the "deep state" is planning to capitalize on a new wave of "PK terrorism" to create nationwide chaos through "provocations" intended to get the army and the police force involved in the expected events so that public support for the parliamentary representatives of the "deep state" might increase and the scene could be set for an "Ergenekon coalition" that would replace the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), in the general election in June. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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