Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-01-07

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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] Bildt: The unity of Syria is as important as that of Cyprus, Lebanon, Iraq and Azerbaijan-Turkey's EU membership not a certainty

[02] Eroglu to meet Downer on January 15

[03] Eroglu says their essential duty is to defend their "state" and boosts that they Turkified the occupied area of Cyprus

[04] The crisis at the occupied Lefkosia municipality was overcome; BES postponed its appointment with President Demetris Christofias; statements by Eroglu

[05] In October they made him a national hero, in January they arrested him

[06] Garry Robb accuses the breakaway regime of deceiving him and demands compensation; One thief accuses the other

[07] Talat: "Palestine does not constitute an example for the 'TRNC'".

[08] Kucuk is appealing today against the decision for a second round of voting for UBP's presidency

[09] Big difference between minimum wage in Turkey and the breakaway regime

[10] Turkey signs 10-year gas deal with Algeria

[11] Yildiz: Libya important for Turkey's oil exploration and production

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Bildt: The unity of Syria is as important as that of Cyprus, Lebanon, Iraq and Azerbaijan-Turkey's EU membership not a certainty

Reporting on the issue the paper writes that in the framework of the Conference, the foreign ministers of Turkey, Brazil and Sweden announced a new trilateral initiative. The new initiative's name is inspired by the initials of three countries as announced by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davuto
lu: Trilateral Solidarity for Building Peace.

Davuto
lu said there were similar approaches in the foreign policy-making of the three countries. "It is a decision to develop a common perspective to regional and global issues," said Davuto
lu as he pointed to the cooperation.

The foreign minister of Brazil, Antonio Patriota, emphasized the developing bilateral relations between Turkey and Brazil and defined the relations as strategic. Emphasizing that both countries can act on common values despite differences, Patriota also added that Brazil might consider becoming an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

In addition, Turkey Today's Zaman (06.01.13) reports that Bildt also stated that Turkey's prospect of joining the European Union at the end of a lengthy process is not a certainty.

"Nothing is given in the world. Nothing is given in life," Bildt said in the Fifth Annual Ambassadors' Conference "It requires efforts by both sides", he said and added that he t hoped that Turkish-EU talks would gain a new momentum in the coming year. "I do think that there are positive signs, so we will work on that," he said.

Bildt said most of the problems stemmed from Turkey's "fairly old constitution" made by the junta after the 1980 military takeover. He hoped that progress would be made towards the new constitution and the judicial reforms which would address problems. Bildt also said he did believe Turkey would join the EU. "Yes, I do believe. Don't ask me when but I do believe it."

[02] Eroglu to meet Downer on January 15

Eroglu, who was answering journalists questions regarding the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, said: "The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor for Cyprus Alexander Downer will be holding contacts in Cyprus and within this framework I will be receiving him on the 15th of January'.

Eroglu also said that the report to be prepared by the Australian diplomat during his contacts in Cyprus is very important.

Explaining that a new procedure for the talks will become clarified once Mr. Downer arrives in Cyprus, Eroglu said: "There are views that it would be better to discuss one chapter and all parallel chapters connecting to it, instead of finishing one chapter at a time. We will evaluate this view once Mr. Downer is in Cyprus".

[03] Eroglu says their essential duty is to defend their "state" and boosts that they Turkified the occupied area of Cyprus

Eroglu argued that their essential duty is to defend these lands known as their country and the "state established on them. He went on and claimed they "have experienced and know what it means to remain without a state".

Eroglu alleged that there are some people, who try to cause a quarrel between "the old residents of the TRNC and those who came afterwards", as he described the illegal Turkish settlers transferred to the occupied area of Cyprus in a planned manner after the 1974 invasion of the island. He claimed that there are some people, who "are supported by the south", as he called the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus. He alleged: "However, I am satisfied to see that all our people, regardless of which place of motherland Turkey they have come from, our brothers who settled in the TRNC, all of us have achieved to become people of these lands?"

He argued that everybody, who consider the occupied part of Cyprus as their country, either they came before or after 1974, Turkified these lands and "live in peace and security" under two flags and the roof of the "TRNC", as he called the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

According to the paper, the opening ceremony of the association's headquarters in occupied Trikomo area was held.

(I/Ts.)

[04] The crisis at the occupied Lefkosia municipality was overcome; BES postponed its appointment with President Demetris Christofias; statements by Eroglu

According to the paper, the meetings which took place with the mediation of the so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk, had as a result the suspension of the three months crisis at the so-called "Lefkosia municipality" until the 29th of January. As the paper writes, the "government", in the first stage, will transfer the amount of 6 million TL to the "municipality" in order to pay the wages of the unpaid workers.

The paper underlines the fact that the so-called mayor of occupied Lefkosia, Cemal Bulutoglulari did not participated to the series of contacts which took place during the week-end and in statements to Havadis newspaper, Bulutoglulari said that he was not informed about anything.

According to the paper, the chairman of BES, Savas Bozat and the members of BES trade union, met yesterday morning with the deputy-chairman of the so-called municipality of occupied Lefkosia, Ozel Kadioglu and the "governor" Kemal Deniz Dana. During the meeting the two sides discussed the proposals which they convey in the afternoon to the so-called prime minister Kucuk, in a separate meeting they held. Among the matters agreed during the meeting, was on the amount of the 6 million TL to be transferred by the so-called government to the "municipality" and the speeding up of reforms at the occupied Lefkosia municipality.

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (07.01.13) reports in its front page on the issue under the title "Christofias solved the problem at the Lefkosia Turkish Municipality". The paper writes that as soon as the BES trade Union announced that they will go to Christofias, Kucuk met with those who in the past was calling them "terrorist" and accepted all their demands.

Also, the paper writes that BES trade union will meet today at the so-called prime ministry with the so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk and give a joint press conference in order to inform the public opinion about the latest developments. The so-called minister of interior and local administration, Nazim Cavusoglu has also stated that a protocol is to be signed today between BES trade Union and the so-called municipality of occupied Lefkosia, as a result of the agreement been reached.

Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak television (05.01.12) the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu has called on the "government" and the occupied Lefkosia Municipality workers union BES to solve their problems.

Evaluating the problems being experienced in occupied Lefkosia, Eroglu expressed the hope that the "government" and the occupied Lefkosia municipality workers union will come to an agreement and solve their problems in the New Year.

Referring to the threat issued by BES that they will ask for an appointment with the Greek Cypriot leader so that he can solve their problems, Eroglu said that the Union should solve their problems with their own "government". "The government should try and be more understanding on internal issues and really try and solve the problems. Although I have made it clear on several occasions that I am ready to help in the issue, no one has asked for my help", Eroglu said.

(AK)

[05] In October they made him a national hero, in January they arrested him

The "police" of the breakaway regime arrested Alaslan yesterday for smuggling held in the period October 2012 and 1 January 2013.

In statements to Havadis, Alaslan argued that he had bought the sheep and that the only thing he had done is that he passed it illegally into the occupied area of Cyprus. "And this was very easy", he added noting that the person to whom he sold the sheep new that this was a smuggling. He alleged that he is innocent.

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (06.01.13) reports that 50 sheep, two rams and 13 new-born lambs, all having a chip by the Veterinary Department of the Republic of Cyprus, were found in the occupied villages of Trypimeni, Knodara and Bogazi.

Under the title "Now apologize to the Greek Cypriot policemen", Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (06.01.13), Alaslan, who had been chased by Greek Cypriot policemen last October up to his house in occupied Louroudjina village, was arrested by the Turkish Cypriot "police" for stealing approximately 60 sheep from the government-controlled area of Cyprus. The paper recalls that Alaslan had not been punished then, while the policemen had been tried both at civilian and military "court". Commenting on the issue in his daily column, Afrika's editor-in-chief, Sener Levent writes that the "national hero" has been proved to be a thief. Levent notes that those, who had almost declared Alaslan as "national hero" in October now are silent.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (06.01.13) covers the issue under the title "The 'innocent hero' was arrested". "He had been declared a hero and innocent by the TRNC administration. Two days ago he was arrested for sheep smuggling", notes the paper.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Garry Robb accuses the breakaway regime of deceiving him and demands compensation; One thief accuses the other

Robb has sent a letter to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu asking for compensation both for himself and his clients. He threatened that if he was not granted compensation, he would appeal to international courts.

The paper recalls that Robb was in prison for nine months in the government-controlled area of Cyprus [Translator's note: for usurping occupied Greek Cypriot property].

According to the paper, in his letter to Eroglu Robb accuses the then self-styled prime minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer, the then "interior minister", Ozkan Murat and the former chairman of the building contractors union, Cafer Gurcafer. Robb tells Eroglu that this would be his last correspondence with him and that afterwards he would launch legal procedure against the "TRNC".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Talat: "Palestine does not constitute an example for the 'TRNC'"

In his statements, Talat said that Palestine, which has gain an observer status at the UN, does not constitute an example for the "TRNC". "Palestine was considered by the UN for years the rightful side. Only the USA was opposed to Palestine's gaining the observer status. The 'TRNC' is the side which is criticized by the UN Security Council and the side where all ties are forbidden. For this reason, it is not possible to compare Palestine with the TRNC", Talat said.

As regards the Cyprus problem, Talat stressed the need for the UN to follow a new road map on the Cyprus problem during the new period of the re-launching of the Cyprus negotiation talks. "Unfortunately, the reason of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem during the recent years, is because of the attitude followed by the UN", Talat argued.

Talat continue and called on the UN to undertake a more active role on the Cyprus problem.

Referring to the Republic of Cyprus' EU term Presidency, Talat said that the Republic of Cyprus' EU term Presidency was inevitable, and was something which was determined from the day that "south Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the EU. He said further that nobody expected from "such a country" to have a successful EU term Presidency. He added that the admiring statements of the EU officials towards "south Cyprus' EU presidency", aimed to conciliate them.

Regarding the forthcoming Presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus, Talat said that it is important, for the negotiation, who is going to be the winner of the elections. About the candidates, he said that Anastasiades who is the strongest candidate until now, has a positive stance towards the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Talat referred also in his statements to the internal developments in the National Unity Party (UBP) and the decision of the "Lefkosia District court" for the congress of UBP to be repeated and said that the decision of the "court" should be respected.

He also expressed a lot of criticism to the so-called government and accused it for lack of competence, adding that the difficulties experienced in the occupation regime caused depression to the Turkish Cypriots.

Talat expressed sadness for the chaos that exist in the "country" and the fact that the occupation regime is leading to the disaster. He reiterated that he had not decided yet whether he will be a candidate for the "presidential elections" in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Referring to the problems of the workers at the occupied Lefkosia Municipality, Talat expressed his full support to the workers. As regards the warning made by the members of BES trade union that if there problems were not met by the so-called government, they would carry out a meeting with President Demetris Christofias to convey to him their problems, Talat said: "This situation is not something which interests Christofias. This is only a reaction. (...)."

(AK)

[08] Kucuk is appealing today against the decision for a second round of voting for UBP's presidency

This development follows a decision of the district "court" in the occupied part of Lefkosia, to cancel Kucuk's declaration as chairman of the UBP during the congress of the party on 21 October 2012, noting that this was contrary to the statute of the UBP.

Kucuk stated that he does not recognize the authority of a "court" to order when a party must hold its congress.

Illegal Bayrak (06.01.13) broadcast that Kucuk's lawyer Ergin Ulunay stated that will be filing an appeal today for the annulment of the decision taken regarding UBP's Congress and for the 10 day period handed down by the "Lefkosia district court" to be suspended. Pointing out that filing an appeal case was a 6 week process; Ulunay said: "What we are unhappy about is the court's ruling that a second round must be held in 10 days. We believe that such a ruling exceeds the authorities of the court. The court cannot give such decisions". He said if the "Lefkosia district court" rejects their appeal then they will be filing an appeal at the "Supreme Court".

[09] Big difference between minimum wage in Turkey and the breakaway regime

According to the paper, the minimum wage in Turkey is 1,818 Turkish Lira while minimum wage in breakaway regime is 1,453 Turkish Lira. The paper notes that no raise is given as regards minimum wage is the occupied area of Cyprus and the wage remains the same for some time now.

[10] Turkey signs 10-year gas deal with Algeria

The deal, which will see the gas delivered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, was signed between the state oil firm, the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), and Algerian state firm Sonatrach. Yildiz had earlier indicated interest in Algerian gas, but the deal was finalized after an afternoon meeting with Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Youcef Yousfi.

The deal comes as Turkey, which imports over 95% of its natural gas from abroad, looks to diversify away from its traditional gas and oil partners, Iran and Russia.

Yildiz during his visit also spoke of the possibility of building an LNG terminal somewhere in the Aegean, to cope with the growing volume of energy shipments from elsewhere in the Mediterranean. According to Reuters, Yildiz suggested that the terminal might be built on the Gulf of Saros, in Turkish Thrace. Yildiz reportedly said the facility might have an annual capacity of 5-6 million cubic meters and would be built in partnership with a Qatari firm. "Qatar would carry out the feasibility work and evaluate the project," Yildiz was quoted by Reuters as saying. "This would help relieve the [Bosporus] Strait's traffic and Bulgaria and Greece could benefit from the facility as well."

[11] Yildiz: Libya important for Turkey's oil exploration and production

He added that Turkey's existing fields in Libya were not enough so they demanded for more.

Yildiz who is on a tour of Algeria, Libya and Qatar spoke to journalists while he was flying from Libya to Qatar.

Yildiz reminded that under the current deal, Turkey procures 56 cargo Liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Algeria and demanded extra cargo for the winter season and lastly said that his negotiations in the country went very productive.

Furthermore, he said that Libya went through a such difficult period and said, "The normalization of the country will be possible with the rise in the petrol and natural gas revenue. If Libya's oil output of 1.6 million barrels oil production daily increased to 2 million barrels, it would be beneficial for the country."

Yildiz said, "Turkey has oil exploration and production works in Libya's Fezzan field, however it is not enough. We demanded new fields. There are three probabilities in this topic. First of all, the independent approach of Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), secondly the cooperation of TPAO and Turkish private sector and lastly, the independent works of private sector."

He said that during their meeting with President of Libyan General National Congress Mohammed el-Magariaf, they discussed the slow pace of cooperation which needs to be put aside.

He stressed that they discussed the same topic with officials of Libyan oil company NOC and said that their demand was to inform them with their wishes and put those wishes into practice as soon as possible.

Yildiz explained that Libyan officials were looking positively to both Turkey and the Turkish firms.

He stressed that during conflicts in the county, the power infrastructure of the country was damaged badly and said, "They will invest $2.5 billion in their power infrastructure this year. We wish to carry on their power infrastructure master plan. So in this case, Turkish private sector needs to undertake one quarter work of the investment for power infrastructure."

Upon a question about the claims over Greek oil exploration in the Aegean Sea and the dispute, he said, "I do not think that our neighbor which deals with such economic problems would open arguments regarding the topic. We do not think of working in problematic areas in Aegean. In the scope of friendship of both countries, we made positive steps in the past. We will maintain this." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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