7/2/13

TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW




TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
No.  27/13                                                                                                              7/2/13
1. Eroglu supported Erdogan’s allegation and discussed the Cyprus problem with Gul in Cairo; he met with state officials of Burundi, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan   
2. Reactions to Erdogan’s allegation: You have destroyed Cyprus
3. The Keryneia Castle, St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Monastery in the occupied area of Cyprus will be reportedly privatized; The so-called ministry denies the allegations 
4. Bagis and Erdogan carried out contacts in Slovakia; Statements by Erdogan
5. Contacts by Trade Union Platform in London
6. Ankara to closely watch the spending of 3 billion TL allocated to the occupation regime within the framework of the “economic cooperation protocol”
7. The occupation regime participated at the Fruit Logistica 2013 Fair in Germany
8. Illegal Near East University organized a conference in Rome
9. MUSIAD’s chairman in the occupied area of Cyprus calls Turkish Cypriot businessmen to attend a fair in Turkey
10. Sertoglu is being threatened because of his meetings with the CFA 
11. Fener Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate opposes to the use of a church in Trabzon as a mosque
12. The works for the reconstruction of Agia Thekla chapel have been launched
13. “Elections” in occupied Lefkosia “municipality” to be held on 7 April
14. AKP’s Celik slams U.S Ambasador for his recent remarks
1. Eroglu supported Erdogan’s allegation and discussed the Cyprus problem with Gul in Cairo; he met with state officials of Burundi, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan    Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (07.02.13) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu referred yesterday to Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s allegation that “there is no state called Cyprus” and argued that the Turkish Prime Minister “has once more expressed the realities”. In statements in Cairo, Eroglu said that Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus and alleged that “actually if the world looked at the Cyprus problem in a fair manner, it would not keep the equal partners Turkish Cypriots under embargoes”.

Eroglu argued that Erdogan’s statements were a message to the world and reiterated the Turkish allegation that one of the main reasons for which the Cyprus problem remains unsolved until today is the UN Security Council’s Resolution of 4 March 1964 on Cyprus.

Noting that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is put as an obstacle in front of Turkey’s accession course to the EU, Eroglu claimed that this shows “EU’s injustice”. 

Referring to his contacts during his first day in Cairo, Eroglu said that he met with the Turkish President Abdullah Gul and that they discussed current issues and their policy during “the new negotiating process” which will start on the Cyprus problem.

Eroglu expressed his satisfaction with the interest of Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, General Secretary of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He said that during lunch, which he attended upon Ihsanoglu’s invitation, he was sitting between the President of Maldives and the Price of Saudi Arabia. He noted that he had a “fine dialogue” with both of them. Eroglu said that this is the first time he participates in a Summit of the OIC and added that he had the opportunity to meet or shake hands with many heads of states. 

Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak television (07.02.13) Eroglu who carried out contacts with the Turkish President Abdullah Gul in the framework of the OIC’s Summit in Cairo, met also with presidents and state officials of several member countries of the OIC as well as with state officials of Burundi, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan. He is also expected to deliver a speech today at the summit.    
(I/Ts.)

2. Reactions to Erdogan’s allegation: You have destroyed Cyprus
Under the title “If there is no Cyprus, you have destroyed it”, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (07.02.13) refers to Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s allegation that “there is no state called Cyprus” and reports that Erdogan, “whose words are not taken seriously into consideration anymore because of his inconsistency, played the same disc again” and forgot which country his army had invaded in 1974.

“If there is no state called Cyprus, then where the hell your troops had been sent in 1974”, wonders Afrika’s editor-in-chief, Sener Levent in his daily column today. He goes on and wonders, inter alia, the following: “[Had they been sent] to Singapore, to Korea? The land of which country they had invaded? Whom they have shot? Whom they have taken prisoners? Whom they have buried in mass graves? Onto the head of which country they had thrown bombs? …”   

Moreover, in its “Letter from Afrika” column, the paper writes that during the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) period in Turkey, the occupied Cyprus lands have been looted more than ever, more population than any other period has been transferred from Turkey, crimes have increased more than ever and more businesses than even have closed down. 

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (07.02.13) reports that Oktay Vural, vice president of the Nationalist Action Party’s (MHP) parliamentary group, criticized yesterday Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan for his statement that “there is no state called Cyprus”. He recalled that in statements made by Erdogan on 2 October 2004 during a meeting of AKP’s parliamentary group, the Prime Minister had said that Turkey had only one option, adding that they would definitely secure Turkey’s accession into the EU. Vural read out the conditions which are included in the framework document for Turkey’s accession negotiations and added, inter alia, the following referring to Erdogan:

“You are the one who signed all these in the framework document of the negotiations. You have drawn the framework. The negotiations in this framework are open-ended, and the membership is not guaranteed. You will cast anchor in EU ports, you will recognize Cyprus... You are the ones who have turned Cyprus into a part of the negotiations with the EU, who have related [the issues]… Yes there is no such state, but you have handed over to the Greek Cypriots a state named ‘Cyprus’…”
(I/Ts.)

3. The Keryneia Castle, St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Monastery in the occupied area of Cyprus will be reportedly privatized; The so-called ministry denies the allegations 
Under the title: “Allegations for the privatization museums and castles”, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (07.02.12) reports that the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot’s Travel Agents Union (KITSAB), Orhan Tolu, in statements to the paper, alleged that discussions were launched in the occupied area of Cyprus aiming to the privatization of the Keryneia Castle, St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Monastery in the occupied area of Cyprus.

On the other hand, the “undersecretary” of the so-called ministry of tourism, environment and culture, Sahap Asikoglu denied the allegations and said that no decision was taken by the “ministry” for something like this.
AK

4. Bagis and Erdogan carried out contacts in Slovakia; Statements by Erdogan
Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.02.12) reported from Ankara that the Turkish Minister of EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis met on Wednesday with Slovakia's Deputy Premier, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak in Bratislava.

Bagis and Lajcak discussed Turkey's EU process, visa liberalization, cooperation against terror and the problem of Cyprus, in a meeting which was closed to the press corps.

Meanwhile, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told at joint press conference with his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico in capital Bratislava, the last stop of the Turkish Premier's three-nation Eastern European tour, that Turkey would move to lift visa requirement for Slovak nationals, adding that his country expected Slovakia to do same for Turkish nationals who would visit the eastern European country to provide services. "We will take the step for visa exemption as soon as I return home and I believe Slovakia's lifting visa requirement for our businesspeople, scholars, students, artists and sportspeople would move our relations to a higher level", Erdogan said.

Erdogan said that Turkey and Slovakia had a bilateral trade volume of over $1.5 billion. He added that energy could be a major field for cooperation between the two countries and that Turkey had recently passed a new incentive package for investors.

Erdogan also thanked for Slovakia's support for Turkey's European Union membership accession process. Responding to a question whether Turkey would ever consider withdrawing its EU membership bid, Erdogan said, "it has been 50 years and we are still at the door [...] But nevertheless we carry on with patience and we are committed to carry on but for how long is a topic of another discussion. And of course at some point we may put an end to it." 

Also, according to Turkish daily Sabah (07.02.13) during the press conference with his Slovakian counterpart, Erdogan referred also to the situation in Cyprus and said: “South Cyprus’ situation distance a lot from the obedience to the EU acquis communautaire. We will not be a weight for the EU. Actually, at the moment it started to become obvious which are considered as burdens in the EU”.
5. Contacts by Trade Union Platform in London
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (07.02.13) reports that a 12-member delegation from the Turkish Cypriot Trade Union Platform has started its contacts in London, which it is visiting upon an invitation from the British Parliament. The delegation headed by Sener Elcil, general secretary of Turkish Cypriot Primary School Teachers’ Trade Union, met the day before yesterday with Mary Southcott, coordinator of the Friends of Cyprus Group.

The Turkish Cypriot delegation met also with David Reed, Head of the Office for Cyprus, Greece and Turkey at the British Foreign Office. Yesterday the Turkish Cypriots met with Andy Love, Member of the Parliament and co-chairman of the Friends of Cyprus Group. After the meetings, the Platform handed over to its interlocutors a file with its views and proposals.  

Expressing the views of the Platform during their meetings, Sener Elcil argued that the Turkish Cypriots are those who are harmed the most from the non-solution on the island. Elcil expressed the belief that the current policy followed by Turkey “does not provide for a solution in Cyprus”. He pointed out that the population transferred from Turkey in violation of the Geneva Convention, “negatively influences the demographic structure” in the occupied area of the republic of Cyprus and creates difficulties in education and the health services. In parallel to this, he added, the construction of mosques and complexes of buildings adjacent to mosques by Turkey is intensified during the past few years in order to impose Sunni Islam. He argued that these policies “have brought the Turkish Cypriots to the point of being annihilated”.

Elcil said that a United Cyprus should be created within the framework of the agreements of 23 May and 1 July in a manner that covers “the UN parameters and all the views of the sides”. He noted that the Cypriots should jointly use a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and single international identity in this United Cyprus, which will be based on political equality. He asked from the British officials to be more active on this issue as representatives of a guarantor power.

Within the framework of its contacts, the Platform will met with Lord Dubs, vice president of Friends of Cyprus Association, and Nick De Bois, co-chairman  of the same association and Member of the Parliament in Enfield.
(I/Ts.)

6. Ankara to closely watch the spending of 3 billion TL allocated to the occupation regime within the framework of the “economic cooperation protocol”
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (07.02.13) the protocol surrounding Turkey’s 3 billion Turkish Lira grant to “Turkish Cyprus”, as the occupation regime is called, has revealed that Ankara initiates terms for considerable support, which include a close watch on spending.

The three year “economic cooperation program” scheduled to last until the end of 2015, foresees to cut the current budget gap of the “TRNC” to 315 million liras.

The grant will be handed over to the “TRNC” in three years, according to the agreement published on the Turkish Official Gazette yesterday. The document was signed by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay, who is in charge of ties with Turkish Cypriots, and the so-called prime minister İrsen Kucuk.

The dues will be determined in Turkey’s annual budget laws.

Turkey may also add 300 million liras in loans to support the budget and reshape public banks in “Turkish Cyprus”.

Turkey has also promised to send technicians and public employees to lend physical support to the island.

A Turkish Cypriot mission will prepare monthly reports and detailed studies quarterly, which will be submitted to a Turkish mission. The grants will be given to the “TRNC” after approval is granted by the Turkish mission and Atalay.

Besides aiding the Turkish Cypriot economy, the implementation of the program will also aim to evaluate things in outlook meetings held every six months.

Turkey will also provide support to particular sectors on the island, mainly tourism, via its Development Bank and some other lenders, which were not named in the document.

“Turkish Cyprus’ tourism revenues” make up a little less than 5 % of its economy. The “deal” shows that Turkey will closely watch its grant to the “TRNC”, which started to grow moderately in 2010 after two years of recession.
(…)

7. The occupation regime participated at the Fruit Logistica 2013 Fair in Germany
Under the title: “Our products were promoted”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (07.02.12) reports that the occupation regime has participate to the Fruit Logistica 2013 fair, a fair for fruit and vegetables, which is taking place in Berlin, Germany.

As the paper writes, the occupation regime participates at the fair with its own stand and is represented by a delegation headed by the so-called minister of economy and energy, Sunat Atun.

According to a statement issued by the “Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry”, the occupation regime participated at the fair which opened yesterday and will close on February 8, with fruit and vegetable producers, under the name “North Cyprus”.

Meanwhile, with the framework of his visit to Berlin, so-called minister Atun and his accompanied delegation, visited yesterday the Turkish-Germany Trade and Industry Chamber, where the held contacts with officials there. According to the paper, Atun proposed during his visit to the chamber, the establishment of a joint trade committee.

Also, as the paper writes, during the meeting it has been decided that in April, an exchange of views meeting will be held between the officials of the Turkish-Germany Trade and Industry Chamber and “representatives” of the so-called ministry.
AK

8. Illegal Near East University organized a conference in Rome
Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.02.12) reported from Rome that the illegal Near East University (YDU), presented the "Contribution to Global Education" award to Enver Yucel of the Bahcesehir University for his contributions.

The award was presented to Yucel as part of the Fifth Conference of World Educational Sciences organized by the “Near East University” and hosted by the La Sapienza University in Rome.
AK

9. MUSIAD’s chairman in the occupied area of Cyprus calls Turkish Cypriot businessmen to attend a fair in Turkey
Under the title: “The ‘TRNC’ will participate”, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (07.02.13) reports that a conference for the promotion of the Hamriyah Freezone Area, the UAE’s Trade Opportunities and the Dubai Sharjah Free Zone, is to be organized in the Marmara Hotel in Istanbul on February 12.

The paper writes that the Turkish Cypriot businessmen, who would like to attend the conference, could conduct with the MUSIAD’ chairman in the occupied area of Cyprus, Okyay Sadikoglu to convey their interest.
AK


10. Sertoglu is being threatened because of his meetings with the CFA 
Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (07.02.13) reports that Hasan Sertoglu, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot so-called football federation, told the paper yesterday that those who do not know the problems of the Turkish Cypriot football have started to give advices on the issue of his so-called federation’s meetings with the Cyprus Football Association (CFA or KOP), but no one submitted any alternative solution.

Sertoglu noted that he has received threatening telephone calls on the issue of the negotiations process with the CFA, but added that he will not give any concessions from his “decisive stance”. He argued that there are some persons who “wear themselves out” in order to destroy the process, but expressed his satisfaction because “the vast majority of the people” support his efforts. He said that in spite of the threats, he will not turn back.

Sertoglu alleged that the positive climate in the negotiations was spoiled after the incident that took place last week when football players from Turkey playing in occupied Akanthou village’s team had not been allowed to enter into Pyla village to play with the local Turkish Cypriot team. Sertoglu noted that his “federation” will not remain silent on this issue. He said that they would visit Pyla today with the chairmen of all organized associations in the field of football: players, referees, managers and sport writers. He said that they will react to what he called “this inhumane practice which is contrary to sports ethics”. He noted that they have held meetings with the competent authorities on the issue and expressed the belief that the problem will be solved soon.
(I/Ts.)       

11. Fener Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate opposes to the use of a church in Trabzon as a mosque
Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (07.02.13) reports that the Fener Greek-Orthodox Patriarchate supports the continued use of the Hagia Sophia in Trabzon as a museum, not as a mosque.

The Patriarchate’s press officer, Dositheos Anagnostopulos, told the Hurriyet Daily News in a phone interview yesterday: “As is known, Trabzon is not urgently in need of a mosque, and it is also known that there is no Orthodox community there. The best way is to keep the church as a museum”.

The Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate holds annual ceremonies in the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon province with a special permit issued by the Ministry of Culture.

Asked whether the Patriarchate would demand to hold ceremonies in Hagia Sophia as well, Anagnostopulos said that if the ministry permitted it and the Orthodox community desired it, this would be their duty, not only a desire.

The Foundations Directorate had announced on February 4 that the Hagia Sophia in Trabzon would soon be opened up for prayers.

Foundations Directorate Head Adnan Ertem said that five of the seven Hagia Sophias nationwide were currently functioning as mosques, but two were still inactive, adding that the culture minister was the “occupying force” in the decision to reopen Trabzon’s Hagia Sophia.

“We have won the court case regarding the situation,” Ertem said. “We are planning to open the place for prayers again after the necessary processes are completed.”

The Hagia Sophia Museum was first dedicated as an Orthodox patriarchal basilica in 360 A.D. Until the year of 1453 it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople. Following the city’s conquest by the Ottoman Empire, the building was converted into a mosque in 1453 and remained so until 1931, when it was closed to the public for four years. It was reopened by the republican authorities in 1935 as a museum.


12. The works for the reconstruction of Agia Thekla chapel have been launched
Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (07.02.13) reports that after the latest reports published by the paper the recent days about the delay being observed at the works for the reconstruction of Agia Thekla chapel in occupied Vokolida due to the obstacles putted by the officials of the Noah Ark Hotel, the constructor company which won the tender, has launched the reconstruction of the chapel.

Yeni Duzen paper wrote the other day that it was the Noah Ark Hotel which puts obstacles in the reconstruction of the chapel.

The 200-year-old Greek Orthodox Ayia Thekla Chapel at the occupied village of Vokolida, was demolished on May 2, 2011, by a bulldozer on the ground that the Noah Ark Hotel was to be built there.
(AK)

13. “Elections” in occupied Lefkosia “municipality” to be held on 7 April
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (07.02.13) reports that the self-styled assembly’s committee on legal and political affairs adopted yesterday unanimously the “draft-law” which provides for holding “by-elections” in occupied Lefkosia’s “municipality” on 7 April 2013.  According to statements made by Mehmet Tuncer, chairman of the “committee”, the so-called mayor and the “members of the municipal council” in occupied Lefkosia will be “elected” on 7 April after the “law” passes from the “general assembly” today.
(I/Ts.)

14. AKP’s Celik slams U.S Ambasador for his recent remarks
According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (06.02.13) the Deputy Head of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Huseyin Celik reacted strongly today to critical remarks from U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone regarding the Turkish judicial system. “We are inviting Ricciardone to remain within his boundaries and limits. We are not pleased with [his remarks], we condemn and denounce them. The ambassador should know his place,” said Çelik in televised comments on the private broadcaster Kanal A. 

Ricciardone, who briefed Ankara reporters yesterday on the suicide attack in the USA Embassy in Turkey, criticized the long detention of army officers, scholars and students. “You have your military leaders, who were entrusted with the protection of this country behind bars as if they were terrorists... When a legal system produces such results and confuses people like that for terrorists, it makes it hard for American and European courts to match up,” Ricciardone had said.

Celik noted that the U.S. envoy had in the past also commented about internal questions in Turkey, emphasizing that it was inappropriate for a diplomat to make judgments about “topics that he does not know the details of.”

“The Prime Minister had called him ‘novice ambassador.’ As it seems, Ricciardone has not yet learned his place in that period,” said Celik.

The AKP deputy also asked the U.S. envoy to give explanations for the Guantanamo Camp, where al-Qaeda suspects are detained.


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