TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
No. 66/13
6-8/4/13
1. Davutoglu discussed the Cyprus problem with Kerry
2. Davutoglu: “The economic depression in Cyprus
cannot serve as a pretext for not starting talks”
3. Statements by Simsek on the economic crisis in
Cyprus
4. Yildiz’s interview to Hurriyet; Barbaros Hayrettin
seismic research vessel will sail into the Mediterranean
5. Kerry says Turkish-Israeli rapprochement vital for
regional peace process
6. Turkish Energy Minister invites oil firms to Black
Sea
7. Talat: The only alternative for the non-solution is
the continuation of the status quo
8. CTP’s Fellahoglu is the new “mayor” of occupied Lefkosia; Turnout remained at 58.65%; Reactions after the “election”
8. CTP’s Fellahoglu is the new “mayor” of occupied Lefkosia; Turnout remained at 58.65%; Reactions after the “election”
9. Applications to “Property Compensation Commission”
are expected to exceed 5.000 by the end of the year
10. The breakaway regime participated in the Saint
Petersburg “International Property Show”
11. Self-styled minister of tourism held contacts in
Baku in the sides of the “AITF 2013 tourism fair”
12.
Reaction to the occupied area of Cyprus after the latest statement by the
Health Minister of the Republic for the health services provided to the Turkish
Cypriots
13. Opinion poll on political parties in Turkey
14. Turkey’s
defense and aerospace industry exports on the rise
1. Davutoglu discussed the Cyprus problem with Kerry
According
to Ankara Anatolia news agency (07.04.13), Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu had a joint press conference with US State Secretary John Kerry, who
paid an official visit to Turkey on the weekend.
Regarding
Cyprus problem, Davutoglu said that a “window of opportunity” was opened
following the elections in the Republic of Cyprus, and if this opportunity was
assessed right, it would be the right time to take action for a permanent peace
in Cyprus. He also said: “We expect the US to follow this issue closely”.
Moreover,
under the title: “Cyprus on the agenda”, Turkish Cypriot daily Hurriyet
(17.04.13) reported that the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was going to carry out today a meeting with the
USA Foreign Minister John Kerry, which was described as critical for the future
of Cyprus and the Middle.
(...)
Referring
to Cyprus, the paper writes that Turkey will demand the evaluation of the
opportunity which was created because of the economic crisis in the Greek
Cypriot side, for a viable peace in Cyprus.
According
to the paper, Davutoglu will point out also during the meeting with Kerry, that
the insistence of the Greek Cypriots to unilaterally continue the oil
exploration activities in the Mediterranean and to continue claiming the
natural resources, will constitute the reason for a new tension in the
region. The paper adds that in case that
the Greek Cypriots insist in their stance, Turkey will make a warning, that the
“TRNC” in its turn, will intensify its oil exploration activities in the “north”,
it will unilaterally use its natural resources and will also intensify the
process for the official division of the two “sides” in the island.
(AK)
2. Davutoglu: “The economic depression in Cyprus
cannot serve as a pretext for not starting talks”
Under
the title “Turkey upset at new Cypriot President’s attitude to
North: Turkish FM”, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 07.04.13),
reports, inter alia, the following:
“Newly
elected Greek Cypriot President [Trans. Note: President of the Republic of
Cyprus] Nicos Anastasiades should have met with his Turkish Cypriot counterpart
[Trans. Note: Turkish Cypriot leader], Dervis Eroglu, after winning recent
elections, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said April 7 criticizing
the new leader’s actions in office so far.
‘The
attitude [Anastasiades] adopted after the elections has created disappointment.
Mr. Eroglu made a call for a meeting at the earliest [opportunity] and sent a
letter. We were all expecting that both could have at least come together [by
now], but the information that we have obtained lends the impression that this
won’t be possible in the near future,’ Davutoglu said during a press conference
in Istanbul with his Irish counterpart, Eamon Gilmore.
Davutoglu
said the economic depression in Greek Cyprus could not serve as a pretext for
not starting talks.
‘We
are facing a dilemma. When we say “Participate in the negotiations seriously”,
if they are strong and in a good situation, they take a distant attitude; and
if they are weak, they say, “Wait until we become stronger”. If there is an
opportunity for a solution to a crisis that has been frozen for such a long
time, you should not wait even a minute,’ he said.
The
Turkish foreign minister also said the steps to be taken for a solution would
ease Greek Cyprus’ economic woes. ‘If in 2004 the Greek Cypriots had not said
no to a [U.N.-backed reunification] plan that Turkish Cypriots [agreed to],
today such a crisis would not have happened.’
Following
his meeting with his counterpart from Ireland, which is the current rotating
President of the European Union, Davutoglu also talked about the prospective
opening of a first accession chapter in 2.5 years. If France lifts its veto on
four chapters and the Cyprus issue begins proceeding toward a resolution, all
chapters will be open and Turkey will be able to quickly conclude its accession
talks, Davutoglu said.
‘One
chapter is better than nothing, but if we want to move forward, it’s not a
giant step at all. It’s like the blossoming of one flower in winter; it doesn’t
mean that spring is going to come. It’s just half-opening the door,’ he said.
(…)”
Moreover,
Ankara Anatolia news agency (08.04.13) reports that the Turkish Minister of
Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu, during a joint press conference with his Irish
counterpart Eamon Gilmore after a bilateral meeting in Istanbul on Sunday, said
he discussed also the Cypriot question with his Irish counterpart, adding that
initiatives could be undertaken during Ireland's presidency to resolve the
long-running dispute in the eastern Mediterranean island.
The
Irish Foreign Minister, on his part, said that the Cyprus government was
currently focused on solving its economic problems, adding: “I hope they will
be able to look at the greater political picture once they begin working out
their economic issues.”
Gilmore
said Ireland has been a staunch supporter of Turkey's EU accession, adding that
the Irish presidency of the EU felt an obligation to move Turkey's membership
process forward.
3. Statements by Simsek on the economic crisis in
Cyprus
According
to illegal Bayrak television (06.04.13), Turkey’s Finance Minister Mehmet
Simsek, responding to questions on Turkey’s Wall Street Journal via Twitter,
said that the greatest contribution to save Cyprus from its current economic
crisis would be to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem, adding that Turkey
desired all its neighbours to enjoy stability and prosperity.
“The
crisis being experienced in south Cyprus [Trans. Note: as he refers to the
Republic of Cyprus] does not please us in anyway. The bail-out package may have
brought some relief but financial discipline in the long term is extremely
crucial. South Cyprus only makes up 0.1% of the EU economy so I doubt the EU
shall be feeling the impact of the crisis. However the haircut or 40% levy
imposed on bank deposits greater than 100 thousand Euros could worry some EU
citizens”, Simsek said.
Responding
to a question as to whether Turkey can save South Cyprus, Finance Minister
Simsek said that the greatest contribution to save Cyprus from its current
economic crisis,
would be to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem.
4. Yildiz’s interview to Hurriyet; Barbaros Hayrettin
seismic research vessel will sail into the Mediterranean
Turkish
daily Hurriyet (06.04.13), under the title “Are we Going to Sell Vegetables
Together?”, publishes the following interview with the Minister for Energy and
Natural Resources Taner Yildiz:
“Scolding
America about nuclear energy, the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources
Taner Yildiz said, ‘If I am not going to make a $22 billion nuclear power
station with my strategic partner America, what project am I to work on? Am I going to sell tomatoes and peppers?’
Hosting
a team from Hurriyet at the Ministry, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources
Taner Yildiz gave some striking answers to many questions ranging from
developments in energy to the solution process that is being debated a lot
right now. Stating that talks were underway with China and Japan for a second
nuclear power station, Minister Yildiz scolded ‘strategic partner’
America. Noting that the firm that won
the second nuclear power station would also carry out studies for a third power
station, Minister Yildiz continued:
Triple Proposal for Nuclear Power
One
of the proposals we have received regarding the second nuclear power plant to
be built in Sinop came from the Japanese.
The Chinese proposal is of two kinds: one with them alone, the other
with the French. France is a
subcontractor not the main contractor and moderator. Half the nuclear plants in the world are
found in America, France and Japan.
Which One Is More Strategic?
‘We
put this to the Americans. We spoke with
all the high level decision makers. They
were unable to fix the paradox. We are model and strategic partners with the
United States. We need to do strategic
work with them, do we not? If nuclear
energy cannot be made as a strategic business what can we do as a strategic
business? But they are telling us the
project is not feasible. It may not be feasible but it is strategic. The
strategic part is up to Washington.
They Should Have Followed Through
‘If
I am not going to make a nuclear power station with America, what strategic
project am I going to do? Am I going to
sell tomatoes and peppers? As a model
partner we have a right to expect this.
By not giving us a nuclear proposal they are not following through with
this model partnership. I really would
like to see America on board in this process.
I am not faulting the model partnership.
I am not faulting the fact that it is not being followed through. If we are not going to make a $22 billion nuclear
power plant project with America, what project are we to do with them?’
We Are Not Iran;
We Are Open to Offers
Taner
Yildiz stated that the Russian firm Gazprom had decided not to work with
southern Cyprus [Trans. Note: Republic of Cyprus]: ‘This is an important
decision for Turkey. They are crossing
our lines in the sand. Those who say,
“You are dependent on Russia” should give us alternative proposals. I cannot wait. We have things to do; we are busy. America is not filling in those headings. Turkey is a state with rule of law. This is not Iran.’
Barbaros in its own waters within one month
Saying
that the Barbaros Hayrettin seismic research vessel purchased by Turkey from
Norway for $130 million was in the Black Sea right now, Taner Yildiz said:
‘From there it will sail into the Mediterranean. It will be in the Mediterranean within the
month. In the Mediterranean it will go
everywhere, including Cyprus. In one
respect, Barbaros Heyrettin is going into those waters, its own waters.’”
5. Kerry says Turkish-Israeli rapprochement vital for
regional peace process
Turkish
daily Today’s Zaman (online, 07.04.13) with the above title reports, inter
alia, the following:
“US
Secretary of State John Kerry, whose visit to Turkey came two weeks after US
President Barack Obama brokered a rapprochement between Turkey and Israel, has
stated that relations between Turkey and Israel are of great importance to the
continuation of the peace process in the Middle East region.
‘We
would like to see this [Turkish-Israeli] relationship that is important to
stability in the Middle East, critical to the peace process itself, we would
like to see this relationship get back on track in its full measure,’ Kerry
said on Sunday during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister
Ahmet Davutoglu.
As
part of his six-nation trip to Europe and East Asia, Kerry visited Turkey on
Sunday -- his second visit to the country in two months -- to have talks with
top Turkish officials on international and regional issues including Israel,
Syria, Iraq and Cyprus.
Kerry
urged Turkish leaders to promptly restore full diplomatic relations between
Israel and Turkey, the two American allies which the US sees as anchors of
stability in an unstable Middle East wracked by crisis in Syria.
Kerry
stated that it was not up to Washington to set a deadline for Turkey and Israel
to normalize ties,
but stressed the importance of restoring a full relationship between the two
countries.
‘It
is not for the US to be setting conditions or terms with respect to what the
Prime Minister’s [Recep Tayyip Erdogan] schedule ought to be or what the
requirements of Turkey are with respect to that process,’ said Kerry.
Stating
that Turkish-Israeli cooperation will help to tackle challenges across the
region, Kerry added that Turkey can be a key contributor to peace and that
Ankara can also help with further development of the West Bank and Gaza.
‘It
is imperative that the compensation component … of the arrangement be
fulfilled, that the ambassadors be returned and that full relationship be
embraced but it's not up to us to discuss the timing,’ added Kerry.
Arriving
after the Israeli apology to Turkey, Kerry's visit provided the first
opportunity for a face-to-face meeting with his Turkish counterparts.
(…)
During
the joint press conference in Istanbul, the first stop of Kerry's third trip to
the Middle East in just two weeks in a fresh bid to unlock the long-stalled
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Kerry stated that he appreciates the
extraordinary cooperation that Turkey is offering and commended the partnership
of Turkey in a range of bilateral and regional issues.
According
to Davutoglu, during his meeting with Kerry, bilateral relations, the political
turmoil in Iraq, the Syrian crisis, ways to revive the Israeli-Palestinian
peace talks, the Turkish-Israeli reconciliation process and the Cyprus problem
were among the topics discussed.
Later
on Sunday Kerry also met with Erdogan, who is expected to visit the United
States for talks with Obama on May 16.
(…)
The
Turkish Foreign Minister stated that steps that should be taken about the
Middle East peace process and the two-state solution were also discussed during
his meeting with Kerry.
‘If
an order is to be established in the Middle East, the birth of a Palestinian
state within sustainable borders,
will be an integral part of this order. The main target which we will never
give up is the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders as
soon as possible. Turkey will support any step for the two-state solution and
will continue to cooperate with the US on this issue,’ said Davutoglu.
Turkey
would stick to its policy about the Palestinian issue, Davutoglu said, adding
that Turkey would exert efforts to contribute to the solution process.
‘We hope
that a new process with regards to the two-state solution based on the 1967
borders would start in the near future. And we hope that this process will turn
into a diplomatic event. Turkey will continue to follow the principled policy
regarding this issue,’ said Davutoglu.
Noting
that he had held telephone conversations with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas
and Hamas political bureau Chief Khaled Meshaal on Saturday, Davutoglu said
that Kerry would proceed from Turkey to Israel and Palestine to hold meetings.
Meanwhile,
Israeli Minister for International Affairs Yuval Steinitz stated on Sunday that
Israel has rejected possible mediation by Turkey between Israel and
Palestinians if the peace process aimed at achieving a two-state solution is
successfully revived.
(…)
The
issues of Syria and Iraq were also raised during Kerry's talks on Sunday with
Davutoglu in Istanbul, his first stop on a 10-day trip to the Middle East,
Europe and Asia.
Kerry
underlined that during the meeting with Davutoglu, war-torn Syria was
specifically discussed.
Thanking
Ankara for its constant pressure on the Syrian regime, Kerry added that both of
them have repeatedly said that Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad must
go.
Kerry
also said that Turkey has been incredibly generous in taking in thousands of
Syrian refugees in trying to respond to the humanitarian crisis in its southern
neighbour.
‘The
United States and Turkey will continue cooperating toward the shared goal of a
peaceful transition in Syria,’ said Kerry.
Stating
that the stance of the US with its active role in the UN was of great
importance, Davutoglu stated that Turkey, as a neighbour of Syria, has a
significant role.
Davutoglu
said that they agreed to hold a meeting of the Friends of Syria group as soon
as possible.
(…)
Davutoglu
stated that Iraq was the other topic discussed during the meeting. The Foreign
Minister maintained that Turkey and the US have agreed that a political
dialogue process based on a sharing of power and resources which will be participated
by all groups within the scope of the territorial integrity of Iraq was
essential.
‘Iraq's
territorial integrity is of great importance to Turkey and it is a basic
principle for us,’ said Davutoglu.
(…)
US
Secretary of State John Kerry has applauded the work of the Turkish government
in moving forward with the settlement of the Kurdish issue.
During
a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Istanbul on
Sunday, Kerry also stated, ‘I think all of us stand together in welcoming the
commitment of the PKK [Kurdistan Workers' Party] to disarming,’ Kerry added
that the US salutes the Turkish government for its efforts to end the
three-decade conflict.
Kerry
noted that no process is easy and that such efforts always take courage,
determination and willingness to speak out and overcome years of mistrust. He
also expressed a belief that the settlement process will have life-changing
effects for the people of Turkey.
Speaking
on Turkey's efforts to draft a new constitution, Kerry said this will
contribute to the efforts to end terrorism and strengthen democracy in the
country. The secretary of state added that Washington hopes to see protections
for universal rights and basic freedoms built into the new constitution. He
said the US also wants to see laws that respect ‘this country's remarkable
diversity’, an attribute he said is a source of strength. (…)”
6. Turkish Energy Minister invites oil firms to Black
Sea
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 08.04.13) with the above title reports that
Turkey is inviting international oil companies to participate in oil
exploration activities in the Black Sea, where it has already spent more than
$2.5 billion, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz has said.
“I’m
saying we’re open to working with all international companies which has an
offer for the Black Sea region,” Yildiz said April 6 during a visit to the
Black Sea province of Gumushane.
Recently,
the government has revived efforts to seek resources through off-shore drilling
operations in the northern part of the country.
Turkey’s
state-run oil exploration company, TPAO, has been searching for oil in the
Black Sea with Anglo-Dutch Shell, after a number of failed attempts by
international energy companies, including Chevron and Exxon.
The
Minister said Turkey needed to boost its reserve discovery attempts because it
must unearth underground resources to meet its energy needs.
“Our
country has a substantial size with its 780,000 square kilometres of land, but
also with its 280,000 square kilometres of maritime area that we don’t voice a
lot. Therefore, we need to go over these areas with a fine-tooth comb,” he
said.
The
Minister also said Turkey was seeking to increase its gold production to 36
million tons in 2013 from last year’s 24 million tons. “We believe there are
[gold] reserves in Turkey enough to cover our [gold] imports, and we’re paving
the way to extract these reserves both with private and state companies,”
Yildiz said.
7. Talat: The only alternative
for the non-solution is the continuation of the status quo
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (08.04.13) reports that the former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, commented on the recent statements of the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu, that there would be either a solution or a division in Cyprus and said that the only alternative for the non-solution is the continuation of the status quo. Talat said that the recognition of the breakaway regime is not possible because of the resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (08.04.13) reports that the former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, commented on the recent statements of the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu, that there would be either a solution or a division in Cyprus and said that the only alternative for the non-solution is the continuation of the status quo. Talat said that the recognition of the breakaway regime is not possible because of the resolutions of the UN Security Council.
According to a statement issued by his political
bureau, Talat made these statements speaking at a television program.
Commenting on the current economic crisis of the
Republic of Cyprus, Talat said that if there was a solution and the Annan Plan
was accepted, then there would not have been a crisis.
8. CTP’s Fellahoglu is the new
“mayor” of occupied Lefkosia; Turnout remained at 58.65%; Reactions after the
“election”
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (08.04.13)
reports that Kadri Fellahoglu was elected yesterday as the new “mayor” of the
occupied part of Lefkosia. Fellahoglu, who ran in the “by-elections” with the
Republican Turkish Party (CTP), received 7.033 votes or 34.82%.
According to the paper, the other candidates received
the following votes and percentages:
Hasan Sertoglu (National Unity Party-UBP) – 5.255
votes or 26.02%
Mustafa Arabacioglu (Democratic Party-DP) – 4.409
votes or 21.83%
Suphi Hudaoglu (Social Democracy Party –TDP) – 2.852
votes or 14.12%
Murat Kanatli (New Cyprus Party - YKP) – 327 votes or
1.62%
Arif Salih Kirdag (Independent) – 164 votes or 0.81%
Zehra Cengiz (Cyprus Socialist Party - KSP) 67 votes
or 0.33%
Yahya Eran (Independent) – 50 votes or 0.25%
Nurhayat Aytok (Independent) – 39 votes or 0.19%
Under the title “Those who believe in change with
elections decreased”, the paper notes that the “elections” held yesterday have
been registered as the ones with the lowest turnout, as 15.335 persons of the
totally 35.531 registered voters did not go to the ballot box to vote. The
turnout remained at 58.65%, that is, only 20.196 persons used their right to
vote, notes Afrika.
According to the paper, this was the first success of
the CTP under Ozkan Yorgancioglu’s leadership and the first “serious defeat” of
the UBP under Irsen Kucuk. “The winner of the congress”, writes Afrika
referring to the victory of Irsen Kucuk at UBP’s recent congress, “was the
loser of the election.” According to the paper, the UBP under Kucuk’s
leadership has collapsed and there were signs that it would not come out as
first party again in “elections”.
DP’s candidate Mustafa Arabacioglu, who was considered
to be the favorite for winning the “election”, surprisingly came third, writes
Afrika adding that with Fellahoglu’s victory the CTP won again its “flagship”,
which it had lost for two succeeding terms.
The paper refers also to statements by Nevvar Nolan,
head of the so-called higher election council, who said that Fellahoglu should
have to resign from the post of the “deputy”, because he could not be both
“mayor” and “member of the parliament”. After Fellahoglu’s resignation CTP’s
“seats” in the “assembly” will decrease from 15 to 14. The other parties have
the following “seats”: UBP 30, TDP 3 and DP 2.
Meanwhile, in statements to Turkish Cypriot daily
Havadis (08.04.13), Nolan said they would evaluate the possibility of whether
“by-elections” will be held in June 2013 for the vacant post in the “assembly”
after Fellahoglu’s victory. He recalled that “general elections” will be
normally held in 2014 and added that according to their “law”, “by-elections”
could not be held one year before the “elections”.
According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper
(08.04.13) the two main reasons for the low turnout were: a) the fact that
people stopped believing in the politicians and b) the “resentments”
experienced within the UBP. The paper publishes the news under the title “Clear
message”.
Kibris writes that in statements after his victory,
Fellahoglu said that as of today they would work day and night and offer
services to all inhabitants of the occupied part of the divided Cypriot
capital. Fellahoglu, who is “elected” for a period of 14 months, said that 14
months are enough to be able normalize the situation in the “municipality” and
offer services normally.
Under the title “He asked for early elections”, Kibris
reports also that CTP’s chairman, Ozkan Yorgancioglu argued that the result of
the “election” was a sign for the general “elections”. Noting that the “ruling
party” received only 25% of the votes yesterday in Lefkosia, he claimed that
this shows that the UBP cannot administrate the “country as it cannot
administrate Lefkosia also” and asked for early “general elections”.
The self-styled prime minister, Irsen Kucuk congratulated
Fellahoglu and added that he expects him to offer the best services to the
inhabitants of occupied Lefkosia. Pointing out that the UBP delayed to start
working for these “elections” because of its congress, Kucuk said that the
public opinion polls, that had been held before the “elections”, could not
predict the result and that the race was between the UBP and the CTP.
Serdar Denktas, chairman of the DP, said that this was
not the result he was expecting and added that Arabacioglu worked successfully
before the “elections”. Denktas described as “important message” the fact that
42% of the “voters” have not used their right to “vote”.
TDP’s candidate, Suphi Hudaoglu and the chairman of
the party, Mehmet Cakici said that they were ready to share with Fellahoglu
their proposals for solving the problems of the occupied municipality.
Finally, Kibris refers also to the 15 members of
occupied Lefkosia’s “municipal council” who were also elected yesterday.
According to “unofficial” results, CTP elected 6 members, UBP 4, DP 3 and TDP
2.
(I/Ts.)
9. Applications to “Property
Compensation Commission” are expected to exceed 5.000 by the end of the year
Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (08.04.13)
reports that 399 applications have been made by Greek Cypriots during the first
three months of 2013 to the so-called Property Compensation Commission
established by Turkey in 2006 with the aim of allegedly solving the problems as
regards the Greek Cypriot properties, which are occupied since the 1974 Turkish
invasion and occupation of Cyprus.
The paper writes that 100 persons had applied to the
“commission” in 2006 and that the number of the applicants reached 4.759 for
seven years. According to the paper, 119 applications have been withdrawn and
471 were concluded by the “commission”, which paid 105 million 268 thousand and
533 pounds sterling as compensation to Greek Cypriot refugees.
The chairman of the “commission”, Gungor Gunkan told
illegal TAK news agency that the applications had been sporadic in the
beginning, but they gradually increased and this increase continues. He argued
that the Greek Cypriots apply to the commission because of their needs and in
spite of what he called as “propaganda” of the Cyprus government.
Gunkan said they were expecting the number of the
applications to exceed 5.000 by the end of this year and argued that this
number could be further increased depending on the measures to be imposed by
Troika on the Republic of Cyprus. He noted that especially the refugees’
children and grandchildren, who have been born and grew up in the
government-controlled area of Cyprus without knowing the occupied part of the island,
are more inclined to sell their occupied properties.
(I/Ts.)
10. The breakaway regime
participated in the Saint Petersburg “International Property Show”
Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (06.04.13)
reports that the breakaway regime participated in the “International Property
Show”, which took place in Saint Petersburg between 29-30 of March 2013.
According to the paper, various firms and investors
showed great interest for the fair. Jack Afik from Afik Group, Elizabet Ford
from Myra Properties, Ramazan Karatas and Mehmet Madi Yerli from Property and
Construction firm are some of the persons which participated in the fair on
behalf of the breakaway regime.
11. Self-styled minister of
tourism held contacts in Baku in the sides of the “AITF 2013 tourism fair”
Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar newspaper (07.04.13)
reports that a delegation of the self-styled ministry of tourism, headed by the
“minister of tourism” Unal Ustel participated in the “AITF 2013 tourism fair”
which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan. The paper writes that Ustel held contacts
on the sides of the fair in Baku.
According to the paper, the Azeri Minister of Tourism
Ebulfez Karayev visited the pavilion of the breakaway regime and held a meeting
with Ustel. They talked about tourism in occupied Cyprus and exchanged views on
various works and project. Alper Coskun, the Turkish ambassador of Turkey to
Baku and Cafer Caferoglu, the Director of Azerbaijan Tourism Industry also
visited the breakaway’s regime pavilion. Ustel also held a meeting with
Caferoglu, writes the paper.
During Ustel’s meetings, the improvement of various
protocols signed between Azerbaijan and the breakaway regime, were discussed.
12. Reaction to the occupied area of Cyprus after the
latest statement by the Health Minister
of the Republic for the health services provided to the Turkish Cypriots
Under
the front-page title: “I trust my ‘state’”, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris
(07.04.13) reported on statements by Raziye Kocaismail, chairwoman of the “Help
Those with Cancer Association”, in the occupied area of Cyprus, who commented
on statements made by the Health Minister Petros Petridis that the free of
charge health services provided to the Turkish Cypriots in the hospitals of the
Republic of Cyprus will be lifted, said that this decision will not affect
those who suffer from cancer and added that they trust the “TRNC” and
“motherland Turkey”, as she described Turkey.
Commenting
also on the Minister’s statements, Sibel Siber, so-called deputy with the
Republican Turkish Party and doctor as well, said that the main reason the
Turkish Cypriot cancer patients preferred “south Cyprus”, as she described the
Republic of Cyprus, for their treatments, was because the radiotherapy device
at the occupied Lefkosia Burhan Nalbantoglu hospital, was broken. She went on and stressed the need for the
“officials” to take action immediately so that the cancer patients not to be
the victims.
Also,
evaluating the statement made by the Health Minister Petros Petridis, the
so-called minister of health, Ertuglul Hasipoglu said: “we do not need the
health services provided to us by the Greek Cypriot side”.
Issuing
a written statement on the issue, so-called minister Hasipoglu recalled that
the Greek Cypriot side suffers from an economic crisis and said: “Still, health
services are holly services. The approach of the Greek Cypriot government that
it will not support the Turkish Cypriots is an approach which is not
acceptable. If the Greek Cypriots would like to be provided health services
from us, we, with pleasure provide these. As the ministry of health, we can
meet with a lot of health treatments in our hospitals. Our citizens can also
have a small number of operations in Turkey without extra charges. Also the
ministry can undertake all the expenses if necessary. In this respect, our
citizens do not need the health services provided by the Greek Cypriot
government”, Hasipoglu said.
(AK)
13. Opinion poll on political parties in Turkey
Under
the title “AKP’s votes decrease as opposition rises, poll says”, Turkish daily
Hurriyet Daily News (online, 06.04.13) reports the following:
“Popular
support for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has decreased by 5%
since the 2011 elections, while the main opposition Republican People’s Party
(CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) have seen increases, according
to a recent survey.
The
survey, which was conducted by polling company SONAR across 26 Turkish
provinces with 3,000 respondents, indicated that the AKP’s voter support had
decreased from 49.8% in June 2011 to 45.06% in April 2013, while the main
opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) maintained its position with a minor
increase, with voter support falling from 26% at the June polls to 26.09%.
The
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has gained 4.2% in polls since the elections,
climbing from 13.0% to 17.27%.
The
Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) has also increased its votes according to the
survey, from 6% to 7.09%. In fact, the BDP took part in the last election with
independent candidates and subsequently formed a group in Parliament due to the
10% election threshold.
The
polling company linked the AKP’s decreasing vote share to the recently launched
“peace process,” which is backed by the BDP but harshly criticized by the MHP
and observed sceptically by the CHP.
14. Turkey’s defense and aerospace industry exports on the rise
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News (08.04.13) reports that Turkey’s defense and
aerospace industry exports in the first quarter have surged by 11.5% compared
to the same period last year, reaching $272.2 million, with 39% of these
exports going to the United States. The chairman of the defense and aerospace
industry exporters union has said the year-end target is $1.5 billion.
According
to data provided by the Turkey Exporters Assembly (TİM), despite the overall
10.2% fall in exports in March on a yearly basis, Turkish arms manufacturers
managed to raise their exports by 11.5%, thanks to the 33% increase in the
first two months of the year.
The
U.S. received the highest share of defense industry exports with $105.2
million, while Bahrain was second with $24.7 million and Italy followed them
with $17.8 million.
Defense
and Aerospace Industry Exporters Union Chairman Latif Aral Alis said the sector
had been on the rise in recent years and exports had been steadily soaring.
Nevertheless, they still eye even higher rises.
The
sector’s exports, which amounted to $600 million between the years 2008 and
2010, rose to $800 million in 2011 and soared to $1.3 billion in 2012.
The
target for 2013 has been set at $1.5 billion, as Turkey seeks ways to spread
its success in exports of land vehicles, communication systems, as well as
electro optical and light weapons.
“After
the completion of necessary infrastructure and financial systems, we plan for
at least 5 percent of Turkey’s overall exports to be in defense, aerospace and
security products, systems, platforms and services in twelve years,” Alis said.
The
share of these industries among Turkish exports was 0.8 in the first quarter of
2013.
The
defense industry’s largest export items include plane and helicopter parts,
turbojets, tanks and armored combat vehicles, civilian passenger planes, and
rocket launchers, Alis added.
“There
are still more grounds to overcome …The important thing is to present the
essential solution in various ways and with a wide range of financial
opportunities. We repeat this from time to time: the system is globally settled
and even trying to challenge this requires a lot of effort,” he said.
“Turkey
also aims to expand the variety of its export markets to Middle Asia and the
Far East. Africa is expected to join the high-priority markets of the defense
and aerospace sectors”, Alıs also said.
Turkey
ranked the 24th largest arms exporter in the world in 2012, according to data
recording major arms transactions worldwide collected by the Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute.
Meanwhile,
the same data showed that Turkey had become the fourth-largest conventional
weapons importer in the world.
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TURKISH
AFFAIRS SECTION
/EI
