Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 01-03-07

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

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 45/01 -- 7.3.01

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Late reaction to the foot and mouth disease in the occupied areas.

[02] A religious foundation has been established in London.

[03] Rauf Denktash/s allegations on the issue of recognition of the pseudostate.

[04] Restoration work on historical sites under way in the occupied areas.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Late reaction to the foot and mouth disease in the occupied areas KIBRIS (7.3.01) under banner headlines in its front page with the title:

All the countries took `extraordinary/ measures against the mad cow disease which started in Britain and now against the foot and mouth disease which was the latest blow. However, in the occupied areas nobody has shown any interest.

The article publishes the measures that were taken in the free areas in detail and the statements made by the Minister of Agriculture Mr. Costas Themistocleous.

The article criticizes the illegal pseudostate that it did not take measures against the disease immediately and it is waiting until after the end of Kurban Bayram. But the so-called Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Irsen Kuchuk stated that they are studying the implementation of various measures against the disease, most of which are to be enforced today.

AVRUPA, (7.3.01) on the other hand, reports that all the dairy and meat products that are imported from counties where the disease developed have been stopped. And all the dairy and meat products possessed by the travellers who arrive in the occupied areas are being destroyed.

[02] A religious foundation has been established in London An Islamic Religious Foundation (Diyanet Vakfi) has been established in

The paper reports that the President of the Foundation is the Counsellor For Religious Affairs of the Turkish Embassy in London, Dr. Niyazi Kahveci.

The Foundation, writes KIBRIS, has been established in order to render service in the fields of religion, education and culture to the people of Turkish origin who live in London and are estimated to be over 200,000.

The first activities of the Foundation took place last night in connection with the Feast of Sacrifices.

KIBRIS reports that the Foundation aims, inter alia, at organizing conferences, and concerts of religious music.

Among the members of the Foundation/s Administrative Council are the General Director of the Turkish Radio of London, Erkan Pastirmacioglu, the journalist Mustafa Koker and the businessmen Gunay Aydun and Goknur Enver.

The Turkish and Turkish Cypriot Schools in London have been trying for years to establish such a Foundation, adds KIBRIS.

[03] Rauf Denktash/s allegations on the issue of recognition of the pseudostate

Denktash drew ``attention to the fact that the number of people in the free areas, who believe that concluding an agreement on a two states basis will be more advantageous is increasing'', and said: ``Despite this, we should be careful again''. With a view to creating fear among the Turkish Cypriots regarding EU membership Denktash further alleged that in case the free areas enter into the EU then Greece might start playing dangerous games on Cyprus, specifically he declared. Members of the 17 November Terrorist Organization based in Greece will come over, with their money, weapons and move freely. This situation will not bring peace to the region.''

When asked to comment on press reports that Turkish Cypriots will try various means to ``acquire Greek Cypriot passports'', once the Greek Cypriot side becomes EU member'', Denktash said: ``When the time comes these dangers will be addressed and measures will be taken''.

[04] Restoration work on historical sites under way in the occupied areas HALKIN SESI (7.3.01) reports that the so-called Department of Antiquities

Within this framework the historic building ``Big Han'' and Mevlevi Tekke in occupied Nicosia are being restored.

The ``director of Antiquities and Museums Department'' Ilkay Feridun said that the restoration of Big Han is going to be completed until the end of May.

The Mevlevi Tekke, which was opened as ethnographic museum in 1962 needed maintenance because it was left unattended for a long time. But now with the new interior restorations it will be opened as Tekke.

The court buildings are restored since 1998, with financial aid by UNOPS. The approval of UNOPS is awaited in order to continue the restoration works.

On the other hand, the restoration of Twin Churches, in occupied Famagusta which began last August has been stopped.

According to Ilkay Feridun the restoration was stopped because the restoration works were not appropriate and there was the possibility of further damaging the building.

In addition to that, the restoration of the part of St. Hilarion Castle that was burnt in 1995 will be completed by the end of May.

At the initiative of the so-called Department of Antiquities and Museums the site of Toumba tou Skourou in occupied Morphou, which is estimated to belong to the Bronze Age will be fenced. A fence will also be placed around the ruins of Salamis, in the occupied Famagusta.

Another historical building which is under restoration is St. Mamas Church in occupied Morphou which was turned into an icon museum. The restoration works on the roof of the church will be completed by the end of April.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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