Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 01-09-26

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Cem leaves for US as Guest of Colin Powell.

[02] Cosar back from Turkey, discusses economic protocols signed in Ankara.

[03] NPM threatens the participants in the bi-communal activities in Pyla village.

[04] A «Permanent Environmental Platform» has been established.

[05] The so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said that the depositors/ problem would be solved next year.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[06] USA awaiting Cem.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Cem leaves for US as Guest of Colin Powell

Speaking at the Istanbul's Ataturk airport, Cem said that he would make evaluations with his US counterpart Powell, noting that, "we will be in an effort to make the best for our region, humanity and for Turkey".

Cem is expected to proceed to Germany following his contacts in the US and attend a conference in Berlin.

[02] Cosar backs from Turkey; discusses economic protocols signed in Ankara

In a statement to illegal BRT, Cosar said with Bayram they held various talks in Ankara yesterday and gave the economic program its final form. He explained that with this economic program, all the sectors in the pseudostate will undergo structural reforms. He said: «The aid foreseen in the financial protocol involves increasing production and exports».

Cosar pointed out that the $160 million will be used through the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot Development Banks. He expressed the belief that the pseudostate/s economy can be revived with Turkey's help, adding: «Our production will be revived, our exports will grow, and we will quickly put the economic crisis behind us».

When a correspondent asked him whether the details of the economic program would be disclosed. Cosar replied that all the details would be disclosed after the pseudo-government was briefed.

Asked where the additional funds would be used, Cosar replied: «The funds will be extended through the Development Banks mainly for incentives and to start major projects. The aim of all the input into the major projects is to revive the markets».

Cosar said that funds worth $7.4 million would be deposited in the account of the pseudostate Soil Products Office by the Turkish Soil Products Office today.

[03] NPM threatens the participants in the bi-communal activities in Pyla village

In a statement issued yesterday, NPM noted that it «curses» the participants in the bi - communal activities because in the panel «Acknowledging each other's pain - celebrating togetherness» a minute of silence was observed in the memory of the fighters of EOKA.

Furthermore, NPM characterizes «provocation» the bi -communal activities.

[04] A «Permanent Environmental Platform» has been established

The platform is established by the Green Peace Movement, the Association for Struggle against Erosion and Reforestation, the Association of Biologists for Studying and Protecting Nature, the Chamber of Forestry Engineers and the Chamber of Agriculture Engineers.

In a statement issued after the meeting the five organizations noted that the new platform is open to any environmental organization, which would like to join it.

The statement says that the participants in the platform aim at «setting the course of the ecological movement» within the framework of a programme and starting a more effective struggle.

[05] The so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said that the depositors' problem would be solved next year

The so-called Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, after the meeting he had yesterday with a group of hotel owners, stated that the additional $160 million dollars coming from Turkey would be used only for investments. BIRLIK (26/9/01) reports that those funds have nothing to do with the payments to the above-mentioned depositors of insolvent banks.

Replying to reporter's questions Eroglu said that investment projects of up to $5 million dollars could be funded by the so-called TRNC Development Bank, and bigger projects by Turkey's Development Bank.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[06] USA awaiting Cem

The United States was shattered by the most incredible terrorist attack of history. The death toll was reported to be 10,000. Not only America, but also all of us were shocked. The terrorists who used the passenger planes as flying bombs killed innocent people.

Moreover, not only were the Americans killed. Citizens of more than 50 countries including Turkey were killed.

On such a day, we wrote that, however symbolic it might have been, the top-level visit of the United States, which always stood with Turkey in her fight against terrorism, is quite proper, both morally, and to gain the hearts of American public.

Well, it is destined (!) for this week. Ismail Cem is visiting Washington. It will most probably be his easiest visit.

The Americans are quite content with Turkey's attitude. The opening of the air space, the introduction of some measures easing the use of Incirlik Base, and the cooperation of intelligence units were on the top of the list of what Washington wanted to hear.

Ecevit and Cem clearly posed Ankara's attitude in their statements: "There is no pretext, religion and geography of terror."

The explanation is obvious: "Whatever the reason is, Turkey is against all sorts of terrorist acts, and is ready to cooperate."

As a matter of fact, this is an absolutely correct approach. One couldn't expect a country that has suffered from terror for years to act differently. The government has drawn its line well.

Nevertheless, it is evident that this approach doesn't necessarily mean that everyone can do whatever they want, and Turkey is to back every initiative and act, which is supposedly against terror.

The concerns of Ankara are mostly related to the possible developments around her. This has to be considered natural.

What will Cem talk about? It is not hard to guess how the talks in Washington would develop.

This time, Turkish Foreign Minister will be the talking party. Even if the cost of the support is not determined, Cem is expected to state Ankara's expectations.

Cyprus is on the top of the list.

Cyprus will no more be among the foreign policy priorities of the U.S. Whatever they say, the Cyprus issue will be delivered to the European Union and the United Nations. Washington's priorities nowadays are completely different.

Cem is expected to request not to hurry for Cyprus, the prevention of unnecessary pressures, and the extension of the problem to time "within a new formula." They even have an interesting formula proposal on this matter.

The second issue is on the European Army.

The Turkish General Staff sticks to its strict attitude on this issue. Cem may try to get the support of Washington to concretise the "resolution" from the European Union that Turkey is trying to get.

Finally, and most importantly, the support to ease the economic crisis will certainly stay in the top agenda.

Despite the stagnation in the American economy makes things harder for the Bush administration, however, even the verbal support is crucial for Turkey.

Cem's job is easier this time.

Unless Powell doesn't have some new demands that are likely to change the agenda, Cem will leave Washington with wide smile on his face and statements».

/SK

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