Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-05-10

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader left for Ankara.

[02] Ismail Cem says the Cyprus problem does not have a legal impact on Turkey' s EU process.

[03] Sukru Sina Gurel says there will be unlimited cooperation with the occupied areas if Cyprus accedes to the EU.

[04] Statements by Rauf Denktas, Eroglu, Angolemli and Talat after meeting the President of the European Parliament.

[05] The occupation regime did not allow members of the Europe Party and journalists of AFRIKA to attend a conference in the free areas of Cyprus.

[06] Twenty thousand illegal workers in the occupied areas.

[07] De Soto: "It is not possible to impose an outside solution".

[08] New Party founded in Turkey

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[09] Columnist in Ortadogu newspaper comments on Karen Fogg's statements. No reference is made to the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus by thousands of Turkish troops.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader left for Ankara

Mr Denktas held a news conference at Ankara Esenboga Airport when he arrived there. He expressed the hope that everybody will realize that the Greek Cypriots will not succeed in owning the whole of Cyprus by hiding behind wrong and unilateral resolutions. Despite the difficulties, he said, we are going on with the negotiation process with goodwill. He noted that he cannot discuss the details of the negotiations due to the blackout on the issue, and said that they are trying to reach an accord on the establishment of a new partnership based on equality.

Asked if he is hopeful about the outcome of the negotiations, Denktas said: "All our efforts are aimed at reaching an accord. However, the two sides' equality, status, identity, and character remain as basic problems and issues."

Asked if he will visit Turkish Prime Minister Ecevit, Denktas said that he would visit him at an appropriate time during the visit.

When a reporter asked him how long the direct Cyprus negotiations would last, Denktas replied: "Nobody said that a result would be obtained by June. At the beginning I did say June and what I meant and still mean by that is this: all the aspects of the Cyprus issue are so well-known today that if there is an intention to solve the Cyprus problem it should become obvious by June."

In reply to a question on Karen Fogg, the EU representative in Turkey, Denktas said: "It is not befitting the EU we know -- or rather, the EU we would like to see -- to ignore the facts and to listen to only one of the sides. It is up to the EU to regain our trust which we have lost. We do not want much. We simply want the EU to listen to us under equal conditions and to reach its decisions after that. If those who maintain that they are out to protect justice stop being partial, I believe that it will not be very difficult for them to implement this very simple principle."

After his news conference, Denktas met with Turkish President Sezer at the Cankaya Mansion.

[02] Ismail Cem says the Cyprus problem does not have a legal impact on Turkey/s EU process

In reply to Akgun's question on whether it is realistic to expect a date to be fixed for full EU membership talks until the end of the year, Cem says: "It is a goal, whose probability of being realized is increasing." Explaining that Turkey's relations with the EU have improved, Cem adds, however, that "the relations between Turkey and the EU are not smooth." Noting that Turkey has been running a favourable course in these relations, Cem adds that it will be important for Turkey if the EU displays a determination in starting accession talks with Turkey this year.

Upon being recalled that it is almost impossible to talk about EU membership without including domestic politics, Cem says the following in reply to a question on whether there are hopes that steps will soon be taken to lift the state of emergency implementation and the death penalty and have broadcasts in mother tongues, Cem says: "I would not use the word hope." Explaining that the EU has some definite rules and regulations, Cem notes that these were not devised for Turkey. "I would like to explain," Cem adds, "that Turkey is expected to comply with these criteria within the framework of Turkey's realities." Recounting that it is possible for Turkey to find a suitable model for implementation, Cem adds: "Turkey is justified for having certain concerns. I also have certain concerns."

In reply to a question whether the Cyprus issue has a negative impact on Turkey's EU membership process, Cem says that "the Cyprus issue does not have a legal impact on the EU process; however, it has a political impact." Noting that the Cyprus issue should be kept separate from the EU membership process, Cem explains that Turkey should pursue the EU path and adds: "If the EU does not start the membership talks, however, it means that there are other interests involved. We then approach the issue in another manner."

[03] Sukru Sina Gurel says there will be unlimited cooperation with the occupied areas if Cyprus accedes to the EU

Addressing a conference at Bilkent University, Gurel said that if Cyprus accedes to the EU unilaterally, then Turkey and the occupied areas will develop their cooperation without setting themselves any borders and regardless of where it leads.

Upon reminded of Fogg's statement regarding Cyprus, Gurel said:

"I believe that those who are responsible should take the necessary action though it is a bit late. Those who have a responsibility with regards to this issue will, I believe, do whatever is necessary. If they do not, then they will be reminded of their duties."

[04] Statements by Rauf Denktas, Eroglu, Angolemli and Talat after meeting the President of the European Parliament

Dervis Eroglu, National Unity Party leader, Salih Cosar, Democratic Party leader, Huseyin Angolemli, main opposition Communal Liberation Party leader; Mehmet Ali Talat, Republican Turkish Party leader; and party representatives were present at the meeting with Cox.

In his statement after the meeting, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, Cox said that he had a chance to listen to the sides at the meeting. In reply to a question, Cox said that he did not have a definite outline and proposal with regard to a Cyprus solution, adding that he presented certain proposals to the political party leaders on the points of disagreement. Explaining that efforts are under way on ways to have a Cyprus solution comply with the EU criteria, Cox added: "Consequently, the sides were called on to think constructively at the meetings." Noting that the EP will also adopt this stand, Cox said that the atmosphere reigning at the meeting was constructive and positive. Cox further said that there is hope that, because of the constructive and positive meeting, certain methods can be formulated toward a solution.

Eroglu, in turn, said that views were exchanged at the meeting and that he explained to Cox that the negotiations were launched with the hope that they will yield successful results and that there were still hopes even though so far there were no positive results.

Cosar, in turn, alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side is not given a fair chance at competition because of the embargoes, adding that the Turkish Cypriots are not being given equal opportunities. Noting that he raised these issues at the meeting, Cosar added: "We asked that these opportunities be given to the Turkish Cypriots and that all kinds of embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriots be lifted."

In his statement after the meeting with Cox, Angolemli said that the meeting was favorable. Explaining that the stage reached on the Cyprus issue constitutes a critical point, Angolemli added: "This is a historic opportunity. There has never been such a historic opportunity until now. The EU is playing an important role in the solution to the Cyprus issue. It was important at this meeting to convey the Turkish Cypriot views and expectations from the EU. We also conveyed that the formula of a unilateral membership of southern Cyprus in the EU, is unacceptable. For this reason, the EU stance during the solution process is very important. I stressed to Cox the importance of joining the EU after a solution is secured."

Talat, in turn, said that a solution must be found to the Cyprus issue, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side did not pursue a serious policy to this end. Explaining that the time left for securing a Cyprus solution is getting tighter and that other visits are expected, Talat added: "We are on the verge of hitting the wall. It is for certain that Cyprus will become an EU member, and both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side have finally realized this." Explaining that they are strongly against efforts under way by certain circles to include only the Greek Cypriot side in the process and exclude the Turkish Cypriot side, Talat said: "Extreme care should be shown on this issue. The Turkish Cypriot side has still not changed its main policy. The Cyprus issue should be resolved and we should join the EU." Stressing the importance of expanding the relations with the EU and strengthening the dialogue, Talat said: "The opposite was done until today."

[05] The occupation regime did not allow members of the Europe Party and journalists of AFRIKA to attend a conference in the free areas of Cyprus

According to the paper, the School of Turkish Studies of the University of Cyprus and the European Institute of Cyprus are organizing a conference today on "Turkey's European prospects; internal and external consequences". They have also invited some officials of the European Party and journalists of AFRIKA newspaper.

Those invited made the necessary arrangements with the so-called Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister for attending the conference but their request was turned down.

The paper reports the following:

"Our friends, who were looking for an answer from the involved office, asked Husnu Bey, one of the 'officers of the department' about the result of their application. Husnu Bey said that they denied to Sener Levent and Ali Osman, who applied on behalf of the Europe Party, and Arif Hasan Tahsin, who applied on behalf of our newspaper, to attend the conference.

Husnu Bey said that it is not possible to give the rejection in writing and he was not able to tell the reason of the rejection. When our friends asked Husnu: `Is not this an undemocratic action? Is not this a restriction of our freedoms contrary to the 'TRNC Constitution'? Husnu replied, `We do not take the decisions. Ask Sabahattin why and to whom permission is given/.

Although our friends were insistently looking for Sabahattin, it was impossible to reach him."

[06] Twenty thousand illegal workers in the occupied areas

Speaking at a panel ''Labour Health and Work Safety'', Prof Erdal Guryay of the so-called Near East University, has analysed the statistical data provided by the so-called SPO for the year 2000.

He said that during the year in question 49 thousand people entered the occupied areas. Of this figure 15 thousand are students, around 10 thousand are people with permission and the rest, 25 thousands are people who should be included in the illegal workers list. Guryay stressed that these illegal workers are a cause for the occupied regime to lose 30 Trillion TL of income.

Another speaker at the panel said that these illegal workers are harming the economy instead of helping it.

[07] De Soto: "It is not possible to impose an outside solution"

De Soto further said that the UN Security Council is of the opinion that the issue is not being given the necessary urgency and the international body is concerned. "This concern is shared by the Secretary-General" Alvaro De Soto declared. He further added that the UN Secretary-General is coming to Cyprus to encourage the sides.

[08] New Party founded in Turkey

Founding member of the party, Ahmet Alkan has presented the petition to the Interior Ministry, a procedure needed in Turkey for a political party to become official.

The board of founding members of the APP are made up of 42 politicians including Husnu Dogan, Hasan Kormazcan, Fahrettin Kurt, Irfan Koksalan and Ahmet Alkan. These names are the former members of the two main center-right parties of Turkey; Junior coalition partner Motherland Party (ANAP) and main opposition True Path Party (DYP).

The emblem of the party is a white bridge on a blue background.

Founding member and leader of the AAP, Husnu Dogan, was known as a member of the brain team of ANAP during its early years. He was the Agriculture Minister in the first Ozal cabinet between 1983 and 1987. He lost his seat as the Agriculture minister during the second Ozal cabinet due to a reshuffle in March, 1989.

In February, 1991, Dogan who at the time was a cabinet minister in the Akbulut Cabinet, was dismissed by Turgut Ozal, for his opposition to Mrs Ozal's candidacy for the ANAP provincial chairmanship of Istanbul.

Husnu Dogan and his associates were expecting to form a new right-wing party for the last couple of years. Their move came after the public opinion polls revealed that ANAP is witnessing a serious decrease in its vote capacity, hindering its entrance to Parliament in the case of snap polls.

According to these polls, it may not be able to pass the 10 percent national threshold needed for a political party in the next elections. Meanwhile, the DYP will be the third party that would come out from the ballot box if elections was held today.

But in the light of the 1999 elections, both parties are suffering from a confidence crisis. Both parties/ names were mentioned in parts of corruption allegations and both parties' are known for their lack of party democracy.

In this environment, Husnu Dogan's APP is claiming to become the new address of center-right politicians and aims at embracing the majority of the Turkish people.

Dogan is claiming that the center of the political spectrum has collapsed and both center-right and center-left are scattered.

"Our party will be at the center of the political spectrum welcoming right and left wings. Our goal is to save Turkey from this political deadlock," Dogan says.

The APP also welcomes the two-round election system and sees a Presidential system as an alternative.

Subtitle: More parties in row

Amid rumours that Turkey will not go for snap polls until the end of the year, the country witnesses the birth of new political parties, and new movements aiming at becoming a political party.

Saadettin Tantan-led "Citizenship Movement" is expected to declare that it has become a political party at the end of May. Tantan, former member of ANAP and successful interior minister, is known for his decent and honest personality and his party is expected to become the party that will combat corruption.

Corruption is one of the main problems of Turkey, and Tantan was the architect of a number of graft probes during his post as the interior minister. Former police chief and former Mayor Tantan is among the most trusted political figures of Turkey, according to a previous public opinion poll, which was conducted while he was interior minister.

On the other hand, Mehmet Ali Bayar who resigned from his post at the Turkish Embassy in Washington in April, is warming up to political life. Bayar is expected to become the leader of the centre-right Democratic Turkey Party (DTP). Currently, he is staging talks with a number of Turkey's prominent figures to set up his team and strategy.

Meanwhile, Murat Karayalcin is expected to announce the declaration of his centre-left party at the beginning of next week. He has been working in an effort to form a party that would be capable of collecting Turkish leftist and social democrats under the same umbrella for the last couple of years.

His party's name is expected to be "Social Democrat People's Party" and the emblem will be a figure of a man carrying an olive branch.

[B] COMMENTS AND EDITORIALS

[09] Columnist in Ortadogu newspaper comments on Karen Fogg/s statements. No reference is made to the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus by thousands of Turkish troops

"EU Representative Karen Fogg has upset Turkey again. Addressing a conference on Cyprus at the Bogazici University in Istanbul, she said, "The Turks [Turkish Cypriots] should take to the streets to get rid of Denktas and Turkey." That was very annoying.

Mrs Fogg behaved like a colonial commissioner ever since she arrived in Turkey. The inappropriate style she used in the statements she made on matters that make the Turkish people very sensitive created significant reaction. Our policy on Cyprus, which is our national cause, cannot be changed or abandoned. Ignoring her impertinent remarks against Rauf Denktas, who is a hero in Cyprus, and Turkey, which guaranteed the independence of the Turkish Cypriots, is impossible.

Fogg said: "The Turkish Cypriots do not want Turkey. They do not want to live in a place that is colonized by it. They must take to the streets if necessary in the effort they make to break away from Turkey. They must demand their independence. That is the only way they can get rid of Denktas. The Turkish Cypriots must not bow their heads to Turkey."

What she said can be described only as frantic, ridiculous, and nonsensical remarks. They are aimed at putting the Turkish Cypriots in chains. Dr Fazil Kucuk, deceased, was a hero. Rauf Denktas took the banner of freedom and independence from him. So, the Turkish Cypriots will gain nothing from finding someone to replace Denktas. That is because whoever replaces him will be another hero. Nothing will change... The `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus/ is a free and independent `state/. Turkey supports the Turkish Cypriots, as it did in the past. A difference between what the Turkish Cypriots want and what the Turkish Nation wants does not exist. Obviously, Karen Fogg and those who think like her failed to understand the nature of the Turkish people. Furthermore, they failed to realize who is responsible for the no-solution situation in Cyprus. They axed the sincere effort Denktas makes to contribute towards a solution in Cyprus. They want Denktas to agree to everything they say. As far as they are concerned, honour and dignity have no meaning.

What the Turkish Cypriots want is quite clear. Rauf Denktas clearly outlined the Turkish Cypriot position many times. They want their security and right to exist as an equal, free, and independent community to be guaranteed. What is being done at the present time is what an oppressed nation would do to realize its objective. Those who wrongly claim that they are civilized and that they support democracy should avoid preaching at a community that wages a struggle for its rights, freedom, and independence.

Denktas reacted to Fogg as follows: "What the woman said from afar meant 'We must separate the Turkish Cypriots from Turkey. The Turkish Cypriots must get rid of Denktas.' What made her say that? Well that is what she always hears from the Greek Cypriots and the opposition groups in north Cyprus. She and her colleagues believe that all the Turkish Cypriots want to separate from Turkey and get rid of Denktas. They draw up plans accordingly."

Considering Fogg's meaningless remarks, we have been unable to understand why Turkey's EU Secretary General Volkan Vural decided to organize a joint reception with her on the occasion of the EU Day on 9 May."

KV/SK

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