Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-08-13

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Yilmaz: "Turkey will benefit most from solution of Cyprus problem".

[02] Denktas says that Mendi should have been promoted.

[03] Talat calls on Denktas to resign.

[04] Ertugruloglu criticizes the 86 organizations and Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

[05] The chairman of the so-called "Supreme Court" claims that the army does not influence their decisions.

[06] The protests against the imprisonment of Sener Levent and Memduh Ener are continuing.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Yilmaz: "Turkey will benefit most from solution of Cyprus problem"

Sever started the interview by asking how it is possible that the Turkish Grand National Assembly enacted the EU harmonization laws at a time when everybody had given up hope, and why this did not happen before. Yilmaz noted that it is obvious why it did not happen during the past two years, adding: "Unfortunately, we were not able to reach a consensus within the government on the most important EU harmonization laws. The Nationalist Action Party, our coalition partner, was opposed to these laws." He noted that common sense prevailed in the Assembly, as he had hoped, and the said laws were enacted.

Asked if the effective role he played regarding this issue will affect his chances in the elections, Yilmaz said that he never thought about that, and added that all the candidates must mostly dwell on what they intend to do about Turkey's EU membership, because that is the most crucial issue facing Turkey.

In reply to a question, Yilmaz pointed out that the determination of the next Turkish Government regarding the country's EU membership will greatly influence the EU stand on Turkey. "That is why," he added, "the 3 November elections are very important for Turkey."

Yilmaz explained that if the EU announces a timetable for Turkey's accession, this will greatly improve the Turkish economy because it will "trigger a foreign capital inflow, increase the positive expectations in the Turkish markets, and solve the psychological aspect of the fight against inflation."

Yilmaz expressed the belief that no matter what the outcome of the German general elections, they will not obstruct Turkey's membership. "They may make the process a little more difficult, or they may delay it a little and make it more difficult for us, but they cannot stop us," he said.

On the Cyprus question, Yilmaz said: "As I always say, the solution of the Cyprus problem is in the interests of Turkey, the whole of Cyprus, Greece, and Europe; but it is Turkey which will benefit most from that. Therefore without letup we must go on with the peace initiatives we have started through Mr. Denktas. We must show mainly to Europe and then to the rest of the world that we are the side looking for a solution, the side that is trying to reach an accord. An opposite stand would create problems for us not only in Cyprus but in Turkey's foreign policy in general and in our relations with the EU. Naturally it is impossible to reach a solution only with our efforts. A solution can be reached only if both sides take certain steps. I believe that the steps taken by Mr Denktas are extremely positive. I agree that the Greek Cypriots have not responded to him in kind so far. However, this should not be a reason for us to leave the negotiating table or prevent us from making peace efforts."

Sever asked Yilmaz if it is not true that almost all the EU harmonization laws are, in fact, radical reforms. Yilmaz replied in the affirmative, but stressed that it is as important to implement them as it is to enact them, and expresses the hope that the political will that enacted these laws will be reflected in the government that will be established after the 3 November elections.

[02] Denktas says that Mendi should have been promoted

Speaking yesterday during a farewell meeting with brigadier general Mendi, Mr Denktas described the promotion mechanism in Ankara as "lottery mechanism" and added:

".Of course we expected the promotion, but it seems that the promotion mechanism in Ankara is like the lottery. I am waiting saying that 'it did not happen this time'. I am sure that he will get the promotion he deserves and I wish to see him again in Cyprus at a higher post, as commander of an army corps. .".

[03] Talat calls on Denktas to resign

Referring to the "joint vision" of the 86 Turkish Cypriot organizations, Mr Tralat said yesterday that unproductive polemics must stop within the Turkish Cypriot community because the Cyprus problem is at its most critical stage. He also added that struggling to achieve the "solution and accession to the EU" target is an obligation.

"Denktas' duty is to try to realize this common wish of the community and not to quarrel with everybody", noted Mr Talat and added: "He will either succeed this or say 'I cannot do it' and retire".

[04] Ertugruloglu criticizes the 86 organizations and Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides

Mr Ertugruloglu argued also that this vision is "the officiousness of a small group" and alleged that it will have no other result than causing damage to the "case" of the Turkish Cypriots.

Mr Ertugruloglu criticized also Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides for underlining the need of reunifying Cyprus. Referring to the issue he said, inter alia, the following: ".We cannot avoid asking which country we have to unify. The reunification sets forward the existence of more than one components. It means that there are two Cyprus' and we could talk about their unification. .".

[05] The chairman of the so-called "Supreme Court" claims that the army does not influence their decisions

Answering to accusations of AFRIKA newspaper, Mr Erginel alleged that the "courts" give a great importance to neutrality and the "judges" keep equal distance from all the political views, listening only to the voice of their conscience.

[06] The protests against the imprisonment of Sener Levent and Memduh Ener are continuing

"This democracy of shame must vanish. The Turkish Cypriots cannot live with this shame. And 'Esteemed Denktas' bares all the responsibility", Angolemli concluded.

Moreover, the Press Officer of the Patriotic Unity Movement (PUM), Murat Kanatli, in a written statement, called on the so-called deputies to act in order to overturn the journalists' conviction. He also added that this 'court verdict' is against the laws of modern society and does not comply with the EU harmonization laws that Turkey has adopted.

The General Secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers Trade Union, Sener Elci, in a written statement that he issued yesterday, said that it is not possible that there exist laws that limit the freedom of human rights. He pointed out that these laws which have remained since colonization must be modernized and called the pseudo-assembly to work on the issue.

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