Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-11-11

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Cyprus solution plan to be submitted to Denktas/ adviser in New York.

[02] Erdogan's visit to occupied Cyprus postponed.

[03] Hilmi Ozkok explained to the US Administration the Turkish position on Cyprus.

[04] Deniz Baykal criticises Erdogan for cancelling his visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[05] Mumtaz Soysal comments on Erdogan's statements on Cyprus.

[06] Dervis Eroglu comments on the Cyprus solution plan and Erdogan's statements.

[07] Mehmet Ali Talat calls for a change in Turkey's state policy over Cyprus. [08.Baykal: Denktas is worried.

[09] Turkish Cypriot businessmen call on Mr Soysal to be quiet.

[10] YAKIS: "The solution in Cyprus must be based on two states"

[11] The pseudostate is participating in the World Travel Market in the UK.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist in RADIKAL expresses disappointment with JDP's policy on Cyprus.

[13] Sami Kohen examines the difference in approach to foreign policy by the JDP.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Cyprus solution plan to be submitted to Denktas' adviser in New York

The package would be presented to Rauf Denktas through his adviser Ergun Olgun. Denktas is currently in New York because of health reasons. The U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan`s aide Kieran Prendergast, responsible for political affairs, invited Olgun to a meeting at 17.00 local time.

The U.N. is also expected to present the plan to President Clerides at the same time.

Greek Cypriot officials said Annan`s special envoy Alvaro de Soto was about to leave for Cyprus, and that with a great possibility de Soto himself was expected to present the plan to Clerides.

Prendergast asked Turkey's permanent representative to the U.N. Umit Pamir for a meeting at 21.30 local time on Monday.

Although the sources stated that the Deputy Secretary General would probably convey the plan to the Turkish side, they noted Prendergast could exchange views with Pamir about Cyprus.

The sources said that the U.N. plans to present the plan first to the negotiating sides, and later to the guarantor countries Turkey, Greece and Britain.

Some other sources claimed that the U.N. would call for a response from the sides within 30 days.

It was reported that the U.N. solution package was comprised of nearly 150 pages and with the following titles: -administration -territory and borders -exchange of property -problems pertaining to security. Turkish and pseudostate diplomats in New York pointed out that the package would be examined in details in political and legal means, and that this would take time.

The package will be discussed in negotiations between Denktas and Clerides after being examined by the sides.

Ergun Olgun pointed out that the U.N. officials listened to the views of the sides throughout the consultations in the recent days. Olgun said the U.N. officials said their target was to help the process.

Olgun said: ``There will be no problem if the elements that would be included in the package reconcile with the vital interests of the `TRNC'. However, if they are far away from the interests, then the package may endanger the process.`` Meanwhile, it was reported that Denktas may return to Cyprus on November 14 or 15 if doctors allow.

On Denktas' health illegal Bayrak Radio (09.11.02) broadcast that one of the drains inserted during the operation on Rauf Denktas was removed during the medical check-up he underwent last night. The doctors, however, decided that the second drain cannot be removed yet. Therefore, it is not definite when Denktas will leave New York. According to Ergun Olgun, Denktas will be examined again next week, and if the doctors decide to remove the drain, Denktas will return to Cyprus and begin working. Olgun said that the date of the check-up has not been determined yet, therefore the departure date has not been finalized. Olgun also noted that Denktas is in good health.

[02] Erdogan's visit to occupied Cyprus postponed

Meanwhile, Erdogan's visit to the occupied areas on 13 November has been postponed because of Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktas' health.

[03] Hilmi Ozkok explained to the US Administration the Turkish position on Cyprus

In his opening statement Mr Ozkok, inter alia, said:

"I had high-level meetings in Washington in the first part of my visit. In the second part, I visited various military units and headquarters. During my high-level meetings in Washington, I was accompanied by a delegation from the Foreign Ministry and by Mr Logoglu, our ambassador to the United States. During the first part of my visit, I personally met with General Myers, chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff; Defense Secretary Rumsfeld; Secretary of State Powell; and Dr. Rice, President Bush's national security adviser. I also had the opportunity to have a teleconference with Vice President Cheney.

During these meetings, I exchanged views with the officials of the friendly and ally United States on various defense policies and military issues on a very broad spectrum within the framework of our strategic partnership. I conveyed our expectations, thoughts, concerns, and wishes in connection with our bilateral military relations, the fight against international terrorism, NATO, the EU, the European Security and Defense Policy [ESDP], the future of the International Security Assistance Force [ISAF] in Afghanistan, Cyprus, and Iraq. I listened to their views regarding the same issues. Together, we reviewed the possibility of developing our cooperation in the field of defense industry.

I stressed that it is absolutely necessary to take into consideration military standards and Turkey's growing importance in connection with NATO's new command structure. I reiterated our basic views on the EU and the ESDP, and stressed the importance of US support regarding those issues.

I explained the negative effect of Cyprus' poorly-timed EU membership on a political solution, by referring especially to the London and Zurich Agreements, to the developments that took place on the island in the past and to the realities that have been formed on the island, and to the legitimate rights of the people of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'. Stressing that Turkey cannot give up Cyprus, I expressed my belief that the simultaneous membership of Turkey and Cyprus in the EU would solve many would-be crises."

[04] Deniz Baykal criticises Erdogan for cancelling his visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus

Baykal was hosted by Murat Yetkin and Mete Belovacikli on the "Cafe Politics" program. The RPP leader strongly opposed the amendment of Constitutional Article 109.

"Turkey must not upset its constitutional order or its political system in order to solve this problem. We must not cause more damage while trying to improve things. The prime minister is the essence of the executive. He cannot transfer his executive authority. We must absolutely not get into this. We must finish discussing this matter. What is important is that we must not enact laws or draw up a Constitution for the sake of a certain person," he said.

The RPP leader is saying that Article 76 must be amended and the ban on Tayyip Erdogan lifted, but at the same time he wants the issues of parliamentary immunity and election period to be tackled as well. According to Baykal, this will be the Turkish Assembly's first test in terms of reaching a consensus.

Baykal's first serious opposition to the JDP [Justice and Development Party] came in the field of foreign policy. Criticizing Erdogan's annulment of his visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus Baykal said: "This is the first time that a Turkish Government is not acting in line with our national foreign policy. The need to listen to the Turkish Cypriots before visiting Greece is being eliminated. The visit should be paid even if Denktas is not there. A visit should be paid to the `TRNC'. The wrong signal has been given in connection with Cyprus."

On the issue of the EU, Baykal did not paint a bright picture. He said: "The situation in Copenhagen does not seem bright; we must be prepared."

The RPP leader stressed that the remarks by Giscard d'Estaing, head of the European Convention, in connection with Turkey are totally unacceptable. His title as head of the European Convention must be debated, Baykal stressed.

[05] Mumtaz Soysal comments on Erdogan's statements on Cyprus

Mumtaz Soysal, the General Chairman of the Independent Republic Party, was answering questions from journalists in Balikesir, where he had come in order to take part in the inauguration of his party's provincial headquarters building and to visit various trade union branches.

Stating that the new government that comes to power as a result of the 3 November elections will have its most difficult test in the area of foreign policy, Soysal said that for it to bring about a solution of the Cyprus issue in the form desired by Turkey would ensure that it is better accepted abroad.

Saying that, as a result of his personal experience on the Cyprus question and on similar issues, he considered that a "capitulationist" approach will not lead to a solution, but rather will give rise to new concessions, Soysal said that the idea that we will get into the EU if we give up Cyprus is wrong, and that such a situation, far from strengthening Turkey, will weaken it.

Replying to questions from journalists, Soysal commented on JDP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan's having cited the "Belgian model" in a statement to the Greek press regarding the Cyprus issue and said that Erdogan's words had been misunderstood by the public.

Soysal, noting that to characterize Erdogan's words as a "gaffe" would be a very harsh evaluation, stated that the situation could more likely have resulted from defective reporting by the Greek press, or else haste, and spoke as follows:

"Mention of the 'Belgium model' is indeed included among the proposals of the Turkish side, but only in a very narrow sense. We approve of the Belgian model from the standpoint of arranging the relations between the EU and the new partnership that will be established on Cyprus. Belgium is a state comprised of two communities, whereas we want a new state comprised of two states on Cyprus. But whether they are comprised of two communities or two states, the EU wants those states that will be its members to provide a single interlocutor to deal with. In other words, the state of Cyprus, in its partnership that will be established in the future with the EU, will deal with the EU as a single state. But still, when Europe looks at it, we want Europe to see those two states lying behind it. We are proposing another model in terms of the state on Cyprus itself. We are only saying that it should be like Belgium in terms of its relations with the EU. I think it was this aspect that Erdogan was seeking to stress."

Commenting as well on the statement by European Convention Chairman and former French President Giscard d'Estaing to the effect that "Turkish membership would be the end of the EU", Soysal pointed out that thoughts of this type are in fact widespread in Europe.

Expressing the view that it would be wrong to be deceived by the other side's reluctance in terms of EU membership and to fall into the position of doing everything that the other side might ask, Soysal spoke as follows:

"If we just wait, on the idea that everything depends on them, and that they will decide, this will not be in Turkey's interest. Europe's problem with Turkey is not, as people assume, because it is a Muslim society or anything of this sort. They are looking at Turkey in its current situation as a problem, thinking 'How can we digest anything so big? Will it stay in our stomach, or will it cause bleeding?' And if I were a European, I would no doubt be thinking the same thing."

[06] Dervis Eroglu comments on the Cyprus solution plan and Erdogan's statements

He continued: "We hope that the efforts exerted by the Turkish Cypriot side to reach an agreement on the Cyprus issue will be well assessed by the UN Secretary-General. We also hope that Annan will adopt a right approach to the issue by taking into consideration the proposal put forth by the Turkish Cypriot side as well as the realities on the island. Otherwise, a plan that will please only one of the sides will be tantamount to torpedoing an agreement."

Eroglu said that when one has a look at the statements made by Greek Cypriot leaders, which appear in the press, one can see that there are efforts to pressure the UN Secretary-General to include in the plan proposals that will disturb the Turkish Cypriot side. Expressing the hope that Annan will take the realities into consideration, Eroglu added that, however, if there is a surprise development then the Turkish Cypriot side will have to sit down and make an assessment. He added that at the moment it is wrong to speak about hypothetical situations.

Noting that during the meetings he held with Sir David Hannay, British special envoy for Cyprus, and Thomas Weston, US State Department special coordinator for Cyprus, he was conveyed messages to the effect that a plan would be submitted, Eroglu said that both diplomats have an influence over Annan and expressed the hope that they will well use this influence.

Eroglu was asked: The Turkish Presidential Office issued a statement following the statement Justice and Development Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan made on the Cyprus issue. The Presidential Office noted that Cyprus is a state policy. How do you assess this? In reply, Eroglu confirmed that the Cyprus issue is a state policy, stressing that the decisions made on the issue by both the Turkish Republic and the pseudostate demonstrate that the Turkish side is pursuing a state policy on the issue. Recalling that Erdogan referred to a Belgian model, Eroglu continued: "I, however, believe that Mr Erdogan's statement was misinterpreted. The part of the Belgian model that concerns the EU was brought to the negotiating table by the Turkish Cypriot side. I believe that this was what Mr Erdogan meant. As a matter of fact, in a subsequent statement, he said that the Cyprus issue can be solved based on the principle of two states. The problem stemmed from a misunderstanding." Noting that the statements made by Erdogan and RPP leader Deniz Baykal illustrate that a state policy will be pursued on the Cyprus issue, Eroglu said that the direct talks are being conducted within the framework of this policy.

[07] Mehmet Ali Talat calls for a change in Turkey's state policy over Cyprus

In a written statement he issued today, Talat assessed the efforts being made and the initiatives being taken to solve the Cyprus issue. Noting that Denktas' health and the uncertainty created by the Turkish elections have further exacerbated the difficulties faced by the Turkish Cypriots, Talat said that the views on the Cyprus issue expressed by the Justice and Development Party (JDP) in Turkey as a continuation of its election declaration have triggered the reaction of those who favour a non-solution, adding that as a result the JDP has, within a short time, begun to use roundabout phrases. He added that this situation carries the danger of the Cyprus issue being once again shelved.

Charging that the state policy pursued on the Cyprus issue so far has dragged both the Turkish people and the Turkish Cypriots to disaster, Talat said: "Conscious of this fact, the Turkish people have buried inside the ballot box those who have dragged them into this disaster." Talat asked that Turkey's EU perspective be combined with the Turkish Cypriots' demand for a solution and for EU membership to form a new policy.

[08] Baykal: Denktas is worried

Baykal further said that the Justice and Development Party government should urgently take measures in the UN regarding the Cyprus problem.

The RPP leader will not be able to visit the occupied area on 15 November due to his earlier engagement in Warsaw.

"The UN soon will submit a package to the sides, and will demand their reply. I hope that there are no points, in the UN proposal that they will put forward, which we would be unable to accept", Baykal said.

According to Baykal, because of the election process in Turkey, "a time factor" problem had surfaced regarding recourse to the UN and Denktas asked JDP and RPP leaders, until a new government is formed in Turkey, to mobilize on the Cyprus problem.

[09] Turkish Cypriot businessmen call on Mr Soysal to be quiet

In a statement issued on Saturday regarding Mr Soysal's reaction on the positions included in the election programme of Justice and Development Party (JDP) on the Cyprus problem, ISAD notes that Mr Soysal has taken no authority from the Turkish Cypriots to represent them and continues: "ISAD considers the fact that he keeps sending negative and intransigent messages for the position of the Turkish side, as extremely wrong behaviour during a period when vital political decisions will be taken regarding our future".

[10] YAKIS: "The solution in Cyprus must be based on two states"

In an interview with KIBRIS, Mr Yakis said that the solution plan expected to be submitted by the UN Secretary - General must be examined without prejudices and argued that if the information he acquired was right, last moment changes in favour of the Greek Cypriot side have been made to the plan.

".We know that there are some red lines for the Turkish Cypriots. No one must force anyone to go beyond these lines", said Mr Yakis.

[11] The pseudostate is participating in the World Travel Market in the UK

According to the paper, the pseudostate is between the 172 countries and the 5 thousand companies that are participating in this year's World Travel Market. The pseudosate's stand will cover a 200-meters area.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist in RADIKAL expresses disappointment with JDP's policy on Cyprus

It was known a long time ago. For whoever comes to power there are three subjects in foreign policy with which they will be forced to cope: Cyprus, relations with the EU and the future of Iraq.

The JDP [Justice and Development Party] started with Cyrpus. Let me do the same. First of all, let me say the following. Erdogan did not mention the "Belgian model" for no reason. It is written exactly as follows in the JDP's election declaration: "Our party believes that it is definitely necessary to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. It is without a doubt that in the solution to be found the rights of existence, identity and determination of its own future of the Turkish Cypriot people on the island cannot be ignored. It is to the benefit of both sections to establish a state administration composed of two communities, like that in Belgium".

Now, if these expressions were written consciously, then it is positive according to me. However, it includes expressions that are quite contrary to the official Turkish view and attitude. Let us examine it:

1. The result that can be deduced from the first sentence sets forth that the JDP has not adopted the status quo, that is the lack of a solution. Whereas, the official Turkish view and even more definite, the official Turkish attitude is flirting with a lack of a solution. One of the solution alternatives of Ankara, which has set forth federation as a solution formula for years and now confederation is in the forefront, is also lack of a solution. Ecevit, whose role in the formation of this view cannot be denied, repeatedly said that actually there is no problem on the island, and the existing situation could very well be accepted as a solution.

2. The second sentence appears to have an attribute of being careful not to stir up trouble. However, when it is read together with the third sentence, it acquires a meaning and depth. If you notice, there is an expression of "two communities" not "two states" and it is mentioning "a state administration" composed of these "two communities". Whereas, the official Turkish view and attitude defends the existence of "two sovereign states" on the island and for these "two states" to establish a "joint state". In the talks, which are still continuing, sovereignty is in the lead of the subjects the Turkish Cypriot side insistently emphasizes.

3. As for the expression "like the Belgian model" to which a reference is made to strengthen the emphasis of a "single state with two communities" in the third sentence, this model, as I explained in detail in my article yesterday, corresponds to a federation in the final analysis. Whereas, the official Turkish view since 1997 has been pro-confederation, not pro-federation.

Consequently, from whichever way you look at it, the JDP's approach to the Cyprus solution, in its form in the election declaration, is not in parallel with the official Turkish view and attitude. In my opinion, this approach is more advanced than the official Turkish view and attitude, because it is more apt for a solution, more reasonable, more flexible and receptive.

Now, let us read the statements, which made Erdogan's "Belgian model" famous in Turkey: "We, as the JDP, are adopting the Belgian model on Cyprus and we believe that we can obtain a solution on this matter. We are in favor of the continuation of the direct talks, which are continuing at present". These are very clear expressions. What is more, they are exactly in parallel with the expressions in the election declaration. Moreover, they are reinforcing these expressions.

Everything is normal up to here. A political party sets forth its view on the most important foreign policy problem of the country and the leader defends this statement after his election victory.

What is "abnormal" is what came after this. The JDP leader Erdogan and his foreign policy adviser Yasar Yakis, who were presented with the official Turkish view and attitude through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made a 180 degree turn. The Belgian model, to which a referral was made as a solution formula, all of a sudden is reduced to one of the elements of a more extensive formula. The model "adopted" suddenly is clipped as a model of "inspiration". Erdogan, to the question of the NTV, "Taking a step back from the two sovereign states formula on Cyprus is out of the question, is that so?", answers by saying, "Naturally". All right, what happened to the state administration composed of "two communities" (not two states), that is, the "Belgian model" in the election declaration?

The JDP and its Cyprus policy: My first impression is disappointment.

The EU and Iraq will be the subject of other articles.

[13] Sami Kohen examines the difference in approach to foreign policy by the JDP

Foreign policy became the first item on Turkey's agenda shortly after the election results were announced on Sunday evening. Consequently, Turkey has been discussing foreign issues, mainly the EU and the Cyprus problem, since then.

The Justice and Development Party, JDP, moved for the first time in the republic's history to take action in foreign policy even before it established the new government. But, that should be seen as normal because many issues, particularly the question of accession to the EU and the Cyprus problem, forced Turkey to take quick action to comply with established calendars. It is common knowledge that the EU summit will be held on 12 December and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is expected to submit his plan for the solution of the Cyprus problem next week. So, the time factor forced the JDP, which will take over the administration in the near future, to make statements that could be taken as an initial sign of the policy it will adopt. However, the party should have asked to be briefed by the pertinent officials before it took an initiative to that effect. Unfortunately it did so after it made several statements. Had it been briefed earlier, it would have carefully avoided creating the wrong impression.

The statements made by JDP leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan and some of his party officials on foreign policy and the disclosures they later made to correct themselves led us to believe that the new administration will basically remain committed to the "national policy," particularly on some of Turkey's main problems. In other words, the JDP administration should not be expected to change the direction of Ankara's foreign policy. However, it should be noted that the party has a unique style and approach on some of Turkey's problems in foreign policy. In fact, some of Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statements can be taken as a sign of the JDP stance.

We can explain the difference in the JDP approach on matters related to the EU and the Cyprus problem as follows: The party attaches significant importance to the process that will pave the way for Turkey's integration with the EU. In fact, it has already moved to take action by holding talks with many EU diplomats and by organizing visits to the European countries together with some of the members of the Republican People's Party, (RPP), and the representatives of various non-governmental organizations. For example, Erdogan and his colleagues held talks with the EU ambassadors two days ago. According to the information we have received from the diplomats, one of his messages to them was: The JDP administration will maintain Turkey's effort to secure a calendar during the Copenhagen summit for the commencement of talks on its accession to the organization.

The diplomats noted Turkey's determination and informed their countries.

The EU ambassadors were significantly impressed by the 9-point reforms program Erdogan conveyed to them. He informed them on the significant progress achieved in the direction of accession through the adaptation laws. However, he said that significant ground still remains to be covered and assured them that the JDP administration will fulfill all the requirements with the support of the RPP. One of the diplomats said that the difference in the JDP approach created a very positive impression.

Another difference in the JDP approach is related to the policy Turkey will adopt if the EU fails to establish a calendar for the talks on accession. Erdogan conveyed the message that the JDP administration will not view that as the end of everything and that it will maintain its initiatives. Obviously, his message indicated that Turkey will not sever its relations with the EU if the Copenhagen summit fails to establish a definite date for the talks. (Needless to say, a date can be established in the not too distant future)

As we explained yesterday, the argument over the "Belgian model" has ended. The conclusion that can be drawn from what has been said about the model is that it can only be one of the elements that might facilitate the solution of the Cyprus problem. While the JDP discussed the model, it focused mainly on the solution of the problem. That was important. Erdogan emphasized the need for reconciliation and mutual concessions in many of the statements he made to several television networks. That, too, was important. In fact, his statements can be seen as a sign of the difference in the JDP approach.

But, all that can be described as a stance the JDP adopted as a political party. Obviously, we will have to wait to see the political approach it will adopt when it comes to power.

/SK

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