Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-11-15

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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 will return to the occupied areas on 16 November. Erdogan to visit the occupied areas on Saturday.

[02] Rauf Denktas addressed the Turkish Cypriots on the declaration of his puppet regime.

[03] General Ozkok arrives in the occupied area of Cyprus and threatens of a crisis.

[04] High-level Turkish diplomatic sources say Ankara is not expected to respond to Annan's plan by 18 November.

[05] HURRIYET reports that the Cyprus solution plan was assessed at the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

[06] Sukru Sina Gurel elaborates his views on the UN solution plan for Cyprus.

[07] The JDP to take legal action against Sukru Sina Gurel.

[08] Mr Javier Solana expects changes in the ESDP agreement because of Annan's Cyprus plan.

[09] Ali Erel for the UN plan: "We must take this opportunity for a resolution of the Cyprus problem".

[10] Three icons were found in a house in occupied Kythrea.

[11] The so-called mayor of the occupied Morphou. "We will not let Morphou to be returned".

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Ilnur Cevik says the Turks have rejected the hawkish and elected the dovish attitude on Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader will return to the occupied areas on 16 November. Erdogan to visit the occupied areas on Saturday

In the meantime, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Justice and Development Party [JDP) leader, will visit the occupied areas on 16 November as well. Erdogan, who will fly on a private plane, will pay a get well visit to Denktas. JDP Deputy Chairman Yasar Yakis will accompany Erdogan during his visit. Erdogan will return to Ankara the same day.

[02] Rauf Denktas addressed the Turkish Cypriots on the declaration of his puppet regime

"My dear citizens, unfortunately we are not able to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the republic together, but we are together in heart. We established this republic together. The state was established with the aim of preventing the historical erasure of the Turkish Cypriots from the island. Our state is the product of the struggle waged by our people. It is the product of the sacrifices made to this end. We must never forget or allow others to forget this.

Today, we have entered a new phase. Others prepared a document in line with their views after having listened to us for a long time. They prepared a comprehensive document and presented it to us. Naturally, as people who defend the existence of their state, there are many aspects that we must examine. Our state, our sovereignty, our identity, our character, and of course our territories are the main aspects.

I asked that the territorial issue be left to the end in order to keep the road to peace open all the time. I insisted on this. Even during the time of Butros-Ghali, I asked him not to present a map, because a map would trigger a quarrel with the Greek Cypriots claiming that what they are receiving is not sufficient, and the Turkish Cypriots not wanting to cede the said territories. This, in turn, would block the process, I said at the time. I was unable to convince him.

This time again, maps were presented to the sides although they knew that we do not want to discuss the map issue before the sovereignty of our territories and our people is accepted, but that we are willing to discuss the principles. The views and the reactions of our people on this subject are very important. God willing, I will be among you on Saturday. We will discuss this in depth together, with our government, with the party leaders, with the Republican Assembly, and with our people. We have been given a four-week period. Even if this is not a take-it-or-leave-it plan, this is the general picture. We cannot accept this. Vital issues concerning our future, our sovereignty, our freedom, our territory, our existence, Turkey's interests in the island, and the Turkish-Greek balance are at stake here. We will address and discuss these matters with a cool head and goodwill, and with the intention and desire of bringing about a union in Cyprus. We all know, however, that the maps brought before us could turn into an insurmountable wall. Therefore, I repeat, let us be sure of ourselves and of our state; let us protect our sovereignty and our state; and let us successfully overcome these fateful days in cooperation with our motherland, and naturally in sincere cooperation among ourselves.

It is the right of each and every one of us to seek peace. It also makes sense, but it is also sensible to exert efforts to ensure that the peace is a genuine one, and this requires a common purpose. With these thoughts, I congratulate you all with the most sincere feelings on this holiday. With the help of God, I overcame two big operations thanks to the close interest you showed during my illness, the morale you gave me, the sacrifices made by the Turkish Government in taking upon itself the entire responsibility in order to ensure my treatment, and the very close interest displayed by Mr Ecevit, the honorable President, the party leaders, and the chief of the General Staff. With the hope of joining you soon, I extend my love to all of you and wish you a happy holiday."

[03] General Ozkok arrives in the occupied area of Cyprus and threatens of a crisis

Speaking at occupied Lefkoniko airport, general Ozkok expressed the opinion that the solution of the Cyprus problem would be facilitated in case all states and institutions concerned accept the "reality" that there are two "sovereign states" in Cyprus and that the solution must be based on a new partnership between those states. "A lasting and just peace could be established in Cyprus only in this way", alleged the Turkish general.

General Ozkok, who made a short statement without accepting any questions, said that their aim during the face-to-face talks for Cyprus is to find a solution, which would both guarantee the security, the equality and the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots and take into consideration the balance between Turkey and Greece as well as the strategic interests of Turkey and its rights deriving from the agreements.

Mr Ozkok claimed that the fact that the Republic of Cyprus spends money for its security and protection against the Turkish occupation army, the number of which exceeds the 35 thousands, shows that the Greek Cypriots do not want peace. Turkey will not allow anyone to threaten the security of the Turkish Cypriots, concluded general Ozkok.

[04] High-level Turkish diplomatic sources say Ankara is not expected to respond to Annan's plan by 18 November

High-level diplomatic sources said on Wednesday that the seven days of time stated in Annan`s plan was ``a request`` not ``an obligation.``

When the Turkish side continues its political, bureaucratic and military consultations, a decision on whether or not the report is negotiable is not likely to be made till November 18 because of the health problems of Rauf Denktas and since the new government in Turkey has not been formed yet.

Ankara is foreseen to prepare its response as quickly as possible and convey it to the U.N. after necessary consultations.

Sources said that consultations between Denktas and Turkey could not totally be made yet and that Denktas had to return to the island and take up the plan by his own institutions and people.

Meanwhile, Turkish ambassadors in capital cities of concerned countries are expected to be called to Ankara at the beginning of the following week and the plan is foreseen to be evaluated at this meeting.

Turkish ambassadors in Washington D.C., London, New York, Athens and the so-called Ambassador in occupied Nicosia are expected to meet with high-level officials of the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday as a part of this initiative.

In the meantime, a group of high-level Foreign Ministry bureaucrats are foreseen to go to occupied Nicosia to hold consultations with Denktas, who will not stop at Ankara when he is returning from New York due to his health problems.

[05] HURRIYET reports that the Cyprus solution plan was assessed at the Turkish Foreign Ministry

The plan that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan introduced for solving the Cyprus problem was placed on the table during a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. The officials examining Annan's plan described the plan as a "half full and half empty" glass. The meeting was held under Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, Cyprus Department General Director. Ahmet Zeki Bulunc, the so-called Ambassador of the pseudostate in Ankara, was also present at the meeting.

Negative Points

1. The migration of Greek Cypriots to "TRNC" may create problems similar to the problems created in the Middle East.

2. The Turkish Cypriots are being obliged to make territorial concessions under all the alternative maps.

3. They [the EU countries] want the Cyprus problem solved by the time the Copenhagen summit is held. However, there is only a short period of time before this summit.

4. The question as to whether or not Cyprus may be accepted within ESDP after gaining EU membership and the manner in which Cyprus may be accepted within ESDP can be resolved only within NATO.

5. The leaking of information about the plan to the Greek Cypriot side before conveying the details of the plan to the Turkish Cypriot side is not a pleasant development.

Positive Points

1. Sovereign state belonging to the Turkish side.

2. UN forces may provide the required security.

3. Both the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots will have their own sovereignty. In this way, a system will come into being whereby the responsibility shall be shared equally at the upper level.

4. The remarkable aspect of the plan is that according to this plan, the Belgian model should not be considered as the only model.

5. We do not share Denktas' advisor, Mumtaz Soysal's view to the effect that the "TRNC" reality is not perceived in the plan. We believe that the "TRNC" reality is perceived in this plan.

[06] Sukru Sina Gurel elaborates his views on the UN solution plan for Cyprus

Stressing that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit had sent a letter to Kofi Annan on November 1 explaining Turkey`s attitude and concerns, Gurel said he had responded the message of the U.S. State Secretary Colin Powell sent on November 8, and stressed the same points.

``Unfortunately, we know that the Greek Cypriot side had gotten the document beforehand,`` Gurel said and stressed that this was the most serious drawback regarding the Cyprus document.

Regarding the timing of the document, Gurel said that the document had been put forward in a period that had drawbacks, adding: ``This document aims at relieving and pleasing some other people rather than reconciling the interests of the two communities that are sides to the problem.``

Criticizing the presentation of this document in a period while the Turkish government was going to change, Gurel said: ``At least, they did not feel the need for showing respect to the health of Mr Denktas who has been exerting efforts for this issue for years. It is understood that in these days, some people make haste to be seen that they had solved the Cyprus issue.``

"The U.N. Secretary-General felt a need to launch a new initiative as ``direct talks did not give any result according to schedule of others``, Gurel said.

Gurel stated that Turkey informed the U.N. about ``sine qua non`` factors that had to be taken into consideration when the document was being prepared after it had learned that a new initiative would be launched.

In this framework, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit sent a letter to Annan in which he expressed Turkey`s concerns on November 1, Gurel pointed out.

Gurel said that he received a letter from U.S. State Secretary Colin Powell on November 8 within the same framework.

Gurel said that Powell asked Turkey to approach positively to the document which would be put forth by Annan in his letter and added that which basic necessities should meet the solution in Cyprus was clearly stated in his message which was sent to Powell on November 9.

Noting that he said in his message that Turkey's view would be depended on the content of the plan, Gurel said in his messages to Annan and Powell: ``The complications created by leakage of the document to Greek Cypriot side make the other evaluations worthless. The current problem is whether the document is a balanced proposal which necessitates mutual sacrifice or it will be a package toward satisfying the Greek Cypriot side. If the second alternative is valid, Rauf Denktas cannot accept such a document and Turkey will support Mr Denktas.``

Alleging that the biggest drawback of the U.N. document was that it was prepared negotiating with the Greek Cypriot side, Gurel noted: `` The timing, method of announcement of the text and its targets as it constitutes a whole, and this whole should make the whole Turkey and the TRNC feel concern.``

Gurel said the U.N. text envisaged ``relaxing and satisfying others`` rather than the interests of the sides on the island, and criticizing the timing of the text, he said, ``I think the haste to solve an issue, ongoing for 40 years, stems from the EU timetable.``

He said the target of the document was to provide Cyprus's membership to the EU without causing a problem, and may be before solving the problems.

Gurel said they would decide together with Rauf Denktas whether or not this document would be negotiated and that Gurel said talks could take place in case Denktas and the new government find it worth of negotiating.

"May be the constitutional arrangements, status, and foreign representation could be discussed, but the parts pertaining to text and territory, and immigration were not elements that will be negotiated," he added.

Referring to the recent elections in Turkey Gurel said that a difficult test is waiting the Justice and Development Party (JDP) on foreign policy in the near future.

"Turkey's foreign policy will face very serious problems in the near future and the new government should firstly overcome the problems about their identity and their position before the western world," he said.

Evaluating the claims about (JDP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which were published in Greek TO VIMA newspaper, Gurel said that Erdogan was claimed to hold contacts with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis twice and to convey him that Cyprus and other Greek-Turkish problems would be solved easily.

Noting that Erdogan talked about the Belgian model in Cyprus, but later he corrected his statement, Gurel said that according to the claims published in TO VIMA newspaper, Erdogan recontacted Simitis and he said that he made correction by considering internal balances.

Gurel said that thus, a person who could not have been even elected as a deputy and who could not be prime minister and who pretended to represent Turkey with irresponsible contacts earlier gave promises which would cause mortgage in Turkish foreign policy to some people and defined this situation as ``grave``. He also added that Erdogan`s denying these claims aroused thoughts.

Responding to questions, Gurel said he did not think that Rauf Denktas and (JDP) administration would have different opinions on whether or not the document, which was presented by Annan, is negotiable.

[07] The JDP to take legal action against Sukru Sina Gurel

Issuing a written statement on the issue, Mercan said that Gurel criticized Erdogan due to a news story published in a newspaper in Greece. Mercan said that the claims of Gurel are all lies, adding that certainly Gurel will account for the things he said before the court. Mr Gurel claimed that Mr Erdogan contacted Greek Prime Minister Mr Simitis twice before the November 3 elections and that he said that the problems of both Cyprus and Turkish-Greek relations would be solved. Mr Erdogan didn't contact Simitis, so the claims of Mr Gurel are not true. Moreover, Mr Gurel claimed that Mr Erdogan took a step back after voicing his idea for a solution in Cyprus inspired by Belgian model. Mr Erdogan didn't issue any statement that can be considered as taking a step back, or correcting his earlier statements and he didn't call Mr Simitis. Mr Gurel tries to cover up his unsuccessful post as the Foreign Minister by attacking the JDP. He thinks that he can also overshadow the important contacts of JDP leader Erdogan for the EU accession process of Turkey.``

[08] Mr Javier Solana expects changes in the ESDP agreement because of Annan's Cyprus plan

In a statement to reporters prior to the luncheon, Solana said that the EU wants Turkey to get as close to Europe as possible. Stressing that one should work hard to attain this goal, Solana said: No doubt, Turkey's participation in the European Security and Defense Policy [ESDP] will open the path of Turkish-EU relations.

Noting that there will be certain changes in the agreement to be signed on the ESDP issue because of the Cyprus plan submitted by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Solana expressed the belief that both the problems concerning the ESDP and those concerning Cyprus will be resolved by the end of the year.

Explaining the reason for his visit to Turkey before the formation of the new government, Solana said: "I thought that it would be beneficial to hold talks with those who will come to power. We do not have even a single day to lose."

Mr Javier Solana, today also met with JDP [Justice and Development Party] Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In a statement after the meeting that was held at the JDP headquarters, Solana said that this visit gave him the opportunity to get to know Erdogan and to jointly assess Turkish-EU relations and the developments in the aftermath of the submission of the Cyprus plan. He noted that an unprecedented opportunity has presented itself to solve simultaneously the Turkish-EU relations and the Cyprus issue, adding that Erdogan's tour of EU member countries is very beneficial. Noting out that they discussed the solubility of the Cyprus problem, Solana stressed that their target is to reach a solution prior to the Copenhagen summit.

After his contacts in Ankara, Solana held a press conference and said that he and Justice and Development Party (JDP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a very beneficial meeting.

Stating that this month was very important related to the Turkey-EU relations, Solana noted that United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented a significant plan for Cyprus.

He said that Turkey and EU recorded progress on ESDP issue, adding that the chance to further improve this process should not be missed.

Solana said that the Turkish side showed its enthusiasm on the issues and noted that utmost efforts on those issues should be exerted for a result, which would please everyone at the Copenhagen Summit.

Asked if the three issues that he mentioned were linked with each other, Solana said that those issues were not linked with each other but they were not totally separate from each other.

When asked if they discussed the issue of setting a date for Turkey's membership negotiations in Copenhagen during his meeting with Erdogan, Solana said that Erdogan was very smart and knew that it was not the time to ask that question.

Responding to a question on Cyprus, Solana said that the sides had 30 days of time to respond to Annan`s report for Cyprus and that this was a limited time for a 40-year issue.

However, Solana noted, this time could be more than the needed if there was necessary political will.

Solana went on that nobody told him that Annan`s proposals were unacceptable during his visit to Turkey and said that coming together of the sides to evaluate the plan was not only a possibility but also an obligation.

Responding to a question on ESDP, Solana said that this issue was related with Europe's security and stability and did not have any connection with Cyprus and Copenhagen criteria.

Solana pointed out that the Turkish side had two satisfying alternatives about this issue, changing according to a situation in which a solution was found to the Cyprus question and to a situation in which the issue remained unsolved.

Meanwhile, a high-level foreign diplomat commented that ``Erdogan knew well that the EU expected a signal from Turkey in this process and was giving convincing signals about this issue`` when asked about the Solana-Erdogan meeting.

[09] Ali Erel for the UN plan: "We must take this opportunity for a resolution of the Cyprus problem"

In a written statement, Mr Erel said that an opportunity was created with the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's proposal and stressed that this opportunity should not be lost, both for Turkey's and the Turkish Cypriots' benefit. Mr Erel also said that he suggested that the two sides should sign the UN plan before the EU Copenhagen Summit of the 12th of December. He also stated that the JDP's approach would positively influence the Cyprus solution and Turkey's relations with the EU.

Referring to the two maps Mr Annan presented, regarding the territorial issue, Mr Erel said that the Turkish Cypriots should not worry with the fact that some of them will have to abandon the place they live now due to this settlement. He said that this is not really a migration and stressed that the overall settlement will lead to better living conditions for them and their families.

[10] Three icons were found in a house in occupied Kythrea

[11] The so-called mayor of the occupied Morphou. "We will not let Morphou to be returned"

HURRIYET reports that Ozcinar claimed that if Morphou is returned to the Greek Cypriot administration around 20 thousand Turkish Cypriots living in and around Morphou would become refugees again. Criticizing UN's submission of maps, Ozcinar alleged: "They didn't ask our views .We do not want to be displaced".

He claimed that Morphou area is the most fertile region of the Island and that yearly 100 thousand tons of citrus fruit is being exported from there. The income from this area, said Ozcinar, is half of the occupied area's export. He also said that all the water resources of north Cyprus is in the Morphou area. Returning Morphou to the Greek Cypriot administration means to hand over the water resources to the Greek Cypriots, Ozcinar alleged. He also claimed that Morphou from the military point of view is a strategic region, and that returning it to the Greeks would encircle the Turkish Cypriots by the Greek Cypriots.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Ilnur Cevik says the Turks have rejected the hawkish and elected the dovish attitude on Cyprus

Outgoing Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel held a press conference and told the nation about his misgivings about the United Nations plan on Cyprus... He feels the plan is a plot. He says the timing, the way it was presented and even the content smells of a rat.

The outgoing foreign minister says the fact that the plan was presented to the parties in Cyprus as well as Turkey, Greece and Britain at this time, when Ankara faces a government transition, is clearly designed to push Turks into a corner. He also says the plan may have been given to the Greeks in advance and then changed upon their demands is also a serious allegation. He stresses that the plan was designed to help the European Union accept the Greek Cypriots into the Union by silencing the Turks...

So far so good.

But then Gurel turns his attention to the incoming government of the Justice and Development Party (JDP) and lambastes its leader Tayyip Erdogan saying his telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis amounts to a sellout. He says Erdogan, without any authority but just with his title as the chairman of the party which is coming to power, made promises to facilitate a Cyprus solution. He also says if all the reports are false Erdogan should deny he will facilitate a Cyprus solution. If not, he claims, Erdogan has committed a crime and should be reprimanded...

The language Gurel uses is extremely objectionable. The fact that he uses the Foreign Ministry to do this is really sad. No wonder the nation threw Gurel's Democratic Left Party (DLP) out of Parliament in the November 3 elections.

It seems outgoing Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, his men and the DLP have not really digested what has hit them at the polls and are simply trying to wreak havoc in the country...

But then Gurel also says he hopes the Turkish military will also carefully study the Cyprus plan... He seems to suggest that the military should use its might to have the plan rejected... This also shows what kind of a regard the DLP has to the spirit of democracy. No wonder the people put an end to their rule.

Yes, of course the military, like all other state institutions, have to carefully study the plan and participate in the decision making process, but at the end of the day it is the civilian government that will take the decision and more over it is the Turkish Cypriots that have the major say about their destiny...

Gurel's remarks show to the international community that the incoming government will take a much more dovish attitude on Cyprus and thus they should be thankful about the preference of the Turkish nation...

/SK

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