Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 02-12-20

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Israeli Foreign Ministry Undersecretary to visit Ankara next week

[02] The puppet regime's so-called Foreign Ministry issues statement on the lines of the Turkish Foreign Ministry

[03] Radikal writer: "Denktas has been nailed to the negotiation table''

[04] The pseudostate gives its so-called "citizenship" to everybody

[05] YENI DUZEN reacts to Cem Uzan's statements by deciding not to accept advertisements from TELSIM

[06] Analyst says ESDP not solved yet

[07] The pseudoassembly decided that the UN Plan can be discussed

[08] Two thousand persons demonstrated under heavy rain in front of the pseudoassembly calling on Denktas to resign and demanding the acceptance of the UN plan

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] Fikret Bila assesses the developments over Cyprus in Ankara

[10] Turkish Cypriot columnist says those who oppose to a solution must state their property before and after the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus

[11] Editorial in Turkish Daily News supports tat the murders of Turkish professor are those who want the status quo in Cyprus

[12] Mehmet Ali Birand assesses the Ankara Summit on Cyprus

[13] Ali Osman :"The EU should Protect its Citizens"

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Israeli Foreign Ministry Undersecretary to visit Ankara next week

According to gathered information from diplomatic sources, Biran will be in Ankara on Sunday and will start his contacts on Monday, December 23. Regional developments and a possible Iraqi operation will be high on the agenda in the meetings between the Israeli and Turkish Foreign Ministry delegations. The Turkish delegation will be headed by Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ambassador Ugur Ziyal.

It is expected that the Israeli official will also be received by Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis.

[02] The puppet regime's so-called Foreign Ministry issues statement on the lines of the Turkish Foreign Ministry

Alleging that granting membership to the Greek Cypriot administration on behalf of the entire island without seeking the approval of the Turkish Cypriots is a clear violation of the 1959-60 agreements, the statement stressed that the Copenhagen decision at the same time shows that the equal sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots and its equal voice in the future of the island will be ignored.

The statement noted that the puppet regime, which was established in the process that began with the destruction of the partnership republic by the Greek Cypriots in 1963, is continuing its existence as a sovereign state. Describing as incomprehensible and as a demonstration of a double standard the EU move to grant membership to Cyprus on behalf of the entire island by ignoring the rights and laws of the Turkish Cypriots which were determined through international agreements, the statement added that the Cyprus decision adopted in Copenhagen cannot have any judicial or legal validity from the viewpoint of the Turkish Cypriots.

The statement went on to note that the Turkish Cypriot side and primarily Rauf Denktas are ready to continue to exert every possible effort in order to resume the direct talks process and to reach a realistic conciliation in Cyprus. The statement noted that the Turkish Cypriot side expected a reply in the same direction from the EU but that this stand was not adopted in Copenhagen.

The statement reiterated that the puppet regime is ready to establish a new partnership based on the equality and sovereignty of the two sides in Cyprus as well as the continuation of the Turkish-Greek balance and the current guarantees, adding that within this framework it is also ready to discuss the proposals submitted by the UN Secretary-General.

[03] Radikal writer:"Denktas has been nailed to the negotiation table''

Zeyrek further reports that the decision by the Greek Cypriot side to postpone the announcement of the economic measures including issuing passports to the Turkish Cypriots, has been welcomed. It was decided to maintain the open support given to Denktas as well as to extend economic aid to the occupied areas, because of the risk that the stability in the occupied area might go wrong. It was also decided that despite the EU decision it was necessary to continue the negotiations within the framework of the Annan plan.It was explained to Denktas that it is necessary to stay at the negotiation table and suggested that he should seriously negotiate and reach an acceptable solution.

[04] The pseudostate gives its so-called "citizenship" to everybody

Noting that the so-called "citizenship" has become very cheap, YENIDUZEN reports that the two football players have made their application through Cekin Atalay, deputy chairman of Reformist Progressive Party and supporter of the non-solution in Cyprus. Mr Atalay also supports the integration of the occupied areas with Turkey and has a house at a "tourist village" in occupied Kyrenia. This, according to the paper, "is estimated as an indication of why he is against the solution and peace" in Cyprus.

The paper notes also that it is sure that the application of the two players will be accepted. Furthermore, Sergen Yalcin told HURRIYET that he would like to take over a football club in the occupied areas.

[05] YENI DUZEN reacts to Cem Uzan's statements by deciding not to accept advertisements from TELSIM

Noting that some other companies do not give it advertisements because they disagree with its policy, the paper writes, inter alia, the following:

".However, we also do not want to publish advertisements from some institutions, even if they pay us, in spite of the fact that advertisements are the source of our existence. The owner of TELSIM, businessman Cem Uzan in a statement he made he compared Cyprus with Alexandretta and talked about Turkey annexing Cyprus. He also said: 'Annex them to Turkey. They will shout for three or five days and after that they will be quiet. They will accept it'. The Turkish Cypriots have reacted as they should have reacted to Cem Uzan and they will continue to show their reaction. As YENI DUZEN, we have decided not to give place to advertisements of TELSIM, until Cem Uzan asks the Turkish Cypriots to forgive him. .".

[06] Analyst says ESDP not solved yet

Diplomatic sources have welcomed the ESDP conclusion, stating that Turkey has received the best of what a non-EU country can from the conclusion. They underline that French and German foreign ministers distributed a new paper to the European Convention on the ESDP issue suggesting the EU to create its own assets and capabilities for the European Army: Eurocorp.

One source indicated that Turkey takes part in the ESDP as much as the EU 'acquis communautaires' allows. "Turkey does not take part in the policy making process because Turkey is not an EU member," the source stated.

According to the source, Turkey could not ask for more privileges because the EU was at the stage of considering establishing an alternative solution to NATO. "We could trigger a new approach," the source stated, indicating that Greece is against using NATO capabilities since Turkey is involved in it. According to the source, Greece wanted an organization where Turkey could not voice its requests but was unable to persuade the EU due to high costs.

Mustafa Kibaroglu, Assistant Professor from Bilkent University, indicates the risks for Turkey on the ESDP issue. "The agreement is against the nature of the idea. This paper will not live long," he comments. According to Kibaroglu, Turkey could get more than it did at the moment but it was pressured by the EU and the U.S. He stresses that the EU was not ready to set up an EU army at all. "It would take at least 12 years and $100 billion to form such army," he states.

Kibaroglu thinks that the agreement asks the EU not to protect some parts of the EU. "No one can expect the Turkish military to declare that it will not protect one part of Turkey. In a similar way no one should expect EU to declare that it will not protect 'Cyprus.' I say 'Cyprus' because in the Copenhagen declaration EU admits 'Cyprus' as the country they negotiated for accession," he says. In other words Kibaroglu thinks that the EU, via Greek Cyprus's or Greece's request, may try to amend the ESDP somehow. "This may come up as an issue in Dec 2004," he says.

ESDP is considered as one of the core issues for EU and NATO member countries, which will get EU membership soon, namely Greek Cyprus. Turkey therefore received pressure from various countries to address ESDP, EU and Cyprus issues in the same packet before the Copenhagen summit. Some EU diplomats prior to the Copenhagen summit stated that ESDP might be solved automatically once the Cyprus issue is solved.

The EU's 60,000-strong force is due to become fully operational in 2003. But the guarantee of access to NATO planning, intelligence and logistics it needs had been blocked because of mistrust between Greece and Turkey. NATO member Turkey, fearing possible future deployment in the Aegean region or on the divided island of Cyprus, has sought a say in the force as its price for agreement to such a guarantee.

British and U.S. diplomacy produced a text on a defense agreement acceptable to Ankara last December, but Greece was quick to reject it, asking for changes. With an eye to Cyprus, Greece demanded reciprocal assurances that NATO would never take action against an EU member state.

What was long known as the "Ankara Text" was replaced by a "Brussels Document," whose main difference appeared to hinge on one word -- "reciprocally."

The document said that under no circumstances would the EU's force be used against a NATO ally on the understanding that "reciprocally" NATO military crisis management would not undertake any action against the EU or its member states. Greece also won a written pledge that no action would be undertaken that could violate the United Nations charter.

The only difference between the Ankara text and the Brussels document lies in the second paragraph of the agreement. One sentence is deleted from the Ankara text and a further line is added in the Brussels document. The former Ankara text second paragraph reads, "For the Member States concerned, this means that the actions and decisions they undertake within the framework of EU military crises management will respect at all times their obligations as NATO Allies, including their NATO Treaty obligations regarding the settlement of disputes. This also means that under Treaty obligations regarding the settlement of disputes. This also means that under no circumstances, nor in any crises will ESDP be used against an Ally." With the contribution of the Brussels text, "NATO treaty obligations for the settlement of disputes" has been extracted and, "on the understanding, reciprocally, that NATO military crises management will not undertake any action against the EU or its Member States. It is also understood that no action will be undertaken that would violate the principles of the Charter of the United Nations" has been added to the end of the paragraph.

[07] The pseudoassembly decided that the UN Plan can be discussed

According to the paper, the pseudoassebly decided that the UN Plan presented to the two parties in Cyprus can be discussed and decided that efforts must be made for improving the plan. The "assembly" also decided the formation of a "parliament" committee, which will consist of the "speaker" of the "assembly" and members of the parties, which are represented, in the "assembly". This committee will co-operate and give advice to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas during the Cyprus talks. As the paper stressed it is the first time the "assembly" takes such a decision.

The two opposition parties of the pseudo-parliament, the Republican Turkish Party (RTP) and the Communal Liberation Party (CLP), strongly reacted and did not vote in favour of this decision, since they wanted the Cyprus talks to continue without Denktas. They also announced that the decision for their participation on the "parliament" committee would be decided during party meetings.

[08] Two thousand persons demonstrated under heavy rain in front of the pseudoassembly calling on Denktas to resign and demanding the acceptance of the UN plan

According to the paper the demonstrators were not allowed by the pseudopolice to gather in front of the so-called assembly but neither this nor the heavy rain stopped them from making a strong demonstration. The demonstrators carried banners with some of the following slogans: "Do not hold our hopes in a suitcase", "We do not want to immigrate", "End to the monarchy, yes to peace", "Denktas resign", "End living in the stable, yes to the EU", "Shoulder to shoulder against the occupation". They also shouted similar slogans.

The demonstrators distributed a memorandum to the members of the so-called parliament, and handed it to the pseudospeaker of the "assembly" Vehbi Zeki Serter in a short meeting they had with him. In the memarandum, the protesters asked from the "assembly" to evaluate with caution the latest developments in the Cyprus problem. It was also written that in order for a permanent solution to be found and for the sake of the European Union, the Cyprus talks must continue. It was stressed that Denktas who sabotaged the efforts so far, must not miss the opportunity given for an agreement on the 28th of February.

The demonstration was organised by the platform "This country is ours" and many other political organisations and Trade Unions. In the framework of this event the Turkish Cypriot Primary School Teachers/ Train Union and the Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers/ Train Union, who were among the organisers of the demonstration held a strike.

Moreover similar demonstrations were held yesterday in occupied Kyrenia and Famagusta. The demonstrations were organised by the platform "This country is ours" and other political organisations and Trade Unions at the same time the demonstration was taking place in occupied Nicosia.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] Fikret Bila assesses the developments over Cyprus in Ankara

"Ankara disclosed yesterday that it objects to the decision the EU made on Cyprus during the Copenhagen summit. The Foreign Ministry said that allowing south Cyprus to join the EU will violate the 1959 and 1960 Agreements. It noted that Ankara cannot accept the summit decision from a legal and political viewpoint because it conflicts with the agreements that tasked Turkey, Greece, and Britain to act as the guarantors of the Cyprus Republic.

The timing of the Foreign Ministry statement drew attention. It should be noted that it seemed like a delayed disclosure. Coming five days after the summit, it made everyone wonder why Ankara took so much time to have its objection placed on record. The statement was issued shortly before the summit that was held at the Cankaya Mansion yesterday. That, too, drew attention. It seems that the officials decided to issue it before the summit, which was attended by the President, the Prime Minister, and the Chief of the General Staff, because they believed that they would create the impression that they had to issue it under pressure if they waited for the summit to end.

Confusing developments took place in Turkey and the 'TRNC' ['Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'] after the Copenhagen summit, that is, during the past five days. Many leaders, particularly Rauf Denktas, were strongly criticized. In fact, some of the press reports and comments insulted them. That drew attention. And, some of the statements made by Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis, which can be assessed as a mistake on his part, created a wave of anxiety on Ankara's policy on Cyprus. But, the delayed Foreign Ministry statement removed the fears. It confirmed that Ankara's approach complied with the policy Turkey maintained on the Cyprus problem thus far and supported Denktas. In fact, the statement prepared the ground for any legitimate objection Turkey might raise during the talks that will be held in the future.

Obviously, the confusing statements in Ankara coupled with the reports and comments that supported the policy of "give and get rid [of Cyprus] in order to avoid missing the existing opportunity in Copenhagen" significantly weakened Turkey's hand. But the Foreign Ministry statement and the summit at the Cankaya Mansion yesterday allowed Ankara to adopt a clear approach, which can be summed up as follows:

The statement placed on record Ankara's decision not to accept the EU approach on Cyprus. It reiterated Turkey's support for the establishment of a partnership state on the island and confirmed that the Turkish side is ready to hold talks on the Annan plan for that purpose. Recalling that Denktas informed UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Cyprus Alvaro de Soto that the Turkish side is ready to hold talks on the Annan plan, it said that the Greek Cypriot side failed to respond to his initiative thus far. It also said that the Greek Cypriot administration's failure to respond confirmed that the Turkish Cypriots are not the side that is unwilling to hold talks.

The statement issued in Ankara yesterday outlined the legal and political reasons for its approach and confirmed that the Turkish side supports the establishment of a partnership state on the island and that it is ready to hold talks on the Annan plan for that purpose. It underlined that the Turkish side will object to any fait accompli on Cyprus.

[10] Turkish Cypriot columnist says those who oppose a solution must declare their property before and after the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus

"One of my readers has told me in a message that 'Turkey used its guarantee right to save the Turkish Cypriots in 1974 and must use this right now also to save them form the hands of Denktas. This is Turkey's debt'. However, has the time for us to save ourselves not come? Is it not the time for us to get rid of our 'waiting from the others' illness? .

The society has woken up. Everybody talks now. The young people, the old people, the employees talk. They say that they want peace and accession to the EU. This awakening has not remained only in words, but it has turned into action. .They say that 'the children are shouting at the squares'. Of course these squares belong to the young people, first of all, because they are those who are going to share the future of this island. .

Those, who are against the solution, the maps and the plan, are asked to declare their property. What have they left behind before 1974 and what have they found now. The people are interested in the salaries of the 'sycophants ' who are gathered around the 'palace' circles. And the young people are 'asking for account' from those who have mortgaged their future. .".

[11] Editorial in Turkish Daily News supports that the murderers of Turkish professor are those who want the status quo in Cyprus

The murder of a controversial academician on Wednesday night is an act of sabotage against our country and our newly found positive atmosphere created by the election victory of the Justice and Development Party. Necip Hablemitoglu, an Ankara University historian, was gunned down by two murderers in the heart of the capital with the aim of raising fears about resurgence of political violence in Turkey...

But will the Turkish people fall into this classical trap again?

Like many other things much has changed in Turkey since the November 3 elections. The Turkish people have buried their past and are looking forward to a better and brighter future but unfortunately there are those who oppose this.

They selected a controversial person like Hablemitoglu who has been famous for his attacks on Islamic groups as well as the German foundations in Turkey. The slain academician was clearly supported by certain power circles in Turkey who used him to challenge moderate Islamists and the German foundations.

Now there are claims that Islamists are behind the murder of the academician... Isn't that strange? Why should the Islamists hurt themselves at a time when a party with certain Islamic roots has come to power?

The death of any person is unacceptable. But this murder goes beyond that as it is not only aimed at ending the life of an individual but it also targets the hard earned political stability in our country and the well being of our people.

Those behind the murder clearly want to block reforms in this country and maintain some kind of an authoritarian rule. They have seen that the way to the European Union membership of Turkey may well be wide open and thus they want to block it giving the image that political Islam is wreaking havoc in Turkey and that political violence has been resurrected.

These are the same sick minds that want to preserve the status quo in Cyprus and thus eventually force the doors of Europe to shut in our faces...

[12] Mehmet Ali Birand assesses the Ankara Summit on Cyprus

The commentary is as follows:

Let us begin with the Cankaya summit on Cyprus. Here is the scene we are faced with, judging by what I have learned from persons close to those who took part in the meeting:

1. The TURKISH SIDE must support the efforts being made by the UN Secretary-General. The Turkish side must not create the impression that it is fleeing from the negotiating table.

2. The "TRNC" must try to have Annan's suggestions package duly amended. Committees must be formed and the "TRNC" must strive to get results.

3. RAUF DENKTAS must be supported by Turkey in these efforts. The impression those who attended the summit meeting have given is that the general approach is one of, "seeking a solution." The statement the Foreign Ministry issued on Wednesday caused some confusion. However, when one reads it carefully one sees that it contains no new factor at all, that it merely reiterates the views that have been expressed on previous occasions.

What are the military and the presidential mansion are saying?

The factor that draws attention from the public most, is the Turkish Armed Forces's (TAF) silence. On no other issue in the past the TAF had remained so silent.

Even those civilians who visit the General Staff and, generally speaking, carry outside that building "the military's views" have returned empty-handed this time. The high-ranking commanders, especially, have made a point of not to give an inkling of what they think.

Meanwhile, those officers that wear less than three stars on their uniforms, do not hide the fact that they are not happy. According to them, Cyprus is being "sold" and everybody that supports that "sellout" is a "traitor". They carry this so far that they even put Kenan Evren into that category. CANKAYA, meanwhile, looks at the issue from a legal standpoint, making its opposition felt more with each passing day. It is not clear yet whether President Sezer's stance concerns the European Union and Cyprus or the JD Party government.

To sum up, there is a growing impression to the effect that the Cankaya mansion constitutes the third significant focal point of opposition after Denktas and Mumtaz Soysal.

Is the government stance changing?

Persons closest to them say that there has been no change at all in the stance taken by JD Party leader Erdogan and Prime Minister Gul.

They are not saying, "Let us sign it at any cost." Their general approach is one of, "Let the changes needed be made in the Annan plan and let the "TRNC" join the EU together with the Greek Cypriots."

The following changes are being sought:

* Not giving away land in the Karpass region

* Making certain changes in the maps

* Meeting the TRNC's sensitivities regarding sovereignty-recognition

During his press conference Denktas gave almost the same messages: I am not happy with the Kofi Annan plan. It is unacceptable in its present form. It definitely must be amended. To be able to achieve that I am ready to sit down for talks.

* The Cyprus decisions have been taken together with Turkey and, from now on, will be taken with Turkey. (In other words, rumors about the TRNC rebelling, amount to a lie.) We express our views, Turkey expresses its views, and, in the end, we reach an agreement.

* We will try to form joint committees by Feb. 28. However, it is high time that the EU and those countries who are considered to be our friends, countries such as Britain and the USA, duly warned the Greek Cypriots.

At the press conference Denktas looked thinner, healthy and active. Over the past 40 years Denktas got angry at us from time to time, responding bitterly to our criticism. However, his affection has never decreased.

It is time we said, "Bygones..." and let us put to good use the time between now and Feb. 28."

[13] Ali Osman : "The EU should Protect its Citizens"

Now as the case is what will happen then? Asks Ali Osman and replies: "Either they would change what they have said or having the support of the USA- while attacking Iraq- they would settle their accounts here in Cyprus.How would they do it?

First, they would get rid of the thorns that heart them.May be they could advance a little bit towards the south.

What would they do more? They will shut the gates (Crossing points). But there is one thing they forget or try to turn a blind eye .Which is: the Turkish Cypriots are the EU citizens.and the EU is obliged to protect its citizens.It is obliged not to let the occupier to oppress its citizens. So, the EU should act promptly, do whatever necessary to secure the safety of its citizens, because the EU as well is responsible for whatever happens here", Ali Osman warns.

EG/

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