Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 03-08-11

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey and the pseudostate signed a "customs union framework agreement"

[02] Statements by Abdullatif Sener and Serdar Denktas on "customs union framework agreement"

[03] Abdullatif Sener sees no problem in the relations with the EU because of the "customs union framework agreement" with the pseudostate

[04] Reactions by Turkish Cypriot political parties and organizations regarding the signing of the "customs union framework agreement"

[05] The Turkish settlers fully support their chairman Nuri Cevikel

[06] Turkish authorities prevent the Turkish Cypriots to travel via their airports with the passports of the Republic of Cyprus

[07] The Patriotic Unity Movement calls for urgent measures on the international forums against Turkey

[08] The Property Compensation Committee in the occupied areas said that it does not received any application from the Greek Cypriots

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] The last nonsense: The Customs union with the TRNC!

[10] Turkish commentaries on the "customs union framework agreement" between Turkey and the pseudostate

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkey and the pseudostate signed a "customs union framework agreement"

The statement noted that Turkish Cypriots' indispensable rights would be protected and a just, permanent and lasting political solution was requested in Cyprus.

The statement argued that all sides should accept "the realities in the island and equal status of both sides" for a permanent solution. Consensus was related with the equal sovereignty of both sides, bi-zonality, continuation of active guarantee of Turkey and with the protection of Turkish-Greek balance in the island, noted the statement.

The statement noted that Turkish Cypriot side was determined "to carry on new openings for providing security atmosphere in the island in the coming period" and said: "However, it is impossible to make progress in consensus only with the steps taken by one side." The statement alleged that "unjust embargoes and restrictions" had been imposed on Turkish Cypriots in the fields of transportation, communication, trade, economy, science, culture and sports for 40 years.

"Turkey and 'TRNC' believe that every type of embargo imposed on the island of Cyprus should be lifted rapidly. In any case, even if all existing embargoes and prevention continue, both countries are determined to take every type of measures for the development of the 'TRNC' and to bring the prosperity level that Turkish Cypriots deserve", said the statement.

According to Anatolia news agency, the final statement of the "Partnership Council" meeting between Turkey and the pseudostate envisages the completion of technical protocols and of signed Customs Union Framework Agreement in a short time.

The statement noted that Turkey and the pseudostate agreed on taking all necessary measures to settle economic balances in the pseudostate on more sound bases and to provide sustainable economic development to increase competition strength and raise the prosperity level.

According to the statement, strategies that attribute importance to the strengthening of social balances and development of real economy in the occupied areas of Cyprus would be implemented within this scope and Turkey would continue its financial, economic and technical support to the occupation regime.

The statement noted that sides agreed on making new arrangements within the activities to establish joint economic field between two countries.

"Within this scope, it was decided to complete rapidly the technical protocols of Customs Union Framework Agreement signed between Turkey and the 'TRNC' with the target of harmonization of Turkish and 'TRNC' regulations by taking the European Union (EU) norms as basis to provide integration of 'TRNC' economy with international economic system", noted the statement.

Furthermore, it was decided to increase production especially for export, to remove obstacles in front of foreign trade, betterment of transportation vehicles and equipment and services in ports and expending financial and technical support for development of free zones.

Noting that implementation of "urgent economic measures" program in the pseudostate would continue, the statement said arrangements encouraging foreign investors to come to the occupied areas of Cyprus and Turkish businessmen to hold joint investments with the Turkish Cypriot investors would be made.

The statement said the sides agreed on:

a) Supporting private sector and taking measures to increase investment, production and employment.

b) Taking legal and administrative measures that would be needed for implementation of big projects within the encouragement model in the pseudostate.

c) Continuation of infrastructure investments.

d) Continuation of contributions of illegal "Lefka European University".

e) Completion of projects in northern coastal road and Kyrenia ring road.

f) Taking Morphou - Nicosia road to investment program

g) Getting inventory of the occupied areas' water resources and completion of studies till the end of 2003

h) Continuation of direct income support to farmers

i) Supporting cooperation between Turkish Airlines and the illegal "Turkish Cypriot Airlines" and reducing fees and taxes taken in airports and ports to the minimum level.

j) Continuation of the implementation in which related authorities of Turkey give "health and free sales certificate" to the goods, which were produced in the occupied areas of Cyprus and registered in Turkey.

[02] Statements by Abdullatif Sener and Serdar Denktas on "customs union framework agreement"

"Partnership Council" co-chairmen State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener and the so-called "state minister and deputy prime minister" Serdar Denktas signed the "agreement".

Speaking before the signing ceremony, Mr Sener argued that with the "agreement", integration of the economy of the pseudostate, basing on European Union (EU) norms, to the EU and international economic system would be provided.

Mr Sener supported that the "agreement" was important for integration of the economy of the pseudostate with international economic system and with respect to preparations before its integration with the EU. Mr Sener further claimed that the arrangements that would be made on the island with Turkey-pseudostate "Customs Union Framework Agreement" would contribute to the improvement of commercial relations in Cyprus and in the region and finally to a lasting compromise on the island.

On his behalf Mr Serdar Denktas said that they took the most important step for their economy to further improving and to integrating with the world economy. Mr Denktas said studies would start to complete technical "protocols" by committees after signing of the "agreement".

Replying to questions regarding his estimation about the validity date of the "agreement", Mr Denktas said he wished it would be at latest one month. Noting that some activities should be made to protect agriculture and industry sectors in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Mr Denktas said that the "agreement" would come into effect at latest thought the end of the year.

[03] Abdullatif Sener sees no problem in the relations with the EU because of the "customs union framework agreement" with the pseudostate

In a statement at Ankara's Esenboga Airport Mr Sener also claimed that the agreement will not have any negative effects on Turkey's relations with the EU.

Mr Sener alleged the following: "The signing of this framework agreement is based on the conviction that the arrangements to be instituted in line with the EU perspective and norms will contribute to the development of commercial and economic relations on the island and in the region; and in the final analysis, to a lasting conciliation on the island. ..We do not believe that there will be any problems in this regard, because the basic principles of the EU include the transformation of the entire Mediterranean into a free trade market. As it happens, world developments also indicate that customs are being reduced between all countries. Furthermore, looking at the matter in the context of the ongoing relations between Turkey and the EU, I can say that the agreement signed between Turkey and the 'TRNC' will not only constitute any problem, it will probably generate positive reactions among EU circles".

[04] Reactions by Turkish Cypriot political parties and organizations regarding the signing of the "customs union framework agreement"

Mr Akinci said that the "agreement" aimed at deceiving people noting that after May 2004 Turkey would be forced to sign a real Customs Union Agreement with the Republic of Cyprus. Mr Akinci argued that basically the Turkish Cypriots want to be integrated with the international law and called on Turkey and its government, which despite its statements that it wants a solution "has become an important element of the non-solution", to as soon as possible abandon its policy of holding the Turkish Cypriots as hostages and pave the way for the solution of the Cyprus problem. The only way of achieving the integration to the international law, Akinci added, is reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem and becoming a member of the EU.

Mr Akinci said, inter alia, the following: ".The reality is the following: As long as Turkey does not abandon its aim to join the EU, it could make no real customs union with the 'TRNC'. It is the same as the Turkish teams, which do no play with the 'TRNC' teams, because they do not want to be thrown out from the European leagues. In the same way the Republic of Turkey could not engage in customs union with the 'TRNC'. It could sign a framework agreement without any content with the 'TRNC', but not a real customs union agreement. .On the issue of the football games there are the rules of FIFA and UEFA before the Turkish teams. On the issue of the customs union there is the obstacle of the EU law.

Turkey will have to make the real customs union with the Greek Cypriot administration after 1 May 2004. What is the logic of hiding this from the people and deceiving them with a framework agreement? This could either be a product of the mentality aiming at saying just for the show that 'we made the same agreement before May 2004 with the Turkish side' or it could be a scenario to darken Turkey's EU horizon. .The government of Turkey too has become an important element of the non-solution, even if it says that it wants a solution in Cyprus. .".

Meanwhile, Mr Erel, the Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce notes in his statement that it is not possible to apply this "framework agreement" and it is nothing but an "earnest desire". Mr Erel described the signing of the above-mentioned "agreement" as "a manoeuvre" which aims at the December "elections". Mr Erel stressed that the accession to the EU was necessary for the realization of the customs union. "This could not be a customs union agreement or even a framework agreement. The binding agreements of Turkey with the EU do not allow this", added the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.

"This is a political manoeuvre for the elections and could not have any positive economic results", supported Mr Erel and added, inter alia, the following: ".The fact that the EU acquis communautaire cannot be applied in the northern part of Cyprus, makes impossible the signing of a customs union agreement between Turkey and the 'TRNC', as Turkey has a customs union agreement with the EU.".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (10.08.03) reports that Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (RTP), criticized the procedure towards the signing of the "customs union framework agreement" and its result.

In a written statement issued on Saturday Mr Talat said that the shortest way towards the Turkish Cypriots becoming a member of the EU is finding a solution on the basis of the Annan Plan until May 2004, providing for the "existence and the equality of the two founding states". "While this shortcut exist, these useless efforts of Denktas and the leadership of the Democratic Party and the National Unity Party, which put Turkey in a difficult situation, are irrational. .".

Mr Talat expressed the view that the "customs union framework agreement" puts the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey in a difficult position before the world and noted that the text signed on Friday was similar with other "agreements" signed in the past between Turkey and the pseudostate.

[05] The Turkish settlers fully support their chairman Nuri Cevikel

The settlers, writes KIBRIS, gave full authority and support to Mr Cevikel on the issue of the steps he will make regarding the December "elections" in the occupied areas.

Mr Cevikel said that their members are about 700 families and added, inter alia, the following: "We believe in ourselves and the Republic of Turkey. Our biggest security is Turkey. Those who are in power could do nothing without the approval of Turkey. With the solution (of the Cyprus problem) the issue of the place of birth will stop being discussed. We shall legally be the Turkish Cypriot people. .We shall support everyone who supports the solution and the EU and has its face turned towards Turkey".

[06] Turkish authorities prevent the Turkish Cypriots to travel via their airports with the passports of the Republic of Cyprus

YENIDUZEN (09/08/03), in its front page repeats under the banner headlines "Barrier to travelling", that Turkish Cypriot travellers were prevented at the Istanbul airport to travel with the Republic of Cyprus passports to Brussels.

According to the paper, the Bi-communal folk Dance Group "Steps for Peace" who wished to go to Brussels to participate in a festival as the guests of the Belgium Westerloo Folk Group, was banned to travel due to the "passport issue". The Turkish authorities did not give permission to the Turkish Cypriots, owners of the Republic of Cyprus passports, to travel to Belgium. When the Turkish Cypriots presented to the Turkish officer their Turkish passports, they were not again allowed to travel.

ORTAM (09/08/03) reports that the Turkish authorities did not allow the Turkish Cypriot doctor, who would have represented the pseudostate in a medical conference in Pakistan, to travel to Pakistan via Istanbul airport. The Turkish officials at the Istanbul airport said to the Turkish Cypriot doctor that his passport is not valid and that he cannot travel to Pakistan.

The Turkish Cypriot press wonders with which passport the Turkish Cypriots could travel.

[07] The Patriotic Unity Movement calls for urgent measures on the international forums against Turkey

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a decision of 30 July 2003 issued a circular prohibiting the Turkish Cypriots to use the Republic of Cyprus passports when they travel abroad via the Turkish ports or airports. The Turkish Cypriots are allowed to leave Turkey only with the passports of the Republic of Turkey.

While aftermath of 23 April, acquiring of Republic of Cyprus passport was set free and limitations on crossings partially removed, precluding of the Turkish Cypriots to travel abroad with the Republic of Cyprus is contrary to fundamental Human Rights and the freedom of travelling. Also, it is an obvious display of discrimination among the Cypriots when the Greek Cypriots were allowed to enter and leave Turkey with the same, Republic of Cyprus passport. ..

We call upon the entire international organizations with a view to lifting this procedure, which is contrary to the fundamental Human Rights, to start immediately the necessary initiatives and measures against the Government of Turkey that claims to be a European country. This call is made on behalf of those people who do want to be liberated and leave a prisoners life in an open jail."

[08] The Property Compensation Committee in the occupied areas said that it does not receive any application from the Greek Cypriots

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] The last nonsense: The Customs union with the TRNC!

"First a friend of mine told me on the phone: 'Turkey and the TRNC will sign a Customs Union agreement! I said to him 'Do not talk gibberish, everyday Uncle Rauf says something and you the Cypriots go after him. 'No', he said, 'this time it was you (Tr. Note Turkey) who created it!'

Sometimes I have difficulty to understand the Justice and the Development party (JDP) . The JDP whom we have praised for its decision regarding the 6th and 7th harmonization package now intends to do this Customs Union action:

1. Either they become an instrument to Denktas' and the hawks' new plot,

2. or they are very ignorant,

3. or they consider the world stupid,

4. but one thing is clear that they make fun of us.

Later on when I watched Kursad Tuzmen and Abdullatif Sener I was convinced that all the possibilities mentioned above is true.

There exist two UN embargo decisions against the TRNC. There exists the Customs Union agreement (between Turkey and the EU). There exist the EU norms and regulations and all these carry our signature. Our people think that they could fool people. Does it make any difference whether to sign a Customs Union agreement between the TRNC and Turkey?

What happened?

Once more the government had a crushing total defeat in the foreign police that one could brand it as a 'scandal' because the government had chosen for itself Rauf Denktas and the Turkish hawks as its guide.

Does not Turkey know that it cannot enter into Customs Union with the TRNC?

Even if the Ministers could be ignorant, definitely some people know it. Despite this to try to sign such an agreement because Denktas Efendi wanted it, is a nonsense that the whole world will laugh at.

I sincerely believe that something happened to Denktas' mental angels. Everyday he says something and the next day he contradicts himself. At first he said that the Cyprus problem was a one whole issue, then he started to break it into peaces with his own hands: Give and get rid! He then said 'those who acquire Cyprus passport are traitors!.' Then he changed his mind and said: 'According to 1960 Agreement, it is our most natural right to acquire the passports! Later on he come up and declared that 'those who have Cyprus passports should not have voting rights'. We do understand that because of his age and his self-seeking Denktas could act this way.

But, what about our ministers? Do not their brains get enough oxygen that they go after Denktas and disgrace us before the very eyes of the world?"

[10] Turkish commentaries on the "customs union framework agreement" between Turkey and the pseudostate

".The customs union agreement with the TRNC is estimated as an important and concrete step towards integration with Turkey. This is in brief the political meaning of this agreement: 'Turkey's policy in Cyprus is a state policy. This policy is based on the fact that no solution, which does not offer the Turkish Cypriots security and do not take into consideration their equal sovereignty, could not be imposed. .'

As well as, unless concrete EU promises were given to Turkey, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side will not give up the TRNC.'

The customs union agreement is estimated as a step, which will improve the economy of the 'TRNC', will significantly reduce the influence of the embargo and facilitate the trade towards the EU via Turkey.

This result is not a sudden decision taken within one or two days. This is the result of a long and detailed work of Turkey and 'TRNC's' foreign affairs, economic institutions and the army.

It is obvious that the (Turkish) general staff played an active role in this work, which is a result of a state policy. The contribution of the head of Cyprus Affairs Desk at the Turkish Chief of the General Staff, rear-admiral Kadir Sagdic, is mentioned. Recently he has been promoted to the rank of admiral. Admiral Sadic is considered to be one of the architects of this step. .

As long as this behaviour of the EU and the Greek Cypriot side continues, they must not be surprised if Turkey and the 'TRNC' make steps towards integration. There are more steps to come. For example the creation of a Turkey-TRNC joint economic parliamentary committee. The creation of such a committee will show that the integration continues both in the political and economic fields. .".

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article