Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 04-09-01

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriot paper argues that the British are in a derby match versus the Greek Cypriots over the direct trade for the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops.

[02] Hard statements by Gul and Erdogan on Cyprus.

[03] President Putin replies to questions on Cyprus during an interview with Mehmet Ali Birand for CNN-Turk at Manset Programme.

[04] European court to hold key Cyprus property trial.

[05] Fifty items dated on the Hellenistic and Roman period were discovered in occupied Kazafani village.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnist urges the Turkish Cypriot side not to use delaying tactics on the issue of the missing persons.

[07] Saint Mamas church and Turkey.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriot paper argues that the British are in a derby match versus the Greek Cypriots over the direct trade for the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops

The paper argues that the "match" is between Cyprus and a group of EU countries headed by Britain. The full text of the extract is as follows:

"While the Greek Cypriots are waging a major political and legal struggle in order not to lose their legal positions, our people are again watching the developments from a distance' Thus the Turkish players are not taking part in the match. The match is being played between the Greek Cypriot team and a group of EU countries headed by Britain'"

[02] Hard statements by Gul and Erdogan on Cyprus

In statements yesterday to NTV television, Mr Gul noted that their efforts gave no concrete results until now and added: "Again, however, there were some changes. No one received the Prime Minister of the TRNC in the past. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the USA, Britain and Russia were the first who received the Prime Minister of the TRNC. The representations of the TRNC in all countries are being enlarged. There are some other developments as well".

Mr Gul noted that the main expectation of the Turkish side was the launching of direct flights from and to the illegal Tymbou airport and the direct exports from the occupied areas to the world.

The Turkish Foreign Minister said that they were working on entering into a Customs Union Agreement with the Republic of Cyprus, but he argued that this did not mean that Turkey will politically recognize Cyprus. "Of course it is very important here for the expectations to be met", he added alleging that the "good will steps made by the Turkish Cypriots should find a response".

Asked whether or not Turkey will sign a Customs Union Agreement with the Republic of Cyprus before December 2004 even if Ankara will not recognize Cyprus, Mr Gul said: "'Anyway, recognition is out of the question. Everybody knows this. However, as you know there are some responsibilities on some issues. The Cyprus side has lifted all the restrictions on the Turkish products. Therefore, everybody who wants can take his bag and go to the Greek Cypriot side. He can sell his products from the Turkish Cypriot side to the Greek side without any obstacles".

Mr Gul reiterated his allegation that the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on the Greek Cypriot woman Xenidou Aresti case, must be different than the decision on the Loizidou case, because "there is a new situation" on the island. "'The ground is completely different and there is a mechanism established in the TRNC. From this point of view there is a very significant difference between the two cases", he claimed.

Meanwhile, KIBRIS reports also that Prime Minister Erdogan, in statements to the Russian Interfa news agency, has said that the number of the Turkish occupation troops in Cyprus will not be reduced unless a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem is found. Mr Erdogan argued that such a thing would not be "appropriate" and added: "Therefore, the issue should be discussed within the framework of a permanent solution and in a comprehensive manner. The issue of security and guarantees in Cyprus is one of the main parameters of the overall solution".

Mr Erdogan argued that in parallel to the Turkish occupation troops, there are also six thousand Greek troops in Cyprus and that the commanding staff of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus is appointed by Greece. "This is usually forgotten and there is only reference to the Turkish army on the island", he added and alleged that because of the existence of the Turkish occupation forces there is no tension or conflicts on the island, except some isolated incidents.

Commenting on the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (01.09.04) describes Gul's and Erdogan's statements as "hard statements on the Cyprus issue by Turkey one day before the session of the ECHR". The paper argues that the "relations are being strained".

[03] President Putin replies to questions on Cyprus during an interview with Mehmet Ali Birand for CNN-Turk at Manset Programme

"Question: Now, you attach great importance on Turkey. A new era is opening. In the past anyone who would have uttered those words would have been imprisoned. Now we have a totally different era. But we see that when it comes to the issue of "Lift the restrictions on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," Russia all of a sudden announces its veto at the Security Council. Why? I think there is a contradiction.

Answer: We start from the point that this is a problem of the Cypriots. The two communities must be able to reach a settlement through establishing an accord between themselves. The people living in both the northern and southern parts of the island must be able to live in peace for many years. In order to create such an atmosphere there is merit to decreasing external pressure as much as possible. When we vetoed the report that was brought just before the referenda to be held in Cyprus, we acted under this consideration. I believe any decision should not influence the free vote of the electors. As far as I know the Cyprus problem constitutes a heavy burden on the Turkish people and economy. Turkey is for a settlement. We are as well for a settlement. Therefore, in order to achieve that settlement we will collaborate with everyone, including Turkey, to find that settlement.

Question: At this moment the Turkish Cypriots are saying: "Yes, we want a settlement. We want reunion. We want to solve the problem," but the Greek Cypriots are saying "No." Then, again, the Turks are being punished. This does not fit.

Answer: Now you are pulling me into the domestic affairs of Cyprus. I believe I don't have that right. Regarding our veto, even today's government did not have a negative reaction towards our veto. It was not a veto used against northern Cyprus. It was to allow the Turkish and Greek Cypriots make their decisions devoid of external pressure.

Question: Then, this means you would not use your veto if a similar thing comes on the agenda again.

Answer: If we have a similar situation, then we will decide according to the realities of that time, taking into consideration the interests of everyone living on Cyprus."

[04] European court to hold key Cyprus property trial

"The European Court of Human Rights is scheduled to hold this week the first session of a trial brought against Turkey by a Greek Cypriot woman for blocking access to her property in the Turkish-controlled north due to its continuing military presence on the island.

The case is seen to have key importance because it is the first time court judges will hear Greek Cypriot property complaints since the establishment of a compensation board in Turkish Cyprus and an April 24 referendum on the island in which Greek Cypriots voted against a U.N.-drafted reunification plan.

The applicant, Xenides Arestis, complains of the violation of her human rights under Articles 8 and 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights due to the continuing presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus since 1974. She also maintains Turkish military forces prevent her from having access to and from, and using and enjoying her home and property because she is Greek Orthodox and of Greek-Cypriot origin, which violates Article 14 that prohibits discrimination.

The complaints are parallel to those brought by Titina Loizidou, another Greek Cypriot woman, who won compensation from Turkey for blocking access to her property in Turkish Cyprus. Turkey's refusal to pay the compensation, saying the complaint should be referred to authorities of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´, created tension in relations between the Council of Europe -- to which the European Court of Human Rights is attached -- and Ankara.

Last year, Turkey settled the dispute by paying the agreed compensation to Loizidou.

In June 2003, the `TRNC Parliament´ passed a law introducing a compensation mechanism with a commission set up to hear compensation requests from Greek Cypriots.

Hundreds of Greek Cypriots have applied to the Strasbourg-based court seeking compensation from Turkey. The court's assessment on the Arestis case is expected to set a precedent for dozens of similar pending applications."

[05] Fifty items dated on the Hellenistic and Roman period were discovered in occupied Kazafani village

As the paper writes, the items were found in two tombs, during a construction project, in an area near the village where excavation is taking place. Among other things a golden ring, a mug made of glass and skeletons were discovered in the tombs.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnist urges the Turkish Cypriot side not to use delaying tactics on the issue of the missing persons

"'The Genetic Hospital where today the DNA tests are conducted had been built for the benefit of both communities. Its administration would have been shared by both communities. Even doctors who had direct contacts with the Hospital and would have participated in its administration were found. The Hospital would have one door to the south and one to the north. However, what was done was done and the Turkish side rejected to become a partner with the Greek Cypriots in this Hospital. I am very closely acquainted with the fact that a Turkish doctor has been called to the embassy of Turkey and was warned 'not to cooperate with the Greek Cypriots'. I even remember that then president Denktas suggested an ambulance and helicopter service to be established with Turkey. We should never be in the need of the Greek Cypriots. We did not want them or their hospitals. Turkey was enough for us. However, after a while we were forced to send pentient to that hospital, in the administration of which we were not participating. 'Now, after some years passed since then, Prime Minister Talat says that we should come to the administration of this hospital. This is correct. Both The Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides should undertake initiatives towards the United Nations so that the hospital may function as 'bi-communal'.

However, if Talat puts this as a 'precondition' for the DNA tests and says that 'Turkish doctors should take the blood of the relatives of the Turkish missing persons', then this argument will have no persuasiveness in the international community. On the contrary, it will be evaluated as a racist approach.

The suggestion that the International Red Cross Organization should get into action on the issue of opening the graves, was a very appropriate suggestion. However, it is obvious that at the meeting of the Committee on the Missing Persons which took place yesterday for the first time after four years, no agreement was reached on the issue of the place where the DNA tests will be conducted.

As Turkish side, after the years we have lost we are compulsorily making steps backwards on some issues because we did not use our head in time. Now we are looking for a 'formula' to correct the mistakes we have been making for years. The great majority of the Turkish Cypriot relatives have given blood for DNA test. Our using 'delaying tactics' again has no meaning. Creative ideas are needed as soon as possible. I do not know to what extend is reasonable for us to involve in this issue a 'hospital' which has been lost because of our administrators, while saying that we are trying to solve the issue of the missing persons.

I know only one thing: The relatives of the missing persons will not wait for another 368 meetings. Let us not think that the issue of the missing persons will not be solved if we do not hurry up. It will be solved without our contribution and without us having a say. I do not think that those who administrate us can realize this".

[07]Saint Mamas church and Turkey

Is it the `TRNC´ state? Let us accept this. However, who is responsible for the security of the `TRNC´ and for security in the `TRNC´?

The Turkish Armed Forces'

Is there anybody thinking or arguing the opposite? No´. If there is not, let us go on.

Today and tomorrow a religious ceremony is taking place at Morphou. The Greek Cypriot Christian Orthodox public will officiate a liturgy for the first time after 30 years in this church. From what angle does this liturgy interest the Turkish Cypriots? Firstly from the economic point of view' Something will be sold to the Greek Cypriot tourists who will come.

Then? Then there is the political aspect of interest (for the Turkish Cypriots).

But there are also these who assess the issue from the `honour´ point of view. Those going in the streets with the mentality `the most ideal way of covering theft is nationalism´, `the way to cover an irregularity is to embrace the flag´, have turned the liturgy into an issue of honour and are boasting that they will not let them in.

Had their real aim been to make the `TRNC´ acknowledged all the `TRNC´ citizens should have said `God forbid!´ Those Greek Cypriots saying `you should never go´ are looking at the issue from this angle.

Let us now turn to the security issue. The Turkish Armed Forces should do all they could so that the liturgies start peacefully and continue in peace.

In the meantime an interesting situation is being created'Are not the Turkish Armed Forces those giving orders to the persons making fuss in the streets?

Are not those who are against the religious ceremony the professional or volunteer followers of the Turkish Armed Forces?

This is also an issue which should be taken into consideration.

The selection of the church concerns the Greek Cypriots. Those who use religion as a political tool are in the wrong. The Bishops of Morphou, Paphos, Kykkos and others spoke too much during the period of the `referendumization´ of the Annan plan. Whether they were effective or not is another issue because it is forbidden for them to speak anymore. Why are they forbidden? Because the European Union is against the men of religion, be it priests, imams, rabi, or whatever being involved in political affairs.

However, on the EU agenda they do not include the statements made by men of religion, but of the Turkish Armed Forces.

The issue was raised again and it was supported that "our army is the biggest army". The ceremony is a serious test for the Turkish Armed Forces.

In the same way that Greek Cypriots increase security measures on the assumption that the Turks might get involved in provocative acts in the South the Turks should take similar measures.

St. Mammas church is a place of warship for the Orthodox, ceremonies were taking place there and there is no reason why the liturgy should not take place today.

It is meaningless to raise this issue to a subject of honour in order to cover up and tarnish it. It is meaningless to turn this event into a political show.

Let them come, make their prays, do their shopping and return to their homes. And thus let them feel deep in their heart the pain of saying `no´ to the Annan plan as a result of which they are coming to Ayios Mammas as guests only. Let them come again and again.

`The people of Morphou and non-governmental organizations held a protest rally against the government which permitted the tens of thousands of Greek Cypriots, to realize the civilian occupation operation under the pretext of liturgy!´, wrote the paper which belongs to the soldiers. Which soldiers? The Armed Forces of Turkey.

Do we have a commander who could say: `No. This newspaper does not belong to us?´ Even if God himself comes down to earth I will not believe.

Who established the National People´s Movement (UHH)? The nationalists, of course. But who organized them? Who established (UHH)? Let us not deceive each other.

Today is as important as the 30th of August. Today the Turkish Armed Forces, which is the most important key in Turkey´s EU membership, will take its serious final exams.

The section of the public in Cyprus which is dancing to the same tunes and creates fuss in the streets has been doing these things since 1974 after permission, with the support of and with orders from the institutions and organizations bound by the Turkish Armed Forces.

Just remember those meetings which were viewed from the air by helicopters. It is of no use telling lies or deceiving each other.

It is the responsibility of the Turkish Armed Forces for the ceremony in the church to be carried out in good atmosphere without making it an issue of honour.

I get upset when Mehmet Ali Talat says: `We have taken all the security measures´. Mr Talat, not even the police force is under your control. The police gets orders from the army, not from you.

How come you say: `We are taking all the measures?´If somebody has taken any measures it is the Armed Forces. Why we are trying to cheat ourselves I cannot understand' Is it possible, in a place known as `TRNC´, for Mehmet Ali Talat to come and give orders to the commander of the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces, with the rank of Lieut. General, to take security measures? Come on!"

/SK

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