Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 04-11-26

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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 has invited Amnesty International to the occupied areas. He continues to preach hatred against Hellenism.

[02] The son of a Turkish Cypriot murdered 42 years ago blames TMT, founded by Denktas and Ankara, for his father's death.

[03] President Sezer wants the UN and the EU to help Iraq achieve peace and stability.

[04] The leader of Motherland Party steps down over merger with True Path Party row.

[05] TV channel set up in the occupied areas a few months before the latest so-called elections extended its broadcast to Turkey.

[06] Seven thousand foreigners have built houses on occupied Greek Cypriot properties or live in occupied Greek Cypriot houses. They started to realize that their investments is risky.

[07] Three new power stations with EU financial aid in the occupied areas.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[08] Turkish Cypriot columnist to Gul: If we have paid our debt why is the voice of the commander coming stronger than our voice?.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot leader has invited Amnesty International to the occupied areas. He continues to preach hatred against Hellenism

Later, Denktas met Konya Governor Ahmet Kayhan. Responding to a journalist's question, Denktas said that he is hopeful about the EU giving a date to Turkey on December 17th to start accession talks. ''The issue of Cyprus should not constitute a barrier in front of Turkey's entry into the EU. Turkey has sacrificed her sons for lasting peace in Cyprus . Former governments and the current one have encouraged the Turkish Cypriots for peace and adopted a flexible policy. By saying 'YES' to the Annan Plan, we have shown to the world that Cyprus should not be advanced as a condition for Turkey's full membership in the EU,'' said Mr Denktas.

''We expect the European Union to understand that the Greek Cypriot Administration does not represent all of Cyprus and the Turks living here,'' he alleged.

In response to another question about alleged recent confessions of an EOKA militant, Denktas remarked that the EOKA's doctrine considers Cyprus as a Greek island. ''EOKA sees Turks in Cyprus as a barrier in front of its full Greek identity. They spread hatred of Turks in their churches. They advice their children not to marry Turks. They have chosen to join the EU just to make Cyprus completely Greek. We predict that the EOKA spirit in Cyprus will never end,'' said Denktas.

Denktas has informed the A.A that a team from the Amnesty International is due to arrive in the occupied areas of Cyprus soon.

''In a statement, Papadopulos alleged that no Turks were killed between 1963-1974. The reality is that during this period 600 Turks were brutally murdered by Greeks in Cyprus . Furthermore, about 1000 Turks were injured due to Greek atrocities. 203 Turks are still missing. The Greeks destroyed 103 villages and demolished 107 mosques,'' concluded the Turkish Cypriot leader.

[02] The son of a Turkish Cypriot murdered 42 years ago blames TMT, founded by Denktas and Ankara, for his father's death

Mr Hikmet writes in his letter that according to the allegations made in occupied Cyprus his father was an agent of Georgadjis and calls on those who say these "and claim that they know everything" to tell him who murdered his father.

He writes in his letter that his grandparents told him who killed his father. "My grandfather, my grandmother and a lot of other persons said that they know the assassins. They said that they were members of TMT", writes Mr Hikmet, who goes on and writes the following: "What information does Rauf Raif Denktas, who founded the TMT, the leader Rauf Denktas, have as regards this issue? Don't I have the right to know? Or do I have to search for this right in the law courts?", asks Mr Hikmet.

[03] President Sezer wants the UN and the EU to help Iraq achieve peace and stability

Sezer also conveyed messages regarding the Iraqi and the Palestinian issues. He noted that the road map prepared by the UN Security Council is the only alternative to achieve a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Describing the elections to be held in Iraq in December as a historic opportunity for a democratic future, Sezer said that the key to a lasting solution is in the hands of the Iraqi people.

He continued: "The duty that befalls us, as the international community, is to help Iraq achieve peace and stability by also making use of multifaceted platforms such as the United Nations and the EU".

[04] The leader of Motherland Party steps down over merger with True Path Party row

MP Central Decision and Executive Board convened today under the leadership of Nas.

The talks held with True Path Party (TPP) leader Mehmet Agar for unification in the centre right were discussed during today's meeting.

Presidential Council members earlier called on Nas to resign as they had not been informed about the talks with Agar.

During today's meeting, Nas announced her resignation.

On the issue of uniting the centre right Istanbul NTV television (18.11.04) had broadcast the following:

"The debates on whether or not to merge with the TPP [True Path Party] have caused a crisis within MP [Motherland Party]. The debates have led MP leader Nesrin Nas to the verge of resignation. She announced that she will resign if the MP Central Decision making Council decides at its meeting next week to oppose the union of the centre right. The efforts to unite the centre right seem to have been stillborn. The debates within MP escalated before the talks between the two parties became official and this pushed Nas to the verge of resignation.

Interviewed on NTV, Nas said she is thinking of resigning at the party's Central Decision making Council meeting on 25 November. She said that she will tell the Council of the meeting she held with TPP leader Mehmet Agar, and that if she sees that the majority of the members prefer that MP act on its own, she will resign. She added: What I must do is refrain from insisting and dividing the party, and withdraw.

Nesrin Nas pointed out that the party's deputy leaders are accusing her of selling out MP to the TPP for political interest. She added: I expected this issue to be debated but not in this way.

Even though the quest for a united centre right seems to have been postponed for the moment, Nas believes that the quest will not be abandoned. She told NTV that she briefed former MP leader Mesut Yilmaz on the developments.

On the quest for a united centre right, Yilmaz reportedly told his immediate circle: I have some court cases. I will not be in active politics for a long time. If you believe in a merger, you must protect your identity and make up your own minds. I am not going to advise you one way or another".

[05] TV channel set up in the occupied areas a few months before the latest so-called elections extended its broadcast to Turkey

A large number of politicians and journalists took part in the reception at the State Guest House.

ART Honorary Chairman and Metal-Is [Turkish Metal Industry Workers' Union] Chairman Mustafa Ozbek, speaking at the reception, said that ART will convey to the nation the true circumstances that the country is in, and that it will provide unbiased information.

Stating that EU officials pick up their suitcases and go to Turkey but are unable to go to Iraq, which is just on Turkey's doorstep, Ozbek said that there is no controversy on identity in Turkey.

Ozbek said that care should be taken in relations with the EU, and that relations with the countries of Eurasia should be strengthened.

Former Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, noting that Turkey opened up from Eurasia all the way to Europe following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, said that it would be beneficial for Turkey to take good advantage of this.

Stating that impositions by either the United States or the EU regarding the "TRNC" ["Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus "] could emerge either on 17 December or on some other date, Ecevit said that neither the United States nor the EU have any right to impose things. Ecevit said that "Should any government in Turkey take steps to do away with the independence of the "TRNC" or weaken it, it would confront resistance by the great majority of the nation."

Ecevit declared that no matter what government might come about, it has the strength to resist impositions involving the "TRNC".

TPP [True Path Party] Chairman Mehmet Agar said that Turkey, just like all states in the world, will not allow the establishing concept of the Republic of Turkey to be put into question.

Asserting that "Turkey is not, under various influences, going to bring into the field of debate various problems that today have already been resolved in the mind of the nation", Agar spoke as follows:

"Turkey must not shrink from carrying out its responsibilities, even beyond its national borders. The things taking place in Iraq have been opening deep wounds in the heart of every individual in the nation. To hesitate today, due to certain political considerations, to show a response that befits Turkey's history, glory, tradition, and line of approach, will have significant costs that will confront Turkey in the future. Those who serve in the name of the nation are obliged to give voice to the thoughts of the nation. Those who shirk such an important responsibility do not possess the right of being able to act out of concern for being blamed for a number of political issues from the past. In whatever direction the heart of the nation beats, those who govern the nation, on behalf of the nation, have the obligation to voice this cry. It should be known that millions of the children of the nation indeed have the capability of carrying out the task that these people have not fulfilled."

Felicity Party [FP] Deputy Chairman Recai Kutan, stating that ART will have a broadcast philosophy that is consistent with national and moral values, spoke as follows:

"Inhuman incidents are taking place practically on our doorstep. The United States, Great Britain, and Israel are brazenly shedding blood. They are viciously killing women and children. After Afghanistan and Iraq, it will unfortunately be Turkey's turn as well. For this reason, our country needs unity and harmony."

GUP [Great Unity Party] Chairman Muhsin Yazicioglu said that everyone begins talking by saying "I am not against the EU, but..." Yazicioglu said that "If the EU is going to separate Turk from Kurd and Alevi from Sunni, and if it is going to turn the Republic of Turkey into a country of different minorities, then I in fact am against such an EU."

Also participating in the reception were RPP [Republican People's Party] Chairman Deniz Baykal, Turk-Is [Turkish Confederation of Labour] President Salih Kilic, Kamu-Sen [Public Sector Employee Unions] President Bircan Akyildiz, and a large number of political party officials and journalists.

Following is a report from local HALKIN SESI newspaper published on (12.08.04) on the inauguration of Avrasya Media Institution in occupied Cyprus:

"A huge crowd, including high-ranking state and military officials as well as representatives from the government, municipalities, and political parties attended the inauguration by President Rauf Denktas of Avrasya TV.

In remarks he made during the inauguration ceremony, President Denktas said that Mustafa Ozbek made investments in the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ [`TRNC´] in a number of fields. Denktas went on to say that after realizing the existence of a vacuum in the media field, Ozbek made investments in this field as well. Stressing that the voice of a silent majority within `TRNC´ remained restricted, Denktas said that Ozbek established a media institution that cannot be sold. Finally, Denktas said that Avrasya TV, which has become one with the motherland, will broadcast to 42 countries, adding: "This is a historic day. Let it be auspicious."

Parliament Speaker Vehbi Zeki Serter, on the other hand, said that thanks to Avrasya TV, the voice of `TRNC´ will be heard internationally. "A new force has been added to the multi-voiced system of our country," Serter said.

Stating that this is a historic day for `TRNC´, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said that Avrasya TV will become the voice of the Turkish Cypriots. Eroglu said: " Avrasya TV will become a new voice and a new breath." Pointing out that Mustafa Ozbek believes in the existence of `TRNC´ and has not spared investments in `TRNC´, Eroglu stressed that Avrasya TV will protect the rightful cause of the Turkish Cypriots in the best way.

Lefkosa Mayor Kutlay Erk, for his part, said that they are eagerly waiting for investments in the country and that those who make these investments should be respected and rewarded. Demanding that the microphones of Avrasya TV be kept open to everyone, Erk said that the people should be kept informed properly.

Stressing on the importance of `TRNC´ to Turkey, Avrasya Media Institution Honorary Chairman Mustafa Ozbek explained the struggle that has been waged throughout history for the Turkish identity and `TRNC´. Ozbek said that his investments are not limited to the media field, explaining that he also had the Grand Avrasya Hotel constructed only in Kyrenia and that he has other projects in mind. " Avrasya TV is the first media institution that will present `TRNC´ to over one billion viewers. Long live the `TRNC´ state, long live the Turkish Cypriot people," Ozbek concluded by saying.

Stressing that the television and radio channels of Avrasya TV possess the most advanced technologies in the world, Avrasya Media Institution General Coordinator Ertan Birinci said that the television station will also broadcast to the world via satellites and not via local stations alone.

Meanwhile, NUP [National Unity Party] Morphou Deputy Turker Toker praised Ozbek for the large investments that he made. Toker donated to Ozbek a bust that the Morphou citizens have had cast as a gesture of thanks to the investments he made in `TRNC´."

[06] Seven thousand foreigners have built houses on occupied Greek Cypriot properties or live in occupied Greek Cypriot houses. They started to realize that their investments is risky

Mr Safa refers to an article published in "The Times" on Monday 22 November, 2004 under the title "The British are facing the danger of losing their houses after the refugees demand their properties". He notes that a law professor at Turkey's Bilkent University, Mr Yuksel Inan has expressed the opinion that Mr Apostolides should appeal to the British courts and after this procedure is completed he would be in a position to demand the implementation of the decision of the court of the Republic of Cyprus. Professor Inan expresses the opinion that the building could not be demolished because the Republic of Cyprus has no authority in occupied Kyrenia.

Mr Safa says, inter alia, the following in his statement: "'At the moment 7.000 foreigners, the great majority of whom are British, are living in Northern Cyprus. An important part of the houses in which the foreigners are living or the property on which the foreigners have built houses belonged to Greek Cypriots before 1974. That is, if the case is approved by the British courts thousand of cases will follow.

Furthermore, even if the decision of the Greek Cypriot court is not approved in Britain, the foreigners are worried. What should be done is to overcome the concern of the foreigners, because the building sector is the future of our country and we cannot remain silent before our future. Our future passes from having a strong economy and we can acquire a strong economy only by the push given by the building sector.

We all have to do whatever we can in order to overcome the concern of the foreigners. We as Property International Plc are giving guarantees to those who buy houses from us that they will not be suffering loss. These pieces of land have their equivalent in the Greek Cypriot side. Furthermore, there is the guarantee that our state gives the TRNC title-deeds for these properties. '".

[07] Three new power stations with EU financial aid in the occupied areas

Mr Pertev, in exclusive statements to the KIBRIS paper, said that the two power stations will be built at the occupied village of Gastria and the third one at the occupied village of Trapeza. The cost of the construction will be covered by the EU financial aid.

The three power stations will be put in operation in 2005.

[B] COMMENTARIES, DITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[08] Turkish Cypriot columnist to Gul: If we have paid our debt why is the voice of the commander coming stronger than our voice?

"Look at what Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has said: "The Turkish Cypriots have paid off their debt to Turkey. They paid, in the public referendum, for everything that Turkey, as the motherland, has done for them thus far."

One should ask: "Was this a case of owing something and paying it back?" If this happens to be the case, why, then, did they describe it as a "national cause?"

And now that we have paid off all our debts, what is it that still keeps the chain around our neck? Would it be that we still have an unsettled account?

If we have paid off our debt and if there are no pending transactions between us, why is it that the voice of the commander at the headquarters comes out stronger than the voice of all of us? Why does it suppress our voice?

For instance, they have "blocked" Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat's ears. After Talat made the mistake of saying, "We are ready to renegotiate the Annan Plan," Ankara did everything except slap the poor man. Pulling his ear was considered enough. Is it not a shame? Can someone who has paid off his debt be treated in this way?

If this is a case of settling accounts, you are not the party to whom payment is due, Mr Abdullah Gul. We are that party. The account will not be considered settled unless you return what you took away from us. Our mountains, our fields, and our shores are all under your control. How can this transaction be settled unless we take back our lands to which we can never have access without your permission?

You still arrest us for "violating the military area" in our own country and try us in the military court. This means that your debt is very high. It is as high as a mountain. If we have paid off our debt, you should do the same. Give us back our country. Remove the "banned military area" signs. Let us travel in our country without the fear of being arrested by you.

Who controls our Central Bank? You! Who has the control of our police? Your general! Whose population have is several times our population? Your population! In that case, what kind of paying off debts and settling of accounts is this?

You both claim to have paid off your debt and still do not leave us in peace! As a matter of fact, is it not necessary for us not to leave you in peace?

Those who voted "yes" in the public referendum may consider themselves as having paid off their debt. I do not have to consider it as such for the reason that I am already the one to whom a debt is due. I had to be crazy to consider myself as indebted to you at a time when my country was under your control. Is it possible to feel indebted after donating to you so much land and so much booty? Which fair judge passed this verdict? You should think once again Mr Abdullah Gul. You should make that calculation once again to see who owes and to whom payment is due. Weigh and measure to see how much you still owe us. Your population outweighs us. Your ambassador outweighs our government!

An armed soldier appears before us when we lose our way on any mountain. We continuously declare, "This country is ours" to overcome our complex. You also are aware that it is not ours! You are the main players in our country, while we are walk-on actors. Moreover, we were not aware that we owed something to you, and that you kept an accounts book to record our debts.

We did not keep any books, Mr Abdullah Gul. What was the need anyway since we knew that we were the party to whom a debt was due? The mountains are yours and you are the decision-maker. How is it that we happen to be in debt at a time when so much is owed to us"?

/SK

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