Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 04-12-01

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] MILLIYET newspaper reports on the draft document for the 17 December summit.

[02] Erdogan describes the draft document as unacceptable. Statements after meeting the Belgian Speaker of Parliament.

[03] Baykal to submit motion for a general debate on EU at the TGNA.

[04] Statements by Rauf Denktas on the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus. He threatens to continue the armed struggle if Turkey recognizes the Republic of Cyprus.

[05] Talat on the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.

[06] Statements by the General Secretary of the NSC during a press briefing.

[07] Turkish diplomatic sources say Ankara is not planning to recognize the Republic of Cyprus before 17 December.

[08] US expected to push EU over Turkey's membership.

[09] Are the State Security Courts back?

[10] Akinci stated that the bomb against the "Polatkan Tourism" company was a bomb placed in the future of Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Columnist in Turkish Daily News calls on the Turkish government to investigate the murder of the Kaymaz brothers in Southeastern Turkey.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] MILLIYET newspaper reports on the draft document for the 17 December summit

"The first draft document that will constitute the basis for the anticipated decision as to whether or not accession talks with Turkey should start, which EU leaders will make on 17 December, has been prepared. The document reflects the general conclusion reached in a recent meeting held by the Troika in The Hague that Turkey would go through a difficult process. The blueprint, which will be discussed by EU ambassadors tomorrow, signals that the EU leaders will say "yes" to the proposal to start accession talks on 17 December with many strings attached. The document contains some conditions giving rise to concerns, ranging from a commitment to be made by Turkey to recognize Cyprus de facto and imposition of permanent restrictions on free movement of labour. The draft document was, therefore, not found as encouraging as the Progress Report.

The document devotes five paragraphs to Turkey, including a blank paragraph while the framework related to the procedures to be followed during the negotiations was outlined under another heading. The first paragraph includes references to decisions made in previous summit meetings and the second paragraph praises Turkey for making decisive progress, reiterating the EU's confidence that the reform process will continue.

De facto recognition of Cyprus

The third paragraph about Turkey captures attention because it tacitly refers to the EU's condition that Turkey should recognize Cyprus without mentioning its name. The paragraph says that the EU Council welcomed Turkey's decision to sign the protocol, which calls for alignment of the Ankara Treaty while taking account of the recent accession of 10 new members to the Union. Ankara, however, has not signed the protocol yet, as it would be tantamount to de facto recognition of Cyprus by Turkey.

Final decision to be made by the leaders

The fifth paragraph numbered 21, which will state whether or not accession talks should start and, if a decision is made to commence negotiations, when they should start, was left blank because the member countries could not agree on how talks should start despite a general conviction that the EU should open membership negotiations with Turkey. The document, which will set forth the timing of the talks depending on the outcome of the discussions to be made by EU leaders during the summit, includes no reference to some alternatives such as a "special status" or "privileged partnership," which have been proposed by some countries, including France.

A section of the draft document outlines the procedures to be followed during the anticipated negotiations with countries named as candidates for membership in the EU as follows:

- The negotiations with each candidate will be planned according to its performance.

- Threshold levels will be established for opening and provisional closure of different sections of the negotiating process.

- Permanent protective measures may be needed regarding free movement of labour.

- In the event of a serious violation, the Commission may, either at its own discretion or upon request of a third of the member countries, recommend that negotiations be suspended. Decision about such proposal will be made by the Council by qualified majority.

The draft document will be reviewed by EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives tomorrow and next week.

EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the blueprint on 13 December. Although the document will prepare the ground for the decision to be made in the summit, the leaders will have the last word."

[02] Erdogan describes the draft document as unacceptable. Statements after meeting the Belgian Speaker of Parliament

"Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that a paragraph in a draft document, which will constitute the basis for the decision to be made by the EU on 17 December about starting accession talks with Turkey, implying that Turkey should recognize the Republic of Cyprus was unacceptable. He said: "We have done our best in order to find a solution on the island. The Greek Cypriots, however, declined to sit down at the negotiating table. It is now their turn to take a step."

The Cabinet yesterday discussed the conditions set forth by the EU in its first draft document. Erdogan and the ministers criticized the document, which tacitly states that Turkey should recognize South Cyprus de facto. Pointing out that the `TRNC´ had made every possible effort in order to reach a settlement and also accepted the Annan plan, Erdogan went on saying: "All the offers we made in order to resolve the dispute were turned down. Firstly, the unjustifiable embargoes imposed on the `TRNC´ should be lifted. It would not be fair to expect us to make concessions without any reciprocation. Our expectations concerning the `TRNC´ should be met. This issue is, however, being disregarded."

Cyprus is not a criterion

Pointing out that the EU countries would be put to the test on 17 December, Erdogan went on saying: "We have fulfilled the criteria about the negotiations more effectively than many other countries. The Cyprus issue was not among those criteria. Why was South Cyprus, which made no effort in order to find a solution, admitted although the problem remained unsolved? Every country should be treated on the same footing as the others. This is going to be a test as far as the EU countries are concerned. The EU should also do its part."

Emphasizing that Turkey would not accept a conditional and different negotiating process, Erdogan noted: "If they take a different attitude towards us, the EU would eventually lose. Turkey could make great contributions to the EU."

The Cabinet decided to consult with the EU leaders about the draft, which states that negotiations could be suspended and permanent restrictions could be imposed on free movement of labour. Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul will hold talks with the leaders of some EU countries, especially those which are expected to insist that Turkey recognize South Cyprus.

Moreover, Istanbul NTV television (30.11.04) broadcast that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave messages on the subject of the Cyprus problem on the eve of the 17 December EU summit. Pointing out that the demands on this issue are continuing, Erdogan said: "I am finding it difficult to comprehend or explain this. Europe is obliged to act in fairness".

Erdogan received Herman de Croo, Speaker of the Belgian House of Representatives. The prime minister explained the developments on Cyprus. He listed the efforts exerted by the Turkish side with regard to the solution of the Cyprus issue, noting, however, that Cyprus was admitted as an EU member despite the outcome of the referenda in Cyprus. Recalling that after the referenda the EU countries made statements to the effect that measures will be adopted to end the isolation of the occupied areas of Cyprus, Erdogan said: "Not a single decision was made until now. We are still being asked to give this or relinquish that in Cyprus. This is not acceptable. I am finding it difficult to comprehend or explain this."

The prime minister also remarked that Europe is obliged to act in fairness.

[03] Baykal to submit motion for a general debate on EU at the TGNA

Addressing his party's parliamentary group meeting, Baykal commented on the EU summit draft communique. Pointing out that Turkey is being asked to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, Baykal said: "This is at the same time a demand to ignore the existence of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´".

Conditions such as leaving the negotiations open-ended and introducing the possibility of suspending the negotiations have not been imposed on any country, Baykal stated. He described the attitude adopted by the government on the eve of the summit as a disappointment. Baykal added: I do not mean the statements made by the foreign minister, in passing. The National Assembly and the National Security Council have failed to adopt a stand. The president and the prime minister, in their turn, have also failed to declare an official stance on behalf of Turkey. Is this possible?

Baykal claimed that the government is behaving as though it consents to everything, and said that his party wants to hold a general debate at the National Assembly on the subject of the EU.

[04] Statements by Rauf Denktas on the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus. He threatens to continue the armed struggle if Turkey recognizes the Republic of Cyprus

Denktas said: "Turkey recognizes the `TRNC´. If it can find a formula whereby it recognizes both us and them, then that is [Turkey's] business. However, if Turkey ends up recognizing them but not us, that would mean that Turkey and we would have to take up arms again and resume the defense of our land, homeland, and independence."

In his speech at his reception of the members of the occupied Ayios Andronikos "Association for the Perpetuation of the National Struggle and Martyrs", Denktas said that the Greek Cypriots appealed to the EU to upset the balance that was established with the agreements of 1960 and that "the EU committed a huge injustice and mistake by accepting this appeal." He continued: "The EU will soon realize that this was a mistake because the Greek Cypriots will turn its insides upside down by pursuing hostility against Turkey."

Commenting on the issue of Turkish recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, Denktas said that Turkey recognizes not the current Greek Cypriot republic but the republic of partnership that was founded in 1960. He continued:

"Turkey recognized that republic. If the Greek Cypriots establish another republic with us Turkey would recognize that also. However which part of them will it recognize now? They filled up mass graves with Turkish Cypriots. They committed so many crimes. They destroyed 103 villages. There is such a long list of crimes against them. Turkey was forced to sacrifice its sons to come and to stop these crimes. Turkey came here to save us, to save Cyprus, so that those who tore down a partnership built on international agreements do not claim ownership to all of Cyprus."

Denktas said that the Greek Cypriots occupied the position of the "Republic of Cyprus," which was a joint republic, and that this occupation continues today. He continued: "They entered the EU by deceit. Europe and everyone must be told about these all the time."

Mr Rauf Denktas added:

"They want Turkey to recognize them. Turkey recognizes the `TRNC´. If it can find a formula whereby it recognizes both us and them, then that is [Turkey's] business. However, if Turkey ends up recognizing them but not us, that would mean that Turkey and we would have to take up arms again and resume the defense of our land, homeland, and independence. In other words, this Europe would lead Cyprus to war, not peace, if it insists on this mistake. Turkey has recognized us for 21 years and has made sacrifices for 40 years so that the Greek Cypriots would not destroy us. These are matters of honour and dignity for the Turkish nation and [Turkey] has put its stamp on them. That is why Turkey would not abandon us."

Denktas said that the Turkish Cypriot "people" must defend their rights, state, equality, sovereignty, and independence knowing very well what the Greek Cypriot side wants to do. He added:

"Forcing us to be with the Greek Cypriots before a lasting agreement that cannot be torn up and thrown away and that is based on our sovereignty is signed in Cyprus would lead to disaster. Hopefully Europe will see and understand this."

[05] Talat on the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus

Making a speech on the "Cyprus problem from Today to Tomorrow in a meeting organized by occupied Famagusta Municipality, Talat said that it would be wrong to comment on the draft resolution leaked out to the press yesterday (Monday) without seeing the original text.

Talat said: ''But, according to the press reports, the draft recommends Turkey to recognize the Republic of Cyprus. I got the impression that EU has a tendency to urge Turkey to recognize it during my talks with foreign diplomats.''

Expressing the belief that Turkey would win a negotiation date from the EU on December 17th, Talat said that the Greek Cypriot side could not impose its views on the Cyprus problem to the EU on legal basis, and alleged that the Cyprus government was facing a difficult situation in the international arena.

Noting that the Cyprus problem should be solved before Turkey became an EU member, Talat said: ''Turkey can't join a club that includes a country it doesn't recognize and with which it has problems.''

Talat said that it was not possible for the Turkish Cypriot side to present a package of proposals for a solution to the Cyprus problem since it was not the party which rejected the Annan plan.

If the Greek Cypriot side presented a proposal, the "TRNC" would assume an attitude together with Turkey, Talat noted.

[06] Statements by the General Secretary of the NSC during a press briefing

Introducing the Secretariat General to local and foreign journalists, nongovernmental organizations, and the press attaches of embassies, Alpogan, the first civilian NSC general secretary, stressed that such a news conference is being held for the first time in 71 years.

Explaining that the areas of jurisdiction of the Secretariat was restricted as a result of the latest amendments, Alpogan said, in response to a question if this change would result in a weakness in national defense: "There has not been a change in our most important function".

Alpogan was also asked about the state of the military authority in Turkey and he replied: "The positions of the military and civilian authorities were clarified a long time ago. If we had encountered a contrary situation, Turkey's EU accession process would not have progressed so far."

As think-tank organization, Alpogan explained, the NSC Secretariat General produces and submits to the council members political papers on domestic and foreign threats. Alpogan said that there is a measure of transparency in the work of the council, recalling that the NSC minutes until 1972 were made public.

Another issue on the minds of the participants consisted of the allegations about keeping files on people. Alpogan stressed that the Secretariat General did not keep files on any person or organization in any way, therefore, there is no question of burning them, and went on:

"Given that the duties pertaining to a psychological operation have been taken away from us, we will not be active in these matters, but it is not in the tradition of the Turkish state to keep files. In other words, even the documents pertaining to the tasks we will no longer be required to fulfill are awaiting the authority to which they will be transferred."

Alpogan recounted the work on amending the National Security Policy Document by saying: This is the process that Turkey undergoes every four years. There is nothing extraordinary in the situation.

"The latest amendment was dated 2001. Given that this is a document that is reviewed every four-five years and we are entering 2005, it was believed that the time has come for another review and a go-ahead was given in this regard before my time in July 2004," he said.

On the same issue semi-official Ankara Anatolia news agency (30.11.04) quoted Alpogan to have said: "I think that (on the subject of Cyprus) there are things that need to be done in the short term, before recognition (of the Republic of Cyprus). As the NSC, we will continue monitoring this issue and will submit our views to the decision-makers when the time comes."

Asked if the seminary in Halki island was an internal threat, and whether Greece is a threat for Turkey, Alpogan said: "There were several demands for opening of this seminary. It is not an internal threat but it is on the agenda of Turkey's road to the EU."

Saying that Greece is supporting Turkey's EU perspective and there is an ongoing dialogue between the two countries since 1999, Alpogan noted that the year-end trade volume between the two countries was targeted to be 2.5 billion U.S. dollars. He said that the number of Turkish and Greek persons visiting each other's country reached 800,000 and 76 Greek companies had about 642 million U.S. dollars of investments in Turkey.

Finally, Mr Alpogan stated that all these positive developments should be taken into consideration when assessing relations with Greece."

[07] Turkish diplomatic sources say Ankara is not planning to recognize the Republic of Cyprus before 17 December

"Ankara will launch a diplomatic offensive to bring about changes in favor of Turkey in the draft document concerning the 17 December EU summit. Turkey is planning to undertake initiatives vis-a-vis Netherlands, term president of the EU Commission, and the EU member countries. Ankara's agenda, on the other hand, does not include any overture toward the `Greek Cypriot administration´ of south Cyprus´ before 17 December.

The evaluations being conducted in Ankara with regard to the draft text for the 17 December EU summit are cautious. Diplomatic sources note that the draft text will inevitably be subject to changes until the summit date. The draft will first be discussed at meetings of permanent representatives. On 13 December, it will be included in the agenda of the EU foreign ministers. Ankara will launch a diplomatic offensive in order to bring about changes in favor of Turkey in the draft document during this process. Accordingly, Turkey is planning to undertake initiatives vis-a-vis Netherlands and other EU countries. During talks to be held with European officials, Turkey will reiterate its expectation to receive a clear negotiation date for full membership. Turkey will also point out that the negotiations should start without delay in line with earlier summit decisions.

The condition to recognize de facto the Greek Cypriot administration of south Cyprus is the main element Ankara wants to be changed in the draft document. Government and Foreign Ministry sources state that no overture will be undertaken toward the Greek Cypriot administration of south Cyprus before 17 December. It is being said, however, that certain steps may be taken in the wake of 17 December. It is being noted that Turkey may recognize the Greek Cypriot administration functionally, that is, without establishing bilateral relations, only on the EU grounds. The government wing and the Foreign Ministry, in turn, have so far failed to confirm this information, which leaked from the diplomatic backstage".

[08] US expected to push EU over Turkey's membership

"US Secretary of State Colin Powell's forthcoming visit to Europe is expected to be a part of Washington's final push to encourage the European Union to grant Turkey a date to commence accession negotiations.

Powell's visit, scheduled to start on December 6, will be less than two weeks before EU leaders meet to discuss Turkey's membership bid. The outgoing Secretary of State is to hold talks with a number of senior EU officials, including from Holland, the current term president of the bloc.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher on Monday called for Turkey to be given a date to open formal membership negotiations with the EU.

Addressing a press conference in Washington, Boucher diplomatically confirmed the US position that Turkey should recognise Greek Cypriot side. However, he said that it was up to the EU to decide whether they would set the recognition issue as a precondition for talks, he said".

[09] Are the State Security Courts back?

"The Parliament Justice Commission, in line with government wishes, added an article on Tuesday allowing the founding of new criminal courts, similar to the controversial State Security Courts (SSC), which were abolished as part of the European Union harmonization process, to the new Criminal Procedures law (CMUK).

As the commission discussions on the CMUK continued, a three-article amendment proposal sent by the Justice Ministry on the replacement of the SSCs was included in the bill. According to the bill, the Justice Ministry will request from the Judges and Prosecutors Supreme Board the establishment of such criminal courts in certain cities, which will cover a wide region. More than one such court can be established in a single city, according to the amendment, and each court will be numbered. The members of these courts will not work at any other court.

On cases that involve state security, prosecutors assigned by the Judges and Prosecutors Supreme Board will be personally in charge of investigations and the maximum time in police custody will be 48 hours, instead of 24, for such crimes. In regions under emergency rule, the time spent in custody can be increased from 4 days up to 7 days.

Prosecutors in charge of such crimes will be able to utilize vehicles and equipment belonging to the state. Information requested by judges and prosecutors will be submitted to the court within 10 days.

Republican People's Party (RPP) deputy Yüksel Çorbacýoðlu said that such courts did not correspond with a country that respected the rule of law. He said: "When we abolished the SSCs, we thought we were democratizing the country. Unfortunately the SSCs are returning." RPP's Orhan Eraslan asked why such amendments were being made to the CMUK, which was supposed to be a democratizing force.

Justice Minister Cemil Çiçek said that the abolishment of the SSC and their replacement with a new type of court had been already agreed.

Secret surveillance back in CMUK

During the session on Tuesday afternoon, the Justice Commission approved the secret surveillance clause that was rejected on Monday. The secret surveillance of suspects by security forces had drawn the ire of both ruling party and the opposition deputies on Monday, before being rejected.

The clause was reassessed on Tuesday and the secret surveillance of suspects by security forces, "outside of homes," were accepted by the commission."

[10] Akinci stated that the bomb against the "Polatkan Tourism" company was a bomb placed in the future of Cyprus

Referring to the bombing incident, Mr Akinci stated that it is an issue related to the cooperation between the two communities of the island in the future and said that Mr Ali Polatkan, the owner of the "Polatkan Tourism" started to live the future of Cyprus as of today. "This bomb, in one way, was placed against the future of Cyprus", he said.

Mr Akinci, who condemned the bombing, also stated that until the issue is cleared up everything will remain a "hypothesis". He added that there are businessmen like Mr Polatkan who established cooperation between the two communities, based on the mutual benefits and said that the event must be evaluate in this framework.

In addition, referring to the reports about the recognition of the Cyprus Republic by Turkey, Mr Akinci stated that if this takes place there will be nothing left for the Turkish Cypriots than the right of the minority, from the 1960 Agreements.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Columnist in Turkish Daily News calls on the Turkish government to investigate the murder of the Kaymaz brothers in Southeastern Turkey

"Ahmet Kaymaz was 30 years old. He was a truck driver in Mardin's Kiziltepe area. He was known as a Democratic People's Party (DEHAP) member. Some members of his family were approached to become village guards, but they refused. His son, Ugur Kaymaz, was 12 years old. He was a primary school student. He was a good student with a good attendance record.

In a police operation last week, both Ahmet and Ugur Kaymaz were killed. Thirteen bullets were extracted from the body of Ugur. Nine of the bullets were fired from a distance of 50 centimeters and aimed at his back. There was a gun found near Ugur. According to his teacher, he was not grown up enough to carry such a weapon.

The Mardin governor announced that these two individuals had died in a firefight. Ugur, who was wearing slippers at the time, took part in it. That was what the governor was saying. Ugur's mother claimed that the last time she saw her son alive was when a security officer was pushing on her son's neck with his foot. Ugur's teacher, who ran towards the scene after hearing gunshots, corroborated her statements.

Now is the time to listen to your conscience. This is the time to sift through the reports, to find the truth and to prove this was no assassination. We are talking about a 12-year-old boy who was killed in front of his house while saying goodbye to his father on his way to another truck run. We are talking about a father who had to stay away from his home for months to make ends meet.

The truth should be uncovered. No one should be protected or hidden from justice. The series of laws we call the Copenhagen criteria is a lifestyle. In short, it is democracy. Democracy is a regime deserved by all in the country. The government is facing a test of sincerity. The way to prove that democracy really has been established in Turkey lies in the efforts to investigate the Kaymaz murders. The road to the EU does not pass through Brussels but through Kiziltepe in Mardin".

/SK

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