Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-01-17

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan discussed the financing of the occupied areas of Cyprus with the Prime Minister of Belgium.

[02] Diplomatic sources on the prospects for resumption of Cyprus talks.

[03] Erdogan meets Serdar Denktas and Talat in Istanbul. So-called elections and the future of Ankara´s puppet regime were discussed.

[04] Statements by Talat on his meeting with Erdogan.

[05] Serdar Denktas: New process on Cyprus to constitute final attempt.

[06] The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry Tunar briefs Talat on meeting with the Russian President Putin.

[07] How the Turkish Cypriot press cover the murder of the Turkish Cypriot businessman Elmas Guzelyurtlu, his wife and his daughter.

[08] Serdar Denktas: "We are examining Israeli investments".

[09] Cicek: "We will try to find a solution by preserving our red lines on the island".

[10] The well-known Turkish Businessman Rahmi Koc stated that Turkey has not got the luxury of not recognizing the Republic of Cyprus.

[11] Mr Tan said that foreigners should be appointed in the "Compensation Committee".

[12] A part of Lefkosia walls in the occupied part of the town has collapsed.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Erdogan discussed the financing of the occupied areas of Cyprus with the Prime Minister of Belgium

According to a press release issued by the Prime Ministry, Erdogan discussed the results of the December 17 EU Summit with Verhofstadt. "I told Verhofstadt that the December 17th decision was a turning point in Turkey-EU relations," said Erdogan. Both leaders agreed on developing cooperation between their nations prior to October 3rd, when Turkey will begin accession talks with the EU. "We will share our experiences gained from new members with Turkey," stated Verhofstadt.

Erdogan reminded Verhofstadt that the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots should be ended and that the Commission's July 7th decision to facilitate financial aid to occupied Cyprus be immediately put into effect. "A new initiative sponsored by the UN will be very helpful," remarked Verhofstadt.

Meanwhile, Erdogan met with the Prime Minister of Ankara´s puppet regime in occupied Cyprus, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat last night (Friday) in Istanbul. After the meeting with Talat, Erdogan was reported as saying that his government will continue an approach that protects the interests of Turkish Cypriots and Turkey.

[02] Diplomatic sources on the prospects for resumption of Cyprus talks

"Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will reportedly meet with UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan to request that he revive his "good offices mission" for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

According to information obtained from UN diplomatic sources, Erdogan will meet with Annan during the annual meetings of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on 26 through 30 January. The sources noted that the process in the framework of the Annan Plan gained impetus after a meeting between Erdogan and Annan during last year's Davos meetings but that the Greek Cypriot side rejected this plan in the referenda held in the `TRNC´ and the Greek Cypriot sector last year. They added that the Davos forum will be the scene of a similar meeting this year.

The sources noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin's remark expressing support for the Annan Plan during Erdogan's visit to Moscow was an important development that can create diplomatic openings in the resolution of the Cyprus problem. They also recalled that last year Russia was the biggest impediment to the discussion and approval by the UN Security Council of the Cyprus Report prepared by Annan after the referenda in Cyprus. Stating that `a difficult year awaits Turkey on the Cyprus problem,´ the sources said: `An initiative for a resolution in Cyprus can be taken only through a positive step taken by the Greek Cypriot sector in that direction.´ They added: `Even in that situation, in order to find a solution, Turkey will have to consent to conditions that fall short of the Annan Plan.´

The diplomatic sources also noted that Annan will not agree to undertake a new initiative unless he is certain that it will produce success because he is preoccupied with issues such as UN reforms, the Millennium Development Goals, and tsunami relief efforts even as he faces charges of corruption and poor administration in the `oil-for-food´ program".

[03] Erdogan meets Serdar Denktas and Talat in Istanbul. So-called elections and the future of Ankara´s puppet regime were discussed

He told reporters at Ataturk Airport that he would be meeting with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan this evening.

Later on the same day Ankara Anatolia news agency reported from Istanbul that Prime Minister Recept Tayyip Erdogan was asked by a reporter whether he would be meeting with Mr Talat.

Erdogan replied in the affirmative, and recalled that last night [13 January], he met with Serdar Denktas, so-called foreign minister and deputy prime minister. Erdogan added: "Elections will be held in the `TRNC´. We will be discussing the elections with them. We hope that we will create together the future we wish for the `TRNC´."

Ankara Anatolia (14.01.05) further reported from Istanbul that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a meeting with the so-called Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat this evening.

The one-hour meeting was held in Prime Minister Erdogan's residence in the Emniyet neighborhood in Uskudar, and it was closed to the press.

No statements were issued after the meeting.

[04] Statements by Talat on his meeting with Erdogan

Talat said: "It is not possible for Mr Annan and Mr Erdogan to put the Cyprus problem on the table. The reason is that Mr Erdogan and the Turkish Cypriot side want a solution and have proved their intention. The party that obstructs a solution is, regrettably, the Greek Cypriot side. Therefore, if the aim is to solve the Cyprus problem, it is the Greek Cypriot side that should act, since it is the one that has ideas about certain changes in the plan and the parameters of a solution."

Talat listed as follows the steps that would motivate the Greek Cypriot side: "The factors on which we should dwell are the ones that would motivate the Greek Cypriot side. The primary need is to remove the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. We should direct our efforts to this end. If we also take into regard the signals coming from Russia, the UN has to act to accomplish such a result. For this reason, the UN should adopt a stand aimed at encouraging, pressing, and directing the Greek Cypriot side to crystallize its views."

Mr Talat emphasized that any new initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem should also be based on the Annan Plan. He stressed, though, that the plan should be adjusted to the developing situation. Talat said "Russia's suggestion about the removal of the "embargoes" applied against the "TRNC" should reflect on the work of the Security Council. Stressing the need to turn into a Security Council decision the views that Annan submitted to the Council for the removal of the "embargoes" applied against the Turkish Cypriots, Talat said: "If this is achieved, the isolation will be removed to a major degree."

Later on Ankara Anatolia (15.01.05) reported from occupied Lefkosia that in a statement he made at the occupied by Turkish troops Tymbou Airport on his return from Istanbul, Talat said he had discussed with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan the latest developments on Cyprus, adding that he would soon get involved in efforts in connection with the EU.

Recalling that Prime Minister Erdogan paid a visit to Russia a short time ago, and that the Russian Head of State Vladimir Putin made certain remarks on Cyprus, Talat said:

"This was an important development that could contribute to our efforts related particularly to the removal of our `isolation´. The support of Russia, a member of the Security Council with a veto right, to the Annan report, which recommends the removal of the `isolation´, and the adoption of a Security Council resolution based on this report, is of utmost importance. The stand that Russia assumes when the Security Council takes up the issue with a view to satisfying our justified demand will be rather important. Positive signals have been received in this regard."

Mr Talat further said a serious assessment was made and all aspects of the Cyprus problem were addressed during his meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan in Istanbul. He noted: "Turkey will commence accession talks with the EU on 3 October, and will sign by that date the supplementary protocol of the Ankara Agreement in a way that also includes Cyprus."

Pointing out that the new situation and conditions call for an assessment and the adoption of new policies, Talat said: "We have to assess the new conditions and coordinate our policies with Turkey. The purpose of my visit was to achieve this."

Talat said both the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey would engage in certain efforts in connection with the EU in the days ahead, and added:

"We have the Financial Support and Direct Trade regulations that are kept pending. Moreover, we have the amendments to the Green Line Regulation that the Greek Cypriot side blocks. We keep up our efforts on these issues and we have appealed to Mr Erdogan for Turkey's support in this regard. Turkey shares our view. We have to keep up our efforts."

Noting that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey have proved on every occasion that they are ready for a solution, Talat said:

"What is important is to motivate the Greek Cypriot side as well. The most direct way to motivate them is to remove the `isolation´. We attribute particular importance to this aspect for this reason. Our ultimate objective, however, is the overall solution of the Cyprus problem."

Recalling that the so-called Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas too held contacts in Ankara, a journalist asked Talat why separate visits took place. Talat responded: "We have made contacts independently of each other. My talks were mainly in connection with the new development on the Cyprus issue that has come about after Prime Minister Erdogan's visit to Russia."

Talat explained that he went to Istanbul after an appointment at short notice, and that he met with Erdogan, who flew to Istanbul from Sinop. He noted that Serdar Denktas' visit might have been planned in advance, and that it seemed it was organized within the framework of paying visits to other political parties as well.

When he was reminded about the reports that Prime Minister Erdogan would meet with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Davos, Talat said: "Annan will be in Southeastern Asia during the period when the Davos summit will take place. He will not go to Davos. The information about an Annan-Erdogan meeting is wrong. I am not sure, though, whether he [Annan] will make a last-minute change and go to Davos."

Pointing out that Prime Minister Erdogan would have talks with many leaders in Davos and that the topic would be the Cyprus problem, Talat added: "The reason is that serious developments will take place on the Cyprus issue by 3 October, when Turkey will begin accession talks with the EU. Cyprus will, therefore, be the first item on the agenda."

[05] Serdar Denktas: New process on Cyprus to constitute final attempt

Serdar Denktas, who is in Ankara for contacts, held almost an-hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the JDP [Justice and Development Party] headquarters.

Serdar Denktas said that they were pleased with Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement that Russia might support the Annan plan. Denktas hoped the Greek Cypriot side will draw a message from Putin's statements and move towards a solution. Denktas said it would be unacceptable if the Greek Cypriot side makes the following calculation: "With Turkey locked to the 3 October process, it will need my vote; let us, then, sit and wait, for the Turkish Cypriots would then be forced to make further concessions."

Ankara Anatolia (14.01.05) reported from Ankara that after visiting the headquarters of the JDP, Serdar Denktas, told reporters that there was no timetable regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem, and expressed pleasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement affirming that Russia could support the Annan plan.

Denktas said: "Russia, which has ignored the presence of Turkish Cypriots so far, says that the `isolation´ of Turkish Cypriots is not fair. Russia today says that UN Secretary-General's report should be re-negotiated," and noted that this development agitated the Greek Cypriots.

In reply to a question, Denktas said that he did not expect any initiative to be taken regarding the Cyprus problem till the beginning of May due to the "elections" to be held in the territories of the Republic of Cyprus under Turkish occupation

Pointing out that Turkey and the occupation regime could undertake a joint action after May, Denktas said that they would visit some Muslim countries before that date.

On the other hand, Deniz Baykal, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (RPP), alleged on Friday that neither Turkey nor its occupation regime were responsible for the unresolved Cyprus problem.

Serdar Denktas, who is currently in the Turkish capital, met Baykal at the RPP headquarters.

During their meeting, Baykal said that "(father and son) Denktases had always exerted efforts to solve the Cyprus problem in international fora", and noted that "important developments regarding the Cyprus problem were emerging". Baykal said that "a comprehensive solution should be found to this question before the European Union (EU) starts entry talks with Turkey".

Stating that "the decision made by the EU leaders on December 17th, 2004 did not create a suitable framework to solve the Cyprus problem in line with Turkey's expectations", Baykal added: "There is a complicated picture here. The real matter should not be ignored. No step which can harm Turkey-`TRNC´ relations and the legitimate existence of `TRNC´ should be taken. The (Turkish) government's stance on this matter is not clear."

Baykal added that his party was ready to contribute to efforts aiming to solve the Cyprus problem.

Furthermore, Istanbul NTV television (16.01.05) broadcast that Mr Serdar Denktas said that a new process on the Cyprus issue may start after April. This will be the final attempt, Denktas remarked, adding: "The process will either lead to a united Cyprus, or it will take the Turkish Cypriots to a two-state conclusion".

In a news conference, Serdar Denktas declared that the Turkish Cypriots have no patience left to wait any longer for the Greek Cypriots. Denktas stated that the initiative that will begin will be the final attempt. Commenting on the contacts he held in Ankara and Istanbul, Denktas explained that the talks were beneficial in that they were held at a time when the "election" process is under way and there is a high possibility that the Cyprus issue will be placed on the UN agenda once again.

"It is essential that a new bizonal Cyprus state based on two equal partners be established at the end of the new negotiation process that will begin in Cyprus. If this does not come about, the Turkish Cypriots will determine a strategy for integrating their own state with the world. Our entire goal is to bring the international community to a point where the `isolation´ of the Turkish Cypriots is terminated, the UN Secretary-General's report is discussed and approved, and Papadopoulos consequently ceases to act capriciously and is equipped with the necessary conditions to come to the negotiating table, " said Mr Serdar Denktas.

[06] The chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry Tunar briefs Talat on meeting with the Russian President Putin

Commenting on the issue Mr Talat stated that the Turkish Cypriots "should continue to explain their 'just cause' to the entire world", and told Mr Tunar that he has made good use of a 'historic opportunity', as he called Tunar's visit to Russia.

Stressing the importance of Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement affirming that Russia could support the Annan plan, Talat said: "It is not possible to get any result in a few days. So, we should exert continuous efforts. We should clearly show that the policy charted regarding Cyprus is a permanent one and there is no return, so the international community must assess this new situation.''

On the other hand, Mr Tunar said that he was given the opportunity to make a statement "as the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" in a meeting of Putin and Erdogan with Turkish businessmen, and noted that this was a surprise for him.

"Even though very shortly, I said that the Turkish Cypriot side is still the underdog, although it expressed its willingness for a solution and the reunification of Cyprus on the 24 April referenda. And, I said that this situation hinder our economic development, and I stressed the necessity to lift the blockade. I also said that the EU has not taken any concrete steps so far. I noted that we expect that Russia, a strong country in its region and a member of the Security Council should take such steps.''

Qualifying the opportunity to make a speech in this meeting as a ''historic event'' for the Turkish Cypriots, Tunar said: ''I am pleased to fulfill this duty. After my speech, President Putin made very important statements regarding the Cyprus problem.''

In addition, as Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (15.01.05) reports, Mr Tunar pointed out during his visit with Mr Talat the tourism potentials of the island and said that this can be evaluated in two ways: The occupied Cyprus is open for Russian investments while it is open for Russian tourists and that the Russian businessmen can be benefited from this.

[07] How the Turkish Cypriot press cover the murder of the Turkish Cypriot businessman Elmas Guzelyurtlu, his wife and his daughter

"He was trying to import the "Trodos" bottled water to the southern Cyprus. He had said that the results of the analysis conducted in the Greek Cypriot side were positive and that 'we can now begin to work'", added Mr Civa.

Furthermore, KIBRIS gives some information about the life of the late Guzelyurtlu who was one of the owners of the bankrupted in 2000 Everest Bank and the owner of Rest Casino, which is currently run by his son, Mehmet. Guzelyurtlu abandoned the occupied areas of Cyprus after the bank crisis and after going to London, Moscow and Romania, he settled in the free areas of the island. The paper writes that in the bankrupted Everest Bank were deposits of about 23 trillion Turkish liras belonging to 13.620 depositors.

The paper publishes statements by Ozkan Murat, so-called Minister of Internal Affairs of the occupation regime who said that they were investigating the murder in depth. Responding to a question at the illegal Tymbou airport where he met Mr Talat who was returning from Turkey, Mr Murat noted that the murder "could be a work of mafia".

KIBRIS (17.01.05) reports that in the house of Guzelyurtlu there was a bag with 300.000 Cyprus pounds and that the police of the Republic of Cyprus did not say what happened with this bag.

Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA (16.01.05) describes the murder as "the most terrible and merciless crime of the past few years". It also expresses the opinion (17.01.05) that "not only mafia, but other smells too are coming out from the crime"! The paper also publishes statements of Mehmet Guzelyurtlu to Greek Cypriot "Politis" newspaper, who has said that he is suspecting Harper Ozbirim, an old partner of his father, for the murder. Ozbirim is now one of the rivals of Elmas Guzelyurtlu and he has recently been the victim of an armed attack, writes AFRIKA.

Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (16.01.05) reports that some Greek Cypriots, who gambled in his casino, owed Guzelyurtlu money and did not want to pay him. One of his workers has taken 45.000 Cyprus pounds and disappeared one night, writes KIBRISLI noting that a night club owner in the free areas of Cyprus was taking commission from Guzelyurtlu for every client he was taking to his casino. "Are all these clues for the investigation of the crime?", wonders the paper.

Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (16.01.05) refers to the crime under the banner headlines "Merciless settling of accounts".

Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (16.01.05) refers to the crime under the banner headlines "Terrible crime"! The paper (17.01.05) alleges that the police of the Republic of Cyprus is trying to hide possible involvement of the Cyprus Intelligence Organization (KYP) to the murder.

Turkish Cypriot daily GUNES newspaper (17.01.05) wonders what was the relation of late Guzelyurtlu with the Republican Turkish Party (RTP), its chairman, Mehmet Ali Talat and its officials. The paper refers to information published recently in VOLKAN newspaper and wonders whether or not it is true that Guzelyurtlu was the "financier" of the RTP and that he had meetings with officials of the party during the period he lived in the free areas of Cyprus.

The paper refers to information published in Turkish HURRIYET, which reported that Guzelyurtlu has recently began again his businesses in the occupied part of Cyprus, that among his partners were some "ministers" and officials of the RTP and that he had relations with the organized crime.

[08] Serdar Denktas: "We are examining Israeli investments"

"They are interested in the 100 million dollar project of Sidika Atalay", he noted.

The paper writes that the Turkish businesswoman Sidika Atalay deals with investments in the field of textiles and tourism. She settled in the occupied areas of Cyprus and began a project in the Karpass peninsula named "Port barbaros". The project includes marinas, hotels and shopping centers and it will cost 83 million dollars.

MILLIYET writes that 7.000 British citizens own immovable property in the occupied areas of Cyprus and that 20 cases have been filed against them in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus by their legal Greek Cypriot owners.

Mr Denktas said that the statements of the Russian President Putin during prime Minster Erdogan's visit to Moscow were "very positive" and added that they were investigating the legal ground so that Britain and the USA to be able to use the illegal Tymbou airport. Denktas gave the message that "The countries of the Gulf and Israel may begin this year to use the air space of the 'TRNC'".

[09] Cicek: "We will try to find a solution by preserving our red lines on the island"

Noting that the so-called elections in the occupied part of Cyprus are important, Mr Cicek said: "There is not such situation as Turkey to take a step back. It cannot be. There are some matters that Turkey accepted before 24 April. They are provisions. These were reflected in a high degree in the plan. Over there, there are two separate states, two different nations. Over there, there is the Turkish army which guarantees the status quo. It goes back to the London-Zurich agreements. As a result, there are a number of basic issues like the continuation of the presence of the troops. Within this framework, and on condition this and similar red lines, are observed, many issues can be discussed. The negotiations can restart and it will be beneficial if the talks are carried out by the United Nations."

[10] The well-known Turkish Businessman Rahmi Koc stated that Turkey has not got the luxury of not recognizing the Republic of Cyprus

Mr Koc stated that Cyprus is a member of the EU and that Turkey has not got the luxury not to recognise an EU member. He also stated that Turkey must sign the Customs Union agreement with the ten new members of the EU and supported that Cyprus should no longer constitute an obstacle in front of Turkey.

"We cannot make an agreement with a country that we do not recognise" he said and added that if Turkey recognizes the Republic of Cyprus it will face a problem of de-recognising "north Cyprus", as he said.

Mr Koc also said that UN Secretary-General Annan must get involved again in the solution of the Cyprus problem and added that this time Turkey must be the side to be in front of the developments and to produce alternatives.

[11] Mr Tan said that foreigners should be appointed in the "Compensation Committee"

Mr Tan said that all the members of the Compensation Committee for whom there was the allegation of "conflict of interest", withdrew from their duties. He noted that they have already informed the ECHR and that new members will be appointed.

Mr Tan also added that the "law" must be amended in order to appoint foreigners in the Compensation Committee.

[12] A part of Lefkosia walls in the occupied part of the town has collapsed

/SK

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