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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-02-07
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
TURKISH PRESS
AND OTHER MEDIA
No.25/05
05-06-07.02.05
[A] NEWS ITEMS
[01] Talat´s party welcomes the establishment of a Task Force for Turkish
Cypriot community by the EU.
[02] Turkey is studying the legal consequences of its obligation to sign
the Ankara Protocol.
[03] Statements by Erdogan after meeting the US Secretary of State.
[04] Talat continues Rauf Denktas´ policy of forcing the Turkish Cypriots
into isolation to promote partition.
[05] Serdar Denktas wants legalization of the occupied ports and airports
to impose the partitionist solution on the victims of the Turkish
invasion.
[06] Statements by Gul in Shanghai. He hopes to see change in China´s
policy towards the crimes the Turkish army committed in Cyprus.
[07] Statements by Gul and Rice during a press conference in Ankara.
[08] Sources on the Gul -Rice meeting.
[09] Sources on the Rice-Erdogan meeting.
[10] Mr Rauf Denktas: "Turkey did not come to the island for saving the
Turkish Cypriots".
[11] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the visit of the Socialist
Group in the European Parliament to occupied Cyprus.
[12] British member of the European Parliament visits the occupied areas
of Cyprus via the illegal Tymbou airport.
[13] Serdar Denktas says they were determined to solve the problems of
the people that are uneasy because they would change place according to
the provisions of the Annan Plan.
[14] "Turkish Cypriot Airways" will open an office in Berlin.
[15] An ancient tomb was found in the occupied village of Vouno.
[01] Talat´s party welcomes the establishment of a Task Force for Turkish
Cypriot community by the EU
Ankara Anatolia news agency (04.02.05) reported from occupied Lefkosia
that the European Commission's General Directorate for Enlargement
established a special task [force] for the Turkish Cypriot community,
Republican Turkish Party (RTP), said on Friday.
The RTP stated that Leopold Maurer was appointed as the head of this new
unit named ''Task Force Turkish Cypriot Community''.
Maurer was the European Commission's representative in charge of the
post-membership period for Cyprus.
Welcoming the decision, the RTP said: ''This decision has confirmed
that Turkish Cypriots now enjoy a better status, even thought this is
not a recognition.''
[02] Turkey is studying the legal consequences of its obligation to sign
the Ankara Protocol
Istanbul NTV television (05.02.05) broadcast that during the EU summit,
it was decided that Turkey should sign the appendix protocol to the
Ankara agreement before 3 October, when the negotiations with Turkey are
slated to start. In the latest message conveyed by the EU Commission
to Ankara, however, Turkey was asked to sign the protocol by the end of
February.
Diplomatic sources say that they will not rush the matter. Pointing
out that Prime Minister Erdogan is scheduled to hold intensive meetings
abroad during February, the sources recalled that Ankara has time until
3 October.
Meanwhile, jurists started work on how the protocol will be signed, the
possible consequences of such a move, and how the signature should be
formulated so that it is not tantamount to the recognition of the
Republic of Cyprus.
Diplomatic sources note that the text should not have leave any room for
interpretation. The option of signing the document by placing
reservations is also being considered.
[03] Statements by Erdogan after meeting the US Secretary of State
Ankara Anatolia news agency (05.02.05) reported from Ankara that the
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the issues of
Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East and Cyprus were discussed in his
meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Saturday
evening.
"The topic of Iran was not on the meeting's agenda," said Erdogan.
Erdogan told reporters at the Ankara Esenboga Airport that the positive
relations between Turkey and the U.S. were continuing with the necessary
maturity. "We have confirmed this positive atmosphere," remarked
Erdogan.
Asked if the United States understands Turkey's sensitivity on Kirkuk,
Erdogan replied that only four main topics came up during his meeting
with Rice, including Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East and Cyprus.
"Turkey's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul will
discuss the four topics in great depth with Rice tomorrow (Sunday),"
stressed Erdogan.
Erdogan added that detailed information on certain points would be
provided after the meetings tomorrow. In terms of our strategic
partnership, relations between Turkey and the United States are at a
positive and mature point and they will continue with the same maturity
and in the same positive way, he said.
In response to a question on whether Turkey will send military personnel
to tsunami-hit Aceh region of Indonesia, Erdogan stated that there was
no such plan currently on the Turkish agenda. "However, if a request
comes from the tsunami-stricken region, we will evaluate it in our
council of ministers meeting," he added.
After a meeting with Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, U.S.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that the United States was
aware of the sensitivities of Turkey on all topics concerned and would
support the continuation of a strategic cooperation dialogue.
Diplomatic sources stated that the topics of Iraq, the Middle East,
Cyprus and Afghanistan were discussed within the framework of a
strategic cooperation and that Turkey and the U.S. shared similar
attitudes towards the four topics.
The sources indicated that the meeting between Erdogan and Rice took
place in a constructive and positive atmosphere. "Rice will discuss the
details on all topics tomorrow (Sunday) with Turkish Foreign Minister
and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul," the same sources stated.
According to diplomatic sources, Turkey has conveyed a message to the
United States that a decision on Kirkuk must be made by all of the
Iraqis. "Turkey informed the United States that it has done its part on
the issue of Cyprus," said a diplomatic source.
Rice assured Erdogan that the United States was working on ways to end
the international political and economic isolation of the Turkish
Cypriots.
[04] Talat continues Rauf Denktas´ policy of forcing the Turkish Cypriots
into isolation to promote partition
Ankara Anatolia news agency (04.02.05) reported from occupied Lefkosia
that commenting on the revision of the Green Line Regulation so-called
Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat said: ''The revision in Green Line
Regulation cannot substitute Direct Trade Regulation. Changes are not
very satisfactory, but can be considered as a one step forward.''
Talat told reporters: ''With the change in the Green Line Regulation,
trade limit for passengers from northern Cyprus to southern Cyprus
increased from 30 Euro to 135 Euro. This is a step forward. It does not
mean direct trade and cannot substitute direct trade.
Also passage to the Greek Cypriot side together with 1 liter of
beverage, 2 packages of cigarettes and citrus fruits was added to the
Green Line Regulation.
The `TRNC´ will take important steps especially in the tourism area next
season because this is almost the only advantage which the Green Line
Regulation brings to the Turkish Cypriots.
The Greek Cypriot side made an official statement today and said 'door
is opened for export of Turkish Cypriot goods through legal ports'. This
is out of question. This is neither the policy of the `government´ nor
the will of the Turkish side.
The Turkish side wants to directly export its goods to the EU through
Famagusta and Kyrenia ports, and Tymbou Airport''.
Any implementation without direct exports will not mean the lifting of
isolations, and it is not possible for us to accept it. The only way to
lift isolations is Turkish Cypriots' making free trade through its own
ports and airports. It is not possible to give up this. We will struggle
until we gain this."
Upon a question, Talat said: ''The mine sweeper institution which UN
agreed started to detect mines in Zodia region in Morphou today. When
required arrangements are made and sweeping operation is completed,
Zodia check-point will be opened within two months. Opening the Ledra
Street in Lefkosia is related with the Green Line Regulation and it
should be revised within the scope of new change in the Regulation.''
Talat recalled that the decision to open the Zodia crossing point was
taken six months ago.
Moreover, trilingual Dialogue weekly newspaper (29.01 - 05.02.05)
publishes announcements by the pseudostate warning that no goods or
products exceeding 50 Euro may be carried to the occupied from the free
areas of Cyprus.
[05] Serdar Denktas wants legalization of the occupied ports and airports
to impose the partitionist solution on the victims of the Turkish
invasion
Ankara Anatolia news agency (A.A.) (06.02.05) reported from occupied
Lefkosia that Mr Serdar Denktas the so-called Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister of Ankara´s occupation regime answered the questions of
A.A correspondent in an exclusive interview.
Asked about the changes made to the Green Line Regulation, Denktas
indicated that the Green Line Regulation could not take the place of the
Direct Trade Regulation that was on top of the EU's agenda. ''Our
expectation is to see the application of the Direct Trade Regulation and
Financial Assistance Regulation together. This would be the step
necessary to end international isolation of `TRNC´. This would also be
the step to force the Greek Cypriots to reach a compromise with the
`TRNC´,'' said Denktas.
Denktas remarked that he is making both official and unofficial attempts
to meet Greek Cypriot officials. ''Such attempts are aimed at
facilitating the solutions of disputes,'' expressed Denktas.
Denktas stressed that the Greek Cypriots wanted to take the issue of
Cyprus to a status under the EU umbrella. ''This way, the Greek Cypriots
wish to put pressure on both the `TRNC´ and Turkey. It is not possible
for us to accept such an attitude. The issue of Cyprus may be resolved
under the UN. Until there is a solution and until two
governments share power in Cyprus, it would not be possible for Turkey
to pull out even a single soldier from the island of Cyprus,'' said
Denktas.
Asked if he will be a candidate for the presidency in the occupation
regime Denktas said that he did not want to comment on this question for
the time being. ''We are busy in trying to find a solution to the Cyprus
problem. We are also very busy preparing for the February 20th
elections. The issue of the presidency will be discussed in our party
when the time is appropriate,'' remarked Denktas. Denktas added that he
will not be a candidate for the presidency. ''I wish to become a prime
minister in the near future and carry our party to the government.''
In response to a question on what he thinks about eight proposed
changes prepared by the Greek Cypriot AKEL Party on the Annan Plan,
Denktas stressed that AKEL's proposals were not parallel to Annan's
Plan. ''AKEL's approach is a fake one. AKEL's attempts are far from
reality,'' said Denktas.
Denktas noted that on April 24, 2004 the Turkish Cypriots demonstrated a
will to solve the Cyprus problem. ''We are ready to start negotiations
as long as we do not fall behind the fifth version of the Annan Plan,''
added Denktas.
[06] Statements by Gul in Shanghai. He hopes to see change in China´s
policy towards the crimes the Turkish army committed in Cyprus
Ankara Anatolia news agency (04.02.05) reported from Shanghai that on
Friday, commenting on statements made by Leopold Maurer, the EU
Commission's representative in charge of post-membership period for
Cyprus, after his meetings in Cyprus, Gul stressed: ''Turkey's signature
of the protocol extending the Customs Union agreement to cover the Greek
Cypriot administration should not mean recognition of the Greek Cypriot
administration.''
Gul went on saying: ''As you know, we will start negotiations (with the
EU) on October 3rd. We have time till that date. We have a priority
here, i.e. we don't recognize the Greek Cypriot administration and won't
recognize it until a lasting solution is reached. We had been asked to
sign this protocol unconditionally, but we opposed to it.
So, some problems erupted in Brussels. After negotiations, the EU
accepted our conditions. The statements made afterwards stressed that
there was no recognition. Now, we will take our own measures, and take
under guarantee that we won't recognize the Greek Cypriot administration
until a lasting solution is found. We will sign this protocol when the
time comes.''
Recalling that Maurer talked about some steps to be taken until the
protocol was launched, Gul said: ''These are steps to be taken by the
EU. There are two regulations prepared by the European Commission to
spare Turkish Cypriots from blockades and isolation. Therefore, these
are steps that should be taken. We hope that the European Union will
keep its promises made to Turkish Cypriots. If the EU forgets about the
promises it made before (last April's simultaneous) referenda (in
Cyprus) and does not keep them, it will lose its credibility in Turkey
and Turkish Cypriot side. So, I will be pleased if representatives of
the EU mention about these steps to be taken.''
Asked if he wanted to say that the protocol would be signed after the EU
took those steps, Gul said: ''No, I want to say neither before nor
after. What we will do is to make clear our position and avoid wrong
interpretation. The Brussels summit ended with a compromise. We will
continue our path, using our rights stemming from international
agreements. But, of course, Turkey prefers a lasting solution. So, we
expect the Greek Cypriots to take steps since the Turkish Cypriot side
and Turkey have done their best. The entire world has appreciated our
steps. It was the Greek Cypriots who missed the opportunity. So, we ask
the Greek Cypriots to take necessary steps.''
Recalling that Turkey had explained the Cyprus problem up to now to only
the US and EU members, Gul said: ''Our government has recently briefed
Russia on these matters for the first time. And, now we think that it
will be useful to brief China, a permanent member of the UN Security
Council. I briefed Chinese Premier and Foreign Minister about all the
developments regarding the Cyprus problem. I hope that we can also see
some changes in China's position as we have seen in Russia's. Because
Chinese foreign policy protects those who are oppressed, and value
justice and equality.''
Gul said that the Republic of Cyprus had had close relations with China
since it was one of the Non-Aligned countries, and went on saying:
''But, conditions have changed so much in Cyprus. Now, it is the Turkish
Cypriot State which is facing unjust sanctions and isolation. Therefore,
we hope China will show more interest in Cyprus.
I hope that some changes will be seen in coming days, and Turkish
Cypriots will visit China to explain their cause. I believe such
contacts will be launched in the near future because I got some positive
signals.
Recalling that Turkey had expressed its willingness to join the
''Shanghai Cooperation Organization'' to Russian President Vladimir
Putin, Gul stated that he conveyed the same wish to Chinese Premier
also.
[07] Statements by Gul and Rice during a press conference in Ankara
Ankara TRT 2 Television (06.02.05) broadcast live a joint news
conference by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and US Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice in Ankara.
Following are the statements by Mr Gul and Ms Rice and their replies to
questions:
Gul: We are very happy to welcome Dr. Rice, secretary of state of the
United States, our friend and ally, in Turkey. The timing of the visit
clearly demonstrates the importance of Turkish-US relations. This
visit conducted by Dr. Rice really serves the interests of both
countries.
Turkey and the United States are two very old allies. Their alliance
has been tested throughout history. These relations cover not only the
military sphere, but many other areas such as political, cultural, and
commercial; and our relations are founded on common values -- namely,
democracy.
There is no doubt that the two allies will always consult one another
and maintain a close working relationship on matters such as the
establishment of peace and stability in the world, economic development,
and counterterrorism.
During our meeting today, which was held in a sincere atmosphere
befitting two very close allies who can share things with each other, we
discussed in detail all international and regional issues, the
developments in our neighboring Iraq, as well as all other issues of
importance to us, in a very sincere atmosphere. I believe that
together we will follow the matters that we discussed, and we will
engage in a process of much closer collaboration and consultation as two
allies.
Rice: We had very fruitful discussions, and I wanted to come here as
part of my first trip as secretary of state to talk about the very
important and strategic relationship that the United States and Turkey
enjoy, a relationship that is based on interests, a relationship that is
based on a common future, but most importantly, a relationship that is
based on common values.
I wanted also to talk about some of the most important issues before us.
We did talk about Iraq, and I reiterated the commitment of the United
States to a unified Iraq, the territorial integrity of Iraq, to an Iraq
which is at peace with its neighbors, an Iraq which belongs to all
Iraqis, regardless of religious or ethnic background, where Sunnis,
Shiites, Turkomans, Kurds, and other minorities are all welcome and
respected.
I also wanted to talk to the minister about America's commitment that
Iraq's territory should never be a place in which terrorism can be
admitted against its neighbors. I said that Iraq should live in peace
with its neighbors. From the American point of view, all terrorist
organizations that wish to perpetrate attacks against populations have
to be treated the same, whether it is the al-Qa'ida or the PKK, or the
Palestinian rejectionist terrorism. It is simply not acceptable to us
and the modern world.
At this point, I wanted to talk to the minister and his colleagues about
America's commitment to counterterrorism in this area in the future as
well. We also had a very good opportunity to talk about the future
issues, the importance of getting back in track the resolution of the
Cyprus issue. We had an opportunity to talk about our hopes for a
peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I was very
much pleased to receive the advice and counsel of the minister who has
recently been in the Middle East, and I am now on my way there. We
will be in contact about what we can do to exploit the opportunities for
a sustained momentum toward peace between the Palestinians and the
Israelis.
Finally, we had an opportunity to talk about broader Middle East reform
and opportunity, a Middle East in which democracy flourishes, in which
there is transparent governance. We talked about the special role that
Turkey can play in that initiative, and our joint efforts for a Middle
East in which all peoples can live in peace, liberty, and prosperity.
Thank you very much, minister, and I want to thank also the prime
minister whom I met last night and President Sezer.
Question: Madam Secretary, your next stop is in the Middle East, where
the momentum is picking up. What kind of role will the United States
play within this process? Will you keep a special representative
there? Or, will you develop a mechanism to monitor the peace process
in the Middle East?
Rice: We are examining how the United States might best organize itself
to be an active partner in what is now a sustainable momentum toward
progress in the Middle East. I believe I said that while we have no
objection to a special envoy, we have to determine when that will be
most helpful. I would not expect yet to have an announcement about a
special envoy. We are looking to how best to get organized, not just
in the State Department, but also among our mission representatives
working on the ground. We will be active partners, and we will work to
extend our utmost help to that region. We are working to this end now.
This issue is extremely important. We held very good discussions with
the minister on this subject. The minister himself had met with
President Abbas and Prime Minister Sharon. He was able to give me some
counsel on what I might do when I am there.
Question: What do you think will happen if the United States fails to
change its policy in Iraq? Do you believe that US policies will
introduce democracy, peace, and stability to the Middle East?
Rice: It is entirely possible that there is not a full understanding
of American policies and what America desires. We are talking about
this to our friends, and they are talking to us. Our relations with
Turkey are important in this context. We were together during the Cold
War, we are together in NATO, we waged a struggle together against
imperialist communism. There is a vibrant and prospering democracy
here in Turkey. The United States has been a supporter of the
accession of that vibrant democracy into the European Union. Turkey
has met the conditions that are necessary for that. We have been
active with Turkey in supporting its economic reforms and its
relationship with the IMF. So, right here in Turkey I think we have an
example of what a relationship and friendship with the United States can
mean, even when there are differences, as there have been and
undoubtedly will be in the future. It is not a comment on the strength
of the relationship, and it does not affect the importance of the
relationship in terms of the two countries.
As for the Middle East, Mr. Bush recognized that for too many years,
administrations, Democratic and Republican, were not sufficiently
attentive to the aspirations of the people of the Middle East to live in
democracy and freedom. This is a universal value that the United
States does not hold alone, and certainly would never impose any forms
of government on other people. Dictators impose, democracies support
and nurture each other and democratic development, like here in Turkey.
So, if we are not getting the message out, I hope that we will be better
at it in the future.
On the subject of Iraq, we are turning of course to a new chapter in
Iraq with the elections held last Sunday. These elections were the
first for the Iraqi people. It will take a long time to bring about a
free, prosperous, democratic, and united Iraq, but it was an important
step. We are encouraging, as are our Turkish allies, the Iraqis and
those who will come to power in these elections to use these elections
to build an Iraq that is respectful of and inclusive of all Iraqis who
wish to build a democratic future together. The Iraqi people faced
fears that terrorists tried to impose. They demonstrated that they
have the desire for freedom and I think we had discussions about how to
support this process.
Question: A question for each of you. We talk about getting messages
out. As you know, everyday, in the Arab media and the Muslim media, we
see some of the worst slanders against Jews. I wonder Secretary Rice,
what you will be saying to the Palestinian parties and the others. As
we are on the eve of talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians, do
you have any messages to give to the Arab media, in particular on their
reports on the Jews.
Rice: I was in Sharm al-Shaykh before Aqaba. There was a very good
discussion among the Arab leaders -- King Abdallah of Jordan, the Saudi
Crown Prince Abdallah, Egyptian President Mubarak, and the King of
Bahrain. We actually held very productive meetings. The key in many
ways to progress is to change the perceptions of each other and the
realities of each other. This is the path leading to peace. Israel
deserves to live in peace in the Middle East and the Jewish people
deserve respect from their neighbors. We have been very clear that
incitement cannot be countenanced, it cannot be ignored, and that it is
not possible simultaneously to say that you want peace between the
Israelis and the Palestinians that is lasting, and at the same time
ignore and countenance some of the most horrific caricatures of Israelis
or anti-Semitism in reports. Both sides need to make certain that they
are representing positive images of each other and of their cultures.
These are great civilizations. The Arab and Muslim civilizations, and
of course, the Jewish civilization, are great civilizations that
contributed greatly to human progress. And that needs to be the
message that underlines the desire for the states to coexist. It is
indeed a very important message. I think that President Abbas himself
has spoken out about the need to [word indistinct] incitement. We
expect all parties -- Arab, Israeli, and Palestinians -- to do what they
can with their populations to prepare them for the peaceful coexistence
side by side.
Gul: I visited PA and Israel a short time ago. As I said there,
there is a new climate -- an optimistic climate, which should be
realized. For this reason, the Palestinians should give up their
suicide attacks. Israel, in turn, should give up their actions to
assassinate the Palestinian leaders. We have openly talked about this
when I was in the region. I hope that there will be developments to
this end. Actually, a mutual understanding was displayed in this
regard.
I am sure that all this negativity felt by the sides against each other
will dissipate with the realization of the peace process and when it
will become evident that the Palestinian and the Israeli states are able
to live under neighborly conditions in the region. It is a fact
throughout history that the Jews and the Muslims have never fought each
other nor committed massacres against each other. I am sure, for this
reason, that a new understanding will emerge by itself once the
Palestinians and the Israelis will have their own states and coexist and
live in security in their regions. We should, therefore, make more
significant contributions to this peace process.
Question: Turkey and the United States have some problems. For
example, Turkey had been criticizing the United States for its policies
in Iraq. And the United States, in turn, disliked these criticisms.
And due to this fact, what are your expectations from the Turkish
government on the highly increasing anti-Americanism in Turkey and in
the region? What will the United States do to reduce the
anti-Americanism considering Turkey's concerns in Kirkuk and PKK
[Workers Party of Kurdistan]?
Rice: We are, of course, working together on the underlying concerns
like the presence of the terrorist organizations that need to be dealt
with what the United States has listed as a terrorist organization. We
have discussions about the importance of a Kirkuk that is a city, where
all Iraqis are welcomed and respected and the need for the Iraqis
themselves. And, it is going to be their responsibility as well, as
the new government. That will be a message jointly from the United
States to Turkey. All of these things need to be specified. We had a
democratic contact within a democratic context, which brings all Iraqis
-- regardless of ethnic or national background -- to a place that they
can be respected in Iraq, and the representative and the parliament of
Iraq. We will work on the underlying difficulties that we face. As I
said, friends have differences from time to time. And, the important
things is that we remember that we are still friends. And, in doing
so, we also said, each of us, that we have a responsibility with our
publics because we have democracies to speak out for how important and
central this relationship is to both of us, and to remind all of us and
our people of the long history that we have together of what we have
achieved together, of what we have supported for one another. And, of
what a prosperous future we have in working on the many difficult and
complicated issues ahead as well as the opportunities we have. So, I
believe that if we continue to talk about not just the differences that
we have, for we are working on these differences, but also many positive
elements in the Turkish-American relationship and the many times that
Turkey has supported the United States, any sense that this relationship
is somehow not worth sustaining will simply go away. The Turkish
population and the American population have to know that their relations
do not need support that these relations progress by themselves.
[08] Sources on the Gul -Rice meeting
Ankara Anatolia news agency (06.02.05) reported from Ankara that the
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice confirmed the strong past and future of Turkish-U.S.
relations, sources said on Sunday.
Sources said that Gul and Rice stated that the Turkish-U.S. relations
were not based on solely one matter, and stressed that matters on which
the two countries had differences of opinion could not have a central
role in relations.
Underlining the strategic partnership between the two countries, Gul
and Rice also debated Iraq and Cyprus in their meeting.
In the meeting, Gul underlined the importance of a continuous dialogue
between Turkey and the United States, and said that problems between the
two countries could be solved by a common vision.
On the other hand, Rice also stressed the importance of bilateral
relations, and expressed belief that these relations should be further
improved.
Also confirming that problems could be solved by mutual talks, Rice
said that what was important was the strategic goals of the two
countries.
Ankara expressed its concerns over Iraq and Kirkuk during talks with
Rice, and stressed that Kirkuk's special status should be preserved.
Expressing Turkey's views that peace should be assured in Iraq and
Iraq's territorial integrity should be preserved, Gul said that Turkish
lorry drivers continued to support the international forces in the
region, sacrificing their lives.
Diplomatic sources said that Washington once more understood Turkey's
views. Touching on the Cyprus problem, Gul reiterated that Turkey wanted
a lasting solution in the island, and said that Turkey and the United
States should have close consultations.
Gul said that Turkey expected the United States to take steps to lift
the so-called embargoes on the occupied areas of Cyprus and stated that
thus, the Greek Cypriot administration would have to take steps.
On the other hand, Rice said that they were working on what they could
do to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem, and stated that
they did not want to see the Turkish Cypriot side as the suffering party
although it voted ''yes'' to the Annan plan in (last April's
simultaneous) referenda in the island.
Meanwhile, the two countries stated that they would do their best to
eliminate misunderstandings between them.
Gul recalled Turkey's sensitivities about Kirkuk and the terrorist
organization PKK, and said that if the United States did not take any
steps to eradicate the terrorist organization PKK in the north of Iraq,
Turkish people, who had suffered much from terrorism, could think that
the United States was not keeping its promises. Sources
said that Rice's visit might contribute to elimination of
misunderstandings in Turkey and the United States.
Touching on developments in the Middle East, Gul briefed Rice on his
visit to this region, and expressed Turkey's wish to make active
contribution to the peace process.
Rice said that Turkey's contribution was necessary, and underlined
Turkey's role in the Broader Middle East Initiative. She added that
Turkey was a good model for the Islam world with its democracy.
Gul and Rice also discussed Armenian-Azerbaijani controversy,
Afghanistan, Iran and Incirlik base in southern city of Adana during
their meeting.
[09] Sources on the Rice-Erdogan meeting
Istanbul SABAH newspaper (06.02.05) publishes the following report by
Evren Mesci and Goksel Caglav in Ankara under the title: "Turkey is very
important":
"The US Secretary of State told Prime Minister [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan
that "Turkey's stance is very important to us."
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held her first meeting in Ankara
with Prime Minister Erdogan. In the meeting, which was described as
having been "very positive", Erdogan cited the sensitivities regarding
Iraq, Kirkuk, and Cyprus. Rice, for her part, conveyed the concern
[her country] feels over the anti-American atmosphere in Turkey.
While US Secretary of State Rice noted Turkey's importance on her visit
to Ankara, Erdogan spoke of concerns over Kirkuk, the PKK [Workers'
Party of Kurdistan], and Cyprus.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who came to Ankara, melted the
ice in her meeting with Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. Rice raised
concerns over the growing anti-Americanism in Turkey and said that "The
stance of a Muslim and democratic Turkey is very important to us." As
for Erdogan, he stated that his remarks were oriented toward the
stability of the region and conveyed the message that "The reason for
the things we have said derives from our sensitivities regarding the
region."
The meeting between Rice and Erdogan, which took place at Esenboga
Airport, lasted 45 minutes. Turkish sources commented upon the meeting
saying it had been "very positive". Prime Minister Erdogan, in a
statement following the meeting, said that he and Rice had discussed
Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East, and the Cyprus issue, but that the
topic of Iran had not come up. Erdogan said "On the point of our
strategic partnership, just as the relations between Turkey and the
United States are currently at a positive point, they are continuing the
process with the same maturity and in the same positive form. We, both
sides, confirmed this among us. I particularly want you to be aware of
this."
According to the information that Sabah has obtained from sources close
to the Prime Minister who took part in the meeting and from Foreign
Ministry officials, both Rice and Erdogan conveyed to each other during
the meeting the points that create sensitivity for the two countries.
Regarding Kirkuk, Erdogan, voicing to Rice the reaction felt against the
efforts by the Kurds to alter the demographic makeup of the city, said
"The special status of Kirkuk must be preserved, and no group must be
superior to any other. We, as a country that is familiar with the
region, are concerned that chaos here could spread throughout Iraq.
Iraq's territorial integrity must be preserved." Rice, despite
asserting that preserving Iraq's territorial integrity is also of vital
importance to the United States, contented herself with saying "The
Iraqi people will determine the future of Kirkuk. But we note your
sensitivities." Prime Minister Erdogan, stating that the United
States' "neglect" of the struggle against the PKK presence in Northern
Iraq has also created concern within the Turkish public, said "We are
waiting for some action from the United States in this regard. The
promises given to Turkey must be kept."
Cyprus comprised yet another item on the agenda of the Erdogan-Rice
meeting. Prime Minister Erdogan said that Turkey and the `TRNC´
[`Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´] have done everything in their
power for a solution on Cyprus, but that the international community,
including the United States, has not taken any initiatives for the
people of the `TRNC´. Erdogan, who called for the lifting of the
isolation of the `TRNC´, also said that he expected the United States to
institute direct flights to Ercan Airport. Meanwhile, US Secretary of
State Rice, stating that she understood Turkey's expectations with
regard to Cyprus, said "Work is continuing. There are some technical
issues that need to be resolved. Unfortunately, progress cannot be
achieved from one day to the next." Rice said that the United States
is doing all it can in order for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to
resume the resolution effort. Rice, after meeting today with President
Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, will then depart
Ankara in order to go to Israel and Palestine."
[10] Mr Rauf Denktas: "Turkey did not come to the island for saving the
Turkish Cypriots"
Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (05.02.05) reports that the
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas met yesterday with a delegation of
the Antalia and Manavgat districts of Turkey´s Nationalist Movement
Party. During the meeting, Mr Denktas explained to the delegation the
Cyprus problem by noting that if Turkey did not have any strategic
interests in the island, it would not have come.
Mr Denktas, who said that Turkey did the "operation" in 1974 by using
its guarantor right, added: "Why Turkey did that sacrifice' It should
not have done it only to save the Turkish Cypriots. If Turkey had not
had geopolitical and strategic interests, it would have called us to
Turkey and put us in 30-40 apartments and the Cyprus problem would have
been finished. However, because Turkey had strategic interests, Turkey
had insisted on this since 1955. From time to time Turkey resisted even
putting all the world against it'"
Noting that the strategic importance of the Cyprus is still continuous,
Mr Denktas gave as an example the interest of USA, Britain and the EU on
the island.
[11] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the visit of the Socialist
Group in the European Parliament to occupied Cyprus
The Turkish Cypriot press (06.02.05) reports about the visit of the
Socialist Group in the European Parliament to occupied Cyprus.
KIBRIS under the title "Intensive interest by Europe" writes that a
delegation of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, headed by
its deputy leader Jan Marinus Wiersma, visited occupied Cyprus and held
intensive meetings there. Along with the Socialist Group the baronet
Sarah Ludford also visited occupied Cyprus. Mrs Ludford went to the
occupied areas of Cyprus through the occupied Tymbou airport, notes
KIBRIS.
As the paper writes the members of the Socialist Group who visited
occupied Cyprus stated that they put a lot of efforts in order for the
Turkish Cypriots to become united with the world and that they will
continue to support them. They also said that they support the
establishment of the direct trade between the Turkish Cypriots and the
EU.
Besides, in an interview he gave to KIBRIS, Mr Jan Marinus Wiersma,
stated the Socialist Group's support to the direct trade. "The
regulations as regards the Green Line cannot replace the direct trade",
he said. He also added that they told President Papadopoulos that the EU
supports the regulations as regards the direct trade and the financial
aid towards the Turkish Cypriots. He also stated that the financial aid
for the Turkish Cypriots will be ready when is needed.
AFRIKA under the title "Direct flights after the solution" writes that
the Socialist Group which is visiting occupied Cyprus also visited and
inspected the occupied Tymbou airport. The paper writes that the Group
liked the illegal airport and found to be sufficient from the
technological, safety and the capacity point of view. However the
Socialist Group stated that direct flights can only be conducted after a
comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.
YENI DUZEN under the title "Interest from Europe" writes that the
delegation of the Socialist Group who visited occupied Cyprus held
contacts with the so-called prime minister Mehmet Ali Talat and the
Republican Turkish Party and also held meetings with the Peace and
Democracy Movement of Mustafa Akinci and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of
Commerce. The Group also inspected the illegal Tymbou airport and the
Ayios Dhometios Check point.
Turkish Cypriot CUMHURIYET under the title "Where are the promises given
(to us)", writes about the Socialist Group visit to occupied Cyprus and
writes that Mr Jan Marinus Wiersma stated, referring to the occupied
Tymbou airport, that "It is possible for direct flight to start from
this airport in a very short time", but added that it is not the time
for this yet. The paper writes that on one hand Mr Wiersma stated that
they want to be helpful towards the Turkish Cypriots who said "yes" in a
big majority to the Annan Plan, but on the other hand he said that
direct flights will start only with a comprehensive solution of the
Cyprus problem, showing in this way that the EU have no intention to
keep its promises given to the Turkish Cypriots.
KIBRISLI, ORTAM, VOLKAN and GUNES newspaper refer to the Socialist
Group´s visit to occupied Cyprus in their inside papers.
[12] British member of the European Parliament visits the occupied areas
of Cyprus via the illegal Tymbou airport
Under the banner front page title "Ludford: make your voice heard in
Brussels", Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (07.02.05) publishes
an interview with Baroness Sarah Ludford, member of the European
Parliament (EP) and of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for
Europe, who has visited the occupied areas of Cyprus via the illegal
Tymbou airport.
Baroness Ludford called on the Turkish Cypriots to be more active
towards the EU and make their voice heard there on the issues of the
direct trade and financial aid regulations. She said that now is the
time for such initiatives and noted that she wanted to invite
representatives of the Turkish Cypriots to Brussels and bring them
together with members of the EP.
Baroness Ludford said she would discuss the issue of the regulations
regarding the Turkish Cypriots with the Commissioner responsible for the
Enlargement, Mr Oli Rehn and with representatives of EU member
countries. She noted that Britain could be a pioneer on this issue.
Reminding that she had visited the occupied areas via the illegal Tymbou
airport, Baroness Ludford alleged that it would have been better if she
had come directly to Tymbou without being forced to stop at Antalia
airport. She said that she would raise the issue of the direct flights
to the occupied areas of Cyprus to the British Foreign Secretary, Jack
Straw and to the British Commerce Department which gives the permissions
for the flights.
Baroness Ludford alleged that the Green Line regulation could not be an
alternative for the direct trade regulation. "What is essential is the
approval of the direct trade regulation", she claimed and added: "'There
are 25 member states in the council and they exert pressure for reaching
a result by the creations of alliances on the important issues. I think
that it is necessary to conduct the states that have not shown interest
until now on the issue of the regulations. I have some countries in
mind. '".
When asked which countries she had in mind, she said: "I do not want to
answer this and warn them. I believe that Britain could help on this
issue as well. Britain could play a positive role on the taking of the
right decisions on the issue of the regulations. 'I believe that
political measures can be taken now. We cannot freeze them. Progress can
be achieved on the issues of cleaning the minefields, the opening of new
crossing points and the missing persons. I think that the Turkish
Cypriots can be proactive on the issue of new initiatives. It is
difficult to see from where a new initiative will come from the South,
but the North can achieve this. Go and talk'Go and visit Brussels.
Invite here Prime Ministers of member states. Another important point
that came out from my meetings here is to invite here the Prime
Ministers of the countries that held the presidency of the EU in the
past, that is holding it now and that will be holding it in the
future'".
[13] Serdar Denktas says they were determined to solve the problems of
the people that are uneasy because they would change place according to
the provisions of the Annan Plan
Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (07.02.05) reports that
Serdar Denktas, so-called deputy Prime Minister of the occupation regime
and chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), has said that they were
determined to solve the problems of the people that are uneasy because
they would change place according to the provisions of the Annan Plan.
In statements during a visit to occupied Morphou, Mr Denktas noted: "I
know that you cannot endure uncertainty any more. DP is determined to
solve the economic problems of our people living in the areas that felt
uneasy by the map in the Annan Plan". Mr Denktas said that they had
prepared projects for these areas and that these projects will be
realized during the new period that the DP will be in power.
Mr Denktas noted:
"After the 20 February elections a special law for incentives and
regulations will be made regarding these areas. According to this law,
all the investments made in these areas will be guaranteed by the state
and in case the investor suffers a losts all the expenses for the
investment that are based on documents, will be paid by the State.
'All our citizens living in these areas will be able to use a fund that
will be created for giving them 20 thousand dollar interest-free loan
which could be paid within twenty years for changing their working place
or restoring their house".
[14] "Turkish Cypriot Airways" will open an office in Berlin
Turkish Cypriot daily YENIDUZEN newspaper (07.02.05) reports that the
General Director of the "Turkish Cypriot Airways" (TCA), Mr Saadettin
Gezmek, said that by the end of this month apart from the office in
London they will open also an office in Berlin, in Germany. He also
added that it is expected that an increase of 20% of the passengers of
"TCA" will take place in 2005.
[15] An ancient tomb was found in the occupied village of Vouno
Turkish Cypriot weekly CYPRUS TODAY newspaper (5-11.02.05) reports that
a digger excavating foundations for a new building, uncovered an ancient
tomb dating back to the Hellenistic or Roman eras - between 1,600 and
2,300 years ago- in the occupied village of Vouno. Officials from the
so-called Kyrenia branch of Ancient Monuments and Museums Department,
called in by the occupation police, recovered the remains of six humans
and various artifacts including an amphora, a miniature water cup, seven
jugs, five bowls, an earthenware pot and a bottle made of marble.
/SK
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