Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-03-07

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The occupation army says another three weeks needed for the completion of the cleaning of the mine fields in occupied Zodia area

[02] Ortam newspaper: "The status quo continues the same"

[03] A British couple was murdered in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[04] Mr Gul and Mr Rehn held a joint press conference

[05] Cyprus issue to dominate EU Troika talks

[06] Ankara said pleased with initial negotiations for EU Additional Protocol

[07] Information about the labourers and the unemployment persons in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[08] A group of 100 Grey Wolfs created troubles in occupied Lefka village

[09] Letter in "Cyprus Today" accuses greedy speculators of destroying occupied Cyprus in a rush to exploit stolen Greek Cypriot properties

[10] Mehmet Ali Talat was designated as so-called Prime Minister

[11] Gul said Ankara Treaty Adjustment Protocol to be signed at right time

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist in Afrika comments on Rauf Denktasī participation in a TV serial in Turkey

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The occupation army says another three weeks needed for the completion of the cleaning of the mine fields in occupied Zodia area

In a written statement issued yesterday the so-called security forces noted that according to estimations, the work for cleaning the mines in the region, aiming at the opening of a new crossing point between the occupied areas and the free areas of Cyprus, will be completed within about three weeks.

After the cleaning of the mines the infrastructure for the crossings will be built in the area, the announcement concluded.

[02] Ortam newspaper :"The status quo continues the same"

"We had aimed at breaking down the structure of today which is not in harmony with the international law and take our honourable place in the EU by creating a united Cyprus based on the rule of law. The Republican Turkish Party has said that it shared the same goal and convinced the people about it. However, the son Denktas has revealed the lie by stating that the RTP 'is changing persons and continues the status quo.'"

[03] A British couple was murdered in the occupied areas of Cyprus

The occupation police, which was carrying out an investigation at the scene of murder, said that there was nothing stolen from the house. The so-called Kyrenia police director, Mr Can Sinan Karliova and so-called prosecutors Mustafa Fahri and Erdinc Akyener were present during the inspection at the murder scene.

A large-scale operation was under way by the police forces at the house, where the murder was committed and which is located on Mehmet Akif street opposite the old Greek Cypriot cemetery.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (04/03/05) reports from occupied Lefkosia that the occupation police arrested 17-year-old Ufuk Degnekli for the murder of the British couple, Anne Maureen Mahoney (63) and Lyn Mahoney (71). According to information given by the so-called Inspector Niyazi Demirel, the "press officer of the police forces", the suspect was captured a short while after the murder was discovered in the morning.

[04] Mr Gul and Mr Rehn held a joint press conference

Mr Gul and the Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement, Mr Olli Rehn, held a joint press conference after meeting in Turkish capital of Ankara.

Mr Gul said that they considered initiatives to be taken before October 3rd, when Turkey's full membership negotiations would be opened. He also noted that a new road map on the framework of negotiations would be prepared during the accession process, and this map would be implemented in the best way.

Noting that they also discussed the Cyprus problem, Mr Gul said:

"Because, this problem will be put before us in every occasion, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots wish to find a lasting solution to the problem," adding that "both Turkey and Turkish Cypriots fulfilled their responsibilities to find a lasting solution". He went on: "We hope the other party will also behave responsibly. Undoubtedly, we have expectations from the EU. The Commission prepared two regulations, but they haven't been adopted yet. Our cooperation will continue, and we will complete this process."

On the other hand, Mr Rehn said that Mr Gul assured him that Turkey would sign the adjustment protocol of the Ankara Agreement before October 3rd.

Mr Rehn stated that the EU continued its preparations to start negotiations with Turkey, and hoped that the frame of negotiations would be known by the end of June.

Stressing the significant reforms made by Turkey to improve human rights, Mr Rehn urged Turkey to continue the legal, political and economic reforms and their implementation.

Mr Rehn said that "zero tolerance to torture and implementation of cultural and women's rights were important", and added that Turkey should also consider the rights of non-Muslims and trade unions.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Mr Rehn said that Mr Gul gave him assurance that the adjustment protocol of the Ankara Agreement would be signed before October 3rd. He noted that the UN would undertake the leading role to solve the Cyprus problem, but the European Commission would also do its best to help for a solution.

Replying to a question, Mr Rehn said that they had made a minor but significant progress in two regulations regarding the occupied areas, and expressed belief that these regulations would be passed soon. Thus, he noted they would contribute to the economic development of Turkish Cypriots.

Mr Rehn added that the screening process could also start on October 3rd together with the start of entry talks.

[05] Cyprus issue to dominate EU Troika talks

"Ankara is to host a crucially important European Union Troika meeting today, the first such high-level meeting since December 17, when the European Council agreed on October 3 as the date to open entry talks with Ankara.

The meeting is expected to be strained rather than a celebration of the December 17 decision, as the Troika, comprising EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, Denis Mac Shane, the British state minister for EU affairs, and Jean Asselborn, the foreign minister of EU term-president Luxembourg, are expected to put pressure on Ankara to initial a deal to extend its association agreement to new members of the bloc, including the 'Greek Cypriot government'.

Turkish diplomacy has been working on a formula to designate an eventual extension decision merely a technical one that will not spell recognition of the 'Greek Cypriot government'. Ankara will emphasize in any deal between Turkey and the EU that the 'Greek Cypriot government' is not sovereign in 'Turkish Cyprus'."

[06] Ankara said pleased with initial negotiations for EU Additional Protocol

Ankara believes that the first meeting held in Brussels on 2 March was positive and constructive. Turkey, which sat at the negotiating table with the notion that it will not recognize the Republic of Cyprus and it will continue its relations with the "TRNC" in the current state, is aiming to conclude the negotiations on the additional protocol during Luxembourg's presidency, namely by 1 July at the latest. As soon as the negotiations are concluded, the document will be initialled by Turkey and the EU Commission, or it will be exchanged by means of reciprocal letters.

Later, the EU Commission will ask the approval of the European Council and the European Parliament for the protocol document. The document cannot be amended once it has been approved by the Commission. Moreover, it does not need the approval of the individual countries' parliaments. Therefore, Ankara does not expect any problems in the approval process of the EU.

Finally, the protocol will be submitted for approval to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). It is generally believed that this stage will be reached sometime before 3 October. The Turkish constitutional system does not allow the agreement to go into effect before it is approved by the National Assembly.

[07] Information about the labourers and the unemployment persons in the occupied areas of Cyprus

According to the public survey, 74.511 persons living in the pseudostate have a job while 7.709 persons are unemployed. Among the 74.511 workers, 70.615 persons work in the pseudostate, while 3.896 persons (5.3%) work in the free areas of the Republic.

Among the labour force of the occupation regime, 70.1% work in the services sector, 11.5% in the industry, 9.3% in the agriculture and 9.1% in the construction sector. In addition, the 34% of the workers, (25.378 persons) are women while the 66% (49.133 persons) are men. Unemployment among the women is much higher than the men.

The persons working in the so-called civil service are around 25.000.

The public survey was conducted with a sample of persons and will be re-conducted every year, on April and October.

[08] A group of 100 Grey Wolfs created troubles in occupied Lefka village

As the paper writes, the Grey Wolfs group, which came from occupied Lefkosia, gathered in front of the "police station" shouting Islamic slogans like "The God is great" and "The hands that are stretched out on the country to be broken". The slogans annoyed the persons who live in occupied Lefka and around 200 of them went to the "police station" and started shouting slogans as a respond to the slogans of the Grey Wolfs. The pseudo police asked for reinforcement in order to stop the two groups from fighting each other.

[09] Letter in "Cyprus Today" accusses greedy speculators of destroying occupied Cyprus in a rush to exploit stolen Greek Cypriot properties

Near the Dome Hotel I was assailed by the smell of tom cats. A little further on, past the Ataturk statue, I smelled something more unpleasant. If you will pardon my French, it was merde. This word, in the world of French actors, is a way of bringing good luck on First Nights. In this case, it is an ill omen.

I didnīt have to go more than a few yards further to locate the source of the stink, which at first I thought was my imagination. Projecting from the sea wall itself was a pipe pouring effluent directly into the water where many fishermen can be found casting their lines on Sunday mornings.

This is only a small sample of the enormous problem which is going to hit this once lovely island all too soon. With all the building, building and yet more building going on - the result of greed rather than the desire for progress - has anyone given a thought to the already creaking infrastructure? Where is the water to come from, and the electricity to service all these dwellings? Worse, where is the waste and sewage to go?

If more isnīt done - and very quickly, too - to deal with this problem, the inhabitants of North Cyprus are going to have bigger worries than the invasion of the Greeks. There will be outbreaks of cholera and typhoid fever on a scale with which the present medical services cannot cope.

Iīd like to make a bet that when North Cyprus has been effectively wrecked, the very ones who brought it about by their insatiable lust for money, will abandon it to go and live in their mansions in London and the Home Counties, or retire to "their little place in the Bahamas". There will be around 60 estate agentsī offices up for grabs. Interested?

I for one (thought I didnīt make any money - only lost it) am contemplating a move to France where the smelliest things are some of the cheeses. "Donīt-rub-my-nose-in-it, please" (name and address supplied)"

[10] Mehmet Ali Talat was designated as so-called Prime Minister

Mr Denktas said that the people successfully passed a democratic test during the year and noted the effort the political parties made to contribute to the success of the people. He congratulated the Republican Turkish Party (RTP) and the other political parties. Recalling Mehmet Ali Talat's statement at the end of the "elections" on 20 February that he would embrace all the people and not exaggerate his party's strength, Mr Denktas asserted: "So, we trust him." Stressing that the community is experiencing a difficult era, Mr Rauf Denktas said that the problems will be solved through cooperation. Noting that he will always be prepared to help the "officials in office" even if he retires, he addressed Mehmet Ali Talat as follows: "We want to follow your successful work. You will not disappoint us."

Speaking after his designation, Mr Talat said that they had important duties to fulfil and noted that realizing their tasks under the existing conditions will not be easy. Reiterating that they will embrace all the Turkish Cypriots and avoid discrimination, Mr Talat said that they will work to deserve the strong support the people have given to them.

Mr Talat said that he "does not intend to surrender the Turkish Cypriotsī rights."

Asserting that he will hold talks with the pertinent party officials in connection with the formation of the new so-called government, Mr Talat noted that he will draw up the "cabinet list" as soon as possible.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (06/03/05) reports from occupied Lefkosia that the so-called Foreign Minister, Mr Serdar Denktas, speaking to A.A correspondent, said he could not convince "Prime Minister" and RTP's leader Mehmet Ali Talat not to run in upcoming "presidential elections".

Mr Serdar Denktas said the program of the new "government" and the "cabinet" will be announced on Monday afternoon (07/03/05) the latest, stating that Talat did not want to apply for "presidency" being a person who could not yet form the "government".

Replying to a question, Mr Denktas said RTP Secretary General, Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer would be the "Prime Minister" in case Mr Talat becomes the "president". He said a "government" would be formed after April 17th under the leadership of Soyer.

Mr Serdar Denktas said they suggested the current "council of ministers and ministers" to continue till mid-April to prevent any problem in case of change of "prime minister", noting that distribution of "ministries" to the parties would be announced on Monday.

"However, activities of them would start after the 'presidential elections'," he said.

Mr Serdar Denktas concluded that "current government" would be in office till April 17th, noting that "2005 budget and constitutional amendment law" would be passed from the so-called parliament.

Meanwhile, Istanbul NTV Television (07/03/05) broadcast that the RTP and the Democratic Party (DP) have reached an agreement in the talks they have been conducting on the formation of a "government". The new so-called cabinet list is excepted to be submitted to Mr Rauf Denktas today. The delegations have reached an agreement that the RTP will have seven "ministries" and the DP "three" in the new "cabinet" to be formed under the leadership of Mehmet Ali Talat. The delegations will now take the issue to their respective party organs.

DP leader Serdar Denktas said that those who do not recognize the Turkish Cypriots as a state have, up to now, been meeting with the "president" under the title of community leader, Mr Serdar Denktas added that the "Republican Assembly" might determine who the negotiator will be. Pointing out that the "parliament" might easily choose Talat as the negotiator, Mr Denktas said that he could not convince Talat not to submit his candidacy for the "presidency".

[11. Gul said Ankara Treaty Adjustment Protocol to be signed at right time

Ankara Anatolia news agency (07/03/05) reports from Ankara that the Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has stated that Turkey will sign the Ankara Treaty Adjustment Protocol at the right time.

Mr Gul met the European Union term-president Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn yesterday (Sunday) and held a brief discussion with Mr Asselborn at his residence in Cankaya, Ankara.

"We have assured Asselborn that reforms in the judicial, commercial, educational and social areas will continue," said Mr Gul.

According to Gul, as the EU president, Luxembourg has very important responsibilities. "The EU's goal is not only about letting in Turkey but also helping others that may wish to join the EU. As Turks, we are very optimistic and confident that Luxembourg will do its homework," noted Mr Gul.

"Luxembourg and Turkey have always had good relations. We cooperated in not only commercial areas but also within NATO, defending our boundaries against the former communist regimes. Therefore, we have full confidence in Luxembourg to help Turkey become a full member of the EU in the future," Mr said Gul.

Meanwhile, the parliament of Luxembourg overwhelmingly voted in favour of Turkey's membership. Out of 60 members of the parliament in Luxembourg, 55 voted in favour of Turkey.

"As Luxembourg, we want to assist the Turks prior to accession talks which will start on October 3, 2005," commented Mr Asselborn.

According to Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (07/03/05), Mr Asselborn, replying to a question regarding the regulations that the EU promised to issue for the occupied areas of Cyprus, said that these (regulations) are very important and that they would be arranged within the framework of Turkey-Greece and Turkey-Republic of Cyprus relations.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist in Afrika comments on Rauf Denktas' participation in a TV serial in Turkey

Arif Hasan Tahsin in his column "Events and Realities" writes under the title: "Denktas in the Valley of Wolves" and says that in Denktas' vocabulary "Independence means integration with Turkey".

Tahsin in his column first refers to Denktasī taking part in the Turkish TV series "Valley of Wolves" and his declaration regarding "the independence" of the Turkish Cypriots. Tahsin writes:

"Dear Mr Denktas!

Since 1957, that is 47 years you were at the most important and effective posts of this community. Where were you for so many years? Please do not mention 15 November 1983 because the constitution that you have enforced will deny you. You want example, here it is. You were the representative of the Turkish side in preparing the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus. And you have written in that, īRepublic of Cyprus is an independent and sovereign stateī, and why didn't you put the same clause in the TRNC constitution?

What I want to say is that with his understanding Mr Denktas cannot favour independence in Cyprus.

Denktas Bay neither wants the independence of the whole of Cyprus nor the independence of north Cyprus.

Why?

First of all, for him, there exists īno Cypriot. In Cyprus there are two nations. Turk and Greek nationsī.

As the case is he denies the existence of the Turkish community in Cyprus.

For this reason he tasked himself to annihilate the Turkish community in Cyprus.

That is, Denktas Beyīs independence means integration of Cyprus to Turkey.

Anyhow'.

These are the things everybody knows but (in the film) something new Denktas Bey added. He said: "The British and the Americans wanted and want to cede Cyprus to Greece".

How?

If they wanted to why didnīt they cede it? The ones who ceded "Dodecanese" to Greece why didnītt they cede Cyprus to Greece?

Was it Turkey or the Turkish Cypriots that precluded it?

Donīt you remember until 1954 Turkey was declaring īI have no problem called Cyprus problemī?

Following is the reality; Had Britain and the USA wanted to cede Cyprus to Greece they would have done so, as they did in the case of the Dodecanes, and Turkey would not raise its voice as in the case of the Dodecaneses.

Even today they could do so if they wanted to.

Who did appose them in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Is it possible that Denktas Bey will be changed after 80 years?

It doesnīt make any difference whether he is changed or not'

But let him change and we will see."

EG/

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