Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-03-08

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mehmet Ali Talat candidate for the so-called presidential elections

[02] Erdogan has reportedly invited the new so-called Talat government to Ankara

[03] Statements by Gul and Rehn after the Turkey-EU Troika meeting

[04] Erdogan: "Signing of Additional Protocol does not mean recognition of the Greek Cypriot side."

[05] Honorary Consulate of the illegal occupation regime in Los Angeles when thousands of Turkish Cypriots acquire passports of the Republic of Cyprus

[06] More on the EU Troika meetings in Turkey

[07] Turkish Minister defends the police violence against the female demonstrators in Istanbul alleging that police in EU countries also use violence

[08] Talat and Christofias to meet today

[09] The grandchildren of the Ottoman Sultans demand property in Cyprus which allegedly belonged to their grandfathers!

[10] As in Cyprus the Turkish army buried innocent Kurds in mass graves

[11] Volkan newspaper on the bi-communal youth demonstration against the British bases and all foreign troops

[12] Another JDP deputy has resigned from the party

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mehmet Ali Talat candidate for the so-called presidential elections

Soyer asserted that the decision to nominate Talat was taken in the light of the developments related to the Cyprus problem.

Mr Talat thanked the RTP Assembly for its confidence in him and said: "We will deem it our duty to outline the Turkish Cypriots' will at international platforms and direct it towards the solution of the Cyprus problem."

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (08/03/05) reports that the names that may run for candidacy in the coming so-called presidential elections are apart from Mr Talat, Mr Nuri Cevikel, supported by the New Party, Huseyin Angolemli, supported by the Communal Liberation Party and Zeki Besiktepeli, as independent.

[02] Erdogan has reportedly invited the new so-called Talat government to Ankara

Invoking reliable sources, KIBRIS says that the responce to Erdogan's invitation will be positive if the establishment of the so-called government is announced today.

During its visit to Ankara the Turkish Cypriot delegation is expected to discuss with the Turkish government the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, concludes KIBRIS.

[03] Statements by Gul and Rehn after the Turkey-EU Troika meeting

Following the meeting, Mr Gul told to the reporters: "We have exchanged views on many dimensions of our relations. We have discussed NATO-EU relations, Iran, Iraq, Middle East, Cyprus issues as well as security of Europe during the meeting."

"Reforms (in Turkey) will continue," Mr Gul said and noted: "When the EU decided to open entry talks with Turkey, they said that Turkey passed the critical threshold. This means there are preparations and issues to be fulfilled. Many laws related to reforms have been adopted by the Turkish parliament since December 17th Brussels Summit in 2004. We attach importance to adopting reforms as well as implementing them. Implementation of these reforms is important for both our relations with the EU and the prestige of our people. We monitor the developments regarding reforms through the reform follow-up committee."

Mr Gul also said: "We are sorry for the incidents that happened during an illegal demonstration in Istanbul yesterday. Everybody should obey the laws. However, police should sensitively take action against such incidents. Necessary investigation has been opened into yesterday's incidents. There might have been provocations, but our police officers should be careful against such provocations."

The Cyprus problem and the supplementary protocol for the Customs Union Agreement were also discussed during the convocation. Explaining the process on the Cyprus problem, Mr Gul expressed regret that the "rules and regulation related to the 'TRNC' have not yet been approved, regardless of the steps the Turkish Cypriot side has taken and the promises the EU has made".

"Also the Cyprus issue was discussed during the Troika meeting. Negotiations on signing of the adjustment protocol continue positively. The protocol will be signed when the time has come. Turkey will allow Customs Union to function," said Mr Gul. He reiterated Turkey's promise to sign the supplementary protocol. However, he noted that the EU is expected to take a number of steps related to the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Mr Gul noted: "The meeting was very fruitful. We are aware of an impression both in Turkey and the EU that Turkey has slowed down recently. We have years in front of us, and EU activities are continuing at normal speed. There is no disruption. Turkey and the Turkish government will complete the EU process in the best way."

The Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement, Mr Olli Rehn, following the meeting, said: "There are many things which Turkey should complete within the EU process. We will need determination to complete them on time. The EU will prepare a framework document in June or July and it will announce accession partnership accord within the scope of the progress report probably in November.''

''We attribute importance to Turkey's signing the customs union supplementary protocol. We were assured that the supplementary protocol will be signed on time. It is important for Turkey to pursue the reform process. We will need strength and determination to complete the job on time. We attach importance to the implementation of reforms in every places of Turkey, 'zero tolerance' policy against torture, cultural rights, women's rights and economic development of southeast Anatolia. We also condemn every type of violence regarding the incidents which occurred in Istanbul yesterday," Mr Rehn noted.

Mr Rehn also said: "We also discussed the Cyprus issue. Two regulations regarding commercial and financial assistance are still on the table of the EU. We hope both regulations will be approved soon and direct trade will start. Decision on start of entry talks with Turkey has brought a momentum and this can be used for development of new initiatives in Cyprus. The EU can contribute to a possible new process which will start under the leadership of the UN with confidence-building measures. We, as the EU, want to undertake active role."

Upon a question when the EU will approve the regulations, Mr Rehn said: "A progress may be recorded in spring.''

When asked about the role of the EU in case a new negotiation process starts in Cyprus, Mr Rehn said: "Talks should be led by the UN, but we are willing to offer help."

It has been ascertained that Olli Rehn said that the delay in the adoption of the documents the EU Commission will draw up on Turkey is due to the referendum that will be held in France.

Various problems related to the strategic cooperation between NATO and the EU were also discussed. The Turkish side informed the EU representatives that the Greek Cypriot side's effort to exploit the situation for political purposes made Turkey uneasy.

[04] Erdogan: "Signing of Additional Protocol does not mean recognition of the Greek Cypriot side."

Mr Erdogan received the Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement, Mr Olli Rehn.

Making statements after the meeting, Mr Rehn said he shared the views of Mr Erdogan, and noted that technical studies regarding Turkey's EU membership process were progressing well. Mr Rehn also said he had very fruitful meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul.

Mr Rehn said he was pleased to learn during today's meeting that several misunderstandings were overcome.

Stating that screening and negotiation process could be carried out jointly and that negotiations could start after December 3rd, Mr Rehn said they were also pleased that Foreign Minister Gul stated that Additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement would be signed before October 3rd.

When Rehn stated that they wanted to be more proactive about the Cyprus question following the so-called presidential elections to be held in the occupied areas of Cyprus in April, Mr Erdogan said: "We will be pleased".

Mr Rehn noted: "We are aware that UN is the solution basis of the Cyprus question," stating that the energy that should be wasted for negotiations was used for Cyprus question. Mr Rehn said they wished the Cyprus question to be solved soon.

Mr Erdogan briefed Mr Rehn about the referendum held in Cyprus on April 24th and the process after the referendum.

Mr Rehn said building stones of the negotiation framework would be determined in June about the Accession Partnership Accord, noting that the European Commission would have the opportunity to make the basis more clear till September and added that improvement of dialogue between the NGOs in Europe and Turkey would facilitate the public opinion of several European countries, criticizing Turkey's membership, know Turkey better.

Describing Turkey's studies about the reforms well, Mr Rehn said they welcomed continuation of the reform process that would strengthen supremacy of law.

[05] Honorary Consulate of the illegal occupation regime in Los Angeles when thousands of Turkish Cypriots acquire passports of the Republic of Cyprus

TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a written statement that the post of honorary consul in L.A. was created ''within the framework of cooperation between the TRNC and the USA to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots following the acceptance of the United Nations plan for the reunification of the island in April 2004. The post is akin to a Consul General; however, it has been named as 'Representative' because the U.S. does not formally recognize the TRNC.''

In his letter proclaiming Mr. Mustafaoglu's appointment, the President of TRNC, Mr. Rauf Denktas, stated:

''In view of the friendly relations felicitously existing between the TRNC and the United States of America and the desire to develop further the economic and cultural relations between our peoples and respective countries and to intensify the efforts aimed at eliminating the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people, we have, upon the proposition of our Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, chosen Mr. Mehmet Mustafaoglu and appointed him as Honorary Representative of the TRNC.''

In his letters sent to President Denktas, Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs Serdar Denktas, accepting his post, Mr. Mustafaoglu has expressed his determination to exert all effort necessary to educate the American public about the just cause of the Turkish Cypriots and to help expedite the removal of the restrictions on and the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Mr. Mustafaoglu is a distinguished businessman and a community leader. On May 11, 2002, he was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor and his name entered into the Congressional Record. He received his award because of his successful business career and civic service to the United States. Six Presidents of the United States have received this award, as well as many Members of Congress, Nobel Prize winners, prominent scientists, distinguished businessmen and outstanding military heroes such as Generals Norman Schwartzkopf and Colin Powell. In 1994, in recognition of his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Palm Beach Atlantic University has awarded him the companion American Free Enterprise Medal.

Mr. Mustafaoglu's affiliations include Omricon Delta Kappa (Leadership Honorary), Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honorary), Phi Eta Sigma (Electrical Engineering Honorary). He is a former member of the Board of Directors of National Petroleum Refiners Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and the World Affairs Council.

Because of Mr. Mustafaoglu's activities and investments to increase Internet access by Latinos living in the U.S., he was asked by California's Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante to serve on the Board of Trustees of California-Mexico Fellowship Program."

[06] More on the EU Troika meetings in Turkey

Subtitle: Republic of Cyprus

While necessary changes were introduced, the "Republic of Cyprus" expression remained on the EU paper, Turkey will not be able to attach a reservation on the EU paper. Ankara will make a statement that it does not recognize the Greek Cypriot side.

The EU and Turkish officials claimed that EU lawyers agree that with this paper of Ankara, Turkey is not recognizing the Greek Cypriot side. A Turkish official has declared: "Turkey is once more declaring to the world that it is not recognizing Greek Cypriot side. It is not establishing diplomatic relations and as long as it does not permit opening of diplomatic representation the present situation, status quo, continues".

Moreover, Turkish daily MILLIYET newspaper (08/03/05) reports that the EU official asked from Turkey to stop vetoing the Republic of Cyprus from taking part in NATO meetings.

Turkey refused the proposal and demanded that the decisions taken in 2002 should be applied.

[07] Turkish Minister defends the police violence against the female demonstrators in Istanbul alleging that police in EU countries also use violence

"There is no indecision and disruption within this process. Four laws and seventeen regulations came into force after December 17th in Turkey. Activities about this issue will continue. EU issue is always Turkey's priority," he added.

When asked whether they discussed the incidents which occurred in yesterday's demonstrations held in Istanbul to mark the March 8th International Women's Day, Mr Cicek said that the issue was not discussed during the Council of Ministers meeting but it was taken up in the Troika meeting.

Mr Cicek said: "We do not want such demonstrations to end in that way. Everybody in Turkey has the right to hold demonstrations and marches within the scope of laws. We have made important changes regarding this issue and removed several restrictions."

"Security forces in Turkey approach such incidents with tolerance. However, such incidents also occur in EU countries during demonstrations of people who are against globalization and the police in EU countries do not greet those demonstrators with flowers," he added.

Mr Cicek concluded: "We do not approve such incidents. However, the police is a state force which represents laws."

[08] Talat and Christofias to meet today

The two men will meet today at the headquarters of the RTP, at 4 p.m.

The Talat -Christofias meeting will be the first between the two men to be held in 11 months, stresses the paper.

[09] The grandchildren of the Ottoman Sultans demand property in Cyprus which allegedly belonged to their grandfathers!

According to the paper, the grandchildren of Sultan Abdulmecit "are undertaking an initiative alleging that they have the ownership right on properties left by their grandfathers in Cyprus".

It is assumed that the grandchildren of the Sultan demand property belonging to Evkaf religious foundation as "dependent region". The most of these properties are in the area of Larnaca and Famagusta, reports KIBRIS adding that the grandchildren of the Sultan will be having the right of ownership on the property if they know the name of the trust deed of the foundation and its founder or prove that they belong to the family tree. If the grandchildren can prove that they have the right of ownership on the property and the property is administrated by the Evkaf Administration they can get the 85 % of the income from it. If the property is administrated by an administrative committee, this percentage increases to 95 %.

[10] As in Cyprus the Turkish army buried innocent Kurds in mass graves

"The Turkish military has denied any involvement in the deaths of 11 villagers who went missing in 1993, saying claims that their remains were recently found in a mass grave were orchestrated for money or for winning support for Kurdish terrorists, newspapers reported on Saturday.

The remarks by Gen. İlker Başbuğ, deputy head of the Turkish military, were published as an official military response to a query from a lawmaker about the grave, the Hurriyet and Milliyet newspapers reported.

The grave was discovered in November by villagers and a human rights group.

Lawmakers from Parliament's Human Rights Commission, which is investigating the disappearance of the 11 villagers, have said the grave appears to contain the remains of people who went missing after being detained by soldiers fighting the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK/Kongra-Gel).

After the villagers went missing, their families took the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. The court in 2001 found Turkey liable for their deaths and fined the country $546,746.

Başbuğ denied military involvement, though, and said new claims of a mass grave were aimed at winning support for the terrorists, the newspapers reported.

"It is known that most of the claims against the state and security forces in the region are brought onto the agenda to get compensation through the channel of the European Court of Human Rights and to provide political support to the terrorist organization and its supporters," Hurriyet quoted him as saying. "It is thought that the recent claims about the incident in Kulp were organized professionally in this framework as well."

It was not immediately possible to confirm Başbuğ 's remarks.

Ali Akıncı, an official from Turkey's independent Human Rights Association (IHD), which has long followed the issue, called Başbuğ 's remarks "unfortunate" and said the general should have waited for the results of a DNA test being conducted on the remains to be announced."

[11] Volkan newspaper on the bi-communal youth demonstration against the British bases and all foreign troops

The Greek and Turkish Cypriot Youth marched to Mount Olympus Radar installations of the British chanting slogans against the British bases and holding placards with slogans: "ALL TROOPS OUT OF CYPRUS - INDEPENDENT ISLAND", "NOBODY CAN PREVENT PEACE IN CYPRUS" and "CYPRUS BELONGS TO THE CYPRIOTS - GREEK AND TURKISH CYPRIOTS COMMON STRUGGLE - COMMON COUNTRY" which "Volkan" newspaper publishes in its leader under the title "What is this Mr Talat?"

The paper goes on to ask the leader of RTP, Mr Talat the following:

"What is this shame? Are you not ashamed of the fact that under this poster calling for the withdrawal of the Turkish army from the island there is the signature of the RTP (Republican Turkish Party)?

Is the aim of your desire to become President to get a new post to implement the slogan on the placard and take the Turkish troops who protect the "TRNC" out of the island? The Turkish Cypriots expect a satisfactory statement from you regarding your signature under this slogan on the placard".

[12] Another JDP deputy has resigned from the party

After the resignation, the seats of JDP in the Turkish Parliament are 362.

EG/

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