Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-03-16

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gul: "There are two separate states and two separate nations on the island.''

[02] Kretschmer: "Signing of the protocol would mean that Ankara recognises the membership of the Republic of Cyprus in the EU".

[03] The speaker of the TGNA is visiting Poland.

[04] Turkish Minister of Trade: "Commercial cooperation between Turkey and Italy will protect the EU from an economic invasion of the Chinese".

[05] The Kemalist Association accuses the US Ambassador of interfering in the internal affairs of Turkey.

[06] Denktas argues that because of the YES vote of the Turkish Cypriots at the referendum their trump cards in the negotiations have been eliminated.

[07] Elmas Guzelyurtlu's son arrested for attempting to murder one of the suspects for the crime against his family.

[08] A civil society organisation under the name "Embargoed" was established in London by Turkish Cypriots for the lifting of the "isolation" of the pseudostate.

[09] A Financial aid from Turkey to the occupation regime of 459,250,632 new TL.

[10] The Turkish Parliament again approves student amnesty.

[11] The Loyal & Royal Company will be sold to an Israeli company.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist in RADIKAL analyses the views of Onur Oymen on US-Turkey relations and quotes diplomats saying that the US has been demanding without giving anything.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gul: "There are two separate states and two separate nations on the island.''

Referring to Turkey-the EU relations, Gul said: "Turkey and the EU have created a synergy in economy and politics. As a result, Turkey became an attractive country for European investors. Recently, diplomatic consultations between Turkey and the EU have increased. Turkey and the EU have also succeeded in creating a joint power to overcome problems such as fundamentalism, racism and anti-Semitism. After the EU decided to open entry talks with Turkey on October 3rd, the Turkish government has given priority to the negotiation process with the EU. Therefore, our reforms will continue rapidly."

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Gul said: "Both Turkey and the 'TRNC' have extended full support to a solution in the island. Turkey's only target is to protect the rights and security of the Turkish Cypriots. As you know, Turkish Cypriots supported United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan in the referendum on April 24th. However, embargoes and isolation imposed on them have still been continuing."

Upon a question about Turkey-the United States relations, Gul said that the relations had been progressing on the right track.

Replying to another question, Gul said: "There is not any problem about signing of the protocol about the Customs Union. However, Turkey's signing the protocol will not mean recognition of the Greek Cypriot side. There are two separate states and two separate nations on the island."

When asked what would happen if the EU Constitution was rejected in referendums in France and the other countries, Gul said: "It may lead to a crisis both in the EU and in those countries. Such a crisis can normally affect Turkey."

[02] Kretschmer: "Signing of the protocol would mean that Ankara recognises the membership of the Republic of Cyprus in the EU"

Mr Kretschmer reiterated that the protocol expanding the Ankara Agreement must be signed as soon as possible. He added: "I do not think that a clause saying Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus can be added to the protocol expanding the Ankara Agreement. This must be assessed by both sides, especially by the jurists in Brussels. We have always said that by signing the protocol, Turkey recognizes the Republic of Cyprus' EU membership. The signing of the protocol does not mean anything beyond that. Nevertheless, if it thinks that it needs to add a declaration to the protocol that is up to the Turkish Government.

Mr Kretschmer stressed that Turkey still has certain steps to take regarding the reforms, adding: "Turkey needs a continuous determination."

The European Commission official stated that the chief negotiator must have the power to influence everyone as well as the prime minister's full support. "It is enough if the chief negotiator is appointed before 3 October", he said.

Mr Kretschmer described the police intervention in the women's demonstration in Istanbul as excessive and as a backward step taken in the wrong direction. He explained that the report that will be submitted to the European Parliament on this issue will be determined in line with the results of the ongoing investigation.

[03] The speaker of the TGNA is visiting Poland

Arinc left for Poland upon invitation of Polish Parliament Speaker Wlodzimierz Cimoszewcz.

Holding a news conference at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport prior to his departure, Arinc said that his scheduled meeting with Cimoszewcz would focus on ways of further improving the relations between Turkish and Polish parliaments.

Recalling that Poland had been supporting Turkey's EU membership process, Arinc said that he would meet the prime minister and the other high-level officials of Poland during his visit.

He said that he would also hold talks with representatives of Turkish firms operating in Poland and Turkish citizens living in this country.

''Turkish investors have undertaken important projects in Poland's recent development and transformation process. However, our economic and commercial cooperation does not reflect the existing potentials of our countries. We should further improve our economic and commercial relations with Poland,'' Arinc added.

[04] Turkish Minister of Trade: "Commercial cooperation between Turkey and Italy will protect the EU from an economic invasion of the Chinese"

''Turkey and Italy share decades of friendship. We have strong economic and cultural ties with our Italian friends. We are thankful to Italy for its support to Turkey and its people in the past and today. Our prime ministers have excellent bonds and friendship which constitute an example for other officials from the two countries,'' said Coskun.

Coskun remarked that he met Italian Industry Encouragement Agency General Director Luigi Corbo and discussed with Mr Corbo technological challenges for small and medium-scale enterprises in Turkey.

''We will cooperate with Italy in technological development and researches in all fields. We are going to establish a new technology follow-up committee that will include both private and public officials,'' said Coskun.

Minister Coskun stressed that in the past Turkish firms have had difficulties in finding right spots in Italy to display their products, such as fairs. ''This problem has been resolved. Italy will help us organize fairs and exhibitions on Turkish products.''

According to Coskun, excellent opportunities exist in the area of tourism between Turkey and Italy. ''We will mutually increase the number of ships visiting ports of each country. We want to welcome more Italian tourists in Turkey and will continue to encourage Turks to visit more Italian cities.''

Asked if Turkey and Italy will cooperate in third countries, Coskun replied ''yes, definitely. Turks and Italians will work together in commercial projects in the Middle East, Iran, Iraq, Russia and Turkish republics in Central Asia.''

In his meeting with Italian Minister of Production Activities Antonio Marzano, Coskun discussed such issues as energy, banking, transportation and technology development. ''We have agreed on joint projects in technical matters prior to October 3rd'' said Coskun.

''For instance, Turkish patent institute, Turkish standards institute, accreditation agency and competition agency will start working very closely with their Italian counterparts,'' indicated Coskun.

Meanwhile, Turkish diplomatic sources informed the A.A that Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi is expected to arrive in Ankara to meet Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer in November of 2005.

Coskun said that ''Turkey will cooperate with the Italians to re-build Iraq.''

Minister Coskun met the officials from the Milan Chamber of Commerce today, including Deputy Chairman Massimo Surdi.

''Today, we can proudly state that the Italian government and its people are sincerely supporting Turkey's bid to join the European Union (EU). We are very optimistic about the prospect of joining the EU of which we share many common values,'' said Coskun.

Minister Coskun indicated that more than 350 Italian firms operate in Turkey. ''We have provided and continue to provide many incentives for Italian firms, including tax rebates, low cost energy, allocation of land for factories and dozens of other benefits.''

According to Coskun, Turkey is ready to work alongside its Italian friends in discovering the silent markets of Arabs, Muslims in other lands, Turkish Republics and Russia. ''Commercial cooperation between Turkey and Italy will protect the EU from an 'economic invasion' of the Chinese."

Asked by a journalist what are the areas Turkey will cooperate with Italy, Coskun replied that the industries such as car manufacturing, food, agricultural products, textile and leather goods have the priority.

In response to a question on the dramatic and chaotic situation in Iraq, Coskun said: ''We will work with the Italians in re-building a friendly country, Iraq.''

[05] The Kemalist Association accuses the US Ambassador of interfering in the internal affairs of Turkey

''Who is to decide who will visit our brothers in Syria? Could it be Mr Sezer or Edelman? This is where we are currently... Enough is enough,'' said Kazanci.

According to Kazanci, now is the high-time to start speaking loudly. Where is the respect for countries' independence? Why are there double-standards?''

Kazanci stressed that the Turks should do everything possible to defend their republic and Kemalist reforms.

[06] Denktas argues that because of the YES vote of the Turkish Cypriots at the referendum their trump cards in the negotiations have been eliminated

During a meeting yesterday with Turkey's Retired Teachers' Association, Mr Denktas noted that the 30 % of the population from Turkey which had said YES to the Annan Plan did so because "the Prime Minister of Turkey wanted it". Mr Denktas said that in case they had listened to him, the NO vote would have been 65 %, the trump cards at the negotiations would have been preserved and the issue would have "gone into an orbit".

Mr Denktas reiterated the view that Turkey is interested in Cyprus not only because of the 200 thousand Turkish Cypriots, but because Cyprus is its "national cause".

[07] Elmas Guzelyurtlu's son arrested for attempting to murder one of the suspects for the crime against his family

The five suspects, who had been arrested on Saturday, were presented yesterday at the so-called court in Kyrenia which ordered that they should stay under custody for six more days. Mehmet Guzelyurtlu and his friends are accused of attempting to kill Cavga and of badly injuring beating him. They are also accused of illegally possessing guns and explosives.

The investigating "officer" of the case said that the suspects went to the scene of the incident with two cars, that the mobile telephones of two of the suspects were found in a car that they left there, that the other car was seen in the area the night before the attempt and that there were eye witnesses.

The paper reminds that Elmas, Zerrin and Eylul Guzelyurtlu had been murdered on 15 January 2005 in the free areas of Cyprus. The occupation regime arrested eight persons for the crime, whom it set free on 8 February 2005. Mustafa Cavga is one of these persons.

[08] A civil society organisation under the name "Embargoed" was established in London by Turkish Cypriots for the lifting of the "isolation" of the pseudostate

The aim of the organisation is, according to the paper, "the lifting of the so-called embargo of the Turkish Cypriots and the restoration of their human rights". The organisation has already started a signature campaign under the name "Campaign 2005 for the Human Rights" aiming at the fulfilling of the promises given to the Turkish Cypriots by the EU, the USA and the international community. After collecting the signatures, the organisation will give the results of the campaign firstly to the British Prime Minister Tony Blair and then to all the Prime Ministers of the countries members of the EU.

As the paper writes, Ipek Ozerim and Bulent Osman, officials of the organisation, visited yesterday the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas and informed him about the organisation's activities.

[09] A Financial aid from Turkey to the occupation regime of 459,250,632 new TL

Turkey will provide aid to the occupied areas of Cyprus amounting to 459,250,632 new TL for 2005. The aid will be distributed as follows:

- 82,500,000 new TL for the "Securities Forces Commanderships" and the "Civil Defence Ministry".

- 8,390,800 new TL for the energy expenses of the "Peace Forces".

- 153,512,000 new TL for the infrastructure investments.

- 83,725,618 new TL for the infrastructure investments as deposit for the year 2004.

- 131,122,214 new TL will be given as a credit from the last year.

[10] The Turkish Parliament again approves student amnesty

It was the second time that the legislation had been tabled before the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Though approved in early February, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer vetoed the bill, saying such an amnesty had to be approved by a three fifths majority in the parliament. This was achieved in the second vote.

Under Turkish law, the President cannot veto legislation a second time if it is passed unchanged.

Up to a quarter of a million students could benefit from the amnesty, including women expelled from university for refusing to remove their traditional headscarves during classes. By law, women cannot wear the headscarf, seen as a symbol of Islam, when attending schools, universities or working in state institutions or the public service.

[11] The Loyal & Royal Company will be sold to an Israeli company

The Loyal & Royal Company would construct the Port Barbaros project in the occupied village of Yiallousa.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist in RADIKAL analyses the views of Onur Oymen on US-Turkey relations and quotes diplomats saying that the US has been demanding without giving anything

"My American friends who are familiar with Turkey object when I note that "the United States has launched a campaign against Turkey." In answer they say: "Is the article published in the Wall Street Journal the only proof of this campaign? Who has ever talked about Turkey except Wolfowitz and Grossman? A group within the JDP [Justice and Development Party] is behind this incident. Can the moderate front or the Kemalist front not control this group?"

From there they are not able to assess or to follow the winds that are blowing in Turkey.

In his assessments, Ambassador Onur Oymen who had served as under secretary in the Foreign Ministry for many years and who had represented Turkey in NATO said the following:

"The article by Pollock that was published in the Wall Street Journal is full of insults that directly aim to degrade Turkey and the Turkish Government. It compares Turkey with the Nazi Germany. Feith from the Department of State also issued a statement several days after the publication of the article. And later Rubin also wrote an article regarding this issue. If we list all this, we get the impression that the United States has launched an attack against Turkey by making use of the public opinion. Turkey is being described as the sick man of Europe.

"Do we not know who is behind these writers? They come to Turkey and they stay two days in Ankara. Later, they write about certain details that no one knows about. This means that they have received this information from official channels. All these incidents are occurring one after the other. There is no doubt that there are official channels behind them."

On the one hand, an under secretary is accusing the Turkish Army "of failing to fulfill its leadership duty regarding the 1 March motion." On the other hand, however, they say that "the army should not interfere in politics." The United States is describing Turkey as a "moderate Islamic country." Furthermore, it has declared the Greek patriarch "ecumenical" for the first time in 80 years and it had held a dinner in his honor. All this is being viewed as odd.

Everyone is saying: "We are not a moderate Islamic country. We are a secular country. We have been a secular country with a Muslim population for the past 80 years. This is like sticking a finger in Turkey's eyes." And later they ask: "Which government can convince its people to love the United States under such circumstances?"

Onur Oymen who may be considered one of the experts in Turkish-US relations said: "None of the crises that have erupted so far has stemmed from Turkey's mistakes and errors. None of the crises erupted due to the fact that Turkey took a step that damaged US interests."

The United States is following the developments in various parts of Turkey with a very large cadre that is primarily located in Ankara. It is examining the characteristics of the Turkish society.

Looking at the recent actions, it is impossible not to see the mistakes that are being made in spite of the large cadre of experts.

I remember the conversations that have recently been held with US diplomats and even with various intelligence personnel in Ankara. I have difficulty in understanding how the United States is able to act in this manner, failing to understand the society and to foresee its reactions.

Oymen refers to this issue very categorically:

"The United States should pursue a very responsible policy in order to improve the relations. The United States will not be able to achieve any results by constantly imposing pressure on an ally, by constantly hurting its people, by ignoring the policies that have been pursued for the past 80 years, and by proposing exactly the opposite."

A great number of people in Ankara believe that Turkey does not act as it should in the face of the campaign launched by the United States against Turkey and the AKP [Justice and Development Party] government. However, an important part of these people cannot speak out due to their official positions. Onur Oymen is a deputy. He said: "Turkey holds many cards. Turkey is actually a very strong country in terms of its strategic position. It is a regional power. It is the only NATO country in the region. From the strategic standpoint, it is very difficult to find a country that is as important as Turkey. What is important, however, is not whether or not we are holding important cards in our hands, but whether or not we have the ability and courage to play these cards." He recalls that when the United States had imposed a weapons embargo on Turkey after our intervention in Cyprus in 1974, it had been banned from using its facilities in Turkey.

When diplomats speak about their specialty fields, they say: "You do not give anything without getting something in return. This is the foundation of democracy." And then they recall that the United States has been constantly demanding things from Turkey without giving anything in return during the past several years".

/SK

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