Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-04-05

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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 speaks of steps by the Islamic conference to legalize the faits accomplis of the Turkish invasion.

[02] The occupation regime was represented as 'Turkish Cypriot State' in the 4th Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers of the OIC in Dakar.

[03] 'Papadopoulos is the obstacle to the solution and bigger obstacle is the Greek Cypriot people that support him'.

[04] Serdar Denktas held contacts in Jeddah.

[05] Soyer: Cooperation with those who resigned from the Justice and Development Party (JDP) in Turkey.

[06] Talat is sorry that he is unable to issue passports, because the Annan Plan was rejected.

[07] Eroglu supports that Turkey is reviewing its policy as regards Cyprus.

[08] A five-start hotel will be built in the place of the Severis flour factory in occupied Lefkosia.

[09] Greek Cypriot property in occupied Karpass peninsula has been transferred to a British firm.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Sener Levent asks the Irish Ambassador: 'If the Cyprus problem is not an international problem, why so many countries thrust their nose in this issue'?

[11] The so-called Minister of Interior tells foreigners not to worry about being arrested in Europe because buying occupied Greek Cypriot properties is not a serious crime.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gul speaks of steps by the Islamic conference to legalize the faits accomplis of the Turkish invasion

After the meeting, Gul and Ihsanoglu held a joint press conference. Gul said that the organization had to make some reforms to meet the expectations of the Islam world, and noted: ''Islam world still has many problems, and it is our responsibility to solve these problems.''

Gul stated that the Islam world should pay more interest to the regions where human tragedies were experienced, especially in Africa.

On lifting of the so-called embargoes on the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Gul said that the OIC was taking some steps to lift the economic, political and cultural 'embargoes'.

On the other hand, Ihsanoglu said that Turkey was playing a role of a bridge between Islam countries and the European Union (EU).

Noting that the 32nd meeting of the foreign ministers of OIC countries would be held in Yemen at the end of June, Ihsanoglu said that Yemen would hand over the acting presidency of the OIC foreign ministers to Turkey during this meeting.

Ihsanoglu said that the OIC aimed to be more active in political matters from now on, and stated that Turkey had invited the OIC to a meeting to be held in Istanbul within this month as a part of regional initiative on Iraq.

After the press conference, Gul visited the Islamic Development Bank and met some officials.

The Turkish Foreign Minister rounded up his talks in Saudi Arabia and left Jeddah for Abu Dhabi in the UAE. He will hold talks in Abu Dhabi tomorrow with Head of State Sheikh Khalifa bin Zahid al-Nahyan, Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zahid al-Nahyan, deputy commander in chief, and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Zahid al-Nahyan, who is also responsible for foreign affairs.

[02] The occupation regime was represented as 'Turkish Cypriot State' in the 4th Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers of the OIC in Dakar

The paper writes that this was the first participation of the 'TRNC' in the Ministers of Tourism Meeting of the OIC and that it took its place as observer with the name 'Turkish Cypriot State'.

The paper writes that at the conference the two Turkish Cypriot 'officials' held useful bilateral contacts during which decisions were taken for cooperation in the field of tourism.

The paper writes that this was the fourth conference of the Ministers of Islamic Countries, it was attended by 37 countries, and that the next 5th meeting will take place in 2007 in Azerbaijan.

[03] 'Papadopoulos is the obstacle to the solution and bigger obstacle is the Greek Cypriot people that support him'

'Noting that he sees the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration Tassos Papadopoulos as an obstacle to the solution John Swift, Irelands Ambassador to Nicosia, has said: However, there is a bigger problem than this. It is the Greek Cypriot people that support him with great majority.

Irelands ambassador to Nicosia, John Swift delivered a lecture yesterday within the framework of the series of lectures organized by the Eastern Mediterranean University with the participation of foreign ambassadors in Cyprus as lecturers.

Addressing students and teachers at the Conference Room of EMUs Communications Faculty, Swift dealt with the common and different aspects of the problems in Ireland and Cyprus in his lecture under the title The Expectation for a Solution in Cyprus. He transferred with his own view the changes from which the sides in Cyprus passed in order to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem which is a problem special for the island.

Subtitle: The Cyprus problem is inter-communal problem, not international

In his speech Swift said that the problem in Cyprus is more inter-communal problem than (as the Greek Cypriot Government Spokesman said) international problem.

From the point of view of the will for a solution, the Irish ambassador noted that there were many evident changes during the last years in the countries that are a side in the Cyprus problem and said: As Erdogan is not Ecevit, Talat is not Denktas.

Swift argued that Greece is now aiming at contributing to the cooperation and stability in the region and the world and noted that Greece supported Turkeys accession to the EU.

Asking how the changes in Ankara and Athens could reflect onto the strategy of the Greek Cypriot Administration, Ambassador Swift talked about two alternatives and said the following:

(The first is that) they will solve this problem with the help of the international community. If they do this they must think the guarantor powers, the UN and Annan, the EU, the EU Commission. I have not seen a clue that shows that they have chosen such an alternative. As second strategy either they will see the Turkish Cypriot community as a hostile power that they could administrate or they will accept it as a future partner the wishes of which they will respect, the voice of which they will be able to listen and as a structure the leaders of which they could persuade. I have seen no clue that they have chosen such an alternative.

Swift said that both alternatives will have disadvantages for the Greek Cypriot Administration and that they were not ready for the consequences they will cause.

Subtitle: The yes vote of the Turkish Cypriots shocked the Europeans

Noting that the Turks must live happy with the results of the referendum, Swift said: In fact in the eyes of the Europeans you were the side that has always been saying no. When you said yes everybody was shocked.

Ambassador Swift, who said that the accession of Turkey to the EU cannot be realized before 15 years, noted that he was optimistic for a solution in Cyprus. Swift stated that the opening of the border gates and the elections in the North must be understood as signs to the good direction, but in spite of this there are some very difficult obstacles.

Stressing that he believed that Talat, whom he considered as the definite winner in the race for the presidency, will make steps for bringing together the two communities, as an elected leader the legitimacy of whom has been proved, Swift noted that new windows of opportunities for a solution are seen in the horizon between May and August'.

[04] Serdar Denktas held contacts in Jeddah

Mr Serdar Denktas made statements to the effect that from now on the development of the bilateral relations between the occupied areas of Cyprus and the countries members of the OIC will be easier.

Mr Denktas stressed that this was his first 'official' visit to the Organization as 'Foreign Minister' of the occupation regime during which he met with the General Secretary of the OIC, Mr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, who is Turkish, to whom he raised the decisions taken by the OIC in Istanbul and asked for his help in the occupation regime´s effort to establish relations with the Islamic countries.

Referring to his contacts with the Islamic Development Bank, Mr Serdar Denktas said that a delegation of the Bank will visit the occupied by Turkish troops part of Cyprus to inspect the projects being implemented there.

He also stated that in parallel to the projects being implemented they want to establish an area of high technology in the occupied areas and to this end technical and financial assistance might be asked from the Islamic Bank.

[05] Soyer: Cooperation with those who resigned from the Justice and Development Party (JDP) in Turkey

'The other one' adds Soyer, 'is the situation created by resignations in the ruling JDP in Turkey'.

In both cases, claims Soyer, the objective is to 'freeze' solution efforts based on the 'Annan Plan'. Regarding the first point, he repeats the known Turkish Cypriot allegations that the ruling circles in the south want to impose their will on the Turkish Cypriots and to 'freeze' a solution based on the Annan Plan. That is to maintain the status quo.

'The other point' adds Soyer, 'is related to the deputies who resigned from the JDP. Recently two resigned deputies arrived in Cyprus and met with Eroglu.

Then they talked to local TV stations. What did they say? They said: `Until 3rd of October, there will be resignations one by one from the JDP. Then a group of 50 will resign en mass. This way there will be a break in the 3rd October accession process with the EU. Thus there will be a break as well in the solution process of the Cyprus problem based on the Anna Plan´

'You see, this way, those in the south, for the sake of Hellenism interests and those in north, for the sake of Turkish interests would get rid of a solution that envisages bicommunal, bioregional federation'.

He concludes by urging those pro-solution forces both in the north and in the south to wage a stronger struggle against those in both sides who want to maintain the status quo.

[06] Talat is sorry that he is unable to issue passports, because the Annan Plan was rejected

[07] Eroglu supports that Turkey is reviewing its policy as regards Cyprus

Mr Eroglu, who is NUPs candidate for the forthcoming 17 April 'presidential elections', made these statements in the framework of his 'presidential campaign'.

'The news that come from Turkey in the last days show that Turkey has seen the realities in its Cyprus policy and is going towards changes', he said.

[08] A five-star hotel will be built in the place of the Severis flour factory in occupied Lefkosia

The building, which has been vacant since 1963, has been assigned to the PARAMARIBO Tourism Ltd one year ago. The so-called municipality of occupied Lefkosia, was not informed about this development since it has the right to use the building. According to the paper, following the 14 December 'elections', and the forming of the pseudogovernment, a decision was made by the 'ministerial council' so that the Severis Flour factory to be used by the so-called municipality of occupied Lefkosia. However, this decision was revoked without the 'municipality' being informed and the building was assigned to the PARAMARIBO Tourism Ltd. After this development the so-called Lefkosia municipality started a prosecution against the 'ministry of tourism' of the occupation regime. The pseudogovernment settled the matter amicably and the municipality of occupied Lefkosia was given another new building in the place of Severis Flour factory.

PARAMARIBO Tourism Ltd has started the works in the area a week ago, after the issue regarding the building was settled. As the paper writes the six-floor building, which is located in the Dereboyu area, one of the busiest areas of occupied Lefkosia and has stayed idle for so many years, it will be completely demolished. A five-star hotel with a capacity of 256 beds that will cost 18 trillions Turkish lira will be built in the place of the old flour mills. The works are expected to be finished in two years.

[09] Greek Cypriot property in occupied Karpass peninsula has been transferred to a British firm

The paper writes that the property, in which the construction of a tourist complex under the name 'Port Barbaros' with a 2000 bed-capacity was planned, has been transferred by the «Loyal and Royal» company which belongs to Mrs Sidika Atalay to the British firm. The amount of the transfer was not announced. The businesswoman was assigned a 270-square meters area in occupied Karpass peninsula, five years ago in order to build in this area a big tourist complex.

Mrs Atalay and the owner of 'The British Lewis Trust Group', Mr David Lewis, gave a joint press conference about this issue.

Mr Lewis stated in the press conference that the new tourist complex that will be built, will serve tourists with high income.

Mrs Atalay stated that the 'Port Barbaros', which will be a complex consisting of a marina, a four-star hotel, a five-star deluxe hotel, hotel apartments, two hot spring resort spa, one conference centre and a casino will be now built by 'The British Lewis Trust Group'.

B.COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Sener Levent asks the Irish Ambassador: 'If the Cyprus problem is not an international problem, why so many countries thrust their nose in this issue'?

'I am sure that you have heard it and when you did you froze up. The police have launched a legal process against a Maronite because he uprooted without permission 13 carob trees and four olive trees from land belonging to him in Kormakitis village. The 75 year-old Ilias Ftanou lives in southern Cyprus, but his land is in the north. Now I found out how sensitive we are for our nature, our environment! We caught the old Maronite red-handed!

However, nothing green was left in Kyrenia and no one of us cared. We ruined the olive trees. We left no orange or lemon tree. Neither locust tree nor mimosa. We uprooted the trees from all the Greek Cypriot land and built concrete on it. Who knows how many mass graves remained under this concrete. How many human bones have become the foundations of new apartments?

Anyhow, is everybody now in this country not being accused of clearing oranges from his own garden? Is everybody not being followed by the police because he entered without permission in his own yard? Treacherous Europe! Does it not see these things? Yet, how skilful we are? We have taken the properties from the Greek Cypriots and now we are selling them to the British! 270 donums in Karpass. First there was allotment. Then there was a turnover. Great work.

However, what have essentially hurt me were the words of the Ambassador of Ireland Mr Swift. Because of them I refreshed my knowledge in history. Did you hear what he said? He said that the Cyprus problem was an inter-communal problem, not an international problem! And I thought it was a problem of the Middle East. We have come into this situation because of the petrol that is under our nose. The bloody Americans and British incited us to fight with each other. They have given us guns to kill each other. They were afraid of Cyprus becoming a second Cuba in Eastern Mediterranean. Kissinger said to the Turkish ships to move. And how many things like these I have been thinking! However, the situation changed when I heard Mr Swift. Only I have to ask the Irish Ambassador some things so that I overcome some last obstacles in my mind: Since this problem is not an international problem, then why so many countries thrust their nose into this issue? Why in the plan called Annan Plan, Britain, Turkey and Greece are guarantor powers for ever? '.

[11] The so-called Minister of Interior tells foreigners not to worry about being arrested in Europe because buying occupied Greek Cypriot properties is not a serious crime

Mr Murat calls on foreigners, who were lured into buying properties the Greek Cypriots were forced to abandon at gun-point in 1974, 'to relax and know that no harm will come to them in the face of Greek Cypriot legal and propaganda campaigns'.

He also gives information of how Ankara´s subservient regime plans to sell out the Greek Cypriot properties by speeding up the process. The paper writes the following:

'On property, he said plans were being laid to speed up the procedure for granting building permits and permission for foreigners to buy property.

One likely measure was to give authority to more bodies to grant building permits.

Improvements in staffing, technology and coordination were also being considered in order to push permission-to-buy applications through more quickly.

The minister is currently sending 15-20 applications to the Council of Ministers weekly, but he hopes this might soon rise to 40-50.

'The problem is the bureaucratic functioning of the state, which we are working to correct', he said.

Mr Murat underlined the importance of the construction sector to the 'TRNC' economy, saying it was the main contributor to growth and 'fed' 61 other sectors including quarries, suppliers of construction materials, lawyers and architects.

'Thus, we have to protect the sector and also provide incentives to it' he said, adding that talk of a slump in sales was unfounded.

'The applications in June 2004 were 180. The figure for January was 110. The applications this month, up to the 30th, are 156. There is no such thing as a crisis in the sector it´s a seasonal thing'.

Mr Murat went on: 'What we are experiencing is a construction boom, and one of the main reasons for this boom is the demand for property from foreign people.

'The level of sales in previous years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 with demand at around 300-350 was normal. Last year it reached 2,827 an extraordinary increase in the applications for permission to purchase property'.

In fact, applications last year alone exceeded the total number between 2,500 and 2,600 during the preceding 30 years.

But Mr Ozkan silenced speculation of a whosesale 'sell-off' taking place, pointing out that foreign-ownership still only amounted to 0.3 per cent of all private property in the 'TRNC'. Even in the Girne (occupied Kyrenia) area, where such ownership is highest, foreign households only amount to 1.6 percent.

Addressing the Orams case, and recent suggestions in the South that European arrest warrants might be issued for 'illegal possession of property', Mr Murat urged foreign owners to 'relax'.

'The Greek Cypriots, as they do in every case, are trying to disconcert the foreigners. Their attitude towards the North is not just in the issue of property. They are trying to isolate the North from the world in every aspect,' he said.

Mr Murat dismissed the talk of arrest warrants, saying such a move was related to serious crime.

'Disagreements on property are solved within the courts, and arresting someone because of (such) disagreements is out of the question these are not criminal cases.

'By choosing this path, the Greek Cypriots are making fools of themselves. The foreigners should relax and know that no harm will come to them. We are the guarantee of it'.

Mr Murat also replied to the issue of the colonizers brought in from Turkey in the framework of an overall plan to 'Turkify' Cyprus, implemented systematically since 1974 with the protection of the 40,000 Turkish troops.

The paper writes the following after an introduction on the recent murder of Anne and Reece Mahoney in occupied Lapithos.

'Mr Murat agreed that a call by Cyprus Today for all people entering the `TRNC´ to be required to show a passport merited government consideration, and commented: 'We cannot say that crimes are 100 per cent committed by people coming from Turkey, but it is true that 50 per cent of criminals in jail came from Turkey as illegal immigrants.

Under 'partially enforced' new immigration laws, since January anyone arriving in the country for work must have a passport, while Turkish citizens simply visiting on holiday need only show an identity card.

So far, there has been an amnesty on illegal workers who arrived before January, but they are required to obtain a passport and work permit if they wish to remain.

Anyone found in breach of the new law will be dealt with when the law comes into full force after June, said Mr Murat, facing a fine of double the minimum wage for each day they outstay their permitted time and, ultimately, deportation.

'The issue of controlling entry is important, and (a matter on which we have agreements with Turkey. Those entering (the `TRNC´) will have to give details on how much money they have brought, the address where they will stay and the reason why they came. If we are not satisfied with the answers they give, they will be sent back.'

In another column under the title: 'Developers abandon Vounos Plans', the paper reports about the concern of the Turkish Cypriots that the uncontrolled development on Greek Cypriot properties is spreading over historical areas of archaeological value.

The paper also publishes statements by Mr Cemal Bulutogullari, managing director of the company Sercem Construction Ltd., and Chairman of Centinkaya Sports Club, whose car was a target of a bomb explosion in occupied Nicosia last week.

The paper writes the following: 'Developers have abandoned plans to build on the Bronze Age burial site of Vounos, it was revealed this week, dispelling fresh public concern over the fate of the historical site.

Fears had been aroused among local residents after it was noticed that construction of villas had started on what they believed was a listed area.

But officials from the Department of Antiquities and Museums who went to the site on Monday confirmed that, although the building was taking place right next to the necropolis, it was not on part of the ancient tombs area listed in various archaeological surveys.

The development firm responsible for the project said that it had been agreed with the department that work could start on an eight-donum piece of land to the north of the Vounos hillside, east of Girne (occupied Kyrenia).

Cemal Bulutogullari, managing director of Sercem Construction Ltd, confirmed that 10 villas were being built on the land and that the construction site had been boarded to the south in order not to encroach on the historical area.

'We have withdrawn our case against the government for damages and we have handed over the title deeds covering 31 donums to the government and are now awaiting compensation, or to be given an alternative piece of land,' said Mr Bulutogullari.

'We would rather not build on the (Vounos) site it would be bad publicity and we are naturally concerned about the reputation of our company', he said.

/SK

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