Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-07-19

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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 anniversary of the occupation of Cyprus by 40,000 Turkish troops and the continuing violations of the human rights of the Greek Cypriots are marked with provocative celebrations by Turks and foreigners.

[02] Statements by Talat on Erdogan´s understanding as recognition of the Azeri visit to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

[03] The 20th of July is a very important day for Mehmet Ali Talat.

[04] Soyer says the interests of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots are common.

[05] Another example of the influence of the embassy of Turkey in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Islamic lessons in the mosques.

[06] The occupation regime gave 26.050 work permits between 1-15 July 2005.

[07] Turkish and Turkish Cypriot Press on Putin-Erdogan working summit in Sochi.

[08] Statements by President Putin and Premier Erdogan after meeting in Sochi.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] Columnist in ZAMAN argues that Erdogan needs Moscow to make possible a multi-polar world.

[10] Erdogan continues flirting Putin to succeed in legitimizing Turkey´s crimes against Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The anniversary of the occupation of Cyprus by 40,000 Turkish troops and the continuing violations of the human rights of the Greek Cypriots are marked with provocative celebrations by Turks and foreigners

Ceremonies will be held to mark the 31st anniversary of the Turkish peace operation on 20 July 1974. The `TRNC´ [`Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´] will host a large number of guests from Turkey, the Turkic Republics, and the European countries. Delegations from the Presidential Office, the Government, and the military forces will represent Turkey during the ceremonies.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is expected to arrive in the `TRNC´ at the head of a delegation tomorrow. Minister of State Abdullatif Sener, who is responsible for Turkey's Cyprus affairs, and high-ranking bureaucrats are among the members of the delegation. Kemal Nevrusoglu, secretary general of the Presidential Office, will arrive on the same flight.

Abdullah Gul will be accompanied by his wife. He and his delegation are expected to depart on 21 July.

Burhan Kilic, head of the parliament's administration, will arrive in the `TRNC´ this afternoon. Admiral Yener Karahanoglu will represent the Turkish Armed Forces. He is expected to arrive in north Cyprus tomorrow.

Many foreign representatives will participate in the ceremonies. An Azerbaijani delegation arrived yesterday. They were followed by high-ranking deputies and representatives from Denmark, Brussels, Macedonia, Georgia, Yemen, Indonesia and Sudan last night. Pakistani and Palestinian representatives are expected to arrive today and deputies from Israel and Nigeria are expected to arrive tomorrow.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot CUMHURIYET newspaper (19.07.05) reports that two frigates of the Turkish Navy, the Gelibolu and the Muavenet arrived in the occupied Kyrenia harbour yesterday.

The frigates are open for visit by the public.

Furthermore, according to KIBRIS (19.07.05) the speaker of the Senate of Pakistan Mr Wassem Sajjad arrived in the occupied part of Cyprus heading a three member delegation in order to participate in the celebrations for the 1974 invasion of Cyprus.

[02] Statements by Talat on Erdogan´s understanding as recognition of the Azeri visit to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

We believe that there should definitely be flights to the Ercan (occupied Tymbou) Airport not only from Istanbul but also from the other countries. The question of political recognition is another matter. We are waging a struggle to have the measures that keep us in isolation removed. Our objective is to solve the Cyprus problem. It is the solution of the Cyprus problem through an agreement. However, the Turkish Cypriots should not have been kept in isolation particularly after they demonstrated their determination to work for the solution of the Cyprus problem. The main objective of the Azerbaijani deputies is to contribute toward the removal of the measures that keep the Turkish Cypriots in isolation. That is how the matter should be viewed. The removal of the isolation will encourage others, particularly the Greek Cypriot administration which is not interested in an agreement, to agree to contribute toward the solution of the problem. The strategic objective is the solution of the Cyprus problem. That has to be considered.

[03] The 20th of July is a very important day for Mehmet Ali Talat

Mr Talat made these statements receiving a delegation of the Turkish Assembly who is visiting occupied Cyprus in the framework of the celebrations for the anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.

The 20th of July is a very important day for us. It is a turning point in Cyprus history. Actually is the biggest turning point, he noted.

Mr Talat also said that the 20th of July is the date of the Turkish Republics interference against the coup d etat organised by the Greek junta in Cyprus and noted that this was a result of Turkeys duties from the Guarantee Agreements. He also stated that the result was to prevent the unification of Cyprus to Greece.

Mr Talat thanked the deputies who visited occupied Cyprus for the celebration, because this shows their support towards the pseudostate, as he said. Mr Talat received Mr Burhan Kilic, the administrative manager of the Turkish Assembly and Antalya deputy of the Justice and Development Party (JDP) and Mr Bayram Ozcelik, the Burdur deputy of the JDP.

[04] Soyer says the interests of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots are common

In statements during a meeting he had with the delegation of the Turkish Grand National Assembly which is visiting the occupied part of Cyprus in order to participate in the celebrations for the 31st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the island, Mr Soyer noted that the Turkish Cypriots have always felt the moral, material and political support of Turkey during their history while trying to protect their existence.

Mr Soyer expressed his satisfaction for seeing the delegation of the TGNA at the celebrations. Noting that the interests of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots are common, he added that their goal was to take forward the advantages and the disadvantages of this new period in the direction of common values and in cooperation with the pseudoassembly, the TGNA and the government of Turkey.

[05] Another example of the influence of the embassy of Turkey in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Islamic lessons in the mosques.

The permanent secretary at the so-called ministry of education of the occupation regime, Mr Erdogan Sorakin has stated that they gave permission to no one to organize religious lessons or Koran courses at the mosques.

Meanwhile, the imam of Neapolis, Abdullah Selcuk said that they have taken permission from the embassy of Turkey to Nicosia. This is done at 64 villages in the whole island by religious officials from Turkey, he added. Mr Selcuk noted that they have 26 students in their class and that in the villages this number reaches 50. We give lessons to students after the second class, who knows to read and write, he said.

KIBRIS notes that this statement causes some questions. The reporter of the paper could not reach anybody form the embassy to discuss the issue.

The chairman of the union of Religious Officials, Faruk Seckin pointed out that the so-called ministry of education and culture has not given permission for religious courses and added that the religious officials from Turkey have the permission of Turkeys Department for Religious Affairs.

[06] The occupation regime gave 26.050 work permits between 1-15 July 2005

Mr Ozkan Murat stated that since the 1st of July, when the so-called immigration law started to be implemented in the occupied areas of Cyprus, and until the 15th of July, 29.333 applied for work permit of whom 26.050 were given work permit.

[07] Turkish and Turkish Cypriot Press on Putin-Erdogan working summit in Sochi

MILLIYET: In a front page news with a picture, where Mr Putin and Mr Erdogan sitting around a breakfast table. The title under the picture reads: Putin has hosted Erdogan in his dacha in Sochi during a breakfast.

Putin: The Embargo on the `TRNC´ should be removed.

SABAH: In its front page reports under the title: Close Friends and publishes a picture where Mr. Putin and Mr Erdogan walk in the wood.

The paper wrote: Erodgan had a four-hour meeting with Putin in the evening and next morning they came together at a breakfast. The agenda of the fourth meeting in seven months included Blue Stream Project, 25 billion Dollars trade, Iraq and Cyprus.

AKSAM: Publishes the same picture as in SABAH, with an enlarged frame. The subtitle reads 25 Billion dollar meeting in Sochi.

Mr Erodgan and Russian President Putin had a four and a half hours meeting in Sochi. It was announced that new petrol and natural gas pipelines will be constructed between the two countries and that the trade volume will be raised to 25 billion dollars. They also discussed the instability in Iraq, international terrorism. As regards Cyprus Mr Putin said that they support Turkey. During the meeting, the Russian authorities did not permit a PKK protest gathering.

HURRIYET: (internet version) The Sochi summit between Russian leader Putin and Erodgan ended with Russia´s declaration that it has opened a new page in its Cyprus policy.

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS

KIBRIS: Support for the UN regarding Cyprus Subtitle: Cyprus priority item on the agenda. Putin said they support the UN. Putin´s stance made Erdogan Happy.

GUNES: Reports in its inside page: Putin Erdogan Summit

YENIDUZEN: Produces picture from MILLIYET and reports under the title:

Putin: `We will continue to support Annan efforts´

HALKIN SESI: Reports under banner headline: Putin: Economic isolation should be removed.

CUMHURIYET: In its inside page reproduces the breakfast picture and reports under the headline: Support for Cyprus from Putin to Erdogan.

AFRIKA: Putin: We will continue to support the UN Secretary-General´s efforts is the title of the article in AFRIKA with the Breakfast Picture.

ORTAM: Reports under the title: Erdogan is satisfied from Putin´s stance as regards Cyprus.

KIBRILSI: On a front page reports under banner headlines: Bi-regional and two-people solution. KIBRISLI claims that Russian President Putin had stressed: Two peoples two regions and removal of isolations.

[08] Statements by President Putin and Premier Erdogan after meeting in Sochi

Putin stressed that Erdogan and he met each other for four times in the past seven months. This shows how rapid our relations are growing, said Putin. Putin noted that he was very pleased with the results of his meeting with Erdogan.

According to Putin, as of 2004, the trade volume between Turkey and Russia reached 11 billion USD. Our common goal is to raise the trade volume to 25 billion USD in upcoming years, said Putin.

Putin remarked that the dialogue on energy between the two countries is also growing rapidly. Russia will continue to fulfill its promises as far as natural gas is concerned. This promise includes the Blue Stream project under the Black Sea, noted Putin.

Putin stated that the current investments of Turkish businessmen in Russia is worth about 1.5 billion USD. We must increase this number. Russian firms are also excited about investing in Turkey, mentioned Putin.

In reference to Cyprus, Putin indicated that Russia will continue supporting the initiatives of the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Cyprus.

Erdogan remarked that his frequent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin means a lot for the future of both nations. Our thoughts on regional welfare and stability, and contributing to global peace are identical, said Erdogan.

Erdogan reiterated that both Turkey and Russia are for joint struggle against terrorism that has become a threat against innocent children, men and women all across the world.

Putin and Erdogan talked about cultural activities, including declaring a year of Turkey in Russia and, similarly, a year of Russia in Turkey.

Erdogan stressed that Turkey is the favorite destination of Russian tourists. I would like to express our happiness to host Russian tourists, mentioned Erdogan.

According to Erdogan, Putin shares the idea that the Upper Karabakh problem must be resolved soon.

We must find just and comprehensive solutions to our problems. We are pleased to see that Russia and we share a common vision regarding how to resolve them, added Erdogan.

In response to a question Erdogan indicated that only a politically stable country can attract foreign investments. He noted that natural gas pipeline is an example of efforts aiming to create a platform between Turkey and Russia. We are taking further steps in the areas such as oil, telecommunications, energy, iron, steel and defense. Russian defense firms will participate in the tenders to be called by the Turkish armed forces, added Erdogan.

Answering a question President Putin expressed that the promotion of commercial and economic ties between countries depend on a positive political atmosphere. Turkish contractors completed projects in Russia worth over 12 billion USD. Many Russian tourists choose Turkey for their holiday. Many Russians would not have chosen Turkey as a holiday destination if circumstances were not appropriate. Likewise, Turkish contractors would not have worked in Russia if there had been undesired atmosphere, underlined Putin.

Putin stated that many Russian firms are eager to invest in Turkish iron and steel industry. Prime Minister Erdogan expressed a desire to see Russian defense companies participating in helicopter tenders in Turkey, indicated Putin.

In response to a question by a Turkish journalist on Cyprus, Putin stressed that Russia supports the initiatives of the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in this regard. We all know the situation in Cyprus. The first step in Cyprus must be to end the economic isolation in one part of the island. The second step should be to normalize relations between the two communities, mentioned Putin.

Putin reminded Erdogan that he is extending an invitation to Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer to come to Moscow soon. A date for Sezers visit will be announced later by diplomatic channels.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[09] Columnist in ZAMAN argues that Erdogan needs Moscow to make possible a multi-polar world

Tieless meetings emerged at the time of [Former Russian President] Boris Yeltsin as a means of neutralizing changes by spreading them over time and space, defusing tension, and solving problems by avoiding discouraging diplomatic procedures. Meetings were held with many world leaders using this method. It was only at such meetings that it became possible for certain gangrenous problems to be discussed for the first time.

Since by their very nature tieless meetings could not produce very concrete and binding results, they served as a shield against the initial negative reaction of the public, which is open to manipulation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is continuing this beautiful legacy from Yeltsin. In Sochi at the other side of the Black Sea, Putin and Prime Minister Erdogan are holding a meeting of this kind. The agenda of the meeting is between nothing and everything. The two leaders can discuss many topics without annoying one another.

Turkish diplomatic sources prefer to give priority to Cyprus and the PKK [Workers Partys of Kurdistan]. Ankara has not forgotten how Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, vetoed the Cyprus resolution drawn up by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. It is making use of every opportunity to call Moscows attention to Cyprus and ask for its support for the next stage.

However, it is necessary that chronic problems not be allowed to get in the way of bilateral relations between the two countries, which want to raise their multi-dimensional cooperation to the level of strengthened multi-dimensional cooperation. Giving priority to long-standing issues like Cyprus and the Caucasus could cause the sides to fall out of love with one another prematurely. For this reason, it is necessary to concentrate on new initiatives that could pave the way for cooperation based on mutual interests. Otherwise, getting bogged down in the Karabakh issue, which Azerbaijan and Armenia are insisting on trying to solve using only old methods, or in the Cyprus question, which the world has discovered to be an intractable issue, will only cause us to come up against one of the classical problems [in bilateral relations with Russia] once again.

Besides, reviving old disagreements and doubts will not produce any benefits. A case in point is the way in which the Nezavisimaya daily searched for the spirit of Pan-Turkism in Central Asia as recently as last week. The age-old debate on Turkeys kinship with Central Asia ignores the newly developing, concrete ties of kinship between Turks and Russians.

Where Russia, which is surrounded by former younger brothers that are competing with one another to engage Moscow in a verbal duel every day, needs a strong friend like Turkey, Ankara needs a Moscow which could make possible a multi-polar world. Yet only time will show how successful the tieless Putin-Erdogan meeting has been.

[10] Erdogan continues flirting Putin to succeed in legitimizing at Turkey´s crimes against Cyprus

We are in Sochi, a Black Sea resort, for the talks that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hold with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports received from Moscow ahead of the visit indicated that there were a variety of issues on the agenda of the talks, which started in a dinner yesterday and will continue today. According to sources, the issues to be discussed range from international terrorism to the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations last summit meeting in Astana, which issued a message to the United States, urging it to withdraw from the Central Asia. Meanwhile, the leaders will also have time to discuss the Cyprus question in addition to economic issues, which will be another focus of attention.

Subtitle: PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] and Chechen terror

I am quoting Russian sources because it should be noted that the visit has aroused more interest in Russia than it did in Turkey. This is confirmed by the fact that the Russian press has been carrying detailed reports about the visit for several days. Judging only by some of the issues, which, according to those reports, will be discussed, we can conclude that international terrorism has assumed special importance from the standpoint of both countries after the bomb attacks in London. Both Turkey and Russia have been trying to cope with that problem for a long period. The two countries are no stranger to that phenomenon due to the terror campaigns of the PKK and Chechens. The issue occasionally affected their bilateral relations because of the accusations that the PKK was receiving support from Russia and that Turkey was backing Chechens. The matter will, therefore, be unavoidably raised during Erdogan-Putin meeting. Iraqs invasion and the ensuing developments are among the issues, which are a matter of serious concern for both countries. Just like Ankara, Moscow is not happy about the way the United States has intervened in the region. Meanwhile, the Central Asian Republics, which are anxious about Washingtons Democratisation mission in the region, are moving towards the Russian-Chinese axis and Ankara keeps a close watch on that trend. Meanwhile, both Moscow and Ankara are also following the political developments in the Central Asia. There is no doubt that both leaders would like to exchange views on that matter.

Subtitle: Russias stance on Cyprus

As regards the Cyprus question, Erdogan will undoubtedly try to understand why Russia has been blocking the UN Secretary-Generals last report on that matter. Another interesting aspect of the matter is that Russia lent support to Annans plan, which failed due to the uncompromising stance taken by the Greek Cypriots, when it was first proposed. Of course, Russias possible contributions to the ongoing efforts aimed at putting an end to the international isolation of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ (occupied areas of Cyprus) will also be discussed in the meeting.

These are only some of the political issues, which are likely to be discussed. As I have just mentioned, however, economic issues will be among the main highlights of the talks. This is not surprising because sources say that the volume of economic cooperation between the two countries is around $14 to $15 billion. Of this, $11 billion is accounted for by bilateral trade. Turkey insists that the existing imbalance in bilateral trade, which works to Turkeys disadvantage, should be redressed. The latest crisis experienced in fruit and vegetable exports to Russia has shown that there should be closer coordination between the two countries about those issues.

Meanwhile, the fact that Erdogan and Putin will have their fourth meetings since last December is probably one of the most important indications of the rapid improvement in Turkish-Russian relations. According to some observers, it signifies that Turkish-Russian ties are bound to assume strategic importance. This may be an overstatement. It is, however, clear that relations between the two countries are gradually assuming greater importance at a pace affecting the whole region.

/SK

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