Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-07-20

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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 to occupied Cyprus to celebrate the day the Turkish army filled the country with mass graves of innocent Greek Cypriots.

[02] Talat blames the Greek Cypriot side of being responsible for the division of the island.

[03] Abdullatif Sener stated that the pseudostate will continue to exist forever.

[04] Soyer keeps on accusing President Papadopoulos.

[05] Erdogan: I say Mr Putin more decisive on the Cyprus issue.

[06] An Azerbaijani MP says his country officially recognizes the pseudostate.

[07] Serdar Denktas continues to propagate his separatist views.

[08] The USA Assistant Secretary of State in charge of European Affairs stated that the USA is working towards the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

[09] The Spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Dan Fried statement about cross-border operations.

[10] The serial of the signing of the Additional Protocol is indicative of Turkey´s approach to EU norms.

[11] Vice Admiral Yener Karahanoglu stated that the army supports a solution in Cyprus with the condition that the Cyprus Republic will not be continued.

[12] Statements by Gul and Ahern after meeting in Ankara.

[13] Turkish General appeared disturbed with a statement by American General.

[14] The charge d affaires of the US Embassy to Ankara invited ambassador of the pseudostate to Ankara for dinner.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] Columnist assesses the appointment of Kanal 7 journalists to high posts by Erdogan.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Gul to occupied Cyprus to celebrate the day the Turkish army filled the country with mass graves of innocent Greek Cypriots

Before his departure with Turkish State Minister Abdullatif Sener, Gul told reporters: The Greek Cypriot side ignored the hand extended by Turkish Cypriots for a solution. The international community should assess this correctly and lift the embargoes on TRNC (occupied areas of Cyprus). Gul stated that relations between Turkey and the regime Turkey set up in occupied Cyprus would continue to be improved, and said: "Turkey will not give up its (Cyprus) policy until a lasting solution is found in the island."

Answering a question on the signature of the additional protocol to the Customs Union, Gul said that the protocol would be signed by the current president of the European Union (EU).

Gul added that there were no problems regarding the protocol.On the same day Ankara´s regime´s leader Mehmet Ali Talat met Gul, Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener and the Turkish delegation.

Speaking to press after the meeting, Gul said: "I want to give the message that Turkey will always be with Turkish Cypriots supporting their prosperity, security, economy and fight for existence.I believe that Turkish Cypriots have shown their compromising attitude to the whole world and the world has started to understand the Cyprus cause better...We had very fruitful meetings today and we will attend the celebrations tomorrow".

[02] Talat blames the Greek Cypriot side of being responsible for the division of the island

Speaking during a breakfast in the honour of foreign guests who arrived in the occupied areas of Cyprus to attend celebrations for the invasion, Mr Talat said that Turkey had launched a military operation on the island following the coup of July 15th, 1974, which aimed at annexing the island to Greece.

Noting that various phases passed on the Cyprus issue since then, but the problem could not be solved yet Mr Talat added: It is the Greek Cypriot side which is obstinate to maintain the division on the island. The UN should acknowledge this. If the blockade on Turkish Cypriots can be lifted Greek Cypriot leader, Tassos Papadopoulos would be forced to come to the negotiation table.

Replying to a question, Mr Talat said that the pseudostate has serious expectations from the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which is the only organization responding affirmatively to the call of the UN Secretary - General Kofi Annan.

He reminded that financial assistance regulations prepared by the EU for the sake of Turkish Cypriots would take effect by the end of this month, adding that he is not optimistic that the Greek Cypriots will allow implementation of this regulation.

Reminded that Azerbaijan would start direct flights to the occupied areas of the island, Mr Talat said: Azerbaijan is a friendly country. Start of direct flights to TRNC is exciting because it would be a symbol of removal of blockade on TRNC.

He added that Azerbaijan's gesture would have a very positive effect on bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (20.07.05) Mr Talat accused the government of the Republic of Cyprus of not being ready for sharing power with the Turkish Cypriots and for a common administration. He said that he was invited to participate in the very important meeting of the OIC that will take place in September in New York and that he is still thinking whether he will take part or not.

Furthermore, in his message on the occasion of the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus, Mr Talat noted that the struggle of the Turkish Cypriots will continue until they are equally represented in the EU and called on the Greek Cypriots to the negotiating table, after they fulfill the demands of the UN Secretary General.

Mr Talat alleged that the lasting and just peace on the island will be achieved only if we see the historical realities on the island and for this reason the Greek Cypriots need a new leadership with a new approach and political maturity which aims at the integrity of the country and a common European future.

[03]Abdullatif Sener stated that the pseudostate will continue to exist forever

Speaking in Ankara yesterday to representatives of the former Turkish Cypriot Fighters Organization, Mr Sener expressed his belief that the isolation of the pseudostate will be removed in the course of time. This was clearly shown by the developments within the Islamic Conference Organization and by the changes in how the United States and the European Union viewed the situation, he said.

Mr Sener also said, that after last years referendum it has been understood that the intransigent side is the Greek Cypriot Administration, as he called the Republic of Cyprus.

[04] Soyer keeps on accusing President Papadopoulos

In statements yesterday to the foreign journalists who are visiting the occupied areas in order to attend the celebrations for the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus, Mr Soyer repeated the allegation that the so-called isolation on the Turkish Cypriots must be lifted so that the way for the solution is opened. The lifting of the isolations is a step that will ensure the solution, he claimed.

Referring to the regulations of the EU regarding the Turkish Cypriots, Mr Soyer argued that they had been prepared without the participation of the Turkish Cypriots, who will kiss no ones hand in order to take money.

Responding to a question, he said that the foreign investments in the occupied areas are under the guarantee of the regime and that there is great interest on behalf of foreign investors in the fields of tourism, communications, constructions and the citrus fruits.

[05] Erdogan: I say Mr Putin more decisive on the Cyprus issue

[06] An Azerbaijani MP says his country officially recognizes the pseudostate

In statements to KIBRISs journalist Mr Gokhan Altiner, Dr. Recepli noted that Azerbaijans decision to recognize the pseudostate would open new doors in the international policy. He reminded that in the end of July direct flights between his country and the occupied areas of Cyprus will begin and the bilateral trade relations will develop rabidly.

Dr. Recepli expressed the opinion that after the decision of Azerbaijan for recognizing the pseudostate, the possibility of other Turkic and Moslem countries doing the same is high. Answering a question he said that the decision for recognition was not taken with the support of any other state.

Asked if Azerbaijan recognized the pseudostate, Dr. Recepli replied: Of course it recognizes it! The coming to the TRNC of one chairman and three deputy chairmen with the support of 124 MPs in our Parliament is a very clear political message and step. This is at the same time a message we gave to the international policy.

[07] Serdar Denktas continues to propagate his separatist views

He added that he had written a letter to the EU Commission and expressed his reservations regarding such appointment.

During the press conference, Serdar Denktas alleged that the Greek Cypriot leadership does not want sharing power with the Turkish Cypriots and as a result, they said No in the referendum.

Repeating his known separatist views Denktas said: Only under equal condition we shall sit around the negotiation table with the Greek Cypriots, and solution of the Cyprus problem is only possible through the recognition of the TRNC.

Denktas further said that they will wait until February 2008 when there will be presidential elections in the free areas and if after that day there is no, as he put it, mentality change then they will not wait another 40 years. He said that they will give up attempts to find a solution with the Greek Cypriots and we will alone look for ways to integrate with the international community. This includes our recognition from the political point of view and membership as separate entity to the EU.

[08] The USA Assistant Secretary of State in charge of European Affairs stated that the USA is working towards the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots

Speaking at a meeting yesterday organized by the Washington Institute, Mr Fried said that already some steps have been taken aimed at the removal, as much as possible, of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. Mr Dan Fried gave an assurance that the search and efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Annan Plan would continue.

Responding to a question, the US official preferred to stand back from supporting a suggestion that the United States open a diplomatic mission in north Cyprus in order to encourage the Greek Cypriots into wanting a negotiated settlement to the Cyprus problem.

He said such moves may end up being taken as steps aimed at consolidating the islands division.

[09] The Spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Dan Fried statement about cross-border operations

spokesman of Turkish Foreign Ministry has reacted to a statement made by Mr Dan Fried, US Assistant Secretary of State.

When recalled the statements of Dan Fried, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, who said, "Turkey's launching a cross-border operation in Iraq may have undesired results," Tan told a weekly press briefing: "Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan clearly expressed Turkey's approach about a cross-border operation. Turkey will of course take necessary measures whenever it deems necessary. Any other stance is unthinkable.

The approach of the United States about PKK terrorist organization is very clear. It announced PKK as terrorist organization and has confirmed this for years. We cannot say that we have even a slightest problem with the United States in fight against terrorism especially against PKK."

When reminded the statement of Iraqi Interior Minister Bayan Baqir Solagh who said, "approval of Iraqi parliament is required for Turkey's staging a cross-border operation," Tan said that these issues were being discussed with the Iraqi government.

"We expect Baghdad to show the same sensitivity that we have shown to Iraq's security and stability for the security of Turkey," said Tan.

[10] The serial of the signing of the Additional Protocol is indicative of Turkey´s approach to EU norms

In his weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Tan replied to questions on the additional protocol which would extend customs union agreement to 10 new members of EU.

Stating that it was expected that the process regarding the protocol would be finalized soon, Tan underlined that Turkey is discussing the issue with Britain and the European Commission. Noting that there was not any problem on signing the protocol, he remarked that Turkey had a commitment on that matter.

When reminded of news reports which said that Turkey and EU had a disagreement on the statement to be issued when the protocol was signed, Tan stressed that these reports were baseless. "It is a process. There is not any problem. After necessary amendments are made, the public opinion will be informed on the date of signing of the protocol," he noted.

Replying to a question on the frame document concerning the negotiations, which was approved by European Commission and sent to the EU Council, Tan said: "It is expected that the document will be approved before negotiations start."

On the same issue NTV television (19.07.05) broadcast that the signing of the protocol will take place with an exchange of letters between the Permanent Representatives of Turkey and Britain to Brussels and that a signing ceremony will not take place.

[11] Vice Admiral Yener Karahanoglu stated that the army supports a solution in Cyprus with the condition that the Cyprus Republic will not be continued

We are supporting a solution with the condition that the Cyprus Republic will not be continued, Karahanoglu stated during a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Vice Admiral Karahanoglu also said that the Turkish Armed forces always supported a lasting and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and added that the Turkish Cypriots had demonstrated the political will towards finding a solution on the island by voting overwhelmingly in favour of the UN plan in last years referendum.

During the meeting Mr Talat expressed his happiness for hosting the Vice Admiral in the pseudostate and said that the 20th of July was an important turning point in the history of the Turkish Cypriots.

[12] Statements by Gul and Ahern after meeting in Ankara

Replying to questions about a cross-border operation, Gul said: "We have not taken a decision about it yet. However, this exists in international laws. If a country is harmed by another country, the UN has related laws."

When recalled the statements of Gen. Ilker Basbug, Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff, who said, "the United States had directly instructed (commanders) that the top members of the terrorist organization PKK should be arrested," Gul said: "Turkey has a great expectation about the issue. We are holding negotiations about the issue."

Regarding the statements of U.S. deputy Tom Tancredo who said that if radical terrorists attack the United States with nuclear weapons, the United States can target sacred places of Islam as retaliation, Gul said: "U.S. administration and U.S. people do not think similarly. The United States has a Muslim population."

Regarding measures which were taken after terrorist attack in Kusadasi (in western city of Aydin), Gul said: "Turkish government took every measures both for Turkish people and tourists. However, in spite of these measures, terrorist organizations continue inhumane activities.

Similar terrorist activities happen not only in Turkey, but also in Britain and Spain. Our fight against terrorism will continue. Tourists should not hesitate while visiting Turkey"

Regarding his meeting with Ahern, Gul said: "It was a fruitful meeting. We discussed bilateral relations, EU, Cyprus, UN reform, Iraq and terrorist attack in Kusadasi."

Gul thanked Ahern for Ireland's support to Turkey during its EU acting presidency.

Gul said: "I have expressed my views about the Cyprus issue. Ahern was assigned as special representative of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for UN reform. We especially discussed UN reform during the meeting."

"We exchanged views about Iraq issue. I offered my condolences over the death of an Irish citizen during terrorist attack in Kusadasi," he noted.

Ahern thanked the Turkish government for its support to UN reform process.

Noting that they discussed the EU issue during the meeting, Ahern said that Ireland supports the decision which envisages Turkey's moving towards EU membership if it meets certain criteria. Stressing the importance of the reconstruction of Iraq, Ahern said that terrorist activities should be condemned in every place of the world.

[13] Turkish General appeared disturbed with a statement by American General

Gen. Basbug said that two US commanders would be coming to Ankara to discuss these issues.

Referring to the remark by Gen. Myers that Iraq is Turkey's interlocutor in connection with a cross-border operation, Basbug said: We were disturbed by the remark that Iraq would have a lot to say about a cross-border operation, because we did not understand what that meant. Nevertheless, we, too, have a lot to say about that.

Asked if a cross-border operation is on the agenda of the Turkish Armed Forces, Gen. Basbug said: I do not want to answer that.

Gen. Basbug pointed out that there is a confusion about cross-border operations versus hot pursuit. He stressed: If the conditions warrant it, Turkey has the right to unilateral action.

"The more you stop the preemptive attacks of terrorists, the more you reduce terrorist acts. A terrorist organization survives on its hope for success. If you do not hamper their hopes, terrorism will continue. So, we have to generate our own strategy and deploy efforts to reach this end," said gen. Basbug.

Noting that terrorism was multidimensional, Basbug stated that the reasons of the terrorism should not be ignored. "You cannot reach any result solely by armed struggle," he added.

Referring to hot pursuit and cross-border operations, Basbug said that they were taking UN Security Council resolutions as a basis regarding these operations. Answering a question, Basbug said that the United States had an intention to do something against the terrorist organization PKK, but no decision had been made yet.

Basbug noted that U.S. military officials had told their Turkish counterparts that they could understand Turkey's concerns, and said: "There are a lot of things that can be done against a terrorist organization. Capture the top members. They (United States) have a serious intention about this issue, more than that, they are determined. They have given direct orders to capture the top members (of terrorist organization PKK). This is a positive development."

"The Americans know that Turkish people's feelings regarding the United States would not change if they (the Americans) did not take concrete measures against the terrorist organization (PKK), added Basbug.

Basbug went on saying: "Terrorists always want to bring us face-to-face with the innocent people. Another difficulty is establishing an equilibrium between democratic rights and security needs. Another one is geographical conditions. Despite these difficulties, we are obliged to assure security. What does Turkey expect from the international community, especially the Iraqi government, the United States and European countries? We just want the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions no 1373 and 1546. Nothing more, nothing less.

The resolution no 1373 asks countries to stop political, financial and administrative support to terrorist organizations; cut their resources of procuring arm, explosive and the like; stop accommodation and free movement of terrorists, and destroy their communication means. On the other hand, the resolution no 1546 asks Iraq to stop terrorist acts, emanating from its territory."

Touching on the current situation, Basbug said: "After the arrest of the head terrorist, the number of terrorists in Turkey fell to the minimum level. This number is now 1,800-1,900. The number of the (PKK) terrorists in foreign countries is 3,300-3,700. Some 2,800-3,100 of them are in the north of Iraq, and the rest are in Syria and Iran. As for the terrorist organization in the north of Iraq, we can say that 600-650 terrorists are on the Kandil Mountain, while the rest i.e., 2,200-2,450 are stationed along 384-km-long Turkey-Iraq border."

Touching on the recent terrorist attacks within Turkey, Basbug said: "The organization uses explosives and mines in 50 percent of its attacks. It used 175 explosives and mines so far, while 140 others were found and defused by security forces. Unfortunately, 105 soldiers have been killed in recent attacks. Remote-controlled explosives and mines pose the biggest threat to our forces.

Another threat is the suicide attacks. From this analysis, we can conclude that the terrorist organization is choosing attacks with the least risk. This is in fact a sign of lack of strength of the terrorist organization."

Finally, Gen. Basbug said that the Turkish Armed Forces was doing what was necessary to find the soldier kidnapped by the terrorists on June 11th.

[14] The charge d affaires of the US Embassy to Ankara invited ambassador of the pseudostate to Ankara for dinner

The paper writes that this issue was published in various Turkish newspapers yesterday which noted that this is the first time that a USA diplomat met face-to-face with an ambassador of the pseudostate.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] Columnist assesses the appointment of Kanal 7 journalists to high posts by Erdogan

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has selected some top former Kanal 7 TV personalities for important positions in his administration, drawing fire from the secularist establishment.

There are claims that religious figures are taking up important positions and this is a direct threat to the state system and the secularist identity of the country. That's why President Ahmet Necdet Sezer keeps on turning down state appointments, and thus many important departments have to be run by acting directors and undersecretaries.

In general the appointments of the government are well placed and would serve the country. But in many cases the opponents of the government inside the bureaucratic system do everything they can to stall these newly appointed officials.

It was clear for quite some time that the prime minister's relations with the media weren't properly managed. It was also a fact that there were no real official spokesmen for the government and this was a problem.

So, in the end, the prime minister appointed Akif Beki as his official spokesman and director for media affairs. This was an excellent appointment, as Beki is not only a good journalist who has excellent connections in the media but he's a decent, hard-working individual who can be a troubleshooter for the prime minister. He was with the Turkish Daily News in the past working under this columnist, who was then editor in chief of the paper, and proved a very shrewd professional. He later joined Kanal 7 TV and became its Washington representative. Later he returned to Turkey and became the Ankara representative of Kanal 7. He was close to the prime minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul even before the government came into office.

The fact that Kanal 7 used to address the masses with religious sensitivities had nothing to do with Beki's appointment.

Now we have another former Kanal 7 personality in a top post thanks to the backing of the prime minister. Zahit Akman has become the new chief of the prestigious Turkish Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK). He's the former representative of Kanal 7 in Ankara and then in Washington. He's been out of Kanal 7 for quite some time and has been involved in business. He was elected by Parliament as a RTUK member from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) contingent. He has a Ph.D. in TV broadcasting and is a well-qualified person for the job. His qualifications as a journalist and broadcaster are excellent. He's also a very decent individual and probably the best the ruling party could have brought to this post. Fatih Karaca, the former RTUK boss, is our good friend and we're sorry that he went. But our consolation is that he is being replaced by Akman, who's also a perfect choice.

He and Beki deserve all the support they can get from us. Let us hope they don't fall into the trap of the major media groups who will try their best to win favors from them for their TV stations and newspapers.

Meanwhile, Ahmat Hakan, the former popular TV newscaster of Kanal 7, didn't join the others in state service but opted to go over to the daily Hurriyet, which has always opposed the masses with religious sensitivities. Now Hakan says in his columns that no one should put him in the same basket as the other Kanal 7 figures. That's true. Hakan should sit down and consider why the bosses at Hurriyet enlisted him in the first place.

/SK

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