Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-08-22

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Soyer says that they will not annul the illegal title deeds issued by the occupation regime for the occupied Greek Cypriot properties they have distributed to Turkish Cypriots and the settlers from Turkey.

[02] Retiring Turkish General commented on Cyprus.

[03] The envoy of the occupation regime in Ankara gave a dinner in honour of the OIC's representatives in Turkey.

[04] Turkish Minister said that they would not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

[05] Turkish Cypriot leader said Greek Cypriot side cannot Veto Turkey's EU Accession Talks.

[06] Reports on the drug trafficking in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[07] Erdogan said Kurdish Problem and PKK Terrorism are two different things. Baykal and Bahceli fault Erdogan's approach.

[08] Deputy Balandi joined Motherland Party.

[09] NTV on the outline of the first draft of Turkey's new Anti-terror Law.

[10] Israel's Ambassador said that Israel does not want Kurdish State in Iraq.

[11] NSC will discuss plans to allow local Kurdish TV broadcasting.

[12] The Third International Folk dances festival is taking place in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

[13] A team from the so-called Turkish Cypriot Badminton Federation will attend to workshops in Spain.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Soyer says that they will not annul the illegal title deeds issued by the occupation regime for the occupied Greek Cypriot properties they have distributed to Turkish Cypriots and the settlers from Turkey

In an interview to YENI DUZEN, Mr Soyer referred to the efforts of the occupation regime to amend the article 159 of the "constitution" which provides for the "nationalization" of the occupied Greek Cypriot properties and their distribution to Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish settlers.

Mr Soyer criticized the National Unity Party (NUP) for the fact that it remains silent on the issue of the amendment regarding the properties that the pseudo-government wants to introduce in the "constitution". Mr Soyer accused the NUP of committing a crime against the community and of being responsible for the non-solution of the issue of the properties for 30 years. He also said that the NUP and the former Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktas is "the number one responsible" for the fact that the Loizidou case was lost for the Turkish side at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and for the decisions regarding the isolation and the embargo imposed on the Turkish Cypriot community.

Mr Soyer reiterated the view of the Turkish side that the issue of the properties could only be solved with the overall solution of the Cyprus problem.

Referring to the Loizidou and Aresti cases at the ECHR, Mr Soyer argued that the Greek Cypriot side tries to weaken the bi-zonality and to reach this result by causing difficulties to Turkey.

Mr Soyer added:

"Therefore, there is a legal procedure that foresees that the Loizidou case is a precedent for the Aresti case. For this reason, we believe that this must be faced. Therefore, this case could not be approached with the arguments of the lost Loizidou case. For this reason, we have to consider our legal preparations for this case. Therefore, we are in a continuous search. There was a report of Tufan Erhuman in YENI DUZEN. .He asks the opposition to approach the issues with scientific views. And he is right. .They have started an artificial campaign, as if the title deeds .would be annulled. Such a thing is neither legally possible, nor de facto because in any case we are trying to obtain a solution supporting the bi-zonality. .".

Asked whether or not his "government" would support the title deeds it had given, Mr Soyer said: "Of course, of course. The issue is the bi-zonality and the Turkish Cypriot people having the majority in their own territory, as regards the population and the proprietorship. .".

[02] Retiring Turkish General commented on Cyprus

During the ceremony General Tolon, inter alia, commented on Cyprus: "I am handing over an army that has not lost its identity in the degeneration of globalization; that does not need recipes from foreign sources for its modernization and development; and that believes that the Turkish soldier will not withdraw from the TRNC (occupied area of Cyprus)--where the welfare of our kinsmen, security of life and property, peace and prosperity were instituted after so many innocent lives and martyrs were lost and so much pain was suffered and after their plans of mass murder to end the Turkish existence on lands left over from our ancestors were blocked with the explicit right given by international agreements--as long as a fair and lasting peace based on bi-zonality, equal rights, and political equality and backed by Turkey's security guarantee is not established."

[03] The envoy of the occupation regime in Ankara gave a dinner in honour of the OIC's representatives in Turkey

The dinner was organized in recognition of - and to thank for - the support to the occupied area of Cyprus, lent by the 32nd meeting of the Islamic Conference Organization Foreign Ministers in Sana, Yemen, between 28-30 June.

The ambassadors of Palestine, Jordan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Bangladesh, as well as Turkish officials of the Foreign Ministry were attended the dinner.

Addressing the ambassadors, Mr Gazioglu commented on the latest developments in Cyprus. He also said that Turkish Cypriots have clearly displayed their strong desire and willingness to work for a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem, and to consider making self-sacrifices for the sake of a solution.

Mr Gazioglu expressed the hope that the Islamic Conference Organization would continue to support the Turkish Cypriots and their struggle and called on them to lift the so-called "international isolation".

[04] Turkish Minister said that they would not recognize the Republic of Cyprus

[05] Turkish Cypriot leader said Greek Cypriot side cannot Veto Turkey's EU Accession Talks

Mr Talat noted that when the occupation regime opened its ports, Turkey would open its ports as well and added: "Recently, Turkey has proposed to lift mutually all isolations. Withdrawal of 'Greek Cypriot administration's' declaration in which they said that Turkish Cypriot ports and airports were closed, will be an important and huge step towards lifting of 'isolations'. However, it is just a political decision because our ports and airports have still been working. Also Turkey has made a political decision in return for those political decisions. All these decisions can be cancelled mutually."

[06] Reports on the drug trafficking in the occupied areas of Cyprus

The paper notes that in 2001 8,651.625 grams hashish, 2,710.036 grams heroin, 86 plants of Indian hemp (cannabis), 407.5 pills of ecstasy and 2,270 grams of cocaine were seized.

During the next four years the situation is the following, according to the facts published by KIBRIS (Translator's note: The total sum concerns the period 2001 - 2005):

Drug         2002        2003        2004         2005      Total
Hashish   23,558.466  26,845.500   17,072.487   5,771.153  81,889.231
Heroine    1,585.600   4,994.928    2,578.529  10,289.158  22,158.251
Cannabis          18         117           37         112         370
Ecstasy          457         694        5,303       1,695     8,556.5
Cocaine            -     170,300       04,894      19,302     296,766
Opium              -           -            -     234,566     234,566

The paper publishes also information about the suspects who had been arrested, according to their age.

Year    Age 0-18                Age 18-39        Age 40 +          Total
2001    6 persons              57 persons       13 persons        76 persons
2002    5 persons              57 persons       25 persons        87 persons
2003    4 persons              61 persons       24 persons        89 persons
2004    1 person              132 persons       46 persons       179 persons
2005    1 person               85 persons       15 persons       101 persons

[07] Erdogan said Kurdish Problem and PKK Terrorism are two different things. Baykal and Bahceli fault Erdogan's approach

Speaking in Istanbul, Erdogan commented on his meeting with the intellectuals and on his visit to Diyarbakir. He noted that this problem is everybody's problem in Turkey, and added that he is taking the measures necessary for the country's peace and happiness.

Erdogan said: "The Kurdish problem and PKK terrorism or terrorism are two different things. We must not confuse the two. We must separate the two. The Kurdish citizens are my citizens. That is a sub-identity. We must not confuse the sub-identity with the supra-identity. They must all be viewed as a whole, as citizens of the Turkish Republic."

Moreover, TRT broadcast that the opposition continued to criticize Prime Minister Erdogan for his approach to the struggle on terrorism.

Deniz Baykal, leader of the Republican People's Party, said in a written statement that the terrorism Turkey faces today is not an emotional or knee-jerk type of terrorism but calculated and deliberate. He pointed out that there is a political project behind this terrorism, adding: "Those who view terrorism as a political method resort to more terrorism when they see the other side making compromises. If you give your hand you lose your arm. If you give your arm, you lose your body."

Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Action Party, addressed party members in Eskisehir's Sivrihisar District. He charged that the state's unitary structure, territorial integrity, and national unity are endangered. He said that the prime minister made a mistake by uttering the words Kurdish problem. Bahceli warned that this approach will harm the country.

[08] Deputy Balandi joined Motherland Party

JDP:                                     355
Republican People's Party:               158
ANAP:                                     15
TPP:                                       4
Social Democratic Populist Party:          4
People's Ascendance Party:                 1
Independents:                              9
Vacant:                                    4

[09] NTV on the outline of the first draft of Turkey's new Anti-terror Law

"The main outlines of the new Law on Combating Terrorism that is being drafted by the government have emerged. According to the first draft, individuals may be prevented from entering into or living in a certain region based on intelligence information. Regional communication and transmission means may also be restricted on suspicion of terrorist activity. Posters of organization leaders as well as placards or banners associated with the organization displayed at protest rallies will be considered propaganda for the organization and will be punishable by up to five years of imprisonment.

The draft for the new Law on Combating Terrorism, which is being prepared to fight illegal organizations, chiefly the Workers Party of Kurdistan (PKK) more effectively, introduces regulations closely related to personal rights and freedoms under the rubric 'preventive measures'.

According to the first draft, the measures that will be taken to protect national security, territorial integrity, public order, and social peace in the event of a serious and near threat of prospective terrorist crimes are enumerated as follows:

Regional communications and transmission means may be restricted within the limits of and in proportion to the suspected location where the crime may be committed.

Individuals may be prevented from being present in a settlement or a place within a region or locality but for a certain time only.

Individuals may be restricted from entering or leaving or traveling through a certain region.

An individual's passport, driving license, or similar permits or other documents may be confiscated provisionally.

An individual's photograph, fingerprints, or DNA sample may be taken provided that these will be used for a criminal investigation or prosecution of that person.

According to the draft-law, measures can be taken against an individual who has not committed any crimes in the past if there are suspicions that he may commit a crime in the future.

The draft imposes severe penalties against the financing of terrorism and aims to identify and block financing sources for terrorist organizations, no matter where they come from.

The draft, which was prepared based on the British law on combating terrorism, increases the powers of security forces. Specifically:

The reporting of the status of a detained suspect to his kin may be delayed by up to 12 hours if there is any risk that the investigation process may be jeopardized.

A person whose phone is eavesdropped may not be informed about this after the surveillance as required by the Law on Criminal Trial Procedures.

The draft envisages prison terms of six months to two years for anyone who discloses the identity of public officials serving in the war against terrorism or who fingers them as targets. It also stipulates severe prison sentences for anyone engaged in propaganda for the organization.

Accordingly, carrying emblems and signs of the organization in a manner to indicate membership in the organization; wearing attire that look like uniforms; and carrying placards, pictures, tools, and equipment that serve the purposes of the organization will be considered propaganda for the organization and individuals committing such crimes will face prison sentences of two to five years".

[10] Israel's Ambassador said that Israel does not want Kurdish State in Iraq

"Stating that they would act jointly with Turkey in northern Iraq Israel's Ambassador Pinhas Avivi said: 'If a Kurdish state is formed in the north then a Shiite state would be formed in the centre of Iraq, and that we are opposed to.' Avivi also said that securing economic support from Turkey in the Gaza Strip was important.

Stating they were definitely opposed to the formation of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq Israel's Ambassador Pinhas Avivi said: 'I promise that nothing we are not coordinating with Turkey will happen in the region. Israel will conduct all its activities in the region by acting jointly with Turkey.'

Talking to Hurriyet paper, Avivi gave the message that Israel would do nothing in northern Iraq that went against Turkey's interests. Avivi also said allegations that Israel was backing the Kurds in the northern Iraq were completely baseless, and that they had been fabricated by the Iranian Embassy. He continued: 'I guarantee you that Israel is not acting against Turkey's interests in northern Iraq. If a Kurdish state is formed in northern Iraq then a Shiite state would be formed in central Iraq, and that we are opposed to. Both Turkey and Israel are elements of the region, and we both want stability. We want Iraq to be a unified, Western and democratic country. Any development to the contrary would affect both Turkey and Israel adversely.'

Subtitle: Turkish support for Gaza

"Israel's evacuation of the Jewish settlements in Gaza is a positive decision. It is important for ensuring that the economic gulf between the two people's living on that land is closed and for bringing about peace. If the withdrawal from Gaza is a success and I Turkey and the other regional countries provide economic support to the area and terrorist activities come to a halt then peace is possible. Failing that peace is not possible. We welcome Turkey's promise of support with the aim of contributing to the peace process. In this context the Ankara Forum, which aims to bring together Israeli, Palestinian and Turkish businessmen at the Turkish government's initiative is important.'

Subtitle: Israel support Turkey's EU bid

"Israel supports Turkey's EU bid. When my European friends ask, "What will become of Europe when Turkey and its 70-million population joins?" I ask them, "You should consider what might happen to the world if Turkey remains outside the EU." In every place where there is an Israeli Embassy there are two embassies supporting Turkey's EU bid: the Turkish Embassy and the Israeli Embassy."

[11] NSC will discuss plans to allow local Kurdish TV broadcasting

While RTSC has given the start to work that would allow local TV stations to broadcast in Kurdish there is intense traffic being seen at the Prime Ministry. State Minister Besir Atalay, responsible for RTSC, earlier visited NSC General Secretary Yigit Alpogan to discuss the matter. After his meeting with Alpogan Minister, Atalay held long meetings with RTSC Chairman Zahit Akman and TRT General Director stand-in Ali Guney. The changes to be made to the directive will reportedly be taken up by the NSC as an extra on the agenda on 23 August.

Subtitle: Military cautious

Prime Ministry Sources say that although the military welcome the changes being made to the directive by RTSC acting under instructions from Prime Minister Erdogan they still harbour reservations. The topic, which will be taken up as an extra item on the agenda at the NSC meeting on 23 August, will later be discussed in detail, and the government will be told what the opinion is. The military thinks it will not be enough from the point of view of national security and the country's integrity for the institutions that will conduct broadcasting in Kurdish to give pledges. It thinks that a mechanism of stringent checks and supervision is necessary. One official said that news to the effect that the military was going to submit a dossier on PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] to the NSC did not represent the truth, and that the agenda would cover the EU, Cyprus and Iraq.

[12] The Third International Folk dances festival is taking place in the occupied part of Lefkosia

The festival, which is organized by the so-called municipality of Lefkosia, will end on 27 August and the countries that are taking part in it are the following: Turkey, the Czech Republic, Israel, Spain, Slovakia and Serbia and Montenegro.

[13] A team from the so-called Turkish Cypriot Badminton Federation will attend to workshops in Spain

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