Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-09-13

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] HURRIYET: Greek Cypriots object to UN reference.

[02] The Turkish Cypriots working in the free areas of the island contributed 36 million dollars to the economy of the pseudostate.

[03] The occupation army destroys an archaeological site of 7.000 years in Karpass peninsula.

[04] The so-called Minister of National Education and Culture went to Britain to attend an international conference.

[05] Ankara to oppose new conditions on Cyprus in EU accession framework document.

[06] Statements by Turkish State Minister on his return from USA.

[07] Suspect believed to be planning an attempt on Erdogan's life.

[08] Turkey unwilling to reach friendly settlement on minority foundations.

[09] Cicek opposed to renouncing rights.

[10] Turkey's growth rate.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Columnist: "Could Cyprus block the EU process?"

[12] Turkish columnist commented on possible Military Coup in Turkey.

[13] "Homeland security: Urgently needed!"

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] HURRIYET: Greek Cypriots object to UN reference

The paper reports that in the compromise counter-declaration "recognition is demanded prior to membership" and there is reference to the UN solution efforts. The paper claims that the Greek Cypriots got angry and objected to this reference. HURRIYET reports that the Greek Cypriots demand the removal of this reference thus aiming at carrying the Cyprus problem to the EU.

(M.Y)

[02] The Turkish Cypriots working in the free areas of the island contributed 36 million dollars to the economy of the pseudostate

In a statement yesterday to Turkish Cypriot GENC TV, Mr Soyer alleged that since they came to power the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat and his so-called government have engaged in confidence building steps, such as the progress made on the issue of the missing persons, the cleaning of the landmines, the opening of Zhodia crossing point and the proposals submitted regarding the closed city of Varosha.

Mr Soyer said that the crossing point at Ledra Street, in the centre of Nicosia, will be opened as soon as the landmines are cleaned. "In case the Greek Cypriot administration uses delaying tactics as happened at the gate in Zhodia, we shall open the Ledra Street gate, even if we have to do it unilaterally", he alleged.

Referring to the economic developments in the occupied areas, Mr Soyer noted that the so-called universities brought to the pseudostate the income of 70 million dollars in 2003 and 90 million dollars in 2004. The income from tourism was 175 million dollars in 2003 and increased to 271 million dollars in 2004, he added. Mr Soyer said that the Turkish Cypriots who work in the free areas of Cyprus had a contribution of 36 million dollars to the economy of the pseudostate.

Mr Soyer claimed that the opinion of the opposition that the Turkish Cypriots are disappointed is not right and added that the Euro Barometer which was announced recently showed that the Turkish Cypriots are satisfied from what has been done on the issue of reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem and achieving a united Cyprus as well as from the actions in the economic field.

I/Ts.

[03] The occupation army destroys an archaeological site of 7.000 years in Karpass peninsula

The archaeological ruins, which were on the road opened in the site for the creation of access to the flags, have also been destroyed. According to the paper, the army has not taken permission for putting flag poles in the site.

The so-called mayor of occupied Rizokarpasso, Arif Ozbayrak said that his "municipality" is not responsible for the distraction and that the army asked bulldozers from them and that they gave them.

I/Ts.

[04] The so-called Minister of National Education and Culture went to Britain to attend an international conference

According to a statement by the so-called Ministry of Education and Culture, Ms Oztoprak is accompanied by the so-called Director of Personnel Yusuf Karsili. They will return on Sunday, September 18.

During his visit to London, Ms Oztoprak will have contacts with officials from Britain's Ministry of Education, Turkish-language schools and the Haringey Municipality. She will also attend an international conference on "Adult education, work and the accomplishment of Lisbon Agenda's goals" in Norwich.

(DP)

[05] Ankara to oppose new conditions on Cyprus in EU accession framework document

The fact that the negotiation framework document is not yet final such a short time before 3 October has activated the EU. Considering the time shortage, Brussels called on Ankara to conduct the final technical talks on the framework document during the UN summit in New York. Responding positively to the call, Ankara decided to attend the summit with Foreign Ministry officials in charge of EU affairs. A large delegation headed by Foreign Ministry Under Secretaries Ertugrul Apakan and Volkan Bozkir left for New York yesterday alongside Gul.

France, Austria, Netherlands, the Republic of Cyprus, and Greece want to introduce new conditions pertaining to Cyprus into the document, whose draft had previously been finalized. These conditions reportedly consist of asking Turkey to recognize the Greek Cypriot sector by 2006 during the negotiation process, and to open its airports and ports to Greek Cypriot planes and ships. The Turkish side, in turn, will try to prevent the introduction of new conditions into the framework document. Gul will also convey Ankara's stand to his European counterparts during his bilateral meetings in New York.

Foreign Ministry sources, who state that they expect the framework document to be finalized shortly, say: If the document is not published, the negotiations will not begin; therefore, there will not be a meeting on 3 October.

[06] Statements by Turkish State Minister on his return from USA

"Foreign trade volume between Turkey and the USA is actually around 10 billion USD. However, this amount is very low. During our meetings we stressed the necessity of increasing this volume. With this aim, we will start 'American countries strategy' in foreign trade next year," he added. During his visit, Tuzmen met U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Guiterrez, U.S. Trade representative Rob Portman and Commissioner of U.S. Customs Service Robert Bonner in Washington D.C..

[07] Suspect believed to be planning an attempt on Erdogan's life

Bagdat, who was being interrogated at the Anti-terrorism Department of Kutahya Police Department before he was escorted to the courthouse on the instruction of the public prosecutor on call, was questioned by the public prosecutor for almost one and a half hours.

After he emerged from the courthouse building, reporters asked Bagdat why he had planned an assassination. "Nobody in this country should overstep the line," he shouted back. Bagdat was escorted into a car by police officers, who intervened while he was trying to talk, and then taken the headquarters of the Police Department. It was reported that Kutahya Police Department had obtained permission from Kutahya Public Prosecutor's Office to extend Bagdat's detention period for one day.

The police tightened security while Bagdat was taken into and out of the courthouse building.

[08] Turkey unwilling to reach friendly settlement on minority foundations

Turkish MFA said the ECHR would hear the cases submitted by Yedikule Surp Pirgic Armenian Hospital Foundation and Fener Greek Boys High School Foundation, against Turkey.

Sources said MFA requested information, documents and views from the related institutions pertaining to their allegations, and that the jurists prepared a document reflecting the views of the Turkish government.

Sources recalled that ECHR decided to hold a joint hearing on the two applications, and stated that, ''Turkey has no intention for a friendly settlement at this stage.''

The minority foundations claim that articles of the European Convention on Human Rights about protection of property, anti-discrimination and on right to a fair judgement were violated by Turkey.

Related chamber of the ECHR will make its decision at a later date after listening to the pleas of the lawyers of the foundations and the Turkish government.

[09] Cicek opposed to renouncing rights

Replying to questions on the new counterterrorism law, Cicek referred to 12 September [military coup in 1980], and said that solutions should be sought within the framework of the rules of a state of law; otherwise, we increase rather than solve problems.

Cicek recalled that the new Penal Code that went into effect on 1 June includes important measures on the subject of counterterrorism, adding that the expectations regarding the counterterrorism law should not be kept too high. The proposed law includes points that require political choices, he noted.

Cicek said that the proposal drafted by the technical committee will be discussed in the party, in the government, and finally in the National Assembly. He remarked that no decision was made as to whether to include the measures on preventing terrorism in the counterterrorism law.

The justice minister stated that certain preventive measures do not require a new law, stressing that if coordination is secured between the state institutions, this requirement will be met.

[10] Turkey's growth rate

"Gross National Product (GNP) grew 3.4 p.c. in the second quarter (April, May, June) of 2005 over the same period of previous year, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate was 4.2 percent - production wise," SIS said in its announcement.

In the first half of 2005 GNP grew 4.3 percent and the growth of GDP has been 4.5 percent.

In the second quarter of 2005, the highest growth was recorded in construction sector with 22.2 percent, while the growth in private non-profit institutions and agriculture was only 0.1 percent. Growth rate in industrial production was 3.9 percent; it was 4.3 percent in trade, 2.2 percent in transportation & communication, 0.3 percent in financial institutions and 1.6 percent in ownership of dwelling.

The growth rate in business and personal services was 4.1 percent, while import duties increased by 8.7 percent. The government services increased by 0.4 percent.

In the first half of 2005, the growth in construction sector reached 19.7 percent, while government services and private non-profit institutions shrank.

Again in the first half of 2005, the expenditures of the private sector and the state increased 4.2 percent and in the second quarter, private consumption increased 4.4 percent and the expenses of the state increased 4 percent.

Below is the growth rates by sectors in the first half of 2005:

                      Growth rate in constant prices (percent)
Sector                    1st Quarter 2nd quarter First Half
Agriculture:                  0.0        0.1         0.1
Industry:                     5.5        3.9         4.6
Construction:                16.5       22.2        19.7
Trade:                        5.8        4.3         5.0
Trans-communication:          1.6        2.2         1.9
Financial institutions:       0.7        0.3         0.5
Ownership of dwelling:        1.4        1.6         1.5
Business&Personal Ser:        4.7        4.1         4.4
Government Services:         -0.6        0.4        -0.1
Non-profit institut:         -1.3        0.1        -0.6
Import duties:                8.4        8.7         8.6
GDP                           4.8        4.2         4.5
GNP                           5.3        3.4         4.3

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Columnist: " Could Cyprus block the EU process?"

He then writes that "We all know that the membership negotiations will not finish if the Cyprus problem is not solved and the South Cyprus counts on the assumption that in the course of the membership negotiation process the Turkish negotiation position will weaken. Who knows may be the south Cyprus as well wants a solution; a solution, parameters of which would be very difficult to Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots to accept. As a result of this impasse recently the idea of returning to 1960 Constitution is put forward"

He then discusses the pros and cons of returning to the 1960 Constitution vis-à-vis to the Annan plan and concludes that returning to 1960 Constitution will right off all the important advantages that the Turkish Cypriots secured through the 1974 Turkish "intervention".

"The best and valid policy for Turkey is to find a solution within the framework of the Annan Plan based on the realistic political vision and skilful diplomacy." Ilter Turkmen stressed.

(M.Y)

[12] Turkish columnist commented on possible Military Coup in Turkey

"A quarter of a century has passed [since the Turkish military coup d'etat of 12 September 1980]. Since that 12 September, which like all military coups was "prepared for", and the real balance sheet of which can only be calculated when the preparatory period as well is factored in, both Turkey and the world have changed a great deal.

We can summarize this change by saying that "Both Turkey and over half of the world, in comparison to the 12 September period, have much more open societies, and much more institutionalized democracies."

The quickest way to measure the depth of the change is to ask this question:

"Is it possible to "lay the groundwork" for a military coup in the Turkey of 2005? Could the social and international groundwork for such an intervention be brought about?"

Should we not be able to answer the question calmly with a "no", and shout out that a military coup is not possible in the Turkey of a quarter-century later (and one that has lived through a 28 February period as well)? [The reference is to the insistence of the military, at the National Security Council meeting of 28 February 1997, that steps be taken to reduce the influence of Islam in public and political life.]

Subtitle: The talk in Washington

In recent months, I have encountered US officials on various occasions in Washington who are posing the question "Is another military intervention possible in Turkey?"

In the last few weeks, I listened in Washington to analysts, independent of the administration, who said: "The end result of the way things are going in Turkey will be a military coup."

And just in the last few days, there have been Turkey experts in Washington who are advising that "The interests of the United States lie not in government-to-government relations with Turkey, but rather in developing state-to-state relations, and to handle things with the military and civilian bureaucracies."

Let there be no misunderstandings. I am not persuaded that the two comments cited above reflect either the expectations of the US administration or the manner of its thinking. The United States is not pursuing a Turkey policy that is indexed to such assessments. Even so, you should be aware that such views can be expressed in various milieus in Washington.

In my view, however, the question "Could there be another coup?", which reflects the range of the speculations that US officials are conducting in terms of the way things are tending in Turkey, is important.

According to my observations, officials in Washington want the answer to this question to be clearly and unequivocally "no". But the mere fact that they feel the need to take the pulse on this question is an indicator in and of itself.

Subtitle: Images of rage

The question focuses on the "destabilization" steps that the Americans who closely follow Turkey have noted with concern.

There is a group in Turkey, sitting on a powder-keg of nationalism, which works via enmity between Turks and Kurds, and which does not want any more democracy and is even unhappy with what exists now.

US officials are concerned over this group's ability to incite the broad masses of the people that are susceptible to nationalism. They evaluate within this context the images of rage that have been seen frequently recently.

As these images pile up, what can be done in order that they not constitute a "preparatory" phase for an anti-democratic initiative?

One US official with whom I spoke in this regard focused on certain sub-headings that impacted directly on Washington, and indicated certain "responsible parties"

Subtitle: Three responsible parties

One of these is the opposition in Turkey.

Those who look at Turkey from the United States do not see any political parties "that offer a serious alternative to the JDP [ruling Justice and Development Party], or that have been able to convince society that they would be able to make Turkey a more successful country."

What they do see is an opposition that tends to play, even if to varying degrees, a destabilizing role. In the words of the US official with whom I spoke, this is a group that "virtually expects to profit from chaos", and which creates concern in Washington not just on account of its "anti-American" nature but also due to its "tendency to look outside of democracy".

The second party the official cited was the EU.

In the view of the United States, Turkey's becoming a stable country soundly integrated in the West requires full EU membership. With this being the case, why does a US official say that the EU "might destabilize" Turkey?

Because in Washington's view, "The EU representatives who find themselves able to suggest different treatment for Turkey than for the other candidates are in fact aiding the enemies, within the country, of the West and of democracy."

The third party stressed by the official was the PKK.

Washington considers it "alarming" that those at the top of the PKK, as well as those under their influence, are fomenting Turkish-Kurdish hostility, laying the groundwork for the images of rage that have been seen, and pursuing actions that will render new democratic openings in Turkey impossible.

Within this context, the tendency to be satisfied with measures other than a military operation against the PKK presence in Iraq creates both embarrassment and worry in Washington.

Because it is known that a large-scale PKK action "would not only serve the interests of the opponents of democratization and the EU in Turkey, but would also increase the reaction against the United States."

The fact that, a quarter-century after 12 September, it is still possible to speak of Turkey's democracy suffering a setback, and that one of the reasons for this involves the United States, if only by extension, is a grave situation from the US standpoint."

[13] "Homeland security: Urgently needed!"

"Turkey is heading with great speed to internal turmoil, as recent developments indicate. This is why it is high time and there is an urgent need to debate Turkey's homeland security. Since September 11, 2001, Turkey is also one of the main target countries of global terrorism. The bombings in Istanbul in November 2003 were the "Turkish September 11," waking Turkey to the new challenges. Increased cooperation with the U.S. as well as with the European Union is a good development but it is not enough for Turkey to face future challenges from cross-border terrorism to illegal migration, even to environmental calamities like the 1999 earthquake showed. But the main question is still open. How far is Turkey prepared and what technologies it is using to combat these challenges? Let's put it like this. In Turkey there is great disharmony among institutions concerning security issues. The government and military fight over the responsibility areas concerning Turkey's security. Meetings of the National Security Council (NSC) are followed with great interest by the public but the documents don't show enough about the measures Turkey is undertaking. Like last week's "spontaneous events" in Istanbul, which took place at six different locations of this metropolitan city. Who is going to prevent such future protests, the police only? Or will the military also somehow get involved, or will it be left only to the people on the street?

Another interesting example is the forest fires in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. How does it happen that in five places within a 100-kilometer area fires start at the same time? Why is Turkey not investing more on technology in order to prevent forests from burning? Turkey is losing more and more green lands every year. Why is this government not taking sufficient measures to invest in new technologies but rather on many other essentially unnecessary things?

Yes, there is an urgent need to talk about Turkey's homeland security because this is a country where many negative developments of globalization take place: terror, drug trafficking, pandemics, illegal migration etc. According to the Pentagon's global map, Turkey is also a country where natural resources would be another reason for ethnic and regional wars. Turkey is the only country surrounded by three seas while lacking any ministry related to this fact. How are these coastlines protected, for example? What technology does Turkey have for this? Can Turkey continue with the army still defending the borders but unable to fully control movements by the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) across the Iraqi-Turkish border? The simple question remains how Turkey could introduce new technologies for land, sea and air defense in the future. Turkey has more than 30,000 soldiers on Cyprus. If there is no solution to the Cyprus issue, how long and how will Turkey protect Northern Cyprus? Take our borders along Iran, Iraq and Syria, which are long and barely defended. Does Turkey have the further luxury not to introduce new technologies for border security?

The homeland security concept is now a common problem for all democratic states. Turkey as a member of NATO has been relying on the bloc more than 50 years. The visit of U.S. European Forces Commander Gen. James Jones to Ankara last week was important but in essence brought nothing new concerning Turkey's fight against the PKK. No binding statements were made. But the U.S. signed the note of joining for the Center of Excellence Defense Against Terrorism (COE-DAT). Some other European countries were also present. However, within the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, Turkey expects more support from the EU in this respect. Here European defense companies come into the picture. They offer many new technologies for homeland security. Some countries like Bulgaria and Romania have already ordered homeland security technologies from some EU companies. Turkey also has to make a choice between between U.S. and EU technologies in this sense. It seems that on the way to negotiations with the EU, Turkey for its medium- and long-term process has to get more EU technology and become part of the EU defense projects, which is already in many areas the case. Another development is that the Defense Industry Undersecretariat (SSM) is now is trying to put all Turkish state defense companies under one umbrella. However, Turkey seems far away from getting homeland security technology alone. So this is why Turkey will unavoidably get involved with some European defense companies in this respect.

Turkey under the present circumstances has to change certain positions and try to get new strategies and develop new policies. Among them would be that it has to make a new calculus of its geopolitical interests. It is an imperative of global and regional developments. Turkey also has to make a shift of its strategic orientation to get more involved in international peacekeeping operations and contribute to regional stability. In fighting the PKK for example it should be more offensive than defensive. Here comes the U.S. support for Turkey, in particular in northern Iraq. The March 1, 2003 syndrome where Turkey didn't allow the U.S. Army onto Turkish soil en route to Iraq must be left behind by the U.S. side. The U.S. should commit itself to fight not only global terrorism but also cross-border terrorism. Turkish-American relations will be healthy again.

Turkey rightly has some suspicions about the future reliability of its long-term allies. In this respect, Turkey should concentrate more on homeland security and develop new strategies rather than rely on others. The Cold War era has passed and everyone is suspicious of everyone. This is the new reality.

When Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Buyukanit was speaking about "Palestinian-style events in Turkey," there was a strong reaction by many in the media. If it is going to be like this, than Turkey should also get at least the same degree of homeland security as Israel does!

Of course Turkey is not like Palestine and there are other interests at stake. However, for Turkey homeland security becomes the number one priority if we forecast political developments showing that the coming years will be hard for Turkey.

Indeed, the homeland security debate should start in this country because developments go much faster then one can assume. There are not many countries having so many different neighbors, and long borders which are badly protected. If this is not the case, why then is Turkey more than a bridge for all the worst effects of globalization? Just two days ago another 100 illegal migrants were caught on the Turkish-Greek border. The question actually is how they managed to enter the eastern border and went the entire 1,200-kilometer long distance without any problems, like thousands before them! No doubt homeland security is urgently needed, for the sake of both Turkey and its neighbors.

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