Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-09-26

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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 Turkish Prime Minister on issues occupying Turkish politics.

[02] Prime Minister Erdogan to visit Oman, UAE 27-29 September.

[03] Talat and Soyer met with Camiel Eurlings.

[04] Mehmet Ali Birand warns the Greek Cypriots that EU and Turkey are using them for their own interests.

[05] The Turkish Secretary General of the OIC continues to abuse his position promoting Turkey's expansionist designs in Cyprus.

[06] OIC New York final communiqué with elements facilitating Turkey's aims to consolidate its occupation of Cyprus.

[07] Serdar Denktas held various meetings in New York in the framework of the OIC - He asked for full membership in the OIC.

[08] Israeli companies reportedly having relations with the international Zionistic movement are buying land in the occupied area of Cyprus.

[09] Abdullatif Sener: "Turkish ports will not open to the Greek Cypriots".

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in RADIKAL assesses Hadley's visit to Turkey and argues that Turkey is expected to have a role in the US plan for Lebanon, Syria and Iran.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish Prime Minister on issues occupying Turkish politics

"Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, ''I feel sorry about the decision of the Istanbul Administrative Court 4, suspending the conference on 'Ottoman Armenians During the Empire's Fall: Scientific Responsibility and Problems of Democracy'.''

Speaking to a TV channel on Thursday night, Erdogan said (regarding the decision of the court) that different ideas would be discussed during the conference, adding, ''you have to respect the ideas which you don't like. If you don't respect, you should remain silent.''

Erdogan also gave his comments regarding Galataport and Tupras (Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp.) tenders. He said: ''Thanks to Galataport project, the feature of the region will change. Galataport will draw tourists and cruise liners to Istanbul.''

When asked whether he met Mr Ofer personally, Erdogan said, ''I met (Israeli businessman) Ofer in Davos, but (Galataport) tender issue was not discussed.''

Upon a question, Erdogan said: ''I met Hariri family for a few times to invite them to participate in investments in Turkey. Drawing direct capital to my country is my most important duty.''

Regarding terrorism Erdogan said: ''I said 'democracy exists in Turkey' when I met Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. Ocalan (head of PKK terrorist organization and currently in prison) held meetings with his lawyers until June 1st, in conformity with the laws. After that date, these meetings ended. Now, Ocalan cannot talk with his lawyers in Imrali island. However family members and relatives visit him every 15 days.''

[02] Prime Minister Erdogan to visit Oman, UAE 27-29 September

"Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Oman and United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the end of this month, his office said on Friday.

Accompanied by ministers, parliamentarians and businessmen, Erdogan will be in Oman on September 27th, and pay a formal visit to UAE between September 28th and 29th.

Erdogan is scheduled to meet Omani Sultan Qaboos, Turkish and Omani businessmen and representatives of Turkish community in Muscat.

On the other hand, Erdogan will meet UAE President Khalifa bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan and executives of Turkish-UAE Business Forum and Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

During Erdogan's stay in UAE, an agreement on investment incentives will be signed."

[03] Talat and Soyer met with Camiel Eurlings

Eurlings said during the meeting that they felt comfortable with opening of entry talks with Turkey on October 3rd, adding that current situation in Cyprus cannot continue like that and this situation is a shame of Europe.

Eurlings noted that EU should urge the UN to take an initiative for solution of Cyprus question.

Meanwhile, Soyer said that EU's declaration responding to Turkey's Cyprus declaration moved Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos away from a solution.

On his part, self-styled President Mehmet Ali Talat has indicated today that he is ready to start negotiations with the Greek Cypriots again. "We expect a positive response from the Greek administration," said Talat.

Talat also met European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur Camiel Eurlings in occupied Lefkosia today.

Talat reminded Eurlings that, if Turkey opens its ports to Greek Cypriots, all "embargoes" against the Turkish Cypriots should be lifted and the isolation of the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus should be removed.

Eurlings stressed that Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkey and the EU should exert joint efforts to find a solution that will satisfy all parties.

Eurlings pointed out that it would be to the advantage of all parties concerned if Turkey applies the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Agreement to the new 10 members of the EU.

Eurlings added that the Annan Plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots. "Accordingly, punishing the Turkish Cypriots is meaningless. We must seek ways to assist the Turkish Cypriots," he said.

[04] Mehmet Ali Birand warns the Greek Cypriots that EU and Turkey are using them for their own interests

"Mehmet Ali Birand

This is an open letter to the Greek Cypriot people.

While I don't have any right to do so, I have a recommendation to make to the Greek Cypriots.

Please don't think the matter is settled just by looking at the European Union counter-declaration. Don't for a minute think that Turkey has been pushed into a corner and will have to officially recognize Greek Cyprus within the next few years.

The EU just tried to make you happy, and that's all. We may say that your leader Tassos Papadopoulos is very happy with what he has done, but don't forget that these are only words.

The counter-declaration contains many expressions such as `Turkey recognizing Cyprus,´ but what most must have noticed is that there is no definite timetable to do so, nor, indeed, is there any penalty for not doing so in the document.

So what does this mean?

If the other members of the EU so desire, they will use the statements made in this declaration to pressure Turkey over you. They will not do so for your sake but for theirs. They will act in accordance with their own best interests. Don't forget that apart from Greece and you, none of the member countries believe Turkey needs to recognize Cyprus before a solution is found. None of the member countries believe Turkey cannot be pressured enough in this respect.

Don't start daydreaming.

Don't let the statements attached to the counter-declaration to please Papadopoulos mesmerize you. I am not writing this to annoy you. I am extremely sincere, and these are the facts.

We faced a very similar situation. Turkey was promised everything. Papadopoulos was slammed. We were officially told that the isolation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) (occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus) would come to an end.

But what happened? Nothing, because the EU didn't want to end the isolation of the TRNC (occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus).

The same will happen to you.

If I may summarize, the recognition of Cyprus was postponed to the end of the negotiations and will depend on the results of bilateral negotiations on a solution.

On the issue of the opening of Turkish ports, you have the high ground. No one supports Turkey in this regard; however, not one knows when the ports will be opened. It could be in 2006, or maybe later.

Subtitle: The island is divided. We should accept this:

Now let's speak very clearly.

You don't want to share the governing of Cyprus with the Turks. You don't even like sharing the island with Turks. If it were any different, the referendum results on the Annan plan would have been much different.

You want the Turks to live in a region in the north under the domination of the Greek Cypriot government and be satisfied with minority rights.

This aim is impossible to realize. Look at the facts.

Particularly after recent developments, even the EU has started to change the way it views the issue. The island will remain divided. The most Turkey can give in exchange for EU membership is just accepting a few Greek Cypriot demands on the withdrawal of troops, guarantorship and the land included in the Annan plan.

That's why you should stop aiming at impossible goals. Just accept the facts and formulate your policies accordingly. You, along with former TRNC (occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus) President Rauf Denktas, are to blame for the matter coming to this point."

[05] The Turkish Secretary General of the OIC continues to abuse his position promoting Turkey´s expansionist designs in Cyprus

"The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Mr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu presented a report to the Organization complaining that the OIC has failed to give the necessary support to the Turkish Cypriot people.

Noting that initiatives had been launched to provide the support of the Islamic Development Bank to development projects for the Turkish Cypriots, Mr Ihsanoglu said the Islamic World has failed to provide enough support for the Turkish Cypriots.

Explaining in his report how the Greek Cypriots had forced the Turkish Cypriots out of the 1960 Republic of Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot terror against Turkish Cypriots between the years of 1963 and 1974, Mr Ihsanoglu reminded that the Turkish Cypriots are part of the Islamic World.

Referring to the OIC´s efforts on the Cyprus issue, the Annan Plan and the April Referendum results, the Secretary General expressed regret that the Plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots despite the strong support shown by the Turkish Cypriots.

Welcoming the direct flights between Baku and Ercan (occupied Tymbou) Airport, he called on other members of the organization to follow suit."

[06] OIC New York final communiqué with elements facilitating Turkey´s aims to consolidate its occupation of Cyprus

"The Organization of the Islamic conference has expressed it strong support to the just cause of the Turkish Cypriots and called on the international community to lift the unjust isolation on them.

The call was made in the final communiqué issued at the end of the meetings of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in New York.

Referring to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan´s May 2004 reports on Cyprus and earlier decisions of the OIC on Cyprus - calling for the lifting of the international isolation on the Turkish Cypriot people, the Foreign Ministers stressed that the unjust isolation on the Turkish Cypriots should end.

Reminding that the Annan Plan envisages the establishment of a new partnership state of two politically equal constituent states based on a bi-zonal order, the communiqué explains that the Plan makes it clear that neither of the two sides in Cyprus could impose its authority on the other and that Greek Cypriots cannot represent the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to a decision taken earlier in Sana´a by the Foreign Ministers of the OIC, it calls once against on the member countries to establish closer links with the Turkish Cypriots."

[07] Serdar Denktas held various meetings in New York in the framework of the OIC - He asked for full membership in the OIC

The meeting was held in the framework of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) which took place in New York.

As the paper writes, Mr Serdar Denktas in addition to his meeting with Mr Gambari, had met with the deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mr Mohammed Al-Rumaihi, and the Permanent Member of the USA Foreign Relations Council, Mr Mark E. Clark. The paper writes that Mr Serdar Denktas had met Mr Gambari and Mr Al-Rumaihi at the UN Headquarters while the meeting with Mr Clark was held at the "'TRNC' New York Offices".

In addition, as Turkish Cypriot CYPRUS TIMES newspaper (26.09.05) reports, during the speech that Mr Serdar Denktas addressed at the OIC meeting, he called all the members of the OIC to upgrade the Turkish Cypriots' status to full membership. Mr Serdar stated, inter alia, that "only by becoming a member to the organization could the Turkish Cypriots gain the status and place they deserve within the international community". (C/S)

[08] Israeli companies reportedly having relations with the international Zionistic movement are buying land in the occupied area of Cyprus

It is alleged that the company, named Lewis Trust Group Ltd, will build a marina, holiday villages and hotels in Rizokarpaso under the name "Port Barbaros". According to the paper, the above-mentioned company "supports the international Zionist movement acting under the support of the state of Israel and the protection of Britain".

"It is known that the above-mentioned company made large investments on the Palestinian land which is occupied by Israel and the owner of the company David Lewis has been awarded by the then Prime Minister of Israel Netanyahu with the 'Jubilee Award' because of his contribution to Zionism", writes VOLKAN and adds that "David Lewis who is reportedly member of the World Jewish Congress which organizes the Zionist movement all over the world, in parallel to his business investments, is a person who gives a lot of money for the National Jewish Fund and supports the Jewish settlers to settle in the Palestinian land".

Referring to the interest of Jewish companies in buying land in the occupied area of Cyprus, the paper writes:

"According to the acquired information, Israeli companies that serve Zionism, which is Israel's expansionist state policy, are exerting efforts to buy a lot of land in the areas of Klapsides, Bogazi of Monagra, Karpass, Rizokarpaso, Davlos, Akanthou and Bogazi of Kyrenia. Meanwhile, according to the acquired information, some Jewish companies have bought hundreds of donums of Turkish land especially in the areas of Krini and Bilele.

In this framework, it has been known that a lot of kilometers of land along the coast on the Salamis - Bogazi road, that has a view of Israel, were bought by a Jewish company before 1974 and that it (this company) wanted to make a huge investment on this land, but a negative answer was given to the application made in this direction in 1995, because of security reasons. It was known that the then representative of the above-mentioned company was Erdil Nami, the father of Ozdil Nami, MP with the Republican Turkish Party (RTP) ..."

[09] Abdullatif Sener: "Turkish ports will not open to the Greek Cypriots"

Speaking during a press conference at the occupied Tymbou airport, Mr Sener said that the opening of the "METU North Cyprus Campus" will play an important role in the raising of education standards in the occupied part of Cyprus. He also noted that Turkey has spent from its budget 74 million dollars for the "METU North Cyprus Campus" and that the amount will increase to 90 million dollars until completion of the project.

Asked to comment on whether the stance of Turkey has changed after the EU counter-declaration stating that Ankara should recognize the Republic of Cyprus during its accession negotiations with the bloc, Mr Sener said: "The declaration made by Turkey earlier is obvious. The signing of the Additional Protocol does not mean ports will open to the Greek Cypriot Administration. Turkey has expressed this in a very clear way. We will continue to have the same opinion."

Asked to evaluate whether Turkey's policy on the Cyprus problem has changed, Mr Sener said that Cyprus for Turkey is a national cause and that they will continue to be sensitive on the issue. (DP)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in RADIKAL assesses Hadley´s visit to Turkey and argues that Turkey is expected to have a role in the US plan for Lebanon, Syria and Iran

Murat Yetkin under the title: "Hadley's visit: A new game plan in the Middle East":

"That the National Security Advisor made his first trip to Turkey is no coincidence.

Just as his former boss Condoleezza Rice chose Turkey as the first stop on her first foreign trip as Secretary of State, Steven Hadley, the US President's new National Security Advisor, also held his first foreign contact in Ankara. Following a meeting with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday evening, which had been planned to last an hour but continued for almost two hours, he called yesterday upon Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ambassador Ali Tuygan, General Staff Chief General Hilmi Ozkok, and NSC [National Security Council] General Secretary Ambassador Yigit Alpdogan, and then departed Ankara in the evening.

Just before leaving for Ankara, Hadley had taken part in a meeting at the US Defense Department's Pentagon building on 22 September.

The importance ascribed to this meeting was clear from the fact that President George Bush, rather than summoning his team to the White House, went to the Pentagon for this meeting. Participating in the meeting in addition to Bush and Hadley were Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Rice, newly appointed Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte, CIA Director Porter Goss, CENTCOM [Central Command] Commander General John Abizaid, who commands the occupation operation in Iraq, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Richard Myers. The subject of the session was announced as "the war on terrorism, Iraq, and Afghanistan", and details were not provided. It is evident that there is a new effort aimed at overcoming the difficulties that the United States is experiencing in all three areas.

The things that Goss, who after this meeting met in CIA headquarters with a group of his colleagues, had to say regarding plans for the future were evidently leaked to news agencies in an interesting way. Goss reportedly said "To date, in operations outside the United States and in collecting intelligence, we have relied on partnership with allied intelligence services. Henceforth, we are going to conduct unilateral operations, with our own personnel. We are going to work under very different covers. We are going to be in places that no one would even dream of."

This points to a new way of operating, and a change in policy...

While Goss was saying these things, Hadley, who had come out of the same meeting, was setting off for Ankara.

What is the United States expecting from Ankara?

On Hadley's announced agenda were the war against terrorism, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Israel-Palestine, and Lebanon. The fact that, of the seven political crisis topics that the United States is now dealing with on a global basis, six (excluding North Korea) are focused in this region in which Turkey is a key player, is sufficient to explain why the United States has stressed the "strategic relationship" and now has an approach of "1 March is over; let us leave it to the historians." [The reference is to the Turkish parliament's 1 March 2003 rejection of the motion that would have authorized Turkish participation in the war against Iraq.] The United States, while hoping the chaos in Iraq will end as soon as possible, wants to focus its full attention on the situation in the Middle East in the broad sense. It considers that developing its relations with Turkey will be in its interests in this regard.

Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, and the possibility of a secular and democratic state being established in Palestine, the Syrian military's having been forced to withdraw from Lebanon following the February murder of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and the holding of the first free elections in Lebanon in decades, have all brought the United States' Middle East game plan to a new stage. The fact that German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis, who is investigating the Al-Hariri killing on behalf of the UN, engaged in questioning yesterday in Damascus regarding the Syrian connection, enhances the importance of the report that he will present in October.

The United States currently sees Syria as the greatest obstacle to the environment of stability that it plans for the region. US intelligence sees Syria as a place where the armed groups fighting in Iraq gather and infiltrate into Iraq; the most recent operation in Tall Afar came in this context. The government of Bashar al-Asad is at the head of the list of regimes that, in Washington's view, have to be "brought into line" in short order or else overthrown.

It is clear that, within the United States' new game plan in the region, changes in the Syria, Lebanon, Israel-Palestine triangle are also important for the stability of Iraq. It is asking Turkey how it views this whole strategic picture. And perhaps having drawn a lesson from the Iraq war, before it works out its game plan in all its details, it wants to get the detailed views of Turkey, with which country it wants to act in concert in this plan.

It is evident that the United States is working on a new game plan in the region, and that it expects Turkey's cooperation. We will all see whether Turkey will reject participation in this game, or whether it will put its own expectations onto the table in a way that will bring results."

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