Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-10-21

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Kyrgyz delegation is holding contacts in the territories of the Republic of Cyprus isolated by 40,000 Turkish troops.

[02] Pierre Mirrel of the Commission Enlargement Department stated that if the Customs Union is not applied to the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey the issue will be discussed next year.

[03] Mr Mustafa Akinci elaborates on his return to 1960 proposal.

[04] Turkey is speeding up its investment strategy in Russia to achieve the aim of exceeding Cyprus´ investments and gain political advantages.

[05] Suspicions for money laundering in the Aga Development and Garry Robb Scandal.

[06] Erdogan intervenes in the case of arrested university rector.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[07] Commentaries in AFRIKA and YENI SAFAK argue that the US are promoting the non-solution in Cyprus.

[08] Senior Turkish diplomat argues that Britain does not want a solution in Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Kyrgyz delegation is holding contacts in the territories of the Republic of Cyprus isolated by 40,000 Turkish troops

The Kyrgyz delegation's contacts are focusing mainly on the prospects of improved economic relations with the occupied areas, and cooperation in other areas like education, sports, tourism and culture.

Members of the Kyrgyz delegation met with the self-styled President in the occupied territories, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat. Speaking at the meeting, Mr Talat alleged that the Turkish Cypriots, "who have been living under an unjustified international 'isolation' for many years, want this isolation to be lifted."

On his part, the head of the Kyrgyz Parliamentary Delegation Aslan Maliyev called for an end to the international "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots.

The Kyrgyz parliamentary delegation later paid a courtesy visit to the self-styled Speaker Fatma Ekenoglu, before meeting self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer for an exchange of views. The delegation also met with the self-styled Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas and his father Rauf Denktas.

The delegation's visit to the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus is seen as another important move following similar visits earlier by parliamentary delegations from the United States and Azerbaycan.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (21/10/05) reported that Kyrgyzstan and the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus signed a cooperation protocol on fields of education, culture and sport.

The protocol on education and culture was signed by the self-styled Director of the "Ministry of National Education" Erdogan Sorakin and the deputy Education Minister of Kyrgyzstan Osmanaliyev Kanybek. The protocol on sports was signed by the self-styled Director of Youth and Sports Ministry Ali Volkan and the Director of Kyrgyzstan Economic, Tourism and Sport Ministry Djigiton Akbar.

[02] Pierre Mirrel of the Commission Enlargement Department stated that if the Customs Union is not applied to the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey the issue will be discussed next year

Mirrel expressed satisfaction over the start of negotiations with the two countries, and noted that participation of the two countries together to the technical meetings, where the EU acquis would be explained, was normal.

Recalling that Turkey and Croatia applied to be a full member of the EU on their own free will, Mirrel said that at the end of the "introductory screening", meetings would be held where the candidate countries will put forward their legal arrangements.

"We will present the report pertaining to the first chapter heading (Science and Technology) to the Council by mid-December or end of December. After that, start of negotiations with the related heading, will be based on the decision that would be unanimously taken by the member states," he noted.

"While we present our report, we at the same time make recommendation. There may be a positive or negative recommendation for opening or closing of the negotiations. We at the same time have the right to put forward a threshold. In this case, negotiations can be suspended in some headings as it happened in other enlargements.

Negotiations re-start as the candidate country meet requirements of the threshold in question," Mirrel emphasized.

"Momentum of the negotiations depends on the preparation of the candidate countries and their efforts. We, by drawing the picture well beforehand, try to illuminate the candidate countries about what they should do," Mirrel noted.

Mirrel indicated that the Commission carried out technical studies in negotiations, however that the decisions which the member countries will make unanimously were also important. He said meetings at ministerial level could be in question in case the (permanent representatives) of the member countries fail to achieve unanimity.

Replying to a question, Mirrel said Turkey signed the protocol extending its customs union to 10 new EU members, and noted that, "we have full belief that this will be committed to. In case the customs union is not applied on (the Republic of Cyprus), I think we will be discussing this during next year's meetings."

[03] Mr Mustafa Akinci elaborates on his return to 1960 proposal

"The Leader of the Peace and Democracy Movement Mustafa Akinci has accused the `government´ of pursuing a `wait and see` policy on the Cyprus issue, warning that this may affect the Turkish Cypriot side negatively, in the future.

Mr Akinci, in a statement he issued today on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue, said the latest stage reached on the Cyprus issue is the result of the wrong policies of the past.

In a statement, Mr Akinci underlined the need for the Turkish Cypriot `People´ to be very careful when deciding on the steps it will be taking on its future, warning, that any wrong step could endanger Turkish Cypriots' future.

Pointing to the new parameters on Cyprus after the 3rd of October, when Turkey officially started accession negotiations with the European Union; the BDH leader reminded that his party prepared a new package of proposals on the Cyprus issue in the light of the latest developments.

He said the aim of the package is to re-claim Turkish Cypriots' legitimate rights vested in the 1960 Agreements and to bring about a bi-communal, bi-zonal, federal settlement to the Cyprus problem, based on the political equality of the two sides."

[04] Turkey is speeding up its investment strategy in Russia to achieve the aim of exceeding Cyprus´ investments and gain political advantages

"Turkey has launched studies for establishment of Turkish Trade and Investment Zone in Moscow," Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said on Thursday.

Taking the floor at the Turkish-Russian Business Council meeting, Tuzmen said the new vision of the bilateral relations between the two countries was determined as "multilateral partnership", and noted that the commercial and economic target of this vision was to reach 25 billion USD trade volume till 2008 and 30 billion USD business volume.

Tuzmen said trade volume increased 50 percent in the first eight months of this year and reached 9.5 billion USD, stating that this was an indication that Turkey was progressing on the right path.

Stating that Turkey's bilateral trade volume with Russia would reach 15 billion USD by the end of this year, Tuzmen said they estimated this figure to increase when cargo trade is included.

"Total investments of Turkish firms in Russia exceeded 2 billion USD. One of the most important developments in 2005 is the increase of Russian investors' interest in Turkey," Tuzmen noted.

Subtitle: "Relations to be further improved"

Tuzmen stressed that Turkish-Russian trade and economy relations would be further improved with the program and projects in the next period, and noted that one of the most important projects is the "multilateral partnership".

Tuzmen recalled that Turkish-Russian relations further improved with personal friendship relations between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian Head of State Vladimir Putin. Tuzmen noted that Turkey wanted this relationship to be permanent.

Meanwhile, speaking at the meeting, Turkish-Russian Business Council Chairman Turgut Gur said, "the trade volume between Turkey and Russia was about 11 billion USD in 2004. We expect this amount to increase up to 15 billion USD till the end of the year."

Meanwhile, Russian-Turkish Business Council Chairman Igor Linsitz said that joint agreements signed by Turkey and Russia should be put into force as soon as possible.

He said that Turkish investments in Russia rose to 2 billion USD, adding that Russian firms, in return, had begun making more investments in Turkey.

Subtitle: Erdogan´s message

"The talks that Russian President Vladimir Putin and I had been having indicate that bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia have been improving in every area and reached multi-dimensional partnership level," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a message to the Turkish-Russian Business Council 11th Joint Meeting that has started in the southern city of Antalya.

In his message, Erdogan stressed that their talks reiterated the existing joint willingness to exert efforts for consolidation of relations in all areas."

[05] Suspicions for money laundering in the Aga Development and Garry Robb Scandal

As the paper writes, it was learned that the research as regards the money laundering on the issue where made more intense. It was made clear that in an email sent on the 18th of October by Garry Robb's lawyer Mr Talat Kursat, to foreigners who bought residences from the Aga Development, that it was an issue of black money suspicion the reason why Mr Garry Robb wanted to transfer the amount of 1.5 million sterling pounds to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok.

C/S

[06] Erdogan intervenes in the case of arrested university rector

In a statement after the meeting, YOK [Higher Education Council] Chairman Erdogan Tezic stressed that Professor Askin protects the secular order at the university. Tezic added: "Standing by Askin means standing by the republic."

In a statement on behalf of the Rectors Committee, Tezic maintained that during his interrogation, Professor Askin was subjected to a treatment he did not deserve. Tezic charged that Askin had been made to pay a price for trying to protect the modern status of the university, which certain circles were trying to turn into a medrese [traditional Islamic school]. Tezic stressed that the rectors would be going to Van on 23 October to express their support for Askin.

The Rectors Committee voiced a suspicion that there may be a plot behind the incidents which resulted in Askin's arrest. The Committee maintains that YOK has the authority to prosecute the incident and that the Van Public Prosecutor's Office must declare nonjurisdiction and send the file to YOK.

Tezic stressed that the current situation is far from being legal. He charged that the administrative cadre set up when the university was established was not qualified and that these people were using their own mistakes to blame Rector Askin.

The YOK chairman maintained that Ramazan Celik, secretary at the University's medical school and also brother of National Education Minister Huseyin Celik, was also involved in the developments.

Tezic recalled that an investigation had been launched against Ramazan Celik for his neglect in the purchase of equipment, that Celik had submitted his request to retire, but had subsequently revoked his request.

Meanwhile, the 4th Criminal Court studied today an appeal submitted by Askin's defense lawyers containing 89 questions and decided to reject the appeal.

On the same issue Istanbul NTV television (20.10.05) broadcast that Prime Minister Erdogan has criticized the rectors for reacting to the arrest of Yucel Askin, rector of the 100th Year Van University. Erdogan said: We must all concentrate on our own duties.

In reply to a reporter's question before he left for Pakistan, the prime minister stressed that by focusing on our own duties, we can all become much more beneficial to the country. He added: We can be much more useful if we all know our place and if we all fulfill our own duties.

Meanwhile, in line with a decision reached by CHP [Republican People's Party] Central Executive Council on 19 October, a delegation headed by Yilmaz Ates, a member of the Executive Council, will go to Van to investigate the developments concerning Rector Askin.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[07] Commentaries in AFRIKA and YENI SAFAK argue that the US are promoting the non-solution in Cyprus

"Cyprus was in the USA´s sphere of influence, but now it is under the control of Europe, if not in practice, it is so on the paper.

We say on the paper because despite the fact that Cyprus is an EU member, the EU is yet to establish sovereignty all over the island.

The EU could implement its Acquis Communautaire only on half of the island.

That is in the south.

And the control in the north is still in the hands of Turkey and its biggest allay; the USA. Washington´s European Forces command was concerned.

The Mediterranean region came under EU control. So, there was a need to do something. The `TRNC´ is `custom-made cloth´ for the USA plans.

The USA control here could be safeguarded for years to come, thanks to the `TRNC´.

Finding a solution to the Cyprus problem is not in the USA´s favour because in case of a settlement the whole of Cyprus will be de facto under the EU control. Well if this is the case what does the USA need? It needs to keep the `TRNC´ on its own two feet, even if it is not recognized. It needs to strengthen the non-solution. And it needs to make permanent the division existing on the island.

The USA has prepared a three-point plan for the `TRNC´...

i) Economic assistance.

ii) Direct flights

iii) Reviving of the diplomatic dialogue

It has been decided that Talat should regularly meet and be in dialogue with the US ambassador in Cyprus".

Sener Levent then quotes part of a commentary in the Turkish daily YENI SAFAK newspaper by columnist Ibrahim Karagul. He writes: `For the USA, Cyprus is as much important as is the Gulf and the North Africa. It is a light-house for the Middle East and a testing ground for the international diplomacy. The USA´s Great Middle East Project starts from Cyprus and from the East Mediterranean. Cyprus is indispensable because it is only 200 kilometers away from the Suez Canal and it has the ability to block the Turkish ports. Cyprus will be the biggest listening base centered in the Mediterranean. Thousands of US troops will be deployed in the basis. Cyprus will be turned into "a mandate country" which will serve the US and British interests. At the Lefkoniko Airport in the north a NATO base will be established for the new NATO that heads for the East and South. Division of the island will create convenient ground for the US plans. The USA will secure `TRNC´s´ if not de jure, de facto recognition in order to keep it on its own two feet. Just like Taiwan. The north will be supported economically and will be turned into a tourism and advanced technology centre, but at the same time it will be turned into a "military garrison country"´.

These are the plans of the USA on Cyprus which for the second time has invitied Mehmet Ali Talat to Washington.

They have elected Talat not to conclude settlement but to maintain the non-solution.

They could do this by using Denktas, but since Denktas had lost prestige before the international public opinion and before his community, so without hurting him too much they have arranged him to be put on the shelf.

Also in order to put the non-solution blame on the Greek Cypriots and pave Turkey´s EU path, it was necessary to conduct a velvet revolution in the north Cyprus.

Unfortunately, our intelligencia through NGO´s were taken hostage by the USA and knowingly or not they have served the US interests.

Thus, a ground was created in the north Cyprus, which gave the USA a unique chance to do whatever it wanted to.

Today our former leftists could declare without being ashamed that today our interests are compatible with the USA.

Here it is the new TRNC". (M/Y)

[08] Senior Turkish diplomat argues that Britain does not want a solution in Cyprus

"Ten years ago a senior diplomat at the Turkish Foreign Ministry, a true fighter for the Cyprus cause whom I respect and like very much (I do not wish to name him because he is still in service), told me during a conversation at the Foreign Ministry:

"I have served in the Foreign Ministry for all these years. I have taken a close interest in the Cyprus cause no matter what my assignment has been. I have participated in the negotiations for all these years. The conclusion I have reached is this: The power that really does not want a solution in Cyprus is Britain. Every time we came close to an agreement in the negotiation process that has been under way since 1968, Britain blocked the agreement with some intervention. It did that most easily by inciting the Greek Cypriot leadership to make excessive demands and instigating them to make demands that we could not accept. Britain definitely does not want an agreement on the island. It wants the uncertainty to continue. If Britain wanted an agreement it is the most influential country that has all the means to force the Greek Cypriots. Britain is the country that knows best the Cyprus problem, its causes, how it can be solved, and what it wants."

Subtitle: Historical facts

The historical facts confirm the comments of this respected diplomat who has devoted himself to the Cyprus cause.

It was Britain that created the system of 1960 in accordance with its wishes and that broke the intransigence Makarios demonstrated up to the last minute by placing a file before him. It was Britain that encouraged the Greek Cypriots to topple the 1960 system it had created. It is an undeniable truth that the British High Commissioner encouraged Makarios to amend 13 articles of the Cyprus Constitution. It is well known that the British High Commissioner added corrections in his own handwriting to the paper listing Makarios' proposals to amend the 13 articles. The original of this document is now in the British archives. Obviously the High Commissioner did not do this without the knowledge of his government. He encouraged Makarios instead of telling him to stop and pointing out that "it has only been three years since the Republic has been established" and that Britain "certainly opposes it and would not allow it as a guarantor power." This was the most important factor that prepared the ground for collapse of the Republic.

Britain knew that the Greek Cypriots were arming secretly prior to the attacks of 1963. It was also aware that a 5,000-man EOKA army was being organized. Nonetheless it did not tell Makarios to stop.

After the attacks began it was again Britain that induced the UN Security Council to pass its well-known Resolution 186 on 4 March 1964 instead of using its military forces in its bases on the island to restore the order of 1960 as a guarantor power. It was also Britain that recognized the Makarios administration as a "legitimate government" and that induced other countries to give it the same recognition despite its pledges to Turkey.

When Makarios declared that he is "abrogating the guarantee agreements" in 1964, it was once again Britain that roared and that told Makarios that he cannot do that, that his declaration was invalid, and that "otherwise the necessary measures will be taken." It was Britain that forced Makarios to take back his words.

In other words Britain bestowed the title of "legitimate government" on the occupationist Makarios administration, approved the demolition of 1960 order and the founding partnership rights of the Turkish Cypriot `people´ but it refused to permit any changes in the guarantee agreements or the status of the British bases. In other words Britain demonstrated at every opportunity that it has the power to get what it wants.

Subtitle: Britain could ensure solution

If Britain really wanted an agreement based on the equal founding rights of the Turkish Cypriot people prior to 1974 it would only need to tell the Greek Cypriot administration:

"If you do not accept the equal founding partnership of the Turkish Cypriot `people´ I will declare to the whole world that you are not the legitimate government of all of Cyprus, I will not recognize you as a legitimate government, I will prevent others from recognizing you, and I will recognize the `TRNC´ [occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus].

Indeed this is how Britain brought Papadopoulos, who was digging his heels against Turkey, to his knees on the night of 3 October. When describing the events behind the scenes on the night of 3 October the Greek Cypriot press reported that Britain "blackmailed the Greek Cypriot administration with the recognition of the `TRNC´," and these reports were not denied.

In sum, Britain was able to impose its will on Makarios by blackmailing him in 1964 and on Papadopoulos by blackmailing him in 2005--in order to get EU accession talks with Turkey started. So why is not Britain using blackmail on the issue of a solution?

For example why does it not tell Papadopoulos, "I will give you two months; if you do not accept a solution based on two equal states then I will recognize the TRNC"?

For example why does it not lift the unfair visa requirement imposed on the Turkish Cypriot `people´ in order to pressure Papadopoulos? Why does it not allow the Turkish Cypriot Airlines to schedule direct flights to and from London? Why does it not take a single resolute step to lift the embargoes?

Subtitle: Does not want agreement

It does not because it does not want a solution based on two equal states in Cyprus. It does not want to put Papadopoulos in a corner. What it wants is a Greek Cypriot state that is an EU member, a Turkish Cypriot state with the status of Taiwan, a continuing dispute that it controls between these two states, the departure of Turkish troops from Cyprus which was declared EU territory by fait accomplis, the undisputed perpetuation of the British bases in Cyprus--which are considered to be outside the EU--in the midst of this uncertainty, its continued pre-eminence in Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean, and the continued protection of its strategic imperialist interests.

Britain's greatest source of support in this strategic policy is the fanaticism of the Greek Cypriot leaders. If those leaders abandon their fanaticism and accept a partnership based on two equal and sovereign states then you can expect the British to panic. In view of these truths is it not a pitiful tragedy that Papadopoulos, Talat, Greek leaders, and the Erdogan-Gul team in Turkey have pinned their hopes for a solution in Cyprus on British imperialism?"

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