Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-11-15

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat stated that the establishment of the occupation regime in occupied Cyprus reflects the will of the Turkish Cypriots and will make easier the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[02] Talat hopes that Izcans meeting with President Papadopoulos will be a good step towards the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[03] The Chief of Staff of the Turkish Land Forces: If sound guarantees are given, the Turkish army will withdraw from the island.

[04] The deputy of the German Parliament Mutlu stated that the EU must do its share for the unification of Cyprus.

[05] Jordan Deputy Riyad Ibrahim Hijazzen held a meeting with Fatma Ekenoglu in occupied Cyprus.

[06] Turkey's Cicek Comments on New Criminal Code, Suicide of Van University Official.

[07] Turkeys national handball team is illegally visiting the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus in order to play with the self-styled TRNC national team.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIAL AND ANALYSIS

[08] Azeri journalist to Talat: You have been Denktashized.

[09] Columnist in MILLIYET assesses the incident in Semdinli where the Turkish army is accused of bombing a bookshop belonging to a Kurd.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat stated that the establishment of the occupation regime in occupied Cyprus reflects the will of the Turkish Cypriots and will make easier the solution of the Cyprus problem

Speaking at a press conference for foreign press yesterday morning, Mr Talat said that the `TRNC´ will in no way prevent a solution to the Cyprus problem but instead will make it easier.

Speaking at his monthly press conference for foreign press yesterday morning, Mr Talat alleged that the 24th of April, when the Annan Plan was put to referenda on both sides of the island, was a turning point bringing the fact to light that the Greek Cypriot Side were lying when it was claiming that Turkish Cypriots were secessionists and against a solution.

Claiming that the Turkish Cypriots proved their support for unification of the island and a solution to the Cyprus problem by its support to the UN document, he said that the Turkish Cypriot side is still working towards reaching this target.

Alleging that the Greek Cypriot Side is compounding its intransigent approach even further, the self-styled president accused the Republic of Cyprus of trying to change the existing UN parameters on the Cyprus issue.

Mr Papadopoulos had gone as far as showing the courage to say at the UN General Assembly that a solution to the Cyprus problem would be reached by osmosis` he said, alleging that Mr Papadopoulos words were proof of the Greek Cypriot Sides intransigent position.

Claiming that Mr Papadopoulos is refusing to meet him at any platform, Mr Talat alleged that Mr Papadopoulos´ refusal to establish any contacts with the Turkish Cypriot side provides evidence of his ill intentions aimed at cementing the division of the island.

Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot Side accepts the United Nations as the only platform for a solution to the Cyprus problem, he alleged that the Greek Cypriot side is trying to take the problem into the European Union.

[02] Talat hopes that Izcans meeting with President Papadopoulos will be a good step towards the solution of the Cyprus problem

Welcoming the Secretary General of the BKP, Mr 0zzet 0zcan, Mr Talat expressed his heartfelt wish that the United Cyprus Partys visit to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr Tassos Papadopoulos would be a good step towards a solution. Mr Talat criticized Mr Papadopoulos for his manner that he did not accept Turkish Cypriots as equal to the Greek Cypriots and he didnt agree to a solution based on the equality of the two communities as he alleged.

During the visit, Mr Talat said that they see the removal of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots as a contribution to the settlement and added that a solution to the Cyprus problem would only be possible with the willingness of the two sides on the island.

Mr Talat also said that he agrees with most of the arguments of the United Cyprus Party and said finding a solution to the Cyprus problem is their main priority. Stating that their efforts for the removal of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots only aim at contributing to the peace, Mr Talat said they are not targeting only the removal of the isolation or a Taiwan model structure.

On his part, the Secretary General of the United Cyprus Party 0zzet 0zcan complained that there is no political contact between the two sides in Cyprus and that the negotiation process hasn t begun yet and said that they will express the same thoughts to President Papadopoulos during their meeting on Wednesday.

Criticizing both the self-styled government officials opinions in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus, that the removal of the international isolation of Turkish Cypriots would bring Mr Papadopoulos to the negotiation table, Mr 0zcan said the removal of the isolation would only be possible with a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Expressing his party s concern that Mr Annan has not been taking a new initiative on the island to resume the negotiations process, Mr 0zcan stated that they want Mr Talat and M. Papadopoulos to come together.

[03] The Chief of Staff of the Turkish Land Forces: If sound guarantees are given, the Turkish army will withdraw from the island

General Saygun, who is on the island to attend the celebrations for the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), paid courtesy visits yesterday to the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, the self-styled Speaker of the Parliament, Fatma Ekenolu and the self-styled deputy Prime Minister, Serdar Denktas.

During his meeting with Mr Talat, general Saygun alleged that the Turkish Cypriots suffered and struggled a lot during their history, but finally all this suffering ended with the self styled TRNC and the Turkish Cypriots chose the way of administrating themselves with their own will.

Mr Talat said that he was glad to see general Saygun in Cyprus and added that the difficult and troubled days brought the Turkish Cypriots to searching for a secure peace for the future.

Meanwhile, during their meeting, Mr Serdar Denktas argued that the greatest security of the Turkish Cypriots is the continuation the presence of the Turkish occupation army on the island. The presence of the Army, he alleged, is the last motivation which could bring President Papadopoulos to the negotiating table.

General Saygun argued that while we are saying that the Turkish army should withdraw from the island we should consider what the power of the arms which are in the possession of the other side is.

Before an administration which is the most armed in the world according to its population, no one should expect us to withdraw the Turkish army and abandon (the Turkish Cypriots) to their fairness and mercy, he argued and added that if there is a side that should make a step, this is not the Turkish Cypriots but the Greek Cypriots.

I/Ts.

[04] The deputy of the German Parliament Mutlu stated that the EU must do its share for the unification of Cyprus

Mr Mutlu made these statements yesterday during a meeting he had with the self-styled president in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus (OTRC) Mr Mehmet Ali Talat. As the paper writes, Mr Mutlu came to Cyprus, along with some other deputies of the German Parliament for the anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence in the OTRC. The deputies, who came to Cyprus through the illegal Tympou airport, passed to the free areas of the Republic and held some meetings.

Mr Mutlu stated during his meeting with Mr Talat that Europe must no longer remain silent as regards Cyprus and that the European Union must do its share for the unification of the island. There is responsibility of Europe here he stated and added that the rights of the two sides must be protected as regards the solution to be found in the island.

Mr Mutlu also stated that the Greek Cypriots made a mistake by rejecting the peace hand that was extended to them by the Turkish Cypriots by saying no to the Annan Plan. He also said that he hopes that one day President Papadopoulos will accept the peace hand that it was extended to him and that the peace in Cyprus will be safeguarded.

(C/S)

[05] Jordan Deputy Riyad Ibrahim Hijazzen held a meeting with Fatma Ekenoglu in occupied Cyprus

As the paper writes, Mrs Ekenoglu talked with the Jordan deputy about the latest developments as regards the Cyprus problem. Speaking during the meeting Mrs Ekenoglu stated that the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots must be lifted as soon as possible and said that if this happens the Greek Cypriot side will speed up its going to the negation table.

C/S

[06] Turkey's Cicek Comments on New Criminal Code, Suicide of Van University Official

Answering questions of reporters, Mr Cicek, who attended a conference on 'probation' in Istanbul, said that the new code envisions filing a lawsuit in case evidence was found to bring a person before court.

Talking about the suicide of Van Yuzuncu Yil University's Deputy Secretary General Enver Arpali at Van prison, Cicek said: ''There is neither any information that this person had a depression, nor is there any application made by him to the head of the prison. So, what has happened will be known after the autopsy.''

On the other hand Cicek said that all aspects of the incidents are being investigated when commenting on the incidents that occurred in Semdinli town of southeastern city of Hakkari last week.

[07] Turkeys national handball team is illegally visiting the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus in order to play with the self-styled TRNC national team

The paper notes that the Turkish delegation came to the island two days ago headed by the chairman of Turkeys Handball Federation, Tarik Cengiz.

This is the first visit of the Turkish team to the island since 1994, writes KIBRIS, noting that there was no contact between the two national teams for eleven years.

According to the paper, the visit is the result of the close relations between Mr Cengiz, who came on duty ten months ago, and Mr Cafer Can, chairman of the self-styled Handball Federation of the illegal TRNC, who came on duty three months ago.

In statements during a breakfast at Konak Restaurant yesterday, Mr Cengiz said that they would do everything that they can in order to make the TRNC a member of the European and World Handball Federation. He said that they did not ask for the permission of the European Handball Federation (EHF) before visiting the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, that they feel they are strong and that is why they were not reluctant to visit the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr Cengiz said, inter alia, the following:

You do not have to thank us because we came to the TRNC. This is our duty. We wanted the other federations to be here as well, but it did not happen. We are not making politics here. We are making sports. I hope that in the future they come here as well and compete. Our First national team has began a new project. We have a young First national team. We established roster for the future. The match that we will have with the TRNC will be an important preparatory match for us. Because we will participate in the Carpathian Championship in Romania, this match will ensure the creation of our roster. After Romania we will begin the preliminary matches for the World Championship.

The TRNC is very important for us. We will do everything we can to make the TRNC a member of the European Handball Federation and World Handball Federation. The TRNC Ministry of Sports has an important work to do in this direction. If the Ministry of Sports gives the necessary contribution, the handball of the TRNC will become lofty. As a result of our efforts, nine months ago we made Kosovo a member of the EHF. Our aim in the TRNC is the same.

Addressing to the self-styled Minister of Sports Ozkan Yorgancioglu, Mr Cengiz noted:

An invitation came to the TRNC from Kosovo. This is very important and the TRNC will draw the attention of the EHF as well by going to Kosovo, which became an EHF member three months ago, to play a match. There is a very serious and democratic structure in the EHF. Perhaps there are those who will oppose, but we must do our duty. You, as well, in the dimension of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs must undertake initiatives with Abdullah Gul, so that we make a correct and strong application. EHF is a federation consisting of 47 countries. We shall make a strong application with realistic justification. And we will bring it to the agenda of the Council of the Chairmen. While you are distributing your limited budget, we wish that you give more to handball.

(I.Ts)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIAL AND ANALYSIS

[08] Azeri journalist to Talat: You have been Denktashized

(15.11.05) publishes the following commentary on the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat´s press conference in the column Boiling Cauldron, by Ozcan Ozcanhan:

The 22nd anniversary of the `TRNC´ (occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus) is being celebrated today. On this occasion Talat organized a press conference at Saray Hotel yesterday.

According to information I got from the Information Director 33, foreign journalists were invited. Mostly from the Arab world, for example only from Syria there were 11 persons, from Egypt, Dubai, Azerbaijan, etc, in all 33 journalists all of them guests of the `TRNC´.

I hope those in charge will announce for everyone to know what is expected to be gained from the money and the expenses (for the hospitality of the foreign journalists).

Let us come to the press conference. Mr Talat started by saying that he is organizing the press conference on the occasion of the anniversary and that he would take questions after an introductory speech of 15 minutes´ duration.

Besides, the conference started 20 minutes late. The announced time between 11-12 was not observed. When I pointed this out to `President´ Talat he said personally he was ready since the morning and that the delay was due to the fact that the foreign journalists were not ready.

Talat stressed that with our yes vote in the referendum, we have demonstrated our desire for peace and solution, that he is making efforts for the unification of the island, that our wish is to resume as soon as possible the negotiations under the UN auspices, but the Greek Cypriot side was distancing itself, and that the Greek Cypriots aim is to annihilate the Turkish Cypriots through assimilation, thus to settle the Cyprus as they wish. He noted that world sympathy towards the Turkish Cypriots is increasing.

I believe that Mr Talat was neither convincing nor satisfactory and during the question - answer part he did not try to hide his anger towards me.

Let me explain to you the reasons. I asked permission for two questions, one was about Talat´s statements and promises made prior to coming to power, and whether after acceding to power he came up with concrete proposals or concessions to the other side or they were just rhetoric?

The second question was about his invitation extended to the US servicemen to have their holiday in the north Cyprus and whether they have the facilities, means and accommodation to host and to entertain these US military personnel.

Ozcanhan goes on and writes that Mr Talat while answering his first question made it clear that he will not put forward new proposal for the resumption of the negotiations and accused the President of the Republic, Mr Papadopoulos, of trying to settle the Cyprus problem through osmosis that is assimilation of the Turkish Cypriots. For the second question, writes Mr Ozcanhan, Mr Talat denied making such an invitation to the US Servicemen on leave, he said that he had just invited US tourists.

Mr Ozcanhan goes on and says: Among the other questions put to Mr Talat, that called on my attention was the question put by a beautiful Azeri woman journalist. She asked: I had visited north Cyprus before. What I had heard from Mr Denktas now I hear the same words, demands and views from you. Have you been Denktashized as well and how could you explain to the Azerbaijanis, one step forward two steps back stance in their relations with you?´ Talat objected. I cannot be indentified with Denktas

First, he did not want peace, I want peace and settlement. He did not want the EU, I want the EU. Don´t you think that these are enough to demonstrate that we are not alike?

Talat´s replies as regards the EU regulations and financial aid were neither satisfactory and convincing nor detailed.

I realized that I was right in my assessments when after the press conference, when I had the opportunity to talk to the foreign journalists, they told me: `Mr Talat had handed over North Cyprus and its people to Turkey, it is very difficult to believe that he is for the reunification of the island´.

Mr Ozcanhan also refers to the questions put to him by two foreign journalists´ whether Turkey wants to hold hostage the Turkish Cypriots and the north Cyprus until it becomes EU member? And whether integration of the north Cyprus with Turkey and entry of it together with Turkey to the EU is aimed at?´

Talat replied that these were wrong, that there is no such thing and that with devious and roundabout way and meaningless words tried to evade the questions.

Several times he said that he was unable to understand the questions put to him. As he was unable to understand the questions, there were a lot of journalists who did not understand his replies completely. May be this was due to translators´ failing.

In short during yesterday´s press conference Talat did not get full marks

Yesterday, Mr Talat did not say anything new.

Is this the way, Mr Talat and the Republican Turkish Party and Democrat Party government will exalt the `TRNC´ and make it to last forever?

[09] Columnist in MILLIYET assesses the incident in Semdinli where the Turkish army is accused of bombing a bookshop belonging to a Kurd

The `public officials´ who are facing such serious accusations in Semdinli are in fact not important at all. They are nothing more than suspects who today are being accused of committing murders and trying to sow the seeds of hatred in society.

No matter what `acts of heroism´ they may have displayed in the struggle against terrorism, if their crimes should be proven, then they will have nullified all these "acts of heroism" with their own hands. The truly grave thing here is the stain that has been placed on the prestige of the state.

Those who got themselves mixed up in this affair have also, thereby, done great harm to the struggle against terrorism. For these individuals have caused certain suspicions to arise regarding the "terrorist attacks" that have taken place in recent months.

The mentality that `Those who fire bullets on behalf of the state, as well as those hit by them, are all ours´ will come into play here for some people. Just as in the Susurluk and Kiziltepe incidents. But if this is "loving one's state and one's nation", then Turkey can be nothing other than a banana republic.

As for the fact that units of the state, in a virtually automatic fashion, have endeavored to put these suspects under protection, and that the "fetishists of the state" have sought from the very outset to shift the target, these things accomplish nothing other than to humiliate Turkey.

Clearly, everyday people who believe in the importance of justice, and particularly after the Susurluk incident, have little faith left that justice prevails in

Turkey. If a great many people, ranging from police torturers to the "anti-European" Dogu Perincek, today seek the assistance of the European Court of Human Rights [ECHR], it is because of this.

The Semdinli incident, as it stands, has given the EU, which has already put Turkey under close monitoring, yet another trump card. In fact, Western diplomats in Ankara were initially not able to comprehend the importance of this incident. Because at the time they had concentrated their attention on the ECHR's ruling in the Leyla Sahin [headscarf] case.

But when the media took up the matter in a determined way, they as well understood the seriousness of the matter. Prime Minister Erdogans and various officials will no doubt lay the blame on the media. Just as in the case of the Malatya incident.

They will say `If you did not make such great noise about it, it wouldn't be such a big deal.´ But, as I noted above, these are stances seen only in banana republics. Not in serious, respected states.

Some people may indeed see Turkey as a banana republic over which they themselves have complete control. But the common people of this country long for a state and a system of justice that they can trust. Consequently, I repeat: It is the state that is under a cloud due to the events that have taken place in Semdinli.

Consequently, those who are saying We are going to get to the bottom of this, and will not protect anyone" face a very serious test in the eyes of the people. But if we have suspicions in terms of justice prevailing in this case, we have reason for it: past experience has left, it is obvious, very little confidence.

In other words, the Semdinli affair as well is going to go to the ECHR in the end. And Turkey, seeing that it is going to be punished, and out of concern that this "not go on its record", will, as it has done over and over in recent years, seek an "amicable solution outside the courts", and agree to pay substantial compensation to the injured parties.

And naturally, the Semdinli suspects will in that situation get off with minimal punishments. And once again it will be the state and its prestige that will have been harmed by it all. It is clear, however, that this aspect of the affair has, for certain people, little interest. /SK

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