Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-11-29

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

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriot politicians and mainly Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer keep on attacking the Greek Cypriots.

[02] Talat´s interview with the New Anatolian. He sees rising nationalism among the Greek Cypriots whose human rights are being violated by 40,000 Turkish troops.

[03] Serdar Denktas´ interview with the New Anatolian. He assesses that Turkey is ready to sacrifice everything in order to continue the occupation of Cyprus.

[04] Nami meets British High Commissioner Millet.

[05] AFRIKA: Azeri - Greek Cypriot flirtation.

[06] General Ozkok puts forth the Turkish army´s conditions for the EU accession course.

[07] Turkish Cypriots demonstrated in London.

[08] Two young Greek Cypriots were arrested in occupied Cyprus for removing signboards of the occupation army in Varosha.

[09] The National Unity Party to postpone its congress Eroglu may withdraw his resignation from the partys leadership.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Reportage in CYPRUS TODAY on the Orams case.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish Cypriot politicians and mainly Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer keep on attacking the Greek Cypriots

In statements yesterday, Mr Soyer accused the Greek Cypriot side of trying to maintain the division of the island.

Referring to a recent statement made by the Cyprus government that the Turkish side violates the buffer zone by building a pedestrian overpass, Mr Soyer accused President Tassos Papadapoulos of getting angry with the Turkish Cypriot sides progress within the social, economic and political arena.

We are not violating the buffer zone. We are using our rights to make an opening to the current deadlock and division of the island, created by the Greek Cypriot ruling powers, he alleged.

Mr Soyer called on President Papadopoulos to remove the barricade immediately on his side.

Noting that the control of the Lokmaci barricade belongs to the Security Forces Command, he described the area as the most symbolic place of the buffer zone and alleged that the barricade there was set up to protect the Turkish Cypriot people from attacks carried out by the Greek Cypriot side and against the ENOSIS.

Mr Soyer claimed that the barricade in Ledra Street area proves the Greek Cypriot sides role in the division of Nicosia and invited the Greek Cypriots to cooperate with the Turkish Cypriot side as regards steps taken for peace and a settlement to the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile, illegal BAYRAK television (29.11.05, internet version) broadcast that the self-styled mayor of the occupied part of Nicosia, Mr Kutlay Erk has accused the Government of the Republic of Cyprus of wasting time by making, as what he called, fabrication statements as regards the Ledra Street crossing point. Mr Erk alleged that the Cyprus government does not want to open new crossing points.

He noted that the work for the opening of the Ledra Street crossing point to mutual crossings was started in line with the projects prepared by Nicosia Master Plan teams, made up of the Turkish and Greek Cypriot Municipalities of Nicosia as well as UNOPS and Partnership for Future Program.

Mr Erk argued that they did not violate the buffer zone at the Ledra Street crossing point and added that they have not received any warning from the United Nations regarding the issue.

He alleged that if the Greek Cypriot side approaches the issue more seriously, like the Turkish Cypriot side, the opening of the crossing point would be possible at the end of this year.

Mr. Erk claimed that the government of the Republic of Cyprus, with its manner at the Ledra Street crossing point, once again proved that it does not want the opening of new crossing points despite the statements it made to European Union and other international organizations that it wants the opening of new gates.

Furthermore, illegal BAYRAK television (29.11.05, internet version) broadcast that the leader of the Peace and Democracy Movement (BDH), Mustafa Akinci also joined the calls to open the Ledra Street crossing point.

Mr Akinci said that the crossing point should be opened before the end of the year, making it possible for the two communities to celebrate the new-year together.

He called on the UN officials to bring the two sides together at a meeting to discuss the issue.

Turkish Cypriot daily ORTAM newspaper (29.11.05) comments on the statements of Mr Soyer under the banner front page title Boom of attacks. The paper writes, inter alia, the following about Mr Soyer: Even if Ankara requested it, it could not find better than him In the very hard speeches he makes, the Prime Minister treats the Greek Cypriot side with contempt. .

The director of ORTAM, Mr Mehmet Davulcu, in his daily column, comments on the everyday statements of Mr Soyer and especially on the attacks against the Greek Cypriot side. Under the title What will happen with the properties? Mr Davulcu writes, inter alia, the following:

The Prime Minister is continuously saying that the title deeds are valid, they will not be touched. However, as if it is just to be contrary to the prime minister, the trust to the TRNC title deeds is everyday decreasing. While the trust to the title deeds decreases, many sectors, and mainly the constructions, are shaken. Ferdi is seeing this (certainly). This is not a good course.

The European Court of Human Rights is putting pressure on Turkey and Turkey is putting pressure on Mr Ferdi. The mission of Mr Ferdi is obvious: saving Turkey from the pressure of the ECHR. Making a system that will be returning to the Greek Cypriots their properties is a condition in order to save Turkey. Mr Ferdi is searching for this. In order to return to the Greek Cypriots their properties he has to take them away from the Turkish Cypriots. On the one hand the TRNC title deeds will be valid and on the other properties will be returned to the Greek Cypriots! This is the difficulty of Ferdi. He is trying to overcome this. For this reason he attacks the Greek Cypriot side in every speech he makes. Yesterday he made a speech in an opening ceremony. What a speech it was! The blood of those who listened to it was up. If there were weapons there they would grab them and attack the Greek Cypriot side. .

Meanwhile, writing in Turkish Cypriot daily AFIKA newspaper (29.11.05) Ali Osman reports, inter alia, the following, under the title It is better than being a hostage:

Another important issue will be the fact that in March 2006 the selling, leasing, settling and using rights regarding the properties which remained in the south and are under the custody of the Ministry of Interior will be set free by the Republic of Cyprus for its Turkish Cypriot citizens.

The boat is heading towards the Republic of Cyprus. May be when we come face to face with a fait accompli we will understand that we have lost our communal rights for the sake of Ankara and its collaborators here. Turkey, which has to be punished for dividing the island, insisting on two separate states and damaging the law, will not pay the price for this. We will.

Again, this is not worse than the false, mean and immoral regime in which we live!...It is again much better than living as Turkeys hostage for 30 years.

I/Ts.

[02] Talat´s interview with the New Anatolian. He sees rising nationalism among the Greek Cypriots whose human rights are being violated by 40,000 Turkish troops

QUESTION: Especially after your recent landmark visit to Washington D.C., where does the Cyprus issue stand?

ANSWER: It wasn't a visit to discuss very concrete projects, it was more symbolic. It was the highest-level invitation from the U.S. administration to the Turkish Cypriots to date. In fact, I believe that during that visit, all our aims were realized. Also our talk with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was important. We expressed our view that the Secretary-General should relaunch an initiative as soon as possible. But everyone knows that Annan isn't eager to take any steps if a positive atmosphere towards a solution is lacking. On the whole, I can say that our U.S. visit was very fruitful.

QUESTION: At this point how do you see the Bush administration's approach towards ending the international isolation of the TRNC?

ANSWER: We told them clearly that our aim is a solution. Our request to end the isolation isn't for a separation -- on the contrary, it is for a healthy reunification. So we were able to explain to them all our thoughts -- not only verbally but also with documents. So I believe that this was really useful to express our stance on various issues. I believe that we're seeing the results of these talks, because the United States is playing a leading role on ending our isolation. Certainly as a superpower, it has unique political opportunities to solve the issue.

There's also another point, which is about the need to get the Greek Cypriot side to become positive towards a solution and to contribute to the process. This is the expectation of the U.S. side. [The need to wait for a solution] may be one reason to slow down U.S. policy towards pushing for a solution on Cyprus at this stage. I don't know the reasons behind this, only the American policymakers would know, but anyhow this isn't changing the direction towards a solution. The United States of America is really the most serious party working honestly to end the embargo on the TRNC.

QUESTION: Did you get the impression that the TRNC's position and difficulties are understood by the American side?

ANSWER: Certainly the main mechanism for the removal of the embargo is in the hands of the European Union. Greek Cyprus became a full member and using the EU leverage they're trying to put all kinds of pressure towards us. They're also trying their best to place all kinds of difficulties and hurdles in front of Turkey, and by doing this they plan to drive a wedge between Turkey and TRNC. All this is happening in the framework of the EU. So we try to explain all these facts in the international arena. The greatest leverage is in the hands of the EU, they have all the power to end the embargo and pressure the Greek Cypriots for a solution.

QUESTION: Most of the time the U.S. administration can be very influential on the European side, don't you think?

ANSWER: Especially on ending the embargo the U.S. administration is acting quite determinedly. We do see such an attitude on the part of the U.S., but I'm not sure about the concrete results.

QUESTION: During your visit to Washington D.C., Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani was also there, but he was welcomed at the presidential level (as the 'president' of the Kurdistan region, by U.S. President George W. Bush). Did it affect you at least psychologically as the president of TRNC?

ANSWER: No. Because you know that this invitation wasn't new, since after I was elected we had plans (for a visit) but due to several reasons we postponed it. Even Turkey's critical balances before October 3 (the day Turkey's EU talks started) were a reason for the postponement. It wasn't a presidential invitation, but up to now this is the highest level of acceptance for the Turkish Cypriots.

QUESTION: At this point, what are your expectations from the U.S. side?

ANSWER: A rather important issue is Russian policy. In fact, we expect the Russians to move. During our talk in Washington, I expressed all my views on the issue to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, so the U.S. side is also very much aware of Russia's role. We also expressed our views and expectations to the UN Secretary-General. So no action by the U.S. side will yield anything if Russia isn't on board. Their approval is also needed. It would be a very positive step if the U.S. and Russia could act together on that issue. This would be a very valuable effort, I believe.

QUESTION: Last week President Vladimir Putin was in Turkey. Did you hear any news from Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the issue was brought up during their meeting in Samsun?

ANSWER: We keep on talking about that issue with our Turkish colleagues, we keep on asking them to use their influence on the Russian side. I'm sure that Prime Minister Erdogan brought up the issue during their talks, but to tell you the truth I haven't heard anything concrete yet. Russia must know that their approach on the Cyprus issue is crucial, but we haven't seen anything concrete from them yet.

QUESTION: How do you see the recent controversy on the additional Customs Union protocol concerning the possible opening of Turkish harbors and airports to the Greek Cypriots?

ANSWER: We see this positively but, at the same time, we ask that the restrictions on us be lifted. Also Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul shares this view. So we accept the Turkish harbors being opened to the Greek Cypriots but also for our harbors to be opened to the outside at the same time. When our harbors are closed, if only the mainland Turkish harbors are opened, this would be fatal to our economy.

QUESTION: Do you think the additional protocol will be ratified by the Turkish Parliament soon?

ANSWER: Well, I don't see any other solution than that. Because Turkey signed that protocol and made promises about it.

QUESTION: How do you see things in the long run? If reunification happens one day, do you think both sides will adapt to each other easily?

ANSWER: There are various possibilities. But there are critical developments recently on the Greek Cypriot side -- in the form of escalating nationalism. Especially among the young Greek Cypriots, this is a serious development. This new nationalistic approach also became dominant in government institutions. Papadopoulos's nationalistic approach became a reason for all these provocations. Even the judiciary is affected. So since there are such serious developments, I wonder if in the future there's unification, what kind of atmosphere we'll face. I must tell you that there is a real deterioration of social relations. This nationalistic spirit is harming our social relations.

QUESTION: You recently complained about the Greek Cypriots stubbornness on even the bird flu issue.

ANSWER: They never cooperate with us. There was a recent case of serial murders and three Turkish Cypriots were suspected.The Greek Cypriots said that they had all the proof in their hands, even the DNA test results or video records. But after we arrested those suspects they refused to cooperate with us, and after a while we had to let them go. In fact Greek Cypriots are trying to harm our authority. They act as if the Turkish side isn't a reality. As far as they're concerned, our police and our judiciary don't exist. They keep on calling our state a fake one and our institutions false ones. They aren't cooperating with us in any kind of smuggling cases, even serious ones. I can even give examples of human trafficking to Europe or drug smuggling. These are serious issues. Recently we wrote them a letter and asked them to sit down together to discuss the necessary steps to be taken against bird flu, and they never answered. So they don't have any intention to cooperate with us in any matters, even the most serious ones.

QUESTION: You changed the government protocol recently, exempting the Turkish ambassador. What further steps do you plan?

ANSWER: Even such a necessary change created such a controversy, but I believe that our governmental institutions must be strengthened. This is crucial for our future, we must have modern, contemporary institutions of the state. These are also important steps for future unification too. If one day the North and South are going to reunite all their institutions must be established in coherence. This would ease the process. Who is governing the TRNC now? The government which was elected by the Turkish Cypriots. So these things must be done by that government. That's our approach.

QUESTION: Decades have passed since the split. The new generations don't know each other properly.

ANSWER: Well the recent atmosphere among the new generations isn't so bright, but it was worse for the older generations, who, after all, fought against each other, and this was more painful. But anyhow I believe that the new generations have a better chance to live together. But I must tell you the greatest risk of spoiling that atmosphere is the rising nationalism among the Greek Cypriots. In fact the situation in the TRNC is totally different, there's an acceptance and flexibility towards the Greek Cypriots. In fact sometimes I believe that is an excessive flexibility. If the Greek side had the same approach the solution would be found more easily, the (April 2004) referendum wouldn't have been rejected by them.

QUESTION: There are speculations about the number of the Turkish Cypriots who carry Greek Cypriot passport. What do you think about this?

ANSWER: Well, in fact this is a way of easing the living conditions, because once they have that passport they can travel freely in Europe, even in most of the other countries of the world. But the numbers are exaggerated, I believe.

QUESTION: What is the number of those passports recently issued?

ANSWER: I'm not the one who issues them, so I'm not in a position to know the numbers, ask Mr Papadopoulos, according to him this number is around 40,000.

QUESTION: Do you think this is natural in a country where only 200,000 people are living?

ANSWER: I always thought so. Even when some people argued that the passports should be banned and people holding them arrested. This is their right, a human right. I can't change my ideas.

QUESTION: In 2012 the term presidency of the EU will be held by the Greek Cypriots. What do you think will happen between now and then?

ANSWER: God knows. But I can say that before then the Cyprus issue must be solved. If not, it means great crises will be faced. Such crises will force a solution I believe.

Question: Do you think we'll be able to see such a solution during our lifetimes?

ANSWER: Don't you think we'll live until then?

QUESTION: Some people insisted on claming that the Justice and Development (AK) Party Government would easily give concessions on the Cyprus issue, so in the third year of this government how do you see things from that aspect?

ANSWER: The biggest fault belongs to those who didn't want a solution. The best chance for a solution was the period up to the Copenhagen summit (of May 2004 when the EU took in 15 new members, including Greek Cyprus), everyone said this: But many others, including Mr Rauf Denktas, supported the issue staying unresolved. So they don't have the right to talk or to criticize. If today the future of Cyprus is at risk -- which I don't believe -- such a risk was created by them. But I'm not as pessimistic as them because we said yes to the UN solution (in April 2004). So that yes will save us. Because that yes proved that the Turkish Cypriots aren't arguing for separation, but that we believe in unification. From now on if we can apply logical policies we can stop the Greek Cypriots' maximalist demands.

QUESTION: They still keep on asking for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from the island.

ANSWER: They refuse a solution but they insist on that. This is neither logical nor ethical. They try to create an agenda with that issue. Mr. Papadopoulos said that they're planning a solution with the withdrawal of the Turkish Army from the island, and he openly said that their aim is osmosis, an assimilation. So it's obvious that such a demand isn't an indicator of good will.

QUESTION: You have a calm way of looking at all the issues, but I think there's a certain point where you would balk too. If the process goes on like this, will there be an end to your calm?

ANSWER: I have a serious responsibility, I have such a burden on my shoulders. I believe that my duty is finding a solution, not creating obstacles to a solution. But in international policy matters sometimes it isn't easy to create transformations. I think we need time for a solution. Mr. Papadopoulos openly says that their intention is only osmosis, so if we can make the world see that clearly, we'll get closer to a solution.

QUESTION: So you believe that this is going to happen in the long run?

ANSWER: Well it looks that way, also the obstacles faced by Turkey during the EU accession period and the crises on this road will ease the solution too.

[03] Serdar Denktas´ interview with the New Anatolian. He assesses that Turkey is ready to sacrifice everything in order to continue the occupation of Cyprus

QUESTION: At the moment, how would you describe the situation on the north of the island? Where do you go from here?

ANSWER: Nowhere. We're back at square one. It's quite obvious that the Greek Cypriots feel no need for a solution. This is proven again every single day. So we're in the same position as before the Bürgenstock negotiations. I don't think that there'll be any change in the future either.

QUESTION: You seem to be pessimistic about the near future as well.

ANSWER: I believe firstly in telling the truth to our people. We have to stop waiting for the Greek Cypriots' mentality to come around. Because up to now we've always believed that trying to find solutions for our internal problems is an obstacle to finding a solution for the island. We have to say that this isn't true. We have to believe in our own system, our own state. Our greatest safeguard for the future is our own state. Our state can show all the uncertainties of the future. So how can we create a better system? How can we make the general welfare better in the future? These are the things our government administration has to deal with. Also all the civil groups must deal with these too. Our people must believe in this reality. So for two more years we have to try to convey this truth to the world and try to make them understand us too.

QUESTION: And what will happen after two years?

ANSWER: What will happen after then? Will we be separated from the rest of the world, the 200,000 people of the TRNC? Turkey has a goal [EU membership], but what about us? Will we be left alone? In fact there's no need for such fears. I believe and see that, at a certain point of this process, Turkey will freeze the [EU accession] process itself. Because it won't be able to put up with all the pressure. At that point, we have to size up our choices like developing relations with Islamic countries or the Turkic states, maybe we should start efforts now to create a common market with those countries. In fact such efforts should be initiated by Turkey, but since Turkey has an EU obsession, it's been obsessed with that dream for decades, we have to find our own solutions. These options have been around for years but we act like we're unaware of it.

QUESTION: Did you get the impression that such a project is viable during your visit to Azerbaijan?

ANSWER: Well certainly there are some obstacles. Some countries have their own problems, and because of this there's uncertainty. But the members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) started to work on economic cooperation. They're at the last stage of such an initiative and I believe that we have to take part in this cooperation. If we can't reach a deal with the Greek Cypriots, and so we won't be able to take part in the EU, we have to try other alternatives.

QUESTION: Do you believe that Turkey will come to a moment of truth on the Cyprus issue?

DENKTAS: In every chapter [of Turkey's EU negotiations] the issue will be put in front of Turkey as an obstacle. I can imagine the future pressures, from Turkey's recognition of the TRNC to stopping aid to the TRNC, I mean all kinds of pressure. Not only this kind of pressure, as I believe that if at one point Turkey asks to be allowed to take a breather on the Cyprus issue, then they [the EU] will put the Armenian issue or the southeast issue up as issues for concessions. I believe that no Turkish government will agree to concessions on such vital issues, so what's the solution? Certainly suspending the issue is one choice then.

QUESTION: Do you think Turkey opening its harbors to Greek Cypriot ships will soon be an obstacle?

ANSWER: Turkish authorities said very openly that if the TRNC's isolation isn't ended, than the harbors won't open. Certainly the Greek Cypriots will force the issue, they'll do everything they can. I also believe that they'll try to create some de facto changes. Maybe they'll send their ships to Turkish harbors, they'll insist on waiting there too. But I don't think the Turkish government will ever allow it. But will additional hurdles be put before Turkey? I believe so. At that point, Turkey will make a stand.

QUESTION: Do you expect the additional Customs Union protocol to be ratified by the Turkish Parliament soon?

ANSWER: Well, ratification doesn't necessarily mean that Turkey will apply all the articles of that protocol. Turkey has the right to say at any time, Wait a minute!' Ratification doesn't end that right. So I don't see it as the end of the world, I don't see a serious problem there. All the power is in the hands of the Turkish government, and the Turkish people have the right to tell the government not to do certain things too.

QUESTION: Do you think Mehmet Ali Talat's recent visit to Washington, D.C. shows a policy change in the United States?

ANSWER: No, I believe that it's just a sign. A sign to other states who would also like to start a dialogue with us. They may think, Even the U.S. Secretary of State is talking with the TRNC, so there's no problem starting a dialogue with them.' The U.S. has a unique procedure for changing its policies and it's not so easy. So beyond that sign I don't think we've got any meaningful gains.

QUESTION: Some people say that the U.S. administration has further expectations from the TRNC like military bases. If so, could there be any radical policy changes towards the TRNC?

ANSWER: We haven't heard about anything like that from the U.S. So is it possible for us to provide bases to the U.S.? If they really need this, if their policies really require it, why not then? But at the moment it's not on the table, and all these discussions are speculative. I believe that the U.S.' recent act in favor of the TRNC is just a gesture. In spite of all the promises made to us before the world, they remain unfulfilled, they just wanted to make a show.

QUESTION: At this point do you expect Russia to change its policies towards the TRNC?

ANSWER: The UN Secretary-General's report on the issue has to be approved by the Security Council. Does it satisfy us in every respect? No, the report has many unfair and wrong parts, but if it isn't ratified there, then it means that all our efforts over the last two years were for nothing. There's only one obstacle to these efforts, and that's Russia's approach. Certainly they have very close relations with the Greek Cypriots, especially on the economic front. But after 2007, all that cooperation will end. So we can expect such a policy change. On the other hand Russia was so biased towards the Greek Cypriots, as a good neighbor of Turkey and for the sake of that cooperation's positive aspects, we expect this.

QUESTION: Have you heard anything new on the issue from Turkey, I mean after the recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin?

DENKTAS: Well we feel a different approach but there's nothing concrete.

QUESTION: There's some talk of changing Article 159 of the TRNC Constitution dealing with property, as some of it is claimed by Greek Cypriots. Everyone in the TRNC seems to be scared of losing their property. Are there plans for this?

ANSWER: No, there's no such plan. If there is such a policy change, that means that we're rejecting our own state. Because all these deeds have the registration of the TRNC. In fact there is a plan to ease property exchanges between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. We're trying to bring more flexibility to those exchanges and even ease indemnity payments. We see the Papadopoulos administration threatening their citizens not to apply to our institutions for these deeds or indemnities. In fact if he didn't create such a problem the Cyprus issue would be solved sooner. So we're backing all the property deeds and if our citizens face any problems or have to pay compensation due to having the deeds, we'll cover those damages.

QUESTION: What do you see as the most promising sectors of the TRNC economy after 2007?

ANSWER: There's a great potential here especially in the educational sector and in tourism. If we decide to try surviving by standing on our own two feet, I believe that our economy can't get any worse. It would be much better than now. Once we set our mind on our new policies, we'll have a very bright future.

[04] Nami meets British High Commissioner Millet

During the meeting, Erdil Nami has stressed that the Financial Help Regulations prepared by the EU in order to help the Turkish Cypriot economy to grow, will have no meaning if taken separately from the direct trade regulations.

During the meeting there was exchange of views regarding a visit to be realized in December to Brussels by the TCCC delegation.

In his turn British High Commissioner, congratulated the newly elected Chairman of TCCC Mr Erdil Nami.

(MHY)

[05] AFRIKA: Azeri - Greek Cypriot flirtation

Halefov confirmed in his statement that there were meetings with the Greek Cypriot Administration officials and said: `These meetings which were of consultative nature, were beneficial to both sides.´

Noting that meeting request had come from the Greek Cypriot administration, Halefov said that when they had given positive response to the request the trip to Baku by the Greek Cypriot foreign Ministry officials was realized. Saying that in the meeting with the Greek Cypriot delegation, Greek Cypriot concern regarding Azerbaijan TRNC relation was on the agenda, Halefov added: `There were exchange of views on other issues as well´.

[06] General Ozkok puts forth the Turkish army´s conditions for the EU accession course

General Ozkok said that as regards Cyprus The Greek Cypriots should take steps. General Ozkok opposed introducing democratic rights which will facilitate, as he put it, the terrorist to conduct his terrorist activities more easily.

(MHY)

[07] Turkish Cypriots demonstrated in London

The demonstration was organised by the Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad (ATCA). The persons who participated in the demonstration started to march from the Whitehall Place where the building of the Prime Ministry is located to the Turkish Embassy in London, holding a giant flag of the TRNC and shouting slogans like Freedom to north Cyprus, Cyprus is Turkish and will remain Turkish, We want to fly directly to our country, Blair, do your duty.

A delegation of the ATCA conveyed to officers of the British Prime Ministry two letters for Tony Blair with the titles Why the embargoes must be lifted and Why we want recognition.

(C/S)

[08] Two young Greek Cypriots were arrested in occupied Cyprus for removing signboards of the occupation army in Varosha

The two Greek Cypriots pulled out signboards on which it was written military forbidden area and they put them in their car. The signboards were placed on the wires which surrounds the Varosha, near the Palm Beach hotel. The Greek Cypriots were arrested and taken to the self-styled police.

(C/S)

[09] The National Unity Party to postpone its congress Eroglu may withdraw his resignation from the partys leadership

As the paper writes, the deputy general secretary of the party, Mr Huseyin Ozgurgun stated that Dervis Eroglu, who has recently resigned from the partys leadership, can withdraw his resignation, and said that there is no regulation that can prevent him from doing this. The decision belongs to Eroglu and the partys assembly, he said.

(C/S)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Reportage in CYPRUS TODAY on the Orams case

Linda Orams, whose Lapta (occupied Lapithos) home is at the center of a protracted legal battle in South Cyprus, discovered this week that a seven-month-old south Nicosia District Court judgment had been registered with the British High Court of Justice in London.

An appeal is being prepared against the registration in the UK.

Mrs Orams learned the news when she attended court in the South on Wednesday expecting to be given a date for a Supreme Court appeal hearing, and to be told that an application for contempt of court would be struck off.

The April judgment now registered with the British court upheld a ruling which Mrs Orams had appealed to have set aside. The original ruling, dating back to November last year, ordered Mrs Orams to demolish her Lapta house and to pay 7,000 Pounds in damages to the Greek Cypriot former owner of the land, Meletis Apostolides.

The contempt of court application was withdrawn by Mr Apostolides´s lawyer, Constantin Candounas. I am doing this in order that Linda Orams will not be obliged to travel to Cyprus for the matter. In 10 years time I would like her to look back, whether we win or lose, and remember that I acted towards her with the utmost respect and politeness, unlike what the authorities in the north did to me, said the lawyer, in a reference to his arrest in the `TRNC´ (occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus) this year and a temporary ban on entering the North.

However, upon leaving the judge´s chambers after hearing the decision on the contempt application, Mrs Orams was approached by a bailiff and served an order issued on October 24 by the High Court of Justice in England.

The order states that the April 19 judgment in favour of Mr Apostolides be registered in and be declared enforceable by the Queen´s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No.44/2001 of 22 December 2000 on jurisdiction and the recognition of judgments in civil and commercial matters.

Mrs Orams and her lawyer, Gunes Mentes have a month after being served with the order for registration to appeal against it. This is just the beginning of a long procedure in England, said Mr Mentes, commenting: What they have done is simply to move the goalposts to England. If the matter is not resolved in the British High Court of Appeal the next step is to go to the House of Lords, which would be the last instance.

Eupro chairman Ian Betts commented: Basically all they´ve done is stand in a queue to get the case registered. It doesn´t really mean anything at the moment.

EU directive 44/2001 was intended to establish judicial cooperation between EU member states where different rules for recognition of judgments exist. A further complication which could work in favour of Mrs Orams concerns the status of the North. Knowledgeable sources on EU legislation have said that because the acquis communautaire is suspended in the North, the question must be asked as to whether the directive can apply to judgments made on property here. The same sources believe that a ruling must be obtained from the European Court of Justice in Brussels concerning the directive´s validity in this case.

`TRNC´ (self-styled) presidential undersecretary Rasit Pertev pointed out that a re-examination of the Orams case was still going on in the South.

The action was taken as if the court case is settled: the final decision has not even been made because an appeal is still being considered. Before the Supreme Court appeal in the South is over nothing can happen in the English courts, he said.

`Attorney General´ Akin Sait confirmed that an appeal was being prepared and described the UK registration as a technical process.

Speaking from her Lapta home, concerned to dispel what she described as misleading headlines in the Greek Cypriot press, Mrs Orams said: Noone should think that the registration of the case in England is in itself a reason for any kind of panic. There is still a long, long way to go.

/SK

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