Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-01-04

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister on CNN-Turk.

[02] The Ambassador to Ankara said the USA is seeking for a permanent solution in Cyprus.

[03] Turkey intends to consolidate its position in the Middle East through the Erez Project in Gaza.

[04] Extract on Cyprus from the leader of MHP´s new year message.

[05] Salih Boyaci is taking Turkey to the European Court of Human Rights.

[06] The self-styled Minister of Economy and Tourism said that the constructions in "TRNC" are not beneficial for the Turkish Cypriots.

[07] A network selling cars stolen from Germany was revealed in occupied Cyprus.

[08] National Unity Party Congress to be held on 11 February.

[09] Human Rights activists and reporters face trial for taking custody of Turkish soldier released by PKK last July.

[10] The findings of a parliamentary committee on honour killings in Turkey were released.

[11] TV channels owned by the Uzan Group were bought by Dogan Holding.

[12] Turkish Officer describes in HURRIYET how the Turkish Armed Forces took revenge against the American Army in Northern Iraq.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister on CNN-Turk

Mr Gul pointed out that not all the expectations of Turkey were met after the referendum in Cyprus and alleged that both the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey have realized "unbelievable changes" before and after the referendum.

"Our expectation from the EU on the Cyprus issue is to fulfil its promises", reiterated Mr Gul arguing that the EU must be a part of the solution and not a part of the non-solution in Cyprus.

Responding to a question on the issue of the Supplementary Protocol of the Customs Union with the EU, Mr Gul said that what is important is the functionality of the Customs Union. Asked when the Turkish Grand National Assembly will approve the Protocol, he said that "the issue will be overcome when the time comes", without specifying any date.

"What is important is the fact that the Customs Union works", noted Mr Gul reminding that trade is being conducted with the 25 member-states of the EU. "Various problems might emerge. When this happens, we sit down and talk at the relevant platforms", he added alleging that these are not issues that influence the procedure. He said that the trade begun automatically on 1 May 2004 with the ten new member-states of the Union as well. He pointed out that the European Parliament too has not ratified the Protocol.

Mr Gul reiterated that Turkey recognizing the Republic of Cyprus is out of the question and that this issue could only be a part of an overall solution to the Cyprus problem.

Commenting on Austria's term presidency of the EU, Mr Gul expressed the opinion that this will not change many things, because the term presidency has to act objectively.

Meanwhile, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (03.01.06), asked about his opinion on Turkish Penal Code Article No. 301, Mr Gul said that a legal interpretation of this article has not taken place yet. "To this day, there have been one or two court decisions based on Article 301. When you look at the court decisions, you will see that the courts are always in favour of freedoms," he reiterated and added that the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) is not untouchable and if a Turkey which is different from what they long for emerges, they can change the TCK as well.

Upon a question about the recent high-level visits from the United States and NATO, Mr Gul said: "Turkey has become a centre of attraction. Those were routine visits. News reports connecting those visits with the issues of Iran and Syria are totally imaginary. Also, news reports claiming that the United States requested a military base in Turkey are baseless."

Asked regarding Turkey's expectations from the United States over elimination of PKK in the northern part of Iraq, Mr Gul said: "There is cooperation, but we expect further cooperation. Washington told us that it could not ensure the security of its own soldiers, and that they did not have the opportunity of launching an operation. There are many ways of fight against the terrorist organization PKK. A new phase of cooperation has begun between Turkey and the United States to this end."

Replying to a question about the northern part of Iraq, Mr Gul said: "Turkey protected the northern part of Iraq even under the most difficult conditions. Political leaders in the region were provided official passport by Turkey. Now, there are some problems about attempts to change the demographic structure in Kirkuk. We want the protection of the territorial and political integrity of Iraq."

Mr Gul noted: "Turkey has always supported the Middle East peace process. We wish that bloodshed will come to an end when the Palestinians will found their own state. As you know, the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza was the first step of the Road Map. Now, efforts should concentrate on finding a solution to the economic problems of Gaza...The Union of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) has undertaken a project about the Erez industrial zone in Gaza. The industrial zone could provide job opportunities to at least ten thousand people. We will pay a two-day visit to the region to sign agreements with both Israeli and Palestinian sides".

(I/Ts)

[02] The Ambassador to Ankara said the USA are seeking for a permanent solution in Cyprus

Turkey - The United States Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group Chairman Egemen Bagis hosted a luncheon in honor of Wilson.

Speaking at the luncheon, Bagis said: ''We attach great importance to our bilateral relations with the United States. The United States is the first ally who declared PKK as a terrorist organization. Now, the United States has been partly supporting Turkey's initiatives for closure of the Roj TV, media organ of the terrorist organization PKK.''

Meanwhile, Wilson said in his part that he got the same message during his meetings with Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc.

Turkey has given signals to further develop already increasing relations with the United States, he said.

Stressing that settlement of peace in Iraq would be beneficial for both Turkey and the United States, Wilson said that instability had been continuing in Syria and Iran, and that he listened to views of the Turkish government about the issue.

Noting that efforts had been under way to find a permanent solution to the Cyprus question, Wilson said that they were seeking for a solution which would not affect Turkey's relations with the United States and the EU.

[03] Turkey intends to consolidate its position in the Middle East through the Erez Project in Gaza

"Turkey's entity in the Middle East will be further consolidated after initiation of the Industrial Initiative for Peace Project to be carried out by the Union of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) in Gaza," Turkish Economy Policies Study Foundation (TEPAV) Director Guven Sak said on Tuesday.

Holding a news conference, Sak pointed out that the project aimed to deepen regional integration of the Turkish economy.

"The project will be put into practice in the Erez Industrial Zone. The zone consists of 201 enterprises established in an area of nearly 20 acres. Half of those enterprises belonged to Israel while the rest are composed of Palestinian companies. Under the project, a company was established by the TOBB and the Federation of Palestinian Chambers," he said.

Sak noted that an investment of 40-50 million USD was required for the Industrial Initiative for Peace Project which includes construction of new security facilities, social facilities, infrastructure and new enterprises.

"Construction works will start in end-March. In July, the first Turkish enterprise will become operational in the zone," he added.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and TOBB Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu will leave for Israel on Wednesday to complete the first phase of the project.

Two memoranda of understandings will be signed in Jerusalem and Ramallah on January 4th and 5th to this end. Foreign ministers and economy ministers of Turkey, Israel and Palestine are expected to attend the signing ceremonies.

[04] Extract on Cyprus from the leader of MHP´s new year message

In his message Mr Bahceli noted that 2005 had not been satisfactory as far as Turkey and the rest of the world was concerned due to a series of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, wars, and hunger suffered by people in different parts of the world, especially in the Middle East.

Mr Bahceli argued that the AKP's policies vis-à-vis the EU were also full of serious contradictions and weaknesses. He said: "The government initially portrayed the process of joining the EU as a matter of life or death. When, however, it was revealed that its policy was based on an illusion, it started pursuing a strategy designed to maintain a systematic tension with the EU. Wrong steps taken in a bid to appease Brussels have eventually turned into threats to the survival of Turkey and the Turkish nation".

Referring to Cyprus, which he described as a national cause of the Turkish nation, Mr Bahceli began to be regarded as a problem and a burden after the AKP had come into power due to its ambition to achieve accession to the EU. He commented: "This approach indicates that the AKP will let the Turkish community in Cyprus down. The government's heedlessness, indifference, and ignorant policies indicate that plots similar to those witnessed in Cyprus will soon be hatched with regard to the existing issues related to the Aegean Sea. The Turkish nation will never forgive the AKP, which is pursuing such a submissive policy based on making concessions for the sake of a virtual negotiating process with the EU despite statements made by high-ranking EU officials that they were not in favour of allowing Turkey to join the Union, and will sooner or later bring it to account."

[05] Salih Boyaci is taking Turkey to the European Court of Human Rights

Mr Boyaci, who was sentenced to six years in "prison" for the Kredi Bank lawsuit, is filing charges against Turkey and he is asking for compensation, on the ground that the self-style Supreme Court decision was not fair and an injustice was made on him.

The reason that he is filing charges against Turkey is that the European Court of Human Rights does not recognise the TRNC and that it considers Turkey as responsible for everything that is taking place in occupied Cyprus and de facto under its control, writes the paper.

The lawyer of Mr Boyaci, Serhan Cinar, verified that his client will file charges against Turkey and stated that the aim is not to take compensation but "to be saved from bankruptcy".

After the Kredi Bank went into bankruptcy, 26687 depositors who were unjustly treated were paid by Turkey 66 millions, 222 thousand dollars. If Turkey is found guilty, it will have to pay a compensation to Boyaci who was the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the bank.

The paper writes that the application to the European Court of Human Rights was made 17 months ago, in July 2004, and nine months after that it was given a number by the European Court of Human Rights. However, it is not yet clear whether the Court will accept the case and if it is accepted when the hearing will take place.

C/S)

[06] The self-styled Minister of Economy and Tourism said that the constructions in "TRNC" are not beneficial for the Turkish Cypriots

During the programme, Mr Deniz said that the construction sector in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus does not contribute greatly to the economy of the breakaway regime because the majority of the workers are foreigners who take their pay cheques with them when they leave. He also added that this is only beneficial for some contractors, who only care about profit and harm the environment without thinking about the damaging consequences.

He also accused the self-styled TRNC Assembly Speaker, Ms Fatma Ekenoglu, as well as the self-styled Assembly committee, who make statements about tourism development in the occupied area of Vokolida and provide the Greek Cypriot side with information that could be used to fault the illegal regime.

(DPs)

[07] A network selling cars stolen from Germany was revealed in occupied Cyprus

After information received by Interpol, four of the stolen cars were found. The self-styled police in the occupied territories of Cyprus has arrested five persons regarding this case and three more persons are wanted. Among these persons is a man from Holland.

C/S

[08] National Unity Party Congress to be held on 11 February

[09] Human Rights activists and reporters face trial for taking custody of Turkish soldier released by PKK last July

"A suit has been filed against an IHD [Human Rights Association] delegation -- including singer Ferhat Tunc -- that had taken custody of Private Coskun Kirandi when the PKK released him after holding him for 25 days, and against five reporters who followed the incident. They are all being charged with "making propaganda for the organization."

In his indictment, Tunceli Prosecutor Sedat Ertaskin states that the suspects used Kirandi's family as political tools and for the purpose of anarchy.

Kirandi had been kidnapped on Pulumur highway on 11 July and released to the suspects by the organization members in Gulec village 25 days later. The prosecutor is seeking 3 years for IHD Deputy Chairman Mehdi Perincek, IHD's Diyarbakir chairman Selahattin Demirtas, singer Ferhat Tunc, and five reporters who followed the incident.

After Kirandi had been handed over, the security forces had raided Gulec village and detained the delegation members and the journalists for three days. A court had subsequently ordered their release.

The trial begins on 3 March".

[10] The findings of a parliamentary committee on honour killings in Turkey were released

"According to the Parliamentary Research Committee on Honour Murders, losing one's virginity, falling in love and talking with a man are considered dishonourable in Southeast and East Anatolia.

According to the conclusions of a study carried out in East and Southeast Anatolia by the Parliamentary Committee on Honour Murders, losing one's virginity, falling in love and speaking with a man are considered dishonourable. Over 80 percent condone the punishment of [girls] who fail to protect their honour.

According to a study carried out in East and Southeast Anatolia falling in love, losing one's virginity, going out without permission and talking with a man are considered dishonourable by a good many people. The proportion of those who think that [girls] who fail to protect their honour should be punished is 83.7 percent.

Those who took part in the research gave the following answers to the question, "What is honour?"

My wife, my sister, my mother, my family: 32.9 percent.

Religious obligation: 18.4 percent.

Male honour: 13.7 percent.

Women's chastity: 10.2 percent.

Virginity: 5.7 percent.

What Is Dishonourable Behaviour?

Here is how the participants replied to the question, "What is dishonourable behaviour?"

Adultery: 48.5 percent.

Losing virginity: 10.6 percent.

Falling in love: 9 percent.

Speaking with a man: 7 percent.

Going out without permission: 5 percent.

Acting in a way so as to cause gossip: 4.3 percent.

Back talking: 1.2 percent.

Women wandering around without a headscarf: 1.2 percent.

Women's Duty: Subservience, Obeying Rules

According to the conclusion of the study a woman's duty is to listen, to be subservient and to abide by the punishment ruling. Furthermore, the onus is on all the male members of the family and not just the father and the elder brother to protect the woman's honor.

The penalties apart from death are listed as being grounded, being left to starve, being locked in the barn, having the nose cut off, having the hair of the head shaved off, being poisoned or being made to commit suicide".

[11] TV channels owned by the Uzan Group were bought by Dogan Holding

"The Dogan Holding purchased satellite and cable broadcasting licenses for four TV channels previously owned by the Uzan Group, on Tuesday.

Savings Deposits Insurance Fund (TMSF) put broadcasting licenses for 6 TV channels and 3 radio channels, which were sequestrated from the Uzan Group, up for sale. Turkish Dogan Holding purchased satellite and cable broadcasting licenses for Sineklasik TV, Yesilcam TV, Dizi TV and Metro TV channels.

The Holding will pay nearly 675 thousand USD for the TV channels.

No one purchased Radio Gold, Radio King, Radio Blue, Futgol TV and Sineklasik 1 TV. They will be put up for sale once again on January 6th".

[12] Turkish Officer describes in HURRIYET how the Turkish Armed Forces took revenge against the American Army in Northern Iraq

The paper also publishes a photograph of officer Aziz Ergen, who retired last August, and the caption: "Turkish officer Aziz Ergen describes to HURRIYET what he experienced on May 19 in the Kokpitepe area of Northern Iraq when undressing stark naked a US officer after taking him hostage". He said: "I went to the area giving the order `do not allow anybody to approach and if they make it difficult for you, use your arms. About 50-60 persons came near the thermal cameras. Their heavy arms were visible. Head of the team was colonel Martin Rollinson. I ordered that only 2-3 persons should approach. The American colonel came together with five Iraqi police. When it was seen that they were carrying arms the soldiers jumped on them and arrested them. A fight followed. I said `do not take the pistol of the colonel, simply take off the loader magazine. When they brought them to me with their hands tight, except for the American officer, because they could have hidden something in their cloths, I said `undress them´ and everybody remained naked. Separating the Iraqi policemen from the colonel I let them wait bent on their knees. Colonel Martin, being naked, was trembling because of the weather and out of fear. At around 10-10:30 p.m. we let them free after an order I got".

The paper devotes page 16 to the story under the title: "Aziz Ergen explained the revenge for the bags". "We stripped naked the American colonel on this hill".

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