Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-01-16

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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 alleges that the authorities of the "TRNC" are the interlocutor of the United Nations in case a fund for the development of the Turkish Cypriots is created.

[02] HURRIYET: "Fund from the UN to develop the TRNC".

[03] Mustafa Akinci was interviewed in KIBRIS newspaper.

[04] Angolemli: "The aim of solution has been removed away in Cyprus".

[05] Allegations by NTV regarding the Turkish Cypriot properties in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

[06] Turkish citizen caught in Spain is reportedly Al-Qaida leader there.

[07] Turkish Cypriot newspaper writes that two cases of bird flue were identified in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[08] SABAH: "Surprise in Cyprus".

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat alleges that the authorities of the "TRNC" are the interlocutor of the United Nations in case a fund for the development of the Turkish Cypriots is created

Speaking yesterday at the ceremony for the 22nd anniversary of the death of the former Turkish Cypriot leader and first Vice-president of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Fazil Kucuk, Mr Talat said that the government of the Republic of Cyprus has no say on the self-styled "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (occupied areas of the Republic).

Arguing that this was a legitimate claim, Mr Talat alleged:

"If a relation will be established with northern Cyprus, if a relation will be established with us, this relation will be established with us, and not through south Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot Administration of South Cyprus has definitely no right to speak and take decisions regarding north Cyprus. I want to shout this to the whole world from here, on this hill at the spiritual presence of our leader, Dr Kucuk".

Claiming that the "legitimate authorities of the `TRNC´" are the interlocutor of the United Nations in case a fund is created for the development of the Turkish occupied northern part of Cyprus, Mr Talat said that "south Cyprus", as he described the Republic of Cyprus, could not be the interlocutor for this and that the consultations will be conducted with the authorities of the self-styled "TRNC" and not with the Greek Cypriots.

Mr Talat argued that the international community should re-evaluate its policy on this issue and on similar issues conducting a dialogue with the representatives of the Turkish Cypriots. He added: "I am not challenging anyone. I am not opposing to any institution and I am not threatening any institution. ... However, I am extremely determined to protect the honour of the Turkish Cypriot people".

Mr Talat alleged that the Turkish Cypriots have a "legitimate and legal institution" and that the process of the integration of the "TRNC" and all its institutions with the world must be realized and promoted.

Mr Talat claimed that all the institutions and offices in the "TRNC" are more legal and legitimate than the institutions in the Republic of Cyprus.

I/Ts.

[02] HURRIYET: "Fund from the UN to develop the TRNC"

The paper publishes statements by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, George Iacovou who said that no consultation was made with the government of the Republic of Cyprus on this issue.

The paper stresses that the Director, of the UNDP is Kemal Dervish.

I/Ts.

[03] Mustafa Akinci was interviewed in KIBRIS newspaper

Noting that the Greek Cypriot side is trying to gain the upper hand in the Cyprus settlement efforts through legal action on property rights at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Mr Akinci, said Turkey is trying to gain time on the Cyprus issue through the "New Property law", which was amended recently in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus. He also added that it is plainly obvious that the self-styled coalition government in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus receives advice and instruction from Ankara in every step it takes.

Mr Akinci noted that he would support the amendment of two articles (159 and10) in the "constitution", but they must amend more articles.

Commenting on the upcoming illegal local elections to be held in June, Mr Akinci said that his party would have a flexible policy. He repeated the view that the Turkish Cypriots should ask for all their community rights deriving from the 1960 Republic of Cyprus constitution. He added that a platform should be set up within this framework.

Commenting on the unopened Ledra Street checkpoint, Mr Akinci said both sides should, to some degree, pull back their soldiers as it happened a few years ago at the Ledra Palace checkpoint. He said both sides should consider demilitarising the entire area of old Nicosia inside the Venetian walls.

(DPs)

[04] Angolemli: "The aim of solution has been eliminated in Cyprus"

Mr Angolemli stated that time has been lost as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem because of the reluctance of the Greek Cypriot side and because of the lack of will of the Turkish Cypriot side.

He accused the Greek Cypriot side of "escaping" from the dialogue, of not being sincere as regards the issue of the solution and added that on its part the Turkish Cypriot side is wasting time spending all its energy to turn the Greek Cypriot side's "no" into "yes".

Referring to the "property law", Mr Angolemli stated that his party is against this law and said that it was born out of the need to save time. Saying that this "law" will not be helpful as regards a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, Mr Angolemli said that the "law" has postponed the solution of the Cyprus problem to 15-20 years further, as the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos want. Mr Angolemli also said that with the passing of the "property law", the self-styled assembly has not remained true to its word for early solution of the Cyprus problem.

In addition, Mr Angolemli said that the self-styled president in the occupied areas of Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat and the parties that support its "government" do not act, setting as their priority the Turkish Cypriot Community, but according to suggestion they receive from abroad.

(C/S)

[05] Allegations by NTV regarding the Turkish Cypriot properties in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus

NTV argues that this decision was taken during a meeting of the leaders of the parties which participate in the government under President Papadopoulos. According to NTV, title deeds will be given to Greek Cypriots not only for the houses built on Turkish Cypriot property in the free areas of the Republic, but for property in the free areas as an equivalent for the property they were forced to abandon in the occupied areas of Cyprus in 1974.

I/Ts.

[06] Turkish citizen caught in Spain is reportedly Al-Qaida leader there

According to police sources, Saffet Karakocak played a key role in sending to Iraq suicide bombers who received terrorism training in Europe.

The police, who are continuing the inquiry in connection with Karakocak who has been living in Spain for over five years, took action in order to uncover the suspect's connections in Turkey. The Spanish police also announced that they caught a Moroccan cell leader called Omer Nakca.

It is suspected that Nakca, who allegedly recruited personnel for Al-Qa'ida, has connections with Turkey as well. The Moroccan suspect is also being accused of assisting in the flight of some persons involved in the terrorist attacks of 11 March 2004 in Madrid that caused the death of 191 people.

[07] Turkish Cypriot newspaper writes that two cases of bird flue were identified in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

As it was known, samples taken from a little girl, who was in the Burhan Nalbantoglu hospital in the occupied part of Nicosia, were sent to Turkey last Friday for further detailed test. Yesterday the second case was established. The results of examinations on a soldier, who is also in the hospital, were sent to Turkey as there were suspicions that he had been infected with bird flue.

I/Ts.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[08] SABAH: "Surprise in Cyprus"

"It is yet to be leaked to the public, but, everybody do expect important developments in Cyprus until the end of March.

When we say everybody we mean diplomatic circles. These circles´ claim is as follows: `Following USA Secretary of State Rice and British Foreign Secretary Straw´s visit to Ankara this month, Turkey will open a new package.

For days the Greek Cypriots are very angry of the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. So much that they put titles like "Jack the Reaper"...

The reason for the outrage is : Mr Straw has included in his visiting program to Cyprus between 24-25 January the Turkish Cypriot side as well and meeting with President Mehmet Ali Talat at his Presidential Palace. The Greek Cypriots, considering this gesture `as upgrading the TRNC status´ they have launched all out attempt to put London under pressure.

First they tried to make Straw to cancel his crossing to the TRNC. And when the British Minister stood firm and said: `If I do not cross into the north then I do not visit the south as well´, the Greek Cypriots were forced to back down, and suggested that `the meeting should not be held at a symbolic venue where it could give the impression that the TRNC is a separate state´. The Greek Cypriots have proposed Talat´s house in Kyrenia or Saray Hotel as the meeting venue.

The Greek Cypriots had a nuzzle when Mr Straw had rejected this suggestion as well. According to latest situation: the Greek Cypriots had agreed to the following formula: `Prior to his visit to Cyprus, Mr Straw will give an interview to a Greek Cypriot newspaper, where he will stress that his meeting with Talat at the Presidential Palace does not mean Britain's change of policy, that they do not think to recognize the TRNC, and during the joint press conference the TRNC flag will not be present.

Pleased do not belittle the British stance. They are openly conveying to the Greek Cypriots the message that: `You are not the sole representative´ of the island any more´.

This message will be further stressed when Talat during his planned London visit meets with Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street that is at the Prime Minister's residence. A similar preparation is going on in Washington: to upgrade the political level of the Turkish side not to make `de jure´, that is not legally, but `de facto´ recognition to be felt stronger. Diplomatic circles expect that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during her forthcoming visit to Ankara will convey the signals of this intention.

Subtitle: Turkey's preparation of a package

According to the same diplomatic circles, when the suitable atmosphere has been created following these concerted joint pressure exerted on the Greek Cypriots by by the USA and Britain, the turn will come to Turkey's new package. This package, which is expected to be disclosed until the end of March - or to certain circles it is almost ready and soon will be disclosed - envisages removal of isolations imposed on both sides of Cyprus. That is Ankara will repeat its call made last May and July.

The same circles believe that this action by Turkey, this time, will be received warmer and with more interest within the EU and will secure more support.

Behind this optimism lay EU´s attempt to mend the failure, due to the Greek Cypriots intrigues, in putting into practice the measures which would have lessen the isolations imposed on the TRNC (that is trade regulation and financial aid).

What would happen if Ankara's package as well fails? This possibility is fraught with surprises. If in the meantime the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, does not start a new initiative or his new attempt too proves unsuccessful then the division between the Turkish and Greek sides will become permanent.

And a new formula will be on the agenda: Taiwan model, in fact double Taiwan model:

Turkey will establish economic relations with the Greek Cypriots without political recognition. The EU and the whole world will continue to recognize the Greek Cypriots as the political representatives of the island, but, will establish trade links with the TRNC. If not immediately but gradually slowly and we are sure the first step will come from the USA.

Turkey's and the government's Cyprus policy is really going on the right course".

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