Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-01-23

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] KIBRISLI: US naval base at Karavostasi. ORTAM: US, Britain and Turkey promote the Taiwan model for the occupied areas.

[02] HURRIYET: Here it is, the new Cyprus Document given to Annan.3.Onur Oymen: The AKP will open the Turkish ports and airports to the Greek Cypriots.

[04] Mehmet Ali Talat met Erdogan in Istanbul.

[05] Mr Gul continues to mislead the world about his country´s barbaric invasion and occupation of EU territory. Statements by the FM of Brasil.

[06] Turkey is determined to solve the electricity problem in the areas of Cyprus under the occupation of Turkish troops.

[07] Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer held a press conference.

[08] The puppet regime´s Minister of Economy held contacts in Ankara.

[09] The President of the TCCC met with the Austrian Ambassador.

[10] The breakaway regime continues its efforts to gain recognition through sports. The Kyrgyz volley and football teams are in the occupied areas.

[11] Turkish newspaper calls on Iran to recognize the breakaway regime in occupied Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] KIBRISLI: US naval base at Karavostasi. ORTAM: US, Britain and Turkey promote the Taiwan model for the occupied areas

The Americans are building a naval base at Karavostasi. The naval base will be build at the area known among the people as Manglis Port. It will be built by a company named Moty Industries under the name of shipyard and it will be used for the maintenance and the reparation of American war vessels which patrol in the Mediterranean.

By an agreement signed with the Ministry of Finance, the CMC mine shipping installations and the port were leased to the company named Moty Industries for 49 years. According to the agreement, the above-mentioned company will begin investments until April 2006. Until August 2007 it will complete 40 % of the investments and until 30 April 2009 the entire amount of the investments will be completed.

According to the agreement made with the Ministry of Finance, Moty Industries will make an investment of 30 million dollars at the first stage for the construction of the installations. According to information we have acquired from reliable sources, the investments are expected to reach 150 million dollars within five years.

According to information acquired by our newspaper, the agreement with Moty Industries had been signed in 2002, but it was annulled in 2005 by the Ministry of Finance with the justification that the investments have not began in 2005.

The agreement was renewed recently upon an initiative of the US Department of State. Representatives of Moty Industries who met some time ago with our correspondents verified that the US Defense Department is closely interested in their projects and that they secured the support of the US Department of State for the renewal of the agreement.

The sources emphasize that there is the possibility of the Moty Industries acting in the name of the ill repute CMC mining company which owns the place on which the base and the installations will be built.

Meanwhile, under the banner front-page title They have shared us out! Turkish Cypriot daily ORTAM newspaper (23.01.06) reports, inter alia, the following:

Let the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots try to achieve the taksim and enosis (Tr. Note: the division of the Island and the unification with Greece), while the EU has undertaken the control of the southern part of Cyprus and the north remained to the USA.

Papadopoulos, who dreamed that by rejecting the Annan Plan the solution in Cyprus would be through osmosis, like he wishes, has come into a difficult position before the US-patented operation of Taiwanization.

Using their rights as guarantor powers, Britain and Turkey, strategic partners of the US, promote northern Cyprus being in their field of influence with a form of a Taiwan model.

During their meeting in Istanbul, for which we are not very much convinced that it was a surprise, Turkeys Prime Minister Erdogan briefed the TRNC President Talat on the operation. .

I/Ts.

[02] HURRIYET: Here it is, the new Cyprus Document given to Annan

With a view to resuming the intercommunal talks the UN Secretary-General should take new initiative. Annan should revive the plan known by his name which was not put into effect because of the Greek Cypriot rejection.

The EU should put into effect the Direct Trade and Financial Aid regulations which it promised to the TRNC, following the Greek Cypriot rejection of the Annan plan in the referendum.

Within this scope, all the arrangements necessary for the TRNC to engage in direct trade with the whole world should be prepared and put into effect immediately. Within these arrangements all the limitations imposed on the TRNC seaports and airports should be removed.

If these are realized the Republic of Turkey will remove the limitations it has imposed on the Greek Cypriot side for the use of the Turkish seaports and the airports.

Subtitle: USA and British Support

The USA and Britain have extended full support to this document conveyed to Mr Annan by Turkey. Sources mention that at present the situation is different from 30 May 2005, the date when Turkey conveyed the first document. The same sources said that at that time the USA and the British support was not clear but at present this support is open and clear. The same sources say that the USA came to the point where it thinks how the USA and Turkey could with joint efforts corner the Greek Cypriots. This is the point that differ from that of the 30 May the said sources stressed.

It is being informed that efforts are continuing to convince the other permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) Russia and secure her support as well. It is also said that secret attempts continue to secure the support of other permanent and non-permanent members of the UNSC.

Subtitle: Interesting timing

The sources informed that it is important that handing over of the document to UN was done prior to British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw´s visit on 25 January, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste Blazy´s visit on 1-2 February and the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice´s visit in Mid-February to Ankara. Specially, pressure was to come from France as `open your sea ports and airports to the Greek Cypriots´, so by handing in the document to the UN early, we are on our guard against France. If such request comes from France, we will refer to the document handed over to Annan.

Moreover, Turkish daily MILLIYET newspaper (23.01.06) reports, in addition to the HURRIYET report that, Turkish Foreign Ministry Office of the Spokesman has denied reports that a news solution plan has been submitted to Annan in New York last week.

MILLIYET reports that leaking of the document in the UN, which was prepared by Ankara in total secrecy, caused concern at the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Once the document was leaked, Turkey which was getting ready to announce it at a press conference by Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, has decided to deny the existence of the document.

[03] Onur Oymen: The AKP will open the Turkish ports and airports to the Greek Cypriots

The paper, which notes that Mr Oymen revealed AKPs plans, writes that the chairman of CHP stated that the Turkish Government is having talks with the European Union as regards the issue of civilian aviation and in case of the signing of an agreement the Additional Protocol will be materialised de facto. In this case the Greek Cypriots will be able to use the Turkish ports and the Greek Cypriot airplanes will travel freely to Turkey, as he said.

They will give visa to Greek Cypriot ships saying that we can accept Greek Cypriot ships which carry the Greek Cypriot flag but their owner is not Greek Cypriot, but a citizen of another country, Mr Oymen stated.

C/S

[04] Mehmet Ali Talat met Erdogan in Istanbul

Mehmet Ali Talat and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Istanbul yesterday.

During their meeting, the two leaders reviewed the latest developments on the Cyprus issue and exchanged views on possible steps to be taken.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Mr Talat said that Turkey and occupied Cyprus share the same position on all issues concerning the Cyprus problem.

Stressing that a stable policy has been jointly pursued by the breakaway regime and Turkey, Mr Talat explained that these policies were being welcomed by the international community and led to economic developments in occupied Cyprus, adding that such developments will strengthen the hand of the Turkish Side at the negotiations table.

He said: The international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people will surely be lifted, and such a move will open the way for Turkish Cypriots to integrate with the rest of the world.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for his part, said: The continuation of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people is unacceptable. Nothing new should be expected from the Turkish Side as long as the isolations continue.

Mr Erdogan repeated the view that restrictions on the two sides in Cyprus should be lifted simultaneously.

Stating that Mr Annans solution plan is still on the table, Mr Erdogan reiterated Turkeys position, supporting a permanent settlement to the Cyprus problem within the framework of the current solution plan and parameters.

The way towards peace passes from mutual respect, equality and cooperation; and not from restrictions. All restrictions in Cyprus must be removed at the same time by parties concerned, he added.

As for the creation of a domestic remedy on the Greek Cypriot properties issue by the breakaway regime, he referred to it as an important step, adding that the latest decision of the European Court of Human Rights supports the correctness of the step.

Stating that Turkeys unwavering support will continue for the prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people, the Turkish Premier said he also exchanged views with Mr Talat on strengthening the regime´s economic and institutional structure.

The water and electricity problem will be solved permanently as soon as possible. Officials of concerned institutions will arrive in the `Republic´ soon for inspections he went on.

Mr Erdogan completed his words by saying that Turkey will continue its constructive manner as regards the Cyprus issue and its efforts aimed at creating a positive atmosphere between the two sides on the island. We are expecting the reciprocal sensitivity from the European Union and other concerned countries, he concluded.

[05] Mr Gul continues to mislead the world about his country´s barbaric invasion and occupation of EU territory. Statements by the FM of Brasil

The Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim has said that Brazil is against the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Speaking during talks with the visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül, the Brasilian foreign minister said Brazilian businessmen are free to visit the TRNC.

Pointing to his countrys support for the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annans solution plan, the Brazilian foreign minister said his country is against the isolation of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´. (occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus)

Expressing the hope that a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem would be found, Mr Amorim said his country is ready to do anything that would be needed of her that would contribute to the efforts.

[06] Turkey is determined to solve the electricity problem in the areas of Cyprus under the occupation of Turkish troops

The energy problem facing the occupied areas was the topic of a special meeting between the breakaway regime´s self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer and the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hilmi Guler who arrived in the occupied areas today.

Measures to be taken in the short-term and investments to be made in the long- run were discussed during the meeting.

Speaking at a joint press conference at the end of the two-hour long meeting, Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer and the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hilmi Guler announced that they have agreed to take all the necessary steps to solve the energy problem in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus.

[07] Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer held a press conference

As for the electricity cuts, Mr Soyer stressed that a partial ease has been provided on the electricity issue despite all the difficulties.

Reminding that the 60 Megawatt unit of the power plant has been on the re-run as from last night, Mr Soyer said that the basic problem has been the continuation of electricity cuts since many years.

Welcoming the Republic of Cyprus´ positive stance towards providing electricity to the occupied areas, Mr Soyer said that the only abnormal situation will be the lack of cooperation and dialogue between the two communities on the island.

As for the bird flu disease, Mr Soyer reiterated that there isnt any case of bird flu in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Pointing out that the needed measures have been taken by officials, he said that the routine inspections are being carried out in poultry institutions.

As for measures at the ceasefire line taken by the Greek Cypriot side, Mr Soyer referred to them as politicized.

According to KIBRIS newspaper (22.01.06) Mr Soyer also said that all the ambassadors or their representatives were invited to the self-styled veterinary department in the occupied areas and were briefed on the measures taken all over the country on the bird flu issue.

[08] The puppet regime´s Minister of Economy held contacts in Ankara

Mr Deniz held two-days discussions in Ankara in the fields of economy and tourism.

His contacts in the Turkish capital included meetings with the Turkish Minister of State in Charge of Economy and Chief EU Negotiator Ali Babacan, Minister of State also in charge of coordinating Cyprus Affairs Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener and Minister of Tourism and Culture, Atilla Koc.

Within his contacts, Mr Deniz yesterday met with the Turkish Minister of Economy and Chief Negotiator to the European Union Ali Babacan.

Speaking after his meeting with Mr Ali Babacan, Mr Dervis Kemal Deniz said that Turkey has once again confirmed that it will never make a concession from its position on the Cyprus issue during the negotiations process with the European Union.

Stating that he learned from Mr Babacan that Turkey would not meet the demands of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Deniz said they consolidated the view that the economy of the breakaway regime in occupied Cyprus would not be damaged at the negotiations between Turkey and the EU.

[09] The President of the TCCC met with the Austrian Ambassador

The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) in a written statement today, announced that the President of the Chamber Erdil Nami met with the Austrian Ambassador to Cyprus Eva Hanger.

The President of the Turkish Chamber of Commerce Erdil Nami expressed the chambers views and proposals on Direct Trade and Financial Aid Regulations as well as the issue of opening of Turkeys ports to the Greek Cypriot registered vessels.

He also expressed the need for an immediate and unconditional implementation of the Financial Aid Regulation.

Congratulating the Austrian Ambassador Eva Hanger for Austrias European Union Term Presidency, Mr Nami asked for the support, cooperation and contribution from Austria.

Erdil Nami pointed to the importance of concrete steps by the European Union towards increasing the prosperity of Turkish Cypriot People and its economy.

Meanwhile, Erdil Nami will be meeting the Head of the EU Task Force for the Turkish Cypriot Community Leopold Maurer on Monday.

[10] The breakaway regime continues its efforts to gain recognition through sports. The Kyrgyz volley and football teams are in the occupied areas

Speaking on his arrival, Mr Denktas said that good relations and cooperation in the fields of culture and sports between the TRNC (occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus) and Kyrgyzstan will continue.

Meanwhile, the Kyrgyz Minister of Sports Bektur Asanov and the Kyrgyz national football and basketball teams arrived in the Republic together with Mr Denktas.

Deputy-Prime Minister Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas returned to the Republic today at the end of his visit to Bishkek as guest of the Kyrgyzstan-TRNC Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group.

Speaking at a joint press conference at Ercan (occupied Tymbou) Airport, Foreign Minister Denktas complained that the Greek Cypriot Administration and Greece had tried to prevent his visit to Bishkek and the Kyrgyz delegations visit to the Republic.

But, he added that the Kyrgyz Minister of Sports and the countrys national football and basketball teams are in the Republic for camping and friendly games with Turkish Cypriot teams in spite of the Greek Cypriot Administration and Greeces efforts.

Making it clear that the Kyrgyz teams visit has nothing to do with politics, he said that the visit is one between two friendly countries.

The Greek Cypriot Side tried to prevent this visit, but they failed he said, calling on other countries to follow suit and take steps towards lifting the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The Kyrgyz Minister of Sports Bektur Asanov, for his part, expressed his happiness of being in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and said that good friendly relations between the two countries will continue.

Mr Serdar Denktas visited Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan as guest of the Kyrgyzstan-TRNC Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group.

Yesterday, he met the Speaker of the Kyrgiz Parliament- Omurbek Tekebayev.

Embarking on his contacts yesterday, Mr Denktas met with the head of the Kyrgiz parliaments committee on Emigration Kubanicbek Isabekov, and the co-president of the Kyrgyzstan-TRNC Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group Sadir Caparov.

He briefed the two men on the political history of the breakaway regime in occupied Cyprus.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Serdar Denktas drew the attention to the fact the Turkish Cypriots had voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Annan Plan in the 2004 referendum which was rejected by a majority of Greek Cypriots.

He added: The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continues to exist with all its organs and institutions despite the fact that it remains politically unrecognized by the international community.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot KIBRIS newspaper (22.01.06) publishes a commentary by Hasan Hasturer, who, inter alia, writes: A Kyrgyz official stated that in the year 2007 important developments will take place in the relations between north Cyprus and Kyrgyzstan. He was very firm about it.

For this reason I will follow the relations between `TRNC´ and Kyrgyzstan with great sensitivity.

[11] Turkish newspaper calls on Iran to recognize the breakaway regime in occupied Cyprus

The two countries decided to set up working groups in the fields of bilateral trade, energy, and mutual investments during Mottaki's visit to Ankara. In light of the recent developments, however, Ankara decided not to send the delegation it had formed. Diplomatic sources say that the meetings could start after Iran provides clarification about its nuclear program.

The same sources pointed out that as a neighboring country Turkey had to take a stance against Iran due to its nuclear program, adding that it was considered necessary to slow down or suspend bilateral talks being conducted by low-ranking officials in certain areas. A diplomatic source said: "Ankara's approach is of paramount importance to the region."

The working groups were expected to discuss purchases of natural gas and oil, the current status of projects undertaken by Turkcell and TAV in Iran, possibility of an increase in border trade, and attracting Iranian investors to Turkey.

Mottaki also disclosed during his visit to Ankara that Iran was interested in all privatization projects in the Turkish energy industry. He also suggested that committees to be composed of officials from the two countries be set up in that context.

Moreover Istanbul MILLI GAZETE (Internet Version, 17.01.06) publishes the following in the framework of a column by Hasan Unal:

Iran should carefully analyze the fact that, following the June 2005 Washington meeting between [US President George W.] Bush and [Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, the AKP government refrained from inviting [Syrian President] Bashar Al-Asad to Turkey, and that since that date, it has given full support to America's Middle East policies. The AKP must be the most pro-American government in the history of the Turkish Republic. In addition, at the point to which IMF policies have brought the country, there are any number of reasons for the current government to be on America's side. With the situation being as it is, Iran, with gestures that it could make, ought to win the Turkish people over to its side, and ought to ensure that the Turkish people thwart the AKP government's taking its place beside America.

Moreover, these things are not just fantasies. Iran should first of all declare publicly that it is prepared to recognize the KKTC ["Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus"]. It should do this on the occasion of a visit by respected former politicians who refuse to be pro-American on the topic of Iran, and whom it would invite from Turkey, and/or within some other framework. In addition, it should declare that it will supply the KKTC's energy needs free of charge; it should exert efforts for this country [i.e., the "KKTC"] to be recognized directly by the OIC [Organization of the Islamic Conference] and/or by member-states. It should declare that it is ready for full cooperation with Turkey on the issue of Iraq's territorial integrity, and it should make it clear before the public that it will not permit the formation of a Kurdish state in Iraq.

/SK

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