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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-02-01
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
TURKISH PRESS
AND OTHER MEDIA
No.22/06
01.02.06
[A] NEWS ITEMS
[01] The World Bank: Casinos in the TRNC are engaged in money
laundering.
[02] Reference to Cyprus by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a
press conference at the Kremlin.
[03] The Turkish and Turkish Cypriot press on Putin´s statements.
[04] The British High Commissioner delivered a speech at the TCCC.
[05] The Turkish Prime Minister addressed the Turkish nation. Focus on
the Action Plan for Cyprus.
[06] Gul promotes the Action Plan in London on the occasion of the
Conference on Afghanistan.
[07] Statements by Erdogan during his party´s group meeting.
[08] Kyrgyz President, Foreign Minister to arrive for 'Improvement' of
ties.
[09] Abdullah Ocalan applies for retrial at Ankara Criminal Court.
[a] NEWS ITEMS
[01] The World Bank: Casinos in the TRNC are engaged in money laundering
Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (01.02.06) reports under the above
title that the World Bank disclosed that the Casinos, Exchange Bureaus
and off-shore banks in the north Cyprus are the main source of money
laundering. The World Bank, upon request from the European Commission
has prepared a detailed report regarding the banking sector in the
occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus. The world Bank has presented
this report to the self-styled government in the occupied territories
of the Republic of Cyprus.
The report was prepared by Sarosh Sattar, the mission chief and
Williams De Fries. They interviewed 21 establishments in the occupied
area.
The paper reports that money laundering activities in the north Cyprus
continue unabated. The report goes on and says that despite the
reduction in cash flow, because of the so-called Law on the Fight
Against Money Laundering which stipulates that cash transfers should
not exceed 100 thousand USD, the north Cyprus is still weak and easily
affected, regarding money laundering.
The casinos are the first and main source in money laundering.
The report also refers to the off-shore banks which operate in the
occupied area and says that full control of these Banks is not
possible, despite the fact that they are under the control of the
Central Bank.
The report further mentions that the First Merchant Bank OSH Ltd., is
the main institution in money laundering.
The World Bank report mentions that in the occupied area there are
attempts to make laws against money laundering, however, it adds, to
put into effect these laws will take a long time.
Once these laws are put into effect, it will be easier to control these
main source of money laundering places.
[02] Reference to Cyprus by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a
press conference at the Kremlin
Illegal Bayrak television (01.02.06) broadcast the following:
The Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken highly of the Turkish
Cypriot Sides determination towards finding a solution to the Cyprus
Problem.
He said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (occupied areas of
the Republic of Cyprus) has taken on a more active role regarding
efforts aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus Problem.
Speaking at a press conference at the Kremlin Palace, Mr Putin praised
the `TRNCs´ pro-solution policy, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side
began to adopt a more constructive and progressive policy on the Cyprus
issue.
Noting that Moscows position regarding the Cyprus issue has not
changed, he stressed that Russia will continue to work with the United
Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to promote efforts aimed at
finding a solution to the Cyprus issue.
Referring to the current visa requirements applied by the Greek Cypriot
South for Russian nationals, the Russian President Vladimir Putin
warned that Russian tourists could prefer Turkey or the `Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus´ as alternative holiday destinations if the
procedure continued.
[03] The Turkish and Turkish Cypriot press on Putin´s statements
All the local Turkish Cypriot daily newspapers, except GUNES, report
about the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putins press
conference and his remarks about Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriots.
YENIDUZEN reports under banner headlines The Turkish side in Cyprus
should be rewarded..
VOLKAN: If you do not remove visa formalities Russians will go to north
Cyprus.
CUMHURIYET: Putin warned the Greek Cypriots that Russian tourists could
prefer the north Cyprus.
VATAN: Warning from Putin to the Greek Cypriots, the Russian tourists
could visit north Cyprus.
KIBRISLI: Russia is tilting the balance.
Subtitle: The Russian President Vladimir Putin made an important
statement that demonstrates the first signals of the policy change on
Cyprus.
KIBRISLI also gives the evaluation of the self-styled Foreign Minister
in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Serdar Denktas
regarding Mr. Putins statement. He said Russia is on the verge of
policy changing. He said that President Putin said what the Greek
Cypriots do not want to hear.
HALKIN SESI: Russian appreciation to TRNCs policies
AFRIKA: Putins surprise.
KIBRIS: Russian President Putin for the first time extended support to
the north Cyprus.
In addition, the Turkish newspapers (01.02.06) cover Putins statements
in their inner pages.
MILLIYET under the title Award the TRNC, writes that Mr Putin stated
that north Cyprus has shown determination as regards the issue of
finding a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem and added that this
attitude must be awarded.
HURRIYET writes that the Russian President, answering a question
addressed to him by a Greek Cypriot journalist, stated that Russias
policy as regard Cyprus does not change. He said that the Russian
citizens chose to visit Turkey and north Cyprus because there are
conveniences as regards the visa.
AKSAM under the title TRNC visa threat for Greek Cypriots, writes that
the Russian President stated that Russians prefers to visit Turkey and
north Cyprus because of the visa application required by the Republic
of Cyprus. He also stated that the policy followed by north Cyprus as
regards the solution of the Cyprus problem is considered to be open and
it is appreciated.
[04] The British High Commissioner delivered a speech at the TCCC
Illegal Bayrak television (31.01.06) broadcast the following:
The British High Commissioner to Cyprus Peter Millet stressed that
Britain supports the European Union membership of a United Cyprus once
a settlement on the Cyprus problem is reached.
The British High Commissioner´s words came during a speech titled `The
Future of Europe; Our Shared Future held yesterday evening at the
Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC).
Stating that the future of the Turkish Cypriot `People´ lies within the
European Union, the British High Commissioner Peter Millet pointed to
the importance of preparing for future membership.
Pointing out that all Cypriots became part of the European Union after
Cyprus acceded into the Union, Mr Millet said that the EUs aim was to
see a `United Cyprus` within its boundaries.
Reminding that the Cyprus problem remains to be an obstacle in the path
of Turkeys accession into the European Union, Mr Millet expressed his
view that Turkey, no matter how difficult it would be, should grant
diplomatic recognition to the Republic of Cyprus, so as to be able to
resume its accession negotiations with the EU unhindered.
Explaining that both sides on the island needed to possess the
political will and desire for a settlement, the British High
Commissioner said that any solution found to the Cyprus problem should
be mutually acceptable for both sides on the island.
[05] The Turkish Prime Minister addressed the Turkish nation. Focus on
the Action Plan for Cyprus
Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported the following from
Ankara:
"All the world now knows that the Greek Cypriot administration is the
responsible party for insolubility of the Cyprus question. The Greek
Cypriot administration tries to move the solution basis from the UN to
the EU instead of working for resolution," said Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday while addressing the nation on TV
channels.
Erdogan said the goal of the `Greek Cypriot administration´ is to
create pressure on Turkey within the scope of EU membership
negotiations, "it is a wrong policy and it will fail."
Erdogan said his government had been trying to enhance Turkey's
relations with all countries and overcome stalemates and clashes since
it had come to power in November 2002, and stated that Turkey's esteem
and influence had grown in the past three years and eventually it
became one of the corner points of the international political
traffic.
Erdogan said his government pursued a sincere and convincing policy to
ensure a peaceful solution on the island, and noted that, "we continue
to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriot `people´ and to defend the
national cause."
"We are trying to preserve our solution perspective despite the
negative stance of the Greek Cypriot side," Erdogan indicated.
"Everybody should know that this problem can only be solved in the
United Nations. All the parties should advocate the efforts of the UN
Secretary- General. Comprehensive Solution Plan of the UN
Secretary-General is still on the table," Erdogan said.
Erdogan said the presence of the Turkish Cypriot party began to be felt
more as a result of the efforts exerted since the referenda: "The
international community knows that the embargo imposed on the Turkish
Cypriot `people´ is unfair and meaningless."
Recalling that the U.S. Congress and trade delegations and a delegation
from Russian Federation comprising ambassadors visited `Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus´(`TRNC´), Erdogan said that also executives
from Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan visited the `TRNC´.
PM Erdogan underscored that in resolutions adopted in 2004 and 2005,
the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) made strong calls for
the Turkish Cypriots to integrate with the world. Erdogan said the new
action plan prepared to resolve Cyprus question will in no way harm the
legal and political positions of the related parties.
"We expect the UN and the European Commission to support this action
plan and particularly the Turkish Cypriot party sincerely," he noted,
stating that, "I discussed this initiative with UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan in Davos.
Erdogan said some other countries of the world also expended very open
support to this new initiative, "I believe that this action plan will
have encouraging repercussions in the international arena. The Turkish
side sincerely wants peace."
Regarding the content of this new package, Erdogan said: "With the
package, Turkey opens its sea ports to Greek Cypriot vessels serving
the trade of goods in accordance with the EC-Turkey Customs Union. Also
carriers of Greek Cypriot Airlines are allowed to use Turkish airspace
for over-flights as well as airports in accordance with relevant
international rules and procedures. We are opening the ports in North
Cyprus, including Gazimagosa, (occupied Famagusta,) Girne (occupied
Kyrenia), and Gemikonagi (occupied Karavostassi) to international
traffic of goods, persons and services under Turkish Cypriot
management."
"Also we are opening Ercan (occupied Tymbou) airport for direct flights
under the Turkish Cypriot management. But we demand special
arrangements for the practical inclusion of North Cyprus, as an
economic entity, into the EU's customs union. We want unhindered direct
trade between both sides of the Island as well as with the outside
world," he added.
Erdogan said: "We expect obstacles to be lifted before participation of
the Turkish Cypriot side in international sports, cultural and other
social activities. We propose several procedural steps to be
implemented as well."
"We expect a high level meeting to be convened no later than May/June
2006 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to finalize the
draft action plan. The action plan and outcome of the meeting should be
submitted by the UN Secretary-General to the UN Security Council. The
UN Secretary-General may wish to establish a mechanism to keep the
implementation of the plan under review, with a view to regularly
reporting any development to the Security Council," he noted.
Erdogan indicated that the Turkish government showed once again its
determination regarding its policy on Cyprus issue, stating that
relations between Turkey and the EU, and the Cyprus issue were
different matters. "Our government will continue to support projects
aiming to strengthen institutional structure of `TRNC´ and improve
economic situation and prosperity of Turkish Cypriot `people´," he
underscored.
Erdogan said: "TRNC has caught an important growth trend. `TRNC´
economy grew by 50 percent in the last four years. Turkish and Turkish
Cypriot authorities have been dealing with problems that might hamper
this growth trend."
Stating that his government had been exerting efforts to solve problems
regarding the energy sector that have emerged in `TRNC´ recently, he
said that the Turkish Energy Minister paid a visit to `TRNC´ and held
meetings with `TRNC´ authorities on possible measures to solve those
problems.
Erdogan said that Turkey would continue to take initiatives and present
proposals for settlement of Cyprus problem although it couldn't get
what it deserved for its good intention.
"We hope that the way to stability in Eastern Mediterranean will be
opened and relations between the two sides in Cyprus will improve by
the implementation of Turkey's new action plan. Both sides will acquire
economic benefits again by this plan," Erdogan said. "We believe that
the international community will appreciate the initiative of Turkey
and `TRNC´," stated the Prime Minister.
[06] Gul promotes the Action Plan in London on the occasion of the
Conference on Afghanistan
Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported the following from
London:
"The Turkish government has presented a concrete, satisfactory and
detailed action plan about the Cyprus issue," said Turkish Foreign
Minister & Deputy Premier Abdullah Gul on Tuesday.
Gul who is currently in Britain to attend the London Conference on
Afghanistan spoke to reporters.
Regarding Turkey's Cyprus Action Plan, Gul said: "Through this new
plan, views which were expressed on May 30th are now put into action.
We asked the `Greek Cypriot administration´ to lift embargoes (on
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus-TRNC) (occupied territories of the
Republic of Cyprus) in exchange of Turkey's opening its ports and
airports to them and we have set a timetable. Many countries welcomed
our action plan." "Greek Cypriots made statements about the plan so
hastily. I hope they would examine the plan carefully," he added.
"Otherwise, division in the island would continue, and hopes for unity
would diminish. Thus, the plan should be assessed well. The plan boosts
confidence and paves the way for permanent resolution," said Gul.
When asked what happens if a positive response is not given about the
Cyprus Action Plan until June, Gul said: "This plan will enhance
cooperation. But if it is not accepted, there is nothing to do. If they
do not support this plan, the whole world will see that Turkey does not
receive a response to its efforts for resolution and Turkey will
increasingly pursue its support to Turkish Cypriots."
[07] Statements by Erdogan during his party´s group meeting
Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported from Ankara that the
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday addressed his
party group meeting.
On his contacts at Davos, Mr Erdogan said:
"We explained Turkey's point of view about top issues on the agenda. We
discussed Turkey's new action plan for Cyprus with UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan and our counterparts and saw that the new plan pleased the
international community. Turkey has shown once again that it is for all
sorts of peaceful solutions based on objective criteria. Now we hope
that the international community will pressure the Greek Cypriot side
for a settlement on the island," Erdogan said.
Mr Erdogan also criticized statements made by the main opposition party
leader Deniz Baykal about Cyprus and commented that Baykal's statements
about Turkey's new action plan for Cyprus have similarities with those
of President Tassos Papadopoulos.
Mr Erdogan also referred to the issue of his personnel and his party's
assets which is high on the agenda in Turkey. Erdogan stressed that he
is accountable for all the assets which belonged to his party and
himself.
He indicated that everybody could see the bank accounts of the
governmental Justice and Development Party (AKP) on web the page of the
party, adding that his party was very transparent over its bank
accounts and assets. Erdogan said that AKP mainly used the money which
was provided from the Treasury as an aid. "AK Party came to power to
end corruption and there is not a single party asset which we can't be
accounted for. Indeed if some account is to be given, it should be
given for the economic crises and unproductive politics Turkey suffered
for years," Erdogan said.
Mr Erdogan referred to the economy and said that the Turkish economy
was on a sound basis. Informing MPs about the newly announced economic
figures of 2005 in his party group meeting, Erdogan said that the ratio
of budget deficit over GNP was 16 percent in 2001 and 14.6 percent in
2002. He said that after his party came to power, that ratio decreased
to 11.3 percent in 2003; 7.1 percent in 2004 and finally to 2 percent
in 2005.
"EU's Maastricht criteria regarding this ratio (of budget deficit over
GNP) is 3 percent and we have reached that limit even before Turkey's
accession to the EU," said Erdogan.
Erdogan indicated that the budget deficit decreased by 67.8 percent and
interest payments fell 19.1 percent in 2005 when compared to the
figures in 2004.
Erdogan stressed that the government cut off the tax rates in order to
fight unregistered economy and to increase tax revenues. "While tax
revenues do not totally cover interest payments in 2001, this ratio
reached 38.3 percent in 2005", Erdogan stressed.
[08] Kyrgyz President, Foreign Minister to arrive for 'Improvement' of
ties
Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported the following from
Ankara:
Kyrgzstan's President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Alikbek Jekshenkulov will pay visits to Turkey, it was announced on
Tuesday.
Kyrgzstan's Ambassador in Ankara Mambetcunus Abilov visited A.A
Director General Executive Board Chairman Dr. Hilmi Bengi.
Speaking during the audience, Abilov expressed the importance his
country attached to improvement of bilateral relations. Abilov said
Minister of Foreign Affairs Alikbek Jekshenkulov will pay a formal
visit to Turkey on February 14th and 15th and President Bakiyev will
visit Turkey on March 2nd and 3rd.
Abilov said they wanted to remove prejudices and to better explain
Kyrgzstan to the world.
A.A Director General Bengi recalled that A.A had a cooperation
agreement with Kyrgz News Agency (KABAR), stating that high level
visits from Kyrgzstan to Turkey showed the willingness to improve
cooperation.
[09] Abdullah Ocalan applies for retrial at Ankara Criminal Court
Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.01.06) reported the following from
Istanbul:
Head terrorist Abdullah Ocalan launched an appeal to Ankara Criminal
Court and asked that he be retried, Irfan Dundar, one of his lawyers
said on Tuesday.
Speaking in a news conference, Dundar said that the European Court of
Human Rights (ECHR) had ruled that Ocalan case should be either
reconsidered or he should be retried.
Dundar said that case files couldn't be reconsidered under Turkish
laws, adding: "There is also a legal impediment concerning his
retrial; that is, the parliament should adopt an amendment for that,
first."
"Following our client's application to the court, we, as his lawyers,
will also apply to the Ankara Criminal Court," Dundar added.
/SK
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