Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-03-09

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] EU-Troika meeting held in Vienna. Statements after the meeting.

[02] The Turkish Foreign Minister replies to Olli Rehn´s statements.

[03] Mr Talat to return to the occupied areas on Sunday.

[04] Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer will fly to Britain today.

[05] The new UBP leader held a press conference. The self-styled assembly to discuss the Cyprus problem today.

[06] Controversy in the occupied areas over a ban by Ferdi Sabit Soyer of a teachers´ strike.

[07] Rauf Denktas: Turkey is the owner of Cyprus.

[08] Census will be held in the occupied area.

[09] The breakaway regime is participating in the ITB Berlin Tourist fair- Dervis spoke about the problems faced by the Turkish Cypriot airlines.

[10] The Turkish President and the Chief of the General Staff met on Semdinli indictment.

[11] Statement by the Turkish army on the indictment procedure for trial of generals.

[12] Turkish Justice Minister orders investigation of Van prosecutor's indictment.

[13] Van Court decides to hear Semdinli case on 4 May.

[14] Prosecutor Sarikaya comments on Semdinli indictment.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] How the Turkish Press assesses the Semdinli indictment crisis.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] EU-Troika meeting held in Vienna. Statements after the meeting

Following the meeting, European Commissioner for Enlargement Mr Olli Rehn, said that Turkey has to fully implement the customs union additional protocol regarding Cyprus.

Noting that both the EU and Turkey have to keep their promises, Rehn said regarding the solution of the Cyprus issue that the recent meeting between UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and President Tassos Papadopoulos was very important, adding that they support resumption of talks between the sides for a comprehensive solution.

When asked whether Turkey's not opening its ports and airports (which is envisioned in the additional protocol) will cause ending of Turkey-EU entry talks, Rehn said that if they consider the usage of the right to veto which is valid within the EU, Turkey's not implementing the additional protocol will mean interruption of entry talks.

Noting that they will exert efforts in 2006 to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, Rehn said that the additional protocol which was signed in July 2005 was an important condition for Turkey's starting EU entry talks, thus, implementation of the additional protocol will be beneficial both for EU, Turkey and Cyprus. He added that they will carefully follow whether the additional protocol will be implemented or not.

Rehn also said that the approval of the financial assistance regulation to the Turkish Cypriots should be accepted as a confidence-building document.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mr Abdullah Gul and Austrian Foreign Minister, Mrs Ursula Plassnik have qualified the Turkey-EU Troika meeting as ''fruitful''.

Following the meeting Mrs Plassnik said that negotiations between Turkey and the EU on science and research continued.

According to Plassnik, how long the negotiations would last depended on Turkey's efforts as well as that of the EU.

Noting that they did not think that negotiations would end tomorrow, Plassnik said that they supported Turkey's reforms, and underlined the importance of a modern Turkey, which backed EU's goals.

Asked if the EU was ready to accept Turkey as a full member, Plassnik said that both the EU and the candidate countries should be ready for full membership.

On his part Mr Gul said: ''We will insist on fulfilling reforms. There may be some problems in implementation, but we will do our best to improve democracy in Turkey.''

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Mr Gul said:

''We really want solution of this problem. And, we are supporting all efforts to be launched under the auspices of the UN, and aiming at settlement of this question. First of all, isolation and embargoes against Turkish Cypriot `people´ should be ended. And, we expect the EU to keep its promises.''

According to Gul, end of isolations and embargoes will contribute to a comprehensive solution.

Gul later met Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel and Parliament Speaker Andreas Khol.

Mr Gul will participate in a meeting of the foreign ministers of EU and Western Balkan countries in Salzburg on March 10th-11th, and deliver a speech on ''dialogue among civilizations''

[02] The Turkish Foreign Minister replies to Olli Rehn´s statements

Gul indicated that he detailed developments regarding Cyprus during the meeting, and said: "I told my interlocutors that Cyprus is a matter concerning the UN."

Noting that nobody wanted to experience a crisis regarding Cyprus, Gul said: "But we cannot do everything out of fear that a crisis will erupt."

Gul stated that Turkey and Turkish Cypriots were good-willed, and exerted great efforts to find a solution to Cyprus problem. "I hope that the action plan I presented to UN Secretary General will be put into effort soon," he added.

[03] Mr Talat to return to the occupied areas on Sunday

He is expected to hold a press conference in Istanbuls Florance Nightingale Hospital on Sunday morning at 11a.m. before his flight back the same day.

[04] Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer will fly to Britain today

In a written statement from the self-styled Prime Minister´s Office it is being stated that Mr Soyer will also take part in a live news program on the SKY TV channel.

He will return to the occupied by Turkish troops part of Cyprus on Sunday.

[05] The new UBP leader held a press conference. The self-styled assembly to discuss the Cyprus problem today

The UBPs call came on the eve of tomorrows plenary session of the self-styled Parliament convening to discuss the Cyprus issue at a special session. Speaking at a press conference in occupied Lefkosia this morning, the UBP leader Huseyin Ozgurgun said the CTP DP coalition government must clarify its position with regard to the Cyprus issue.

He said the National Unity Party will be pressing the government at tomorrows special session to declare openly the guidelines by which it considers itself tied up regarding the Cyprus issue and on relations with the European Union.

Mr Ozgurgun said the Greek Cypriot sides avoidance to come to the negotiating table contrary to the expectations by Talat and the self-styled Government whod predicted that the Turkish sides approval of the Annan Plan would lead to the Greek Cypriot side returning to the negotiating table-meant the collapse of Mr Talat´s policies.

[06] Controversy in the occupied areas over a ban by Ferdi Sabit Soyer of a teachers´ strike

On the issue illegal Bayrak television (08.03.06) broadcast that the Secondary School Teachers Union says the ban is illegal, and that the strike action will continue tomorrow.

Mr Soyer´s decision to ban the Secondary School Teachers strike is based on the authorization by the Council of Ministers given to him earlier this week with the objective of taking all necessary action to prevent any further interruption to education in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Earlier, announcing his decision to ban the strike as from today, Mr Soyer said talks between the government and the unions would continue.

Mr Soyer said his decision to ban the industrial action came after a four-hour long meeting last night with the participation of officials from the Ministry of National Education and Culture, the Union, and parents associations from the six schools.

He said he was left with no other option but to ban the strike when the Union rejected an offer to return to the negotiations with the government.

The Union, however, says the ban has no legal basis, as the relevant self-styled law says the Council of Ministers has a right to ban industrial action only if conditions listed by the law are present, and in the case of an indefinite strike action, which is not the case in this specific action.

The secondary school teachers union -KTOEOS - has since issued a statement, saying that the industrial action will continue uninterrupted tomorrow.

[07] Rauf Denktas: Turkey is the owner of Cyprus

In a conference he gave yesterday at the illegal American University of Kerynia regarding The past, the present and the future of Cyprus, Mr Denktas noted, inter alia, the following:

A handful of Turkish Cypriots has neither the power nor the right to have the final word in Cyprus, which is very important on the vital issue of the security of 70 million people. This right belongs to Turkey. The final word belongs to Turkey. Let no one forget that for 50 years the Turkish Cypriots gave everything. They have waged their resistance having confidence in the Motherland. This confidence should not be shaken. I say this everywhere I go in Turkey. I say you are the owners. I do say it being aware of what I am saying. You are the owner, the martyrs are (the owner), Turkey is (the owner). .

(I/Ts.)

[08] Census will be held in the occupied area

The self-styled Council of Ministers also decided to hold civil defense drills on 18 April 2006.

The self-styled Council of Ministers during its yesterday´s meeting also decided that the self-styled regime take part in the Moscow Tourism Fair (MITT) to be held between 22-25 March 2006 and in the Berlin Fair.

[09] The breakaway regime is participating in the ITB Berlin Tourist fair- Dervis spoke about the problems faced by the Turkish Cypriot airlines

Mr Deniz stated that the Turkish Cypriot airlines have many problems which have not been resolved yet and accused some persons among the personnel, who remained in their positions from the previous period, of not thinking of the Turkish Cypriots and the company. As he said their only concern is to get a lot of money, and after they will finish their jobs to go back to Turkey. He said that despite the fact that he brought this issue to the council of ministers, the self-styled government did not take any steps. He said that they keep quiet as regards these persons in order not to spoil the relations with Turkey, but he noted that the airlines have been suffering because of this development.

As regards the ITB Berlin Tourist Fair 2006F, the paper writes that the breakaway regime is participating in it with a pavilion of 124 square metres. Around 10,400 tourist institutions from 180 different countries are taking part in the Fair. Tomorrow Mr Deniz will give a press conference at the Swiss Hotel for the German Press, so that the TRNC to be introduced to the German Journalists. Mr Deniz will also hold contacts with some important tourist agents.

(C/S)

[10] The Turkish President and the Chief of the General Staff met on Semdinli indictment

It was noted that during his meeting with Erdogan Ozkok also demanded that the government take legal action against Prosecutor Ferhat Sarikaya. The soldiers will reportedly monitor "the sincerity" of the steps that will be taken by the government in this regard. Sources stressed that the government is facing two options where this issue is concerned: To launch an investigation into the prosecutor via the Justice Ministry or to dispose of the prosecutor with the spring decree that will be issued in May. Nonetheless, these steps will not prevent the hearing of the Semdinli indictment. Neither will it affect the course of the case. The trial of the noncommissioned officers will be held in Van in line with the indictment. Within this framework the complaints mentioned in the indictment will be processed.

If following a possible investigation the inspectors decide that it is necessary to take disciplinary action against the prosecutor, the report will be sent to Justice Minister Cemil Cicek. If Cicek "approves" the report, the Judges´ and Prosecutors´ High Council will reach a decision on whether or not it is necessary to punish the prosecutor. After the indictment reaches the Office of the Chief of the General Staff, Ozkok and the force commanders will convene and assess the situation. During this meeting the developments will be assessed and a stand will be determined.

During his one-hour meeting with the president, Ozkok reportedly briefed Sezer on his meeting with Erdogan. It was noted that this way, Ozkok briefed at first hand Sezer who is at the top of the state and the prime minister, to whom he is accountable prior to issuing a public statement. It was reported that Ozkok requested appointments from Sezer and Erdogan simultaneously and that Ozkok preferred going to the Presidential Mansion with the impression that he would receive from his meeting with Erdogan. It was noteworthy that Ozkok requested to contact Sezer without waiting for the ordinary weekly meeting that is slated for tomorrow.

[11] Statement by the Turkish army on the indictment procedure for trial of generals

Some commentaries have appeared in the press about some commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces in connection with the indictment related to an incident that took place in Semdinli.

It was considered necessary to clarify the matter in order to prevent possible misunderstandings, which could result from lack of adequate information about the related laws and regulations.

Any information or complaint to be received by the offices of chief public prosecutors in connection with a crime allegedly committed by military personnel, which is required to be examined by a military court pursuant to Article 95 of the Law 353 on the Establishment of Military Courts and Trial Procedure, should be referred to the General Staff for institution of necessary legal proceedings if the complaint has been filed against a general or admiral or to the head of the appropriate military establishment or to the commander of a military unit, which comprises a military court as part of its organization, in case another military personnel is accused in the complaint.

Thus, a directive No. 23 of 1.1.2006 entitled "Investigations Against Military Personnel," which was issued by the Ministry of Justice, drew attention to procedural errors made by the offices of public prosecutor in respect of such information and complaints.

In light of those laws and regulations outlined above, a judicial investigation could be launched by the Office of Military Prosecutor in the General Staff against a general or admiral only if it has been authorized and approved by the Chief of the General Staff.

According to a general principle of law, no expression reflecting a judgment about such military personnel should be used before completion of an investigation.

Public prosecutors are required to refer any accusation that could be leveled against a general or admiral to the General Staff by taking account of their significance.

The Chief of the General Staff will then instruct the Office of the Legal Adviser to examine the allegation and make a decision as to whether an investigation should be carried out by taking that office's suggestions into consideration. As a result of such investigation, the military prosecutor will either bring a lawsuit or conclude that there is no reason for instituting legal proceedings.

No information or complaint has been received by the General Staff from Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office yet. A decision made by Van Third High Criminal Court to accept the indictment is not related to the trial of the generals.

When information and complaints about the generals are sent by Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to the General Staff, the matter will be examined and the outcome will be made public.

[12] Turkish Justice Minister orders investigation of Van prosecutor's indictment

Speaking to A.A, Cicek said that the prosecutors didn't have the obligation to send their indictments to the Justice Ministry. Under the law the prosecutors have the authority to carry out public prosecution, Cicek said.

Cicek said that he ordered the Criminal Affairs Department on March 6th to provide the indictment after some news on the indictment was published by the press.

''I gave consent to inspectors to start an examination. Statements other than that are just speculation,'' he added.

Today Justice Ministry Inspection Board started an examination about Van Prosecutor Ferhat Sarikaya who prepared the indictment.

The inspectors charged by the Board on the instruction of Justice Minister Cicek will ''examine, probe and if necessary investigate'' the indictment and the investigation file on Semdinli incidents. The inspectors can leave for Van tomorrow.

Van Prosecutor Sarikaya's 100-page indictment stems from an investigation into a November grenade attack on a bookshop in the southeastern town of Semdinli killing one person. Van Prosecutor had also brought charges against Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Buyukanit.

[13] Van Court decides to hear Semdinli case on 4 May

The Van 3rd High Criminal Court decided to hear the Semdinli case on May 4th.

Joint attorney Murat Timur said that a court delegation is still writing the minutes of the proceedings, and the case will be heard on May 4th, 2006.

Van deputy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office asks for life sentence (in solitary confinement and with no possibility of parole) for major sergeants Ali Kaya and Ozcan Ildeniz as well as Veysel Ates (who were arrested after incidents occurred in Semdinli town of southeastern city of Hakkari on November 9th, 2005) on charges of activities to destroy the unity of the state and the country, homicide and attempt to homicide, and arrangement for committing crime.

[14] Prosecutor Sarikaya comments on Semdinli indictment

Stating that he has submitted the indictment to the court and that he does not want to make further comments on this issue, Sarikaya said the following with regard to the fact that the file related to the allegations against Buyukanit was sent to the Military Prosecutor's Office of the Office of the Chief of the General Staff: "We cannot act in any other way. As a prosecutor I fulfilled my duty." In answer to a question on whether or not "he could have acted in any other way from the legal standpoint," Sarikaya said: "No, I have fulfilled my duty."

Referring to the criticism leveled against the indictment, Sarikaya said: "Of course there will be criticism. This is only normal." As for the reports to the effect that the Office of the Chief of the General Staff has called for an investigation into him, Sarikaya said: "I do not want to make any comments on this issue. We are civil servants and therefore we are open to all kinds of investigations."

Regarding the reports to the effect that efforts are being made to prevent Buyukanit from becoming chief of staff, Sarikaya said: "We cannot act according to the identity of the person. We have carried out the requirements of the law."

Being reminded that following the indictment against Askin, he was once again strongly criticized for the Semdinli indictment, Sarikaya said: "Indictments should be assessed by the courts," adding that he is not wanted by the Justice Ministry or the Judges and Prosecutors High Council.

As for Mr Ferhat Sarikaya the paper reports that he was born in the Kaman District of Kirsehir in 1967. After finishing the Teachers Training High School, he graduated from the Law Faculty of the Marmara University. Following his training for becoming prosecutor he was appointed to the Caycuma Prosecutor's Office. He is now serving at Van Chief Prosecutor´s Office.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] How the Turkish Press assesses the Semdinli indictment crisis

MILLIYET (08.03.06) publishes a column by Fikret Bila who writes that the indictment prepared by Prosecutor Sarikaya is not limited to the incidents in Semdinli but that it includes a "deeper" analysis of the state mechanisms and terrorism. Bila says the indictment cautions that "the promotion of the forces that do not refrain from using all the state mechanisms to promote their personal interests might constitute a serious threat to the future of the state." Asking whether the prosecutor implied that Gen Buyukanit should not be appointed as chief of the General Staff, he ironically says that Sarikaya's indictment is a "deep" document that should be analyzed by universities and those who are interested in the concepts like "humanity, philosophy, democracy, state, economy, administration, terrorism, and anti-terror struggle, and international relations."

YENI SAFAK (08.03.06) under the headline, "The Document That Causes the General Headache," publishes a front-page report which asserts that the basis of the accusations leveled against Land Forces Commander General Yasar Buyukanit by the Office of the Public Prosecutor in Van is a "false document" accusing the children of a businessman in Diyarbakir of aiding the terrorist PKK. According to the report, the document was sent to the judicial authorities in Diyarbakir by the Command of the Seventh Army Corps while the latter was under the charge of Buyukanit.

In an article on 08.03.06 entitled "The Meaning of What is Happening" YENI SAFAK columnist Fehmi Koru argues that despite claims to the contrary, the public prosecutor in Van does not have "political" motives for laying charges against Buyukanit and that in this sense his indictment could be regarded as a contribution by the "independent judiciary" to the democratization process. He claims that the Turkish Armed Forces itself is trying to keep pace with this process as can be seen from the way it observed the principles of "transparency" and "accountability" by convicting a former force commander of corruption.

Under the headline, "[Erdogan:] Army and Judiciary are the Apple of Our Eye," ZAMAN (08.03.06) publishes a front-page report which outlines the messages Erdogan issued in his address to the AKP's parliamentary group the other day. According to the report, Erdogan emphasized the Government's resolve to "take account of the hierarchical structure" of the Turkish army in authorizing appointments in the Turkish Armed Forces.

Finally, in a commentary in Turkish Cypriot AFRIKA newspaper (09.03.06) columnist Ali Osman assesses the latest events in Turkey over the Semdinli incident and writes, inter alia, the following under the title The struggle will be given here:

Tayyip, (Erdogan) in spite of the fact that he got the parliament in his hand, could not rule over the state which is under the control of the army. The EU process began slowly slowly in return of the promises given and the signatures. Tayyip was one of those who supported from the very beginning a government between the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and the National Unity Party (UBP)! The military authorities, who still do not trust CTP, after (Rauf Denktas) did not approve the UBP, have appointed his son Serdar as controller. The protest with flags (against the European parliamentarians) made by Serdar and some nationalists and chauvinists, is the beginning of this fight. When you think that the army is behind the protest with flags which Serdar and his supporters made the day before, you do not have to be a soothsayer in order to understand the factor which lays behind this. The fight between Tayyip and the army will be conducted in the northern part of Cyprus. The men of the deeper state came out from the places they had been crouched down. The masks have been pulled down....

/SK

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