Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-03-20

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mr David Fried discussed Cyprus and other issues with Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary.

[02] Statements by Soyer on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem,

[03] Serdar Denktas, Talat and Soyer to discuss the EU regulations today,

[04] Serdar Denktas speaks about an imminent crisis in the self-styled government.

[05] The former president of the Supreme Court says that the property law has been prepared by Turkey; Turkish Cypriot opposition will recourse to the court against this law.

[06] The CTP-DP coalition is accused of following a separatist policy.

[07] Statements by Ozkan Murat on the levels of property sales.

[08] Gary Robbs return still uncertain.

[09] Secret Constitution is in force.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mr David Fried discussed Cyprus and other issues with Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary

Ankara has given the message to the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried --who reportedly asked Turkey to open up the border crossing with Armenia-- that the issue was part of the Turkish-Armenian normalization process.

According to diplomatic sources Fried urged Turkey to open up the border gate between Turkey and Armenia since it would contribute to resolution of the Upper Karabakh problem.

Ankara reiterated its actual policy and made known that the issue was part of the normalization process of relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Iran's nuclear program was also taken up at the meetings, sources said. Both sides shared concern over Iran's nuclear program, however Turkish and American officials agreed that the problem should be resolved through diplomatic means. On the other hand the US executive conveyed the message to the Turkish side that the military alternative was still on the table.

During Fried's meeting with Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ali Tuygan, the Cyprus issue was one of the topics and Tuygan emphasized the importance of ending the isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Tuygan recalled that the Greek Cypriot side which had always had an uncompromising attitude, was rewarded.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime set up by the Turkish Republic in the territories of Cyprus under the occupation of 40,000 Turkish troops since 1974).

[02] Statements by Soyer on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer announced yesterday that the Turkish Cypriot side was ready to start discussing the list of technical issues agreed on earlier with the Greek Cypriot Side at the technical committees.

Mr Soyer was speaking to the TAK News Agency on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue.

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot Side was still waiting for an explanation from the United Nations concerning the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annans meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos, the Prime Minister said that the Turkish Cypriot Side was ready to discuss technical issues at the technical committees.

Mr. Soyer also added that the Turkish Cypriot Side was intent on keeping its distance from the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative to Cyprus Michael Moller until a valid explanation on the press release was provided to them.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot Sides strong reactions came as a result of the presentation of the press release issued after the meeting between Mr. Annan and Mr Papadoupoulos as a binding joint statement, Mr Soyer complained the a number of other issues such as the demilitarization and the opening of Maras (occupied Famagusta) were also added to the list of items to be discussed at the technical committee meetings; none of which the Turkish Cypriot Side agreed to.

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side was ready to discuss and work on the list of technical issues agreed to earlier and which was presented by the UN Special Representative to Cyprus and Chief of Mission Michael Moller to President Talat.

[03] Serdar Denktas, Talat and Soyer to discuss the EU regulation today

Deputy-Prime Minister Serdar Denktas has announced that he is going to evaluate the EU Financial Assistance Regulation with President Mehmet Ali Talat and Ferdi Sabit Soyer on Monday.

Mr Serdar Denktas underlined the fact that neither the President nor the government intends to allow the Greek Cypriot Administration to expand its sovereignty over the North.

Mr Denktas words came during a visit paid to him today during which he referred to the EU Financial Assistance Regulation and the new TRNC Property Law.

The Deputy Prime Minister complained that the European Union had gone back on its earlier promise of implementing the two regulations simultaneously, and was now in the process of separating and implementing them separately, in violation of that promise made in April 2004.

All this is being done in such a way - as if - theres Greek Cypriot sovereignty over the TRNC; he said, complaining that whatever is being promised now, is being placed on pre-conditions.

Mr Denktas stressed that neither the President nor the coalition government intends to allow the Greek Cypriot Administration to expand its sovereignty over the North.

Ruling out the slightest possibility of accepting the demands by the European Union, the Deputy Prime Minister underlined the need for the Turkish Cypriot side to give a diplomatic and a reasonable response to the European Unions attitude.

It is not the amount being earmarked; but the preconditions set for it to be taken, he said.

Mr Denktas stressed that the Turkish Cypriots will not accept anything less than a bizonal solution to the Cyprus problem, to be based on the political equality of the two sides, and Turkeys continued status as a guarantor power.

He said an appropriate official response to the conditions being offered for the implementation of the EU Financial Assistance Regulation will be given after President Talat has been briefed on the issue.

As for the new property law, he gave an assurance that theres nothing in the new legislation harmful to the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people.

[04] Serdar Denktas speaks about an imminent crisis in the self-styled government

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has stressed that the coalition government is up and running despite the differences between the Republican Turkish Party and the Democrat Party.

Ferdi Sabit Soyers words came only hours after the Deputy Prime Minister leader of the junior partner of the coalition - Serdar Denktas indirectly warned its coalition partner against changing the modalities of contacts with the European Union, particularly on the live issue EU financial aid package.

Mr Denktas hinted that the two coalition partners may be moving head-on towards a government crisis over differences, he claimed, are the result of a lack of convergence of views on issues on the European Union.

Prime Minister Soyer said in response, that the coalition government is fully functional with its program, the coalition protocol and normal work.

As for the Deputy Prime Ministers reference to the so-called signs of cracks in the coalition government, the Prime Minister said: It would have been much better for the two parties to discuss between themselves whatever these signs of crack in the government were that the DP leader opted to discuss with the media, and not with us.

Mr Soyer made it clear that he is unaware as yet - of the presence of any signs of cracks in the coalition government, nor, has he received any complaint from anyone, implying a split between the two parties.

He said he believes each party is still free despite their respective roles in the coalition government - to enjoy their own views and ideologies with all their differences, on given issues and topics.

He pointed to the speculative news items being published on the EU aid package, and said that any differences to emerge between the CTP and the DP, should be discussed between the two parties themselves and not before the media.

He added, however, that he is always ready and willing to discuss the matter with anyone, face to face, in front of the media, if need arises.

[05] The former president of the Supreme Court says that the property law has been prepared by Turkey; Turkish Cypriot opposition will recourse to the court against this law

Addressing a conference on Friday organized on the issue by the TMT Association at the Foreign Press Union, Mr Erginel expressed the opinion that the above-mentioned law is contrary to the constitution of the TRNC (breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus). He also said that there are contradictions in it and therefore it is not possible to be implemented.

Mr Erginel noted that this law, which carries the danger for the time being because it cannot be implemented, is contrary to article 159 of the constitution. He said that the seriousness of the situation increases when the law is studied together with the decisions of the ECHR.

He pointed out that the jurists in Turkey believe that the ECHR is a just court which always takes the right decision and argued that this belief is wrong.

Mr Erginel described as positive the amendments made in the law before its approval by the assembly and expressed the opinion that the fact that the law passed with amendments is a great success and eliminates the danger. He added, however, that the danger is not yet gone and that the real great danger comes from the ECHR in Strasbourg.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily ORTAM newspaper (20.03.06) reports that the Communal Liberation Party (TKP) will recourse to the constitutional court against the above-mentioned law.

Speaking on Saturday night at the ceremony for celebrating the 30th anniversary from the establishment of the party, TKPs general secretary, Mehmet Davulcu expressed the opinion that the decision of the ECHR on the Greek Cypriot refugee Myra Xenides-Aresti case is a result of the policies followed by the government of the TRNC. He said that as a party which believes that the so-called property law is contrary to the constitution of the TRNC they are strongly against its implementation.

Mr Davulcu added: Furthermore, in the current political structure, which is contrary to the international law, the Property Law will serve nothing else but cutting of the veins of life of the Turkish Cypriots. The TKP supports taking the Property Law to the Constitutional Court.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily GUNES newspaper (20.03.06) reports that the main opposition National Unity Party (UBP) will discuss today the possibility of appealing to the constitutional court against the property law. The 90-day deadline for appealing to the court against this law expires on Wednesday, 22 March.

The paper writes that the chairman of UBP, Mr Huseyin Ozgurgun has said that the general idea is to appeal against the law, which will open for debate the two thirds of the land allegedly belonging to the Turkish Cypriots and stop the economic life.

(I/Ts.)

[06] The CTP-DP coalition is accused of following a separatist policy

Speaking on Saturday night at the ceremony for celebrating the 30th anniversary from the establishment of the party, Mr Angolemli, inter alia, said:

While the Talat-CTP-DP partnership is giving to the world messages for a united Cyprus, the same government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is visiting one country after the other working in the direction of a separatist policy for the recognition of the TRNC and the protection of the current status quo. These policies entertain the policy of the Greek Cypriot administration which says: If the isolation is lifted a divided Cyprus will replace the united Cyprus. Because of these concerns, the international community does not wish to lift the isolations.

Reminding that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) noted in its decisions that the occupied part of Cyprus is under the control of Turkey, Mr Angolemli expressed the opinion that the Turkish Cypriots must have a say in all institutions of northern Cyprus and that the constitution of the Turkish Cypriot State provided for in the Annan Plan must be implemented.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Statements by Ozkan Murat on the levels of property sales

The paper, inter alia, writes:

The minister acknowledged a slight fall in the number of applications now being made by foreigners for house purchases, but rejected speculation that the property industry was in a slump, saying 2004 had been a freak year but that the level of purchases was now on a normal track.

He said: The construction boom in 2004 was out of the ordinary, and the number of applications rose to around 2,700 that year. Last year the total was 1,571 and applications since the beginning of 2006 have almost reached 300, so I dont expect a great difference from last year. In fact, 225 applications had been made by March 14. Applications peaked at 2,827 in 2004, up from 228 in 2000, 309 in 2001, 591 in 2002 and 955 in 2003.

The surge in permission-to-buy applications over the past few years has left many new home/owners waiting as long as three years to receive formal approval from the Council of Minister and despite a pledge by Mr Murat last year to streamline the process and shorten the wait, the experience of buyers is so far little changed.

[08] Gary Robbs return still uncertain

Government-backed deal to return Gary Robb to the TRNC is hanging in the balance after the Aga Development boss expressed fears that it could backfire on him.

The plan has been approved by the Council of Ministers to try to put an end to the Aga crisis, in which hundreds of mainly British customers have paid £4-5 million for unfinished properties. It has been forwarded to Mr Robb in Thailand, where he has been living for the past eight months, in the form of a Declaration, signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Serdar Denktas. The declaration outlines how Mr Robb could be brought back to North Cyprus via the VIP lounge at Ercan (occupied Tymbou) Airport.

The Council of Ministers offers him significant assistance to seize documents, computers etc as evidence of his claim that he is the victim of fraud. A key passage states: Currently there exist neither any money laundering allegations nor any other charges connected thereto against Gary Robb in the TRNC [sic].

In return, Mr Robb must agree to act in any co-operative manner in the interest of justice with the police and/or any other competent authority or authorities in order to bring the wrongdoers before justice (concerning machinery, tools, cars, lands, forged documents, impersonation etc).

The four-page document also promises to

Appoint an independent administrator to work with the Interior Minister to help Mr Robb retake control of his company. b) Unfreeze all of Gary Robbs bank accounts in the TRNC, to allow him to use the funds to complete outstanding Aga work. c) Waive customs and other duties if Aga needs to import new machinery to replace plant that has allegedly been stolen.

The declaration also holds out the possibility of Mr Robbs TRNC citizenship being restored once a full settlement is reached between the parties. His citizenship was revoked in December, over outstanding drugs charges in the UK. The Council of Ministers says: If there appears sufficient evidence to rebut the drug allegations against Gary Robb, such will also be taken into account.

Mr Robb claims his life could be in danger if he returns, and the declaration advises him to hire a private security force and stay in an hotel. It promises strict confidentiality concerning his proposed arrival, place of residence and progress in meetings. Despite this, excerpts from the declaration have been circulated on the internet this week.

The deal was brokered by Mr Denktas, and a spokesman for the minister said: The most important thing is to ensure the people who have paid for villas and apartments get their properties finished and to restore confidence and credibility to the TRNC property market.

Mr Robb has started a new life in Thailand. He has created a new construction company, Paragon Properties, in Pataya, to rebuild tourism areas devastated by the tsunami. Last month, his Thai girlfriend gave birth to a son, Gianni.

Yesterday he told CYPRUS TODAY: I trust Serdar Denktas and believe he genuinely wants to help. But I feel that I will be in court all of the time and not have time to concentrate on building. It has to go smoothly for both of us, or I am finished.

He said he was concerned that, despite overwhelming evidence, no legal action has so far been taken against those he accuses of hijacking his company. He also said, that if his TRNC citizenship were not restored immediately on his return, he could not legally own land over a donum, or more than 49 percent of Aga.

After six months of investigations by the TRNC authorities, and subsequent clearance of all false allegations made against me, I await reinstatement of my citizenship and assets, to enable me to return to fulfill my obligations to my customers.

I dont want court battles for years. The customers will sue me and it will go on and on. We cannot afford to make any mistakes there have already been too many.

[09] Secret Constitution is in force

Subtitle: Cyprus is of vital Importance

The MGSB stipulates that the UN is the venue where the Cyprus problem should be solved. Turkey has guarantors rights on the island. Presence of Turkish troops as regards the security of the Turkish Cypriots is of vital importance. This condition should continue. Until a lasting peace is secured the TRNC will be safeguarded and strengthened.

Greece cannot extend its territorial waters to 12 miles. This is casus belli and this deterrence should be maintained.

The new MGSB also stipulates that fundamentalism, secessionism and extreme left continue to be the main elements that threaten the internal security of Turkey. The foundations of the Turkish Republic are not on an ethnic basis. The unitary character of Turkey; single state, single nation, single flag and single language and democratic, secular and rule of law principles will be maintained and developed. For this the fundamental road is Ataturk nationalism. Ataturks people of Turkey who established the Turkish Republic is called Turkish nation. The revolutionary law inscribed in the Constitution of the Turkish Republic will be enforced without any concession. Religious education will continue to be provided by the state.

/SK

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