Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-03-23

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Tan on the philosophy of the negotiation process and the political criteria.

[02] Ferdi Soyer and Ozkan Murat on the recourse by UBP and TKP against the property Law.

[03] The Turkish Cypriot Nicosia Bar says that the property law must be amended and put on the basis of the international law; The objectivity of the Compensations Committee is disputed.

[04] Ankara´s puppet regime calls on Islamic countries to invest in the occupied areas.

[05] Turkish Ministers to visit illegally the areas of Cyprus occupied by 40,000 Turkish troops.

[06] Gul in good health, Tuzmen to head Turkish delegation in US.

[07] US officials in Ankara over Iran and terrorism symposium.

[08] Babacan left for Austria and Sweden.

[09] KIBRIS: The EU Commission will administer the aid.

[10] British High Commissioner Peter Millet visits the UBP leader.

[11] Occupied Morfu delegation is continuing its contacts in Brussels.

[12] Census to be held on 30 April.

[13] Police Officer who gave testimony to the Semdinli Committee was removed.

[14] Turkey has opened its air space to international airlines who are carrying passengers to Larnaca airport, according to a Turkish columnist.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Tan on the philosophy of the negotiation process and the political criteria

"It is against the philosophy of the negotiation process to establish a direct link between fulfillment of political criteria and negotiations", said Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan today.

In his weekly press conference held in capital Ankara, Tan indicated that the report on the screening on "education and culture" chapter was debated at the European Council.

"During this debate, some EU member states proposed that the EU Acting President's letter that invites Turkey to present its 'negotiation position paper' or the EU's 'common position paper' should refer to the political criteria," said Tan.

Noting that the matter was still being discussed at the enlargement sub-group of the Council, Tan said, "we have applied to the Acting President and member states, and launched necessary initiatives regarding this matter."

"EU acquis should be discussed during negotiations. But, one of the chapters to be negotiated is related with the political criteria (judiciary and fundamental rights)," he added.

[02] Ferdi Soyer and Ozkan Murat on the recourse by UBP and TKP against the property Law

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has said that the National Unity and the Communal Liberation Parties took a wrong step by taking the new Law on Property Compensation, Exchange and Reinstatement to the `TRNC Constitutional Court´.

The Prime Minister accused the two parties of trying to achieve political gains with the Court challenge.

Stressing the `Constitutional Courts´ independence, Mr Soyer said that the `Presidential Palace´ and the `Government´ which supported the law will defend it full heartedly.

Speaking before entering this afternoons `Council of Ministers´ meeting, `Prime Minister´ Soyer criticized the main opposition National Unity Party and the Communal Liberation Party for taking the new property law to the `TRNC Constitutional Court´.

He said that the UBP is punishing the Turkish Cypriot people for the will it expressed during the April 2004 referendum and that the Communal Liberation Party is trying to secure political gains through their Court challenge.

The `Prime Minister´ explained that the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on the Aresti case was the basis of the new law.

He said that the Courts ruling on the Aresti case was not welcomed by the Greek Cypriot Administration which wants to put an end to the bi-zonal order on the island and to take the property issue outside the framework of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

Mr Soyer noted that the new law was prepared as a local remedy to cases filed by the Greek Cypriots on property.

Earlier, the `Minister of Interior´ Ozkan Murat also reacted to the two parties challenge against the law and defended the law by saying that it is not in violation of the `Republics Constitution´.

He said that new law is designed to be seen by the ECHR as an adequate domestic means of handling property disputes, but underlined the fact that a political settlement to the Cyprus problem could only bring a solution to the property cases, and not the court rulings.

Yesterday, the main opposition National Unity Party and the Communal Liberation Party made a recourse to the `TRNC Constitutional Court´ to have the new Law on Property Compensation, Exchange and Reinstatement rescinded.

The law envisages compensation, exchange and reinstatement of property in the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ that belonged to Greek Cypriots before the events in 1974.

The two parties, separately, decided to take the issue to the `TRNC Constitutional Court´ - yesterday - on the last day of the three-month period allowed by the Constitution to demand that a new law is rescinded.

They claim that the new legislation constitutes a violation of the `TRNC Constitution´.

[03] The Turkish Cypriot Nicosia Bar says that the property law must be amended and put on the basis of the international law; The objectivity of the Compensations Committee is disputed

In a written statement signed by Mr Baris Mahalli, the Bar argues that amendments should be made, which will not cause convictions to heavier compensations in the future.

The Bar pointed out that the impartiality and independence of the so-called Compensations Committee is harmed because of the fact that only one of its members has a jurisprudence mission, the six out of the seven members come from the executive power and because of the provision these members to be chosen among persons suggested by the president of the TRNC (breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus).

The Bar expressed the opinion that this structure will cause defective decisions and convictions by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) because of violation of the right of a just trial.

The influence of the number of foreign members in the Committee is for show only, notes the Bar, because the Committee can take decisions with the majority of four votes and only two out of its seven members are foreigners. This is contrary to the principle of objectivity and impartiality, notes the Bar.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (23.03.06) reports that the general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Mr Omer Kalyoncu said that if the constitutional court annuls the above-mentioned law difficult days will come for the Turkish Cypriots. He wondered whether or not they will have time afterwards to amend the law. This will do away with bi-zonality in the end, he noted.

Furthermore, advocate Mrs Emine Erk said that the decision on the Greek Cypriot refugee Myra Xenides-Aresti case has drawn a road map. If we create a property regime in harmony to this road map, she argued, an avalanche will be created, President Papadopoulos will not be able to control the solution of the solution Cyprus problem and no one will be able to stand before this avalanche. The constitutional court will not annul the law. It will detect, with justifications, the articles which are contrary to the constitution. Let us not forget this detail, she said.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Ankara´s puppet regime calls on Islamic countries to invest in the occupied areas

The delegation from the Organisation of the Islamic Conference which is on a visit to the `Republic´ with the aim of helping lift the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people, continued their contacts today.

Led by the O.I.C.s Assistant Secretary General Atta Al-Mannan, the delegation paid a visit to the `Minister of Economy and Tourism´ Dervis Kemal Deniz.

Ways to improve economic ties between the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ and the OIC countries were discussed during the meeting.

Speaking before his meeting with the visiting OIC delegation, the `Minister of Economy and Tourism´ Dervis Kemal Deniz said that progress was achieved towards improving trade links between the `Republic´ and the Islamic countries, adding that concrete steps are to be taken soon on the issue.

Mr Deniz said that the OIC delegations visit to the `Republic´ was mainly aimed at searching ways of helping the Turkish Cypriot economy.

For his part, the O.I.C.s Assistant Secretary General Atta Al-Mannan, explained that the delegations yesterdays contacts were mainly focused on ways of helping to bring about a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, adding that the delegation wanted to concentrate on the issues of economy and trade during its todays contacts.

He said that the Moslem countries will be pleased to contribute to the North Cyprus economy through investments in the tourism sector, noting that a report will be prepared at the end of the visit on funds that could be provided to North Cyprus.

The delegation yesterday paid visits to `Prime Minister´ Ferdi Sabit Soyer, `Foreign Minister´ Serdar Denktas, and held separate talks at the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Industry.

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

[05] Turkish Ministers to visit illegally the areas of Cyprus occupied by 40,000 Turkish troops

The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of State also in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Abdullatif Sener and the Minister of Public Works Faruk Nafiz Ozak will arrive in the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ tomorrow.

The two men will be attending some foundation laying ceremonies in the `Republic´.

The second phase of a road project that will link Girne (occupied Kyrenia) to Karpaz (occupied Karpassia) and the construction of a new state hospital in Gazimagusa (occupied Famagusta) will start tomorrow while the construction of a new highway which is expected to ease the traffic in the Girne (occupied Kyrenia) area, will get underway on Friday.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the subservient to Ankara regime set up by the Turkish Republic in the areas of Cyprus cleansed ethnically by 40,000 Turkish troops, which continue to violate all the basic human rights of 200,000 Greek Cypriots).

[06] Gul in good health, Tuzmen to head Turkish delegation in US

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's health problems have caused the postponement of his planned visit to U.S. and exchange of views with the Washington administration on key foreign policy issues, including Iran, Iraq and Cyprus.

Turkish diplomats said on Tuesday that, in the absence of Gul, State Minister Kursad Tuzmen will head the Turkish delegation in the annual three-day American-Turkish Council conference set to start on Sunday. But the previously planned meetings of Gul with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley had to be postponed.

Foreign Ministry officials said that Gul will stay at the hospital till the weekend, following successful surgery on Monday. Officials said that Gul's health condition is good but still he will not be able to travel via plane for at least 45 days, which means the cancellation of several foreign visits.

Gul underwent successful surgery at Ankara's Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GATA) on Monday for trauma in his inner ear stemming from an upper respiratory tract infection and cabin pressure.

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis was one of the first colleagues who sent a message to Gul wishing a quick recovery following the surgery.

Meanwhile, Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul left for the United States yesterday to visit Boeing, which produces aircraft for the "Peace Eagle" project.

Gonul will proceed to Los Angeles on Friday and deliver a speech on "Evolving Security Environment and Turkey's Strategic Role in Eurasia" at a meeting held by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

Gonul will later head to Chile on Sunday as the guest of the Chilean defense minister.

[07] US officials in Ankara over Iran and terrorism symposium

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Gordon Gray has arrived in Ankara for contacts on the Iranian issue. Turkey will also host the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Peter Pace and American senators.

Gordon Gray held his first meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan's advisers at the prime ministry. Gray met deputies from various parties and will have contacts at the Foreign Ministry as well.

Iran is the main agenda item during these talks. The Washington administration, which wants to isolate Iran over its nuclear program, expects Turkey too to exert pressure on Tehran.

The Iranian developments will be among the most important agenda items during the meetings to be held with Peter Pace, who is to arrive in Ankara tomorrow.

The same issue [Iran] will also be on the agenda during tomorrow's talks with the Senate delegation under John Warner, the chairman of the Senate Defense Committee.

NTV also broadcast that the possibilities of international cooperation against terrorism will be examined in Ankara. Afghan President Hamid Karzai and US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Peter Pace will also attend the symposium that will start tomorrow and last for two days.

The international symposium organized by the General Staff will start with an opening speech by the Chief of the General Staff, Hilmi Ozkok.

The symposium will assess the dimension and consequences of terrorism. The participants will examine effects of globalization on terrorism, security of cities, and possibilities of cooperation for an effective struggle against terrorism.

Representatives from 82 countries will attend the symposium.

[08] Babacan left for Austria and Sweden

Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator Ali Babacan left for Vienna on Wednesday to have talks in Austria, the EU rotating president.

Babacan is scheduled to attend a meeting "Horizonte" staged by Austrian Chambers of Commerce on investment opportunities in Turkey.

In Vienna, Babacan will meet Austrian Minister of Finance Karl-Heinz Grasser, and Austrian Federal Chamber of Economy President Cristoph Leitl.

Babacan is expected to proceed to Sweden on Thursday. He will meet Swedish Foreign Minister and Industry and Trade Minister before returning to Turkey on Thursday evening.

[09] KIBRIS: The EU Commission will administer the aid

According to the same sources, the way of how the aid will be transmitted to the TRNC has been determined. The EU Commission will fully administer the opening of tenders and the signing of agreements for providing services, work and donations. Firms which are active in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus will have the right to participate in the tenders, notes KIBRIS.

(I/Ts.)

[10] British High Commissioner Peter Millet visits the UBP leader

The leader of the main opposition National Unity Party Huseyin Ozgurgun has said that it would be wrong to accept the Financial Assistance Regulation in its current form.

Mr Ozgurguns words came during a courtesy visit paid to him by the British High Commissioner Peter Millet today. The meeting was the first between the two men.

No statement was issued by the British High Commissioner Peter Millet before or after the meeting.

For his part, the UBP Leader Huseyin Ozgurgun speaking before the meeting, said that he was going to explain his partys views on the Cyprus issue to the British High Commissioner, adding that the Financial Assistance Regulation will also be on the agenda.

Mr Ozgurgun said that he also wanted to exchange views with Mr Millet on the withdrawal of the UN check point in Pyla to a point just before the Turkish Cypriot check point, which he said, disappointed the villagers.

Responding to a question, the UBP Leader said that it would be wrong to accept the Financial Assistance Regulation in its current form.

`This wasnt the main target. The main objective was to get the international isolation and the embargoes on the Turkish Cypriot people lifted`, he said, adding that this could only be achieved with the implementation of the Direct Trade Regulation.

On the same issue Turkish Cypriot GUNES newspaper (23.03.06) quotes Mr Millet to have said that the aim of his visit was to congratulate Mr Ozgurgun for his election and be briefed on the views of UBP.

[11] Occupied Morfu delegation is continuing its contacts in Brussels

A delegation from a Guzelyurt- (occupied Morfu) based society working on ways of helping to develop the district, is continuing its contacts in Brussels.

During its contacts, the delegation-led by Hakan Kuntay is explaining the difficulties being faced the Turkish Cypriot people especially the residents of the Guzelyurt (occupied Morfu) district.

Within the framework of its contacts, members of the delegation met with Gorj Zikler an official from the European Commissions Desk for Turkish Cypriots and Italian members from COREPER, the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives.

Speaking to the `BRT´ newsroom, the head of the delegation Hakan Kuntay said that the delegation had a very useful meeting with Gorj Zikler.

Pointing to the importance the European Union attaches to contacts with non governmental organisation, he explained that besides the problems being faced by residents of the Guzelyurt (occupied Morfu) district, the Assistance Regulation was also discussed during the meeting.

Reminding that the district gave broad support to the Annan Plan during the April referenda in spite of the fact that the plan envisaged the hand-over of Guzelyurt (occupied Morfu) to the Greek Cypriots, Mr Kuntay said the delegation also had an opportunity to brief the EU officials on the results of a new opinion poll in the district which showed a drop in the number of people supporting the Annan Plan.

He said this was the result of the European Unions failure to honour its promises to the Turkish Cypriot people.

[12] Census to be held on 30 April

[13] Police Officer who gave testimony to the Semdinli Committee was removed

Sabri Uzun, who has now been appointed as a research and planning coordination expert, had complained about the lack of coordination between the intelligence units during his testimony to the committee.

Pointing out to the existence of certain illegal formations inside the state while commenting on the bomb explosions in Hakkari and Semdinli, Uzun had replied thus when asked why there were no advance information about these incidents and why were they not prevented: If the thief is already inside the house, the lock will be of no use.

And on the issue of 150-kg explosives seized, Uzun had said: The lock has malfunctioned. If the thief is already inside the house, just anything could make its way into it.

[14] Turkey has opened its air space to international airlines who are carrying passengers to Larnaca airport, according to a Turkish columnist

Semih Idiz claims that this was not allowed by the Turkish authorities before. He says: At a time when the debate whether or not to open Turkish ports to Cyprus registered ships is going on, this development is very important from the point that Ankara has started looking into certain issues more flexibly. It is possible that regarding opening of sea ports we could see some intermediate steps in future. Semih Idiz further writes that the Turkish Air space is closed to Cyprus Airways.

He then refers to the negotiations that are going on between Greek Cypriot owned Easy Jet and the Pegasus Airlines and writes that if agreement is reached then Easy Jet will land at Sabiha Gokce Airport in Istanbul and will bring passengers from London. Pegasus Airlines will subsequently take these passengers and fly them to Tymbou Airport. One cannot belittle the importance of this arrangement for the TRNC tourism, Idiz stresses.

/SK

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