Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-04-17

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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. Soyer welcomes the OIC decision for Turkish Cypriot State

[02] More electricity demand from the occupied areas

[03] Evkaf anniversary celebrated in the occupied areas

[04] Erdogan and AKP Seen Preparing for Presidential Elections in May 2007

[05] From Talat to Annan: What will happen to your Plan?

[06] Three scenarios for port crisis with the EU

[07] Soyer confirms that Turkey asked from the breakaway regime the address of Serhat Incirli in order to file charges against him because of two of his articles

[08] Talat admits that the Turkish Cypriots side did not want a solution to the Cyprus problem in the past

[09] The Mayor of London Ken Livingtone compares Cyprus with the West Bank and asked the withdrawn of Turkish troops from Cyprus

[10] Foreign delegations to participate in a Civil Defence exercise in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[11] Azeri volleyball team trains at the occupied Cyprus TRNC wishes to host the Viva World Cup

[12] Turkey briefed atomic energy scientists on its nuclear programme

[13] Turkish-Greek Cooperation in Space

[14] Eurocontrol seen by Turkey as a trump card against it

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] Columnist in Yeni Safak criticizes the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mr. Soyer welcomes the OIC decision for Turkish Cypriot State

Speaking during a visit paid to him today, Mr. Soyer reminded that the international community has been taking steps to honor the Turkish Cypriot people in appreciation of the support it expressed during the 2004 referendum towards a solution.

The Prime Minister said that the OICs decision to change the title under which the Turkish Cypriot people is being represented at the conference to Cyprus Turkish State was one of those steps.

He explained that the OICs decision was in line with the Turkish Cypriot peoples position regarding the reunification of the island adding that the Turkish Cypriots proved their willingness and support to a solution and reunification during the April referendum.

Referring to the upcoming parliamentary elections in South Cyprus, (free areas of Cyprus) the Prime Minister said that even the most pro-solutionist Greek Cypriot political parties adopt a nationalistic stance whenever elections are held.

But he said that the current non-solution policy being pursued in South Cyprus cannot be maintained in the aftermath of the elections in the South, expressing the hope that the Cyprus negotiations process will soon be resumed.

[02] More electricity demand from the occupied areas

The Electricity Department has requested purchasing more electricity from South Cyprus (free areas of Cyprus) for the next month to prevent power cuts that could be caused due to maintenance work to pipe turbines at the Teknecik Power Station.

A delegation from Kib-Tek will hold a meeting with the Greek Cypriot Electricity Authorities on Wednesday to finalize a deal for the purchase.

The Kib-Tek Director Fuat Mertay explained that it will cost less to buy power from South Cyprus instead of putting into action the gas turbines which will fold the cost four times.

He explained that around 20 megawatts of electricity will be brought from the Greek Cypriot electricity authority to prevent power cuts in May, adding that a delegation from the Kib-Tek will visit the South on Wednesday to make the necessary arrangements for the purchase.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Board of the Greek Cypriot Electricity Authority Harilaos Stavrakis said he believes it will be possible for the authority to sell more power to North Cyprus till mid-June.

[03] Evkaf anniversary celebrated in the occupied areas

Wreath laying ceremonies were held in front of the Bust of Ataturk in the grounds of the Evkaf and at the Tomb of Doctor Fazil Kucuk, the late Turkish Cypriot leader.

During the ceremony in the grounds of the Evkaf, a speech was delivered by the Head of the Foundation Board Huseyin Inan who pointed to the important role being played by the foundation in the Turkish Cypriot peoples economic, social and cultural life. Board members later laid wreaths at the Doctor Fazil Kucuk mausoleum at Hamitkoy, on the outskirts of Lefkosa.

In a message marking the day, the General Director of the Evkaf Foundation-Hatice Cavlan pointed to the importance of the Evkaf in the history of the Turkish Cypriot people. Reminding that the Foundation was established in 1571 during the Ottoman Rule in Cyprus, she said that the foundation laws, known as Ahkamul Evkaf - has been recognized at constitutional level since the foundations establishment.

Meanwhile, messages were issued by non-governmental organizations marking the importance of the Evkaf in the history of the Turkish Cypriot people.»

[04] Erdogan and AKP Seen Preparing for Presidential Elections in May 2007

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has openly dismissed such plans. And since the Turkish Constitution specifies that early elections cannot be carried out more than one year in advance of the "on-time elections," a decision would have to be made by July of this year as to whether or not this would happen. Of course, there is always the chance that there could be early elections down the line. But, for now, this doesn't seem likely. So, for today, "on-time elections" look like they will take place. So, what then should we say about all the new social programs and initiatives? The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has declared this year the foundation year for the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2007, which will also witness presidential elections.

The AKP faces a difficult process in May of 2007. The presidential elections at that time will be a "turning point" for the AKP, in that the future of their party will be greatly affected by their choice for Çankaya, whether it be Erdogan or someone else. All calculations are being made according to this decision at this point. The double elections have penetrated the very cells of the AKP already, it would appear. The 2007 elections, for this reason, could be explained as having the potential to define the coming 10-15 years for Turkey. And whether or not Erdogan himself decides to go on and become president will play an important role in this all.

[05] From Talat to Annan: What will happen to your Plan?

In his reply Mr. Talat had asked the UN Secretary-General to take a clearer stance as regards the Cyprus problem.

Talat said: You are aware of the fact that we are of the view that in your new search for a settlement of the Cyprus problem the plan named after you should be taken as basis. However, it is necessary to shed light to one issue: In the new solution process will the Annan Plane be on the agenda or not? This is not fully understood by me, I would kindly ask you to clarify this and give your concrete views. Please convey your views to me

The paper reports that the UN Secretary-Generals Special representative in Cyprus, Mr Micheal Mollers stance was instrumental in Talats sending of the letter to the UN Secretary-General.

The paper further reports that because of the recent statements made by Mr Moller regarding the Annan plan in which he said that the plan is history and something new should be done, Ankara reacted and because of this, Ankara refused Mollers request to visit the Turkish Capital. Turkish officials consider Mr. Moller biased.

(MHY)

[06] Three scenarios for port crisis with the EU

The paper reports that there are three scenarios on the agenda. The beginning of the crisis will be the progress report to be prepared and published by the EU Commission in October. In the report the Commission will mention that Turkey does not fulfill its obligations under the Customs Union Agreement it has signed and refuses to open its seaports and airports to the Cyprus-registered ships and planes. The report by the Commission first will be taken up by the General Affairs Council of the EU Foreign Ministers and then in December at the EU summit under the Finnish term presidency. Against Turkeys refusal to open its ports, unless so-called isolations imposed on the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus is removed and direct trade starts with the occupied area, the EU considers the port issue as the red line reports HURRIYET and indicates that in the bilateral relations the autumn will be painful.

The paper reports that the EU officials envisage following three scenarios;

It is possible that the EU declares that Turkey does not fulfill its obligations emanating from the Customs Union Agreement and it could decide to suspend the negotiations. To realize this it would be enough if the Commission suggests and 16 EU countries support it.

The EU might not start negotiations regarding chapters which have direct relations with the Customs Union, such as Customs Union, transport and free movement of goods only.

The issue could be referred to the Turkey-EU Association Council. And if need be recourse to the EUs Court of Justice

The paper further reports that the ports issue will be taken up at the EU-Turkey Association Council meeting to be held on 16 May.

(MHY)

[07] Soyer confirms that Turkey asked from the breakaway regime the address of Serhat Incirli in order to file charges against him because of two of his articles

The paper writes that Mr Soyer met on Friday with a delegation of the Press Laborers Union (BASIN-SEN), the Turkish Cypriot Journalists Union (KTGB) and the Turkish Cypriot Communication Workers Union, which informed him about the problems of the workers in the Press.

Responding to a question, Mr Soyer said that Turkeys Attorney Generals Office wanted to file charges against columnist Serhat Incirli because of two articles he had written in AFRIKA and that the Turkish authorities have officially recourse to the Law Office of the TRNC because Afrika is published in the occupied part of Cyprus.

The Attorney Generals Office, he added, transferred the issue to the police who invited Mr Incirlis family to the police station and found out his address.

Mr Soyer said: Therefore, this is neither a wrong message nor a wrong incident. The Attorney Generals Office of the Republic of Turkey wants to file charges against him believing that two articles which he wrote contain direct insults for the Republic of Turkey. This is the issue and they are trying to establish the address. There is such a procedure.

He then added that he had discussed the issue with the so-called police director and the Attorney General who confirmed that the information had been asked from Turkey, which wanted to file charges against Mr Incirli. Mr Soyer alleged that such issues always come onto the agenda in the relations between states and added that they will be following the issue closely.

Furthermore, AFRIKA publishes also an answer by Mr Incirli to Mr Soyers statements. Mr Incirli expresses his grieve for these statements. I really feel ashamed for the fact that these things have been said by a politician from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), says Mr Incirli and wonders since when journalists are tried in Turkey for something they wrote in Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Talat admits that the Turkish Cypriots side did not want a solution to the Cyprus problem in the past

Responding to the questions of journalist Hasan Hasturer, Mr Talat admitted that in the past the Turkish Cypriot side did not want a solution to be found in Cyprus.

Mr Talat said, inter alia, the following:

Think about the period I was in the opposition. We lived together the process in Copenhagen in 2002 and in the Hague in 2003. In the circumstances of those days the Turkish Cypriot side did not want a solution. And the President of the TRNC Denktas, who was the leader of the community, was openly saying this. Therefore, when you think all these, criticizing the Turkish Cypriot side which opposed the solution those days, was very natural. .

Mr Talat accused then the parties which participate in the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, including left-wing AKEL party, of supporting the non-solution in the Island.

(I/Ts.)

[09] The Mayor of London Ken Livingtone compares Cyprus with the West Bank and asks the withdrawn of Turkish troops from Cyprus

According to AB Haber, the mayor of London has also said that while the Greek and the Turkish section in Cyprus remain separated, their problems cannot be solved.

The Turkish army must be withdrawn from Cyprus. I want Cyprus to be united again and the two communities to be able to walk around the island freely. In London the Turkish and Greek communities live together in harmony. I want the same harmony and peace to be safeguarded in Turkey and Cyprus, Mr Livingtone said.

Commenting on the tourism campaign of north Cyprus with advertisements put on the buses and train stations, Mr Livingtone said they hurt the feelings of the Greek Cypriots who live in London and lost their houses after Turkeys occupation of the island. Therefore, he does not find this tourist campaign appropriate, as he stated.

(C/S)

[10] Foreign delegations to participate in a Civil Defence exercise in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

As the paper writes, delegations from Germany, Poland, Jordan and Afghanistan, have already arrived and tomorrow they will visit Mr Zekai Aksakalli, the president of the Civil Defence Organization at the organizations headquarters. Delegations of more than 20 countries are expected to participate in the exercises. Among the delegations members are one minister, one member of parliament and one major general.

Speaking to the delegations about the exercise, Mr Aksakalli stated that it will be the most extensive and comprehensive exercise in the world and in the TRNCs history and added that it is the first time that such an exercise is taking place at night.

(C/S)

[11] Azeri volleyball team trains at the occupied Cyprus TRNC wishes to host the Viva World Cup

On 18 April 2006, Azzereyl Baku will hold a press conference at the Saray Hotel at 13:00 oclock, while at 20:00 oclock will give its first match at Ataturk Sports Centre. The second game will be played on 20 April 2006 at Lala Mustafa Pasa Sports Centre in the occupied Varoshia.

The newspaper also reports that in Montpellier, France, the Football NF Federation Board had a meeting with the TRNC Football Federation, where they discussed the hosting of the NF Board Viva World Cup by TRNC. The meeting was attended on behalf of the Football NF Federation its president, Mr Christian Michelis, its General Secretary Jean Luc Kit and Mr Torry Manchenic, as a member of the Management Committee. From TRNC side, the meeting attended by the self-styled Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Ozkan Yorgancioglu, the self-styled Football Federations president, Mr Niyazi Okutan, the Federations representative of Foreign Relations Mr Cengiz Uzun and the legal advisor, Mr Tahir Seroydas. There was no statement at the end of the meeting.

(M/L)

[12] Turkey briefed atomic energy scientists on its nuclear programme

Guler held today a meeting in Ankara with 150 scientists from Turkish Atomic Energy Agency (TAEK) on nuclear energy. Following the meeting, Guler told reporters: "Researches of TAEK and related departments of universities on nuclear energy have been going on for 56 years." Regarding the safety aspect of the issue, Guler said that they are working on the safest and most modern methods.

On the other hand, TAEK Chairman Okay Cakiroglu said: "We have made a preliminary study in Sinop. We haven't still decided on the exact place where the nuclear power plant will be built. Inceburun region of Sinop is appropriate in geotechnical aspect. We will make our decision within a year."

Recalling that they can also build a nuclear power plant for civilian use in Akkuyu (in southern city of Mersin), Cakiroglu said: "We did not give up Akkuyu. We can build a power plant in Akkuyu any time, if necessary."

He added: "However, we looked for another alternative because Akkuyu is a tourist region. Thus, we chose Sinop." When asked how long it will take to build a power plant, Cakiroglu said that the construction may take 60 months.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday, had selected Black Sea city of Sinop as the city where the nuclear power plant will be built.

[13] Turkish-Greek Cooperation in Space

Turksat General Director Osman Dur, in a statement to the AA [Anatolia Agency] correspondent, said that requests have come from various companies to utilize Turkey's satellites, but that they have been unable to meet all of these requests.

Stating that the Turksat 2A satellite's transponders that cover Turkey and Europe are full, and that they are having difficulties in providing capacity for television channels that want to broadcast from Turkey to Europe, Dur said that they had met with Greek satellite operators in accord with a request from Greece. Dur said that "By engaging in cooperation, we will have the possibility to buy and sell their capacity. We will try to provide the capacity that we buy from them to the European market. Since our capacity directed toward Turkey and Europe is full, we will lease empty transponders in the Greek satellite for our customers who want to broadcast into the Turkish and European market."

Dur, stating that discussions with the Greek satellite operator still continue, declared that, thanks to this cooperation, the unutilized transponders on the Helesat satellite would be utilized, while Turksat would earn money from this leasing arrangement. Dur, explaining that the Helesat satellite covers Europe and Turkey and a portion of the Middle East, stressed that the discussions with the officials of the Greek satellite operator have been fruitful.

Pointing out that although the transponders of the Turksat 2A satellite that cover Europe are full, there is unused capacity in some of the transponders in the Central Asia and Middle East portions, Dur noted that discussions are underway with certain channels that want to broadcast in this [latter] region.

Pointing out that they are in contact with different satellite operators in the world, and are following matters such as "Who needs what, whose satellite is coming to the end of its life, and whose satellite is empty", Dur indicated that they are very familiar with the situation of the Greek Helesat satellite.

Turksat Corporation General Director Dur said that "It is useful to work together with the satellite operators in the world. Satellites are an expensive sector." He asserted that, if Turkey should move forward with this same excitement and vision, it will become one of the biggest players in satellite and space technology in its geographical region.

[14] Eurocontrol seen by Turkey as a trump card against it

The European Civil Aviation Organization, Eurocontrol, launched the Single European Sky initiative to meet the demands of the increasing flight capacity of European airlines. The initiative aims to restructure European airspace as a function of air traffic flow rather than according to national borders, to create additional capacity, and to increase the overall efficiency of the air traffic management system.

Greek Cypriot officials, who previously failed to push Ankara to open its airspace, are now hosting Eurocontrol directors and administrators in order to convince them that opening Turkish airspace to Greek Cypriots will increase the effectiveness of the Single European Sky. By making use of the initiative, the Greek Cypriots might connect Greek Cypriot airspace to Greek airspace and force Turkey to face a fait accompli.

Speaking to ABHaber Internet news portal, Eurocontrol observers said that all the members of the organization should put into force the principles of the new initiative before the end of 2006. "Eurocontrol member countries that fail to implement the new initiative will face sanctions," it added.

In related news, Eurocontrol is working to give the Greek Cypriot Civil Aviation Administration an important regional role, claiming that the Greek Cypriots belongs to organizations in both Europe and Asia and have inevitably carried out regional coordination on an ad-hoc basis as part of the implementation of several programs promoted by Eurocontrol and other European organizations.

Eurocontrol General Director Victor Acuito, during his contacts in the Greek Cypriot administration, stated that Greek Cyprus' good relations with Israel and Arab nations will make the country an important linkage point for Eurocontrol.

As a result of this encouragement the Greek Cypriot authorities initiated contacts with Middle Eastern neighboring states to promote upgraded and more structured cooperation among them in the field of air traffic management. The initiative led to the signature of an accord for the establishment of Europe-Middle East Air Traffic Management Coordination (EMAC) between Greek Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria on Feb. 4, 2003.

A cooperation agreement was initiated between Eurocontrol and EMAC on April 29, 2004. The member countries of Eurocontrol decided to sign the agreement, except Turkey. The agreement can come into effect only if it's approved by all Eurocontrol and EMAC member states. Turkey became a member of Eurocontrol in 1990 and the organization has 36 member states.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] Columnist in Yeni Safak criticizes the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey

We have been unfair to Edelman. You know, the recently resigned US Ambassador who made a "more than interesting" speech at a symposium called "Latest World Developments and Their Impact on Turkey" as if it was his duty, advising Turkey to revise its national interests, openly declaring that they did not want a Turkey which would not act together with the United States against Syria and Iran, and saying that Turkey should immediately and unconditionally open its borders with Armenia.

So rash!

Of course, Turkey should have opened its border with Armenia and improved relations with its neighbors, but it is up to the Parliament and the government of the Turkish Republic to decide the conditions and provisions for doing this. What business was this of Edelman's! He was a man of problems.

He spent practically all his working life trying to discredit the newspaper that published the "Rape Horror in Iraq" news (alright, let us name the paper: Yeni Safak). First, he commissioned news to be used against a major newspaper, then he documented a so-called link between the targeted newspaper and internet porn sites. When images from Abu Ghrayb verified the rape horror in Iraq he opted to keep quiet. He Could Not Keep Quiet!

But, he did so love to speak when he should not have spoken. For example, by saying "they did not issue a tsunami warning to those countries which were not members of the system" he not only made one major gaffe but he also confessed how they committed a crime against humanity.

How long was he in Ankara, yet he was never able to fit in. He strutted about as if he were some colonial governor. He failed to observe the sensitivities of the country he was serving in, and he acted out of keeping with his own country's interests. He was a rude diplomat.

His style was problematic. His stance was problematic. His own special brand of politics (whatever it was) was problematic. However, his replacement made us long to have him back. There is very little difference between Edelman and his successor, Wilson. In fact, he is more, not less.

You will recall that after the second Troops for Iraq Motion one of America's most influential newspapers, the Washington Post, accused the Turkish Parliament of "sabotaging America's Iraq plan." According to that newspaper, "Parliament's decision was a new and 'incredible' blow to America's efforts to drum up international support for the war."

Afterwards came Wolfowitz's notorious statement accusing the Turkish Armed Forces (or rather calling on them to do their duty). Whenever the topic of conversation turned to Turkish-US relations Wilson brings up this matter, as if disclosing some shameful act. After that, he then brings up the matter of the HAMAS visit to Ankara. His style was one of nonchalance.

For example, he would talk about "the common fight against terrorism" while deliberately kicking the ball out of play with regards to the PKK saying, "But you welcomed HAMAS." And then, with complete bloody mindedness, he says that the United States never gave the PKK any promises.

The man who said this, Wilson, disclosed these views in a statement he gave to columnist Melih Asik: "Turkey has no better friend than the United States in its fight against the PKK. The United States continues to work alongside Turkey in its effort to eliminate the PKK."

And let us pretend not to notice the gaffe of his that worried Russia when he said: "The Black Sea is international waters. We want to make the most of our rights here. We want to expand our field of intelligence gathering."

What does Wilson, who always brings up HAMAS and reminds us of the price we will likely pay, want to say to us in the end? Just as one journalist friend of ours who acts like he is the Turkish representative of American policies, was forced to admit, are economic embargo, mystery murders, PKK terrorism and Cyprus among "the prices we will likely have to pay"?

/X.CHR.

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