Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-05-02

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] A census has been held in the occupied areas of Cyprus; Press reports describe the census as fiasco; The aim is reportedly to use the results in the Cyprus talks

[02] Electronic marketing and trade was inaugurated in the occupied areas

[03] Serdar Denktas openly declares that the usurpation of the properties of the Greek Cypriots will go on

[04] The Turkish Minister of Energy on the Libananco case

[05] Turkish journalists visiting occupied Cyprus illegally want to move to the free areas in violation of the international law

[06] Ankaras puppet regime is exerting efforts to gain recognition through the EP Contact Group

[07] Muhsin Yazicioglu was re-elected BBP leader

[08] Turkey-EU JPC to be held between 3-5 May

[09] Erdogan to attend the SEECP in Thessaloniki

[10] The self-styled police in occupied Cyprus became world champion of the 7th International WISPA tournament

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Turkey invokes coming elections to continue the occupation of Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] A census has been held in the occupied areas of Cyprus; Press reports describe the census as fiasco; The aim is reportedly to use the results in the Cyprus talks

The paper writes that 61 questions were asked during the census. 38 of them were personal, 14 were related to the housing details and nine aimed at determining whether or not the individuals at each house were permanent residents or guests.

According to KIBRIS, representatives of foreign missions in Cyprus observed the census within the framework of the diplomatic rules.

The paper also notes that many people have complained that the officers, who were conducting the census, did not visit their houses. The citizens called KIBRIS after 18.00 and said that they were not counted because no one visited their home.

Responding to questions on the issue, the chairperson of the State Planning Organization, Mrs Isilay Yilmaz said she could not give a number regarding those who had not been counted and added that both they and other offices received similar complaints. She noted that they have sent officers to the houses of the people who had said that they were not counted. She pointed out that in case the number of those who are not counted is large, they could open a separate book and count those people.

KIBRIS reports also that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat stated that they will acquire extremely useful information from the census both in the field of economy and in the social field.

Information is treasure. If information is acquired, power is also acquired in any kind of planning and bargaining, he added and noted that this is their aim.

Furthermore, KIBRIS writes that the speaker of the assembly, Mrs Fatma Ekenoglu pointed out to the importance of giving correct and clear answers during the census and said that this will constitute the basis for new plans in the TRNC (Breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus).

According to KIBRIS, in his statements on the issue the self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer alleged that the census was conducted according to the international rules and to the standards of the EU and the UN. He said that no foreign observer attended the census, but in case the representatives of foreign missions in Cyprus wanted to follow the census they could do so.

The Turkish Cypriot press (01.05.06) refers to the issue as follows:

Noting that the census was conducted with the most primitive method in the world, AFRIKA describes it as fiasco and writes: Many citizens waited in vain for the census officers at their houses. The citizens complied with the curfew; the state did not comply with the census.

Under the title The census could not be completed, HALKIN SESI notes that the population and housing census was not conducted in a reliable manner.

Under the title We waited and you did not come, VATAN notes that many people said they had not be counted at the census, which in some areas continued after 18.00 when the curfew ended.

ORTAM refers to the issue under the title We have not been counted! According to information acquired by the paper, the people who have not been counted are mainly in occupied Nicosia and Famagusta.

Under the title Have you been counted? CUMHURIYET writes that the warnings have unfortunately proved to be right and that the census is in danger because of some technical mistakes.

Furthermore, Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (01.05.06) reports that the result of the census will most probably be used in the future Cyprus negotiations when the population and property aspect of the problem is put on the table.

The paper reports that the last census was held in 1996, ten years ago, when the population was 200 thousand. The paper goes on and writes that this is the last census in the TRNC where people were confined in their houses because of the curfew.

The paper says that until now in the Cyprus negotiations on the population and property issues bargaining was carried out on estimation figures, and with this present results in future negotiations the sides will be able to put forward net figures on the negotiation table.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (02.05.06) reports that in statements to illegal TAK news agency, Mr Soyer described as positive the census and added that the officers could not visit only the 0,8 % of the residences. Referring to the statement made by the Government Spokesman, Mr George Lillikas, who said that the census is not reliable, Mr Soyer called on Mr Lillikas and those of the same kind to stop engaging in demagoguery with the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people.

HALKIN SESI writes also that Mr Talat said that they acquired unique information with the census and added: The census was conducted not in order to please the Greek Cypriot side or any other organization. He alleged that especially after 2004 they have granted the citizenship of the TRNC in a completely legal way and according to the international rules. The citizens of the TRNC are completely equal citizens. The reek Cypriot side or any other organization asking from us to give account is out of the question, he added.

Finally, he admitted that there were some technical problems during the census, but they will take measures and they will overcome them.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Electronic marketing and trade was inaugurated in the occupied areas

The new project which was launched with a ceremony in occupied Kyrenia, is also aimed at introducing the necessary contemporary technological infrastructure for a better electronic information highway, better and faster internet services and related communications technologies.

The ceremony was attended by the self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer, the head of the State Planning Organization Isilay Yilmaz and other officials, including representatives from the United Nations Development Program.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Ferdi Sabit Soyer pointed to the need for the Turkish Cypriots to improve in every single field of technology as dictated by the age of high technology.

Now that we have electronic trade on our agenda, we have to speed up infrastructure development in order to help facilitate the intended overhaul of todays system, he said.

Also addressing the ceremony, the UNDP representative Andres Johnson said that the project is intended to help raise the Turkish Cypriot People to the status of that of an information society. He added that North Cyprus (occupied Cyprus) is lagging well behind the EU countries on the issue.

[03] Serdar Denktas openly declares that the usurpation of the properties of the Greek Cypriots will go on

"Construction is now the main economic sector in Northern Cyprus," Denktas said. "We are asking the EU to lift our isolation and start direct flights in order to boost our tourism and trade. But they have done almost nothing so far despite the fact that they have promised to do so. How can they now ask for a moratorium on property transactions, the main activity bringing economic revival?"

Mr. Denktash on Friday participated in a round table meeting on recent developments in the Cyprus problem organized by the TOBB, University of Economics and Technology and the Economic Policy Research Institute (TEPAV-Epri).

Underlining Turkish Cypriot frustration with the EU and the international community for failing to keep their promises to end the isolation of occupied Cyprus, Denktas said: "Enough is enough. Turkish Cypriots have no further patience to wait for an uncertain future. We have waited the last two years for promises to be kept and nothing has happened."

(Tr.Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime set up by the Turkish Republic through the force of arms in the occupied Greek Cypriot properties).

[04] The Turkish Minister of Energy on the Libananco case

Reminding that the arbitration case has been accepted by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) which is a body formed within the World Bank, Güler stated that they found the case very important and took it very seriously, but declined to make any further comments.

Libananco had filed an arbitration case against confiscation of power generation and delivery Uzan Group held companies of Çukurova Elektrik (ÇEA^) and Kepez Elektrik on February 23. Libananco acquired the Uzan Group shares in these companies after the confiscation.

Libananco also claims that besides Turkey to be imposed of reparation payments, the ICSID would comment that Turkey indirectly recognizes South Cyprus (the Republic of Cyprus) as a sovereign state, as both countries formally accepted the Energy Treaty.

Energy and Natural Resources Ministry had terminated the concession contracts of both companies back in July 2003 on the basis of violation of contract terms and seized them immediately. Both companies were traded publicly at the 0stanbul Stock Exchange. The rights of small shareholders are still not clear.

[05] Turkish journalists visiting occupied Cyprus illegally want to move to the free areas in violation of the international law

The President of the Union Mesut Gunsev held separate meetings in Brussels with George Zigler from the European Commission and the European Director of the IFJ Renate Schroeder.

Noting that the Greek Cypriot administration (Republic of Cyprus) has been preventing the task of foreign press workers in South Cyprus, Mr Gunsev said this does not only lead to a censorship on press but also extends the embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people.

Also speaking, Mr Schroeder said that the International Journalists Federation is against all restrictions and promised to take an initiative on the issue. For his part, George Zigler said that he will convey the problem to relevant institutions.

[06] Ankaras puppet regime is exerting efforts to gain recognition through the EP Contact Group

The name of the High Level Contact Group which was formed to improve relations between the European Union and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is changing. This was announced by the Euro MP-member of the contact group-Cem Ozdemir.

The group which paid a visit to the TRNC last month decided its name to be added with the expression of Turkish Cypriots.

The Turkish origin Euro MP Cem Ozdemir described the move as an important development and said that the European Commission was ready to take every step on the Cyprus issue if any resolution would be adopted by the Council of the European Union as regards the issue.

Stating that the group was working hard for a planned visit in June to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mr Ozdemir said that the High Level Contact Group would meet President Mehmet Ali Talat at his Presidential office.

(Tr.Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Republics subordinate regime it has set up with 40,000 Turkish troops in the small, defenselers Cyprus after cleansing ethnically Cyprus northern occupied area in 1974.

Turkey has since been colonisizing the occupied areas with settlers from Turkey and selling the properties of the Greek Cypriots to foreigners).

[07] Muhsin Yazicioglu was re-elected BBP leader

In an opening speech at the BBP Congress, Yazicioglu said that Turkey lost its independence and that its foreign policy was being dictated by the United States and the EU.

He maintained that EU membership will cause Turkey's division, saying: "For the past four years, this government has either been making mistakes or merely strutting before the nation. The nation wants a leader who can shoot a goal, and the BBP is the only party that can form such a government."

He added: "The government is a place where you perform. The current government should either exercise the power given to it by the nation or leave." The BBP leader also said that with the 6th paragraph of the anti-terror bill, the government was trying to bring amnesty to the terrorists.

[08] Turkey-EU JPC to be held between 3-5 May

Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc will make opening remarks of the meeting on Wednesday. State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU talks Ali Babacan, Ambassador Hansjorg Kretschmer --Head of the Delegation of the European Commission--, the Turkey-EU JPC Co-President Joost Lagendijk and several other officials will deliver speeches during the meeting.

Participants will focus on ''Turkey-EU relations and accession talks'' in the first session of the meeting.

''European identity and values: freedom of expression, and respect to religious and cultural values'' will also be discussed in the second session of the meeting.

[09] Erdogan to attend the SEECP in Thessaloniki

Heads of state and government of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, FYROM, Serbia-Montenegro, Romania and Croatia; and representatives of leading international organizations will also attend the summit.

Greece will hand over the SEECP presidency to Croatia, while participants will vote whether or not to accept Moldova, which is actually being represented in SEECP meetings as observer, as a member.

EU membership perspectives of Balkan countries and regional cooperation opportunities are the main topics to be discussed in the summit.

[10] The self-styled police in occupied Cyprus became world champion of the 7th International WISPA tournament

The TRNC Police Futsal team became champion leaving behind powerful rivals at the 7th International WISPA (World Futsal Police Association) where 24 teams from 20 countries competed against each other and which was organised at Frances town Lyon between 23-29 of April.

According to a statement made by the police general directorate, the TRNC Police Futsal team which went to France for the Championship match, was accepted together with other football teams by the deputy Mayor of Lyon on the 24th of April.

The team competed in groups of four in the matches which started on the 25th of April in the framework of the tournament. The TRNC Police Futsal team which played 5 matches in group C, between 25-26 of April, has finished first in its group with one draw and four wins.

The team which qualified to the finals managed to enter the semi-finals by wining in the match against Ukraine 2-0. The match with Bosnia - Herzegovina in the semi finals ended with a 2-2 draw and the TRNC Police Futsal team went to the finals winning 5-3 in penalties. The TRNC Police Futsal team, which played against the Lyon Team in the finals, became champion winning 2-1 after a thrilling game.

The cup and the medals were awarded by the chairman of WISPA Luc Borlon during the closing ceremony. The champion TRNC team became the focus of attention for its performance and discipline, during the matches.

The Police Futsal team, which participated with 11 footballers under the direction of the police director Ahmet Zaim and the trainer Cengiz Uzun, has returned to the country.

C/S

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] Turkey invokes coming elections to continue the occupation of Cyprus

These views were conveyed to the American side during U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's one-day visit to Ankara earlier this week.

The U.S., on the other hand, questioned the current Turkish military presence in northern Iraq, and the Turkish side stressed that this isn't aimed at the Kurdish administration but is a deterrent against the PKK terrorist organization whose members are holed up in the Kandil Mountains in northern Iraq.

The Americans were told that the government is fighting through rough waters regarding the PKK issue. The Turkish side stressed that there isn't much the government can do to make any kind of opening by declaring a general amnesty for PKK militants to convince them to come down from the mountains.

The government feels it cannot make a move on the issue without paying a price at the ballot box, as the PKK continues its terrorist campaign claiming the lives of dozens of security personnel on a regular basis.

The government feels the conservative opposition could use the Kirkuk issue against the government, claiming a sellout if it tries to make a move to satisfy the demands of the Kurds that the province is a part of the Kurdistan Federal Region in Iraq.

The Kurds want Kirkuk to be accepted as a part of the Kurdish setup in northern Iraq. Turkey, on the other hand, wants its Turkoman population in the province to have a meaningful say on how the province is run.

The government also feels it's been pushed into a corner over Cyprus and has told the Americans it cannot make any new moves as long as the Greek Cypriots are so intransigent. The government feels major Turkish concessions on Cyprus haven't yielded any results but on the contrary have created embarrassment at home as the European Union has failed to end the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, despite the fact that they approved the Annan plan in a referendum and the Greek Cypriots didn't.

The government is concerned that the opposition could effectively use the Cyprus card against it during elections. The Americans also asked Turkey about the ongoing presence of Turkish troops in northern Iraq.

Turkey has more than 1,300 soldiers in northern Iraq who were there even before Saddam Hussein was toppled. The Kurdish administration regards them as guests and allows them to remain in their territory. The military also has a division of about 40 tanks in the area called Bamari which is an small, old airfield.

Turkey also has military liaison offices in Zakho, Duhok, Erbil, Salahaddin and Sulaimaniyah, manned by several officers from the special forces.

Turkey has told the Americans that these forces remain in northern Iraq as a deterrent against the PKK and aren't there to intimidate the Kurds.

Turkey told the Americans these forces will be withdrawn the day the PKK is driven out of Iraq.

The Turks also told the Americans they don't intend to conduct any cross-border operations into Iraq with the huge forces they've amassed in the border areas. They explained that these forces are there to fight PKK terrorists inside Turkey and prevent them from escaping into Iraq.

XChr.

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