Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-05-18

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The breakaway regime amended the bylaw of the property law.

[02] Talat does not exclude the discussion of the Czechoslovakian model.

[03] The Turkish Prime Minister insists on legitimization of the Turkish army´s crimes in Cyprus in exchange for Turkey´s EU obligations.

[04] Leader of Turkish businessmen exerts his influence to distort the realities of the occupation of Cyprus to the Finnish Prime Minister.

[05] Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer announced that more European political groups will gather in the occupied Cyprus.

[06] Ferdi Sabit Soyer calls on Mr Michael Moller to start immediate work on the setting up of technical committees.

[07] Namik Tan denies reports of exchange of Ambassador with US.

[08] Petrol Ofisi to establish refinery with Austrian partner.

[09] The New Party calls on its followers not to vote in the forthcoming elections.

[10] The national TAE-KWON-DO team in occupied Cyprus is participating in a world championship taking place in Italy.

[11] Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat received Galata Saray´s former manager and its veteran soccer players.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] The Turkish side declares adherence to the UN but behind the scenes it is working to make null and void the UN decisions on Cyprus.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The breakaway regime amended the bylaw of the property law

According to the spokesman of the council, Mr Salih Usar after this amendment the names of the applicant Greek Cypriots could remain secret in case they wish it to be so. Mr Usar added that the applications made before have been announced.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Talat does not exclude the discussion of the Czechoslovakian model

In statements during a meeting he had yesterday, Mr Talat was asked to comment on the opinions regarding a change of policy of the Turkish side on the Cyprus problem. He alleged that the above-mentioned discussions for a change of policy are opinions which have been put forward with the problems created by the intransigent policy of the Greek Cypriot side.

Mr Talat noted that the suggestions for a new policy could be discussed and described as normal the fact that these changes are supported by Mr Serdar Denktas, self-styled minister of foreign affairs of the TRNC (breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus).

Mr Talat noted that at a conference Mr Denktas said that the Slovak-Czech model could be discussed. All these could be discussed, he added.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The Turkish Prime Minister insists on legitimization of the Turkish army´s crimes in Cyprus in exchange for Turkey´s EU obligations

''We will not bring the additional protocol to our parliament unless isolation of `TRNC´ (`Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´) is ended,'' Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

After their meeting in Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and his Finnish counterpart Matti Vanhanen held a joint press conference.

Erdogan qualified their meeting as fruitful, said that they debated bilateral relations and international topics, and indicated that there are not any problems between Turkey and Finland.

Noting that Finland will take over the EU presidency as of July, Erdogan recalled that Turkey was announced as a candidate country during the Helsinki Summit hosted by then EU president Finland.

''Our economic relations are fairly good. Our commercial relations were up 35 percent at the end of 2005,'' he indicated.

''We also assessed regional developments. We discussed the Cyprus problem. This visit is important because Vanhanen is the first ever Finnish Prime Minister visiting our country,'' Erdogan stressed.

Recalling that Finnish investors have made significant investments in Turkey, Erdogan expressed belief that joint investments will be increased in coming years.

''Views that 'time (given to Turkey) regarding the additional protocol (to the Customs Union) will end at the end of this year' are wrong. It is also wrong to add political criteria or political developments to the screening and negotiation processes,'' said Erdogan when commenting on the additional protocol which will extend a customs union agreement to the EU's newcomers including the Greek Cypriot administration.

Erdogan stated that Turkey has fulfilled its requirements, and added, ''it is now EU members' turn to fulfil theirs.''

On the other hand, Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen said that they expect the Turkish parliament to ratify the additional protocol.

Vanhanen noted that Cyprus will be one of the most challenging topics to be dealt with during Finland's EU presidency.

According to Vanhanen, Finland is for enlargement of the Union. Noting that every country which meets the requirements has a right to become a member, Vanhanen said that the EU should also fulfil its own obligations.

Vanhanen stated that other candidate countries should also fulfil necessary criteria, just like Turkey. ''There is not any shortcut,'' he said.

Referring to good commercial relations between Turkey and Finland, Vanhanen said that Turkey is ranked the third among countries preferred as a touristic destination by Finnish people.

[04] Leader of Turkish businessmen exerts his influence to distort the realities of the occupation of Cyprus to the Finnish Prime Minister

''We hope that you will work to end unjust isolation of `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ and launch initiatives which will pave the way for direct trade with Turkish Cypriots during your EU presidency,'' said Rifat Hisarciklioglu, chairman of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB).

Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen visited TOBB HQ in Turkish capital of Ankara, and met Hisarciklioglu over a luncheon.

Before the luncheon, Hisarciklioglu thanked Finland for its support to Turkey's EU membership bid. ''Finland has been an important actor in Turkey's EU membership process thanks to its friendly and constructive attitude,'' he said.

''We believe that an EU member Turkey will contribute to solution of EU's problems. The EU should implement the principle of 'political obligations' in a consistent and fair way in order to have healthy relations with Turkey. But, it was seen during Greek Cypriot administration's membership process that this principle is not always carried out in a consistent way. The EU did not suggest the Greek Cypriot administration to solve the (Cyprus) problem, but it is suggesting it to Turkey. This is not fair,'' Hisarciklioglu noted.

Hisarciklioglu continued: ''Turkish Cypriots voted 'yes' for the Annan plan. This is a fact which should never be forgotten. But, unfortunately the EU has not taken the concrete steps it pledged to take. Therefore, both Turkey and Turkish Cypriots feel themselves deceived. This situation has a negative impact on Turkish people's perspective and support on Turkey's EU membership.''

According to Hisarciklioglu, 33 Finnish companies were undertaking projects in Turkey as of the end of 2005. He pointed out that Turkish and Finnish companies can undertake joint projects and make joint investments in Baltic states, Russia and Black Sea littoral states.

On the other hand, Finnish Prime Minister Vanhanen said that Turkey's integration to Europe has increased interest of the Finnish companies in Turkey, and added that bilateral trade between Turkey and Finland has increased.

After his meeting with Hisarciklioglu, Vanhanen was received by Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc.

Arinc and Vanhanen underlined close relations between Turkish and Finnish parliaments, and expressed belief that these relations will be further improved with mutual visits.

[05] Mr Ferdi Sabit Soyer announced that more European political groups will gather in the occupied Cyprus

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has said that the political will shown in the April 24th referendum in 2004, is the road map on which the `TRNC government´ has based its international policy.

Reminding that the Turkish Cypriot `People´ has pulled down its own status-quo, the `Prime Minister´ said the Turkish Cypriot side should progress into the future on the path chosen on April 24th , 2004, rather than changing the current strategy as suggested by critics.

The `Prime Minister´ said `President´ Mehmet Ali Talat had won the presidential elections by defending the same political spirit - as did - the CTP, which, he reminded, won 45 per cent of the vote in elections in the same year.

Referring to what he called the serious openings achieved by the Turkish Cypriot `People´ since the referendum, the `Prime Minister´ said that such an esteem and economic development which was provided by these openings were unprecedented.

Mr Soyer also announced that various political groups from Europe will be gathering in the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ for contacts in a near future.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime set up by the Turkish Republic in occupied northern Cyprus which is studded with military camps of the Turkish army and mass graves of innocent Greek Cypriots murdered in 1974 during the Turkish invasion).

[06] Ferdi Sabit Soyer calls on Mr Michael Moller to start immediate work on the setting up of technical committees

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has called on the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative to Cyprus Michael Möller to start immediate work on the setting up of technical committees.

The Prime Ministers call came this afternoon before the `Council of Ministers´ meeting.

Referring to the outstanding issue of the proposed bi-communal technical committees, `Prime Minister´ Soyer reminded that last February Mr Moller proposed the setting up of the special committees to discuss technical issues concerning the Cyprus problem.

Mr Soyer said the `TRNC President´ Mehmet Ali Talat had accepted the setting up of the committees but the Greek Cypriot Side has since been dragging its feet on the issue.

Expressing the Turkish Cypriot Sides expectation that the committees would be set up soon and begin functioning, he warned that the failure to put the proposal into practice will just add to the conditions created by Tassos Papadopoulos.

We are calling for the urgent setting up of the technical committees. It is time for deeds and not words he said, calling on Mr Moller to stand behind his proposal.

[07] Namik Tan denies reports of exchange of Ambassador with US

Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Tan said: "We saw the news reports in the press. However, such an exchange of diplomats is out of question."

Upon a question about the strategic vision document, Tan said that their preparatory efforts had been continuing.

Replying to another question about Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's planned visit to the United States, Tan said: "These are normal visits between the two allied countries."

[08] Petrol Ofisi to establish refinery with Austrian partner

Turkeys widest reaching oil supplier, Petrol Ofisi, is preparing to establish a refinery plant of at least five million tons capacity with the Austrian energy giant OMV.

In mid-March it was announced that Dogan Holding would sell 34 percent of its shares in Petrol Ofisi to the Austrian gas and oil company.

Following approval by the Competition Board, the transfer of shares took place in a ceremony at Hilton Hotel yesterday.

$1,054 billion was paid in cash for the transfer.

Dogan Holding CEO Aydin Dogan said they want to carry Petrol Ofisi to an international level, which includes the research, production and refining of oil and gas, and transform it into a regional power.

OMV Acting Top Manager Gerhard Roiss said there are many promising opportunities in Turkey, especially when Turkeys integration with the European Union, or EU, is taken into consideration.

We unite our powers and we will develop this company more and more, Roiss said, emphasizing that Turkey should be a part of the EU; they consider Turkey as such and their presence here shows this.

The establishment of an oil refinery with the annual capacity of five million tons is planned for Turkey, reads a Petroleum Office (PO) statement regarding the refinery investment.

While Dogan Holdings 86.73 percent share in Petroleum Office capital falls to 52.73 percent, the holding derived YTL 986.34 million in income.

The two groups planning to transform their shareholding to a strategic partnership will cooperate in the exploration for oil and gas reserves, production and distribution in the Middle East and Caucasus, as well as in Turkey.

Experts say, OMW is one of the biggest oil companies in Europe. If the partnership is signed, PO will have significant advantages both in Turkey and Europe.

OMW, seeking sizeable benefits from the partnership in the long-run, plans to enter the Iraqi market also.

David Davies, Executive of OMW Financial Affairs, announced the intentions of the company and said they will wait for a quiet down in Iraq. Davies said: The Dogan group has important relations both in the Caspian region and Iraq.

OMW continues to carry out exploration and drilling for oil.

OMW officials spoke initially about their plans to establish oil refining works in Turkey, and said Turkey has the necessary potential for a new refining capacity, but it will not be established in the near future, at least not in the next 12 months.

The refinery plan of the two groups amounts to 18 percent of 27.6 million tons annual capacity of four TUPRAS refineries.

[09] The New Party calls on its followers not to vote in the forthcoming elections

The party called on its followers not to go to the ballot-box and added that if they feel obliged to go, then to cast a white vote. The New Party noted in a written statement that it does no longer trust politics and the politicians.

(C/S)

[10] The national TAE-KWON-DO team in occupied Cyprus is participating in a world championship taking place in Italy

As the paper writes, a delegation of twenty four persons, of whom eight men and seven women are athletes, has already gone to Italy.

The countries which are participating in the championship are the following: Germany, Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, Spain, France, Russia, Kazakhstan, USA, Canada, Argentine, North Africa, Porto Rico, Malaysia, Chile, Poland, Brasilia and Italy.

(C/S)

[11] Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat received Galata Saray´s former manager and its veteran soccer players

The Galatasaray delegation also visited the self-styled Prime Minister, Mr. Soyer, and Ms Fatma Ekenoglu, self-styled Chairman of the so-called Parliament Assembly, who stated that the illegal regime´s football teams can not play any match with the teams of the rest of the world because of their isolation.

(M/L)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] The Turkish side declares adherence to the UN but behind the scenes it is working to make null and void the UN decisions on Cyprus

In his column Serbest Kürsü (Free Rostrum) in the Turkish Cypriot daily VATAN newspaper (18.05.06) comments on the statement made by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to Turkeys state television, the TRT, to the effect that Struggling to remove the UN Security Council resolutions 541 and 550 could be an alternative...

Analysing this statement Mr Ozadam writes the following: Mr. Talat is very well aware of the fact that Cyprus is advancing with a speed towards division and that: Preparations behind the scenes are going on for removing Security Council resolutions 541 and 550 for the recognition of the TRNC.

Mr Levent Ozadam further writes that the work at present is going on in a secret manner because it is feared that this will cost to Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey and the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in Cyprus to lose votes

He goes on and alleges that it is obvious to every body that unification of Cyprus is no more possible and urges Turkish Cypriots to start the struggle in order to remove the UNSC resolutions 541 and 550 which will pave the way for recognition of the TRNC.

And the columnist concludes by saying: Security Council resolutions are not Prophets decisions and in order to remove them one has to believe in his struggle.

(MHY)

/SK

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