Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-06-13

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish commanders in the occupied areas for a search and rescue exercise in the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus.

[02] Agreement reached in Luxemburg over Turkey´s EU accession talks.

[03] Statements by Gul before leaving for Luxemburg.

[04] Statements by Erdogan before leaving for Croatia.

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot and the Turkish newspapers cover the Turkey-EU Association Council Meeting which took place in Luxemburg.

[06] Mr Talat evaluated his trip to Germany on Turkey´s NTV station.

[07] Statements by Talat in Istanbul on his way to occupied Cyprus after meeting the German Foreign Minister.

[08] Orams protest march in London.

[09] Turkish Cypriot newspaper: The law of occupation and looting is what is applied in Cyprus.

[10] Joost Lagendijk says Turkey cannot become an EU member unless a solution to the Cyprus problem is found.

[11] Turkish-Greek Media Association to be established.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist in CUMHURIYET on the role of the military in Turkey.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Turkish commanders in the occupied areas for a search and rescue exercise in the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus

Vice Admiral Alev Gumusoglu Turkish Navys Southern Fleet Commander, accompanied by a military delegation today paid visits to `President´ Mehmet Ali Talat, the `speaker of the Republics Assembly´ Fatma Ekenoglu and Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer.

The commanders are in the (`TRNC´) `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ for this year s CANER GÖNYEL0 Search and Rescue Exercises to be conducted on Wednesday in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking during the visit, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer hailed the cooperation and solidarity with Turkey which he stressed is providing the conditions for the Turkish Cypriot people with the strength to promote its struggle for a prosperous future in security.

Vice Admiral Alev Gumusoglu Turkish Navys Southern Fleet Commander, was accompanied during the visits by the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Lieutenant General Hasan Memisoglu, and the commander of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces Major General Tevfik Ozk1l1c .

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

[02] Agreement reached in Luxemburg over Turkey´s EU accession talks

Following long hours of discussions with Cyprus on Monday morning and early afternoon, the Austrian EU official informed that they reached an agreement on a common stance on Turkey.

The Austrian spokesman noted that the final text of the agreement reached had already been sent to Ankara.

Turkey will now be able to open its actual accession talks with the European Union as scheduled on Monday in the area of science and research - the first of 35 policy fields which will be dealt with in the membership talks

However, the finalized European Union text in the agreement on science and research writes: "Failure to implement its (Turkey's) obligations in full will affect the overall progress in the negotiations."

[03] Statements by Gul before leaving for Luxemburg

My worthy colleague Ali Babacan and I will leave to participate in two meetings in Luxembourg. It is common knowledge that the two meetings are separate convocations. However, they are to be held today. The first is the Turkey-EU Partnership Council meeting. The Partnership Council is the most competent platform between Turkey and the EU. It has a legal nature. Views are exchanged and decisions are taken unanimously. A meeting is held every time the presidency rotates. We will hold the 45th meeting. We would have held it a month ago, but it had to be postponed because of various reasons. In other words, it had to be postponed because I was unwell.

The second is the Intergovernmental Conference. It is common knowledge that the screening process successfully continued after the decision that was made for talks with the EU. The process is continuing. The 23rd chapter will begin today. The process is successfully maintained. And, we believe that it will end before October. According to a decision, the process of actual talks can begin.

The chapter on science and research will be opened and closed during the Intergovernmental Conference. That is because talks were held on it in the past. So, the meeting will be an important turning point in the history of the EU. It is one of the important stages.

Undoubtedly, the 25 EU members drawing up common positions is difficult. What applies to all the member countries also applies to us. And, the process is full of ups and downs. By nature, the process has many difficult aspects. That must be known in advance. And, that is what we have reiterated thus far. But the important thing is to deal with the problems and achieve a result. Undoubtedly, the target is full membership. Naturally, the necessary decisions have been made. Our Government is aware of that. It is very determined to realize everything it has to do. One of them is the reforms process. We carefully maintain the process. There will be no turning back in any way. Nor will the process be slowed down. That is definitely out of the question. In fact, we have submitted the ninth reform package to the National Assembly. We will try to have it passed before the National Assembly rises for its summer recess. We hope that the National Assembly will pass the Law on the Ombudsman's Office and the Law on the Military Courts, which is important for the relations between the military and civilian sectors, during the current week.

As I said earlier, difficult stages exist in the process. What is important is to patiently and resolutely move toward our target without getting tired of the difficulties. We are aware of that. When we look back, we become aware of the effort many of the EU members made to surmount the difficulties to arrive at this point. In view of that, we will maintain our patient and determined approach and sincerely and clearly outline our views at the competent platforms. We will sincerely share our views and move ahead.

That is all I have to say. I believe that you will understand our decision not to respond to questions. Thank you.

[04] Statements by Erdogan before leaving for Croatia

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed a clear message to the EU. He said: Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and Ali Babacan will refrain from traveling to Luxembourg if a positive decision is not made.

Prime Minister Erdogan said that Turkey has been trying to realize everything it has to do and noted: If the 24 EU countries comply with south Cyprus' demands, then we will not go to Luxembourg. If politics is involved in the screening process, then our approach will change accordingly.

Replying to the questions put to him by the journalists prior to his departure from the Esenboga Airport for Croatia, Prime Minister Erdogan reacted to Oli Rehn's statement that the reforms process in Turkey has seriously slowed down. Erdogan said: What has lead Mr Rehn to make such a statement? I find that difficult to understand. The calendar drawn up by the EU Commission is in effect. There are no delays.

He said: However, if they have considered something related to the application [of the calendar], then there must have been a change in the way of thinking. We have been saying right from the beginning that the calendar cannot be realized if different approaches are adopted. Something like this has not happened in any country. In which EU country have the application of the adaptation laws been realized in accordance with the established calendar. That is impossible.

Prime Minister Erdogan clearly responded to the most important question related to the critical day: We will be informed if a positive result is not achieved in Luxembourg, that is to say, if 24 EU countries comply with the demands of south Cyprus. Our foreign minister and our chief negotiator will definitely not go to Luxembourg if that is the case. That is our final decision. We have fulfilled everything we were required to do in the screening chapter. Everything we have done has been accepted. A problem is out of the question. However, if a political approach casts a shadow over the screening process, then I must say that our approach on the next process will be very different. Politics have not been involved in any screening process or negotiations thus far. If an initiative is made to involve politics in this screening process, then our approach will change accordingly.

Prime Minister Erdogan made his statement at the Esenboga Airport prior to his departure for Croatia. The problem created by the Greek Cypriot administration was not solved at the time. The document on common position had not been finalized yet.

Erdogan made similar statements on the plane and in Croatia. He informed the journalists on his government's policy with a firm tone during his flight. He said: No country has been isolated in the world like the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus [`TRNC´´]. Is the `TRNC´ a terrorist country? What is the mistake it has done?

Erdogan said that Turkey will not open its seaports and airports to the Greek Cypriots before the isolationist measures against the Turkish Cypriots are lifted. We have said that once and for all.

During his visit to Zagreb, Prime Minister Erdogan was asked to comment on how the Cyprus problem might affect the EU approach towards Turkey in the future. He said: Of course, the Greek Cypriot administration will use the problem as a weapon as much as it can. However, I do not believe that the remaining 24 EU countries will assess that in their policies. I am aware that the process will be difficult. However, I do not believe that weakening it will be an appropriate approach.

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot and the Turkish newspapers cover the Turkey-EU Association Council Meeting which took place in Luxemburg

The Turkish Cypriot papers cover the Council Meeting as follows:

KIBRIS under the title Tassos´ stature was not enough, writes that the objections of the Greek Cypriots at the Turkey-EU Association Council Meeting were overcome and a common position was adopted as regards Turkeys negotiations with the EU. The paper writes that Austrias proposals have finally satisfied the Greek Cypriot side and notes that Mrs Ursula Planssnik, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria, stated that the opening of the first chapter was not easy, however it is positive that the first step was made as regards Turkeys negotiations with the EU.

Under the title Turkey approaches with one more step the EU, HALKIN SESI writes that about eight months after the 3rd of October, when Turkey was included in the negotiations in order to become member of the EU, in the early hours of today Turkey has started the de facto negotiations with the EU.

Turkey flew, writes in its first page YENI DUZEN which reports that after the Cyprus crisis that occurred in Turkey-EU Association Council Meeting in Luxemburg, an agreement was reached and Turkey flew to EU.

Under the title Five months period for Turkey, GUNES writes that the Greek Cypriots managed to take something from the Turkey-EU Association Council Meeting. While Turkey is starting its talks in order to become member of the EU, it was confirmed for one more time that by the end of the year it will open its ports to the Greek Cypriot ships.

Under the title Greek Cyprus VETO threats turned out to be nothing but Blanks, CYPRUS TODAY newspaper writes that the EU foreign ministers clinched a hard-fought agreement with Greek Cyprus on Monday on a formula to enable Turkey to take its first step in detailed accession talks with the EU.

KIBRISLI under the title Empty threats writes that once more it was proven that the bullets which came out of the Greek Cypriots weapon of veto, were empty threats.

VATAN under the title The knot was untied reports that the problem as regards Turkeys de facto negotiations with the EU has been untied after the objections of the Greek Cypriots were overcome. It also writes that after Ankara examined in details the common position of the EU country members, the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, along with the Minister Responsible for Turkeys negotiation with the EU Ali Babacan, decided to go to Luxembourg.

CUMHURIYET reports about the issue under the title The first step to the thorny road. The paper writes that Turkey-EU negotiation starts with many problems.

VOLKAN, under the title Five more months for the AKP Government writes that the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs Dora Bakoyanni, who participated in the Luxembourg Council of Ministers, stated that five more months are given to Turkey in order to fulfil its obligations as regards the Additional Protocol.

Under the title Gul in Luxembourg, ORTAM reports that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs went to Luxembourg after the problems, that occurred with the objections of the Greek Cypriots, were solved.

AFRIKA reports about the issue in its inner pages and writes that the Veto obstacle has been overcome for one more time.

The Turkish papers cover the Council meeting as follows:

Under the title Their right of 69 times to veto remained HURRIYET reports that the Chinese torture of the Greek Cypriots came to an end at the last moment yesterday and Turkey has started officially negotiations with the EU. The paper writes that the Greek Cypriots have the right to prevent for 69 more times the negotiation procedure which consists of 35 chapters.

The paper also notes in its first page that the British Ambassador to Ankara, Mr Peter Westmaccot had played a big role in order for the crisis which occurred to be overcome. The paper reminds that Mr Westmaccot has also played a big role at the Luxembourg Summit which took place on the 3rd of October 2005.

MILLIYET under the title The EU negotiations have started de facto reports about the Luxembourg Ministerial Council and writes that despite the capriccios of the Greek Cypriots, Turkey was able to overcome a curve which was important psychologically and symbolically for the countrys membership to the EU. It also writes that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul flew the last minute to Luxembourg and adds that the first of the 35 chapters that Turkey must close, has opened and closed.

[06] Mr Talat evaluated his trip to Germany on Turkey´s NTV station

President Mehmet Ali Talat has warned that if the Greek Cypriot side continues its intransigent attitude towards the Cyprus issue, the Turkish Cypriot people may change its pro solution stance on the island.

`President´ Talat made the statement during an interview with the Turkish television station NTV, where he evaluated his meeting with the German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier.

Explaining that his trip to Germany had been a symbolic one, `President´ Mehmet Ali Talat said the German government hadnt made it clear whether or not it would take steps towards helping end the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot `people´.

Noting that it was only natural for Germany to be interested in the Cyprus issue as it would be becoming the term President of the United Nations Security Council, `President´ Talat repeated the address for a solution is the United Nations not the European Union.

Explaining that as long as Turkey has fulfilled its responsibilities towards the European Union it will be able to reach its aim of EU membership, `President´ Talat also expressed the belief that although Turkey may face delays to its EU membership due to it not opening up its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels, it will continue with its just stance.

[07] Statements by Talat in Istanbul on his way to occupied Cyprus after meeting the German Foreign Minister

Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the negative attitude displayed by the `Greek Cypriot Administration´ on the proposed establishment of the bi-communal technical committees was once more proof that it was against finding a solution to the Cyprus Problem.

He was speaking in Istanbul at the end of his contacts in Germany where he met with the German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier.

Speaking to the illegal BRT, Mr Talat said that the Turkish Sides current overall policy on the Cyprus Problem will be reevaluated when the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes a planned visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus next month but however added that it is highly unlikely there will be any important changes in either Turkeys or the Turkish Cypriot side´s stance on the Cyprus Issue.

He said it was natural for such a re-evaluation to be made but added that it was impossible for Turkey or the Turkish Cypriot Side to abandon its main policy of wanting a solution to the Cyprus Problem.

As for the establishment of the proposed bi-communal technical committees, he accused the Greek Cypriot side of deliberately dragging its feet.

[08] Orams protest march in London

A protest march is being organized in London´s Hyde Park on July 9 to support Linda and David Orams in their legal battle over their villa in Lapta. (occupied Lapithos).

The Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad (ATCA) is organizing the march from noon, from the park to the royal courts of Justice where the case is due to be heard later in the month. A South Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus) court in 2004 ordered Mrs Orams to demolish the house in Lapta, return the land to Greek Cypriot former owner Meletis Apostolides and pay him Cyprus Pounds 7,000 in damages. Lawyers for Mr Apostolides now hope the UK courts will enforce the decision against the Oramses´ assets in Britain. The ATCA was formed in 2003 to highlight problems and hardships faced by Turkish Cypriots over property issues and political isolation. It plans to lobby world leaders and international organizations. For more information go to www.atcanews.org.

[09] Turkish Cypriot newspaper: The law of occupation and looting is what is applied in Cyprus

Turkey which intervened in Cyprus militarily in 1974 putting forth its guarantee rights, has committed a crime according to the international law and agreements upon fulfilling its duty as guarantor power, in spite of the fact that 32 years passed since then.

Transferring foreign population to a country and distributing citizenship to them as well as distributing title deeds to the Turkish Cypriots and to those who were illegally brought from Turkey and settled into the properties of the Greek Cypriots who had abandoned them as a result of a crime of war, constitute international crime.

Turkey is using the Turkish Cypriots in order to get rid of these crimes. For example, as the 7th of July when the decision of the Orams Case will be announced is getting closer, the efforts of some organizations to prevent the functioning of the international law with some actions are attracting attention. A Greek Cypriot property owner, who won the case he had filed in the Greek Cypriot side as a result of opening a court case against the Orams couple who built in his property in Lapithos, filed a lawsuit in England. The decision of this lawsuit is expected to be taken on 7 July.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Joost Lagendijk says Turkey cannot become an EU member unless a solution to the Cyprus problem is found

Co-president of the Joint EU-Turkey parliamentarians committee - Joost Lagendijk has said Turkey cannot become an EU member unless a solution to the Cyprus problem is found.

Speaking to the Dogan News Agency in Amsterdam, Mr. Lagendijk said that Turkey must open its ports and airports to Greek-Cypriot registered vessels.

He added that Turkey had also lost speed in its reform process.

Mr. Lagendijk said that the European Union supports a solution to the Cyprus problem under UN umbrella, adding that the Greek Cypriot Side should be encouraged to return to the negotiating table.

[11] Turkish-Greek Media Association to be established

Greek-Turkish Business Council Chairman Panayiotis Koutsikos, speaking before the closing of the program, said the relationships were going well. Koutsikos reminded the trade volume between Turkey and Greece was only $200 million in 1999 and that this year, this figure rose to $2.2 billion. Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Turkish-Greek Business Council Chairman Selim Egeli noted that it is the artists who played a leading role in the development of the relationships and added, However, we, as businessmen, decided 20 years ago to explain the importance of collaboration between the two countries. On the last day of the conference held at the Conrad Hotel, Press Council Chairman and Contact Group member Oktay Eksi asked participants to share their views and suggestions. A decision on establishing a Turkish-Greek media association was taken; a suggestion put forward by HURRIYET Daily columnist Nur Batur.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] Columnist in CUMHURIYET on the role of the military in Turkey

In 1974, Turkey was obliged to dispatch troops to Cyprus. No one has any doubt but that this landing was [based upon] a right that derived from agreements grounded in international law.

But at the point reached with the changes that have now taken place both within the country and abroad, it is evident that the units on Cyprus have gradually taken on a more onerous responsibility.

The deployment of the military in the Aegean Sea also reflects the delicate relations arising from the disputes with Greece. The visit of the Greek Foreign Minister to Turkey following the collision just recently of Turkish and Greek aircraft makes the situation very plain.

The PKK phenomenon in the Southeast is an issue in its own right.

The military had taken care of this problem, but actions by the PKK, which was able to obtain safe haven in Northern Iraq following the US invasion, then started up once again. Tragic reports about our martyrs are now seen frequently in our newspapers.

Within the country, the military, on which we have placed such heavy duties, does not have very bright and open relations with the police; this problem has been openly noted by the General Staff.

And if you add to all of this the tension created in the chain of command over the new General Staff Chief, who will take up his duties on 30 August, it is a matter of perceiving an evident truth to realize that the burdens heaped upon the military are approaching a level that cannot be borne.

It is useful to assess and evaluate the AKP [Justice and Development Party] government's approach to the military within this framework.

Let us not forget that the current Prime Minister, [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, carries on his own back an unfortunate incident that is reflective of his own past.

Mr Erdogan, evidently considering the army to be insufficient, became famous for, and was tried for, a verse that considered mosques as barracks, minarets as bayonets, believers as soldiers, and domes as fortresses.

After the AKP came into office, the distance between the military and the government did not narrow.

Various rumors tossed about as the 30 August date gets closer serve to complete the scene.

Main opposition leader Deniz Baykal, commenting on this situation, has warned the government, and has called for the creation of the necessary atmosphere so that the 30 August preparations can come about in a healthy way.

The military, in both the Constitutional and the legal context, does not just take up its position against foreign enemies; it is also tasked with defending the secular Republic. This role of the military is also the guarantee of democracy in Turkey, which has a unique and special place within the Islamic world of 1.5 billion people.

For an effort to be made to interfere, on the occasion of 30 August, in a military that bears such heavy responsibilities, by a government that can be considered tainted in terms of secularism, would accomplish nothing other than exacerbating greatly the existing crisis.

/SK

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