Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-06-22

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Decision taken on UBP recourse. Comments by Ozgurgun.

[02] The so-called Property Compensation Committee announced its first decisions.

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the developments on the property issue.

[04] Mr Talat on the compensations and the missing persons.

[05] The OIC Baku Final Communique.

[06] Statements by Gul after returning from Baku.

[07] Turkish Cypriots welcome the OIC decisions.

[08] Statements by Erdogan on Cyprus in an interview with the TRT 1.

[09] Turkey and the EU are discussing on turning the buffer zone into free trade area.

[10] The National Security Council to discuss Cyprus, recent developments in Turkey and the world.

[11] Rehn expresses concern over the role of the military in politics.

[12] Council of State to investigate the Secret Constitution.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Turkish Cypriot columnist on developments in the property issue: It was done Ankaras way.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Decision taken on UBP recourse. Comments by Ozgurgun

The `TRNC Constitutional Court´ has dropped the case filed by the main opposition National Unity Party against the new `Property Law´.

The `Court´ has ruled that the law - in no way constitutes an infringement of the `Constitution of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´.

One member of the `Court´ Judge, Nevvar Nolan - voted against Article 8 of the `Law´ which envisages the compensation, exchange and reinstatement of immovable properties left behind by Greek Cypriots in 1974.

Reading out the `courts´ decision, its `president´ - Chief Justice- Metin Hakki said that apart from article 8, the court has ruled unanimously that the `Property Law on Compensation, Exchange and Reinstatement´, is not in contravention of, and that it does not violate, the `Constitution of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´.

Illegal Bayrak television (21.06.06) also broadcast the following:

Commenting on the `Constitutional Courts´ decision, the leader of the main opposition National Unity Party Huseyin Ozgurgun has expressed the view that it would be a big political mistake to accept reinstatement of property in the `TRNC´ to Greek Cypriots before a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

In a written statement, Mr Ozgurgun said responsibility of all negative developments that will be faced because of the implementation of the new Law will lie on the Republican Turkish Party - Democrat Party coalition.

Reminding that the UBP had voted against the law for envisaging reinstatement of property before a solution to the Cyprus problem, and thus, undermining the current bi-zonal order; Mr Ozgurgun warned that the law will make it more difficult for the Turkish Cypriot people to defend itself and its rights.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime installed by the Turkish Republic in the northern occupied areas of Cyprus through the force of 40,000 Turkish troops and by bringing in colonizers from Turkey into the Greek Cypriot properties)

[02] The so-called Property Compensation Committee announced its first decisions

The Property Compensation Committee, which was established in accordance with the property law [Law on Compensation, Exchange, and Reinstatement of Immovable Property] to introduce an internal judicial process for the property issues in Cyprus, has reached a decision on the application of three Greek Cypriots. Accordingly, properties will be returned to two Greek Cypriots who had applied for their former property in the Gazi Magusa [occupied Famagusta] region. Another Greek Cypriot will be paid compensation for his property in Lefkosia [ occupied Nicosia].

The Property Compensation Committee, which was established under law to introduce an internal judicial process for the property issue in Cyprus, made a decision on the applications of three of the Greek Cypriots who had applied for their property in the north.

In a statement to the BRT, Property Compensation Committee Chairman Sumer Erkmen said that a great number of applications have been submitted to the committee, and so far the files of 17 Greek Cypriots are being processed. Noting that applications are coming in almost every day but it takes a long time to ready and file the documents, Erkmen said that the Office of Attorney General or Interior Ministry, as representatives of the state, are studying the applications and conducting the negotiations. Erkmen explained that a decision on the application is either reached by the agreement between the sides in the presence of the committee chairman without a need for court decision or, in case of disagreement between the two sides, the entire committee meets and makes a binding decision. This decision is either accepted or challenged at a higher court.

Noting that the ECHR's deadline to Ankara on the functionality of the Committee expires tomorrow, Erkmen said that they, motivated by a desire to create a precedent, made decisions on some applications for property that were possible to return.

She added: Following our studies, we decided on the return of some property. An agreement on them was reached with the consensus of the applicant. A decision has been made to return property to two applicants. Another applicant's request for compensation was also met. That is, we have fully processed three files before 22 June.

Erkmen said that a decision has been made to return to two Greek Cypriots their former properties, which currently are not in use of any citizen of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ and which, therefore, come under the scope of property that could be returned immediately, and to pay compensation to a Greek Cypriot in return for his property in Lefkosia. Erkmen also added that the committee has also made a decision regarding the Aresti [Myria Aresti-Xenidi] case before the ECHR, explaining that they have made a good offer to Aresti but have so far obtained no reply. Erkmen said that if the ECHR decides that the committee is not genuinely functional, the committee's validity will be endangered. It has been learned that the committee has offered Aresti 460,000 Cyprus Pounds -- 200,000 for her property and 240,000 for her losses.

[03] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the developments on the property issue

Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS, under the title New period in the property, writes that the Commission decided to return to two Greek Cypriots their properties and to give compensation to another Greek Cypriot for his occupied property. The paper notes the following on its front page: The Property Compensation Commission, which has been established by a law with the aim of constituting local remedy for the property problem, one of the key points of the Cyprus problem, has taken a decision regarding three of the Greek Cypriot property owners who applied for their property which remained in the North. According to the reconciliation reached, the properties at Akanthou village belonging to two Greek Cypriots will be returned and compensation will be paid to a Greek Cypriot in exchange for his property. The Commission suggested the payment of 460 thousand Cyprus pounds to the property owner regarding the Arestis case which is one of the key cases on the agenda of the ECHR. According to the paper, the Turkish Minster of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Gul expressed his satisfaction for the decision and noted that Turkey will support it.

The paper publishes the decision of the Constitutional Court on the case filed by the UBP under the title Rejection by the Constitutional Court for the UBP. It notes that judge Nevvar Nolan voted against the decision of the other members of the Court regarding article 8 of the law. Asked to comment on the decision, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat said that justice decided and that he has no further evaluation to make. He noted that they will continue supporting the work of the Property Compensation Commission.

Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA writes that the amount of the compensations to be given to the Greek Cypriots and the properties which will be compensated were not revealed. The names of the Greek Cypriots have also been kept secret, noted the paper adding that the Commission informed Mrs Aresti that the return of her property in the occupied closed city of Varosha will be possible only after the overall solution of the Cyprus problem.

Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI reports that the properties to be returned to the Greek Cypriots are used by no citizen of the TRNC and their return constitutes no problem from the point of view of the public interest. The paper writes also that The Property Compensation Law was not found contrary to the Constitution.

Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI describes the decisions of the Property Compensation Commission as decisions which will ruin the mentality of the conquest. It says that the procedure for being unified with the international law on the property issues begins. The paper also reports the following: According to the Property Law, in case the decision for compensation is taken, this sum of money will be paid by the Minister of Internal Affairs. The property right of the Greek Cypriot who will take the compensation will cease to exist.

Turkish Cypriot daily GUNES reports that commenting on the decisions of the Commission and the rejection of the case filed by his party at the Constitutional Court, the chairman of the UBP, Huseyin Ozgurgun described as political mistake the fact that they accepted that properties could be returned to Greek Cypriots before an overall solution to the Cyprus problem is reached. Even if the Constitutional Court decided on the issue of paying moral compensation saying that the constitution does not prevent this, according to our opinion, the fact that it includes such an element will push Turkey into the position of a state which occupies Cyprus and causes pain to the poor Greek Cypriots, in a manner that the Turkish Cypriot people will never accept, he added.

Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN covers the developments under the title TRNC territory is given to the Greek Cypriots.

Turkish Cypriot daily ORTAM writes on the same issue that The first compensation to Greek Cypriots by the TRNC. It describes the decision important as it is the first after the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

(I/Ts)

[04] Mr Talat on the compensations and the missing persons

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the agenda of his forthcoming meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos is yet to be decided on, but added that he doesnt intend to discuss the issue of missing persons during the meeting.

The `President´ left for the Turkish city of Izmir today as guest of the citys chamber of industry.

`President´ Talat and Mr Papadopoulos will be meeting at a gathering to be held in the buffer zone in Lefkosia on Monday, July the 3rd, on the occasion of the appointment of the third member of the Missing Persons Committee Christophe Girod.

Reminding that the meeting would take place on the occasion of the appointment of the third member of the Missing Persons Committee Christophe Girod, Mr Talat stated that he doesnt intend to discuss the missing persons issue with Mr Papadopoulos.

The agenda of the meeting is open, though, and all topics can be discussed he said, adding that there is no need to intervene in the work of the Committee which has been functioning well until now.

Mr Talat explained that he and Mr Papadopoulos had agreed to meet on this occasion to express their broad support to the successful work by the Missing Persons Committee.

But he warned that there is no need to discuss the Committee or the missing persons issue.

This will only help politicize the issue, and break our earlier agreement in principle with the Greek Cypriot side, not to do that, he said.

As for the `TRNC Constitutional Courts´ rejection of the case filed by the main opposition National Unity Party against the new `Property Law´, Mr Talat said it was the `Constitutional Court´ which ruled that the Law does not violate the `TRNC Constitution´.

Expressing his readiness to contribute to the work of the `Immovable Property Commission´, such as providing the documentation to be required by it, the `President´ stressed the `Commissions´ independent nature and functioning.

Meanwhile, in Izmir, the `President´ delivered a speech at a panel entitled the future of the economy of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ from the European Union perspective.

The `President of the Republic´ is also receiving today local businessmen and industrialists whom he will be briefing on the available investment incentives in the `TRNC´.

[05] The OIC Baku Final Communique

The 33rd meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) has ended in Baku, Azerbaijan with adoption of Final Communique and Baku Declaration on Wednesday.

OIC expressed its deep disappointment about the unwillingness on the part of the Greek Cypriot side to find a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue on the basis of the UN plan, and it called on the international community to exert pressure on the leadership of the Greek Cypriots to this end.

OIC also expressed uneasiness about several initiatives to prevent efforts to lift isolations over Turkish Cypriots.

OIC expressed its firm support for the just cause of the Muslim Turkish Cypriots and reiterated its decision to put an end to the unjust isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

The Conference urged the member states to closely associate with the Turkish Cypriots and to increase and expand their relations in all fields; and encouraged the member states to exchange high-level visits and business delegations, develop cultural relations and sports contacts with the Turkish Cypriot side. OIC also extended full support to Turkey's ''Action Plan'' which includes lifting all restrictions imposed on both sides in Cyprus simultaneously.

The Final Communique urged Greece to respect rights of Western Thrace Turks in line with international agreements and Lausanne Treaty.

OIC called for the recognition of the elected Muftis of Xanthi and Komotini as the official Muftis. It further invited Greece to allow the Turkish minority to elect the members of the administrative boards of their waqfs. OIC also urged Greece to reinstate the citizenship rights of tens of thousands Turkish minority members.

[06] Statements by Gul after returning from Baku

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has indicated that he was more hopeful for a diplomatic solution of the problem regarding Iran's nuclear program after he had a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki in Baku.

After visiting Almaty, Kazakhstan for the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and Baku for the 33rd meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Gul returned to Turkey on Wednesday.

Gul stated that he held several important talks in Kazakhstan as well as Azerbaijan.

In regard to the OIC meeting in Baku, Gul stressed that Cyprus issue was fully supported in this meeting. ''A resolution was approved (during the OIC meeting) regarding this matter. Strong statements were added to Baku Declaration (released at the end of the meeting),'' he underlined.

Replying to questions, Gul said, ''we expect the EU to abide by promises it made to the Turkish Cypriots (to lift isolations).''

Gul said Turkey acknowledged its own responsibilities on the Cyprus question, but added that it was unfair to expect unilateral gestures from Turkey. Noting that the action plan which was announced by Turkey at the beginning of 2006 was the best example of these gestures, Gul indicated that they expected UN Secretary General to make a positive response to this matter.

Responding to a question on the decision of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Property Commission, Gul said: ''I am glad regarding the decision of the commission. Turkey supports it.''

Replying to another question regarding Greece's preparations to make a proposal regarding Cyprus issue, Gul said, ''I think that Greece also feels the responsibility to contribute to the solution. I hope that there are serious thoughts behind it. Four parties can contribute to the issue.''

[07] Turkish Cypriots welcome the OIC decisions

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Tourism and Economy Minister Dervis Kemal Deniz said that the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) showed great interest in Cyprus issue, noting that Cyprus issue mentioned in the final communique of the 33rd meeting of foreign ministers of the OIC met expectations of TRNC.

Speaking to reporters in Baku, Deniz stated that important decisions to lift isolations on TRNC were made during the OIC meeting, stressing that it showed that OIC fully supported TRNC.

Deniz stated that TRNC attached great importance to tourism sector, indicating that 350,000 tourists visited his country last year. He added that they aimed to attract 1 million tourists in the following period.

Replying to a question on Upper Karabakh under Armenian occupation, Deniz said: ''We always supported Azerbaijan. We believe that Azerbaijan will maintain its stance on this matter till the very end.''

[08] Statements by Erdogan on Cyprus in an interview with the TRT 1

The Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, declared that his government does not look upon the European Union process as a tactical matter and said: "Cyprus is our honour. We will never sacrifice Cyprus for the European Union."

Erdogan responded to the comment on his statement "If the negotiations end, they will end" by saying that "They are just dreaming up a pretext."

The Prime Minister said: "If these impositions in terms of Cyprus should continue, then we, as Turkey, will say 'We have our honour.' What is this? It is Cyprus at the moment, Northern Cyprus. We will never sacrifice Northern Cyprus to the European Union. There is no question of our even thinking of such a thing. Some people are seeking to portray us as if we would make this sacrifice. Never!"

In addition Turkish Cypriot daily OZGUR DUSUNCE newspaper (22.06.06) criticised the statements made by the Turkish Prime Minster. The paper wrote that The Turkish Prime Minister stated the same things which were stated before by Ecevit, Bahceli, Ciller, Erbakan, Agar and Baykal. The paper also wrote that Erdogans statement reminds of Denktas.

[09] Turkey and the EU are discussing on turning the buffer zone into free trade area

The plan, which is being evaluated by the EU officials, is from Ankaras point of view a mental exercise, rather that an official policy yet, which envisages establishing of a free trade area in the Green Line. It is considered that such a free trade area where Greek and Turkish Cypriots will benefit from it jointly and equally could be an important step towards removing economic isolations imposed on the TRNC. A political source that is aware of the plan said that The idea to establish bizonal free trade area in the Green Line is on the EU-Ankara agenda. And this issue again as an idea was conveyed this week to Washington. However, the sides are yet to take an official stance as regard this proposal.

The question, how much the establishment of a free trade area in the Green Line satisfies Ankaras expectations in removing isolations imposed on the TRNC in order to open its sea and airports to the Geek Cypriot ships and planes is yet to be answered.

(MHY)

[10] The National Security Council to discuss Cyprus, recent developments in Turkey and the world

The National Security Council (MGK) will meet tomorrow to discuss terrorism and May's attack against the Council of State. Although the attack against the top court isn't included in the official agenda, it will reportedly be among priority issues when the MGK meets to discuss the event with the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in August.

The MGK's meeting with the TSK, scheduled for two months from now, will convene in Cankaya Palace under the chairmanship of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Chief of Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok will participate in tomorrow's MGK meeting for the last time, as he is due to retire at the end of August and is planning to attend that meeting by proxy.

The official agenda of tomorrow's MGK meeting includes issues such as recent economic developments, the fight against terror, Turkish-European Union relations and Cyprus. In this framework, the council will discuss reports on domestic and foreign developments as well as security threats in line with information from the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), police and military intelligence units.

After the council is updated about the current situation in the fight against terror, they will discuss terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) activities under categories such as armed action, politicization and economic and cultural activities. The MGK will also decide on measures to fight the PKK. Legal changes demanded by security units in order to fight terror more effectively will also be reviewed. The Foreign Ministry will inform the MGK about its attempts to cut off the terrorist organization's foreign financial sources.

The MGK will then go over the latest economic developments, fluctuations in the Forex market and the measures taken on these issues.

The Foreign Ministry is expected to inform the council on the state of relations with the European Union, developments in the Cyprus issue and the Ankara protocol. The MGK will also discuss the Iranian nuclear crisis and Turkey's efforts on this issue.

Subtitile: Council of State attack

The MGK will discuss the attack against the Council of State and subsequent developments when the meetings begins its evaluations section.

The attack on the Council of State, which caused the death of Judge Yucel Ozbilgin and injured four others, sparked various claims. Certain circles attempted to link the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) with the incident, a move to which the military strongly objected. The chief of general staff made a statement about the anti-government protests following Ozbilgin's funeral ceremony. The statement was later criticized by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"The armed attack on the Council of State is completely reactionary and it was an act of terror," said General Ozkok. "We condemn the people who carried out the attack and the mentality that created the people who carried out the attack. The public's reaction to it, the public's sensitivity, should be praised. But that reaction shouldn't be limited to a single day or towards a single incident. It should endure and everyone should always follow the developments in this regard."

A gang called Atabeyler was discovered through a police operation following the Council of State attack and a series of allegations have since been made.

According to reports, the military and the government will also discuss recent developments that have put the military at loggerheads with the government and the police.

[11] Rehn expresses concern over the role of the military in politics

Rehn made the remarks while briefing members of European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission on the recent developments in Turkey's EU accession. EU's enlargement chief said there were improvements in the past years in aligning civil-military relations in line with the European practices but still the military is influencing politics in indirect ways. He cited the Semdinli incident and following discussions as an example for military's strong role. He also criticized influences over independent investigation and shortcomings in judicial procedures.

'Schizophrenic' implementation of reforms

Olli Rehn, in an interview published at the International Herald Tribune on Tuesday said Turkey had made significant progress in reducing systematic torture but that the pace of judicial reform guaranteeing freedom of expression was 'more schizophrenic.'

Rehn was also critical for the slower pace of reforms during his address to MEPs, and urged Turkish government to speed up the reform process and pass new reform package before Parliament's summer recess.

On Cyprus, Rehn continued his warning for a possible "major accident" this autumn. ``If we want to avoid a major problem in the autumn, Turkey needs to stick to its word without hesitation,'' Rehn said. "Turkey should open its ports to vessels under the flag of all member states, including the Republic of Cyprus.''

[12] Council of State to investigate the Secret Constitution

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[13] Turkish Cypriot columnist on developments in the property issue: It was done Ankaras way

(22.06.06) writing in his column Aç1 -Angle- under the title It was done Ankara s way says:

What Ankara says, what Ankara wants that is what happens in north Cyprus&

One cannot take any decision here against the wishes of Ankara & Until now no one in a responsible position in the north Cyprus was seen trampling upon the will of Ankara.

Neither the Presidential Palace

Nor the Parliament

Nor the Courtscould trample upon this will

From the election ballots whatever Ankara wants that is what comes outAnd in the court verdicts what will please Ankara comes out

I am not, and I am sure you too were not surprised about the decision announced by the Constitutional Court as regards the Compensation Laws

It would have been a real surprise for me if the Constitutional Court had ruled in favor of the law suit and declared that the law was against the Constitution

The issue was not between us and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

We were not the proper respondent of the ECHR, but Turkey

It was Turkey and not we that was going to account for The expression: domestic remedy which entered in our political jargon was binding on Turkey and not on usThe domestic remedy was Turkeys domestic remedy and not ours. They were branding the administration here in the north Cyprus as Turkeys subordinate, which we call TRNC and brand it as a state.

Turkey was after getting rid of the Greek Cypriot law suits that were putting it in a difficult situation in the ECHR.

Turkey could be destroyed if it was forced to pay the compensations it has paid in the case of Loizidou. So, in the end Turkey discovered this path The Property Compensation Commission With this, Turkey wanted to both gain time and to fend off the trouble that is hovering over its head.

Since the ECHR recognized Turkey this avenue then it means that things were going well

Commission was established

And a law was enacted

However, with the law an unexpected thing happened

The National Unity Party (UBP), when it was in the government it did not raise its voice against Ankara but when in the opposition it wanted to create discontent.

The UBP had said that the law was contrary to the Constitutionand decided to recourse to the Constitutional Court in order to nullify the law. Neither Erdogan nor Gul was expecting this `back stabbing´.

Both of them got angryThey immediately grabbed the phone and told Huseyin Ozgurgun you should not recourse to the court.

Under this condition what could Ozgurgun do? Is it possible to disillusion the motherland? He sat down and assessed the situation and decided to take up the matter with his partys relevant organs

Unfortunately, he was unable to secure a decision as Erdogan demanded.

The time has come to those UBP members who wanted to take revenge from Ankara, because they were heart broken as a result of elections which made them to abandon the government in the north Erdogan, who made them to be disgraced by pushing them to be opposition, was in their court now and it was their turn

They made recourse to the court and filed a law suit And they were waiting

As they were waiting an invitation arrived from Ankara to Huseyin Ozgurgun. Mr Erdogan was inviting him for getting acquainted Huseyin went and they got acquainted They dined and enjoyed

Former president of the Constitutional Court, Taner Erginel was saying this law is against the ConstitutionHe is at ease because he is retiredI am not sure if he would be of the same view if he was on the same post today

However, what the Constitutional Court ruled yesterday is against its former presidents viewIt does not justify him. I do share Nevvar Nolans viewshe is the only judge who said that this law is against the constitution. Look what he says: Had the Constituent Assembly envisaged the return of the immovable property to the former owner of that property, that it had acquired the ownership of it from the owner registered in the title deed, then it would not have satisfied itself with the word compensation only

What could it do?

It was going to include the word return as well

What is the benefit of the decision of the Constitutional Court? It is nothing but a new document that proves our dependence on Turkey.

(MHY)

/SK

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