Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-08-07

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat warns of consequences on the Cyprus negotiation process from a possible government crisis.

[02] Hasan Ercakica: The technical committees will only take up day-to-day issues.

[03] Still not clear when President Papadopoulos and Mr Talat will meet.

[04] British Insurance Company to offer cover to the buyers of usurped Greek Cypriot properties.

[05] More on the Turkish Cypriot properties in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

[06] Serdar Denktas denies that Greek names of villages and places will be restored in the occupied areas.

[07] EU to pay tickets for EC traineeships from occupied Tymbou airport to Brussels.

[08] A delegation of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry is visiting Pakistan.

[09] The Supreme Military Council announced the new Commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces.

[10] President Sezer seeks Annulment of Articles 5, 6 of Anti-Terror Law.

[11] Turkey: Mesut Yilmaz back to Motherland Party.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] If the buyers of stolen properties are the real victims, what about the real Greek Cypriot owners of the stolen properties?.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat warns of consequences on the Cyprus negotiation process from a possible government crisis

Speaking to the illegal TAK news Agency, Mr Talat said there are many serious problems waiting to be solved by the government.

He said that although the formation of a new government seems arithmetically possible, there arent too many alternatives for a new model.

He underlined the need for the government to concentrate on problems being faced within the country, adding that he will inform the government on his views on these matters.

Noting that injustice experienced in tax collection, partisanship and fraudulence on real estate are the most serious problems needed to be tackled immediately, he said that the government should make the necessary legal arrangements to remove all these problems.

Referring to last June elections, Mr Talat said he adopted a neutral stance during the election campaign, adding that he is in dialogue with all political parties and all sectors of the public.

Commenting on the results of the election, he said that the election did not make it possible to draw a clear picture about the political parties performances.

Responding to a question on his health, Mr Talat said he is `very well`, adding that he is still on a diet and is playing sports to lose weight after the heart operation he had had last February.

[02] Hasan Ercakica: The technical committees will only take up day-to-day issues

The Presidential Spokesman Hasan Ercakica has made it clear that technical committees are going to take up day-to-day issues and not all the issues concerning the Cyprus problem as claimed by the Greek Cypriot Administration Spokesman Pashardis.

Mr Ercakica said that the preparatory work being conducted by the Greek Cypriot Side is in violation of the essence and spirit of the 8 July decisions.

Speaking to the TAK news Agency, the Presidential Spokesman Hasan Ercakica reacted to latest comments by the Greek Cypriot Administration Spokesman Christodoulos Pashardis, who he said, has been misleading the public opinion by false statements.

Accusing the Greek Cypriot Side of trying to undermine the efforts towards the resumption of the Cyprus negotiations process, he said the Greek Cypriot Side is acting in violation of the strict news blackout on the content of the talks, as had been agreed on the 8th of July.

Referring to Mr Pashardis statements that all issues concerning the Cyprus problem would be taken up by technical committees which are to be set up, the spokesman made it clear that the committees will only take up day-to-day issues.

The Greek Cypriot Side has been acting in violation of the news blackout and has been misleading the public by its statements claiming that agreement has been reached on some issues`, he added.

Mr Ercakica also reminded that Mr Pashardis, who earlier announced that the Greek Cypriot Leader Tassos Papadopoulos had sent a letter to President Talat inviting him for a meeting, later denied his own statement.

[03] Still not clear when President Papadopoulos and Mr Talat will meet

The date of the meeting is expected to be set during the discussions between Mr Rasid Pertev and Tassos Djionis who have been meeting since Monday.

The Greek Cypriot Leader Tassos Papadopoulos requested a meeting with Mr Talat during the three-way meeting on the 8th of July among the two leaders of the island and the UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari.

On Friday, Mr Talat expressed his readiness to come together with Mr Papadopoulos any time, saying that such a meeting could be useful in any way.

The date of the meeting is expected to be set during the discussions between Mr Talat's Adviser Rasid Pertev and Tassos Djionis - an aid to the Greek Cypriot Leader Tassos Papadopoulos who have been meeting since Monday as part of the new process to prepare the ground for talks both on a technical level and on issues of substance. The meetings between the two men are taking place in the buffer zone in the presence of the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Cyprus Michael Moller.

The process was agreed during the three-way meeting on July the 8th.

Part of the agreement also called for regular meetings between Mr Talat and Mr Papadopoulos to review the work as and when they felt it necessary.

[04] British Insurance Company to offer cover to the buyers of usurped Greek Cypriot properties

A British insurance company is launching a government-sanctioned policy for homeowners and potential buyers today which it claims could put an end to Orams-style disputes over land and compensation.

The policy, called Land Title Indemnity Guarantee, will cover homeowners in the event of any claim against their title. It is backed by some major developers who will be offering the guarantee on all new builds. Major figures in the property sector hope it will restore confidence in the North Cyprus market and give a much-needed boost to the industry, which has seen a slump this year following the post-referendum boom.

The scheme has been under-written by Lloyds-trained underwriters to the tune of ¤ 1 billion to cover all potential claims from former Greek Cypriot owners.

Policies are being offered by Legal and Commercial (UK) Plc, a long-established UK company based in the West Midlands. Legal and Commercial is part of Bench-Mark Partners Fund Ltd, an offshore investment fund registered in the British Virgin Islands and specializing in commercial mortgages. The company has assets in excess of ¤ 50 million.

Among developers in North Cyprus ready to offer the policy on their properties are Yigor Property Developments and Boyut construction. Evergreen Developments Group says it is also very interested but is waiting to see details. Existing homeowners may also purchase policies.

The Land Title Indemnity Guarantee will insure land and property owners in the event of a claim on their title from any former Greek Cypriot owners. The claimant must first apply to the recently established `TRNC Immovable Property Commission´. If the commission refuses compensation, the policy promises to pay out.

A 12-month policy costs ¤ 1,560, or ¤ 30 per week, reduced to ¤ 1,092 per annum or ¤ 21 a week, for a three-year policy. After three years, if there has been no claim and customers wish to renew, they will be able take another three years´ cover at the s ame price. If a claim is made, they can stop the policy, as it only has to be live at the time of the claim.

John Harris, chairman of Legal and Commercial said: There is little appetite for the insurance of `political risks´ or `long-standing disputes´ in the international marketplace and this has been very frustrating for us as we have been working on this for the past three years.

Legal and Commercial is now happy to provide the necessary guarantee and has arranged the backing of major re-insurers to the satisfaction of the `TRNC government´.

The government is well aware that the property market is the lifeblood of the future economy of the island. The Finance Ministry understands that Guaranteed Land Title will breed confidence in the property market. They have been very supportive from the beginning and are happy to approve the complete Legal and commercial package.

Mr Harris, who served with the Royal Engineers in Cyprus in the 1950s, says he formed a lifelong attachment to the island. He said: I always considered Cyprus to be the `Jewel of the Mediterranean´. I have maintained my links by way of holiday and business, both to the South and to the North via Istanbul. I have always understood the ultimate frustration of both sides.

He added: This guarantee can actually assist Greek Cypriots in their claims. Instead of pursuing long-running court cases, they can claim from the `TRNC´ compensation fund in the full knowledge that should the fund not pay, the guarantee policy will.

I honestly believe that this project will contribute to a lasting settlement of title disputes. We believe in the concept of the European Union and consider that our efforts will contribute to a stronger and more settled Cyprus and Turkey within Europe.

Title indemnities are being marketed in the `TRNC´ by Cyprus Indemnity Title Guarantee Ltd, as exclusive agents for Legal and Commercial. Claims will be administered by `TRNC´ solicitors Gurkan and Gurkan.

The company has also set up a special website for online applications at www. yourindemnity.com.

Estate agent Bob Hay, of Girne´s (occupied Kyrenia) H&B Property Estates, said: On the face of it, this appears to be a very good thing which will obviously help property sales, and the country´s economy as a whole.

It is a bit expensive for the individual, put if it buys peace of mind, then it´s probably worth it.

[05] More on the Turkish Cypriot properties in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus

The paper writes that 77-years old Turkish Cypriot woman, Lutfiye Torun who owned a piece of land in Ayios Theodoros village near Pendashino, claimed that her land was sold by auction to the Greek Cypriot, Georghos Pavlou Pegu (as spelled by the paper) by the Cyprus Land and Survey Department. Mrs Torun said that she did not want to sell her land. She further claimed that the land was auctioned and sold for 35 thousand pounds (CYP) and this money was blocked at the Ministry of Interior and the Cyprus government refuses to reimburse it to her.

(MY)

[06] Serdar Denktas denies that Greek names of villages and places will be restored in the occupied areas

(MY)

[07] EU to pay tickets for EC traineeships from occupied Tymbou airport to Brussels

The five-month placings are given twice a year, in March and October, to 600 young university graduates around the world. Applicants must be very competent in one of the 21 European languages, generally below the age of 30 and must apply by September 1.

Those succeeding will have their Ercan (occupied Tymbou) Brussels air fare paid for, plus living expenses and a grant. More information and to apply online, go to http://ec.europa.eu/stages/information/applicationen.htm

[08] A delegation of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry is visiting Pakistan

In the framework of their contacts the KTSO will visit on Tuesday, the 8th of August, the Minister of Industry of Pakistan, Mr Jehangir Khan Tareen.

(CS)

[09] The Supreme Military Council announced the new Commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces

The names of the commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) were announced today.

According to the decisions made by the Supreme Military Council (YAS) the newly appointed commanders will assume their posts as of August 30th, 2006.

The new commanders are:

Chief of General Staff: Gen. Yasar Buyukanit

Land Forces Commander: Gen. Ilker Basbug

Naval Forces Commander: Admiral Yener Karahanoglu

Air Forces Commander: Gen. Faruk Comert

Gendarmerie Forces Commander: Gen. Isik Kosaner

First Army Commander: Gen. Fethi Remzi Tuncel

Second Army Commander: Gen. Hasan Igsiz

Third Army Commander: Gen. Ismail Kocman

Aegean Army Commander: Gen. Sukru Sariisik

Land Forces Command General Staff Chief: Gen. Atila Isik

Commander of War Academies: Gen. Aydogan Babaoglu

Deputy Chief of General Staff: Gen. Ergin Saygun

Fleet Commander: Admiral Muzaffer Metin Atac

Commander of the Land Forces Training and Doctrine Unit: Gen. Orhan Yoney.

[10] President Sezer seeks Annulment of Articles 5, 6 of Anti-Terror Law

Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer made an appeal on Friday to the Constitutional Court asking for the annulment of the 5th and 6th articles of the Law amending the Anti-Terrorism Law, actually in force.

The 5th article (of the amended law), which Sezer wanted to be annulled, makes an addition to the 4th paragraph of the Article 6th of Anti-Terrorism Law no:3713.

According to Art.5, if press or media hint that terrorist organizations would commit a crime against certain people (with/without clearly revealing name); reveal the name of public officials (who take part in fight against terrorism) or point to them as target; owners and editors of the media organizations will be penalized (even if they were not involved in the crime).

The same article also envisages cessation of publication (for a period of 15 to 30 days) of a newspaper that openly incites people committing crime, eulogizing crimes by terrorist organization and/or criminals; or makes the propaganda of the terrorist organization.

Article 6th, which Sezer also wanted to be annulled, amends Article 7th of the current Anti-Terrorism Law.

Under this article, in case the propaganda of the terrorist organization is made through media channels, owners and editors of the media organizations will be sentenced to fines.

It was recalled that President Sezer had earlier signed the law but stated that he would apply to the Constitutional Court asking the cancellation of certain articles of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

[11] Turkey: Mesut Yilmaz back to Motherland Party

Yilmaz arrived in Trabzon aboard a private plane. He was received by former deputies and by the Motherland Party Trabzon and Rize chairmen. The crowds chanted "the prime minister is here." There was a commotion when he left the VIP lounge.

Yilmaz got onto a bus decorated with a map of Turkey, a Turkish flag, and his photo, and left for Rize.

He was received by a cheering crowd at Cumhuriyet Square where the rally was held. Announcing his return to politics, Yilmaz stressed: It would not be right for me to engage in politics outside the Motherland Party."

Yilmaz's first message to the government was in the form of criticism for the struggle being waged against terrorism. Yilmaz said: "He is touring the world so much that the prime minister does not have time to come to Turkey."

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[12] If the buyers of stolen properties are the real victims, what about the real Greek Cypriot owners of the stolen properties?

The Homebuyers Pressure Group has been reading with interest the recent published articles regarding Gary John Robb and his stolen/frozen assets and, if it all true, then we fell very sorry for him. But there is no mention of the real victims the property buyers. Who feels sorry for the people who have paid for their properties a long time ago and are still waiting for them to be completed?

What about the buyers who should now be living in their Aga house, have moved all their possessions here on the promise of a completion date and are now in rented accommodation for the unforeseeable future. What about all the people who have bought from other Construction Companies and are suffering the same financial loss and stress?

They are the real victims of the recent property boom. And who cares about them? It appears that nobody does.

Some of the Aga properties have been sold to two, and sometimes three, people and their Sales Agreements have been prepared by the same lawyer!! Who will decide which of these multiple buyers actually gets the property and which of these buyers now wants the property?

Will any of them get a refund of monies paid, plus interest? Probably not. The scenario is not just applicable to Aga buyers. Some builders we know have no intention of passing title to any buyers who have paid in full for their property. They just want to sell the houses over and over again to keep their bank accounts topped up or perhaps to buy the latest fashion car.

Some builders also rent out houses that have been paid for in full by a victim/buyer and what does the law state as the titled owner of the land/property they are not acting illegally.

At our monthly meeting last Tuesday evening we heard from Architectural Engineer that most of our properties are substandard and any houses built on an incline are in danger of subsidence. No soil testing is carried out prior to build and no proper engineering inspections take place during the build. Add that to the fact that a lot of properties are built and sold in areas where there is no water or electricity.

Who should ultimately be held responsible for what is currently happening to buyers of properties in the TRNC? (Illegal regime set up and maintained by 40.000 Turkish troops). The builders? The lawyers? The Government? We think that all of them should be held accountable. The victims/buyers account for approximately 2% of the TRNC´s population yet they are responsible for approximately 30% growth in the economy. And still nobody cares about them.

Because nobody appears to care about the TRNC, except the members of the Homebuyers Pressure Group, foreigners are leaving the Island and the tourists are not coming. Why? The TRNC, especially the Kyrenia District, is a mass of concrete, filth, noise and pollution.

We offered the government an ideal opportunity to gain some positive publicity in the UK for the TRNC last week. A Granada TV crew were here filming for a Consumer Programme investigating some of the problems and pitfalls of owning or purchasing property abroad and were particularly keen to cover some of the issues in the TRNC.

The programme will be shown on UK National television in a few weeks time. We informed the government and invited them to participate by including government officials working with the buyers with problems in an effort to understand and to solve them.

The response from the government was complete silence. So we now know that they dont care about our problems and are not interested in an opportunity to positively promote the TRNC.

(Tr. Note: O tempora, O mores (Alas for the times and the morals) when the looters and usurpers of the victims of he barbaric Turkish invasion, which ethnically cleansed the occupied Cyprus from everything Greek, hypocritically appear to be isolated by their victims who are dying of cancer in the refugee camps with nobody to care for them)

/SK

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