Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-09-06

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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´s visit to Pakistan Pakistani support under any conditions.

[02] EP Report on Turkey-Reactions in Turkey and occupied Cyprus.

[03] Cyprus surprise within the Lebanon Motion.

[04] Hasan Ercakica briefs the Turkish Cypriot reporters.

[05] Orams case- Turks sure court decision in their favour.

[06] Ferdi Sabit Soyer New members of the illegal Turkish embassy.

[07] Turkish Cypriot Jaycees to participate in JCI World Congress in Antalya.

[08] TCCI to issue permits to foreign workers in occupied Cyprus.

[09] A new five-storey municipality building is to be constructed in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

[10] Turkish motion for troops dispatch to Lebanon approved.

[11] Cyprus and Kosovo among the issues discussed between Erdogan and Berisha.

[12] Turkish EU chief negotiator held contacts in the Netherlands.

[13] More on Erdogans involvement in the coalition crisis.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Columnists see intervention by Turkey in the government crisis in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[15] Turkish troops in Lebanon will save Ankara's EU accession talks.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talats visit to Pakistan Pakistani support under any conditions

President Mehmet Ali Talat is continuing his contacts in the Pakistani capital Islamabad.

The President met with the Speaker of the Pakistani Parliament Cavduri Emir Huseyin today.

Last night, President Talat met with his Pakistani counterpart Pervez Musharraf who expressed his countrys full support to the efforts by the Turkish Cypriot people towards getting the isolation on it lifted.

On the second day of his visit to Pakistan, President Talat met with the Speaker of the Parliament Cavduri Emir Huseyin.

Mr Huseyin said that his country will continue to support the Turkish Cypriot people under all circumstances.

For his part, the President thanked Mr Husseyin for his countrys support which he said will encourage the Turkish Cypriot people who has been striving to bring about peace to Cyprus and to realize the reunification of the island.

President Talat and Mr Huseyin also exchanged views on ways of improving bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr Talat also attended a sitting of the Pakistani parliament.

Later, President Talat received the Minister of Education Retired Lieutenant General Cavit Esref at the hotel he has been staying. During the meeting, ways of improving cooperation between the two countries in the field of education were discussed.

Last night, President Talat met with his Pakistani counterpart Pervez Musharraf who told him that his country will always be by the side of the Turkish Cypriot people.

He also expressed Islamabads support to the Turkish Cypriot Peoples efforts towards getting the isolation on it lifted.

According to the information from the TRNC Presidential Palace, the meeting between the two Presidents lasted nearly an hour during which the two leaders expressed their will to strengthen cooperation in various fields, especially tourism, education and light industry.

President Talat also briefed his Pakistani counterpart on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus problem and thanked Mr Musharraf for his countrys continued support to the Turkish Cypriot people.

Later, President Talat together with his wife Oya attended a dinner given in his honor by the Pakistani President Musharraf.

The visit is the first by the TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat to the country.

In addition as Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper reports (06.09.06) during the meeting between Talat and the Speaker of the Pakistani Parliament Cavduri Emir Huseyin which lasted about 45 minutes, the two men evaluated the establishment of a joint parliamentary group between Pakistan and the TRNC (breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus) for the improvement of the cooperation and solidarity between the two countries. They have also evaluated the possibility of exchanging parliamentary delegation visits.

Mr Huseyin stated that Pakistan has a lot to learn on the issues of tourism and education from the TRNC and expressed satisfaction with the fact that Pakistan will cooperate with the occupation regime in these fields. Mr Huseyin also expressed his pleasure for Talats visit to Islamabad.

(C/S)

[02] EP Report on Turkey-Reactions in Turkey and occupied Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot AFRIKA newspaper (06.09.06) under the banner front page title Another warning by Europe to Turkey: Open your ports, refers to the report prepared by the Dutch Member of the EP Camiel Eurlings and writes that Turkey s Permanent Representative to the EU, Volkan Bozkir said that the warnings of Turkey have not been taken into consideration .

Turkish Cypriot HALKIN SES0 newspaper (06.09.06) refers to the report of Camiel Eurlings which was adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (EP) under the banner front-page title The EP has toughened its position against Turkey.

Turkish Cypriot CUMHURIYET newspaper (06.09.06) refers to the report of Camiel Eurlings which was adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (EP) under the banner front-page title The EU makes the issue more difficult and writes that the spokesman of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Namik Tan alleged that the report focused on elements which are far away from the common sense and objectivity. He said that they are expecting that this situation will be corrected at the General Assembly. Meanwhile commenting on the demand included in the report regarding Turkeys opening of its ports to Cyprus, the self-styled minister of foreign affairs of the breakaway regime, Mr Serdar Denktas said: They will demand this insistently and we will also demand insistently from them to fulfill their promises. We will be insistent on saying that opening of the ports of the TRNC together with Turkeys ports to the south will facilitate both peace and the solution in Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot VOLKAN newspaper (06.09.06) refers to the report of Camiel Eurlings which was adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (EP) under the banner front-page title Fuck off EP.

Todays Turkish press (06.09.06) covers the issue as follows:

HURRIYET writes that the European Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs has approved a report on Turkeys EU membership process. According to this report Turkey must recognise the Armenian genocide in order to become member of the European Union. This development has drawn reactions from Turkey. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asking for changes to the Report while the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan called on the people in Turkey neither to make exaggerations as regards the report nor to give much importance to it. Nobody can change the determination of Turkey, he stated.

MILLIYET also refers to the report approved by the European Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs on Turkeys EU membership process and writes that the Turkish Prime Minister has reacted against the reference to the recognition on behalf of Turkey of the Armenian genocide. Speaking during a joint press conference with the Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey has never accepted that there was an Armenian genocide and their behaviour on this issue has been clear and open and it cannot change. On the same issue the sposkeman of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Namik Tan stated that the genocide issue is not related to Turkish-EU relations and it will not be helpful in this direction.

(I/Ts-C/S)

[03] Cyprus surprise within the Lebanon Motion

The inclusion in the Lebanon Motion of the phrase "provision of sea and air transport for allied countries" albeit when asked for, is being seen as an opportunity allowing the Greek Cypriots to make a sudden diplomatic maneuver to gain recognition. It is being said that a vessel or aircraft bearing the "Republic of Cyprus" flag could ask to enter Turkey's sea or airports without prior notice. Diplomatic sources say that as the motion gives the government authority here Parliament could be bypassed in this matter. The article of the Lebanon Motion concerning the opening of sea and airports to countries sending soldiers to Lebanon is causing some consternation. The motion reads: "The provision of support for sea and air transport for friendly and allied countries on a case by case basis." Pointing out that the Greek Cypriots never let any opportunity slip by, diplomatic sources say that they may well make a bid [for recognition] using the scope of the Lebanon Motion. Maintaining that Turkey would not even look at any bid from the Greek Cypriots on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, diplomatic sources are saying: "However, there is this kind of situation: If the Greek Cypriots try and impose their ships on our ports on their return journey from Lebanon or ask for emergency landing clearance at our airports, what then? You have to pay attention to that clause in the motion." Adding that the motion grants the government one full year of authority here, sources stated that the provisions of the additional protocol have thus bypassed Parliament and gone straight to the government.

[04] Hasan Ercakica briefs the Turkish Cypriot reporters

The `Presidential Palace´ has accused the `Greek Cypriot Administration´ of using Turkeys EU membership process to force the `Turkish Cypriot people´ to accept a solution without their consent.

The `Presidential Spokesman´ Hasan Ercakica made it clear once again that the Turkish Cypriot Side is in favor of a federal solution to the Cyprus problem based on a bi-communal and bi-zonal order and the `two sides political equality´. He stressed that the `Turkish Cypriot people´ will never give up this objective.

Speaking during his weekly press conference, Mr Ercakica criticized the `Greek Cypriot Administrations´ approach towards the `Turkish Cypriot people´.

He said that the real objective of the Greek Cypriot side is not to prevent the international recognition of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´, but to force the Turkish Cypriot Side to accept a pro-Greek Cypriot solution to the Cyprus problem by maintaining the `isolation´ on the `Turkish Cypriot people´.

The Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos and his supporters will not be able to achieve their goal as the `Turkish Cypriot People´ will not give their approval to an agreement which does not reflect their will` he said.

Complaining that speculations are being made on `President´ Talats visit to Pakistan, Mr Ercakica said the aim of the visit is to explain the Turkish Cypriot Sides point of view on the Cyprus problem and to search for ways of improving relations with Pakistan.

Rejecting Greek Cypriot claims that `President´ Talat will be asking for political recognition from Islamabad, he underlined the fact that the objective of the speculations is to maintain the `isolation´ on the `Turkish Cypriot people´.

Commenting on attempts by the `Greek Cypriot Administration´ to prevent all kinds of trade with the `Turkish Cypriot people´, Mr Ercakica said the Greek Cypriot Side is continuing its efforts to enforce the `isolation´ on the `Turkish Cypriot people´ in all fields.

He also accused the Greek Cypriot Side of trying to create a crisis within the EU by trying to include the opening of Turkish ports to its use as a condition in a report to be approved by the European Parliament on Turkeys EU membership process.

The spokesman said such efforts prove the Greek Cypriot sides unwillingness of bringing a solution to the Cyprus problem through inter-communal negotiations.

Answering a question about the Orams case, he said the decision to be announced by the Court tomorrow will somehow have an impact on the Cyprus problem.

[05] Orams case- Turks sure court decision in their favour

(I/Ts)

[06] Ferdi Sabit Soyer New members of the illegal Turkish embassy

(I/Ts)

[07] Turkish Cypriot Jaycees to participate in JCI World Congress in Antalya

(I/Ts)

[08] TCCI to issue permits to foreign workers in occupied Cyprus

(I/Ts)

[09] A new five-storey municipality building is to be constructed in the occupied part of Lefkosia

According to the paper, Mustafa Candemir, on behalf of the Candemir Construction Limited company, and Cemal Bulutoglulari as the mayor of occupied Lefkosia have signed a contract yesterday, in a ceremony held at the Turkish Municipality in occupied Lefkosia, regarding the new municipality construction project, the skeleton of which will be completed within 90 days.

The new municipality will be built close to the occupied Lefkosias Bus station, on the Attaturk Avenue and it will cover a land of 4.750 square meters.

The decision regarding the construction project was approved by the Municipal Committee and the project is estimated to cost 658,900 New Turkish Liras plus VAT.

Mehmet Ali Talat will place the building s foundation stone on the 9th of September.

(M/L)

[10] Turkish motion for troops dispatch to Lebanon approved

Turkish M0LL0YET newspaper (06.09.06) covers in its first page yesterday s decision of the Turkish Assembly to send troops to the Lebanon in order to participate in the UN Peace Force. The paper notes that there were many reactions by the parties of the opposition which were strongly against the sending of troops. While the issue was under discussion in the Parliament a big demonstration was held outside the building of the Assembly from people who were shouting that they do not want their children to be sent to the Lebanon.

Turkish SABAH newspaper (06.09.06) also refers in its first page to the decision of the Turkish Assembly on the troops to the Lebanon motion and the headed discussion that took place in the Assembly on the issue.

(C/S)

[11] Cyprus and Kosovo among the issues discussed between Erdogan and Berisha

"The resolutions adopted by the European Parliament (EP) are not binding. We have not accepted anything about the so-called Armenian genocide. Our stance on that issue is obvious," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan held a joint press conference with his Albanian counterpart Sali Berisha after their bilateral meeting in Turkish capital of Ankara.

Referring to the report on Turkey's progress towards accession adopted by the EP's Committee on Foreign Affairs last night, Erdogan said: "Asking us to change our stance is nothing but a dream."

Emphasizing that Turkey does not have any problem with its citizens of Armenian origin, Erdogan said: "We told them 'to open their archives' since we are opening ours. We also suggested that historians, lawyers, political scientists and archeologists should deal with this matter. Our Foreign Ministry is handling necessary initiatives."

Noting that they discussed with the Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha the recent developments in the Balkans, Erdogan said: "Stability and prosperity are enforced in the region where clashes and wars were common in the past. Albania's policy is a positive one as far as our region is concerned. As two important regional countries we have agreed to exert efforts to build confidence in the Balkans."

"Today important developments are being observed in Kosovo. Not only Albania but also Turkey has close historical, cultural and humanitarian ties with Kosovo.

During our meeting, we underlined the importance of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo, which is committed to European and universal values. We also think that in Kosovo, the rights of the minority should be taken under guarantee," he stated.

Stressing that Turkey supports Albania's adherence to NATO, Erdogan said: "We think that this will contribute to lasting peace and stability in the Balkans. We are lobbying for this membership, as we have done so far."

On the other hand, Prime Minister Berisha called on Turkish businessmen to invest in his country.

On Cyprus, Berisha noted: "Referendum was a chance, but it was missed" and expressed belief that Prime Minister Erdogan and his government will contribute to a new process (in the island).

[12] Turkish EU chief negotiator held contacts in the Netherlands

"It is wrong to say that the EU does not want us. Such reports may make mistakes. What is important is to pursue reforms for our own sake," said Turkish State Minister and EU chief negotiator Ali Babacan when commenting on the progress report on Turkey adopted by the EP's Committee on Foreign Affairs last night.

Babacan, who is currently in the Netherlands, met some industrialists and businessmen, and Dutch Minister of Economy Joop Wijn today.

After the meetings, Babacan stated that Turkey would take some new steps before the EU makes public its progress report in October.

"The aim of this report is to show the disparities between Turkey and the EU, and demonstrate in which areas we need to improve ourselves," he added.

Babacan later had a meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot.

[13] More on Erdogans involvement in the coalition crisis

(I/Ts)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[14] Columnists see intervention by Turkey in the government crisis in the occupied areas of Cyprus

It is alleged that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) is exerting efforts for a right-wing formation which will take the place of the National unity Party (UBP) and the Democratic Party (DP) in Northern Cyprus. It is said that AKPs MP from Sakarya, Saban Disli is making direct contacts. The local name who helps Disli is Ahmet Yonluer, chairman of the Religious Affairs Department, who is known for being close to Erdogan.

The operation, which had been attempted to be carried out under the leadership of Mustafa Arabacioglu MP with the DP, was delayed because Arabacioglu considered unethical these proposals and rejected them.

According to new information that I acquired yesterday (04.09.06), the new leader is UBPs General Secretary and MP from Famagusta, Turgay Avci. It is said that the post of the Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister in the new coalition government was promised to Turgay Avci. I have tried to reach Turgay Avci. He did not answer the phone. After that I left him a written message saying: Mr Turgay could you call me please. The following answer came to my message: I am not available, let us talk tomorrow. After that I wrote him the following: Very well sir, see you. I heard that you will resign from the UBP and I wanted to ask you before writing anything.

It was alleged that UBPs Kemal Durust (from Morfou) and Ergun Serdaroglu (Kerynia) and DPs Mehmet Tanker (from Kerynia) and Mustafa Gokmen (from Trikomo) will act together with Turgay Avci. I called the Morfou MP Kemal Durust and asked him. His answer was very clear: It is not possible. I am a person who has ideals in politics. The UBP voters elected me first in order in my area. A bear must die in its lair.

I could not reach the other names. .

Furthermore, Mr Hasturer refers to the issue in his column in KIBRIS on 06.09.06 and says, inter alia, the following:

What I wrote had great repercussions in the public opinion. My telephone did not stop ringing. There was an issue which those who called me were interested in. Have those the names of whom are mentioned in the article called? I got in front of my computer last night at 22.39 hours in order to write my article. I waited to see if someone called and said: You referred to my name in your article, but I cannot have a place in such an operation. No one called me to deny what I had written. Silence on such a serious issue adds strength to the truth of what has been written.

The mobile phone of Turgay Avci, the name which was in the centre of these allegations, was open. I called him at 21.24. It rang for a long time, but there was no answer. Tugay Avci is UBPs General Secretary, but all the channels for communication with his party are closed in such a crucial procedure. According to what I heard from various sources, the UBP officials as well could not reach Turgay Avci. Sources close to Turgay Avci leaked the information around midday that Turgay Avci will not leave the UBP, he is being prepared to make a detailed statement.

Erdogan Sanlidag, UBPs MP from Morfu, is also in Ankara. According to some circles, the reason for Sanlidags presence in Ankara is the resignation operation. It is said that Sanlidag is telling those who call him that he will not resign, but doubts exist about his stance.

Meanwhile, the name of DPs MP from Famagusta, Hatice Faydali is also among those who it is said that they will resign.

What will happen at this point? It is very likely that some resignations from the UBP and the DP will take place and a new party in the leadership of Turgay Avci will be established. The democratic massive support to this new party in Northern Cyprus will not be known. Efforts will be made so that the lack of democratic massive support to this new party in Northern Cyprus is filled up with the support from Ankara. The CTP DP coalition government will break up. The CTP will form a coalition with Turgay Avci and his colleagues. This was the political picture last night. .

Meanwhile, the editor-in-chief of KIBRIS (06.09.06), Mr Basaran Duzgun is also referring to the possibility of the creation of a new right-wing party in the occupied areas, describing it as unlikely. Some MPs from the DP and the UBP are discussing the establishment of a new right-wing party, he writes adding that these discussion took place both in the occupied areas of Cyprus and with some circles in Ankara. Mr Duzgun says that this party will be established in September, if they are persuaded. He adds, inter alia, the following: This party will support the official policy of Northern Nicosia and Ankara in the Cyprus problem. In the internal problems it will be a reformist party in a European manner. Right after the establishment of this party, it may become partner in the government, because the administration of the CTP, which decided to get rid of the DP, is waiting for the formation of this party. The CTP wants to continue its course with a new modern right-wing party. .

Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (06.09.06) refers also to the issue in its daily Letter from Afrika column. The paper publishes the information acquired by Mr Hasturer and concludes as follows:

..You know. Turkey dominates over the situation in Northern Cyprus. If it wishes it breaks up a government, if it wishes it establishes a government. It takes away the MPs it wishes from the party it wishes and it appoints them where it wishes. It seems that the CTP, which can somehow not get rid of the DP and does not want to be a partner with a strong UBP, has made its formula accepted by Erdogan in the end. The puppets which play with Ankaras rope are on the stage again. It is an amusing cartoon for the community. If you have time, watch it.

(I/Ts.)

[15] Turkish troops in Lebanon will save Ankara's EU accession talks

What's the link between Turkey's European Union accession negotiations and Ankara's desire to send troops to Lebanon? At first sight, there's isn't one. But when you look much closer, there's a clear one.

When you ask people on the European Council, "Why should Turkey join the EU?" or "Why is the EU willing to see Turkey join?" they answer that the country would be a clear strategic asset for the EU. If the EU wants to be a world power, a strategic partner for third countries, a community of sovereign countries that talk on the same level as the U.S. and Russia, and if Europe wants to be a deterrent power, Turkey has to join the EU. The EU needs Turkey's geographical position, its sizable military and its geopolitical position.

From the Commission's point of view, Turkey's value to the EU would be as great as the EU's value to Turkey on the one hand, and to third countries in an EU with Ankara as a full member. In addition to that, the EU's image is that of a community of countries which share the same values, and for some it appears to be a Christian club. Therefore to remove that misperception of the EU, it's important for those who think that it's a Christian club to see it differently.

Of course it doesn't mean that Turkey should join the EU at any cost. Turkey has to fulfill all the conditions and criteria to join the community. But the added value is clear.

When you talk to some politicians, and particularly MEPs who are in favor of Turkey's EU membership, they think that sending Turkish troops to Lebanon will show the European public Turkey's value to the EU. In addition, European countries sending troops to Lebanon will show the local population that secular Turkey has sent troops and that the United Nations forces deployed there support neither Israel or Lebanon but are an international and objective peace force.

What could happen if the EU suspended accession negotiations with Turkey?

It would be very dramatic if that were to happen if Turkey has some troops deployed in Lebanon. As it could come at a time where there are elections in Turkey. And in such circumstances some Turkish politicians would declare that the EU is just a Christian club. And this perception could also be felt in the Middle East. This could also endanger the security of European troops in Lebanon.

The second issue is that, particularly after MEP Camiel Eurlings' report on Turkey, it will be very difficult to motivate the democrats in Turkey and ask them to continue to carry out reforms or push the Turkish government to do so.

It would be very hard to find the conditions to resume talks again and a suspension of negotiations would not be for good, but for a very long time.

But this situation doesn't mean that Turkey shouldn't carry out reforms or abuse its geopolitical situation. If Turkey sends troops to Lebanon alongside European partners, it will be an opportunity to show the country's value to the EU. If not, Turkey will miss a major opportunity to prove it's a strategic asset.

But no matter what the outcome is, reforms should be carried in order to have a European Turkey in five to 10 years.

/SK

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