Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-09-07

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Orams case Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press

[02] Soyer evaluates the Orams case decision

[03] The self-styled presidential spokesman welcomes verdict of the Orams case

[04] Mehmet Ali Talat evaluates his visit to Pakistan

[05] Erdogan and Annan hold a joint Press Conference; Comments on the Cyprus problem

[06] Zampelas meets Bulutoglulari for a joint project to renovate the Mia Milia Purification Installation

[07] Defections expected from UBP and DP in the ongoing government crisis in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[08] Erdogan on the Cyprus issue during statements on CNN Turk

[09] Talats interview with Yeni Safak

[10] The TRNCs Budo national team is in Baku

[11] SHP Deputy resigns from Party. New distribution of seats in the TGNA

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Orams case Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press

In the case which resulted as the Orams couple wanted, the court decided that the decision taken at the Greek Cypriot court cannot be applied in Britain, writes the paper adding: Greek Cypriot Meletis Apostolides lost the case he filed in Britain against the British Orams couple which bought property in the TRNC. It is expected that the decision will be a precedent for similar cases. The judge of the British High Court came to the conclusion that the decision of the Greek Cypriot court cannot be applied in Britain. The word TRNC has frequently been included in the text of the decision. The decision will constitute a precedent for other Britons who own or intent to buy property in the TRNC.

Meanwhile, lawyer Hasan Vehib, responsible and spokesman for the case on behalf of the Vehib Law Office, said that after the Orams won the case, the concerns of the British citizens and other foreigners who want to invest and live in the TRNC are eliminated, because the judge decided that this type of issues will be concluded with a political solution.

Furthermore, the chairman of the Union of the Building Contractors, Cafer Gurcafer stated that the decision is positive from the point of view of the building sector and the economy of the TRNC. He argued that the decision is important also from the point of view of its contribution to the lasting peace in Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot daily AFR0KA newspaper (07.09.06), under the banner front-page title Plunder and do not be afraid , refers to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams case and writes that the plunderers are celebrating and describes the decision of the British Court as good news for everyone who plunders the Greek Cypriot properties in Northern Cyprus.

The judge drew attention especially to the fact that the proprietorship right of the British couple who owns property in the TRNC are under the protection of the British court, notes the paper adding that according to the decision, the costs of the trial were determined to be 770 thousand sterling pounds. Three thirds of the costs will be paid by the Greek Cypriot plaintiff and the rest by the Orams couple.

The paper notes that questions regarding the issue of the payment of the above-mentioned sum were insistently asked to the Orams couple, who said that This is totally a private issue. According to the Orams, the same problem is valid for the plaintiff Meletis Apostolides as well.

Commenting on the decision, the self-styled Prime Minister of the breakaway regime, Ferdi Sabit Soyer argued: The Orams decision created a new platform. It is an important success from the point of view of the conclusion of the property issue within the overall solution in Cyprus .

Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SES0 newspaper (07.09.06), under the banner front-page title The victory belongs to the Orams couple , refers to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams case and writes that in the decision which bears the characteristic of a victory for the Orams couple the judge pointed out that according to protocol 10 which regulates the accession of the Republic of Cyprus into the EU, the laws of Cyprus cannot be applied in Britain.

The paper notes that the Orams couple stated that the decision will be an important step from the point of view of the lifting of the isolation of the TRNC people who is ignored for 30 years.

Turkish Cypriot daily YEN0 DÜZEN newspaper (07.09.06), under the banner front-page title NOHI from the British , (Tr. Note: The paper unifies the words No in English and Ohi in Greek language) refers to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams case and writes that the decision prevented for the time being similar cases to be taken to the British courts and created a new shock in southern Cyprus.

Furthermore, Hasan Ercakica, spokesman of the self-styled presidency of the breakaway regime stated that the decision must show the urgency of reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem. The more the solution of the Cyprus problem is delayed, the more such problems become complicated and their solution becomes more difficult, said Mr Ercakica.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot so-called Human Rights Association, Mrs Emine Erk drew attention to the fact that the British judge noted that an international problem cannot be solved among individuals.

Turkish Cypriot daily CYPRUS TIMES newspaper (07.09.06), under the banner front-page title The day of the Orams, writes: The Sussex couple, who have become the symbol of the struggle against the Greek Cypriot politically motivated persecution aimed at the EU citizens who have chosen the TRNC as their home, have gained their right to keep both their dream holiday villa in Lapta (Tr. Note: Occupied Lapithos village) and their home in the UK after they have won a High Court battle.

Turkish Cypriot daily VATAN newspaper (07.09.06) refers to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams case under the banner front-page title British slap to the Greek Cypriots.

Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (07.09.06) refers to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams case under the banner front-page title The TRNC won in the Orams case.

Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (07.09.06) refers to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams case under the banner front-page title The Orams couple won the case!.

The paper notes that winning the case by the Orams family has prevented for the time being the efforts of the Greek Cypriots to change the parameters of the solution of the Cyprus problem through lawsuits regarding the properties.

Turkish Cypriot daily ÖZGÜR DÜ^ÜNCE newspaper (07.09.06) refers to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams case under the banner front-page title British justice and writes that Mr Hasan Ercakica, spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot leader, said that even if this decision has been taken in a manner that is open for appeal, it is closely related to the Cyprus problem.

Turkish Cypriot daily ORTAM newspaper (07.09.06) refers to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams case under the title The lawsuit has been rejected.

Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHUR0YET newspaper (07.09.06) refers to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams case under the title Orams victory and claims that justice has found its place .

Under the title Cherie Blair won the TRNC case , Turkish daily HÜRR0YET newspaper (07.09.06) writes in its first page that the wife of the British Prime Minister has won the case brought against a British family which bought real estate property which belongs to a Greek Cypriot in occupied Cyprus.

The paper writes that the Greek Administration which brought in London a law suit against the British Orams couple, who bought a house in Kyrenia, did not get what it expected. Cherie Blair won the case supporting that TRNC is a separate state, notes the paper which adds that the Greek Cypriots who planned to deal a blow to the TRNC construction sector by winning this case, now not only they will pay Cherie Blairs remuneration but also the ¾ of the expenses of the trial which are up to 647 thousand Sterling. The paper writes that the Greek Cypriots were shocked after the courts decision.

Under the title Cherie succeeded, the Greek Cypriots are shocked, Turkish daily MILLIYET newspaper (07.09.06) writes that the Greek Cypriot obstacle to the British in the TRNC was lifted. The paper writes that the Greek Cypriot Apostolides lost the case he filed against the British Orams couple on the justification that they occupied his building plot which remained in the TRNC.

The Orams couple, whose lawyer is Cherie Blair, stated commenting on the decision that this (victory) was not only for them but for the TRNC people who have been persecuted for 30 years. This case will be a precedent for other British who have properties in occupied Cyprus, according to the paper. MILLIYET also writes that the fact that Apostolides lost the case relaxed the foreigners who have property in occupied Cyprus.

The paper writes that Linda Orams stated upon a question that Cherie Blair did not use her influence in order to win the case. She used her deep knowledge and experience on human rights law, Linda Orams said.

Speaking during a press conference the Orams couple stated, inter alia, that this victory was not only for them but for the TRNC people who has been mistreated for 30 years. They also stated that this decision is a step towards the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and added that they love TRNC and the Turkish Cypriots.

Finally, Ankara Anatolia news agency in English (07.09.06) reported from Ankara that upon a question about the verdict of the High Court in London, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat said at Atarurk airport on his return from Pakistan: "The property issue cannot be resolved unless a comprehensive solution is reached in the Cyprus issue. The court verdict revealed that the Greek Cypriot administration did not have any authority in the TRNC.

(I/Ts.-C/S)

[02] Soyer evaluates the Orams case decision

Also evaluating the British High Courts ruling before entering the ´Council of Ministers´ meeting this afternoon, ´Prime Minister´ Ferdi Sabit Soyer welcomed the decision in favour of the Orams couple.

Accusing the ´Greek Cypriot Administration´ of using such court cases to hamper and damage efforts towards finding a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution, Mr. Soyer said that the government and the ´Presidents office´ through cooperation had waged a successful struggle against first the Hurma case and now with the Orams case.

The ´Prime Minister´ also described the courts ruling as an important success in proving that the property dispute could not be solved through individual court cases but only through a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem.

Referring to the Arestis and Loizidou cases, Mr. Soyer said that the Turkish Cypriot Side will continue to wage a legal battle against the ´Greek Cypriot Administration´ which had used vacuums in international law to win previous court cases.

[03] The self-styled presidential spokesman welcomes verdict of the Orams case

The Presidents office has welcomed the British High Courts ruling in favour of the Orams couple.

The ´Presidential Spokesperson´ said that the courts ruling was a clear indication that the property dispute could only be taken up as part of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem.

In a statement issued, the ´Presidential Spokesperson´ Hasan Ercakica said that even though the judge had given Mr Apostolides permission to appeal, the courts ruling was a clear indication that the property dispute, which was closely linked to the Cyprus problem, could not be settled independently through individual efforts or through legal procedures.

Mr. Ercakica also said that like all other issues which have risen as a result of the unresolved status of the Cyprus Problem, finding one-sided solutions to ongoing disputes or ignoring the concerns of the other party would only serve to damage relations between the ´two peoples´ on the island and in the process affect negatively the prospects of finding a solution to the Cyprus Problem.

Explaining that the courts decision had once more demonstrated the urgent need to find a solution to the Cyprus Problem, Mr. Ercakica said that solving such disputes became more complicated and harder as the non-solution of the Cyprus Problem continued.

Mr. Ercakica also called on the ´Greek Cypriot Administration´ to stop encouraging its citizens from applying to such methods and to concentrate towards efforts to find an urgent just and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem.

[04] Mehmet Ali Talat evaluates his visit to Pakistan

The ´President´ Mehmet Ali Talat returns to the ´Republic´ tonight at the end of a three-day official visit to Pakistan.

Last night, President met with Prime Minister Sevket Aziz who said that the Greek Cypriot Sides rejection of the Annan Plan was a big loss for the whole island.

For his part, ´President´ Talat accused the ´Greek Cypriot Administration´ of trying to corner Turkey through its EU membership process to force her to leave the Turkish Cypriots alone.

´President´ Talat who is paying an ´official´ visit to Islamabad as guest of the Pakistani President Pervez Musharaf returns to the ´Republic´ tonight.

Last night, ´President´ Talat met with Prime Minister Sevket Aziz. According to the information obtained from the ´TRNC Presidential Palace´, Mr Aziz expressed the hope that a solution will soon be found to the Cyprus problem under the aegis of the United Nations.

He also said that the Greek Cypriot Sides rejection of the Annan Plan was a big loss for the whole island, noting that the Pakistani people will always be by the side of the Turkish Cypriots.

Mr Aziz also thanked the ´President´ for the aid provided by the Turkish Cypriots to the victims of the earthquake in the country.

For his part, the ´President´ briefed the Pakistani Prime Minister on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus problem and on the 8-July Agreement reached between the two leaders on the island.

Complaining that the Greek Cypriot Side has been preventing all kinds of contacts between the European Union and the Turkish Cypriots, ´President´ Talat said the aim of the Greek Cypriot Leader was to corner Turkey through Ankaras EU membership process forcing her to leave the Turkish Cypriots.

Mr Talat said he is not against the opening of Turkish ports to the Greek Cypriot Side but added that such a step should be taken simultaneously with the lifting of international ´isolation´ of the Turkish Cypriots.

He said the best solution for this issue was provided by Turkeys Action Plan on Cyprus but reminded that the ´Greek Cypriot Administration´ had rejected the plan soon after it was announced.

The ´President´ also noted that peace in Cyprus will continue to be a `very hard target` to be reached, as long as the international community fails to persuade the Greek Cypriot Side for a solution.

Referring to the international ´isolation´ of the Turkish Cypriots, he explained that important progress was achieved in the last 2-3 years thanks to the Turkish Cypriot Sides new image but added that direct flights are essential for future economic development.

[05] Erdogan and Annan hold a joint Press Conference; Comments on the Cyprus problem

On Cyprus Mr Annan told reporters that they had been trying to encourage both sides in Cyprus to work toward resuming peace process.

"We are encouraging the parties to really work together in small committees in tackling some certain practical issues," he said.

"I hope my successor as United Nations Secretary-General would focus on reuniting Cyprus and he or she will pursue this file aggressively. I hope she will be determined to build on what we have achieved and work hard to achieve unification in Cyprus, and I hope she will be more successful than I have been," he said.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (07.09.06) referring to the UN Secretary Generals visit to Ankara, writes that it was announced that Mr Annan will exert some efforts on the issue of bringing together President Papadopoulos and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat.

[06] Zampelas meets Bulutoglulari for a joint project to renovate the Mia Milia Purification Installation

An agreement was signed between the Mayor of the Turkish Cypriot occupied Lefkosia Municipality, Cemal Bulutoglulari and the Mayor of the Lefkosia Municipality, Mihalis Zampelas.

The joint project- which is expected to cost at around 45-million euros will be launched once financial assistance is provided.

Speaking before the signing of the agreement, Mr Bulutoglulari said that the project was also approved by the European Union, adding that he and Mr Zampelas will go to Brussels to raise funds if needed.

Responding to a question, Mr Bulutoglulari expressed the hope that the crossing point at Lokmaci (Ledras street) in old Lefkosia will be opened by the end of the year.

He added that there were also plans to open another crossing point near the Famagusta Gate to the east of Lefkosia.

For his part, Mr Zampelas said that the Ledra Street will be opened once the newly built footbridge is removed.

[07] Defections expected from UBP and DP in the ongoing government crisis in the occupied areas of Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot daily YEN0 DÜZEN newspaper (07.09.06) refers also to the problems in the right-wing parties and writes that as of today the defections from the UBP and DP are expected within the framework of the establishment of the new right-wing formation under the leadership of UBP General Secretary, Turgay Avci.

Turkish Cypriot daily GÜNE^ newspaper (07.09.06) refers also to the efforts for the establishment of a new right-wing party and writes that the dirty play is continuing and that some UBP and DP MPs are still called to Ankara with the inducement of the CTP and attractive proposals are made to them.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Erdogan on the Cyprus issue during statements on CNN Turk

Regarding Turkey's relations with the EU, Mr Erdogan said that as long as isolations over TRNC are not lifted, Turkey will not open its ports and airports to Greek Cypriot vessels and planes.

"I do not see any crisis in relations with the EU. Meetings on 35 chapters are continuing. Screening process is nearly completed. It will finish by the end of this month. Negotiations are continuing. We will do our best regarding the chapters," Mr Erdogan noted.

(Tr. Note: The TRNC is the illegal regime set up by Turkish Republic in the occupied northern part of the Republic of Cyprus.)

[09] Talats interview with Yeni Safak

Question: Everyone knows that certain circles in Turkey have always approached you with caution. The president and the commanders are among them. When you campaigned for KKTC presidency, they were concerned that you would sell Cyprus. Intelligence organizations also keep you under surveillance. Have you been able to establish trust with these circles?

Answer: Today no one is concerned that I will harm the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people or of Turkey. Even if certain people still doubt me, this is a groundless fear. It is not easy to overcome groundless fears. I know myself. The policy I pursued in Cyprus did not only serve the interests of the Turkish Cypriots, but it also served Turkey' interests. I had noted the following when I had been in the opposition: A day will come when Turkey will appreciate this policy and it will thank me for this policy. We are approaching these days.

Question: Was the KKTC able to position itself as an independent state?

Answer: To a considerable degree.

Question: Does Turkey's influence cast a shadow over Cyprus from time to time?

Answer: We function as an independent state in many ways. Nevertheless, given that we do not have direct relations with the international world, Turkey is very influential in the KKTC. If you have international relations only with one country, it is only natural that you will be influenced by this country and that you will be dependent on this country.

Question: Does this relationship not have any negative sides?

Answer: Of course it has. If Turkey pursues inappropriate policies in the field of the economy and politics, you will be affected. If you had ties with all the countries in the world, you would not have felt these mistakes so intensely and you would be affected by the appropriate policies pursued by other countries. However, given that we do not have this chance, we experience certain problems that stem from this. The Greek Cypriots feel the influence of Greece, but less than we do.

Question: The Erdogan administration has taken courageous steps regarding the Cyprus issue.

Answer: If such changes had not been realized in Turkey, considerable changes would not have been realized in the KKTC, either. This is because Turkey would have oppressed the change in the KKTC. The changes in the two states were integrated and as a result, our new policy -- a policy that was put forth in a language that the international system was able to understand and to adopt -- became meaningful throughout the entire world. The fact that the honorable Erdogan's policy became dominant in Turkey has served our interests.

Question: How are your relations with Prime Minister Erdogan?

Answer: We have pleasant meetings. Given that our views about the Cyprus issue are similar, we are in better terms. This was a great advantage.

Question: How are your relations with the army, the bureaucracy, and the government in Turkey?

Answer: It is possible to say that I have good relations with all of them. Our relations with the army are conducted via the government. If our relations with the government are good, our relations with the army are also good. Given that the government is in charge of the country...

Question: I would also like to believe that...

Answer: It is true that Turkey has certain problems within itself, but when the government is accepted as the interlocutor in international relations.

Question: The army is excessively influential in Turkey. How are you affected by this?

Answer: This does not affect us very much. The press puts the soldiers on the agenda. I have not seen that the chief of staff has made serious policy changes in the army.

Question: Do you believe that the presence of the Turkish troops in the island will turn Turkey into an "occupying country" during the EU progress process?

Answer: If we had voted "no" in the referendum, the soldiers would have been viewed as occupiers a long time ago. Given that we said yes in the referendum and given that Turkey also supported this stand -- in other words, given that we stressed that the Turkish soldiers will withdraw from the island when the problem is resolved -- no one is able to describe the soldiers as "occupiers." There is not a single European who calls for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from the island. Some of them merely call for reducing the number of the soldiers.

Question: A statement was echoed among the international public: "There are no grounds for a solution in Cyprus."

Answer: Even if there are no grounds, efforts are being made to establish these grounds. As you know, the Greek Cypriot leader and I reached an agreement on 8 July. However we are encountering serious problems in the implementation of the agreement.

Question: The United Nations has called for the "implementation of the 8 July agreement." On whom did the United Nations call? Who is resisting against the agreement?

Answer: We are in favour of a solution. The Turkish Cypriot Government and the KKTC president have dedicated themselves to finding a solution. The Greek Cypriot leadership wants to postpone a solution and therefore it is trying to cause as much delay as possible by either distorting the 8 July agreement or by postponing the work that will be conducted. It is the Greek Cypriot side that is resisting. It is impossible to prepare the suitable grounds for a solution because of them.

Question: The Turkish side showed that it is in favour of a solution during the referendum. It said yes to the Annan plan. Nonetheless its expectations did not come true during the process and the international system did not adopt a stand in favour of the KKTC. Furthermore the Greek Cypriot sector became an EU member. Is it not difficult to become optimistic at this point?

Answer: If you look from this standpoint, what you are saying is quite true, but will the continuation of the Cyprus problem make the international community comfortable from the moral aspect and in terms of international relations?

Question: Is the international community concerned in this regard?

Answer: We have to admit that many other relations affect the international community. The continuation of the Cyprus issue, for example, poisons the ties between Turkey and the EU. If you take Turkey's importance in terms of the EU into consideration, you come to the conclusion that the EU should be in favour of the solution of the Cyprus issue. If the caprice of a country with a population of 700,000 people becomes the main axis of the EU's foreign policy, this means that the EU will encounter major problems. In my opinion, efforts for finding a solution in Cyprus will either become the goal of the international community or it has already become its goal.

Question: The EU is calling for the opening of the ports. Prime Minister Erdogan has given an ultimatum. This issue will appear on the agenda in the EU Progress Report and during the summit in December.

Answer: If Turkey opens its ports to the Greek Cypriot side at a time when the Greek Cypriot side continues to isolate the ports in the KKTC, we will lose many things. This will be seen as taking a step backward and it will destroy the morale (of the Turkish Cypriots). This will mean submitting to the Greek Cypriots' illogical demands. In the final analysis, if the ports are opened without the removal of the isolation, the Greek Cypriot side and Greece will conclude that they are getting whatever they want and therefore they will not recognize the borders and they will impose pressure until Turkey accepts that the Greek Cypriot Administration represents the entire Cyprus.

Question: The Greek Cypriots are threatening with a veto. Can Cyprus prevent Turkey from becoming an EU member?

Answer: I do not believe that they will take their threat regarding a veto forward. Even if they would, it is possible to take this risk. Turkey's EU membership is not an easy path. It will encounter many other problems en route to membership.

Question: Have you been able to develop a new policy after becoming president?

Answer: The KKTC's policies have changed after I established the government. (I developed) policies that aimed to resolve the problems -- within the framework of the parameters mentioned in the Annan plan.

Question: The United Nations is no longer standing behind this plan.

Answer: It is not pronouncing its name, but it has not given up this plan. This is a plan that has been developed after negotiations that have lasted 40 years.

Question: Do you agree with the analysis to the effect that Turkey has turned Cyprus into a "cause" in an excessive manner and that it is has used it as a tool in its domestic politics in an excessive manner?

Answer: Yes, Turkey has turned Cyprus into a domestic political issue in an excessive manner. There are many reasons behind this. This stems from the beginning of the Cyprus issue. When the "Turkish Cypriot Culture Association" had been established in Turkey in 1948, it had been closed on grounds that "it had run counter to Turkey's policies." In the 1950's Turkey did not have a Cyprus problem. When it was invited to the London Conference in 1954-1956, the Cyprus problem became Turkey's problem. And this was the result of the efforts of the Turkish people. When the people began to show interest in the Cyprus issue, the politicians began to use it for the sake of votes.

Question: Who was the politician who used Cyprus in the best possible way?

Answer: They all did. They used it as part of heroism. The current government is the only government that did not use it. Those who want to resolve the problem will not use the Cyprus issue. Nonetheless the Cyprus issue may be used against those who want to resolve the problem. As you know, certain people are using the Cyprus issue against the AKP (Justice and Development Party) government.

Question: You were the chairman of the CTP (Republican Turkish Party) and later you became president. Is it possible to say that the sharp voice of the opposition in Cyprus is in the danger of becoming the official voice and to the voice of the status quo?

Answer: Human beings change because the order changes. When I was in the opposition the government used to be in favour of the non-solution of the Cyprus issue, the division of the island, and the failure of Turkey's EU process. We removed the ruling party and we replaced it. We are in favour of a solution and we want to join the EU. Both the conditions and the positions have changed. Despite the fact that there have been changes in my policies due to the post I currently occupy, my general ideas have not changed. I used to engage in the opposition and I used to level criticism against the government of my country in the past and currently I level criticism against those who are in favour of continuing with the policy of non-solution in the south. I continue to be in the opposition.

Question: Has the "old Cyprus policy" collapsed in terms of the Turkish Cypriot people?

Answer: It has collapsed. Even the former defenders of this policy no longer defend this policy. Only Denktas speaks in favour of this policy.

Question: Is there a deep state in the KKTC?

Answer: There is a deep state in connection to Turkey.

Question: Have you been acquainted with it?

Answer: Yes, we have. The deep state in the KKTC is not strong. It gets stronger only when it is supported by Turkey.

Question: Does it ever cause problems for you?

Answer: Of course it does from time to time.

Question: Is there opposition in the KKTC?

Answer: There is an extremely weak opposition. It would have been good if the opposition were strong. It would have eliminated the problems, the weaknesses, and the slackness in the performance of the government.

Question: Let us speak about the cup incident in Formula 1.

Answer: They proposed that I give out the cup. I noted that I do not want them to have problems. They said that they would not have any problems and I gave the cup.

Question: Do you believe that you made a mistake?

Answer: Why should it be a mistake? The fact that the Greek Cypriot side reacted to the fact that the ceremony was broadcast in more than 200 countries does not change my title. I am the president of the KKTC. The fact that it is not recognized is an entirely different story. The fact that I gave the cup did not lead to the recognition of the KKTC. However, the entire world saw that there is a people in northern Cyprus and that there is a Turkish state there. Attention was drawn to this due to the Greek Cypriot reaction. Certain writers in Turkey are very unjust.

Question: Have you thought that you are being used as a "tool" in the policies of TOBB (Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges) Chairman Hisarciklioglu?

Answer: I do not believe that there are any reasons for this other than his good intentions.

Question: Do you see yourself as a load in terms of Turkey?

Answer: Of course we are. Turkey is spending its resources here. It is taking care of Cyprus's security. It is encountering problems in its international relations and in its EU process. How can I say that we do not constitute a load? Of course we are a load.

Question: Is Cyprus living on Ankara's money?

Answer: Ankara makes great contributions, but we intend to decrease it.

Question: What is northern Cyprus for Turkey? According to certain people northern Cyprus is Turkey's backyard where it gives out certain works by contract.

Answer: Certain people who had ulterior motives might have wanted to use Cyprus in this manner in the past. In my opinion Cyprus is the brother that it loves and wants to protect.

Question: The baby land...

Answer: I am not using this term because I believe that it is a rather heroic term. The truth is that the KKTC is a sister state for Turkey. The European Court of Human Rights has accepted the north of Cyprus as Turkey's sub-administration. The baby land and the motherland description supports this approach. It is necessary to avoid this.

Question: How are your relations with Denktas?

Answer: They are very good at the individual level.

Question: There are rumours to the effect that he frequently calls you and writes letters to you.

Answer: Despite the fact that he does not do this frequently, he calls me and he writes letters to me. He informs me about the complaints that the people have expressed to him. We have a civilized relationship.

Question: Does he see you as an enemy of the Cyprus cause?

Answer: He did not adopt a negative approach toward me but he reproaches me from time to time.

Question: Are there times when you believe that you resemble Denktas?

Answer: Mr. Denktas was waging a struggle in order to achieve no solution. I am waging a struggle for finding a solution. There is no resemblance whatsoever between us.

Question: When you look from this seat at the firm criticism that you leveled in the past, do you ever say that "you were unjust to Denktas regarding certain issues"?

Answer: I do not believe that Denktas was right in anything. I have understood better than ever that his old policies were very wrong. If the Greek Cypriot side has entered the EU without a solution, this is because of the old policies.

[10] The TRNCs Budo national team is in Baku

The match is within the sports framework activity, organized by the Azerbaijan-Turkeys Union of Businessmen.

The paper also writes that the selfstyled Chairman of the TRNC National Olympic Committee, Eyup Zafer Gokbilen, will meet today with the Azeri Minister of Youth and Sports, Azat Rahimov and with Turkeys Military Attaché in Baku, Brigadier General Seyhan Ceyhan.

Mr Gokbilen had also paid a courtesy visit yesterday to Turkeys Ambassador in Baku, Turan Morali.

According to the paper, the 2nd International Budo Championship took place in occupied Kyrenia in 2004.

(M/L)

[11] SHP Deputy resigns from Party. New distribution of seats in the TGNA

Following the resignation of Bulut, the number of SHP's seats in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) dropped to one.

Below is the current distribution of seats in the TGNA:

AKP: 355

CHP: 154

ANAVATAN: 21

Independent: 10

DYP: 4

SHP: 1

HYP: 1

Vacant: 4

EG/

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