Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-09-08

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Four MPs resign from UBP and DP.

[02] Reactions to the ruling of the British High Court on the Orams case continue.

[03] Turkish and German Foreign Ministers hold joint news conference in Istanbul.

[04] Babacan met with Rehn in Brussels-Turkey has red lines as regards the Cyprus problem.

[05] AFRIKA: Do not arrest journalists.

[06] Turkey may loose the Formula 1 Grand Prix because of Talat.

[07] The decision on Tylliria case will be announced on 12 September.

[08] Two Iranians were arrested by the so-called police for entering a restricted military region in the occupied areas.

[09] Azeri Minister refers to the illegal regime as an independent state.

[10] Turkish Cypriot was arrested in London for planning attacks on Arsenal and Chelsea football stadiums.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] How the people in the streets in occupied Cyprus assess the Orams ruling.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Four MPs resign from UBP and DP

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (08.09.06) reports that commenting on the efforts to establish a new right-wing formation, the chairman of the DP, Serdar Denktas said that the coalition government is finished and added that they will never say yes again to a new collation under the Prime Ministry of Ferdi Sabit Soyer. Sources claim that the Erdogan government is behind the new formation, notes the paper adding that the same sources say that a lot of money is circulating in the market of the politics.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily GÜNE^ newspaper (08.09.06) refers also to the efforts for the establishment of a new right-wing party under the title Black stain for our democracy! . The paper writes that three ministries will be given to the resigned MPs in their expected coalition with the CTP. The paper publishes a picture allegedly taken on 7 September 2006 in front of the resigned UBP MP Mr Enver Ozturks house. Mr Ozturk is seen in the picture together with the General Secretary of the CTP Omer Kalyoncu and the MP of CTP Ahmet Barcin.

Furthermore, according to Basaran Duzgun, editor-in-chief of Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (08.09.06), the last bargain was conducted yesterday between CTP officials and officials of the new under formation right-wing party. Mr Duzgun says that according to some sources three ministries will be given to the above-mentioned party and seven to the CTP. The sources noted that it is not yet known which three ministries will be given to the newly established party, but the officials of this party insist on taking the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which they describe as their indispensable condition.

Mr Duzgun writes, inter alia, the following on the issue: Furthermore, it is said that they want to bring a person from Turkey to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Their aim is through the Ministry of Internal Affairs to take the votes of those from Turkey away from the UBP and DP. This information might be wrong or deficient& .

Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SES0 newspaper (08.09.06) refers to the resignations from the UBP and the DP and reports that the General Secretary of the CTP, Omer Kalyoncu has said that the CTP had noting to do with the developments in the above-mentioned parties and argued that these are due to the wish of the former chairman of the UBP Dervis Eroglu to be reelected to the leadership of the party. Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the DP, Ertugrul Hasipoglu noted that the CTP will pay the price for this situation.

Turkish Cypriot daily YEN0 DUZEN newspaper (08.09.06) refers to the resignations from the UBP and the DP and reports that a new process in the politics began and that these resignations will be discussed a lot . The paper writes that it is definite that Erden Ozaskin, independent MP who had recently resigned from the UBP, will join the new formation.

Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHUR0YET newspaper (08.09.06) refers to the resignations from the UBP and the DP under the title A strange togetherness and argues that politics had never been so cheap .

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily AFR0KA newspaper (08.09.06) covers issue and writes that the planned establishment of the new coalition government is heading towards conclusion with the effective involvement of Ankara.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Reactions to the ruling of the British High Court on the Orams case continue

The decision is important from the point of view of justifying the positions we have been putting forward until today, he argued.

The paper publishes statements by Mr Talat who stated that the property issue cannot be solved with legal means and showed again the way of the Property Compensation Commission to the Greek Cypriots, stressing that the property issue will be solved with the solution of the Cyprus problem.

He said: Therefore, if there is a Greek Cypriot who wants to urgently solve his property problem, he will apply to the Immovable Property Commission and he will search for remedy there. The ruling of the British High Court brought this up as well.

Meanwhile, commenting on the issue the General Secretary of the Peace and Democracy Movement (BDH), Mehmet Cakici noted that the decision shows once more the necessity for reaching urgently a solution in Cyprus and added that as long as there is no solution such cases will continue. He accused the government of the Republic of Cyprus of having the strategy of usurping the rights of the Turkish Cypriots in the long term by using the international law with the accession of Cyprus into the EU and added that the decision on the Orams case showed that this strategy will not have a result.

Furthermore, the General Secretary of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), Izzet Izcan said that the unnecessary screaming of victory is not right and pointed out that the ruling accepts that the properties in northern Cyprus belong to the Greek Cypriots.

Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SES0 newspaper (08.09.06) reports also that lawyers of the Orams couple celebrated their victory regarding the ruling of the British High Court on the Orams´ case at the Colony Hotel in the occupied part of the island.

The paper notes that one of the lawyers, Mr Ramiz Gursoy said that the decision of the British court is not merely a success, but it is a victory. We won and they lost. The result of the case is as clear as that, he noted.

Mr Ramiz Gursoy expressed the belief that making an appeal on the case will not change the result, because Protocol 10 which is the basis for their winning the case and the mistakes in the method of filing the lawsuit will not change.

Another lawyer of the Orams, Mr Bitu Bhala described the ruling as one of the most important decisions taken in Europe during the last ten years. The most important point which should be known in this case is the fact that Mr and Mrs Orams won and the others lost. Thinking the opposite is like building castles in the air, he argued.

Mr Bhala noted that there are two important points in this case. The first is the fact that the Greek Cypriots when they were joining the EU signed Protocol 10, in which it is included that the South of Cyprus cannot have legal domination over the north. The other important point because of which the case was won by them, said Bhala, is the fact that the court documents which were handed over to Mrs Orams were in Greek language and the period within which the Orams couple could express its objections was very short.

Another lawyer of the Orams, Mr Aziz Mentes, described the ruling historical both for the Turkish Cypriots and the foreigners who settle in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Referring to the Orams case Turkish Cypriot daily AFR0KA newspaper (08.09.06) notes that according to the British press thousands of Britons felt relieved after the decision of London s High Court was announced.

Turkish Cypriot daily VATAN newspaper (08.09.06) reports that referring to the decision of the British High Court on the Orams the self-style minister of foreign affairs of the breakaway regime, Mr Serdar Denktas, said: This is an extremely important decision which shows that the sovereignty of the Greek Cypriots is not valid in Northern Cyprus. This is a legal victory.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkish and German Foreign Ministers hold joint news conference in Istanbul

"There is a negative energy which stemmed from claims that Turkey-EU process will be closed and there will be a train crash.

Walking on a smooth asphalt road is not important. This path (to EU membership) has ups and downs. This is a reality. I believe we will overcome problems by talking," Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said in a joint press conference with German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday.

German FM Steinmeier is currently in Istanbul for the Ernst Reuter initiative for dialogue and understanding between cultures.

Regarding Turkey's relations with the EU, Gul said: "We should not focus on negativities."

"If statements like 'Turkey-EU process will be closed and there will be a train crash' are put forth continuously, a negative energy emerges. There are certainly some solutions," Gul noted.

He added that it is necessary to exert efforts to solve problems with a constructive approach.

From his part, Steinmeier said Gul and he held a meeting before their press conference and they discussed the process of Turkey's accession to the EU, the recent situation in Iraq as well as the Middle East crisis.

Asked whether the EU could halt its relations with Turkey due to the Cyprus issue, Steinmeier said that the EU had good reasons to start talks with Turkey. He added that mutual interests were in question and talks would continue. "We want to support Turkey in the EU and we are determined to maintain our support. Turkey will be invited into the EU as a valuable partner. The path to EU has ups and downs. There are difficulties," commented Steinmeier.

Steinmeier underlined that it would take efforts from both Turkey and Europe to overcome all difficulties. "Despite difficulties, we are on the right path," reiterated Steinmeier.

Asked what Germany's proposals for resolution of the Cyprus problem would be during its EU presidency in 2007, Steinmeier said that Germany had already been in an intensive preparation for the EU presidency in the first half of 2007.

Steinmeier said that they were exerting efforts together with European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn as well as Finland, adding that those efforts were to prepare conditions to prevent escalation of current problems.

[04] Babacan met with Rehn in Brussels-Turkey has red lines as regards the Cyprus problem

Babacan met for around 2.5 hours with Olli Rehn who made a demand regarding the opening of the Turkish ports to the ships of the Republic of Cyprus. On his behalf Babacan called on the EU to encourage the Greek Cypriot side for a solution. He said that the other side is unwilling for a solution and that there is a perception that the non-solution must continue. We think that the Cyprus problem must not be an issue which prevents or slows down our relations with the EU, he stated. He went on and said that Turkey has a red line in Cyprus and added that besides this they are open to any kind of efforts and alternatives. He said that they will never be the side that will escape from the talks but the side that will want solution and added: Besides our red lines there is nothing for which we say that definitely cannot be done.

Mr Babacan stated that various scenarios or various solutions can exist. We have to sit down and discuss them, he said. He went on and added that they appreciate the efforts made by the EU Commission and the UN but the party that does not want solution must show the same wish and desire. He stated that this is a European approach. To lock on to the non-solution and not to come to the negotiation table is not the right approach, but to struggle for a solution is an attitude appropriate for Europe. And Turkey has this attitude, he said.

(C/S)

[05] AFRIKA: Do not arrest journalists

Dear Sirs,

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), representing over 250.000 journalists across Europe, is deeply concerned by the increasing threats to press freedom in northern Cyprus. In particular, we find it unacceptable that journalists and media workers are being intimidated and arrested while covering events in the northern part of Cyprus.

The latest example of this was the arrest of reporter Adonis Pallikarides and cameraman Nikitas Dalitis on 25 August 2006 under the pretext that they were videotaping military installations on a shopping-street in Nicosia. After their arrest, the two reporters were detained for several days and convicted to pay a fine.

Following these events, several media organisations from both communities of Cyprus issued statements and organised demonstrations.

In the Republic of Cyprus, a meeting of press unions representing all sectors of the media took place in Nicosia on 29 August to denounce the intimidations and the brutal actions of the Turkish occupation forces against media workers. They called on national authorities and international organizations to respect basic human rights principles such as freedom of expression and press freedom. Journalists at the meeting also considered refusing assignments in northern Cyprus in order to avoid the harassment and threats they could face while working there.

In northern Cyprus, media unions gathered on 31 August to denounce the incorrect and arbitrary practices against the Turkish Cypriot people, who have faced intimidation, arrest and detention in a territory that is considered almost exclusively as a Military Restricted Zone by the authorities.

The threats to journalists and media workers are reaching an intolerable level. We condemn the systematic use of special military regulations in the territory that is considered a restricted zone. This constitutes a flagrant violation of the right of people to know what their administration is doing and of the right of journalists to provide that information.

The people of Cyprus need to be informed about the situation on the island and about the on-going talks for a settlement of the political problem that has been going on for several decades. As we know, at this very moment a dialogue between representatives of the two communities under the auspices of the UN is going on in Nicosia and we believe that this crucial matter of respect of the press freedom could be a very good measure of building confidence.

We call on Turkish forces and authorities in northern Cyprus to respect the fundamental right of freedom of expression, as protected by Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention for Human Rights. Freedom of the press cannot exist if journalists live in fear and worry that their work will put them in danger.

We urge you to allow journalists to report without undue threats and interference throughout the territory of northern Cyprus.

(D/Ps)

[06] Turkey may loose the Formula 1 Grand Prix because of Talat

As the paper writes a FIA official stated that this situation could be the end of the organisation of races under the supervision of FIA in Turkey. In addition the membership of the Turkish Automobile Federation in FIA could be ended.

[07] The decision on Tylliria case will be announced on 12 September

(I/Ts)

[08] Two Iranians were arrested by the so-called police for entering a restricted military region in the occupied areas

(M/L)

[09] Azeri Minister refers to the illegal regime as an independent state

Mr Rahimov, expressing his pleasure with the delegations visit also stated: A few days back, Ive visited Turkey in the framework of the Islamic Conference, where I shared the same table and discussed with your countrys President (I think his name is Ozkan Yorgancioglu).

(M/L)

[10] Turkish Cypriot was arrested in London for planning attacks on Arsenal and Chelsea football stadiums

Ebu Abdullah who lives in London and who is making headlines across the world is fighting to wipe Israel off the map. Ebu Hamza refuses to condemn acts of terrorism in the UK and claims that Britain is a legitimate target. Ebu Abdullah also strongly opposes Turkey´s contribution of troops to the new force in Lebanon and accuses the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul of serving Israel.

Cyprus Dialogue special

Following the sentencing of Ebu Hamza, the imam of North London Finsbury Park Mosque, to seven years in prison for supporting and praising the London terrorist attacks as well as the 11 September attacks in the US, a Turkish Cypriot has been appointed to the head of the fundamentalist Islamic organization, which promotes Sharia Law. Atilla Ahmet, as he was once known, has taken the name of Ebu Abdullah.

Ebu Abdullah managed to make headlines across the world when his statements were published in THE TIMES and the DAILY MAIL, following the uncovering of a terrorist plot to blow up planes as they were taking off from London airport.

The statements of Ebu Abdullah boasting that he would be happy to kill US and British soldiers in Afghanistan if he had the means to get there, are being closely investigated by Scotland Yard.

Cypriot Abdullah claims that the occurrence of terrorist attacks and plots over the last two years are a result of the British government´s misguided foreign policies in the Middle East and Afghanistan, who, he said have no weapons of mass destruction; they are fighting with home-made chemical weapons. Abdullah, in the face of persistent questioning, refused to condemn terrorist attacks in the US and the UK. Pointing out that during the past few years, the West had systematically been killing thousands of Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon, Abdullah observed We are using our right to defend ourselves. Abdullah was reported making similar comments during interviews with CNN and Sky television.

Israel should be wiped off the map

Ebu Abdullah during a recent interview in AVRUPA a Turkish newspaper expressed his approval of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad´s statements that Israel should be wiped off the world map and stating that the Jews were non-believers, he declared that he did not recognize the State of Israel. Abdullah said that the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was serving Israel by sending peacekeeping troops to Israel, and accusing the Turkish government of being supporters of the US and Israel.

Finally arrested

Turkish Cypriot Ebu Abdullah, who lives in London and is notorious for his statements in support of terrorist activities, was arrested together with 14 other suspects by British police on charges of plotting a terrorist attack. It has been reported that the fundamentalist group headed by Ebu Abdullah was planning a number of attacks on the football stadiums of Arsenal and Chelsea as well as Buckingham Palace.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] How the people in the streets in occupied Cyprus assess the Orams ruling

We have all read about the Oram´s and their recent victory the questions in everyone´s minds are How will this affect the property market?

Will this be a good or a bad outcome for the TRNC in general? And most importantly how do you think it will affect you?

CYPRUS TIMES´ Zee Rasih, will be out and about in Kyrenia for the next few days to get your say on this issue.

Here are some of the initial responses.

Lin and Steve Pope

`We are only on holidays and don´t reside here in Northern Cyprus. We only heard about the Orams case recently through newspapers and don´t know too much about it so we cannot exactly comment on whether it is a good thing or a bad thing. The case isn´t exactly settled for certain though has it? Will this encourage people to buy from northern Cyprus? We don´t think so. After reading the amounts of money spent and the hassles we wouldn´t think of investing here possibly at retirement but we are still too young to think about that.´

Altug Galip

`I have strong views and don´t know if you would agree with me but, I think the only good outcome of the news of this judgement is that the TRNC has been recognized by the United Kingdom and our country has been mentioned. What I see happening is this; The English will see this as an opportunity to start buying more property without hesitation, North Cyprus will turn into something it´s not. What will be left for our children one day? Nothing. We will all be forced to move to another country because there will be lack of opportunity here. If a kocan (title deed) of a land is held by its original and rightful owner Then what right does the TRNC government have to sell it? We are not members of the EU and this is why this is happening. I don´t believe the Greek owner will give up fighting for what is rightfully his. The Oram´s have done nothing wrong but it simply is not fair. The south side does not play this way so why is the north doing so?´

Marian and Barry Moulton

`We have been holidaying here for 15 years in a row. We have watched this beautiful country turn into a land for opportunists. The English are ruining the TRNC by buying here. They buy property for dirt cheap and rent if for extreme profits. We don´t believe the people of north Cyprus stand a chance in regard to the future of their country. They welcome the English here but for how long will this place stay beautiful? What will happen when there is nothing left? We say get the bloody English out of here! (and yes we are English). We do not intend on buying property here (Well says Mr. Moulton only if the Orams sell!)´.

Pat and Geoff Hills

`It is the first time we have come to Northern Cyprus in 10 years and we are shocked to see all the new property developments. We agree with the Moulton´s and we will not buy property here Don´t even think we will come here to holiday again.

If we wanted to Holiday with a bunch of English people, we´d have stayed in the UK and had our holiday there. The English shouldn´t be buying property here because we believe it is done for the wrong reasons´.

/SK

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