Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-09-22

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

[A] NEWS ITEM

[01] Statements by Talat on his response to the UN proposals for the technical committees

[02] Talat met with a delegation from the Freedom and Reform Party

[03] Michael Moller met with Ahmet Yonluer

[04] Statements by Andrew Rasbash to KIBRIS

[05] A bi-communal business portal is in service

[06] The Committee on the Missing Persons needs another 12 million dollars

[07] Fettah Tamince claims that he knows Serdar Denktas

[08] Turkey builds a shelter for the illegal workers

[09] Gul discusses the Cyprus Problem with his US counterpart

[10] Turkish novelist Elif Safak acquitted of insulting Turkishness

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] How the Turkish Press covers the latest political developments in occupied Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEM

[01] Statements by Talat on his response to the UN proposals for the technical committees

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the Turkish Cypriot Side has no intention of prolonging the Cyprus issue through an endless process of academic efforts.

He added that the only intention of the Turkish Cypriot side was to find a speedy solution to the Cyprus Problem through a comprehensive negotiations process.

Speaking during a visit paid to him today, Mr Talat evaluated the latest reports in the Greek Cypriot media which claimed the Turkish Cypriot Side had only responded positively to the headings of the proposals put forward by the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative Michael Moller and not to its contents.

Responding to a question on the issue, the President said that such reports were baseless and false and were part of serious and controlled policy of manipulation and propaganda pursued by the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Explaining that there was under no obligation to accept all aspects of the proposals put forward by the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative Michael Moller, Mr Talat said that the Turkish Cypriot side responded to the proposals within the framework of its own policies on the Cyprus issue.

Expressing the view that the Turkish Cypriot sides given response was capable of satisfying the views and position of the Greek Cypriot side, the President however said that Greek Cypriot reaction on the issue was not yet known.

Also pointing to the fact that there were no titles or contents in the Turkish Cypriot Sides response given to Mr. Moller, Mr Talat said the main and only intention of the Turkish side is to restart the Cyprus negotiations as soon as possible.

The President also stated that the desire of the Turkish Cypriot side is to solve the Cyprus issue before the end of the year or if possible earlier, stating however that this is not possible with the efforts of Turkish side alone.

Referring to the FIAs decision to fine Turkey 5 million dollars for his appearance at the podium ceremony of last months Formula-1 in Istanbul, Mr Talat said that the decision was the outcome of efforts by the Greek Cypriot Side to further isolate the Turkish Cypriot people from the world.

This, he added, will only serve to maintain the ongoing non-solution of the Cyprus Problem and the permanent division of the island.

[02] Talat met with a delegation from the Freedom and Reform Party

President Mehmet Ali Talat has voiced his disappointment at the claims that a new government ready to handover the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people is to be formed.

He stressed that no government or Office reflecting the will of the people will hand over the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Speaking during a visit paid to him by the newly formed Freedom and Reform Party today, Mr Talat said that the Cyprus issue is in safe hands and that no one should have any doubt on this.

Officials from the Freedom and Reform Party led by the party leader Turgay Avci paid a courtesy visit to Mr Talat this morning.

Briefing Mr Talat on his partys vision, Mr Avci said that the aim of the party is to serve the people as a partner of a collectively working government.

He also noted that the new government will be formed by the end of the week.

Welcoming members of the newly formed party, Mr Talat expressed the belief that the Freedom and Reform Party will add more color to the countrys multi-party democracy.

Pointing out that the actions of the government will be closely watched by the people, Mr Talat said the new government will also be watched by himself.

Expressing his disappointment at claims that a new government ready to handover the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people is to be formed, he stressed that no government or Office reflecting the will of the people will hand over the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Calling the claims as `unacceptable`, he said that no one should have any doubts that the Cyprus issue is in safe hands.

The President warned of the dangers involved in the politicization of the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people.

[03] Michael Moller met with Ahmet Yonluer

During the meeting, the two men underlined the important role religion can play in establishing dialogue between the two sides and building peace in Cyprus.

Speaking during the meeting, the Head of the Religious Affairs Department Ahmet Yonluer pointed out that the United Nations is an institution established to promote peace, adding that co-operation among religious could play a significant role in establishing peaceful dialogues, and that this can also be achieved in Cyprus.

He stated that he has been sending peaceful messages to his Greek Cypriot counterparts since he came to office.

Lets provide a good example to the politicians and promote peace, he said.

Referring to the Greek Cypriot rejection of the Annan Plan, Mr Yonluer said the Greek Cypriot church has had an influence on the publics decision.

Addressing the controversial speech of Pope Benedict the 16th, he expressed regret but said that it will not hinder the peaceful efforts around the world.

Islam is peace, he added.

For his part, Mr Moller underlined the importance of co-operation between the two religions on the island and noted that dialogue is essential for a peaceful future.

Mr Moller stated that the UN is searching for ways of promoting dialogue and peace on the island, adding that religion is a significant aspect in this process.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (22.09.06), under the title The Cyprus problem has been entrusted to God, reports that the UN Secretary-Generals Special representative in Cyprus, Michael Moller visited yesterday the self-styled head of the religious affairs department, Ahmet Yonluer and pointed out to the importance of the churches and the mosques conveying a message of peace. Mr Moller wished the sides to meet after the elections for Archbishop in the free areas and make a new step forward. Mr Yonluer addressed the Greek Cypriot church as follows: Come on, let us contribute to peace. Let us become an example for the politicians.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (22.09.06) argues that political observers consider the visit of Mr Moller to Mr Yonluer as his most important political mistake and intervention of the UN into the politics of the TRNC.

(Tr. Note: TRNC is the illegal formation set up by the Turkey to administer the areas of Cyprus after Turkish occupation)

(I/Ts.)

[04] Statements by Andrew Rasbash to KIBRIS

He noted that the Commission did its duty for the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots in 2004 by submitting a proposal on the Direct Trade Regulation. He added that the Finnish term presidency of the EU is dealing with the issue.

(I/Ts.)

[05] A bi-communal business portal is in service

The Cyprus Network Business Portal or CBNP which aims to bring the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot business communities closer together under the framework of the Green Line Regulation, has been put into service.

The website was financed by the EU program "Partnership for the Future" and is managed by the United Nations Development Program.

The website allows the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot businesses to establish contacts and to advertise their products and services online.

Services of the CBNP are entirely free and businesses from the entire island are able to exchange data through the portal by clicking on www.cbnp.biz.

[06] The Committee on the Missing Persons needs another 12 million dollars

Mr Erdengiz noted that the Committee needs the sum of 12 million US dollars in order to be able to work in the long term and added that it does not have the money for working for even a year.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Fettah Tamince claims that he knows Serdar Denktas

(MHY)

[08] Turkey builds a shelter for the illegal workers

Mr Karahan said that the shelter, which will be built in Nicosia with the financing of the embassy, will have separate rooms for those who are married and those who are single.

He wished that the work they will do together with the municipality of Nicosia will constitute an example for other municipalities.

He noted that the developing economy has shortage of workers problems and added: The number of these workers must be so large that they cannot be secured from here. Therefore, their source is other places. Of course, their greatest source is Anatolia and Thrace. For this reason, there are people who come from there. Two years ago when I came here they, very rightfully, constituted a source of great uneasiness. They were in a situation which influenced the social life. Now, even if they are fewer, they still exist. The problem continues. Therefore, even if these people are registered, the best situation would be their living collectively in one place and in this manner they will be under control.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Gul discusses the Cyprus Problem with his US counterpart

The meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was very constructive and friendly, said Namik Tan, Spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, on Thursday.

Gul and Rice discussed various issues, including the Lebanon, the Middle-East peace process, Iran, Iraq, Turkey's EU process, Cyprus and the fight against terrorist PKK organization.

"The Gul-Rice meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere. The two ministers discussed regional matters within the framework of Turkish-U.S. alliance," said Tan.

According to Tan, Gul and Rice also talked on the Vision Document that has been put to effect between Turkey and the U.S.

"Visits made by Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Mehmet Mehdi Eker and State Minister Kursad Tuzmen to the U.S. and the appointment made by the U.S. of General Joseph Ralston as a special representative for countering terrorism took place within the framework of the Vision Document," noted Tan.

Namik Tan stressed that Gul and Rice also talked on Lebanon and the Middle East peace process. "Rice emphasized Turkey's importance in the region during her meeting with Gul," said Tan.

"Minister Gul underlined that the solution of the Palestinian-Israeli problem will contribute to the solution of many matters globally," expressed Tan.

"Gul explained Turkey's views about Iran's nuclear program to Rice. Since the very beginning, Turkey has been advocating that the issue should be resolved through diplomatic ways," he said.

"The Kirkuk issue was also taken up at the meeting. Gul stressed that it was not a Turkish-Kurdish issue. Gul also emphasized that mutual appointments of representatives to deal with the issue of the terrorist organization PKK have further accelerated the fight against the PKK," Tan noted.

Meanwhile, Rice extended the United States' support to Turkey's EU membership process.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Gul said at the meeting: "After becoming member of the EU, the Greek Cypriot administration has begun acting more reluctantly. They have been refraining from taking tangible steps towards finding a solution to the Cyprus issue." Gul also informed Rice on Turkey's recent action plan about the Cyprus issue.

Following the meeting, Gul attended the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting.

Later, Gul met EU Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn. Turkey's EU membership process and the Cyprus issue are expected to be high on agenda of the meeting.

[10] Turkish novelist Elif Safak acquitted of insulting Turkishness

The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the courts decision and said that he is ready to start a dialogue with the opposition aimed at withdrawing the said article from the Turkish Panel Code.

Safaks acquittal was welcomed by the Turkey- EU Joint Parliamentary Committee Co-Chairman Joost Lagendijk.

(MHY)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] How the Turkish Press covers the latest political developments in occupied Cyprus

In a column in Istanbul HURRIYET under the title: "Government coup in North Cyprus in accordance with AKP instructions," Emin Colasan holds the ruling party in Ankara responsible for the resignation of the Turkish Cypriot coalition government headed by Ferdi Sabit Soyer, stressing that it preferred to have a rose garden without thorns in the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) to be able to comply with EU demands. Claiming that the AKP objective is to have the new administration in North Cyprus make the concessions demanded by the EU and then withdraw to say "What do we care? The TRNC is an independent state. The decision was made by its government," he describes the fall of the coalition government as a coup.

Colasan says: Look at the plot! For the sake of the EU, they will have their officials draw up the concessions to be made and then instruct the TRNC administration to make them. He concludes: Undoubtedly, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration are delighted by the developments. They are rubbing their hands and praying in church for the trend to continue without a problem until they achieve the positive result they expect.

Writing in Istanbul VATAN, Gungor Mengi believes that the role the AKP played in the fall of the coalition government in occupied Cyprus is one of the serious mistakes it will not be able to correct during the six months that are left before the presidential elections are held in Turkey. In his column entitled "That is too much!," he agrees that Ankara has the right to draw up a political road map for occupied Cyprus because of its political and financial support for the Turkish Cypriots and notes: Turkey's relations with the EU are moving towards a crisis because of the Cyprus problem. In view of that, plans might be drawn up. And, an initiative might be made to bring to power a new administration that would comply with Ankara's recommendations. In fact, that is exactly what has happened in North Cyprus.

Mengi recalls the involvement of Director of Religious Affairs Ahmet Yonluer in the process that led to the fall of the coalition government and adds: It could be that the AKP involved Yonluer in the initiative made to replace the coalition government in order to have Islamic traditions applied in North Cyprus.

And Gungor Mengi concludes: "Using religion to remove a government is too much!"

Cuneyt Arcayurek argues in Istanbul CUMHURIYET that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to convert the occupied areas into an Islamic country. In his column, he says that the Turkish Cypriot coalition government was undermined by the Director of Religious Affairs Ahmet Yonluer and notes that that occupied areas administration is gradually complying more and more with Erdogan's instructions.

Stressing that illegal Koranic courses are held in many mosques in occupied Cyprus under the supervision of the Imams who are sent to the island from Turkey, Arcayurek writes: Yonluer received religious education in Saudi Arabia. He was the head of a football club in North Cyprus in the past. It seems that he and Erdogan are sincere enough to talk about the Fener Bahce and Galatasaray Football Clubs in Turkey: Religion and football! Ahmet Yonluer and Recep Tayyip Erdogan must definitely be very good friends.

Arcayurek concludes: As a small country, North Cyprus is an ideal place for Erdogan to realize his great religious objectives.

Bahadir Selim Dilek writing also in Istanbul CUMHURIYET argues that the objective of the civilian coup that took place in the occupied Cyprus in accordance with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's instructions was to pave the way for the AKP to make four concessions on the Cyprus problem. In a report entitled "Preparation for Concessions in Cyprus," he lists the concessions as follows:

1. The return of Maras (occupied Varosha) to the Greek Cypriot side.

2. The opening of the Port of Famagusta.

3. The realization of the agreement reached between Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos.

4. Compliance with the changes the Greek Cypriot side asked for in the Green Line Regulation between the two sides.

Stressing that the AKP is convinced that the concessions will remove the obstacles against Turkey's accession to the EU, Dilek quotes Ahmet Zeki Bulunc, former Turkish Cypriot ambassador to Turkey, as saying: An approach had to be adopted in line with the AKP policy in the EU process. Serious initiatives had to be made to enable Mehmet Ali Talat and his group to comply with the US-EU approach. However, that was impossible with the former administration in North Cyprus. So, they carried out an operation to have an administration in power that would realize their plan.

In a column entitled "Mehmet Ali Talat's Shrewd Policy," Ali Sirmen writing also in Istanbul CUMHURIYET agrees that the AKP objective behind the operation it carried out to remove the former coalition government in occupied Cyprus was to have a rose garden without thorns. He describes Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and the AKP as the main actors in the operation and criticizes Talat for arguing that the media organs in Turkey should not focus too much attention on the crisis in the occupied areas. Recalling that Talat was strongly supported by many of the influential Turkish media organs during the presidential elections in occupied Cyprus, Sirmen asks why he wishes to prevent them from following the crisis and notes: It is because he fears that the Turkish public opinion will be informed that his policies have failed.

Disagreeing with Talat, Sirmen reminds him that his administration is in power because of the support it gets from the AKP and asserts: Mehmet Ali Talat will keep his administration in power with the financial support of the Turkish people. Yet, he will urge the Turkish media organs not to follow the developments in North Cyprus. What kind of mentality is that?

Commenting on the situation in the Ankara Turkish Daily News, Orhan Kilercioglu describes the political game currently played in the occupied areas as "untimely and very wrong," and says: The anger caused by it only increased when one saw that a religious official was involved in it.

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