Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-10-11

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mr Talat is continuing his contacts in Brussels.

[02] Rasit Pertev on the Finnish proposal.

[03] Mr Hasan Ercakica stated that the UN efforts have been undermined because of the EU efforts.

[04] Serdar Denktas on the EU proposals.

[05] The leader of Turkeys DSP: The Finnish proposal means the end of Turkish sovereignty over TRNC.

[06] German parliamentary delegation is holding contacts in the occupied areas.

[07] The Turkish lira makes the control of inflation difficult in the occupied by Turkish troops territories of the Republic of Cyprus.

[08] The mens and womens national Teams of Turkey in Handball will play with the TRNC national teams in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[09] Lipponen and Barroso stress that the Armenian genocide is not a precondition for Turkey.

[10] Babacan: Turkey's EU membership could redefine the future of Europe.

[11] Merkel will explain Turkey to Chirac.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Mr Talat is continuing his contacts in Brussels

He noted that there is a serious give and take in the proposals and reiterated that the lifting of the so-called isolations of the Turkish Cypriots must be without conditions. He alleged: I do not think that asking something from the Turkish Cypriots is fair in this situation. Therefore, we think of adding new demands, such as the opening of Ercan (Tr. Note: illegal Tymbou airport) for direct flights. We demand not only the lifting of the economic isolations, but the cultural isolations as well.

Noting that the solution of the Cyprus problem must be comprehensive, Mr Talat argued: If we approach the solution in parts, we will be lost. If we leave the lifting of the isolations of the Turkish Cypriots to the Ercan and Varosha issues, this is a dangerous situation. If conditions are put to us for the lifting of the isolations, then why an announcement had been published before that they will be lifted? We proved to the world that we do not support the division of the island by using our self-determination right at the referendum.

Mr Talat met the day before yesterday with the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso. Yesterday he met with the Speaker of the European Parliament, Josep Borell and with the Commissioner for the Enlargement, Olli Rehn. Today he will meet with Javier Solana, High Commissioner Responsible for the Common Foreign Policy and Security, the head of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament (EP), Martin Schultz, the German of Turkish origin member of the EP, Cem Ozdemir and the Deputy Chairman of the European Commission, Gunter Verheugen. He will also participate in a lunch under the title the lunch of the Presidents.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily AFR0KA newspaper (11.10.06) refers to the statements of Mehmet Ali Talat in Brussels under the title There are dangerous proposals . The paper notes that evaluating his contacts in the European capital, the Turkish Cypriot leader expressed the opinion that the EU will not be able to solve this problem. He noted that the relations of the Turkish Cypriots with the EU and the world must be strengthened and alleged that this requires the lifting of the isolations.

Mr Talat argued that the role of the EU in the solution of the Cyprus problem is not as important as the role of the UN, but the Union could play a very important role on the issue of the motivation. He reiterated that Varosha will be a part of the comprehensive solution, but in return of something positive the Turkish Cypriots could give Varosha.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SES0 newspaper (11.10.06) refers to the statements by Mr Talat in Brussels under the title Talat: There are serious dangers in the proposal of the EU . The paper notes that Mr Talat said that even if there are serious dangers in the proposals, they approach them constructively.

The paper points out that Mr Talat said that they demand the opening of the illegal Tymbou airport for direct flights and stated that not having a crisis in Turkeys EU accession process within the period November-December is more important than a solution which will be produced to the Cyprus problem.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily YEN0 DUZEN newspaper (11.10.06) refers to the statements by Mr Talat in Brussels under the title Federal Solution! I am not pessimistic . The paper reports that Mr Talat stressed that the aim of the Turkish Cypriot side is reaching a federal solution to the Cyprus problem and added that he is not pessimistic for a solution.

Finally, Turkish daily HURR0YET newspaper s (11.10.06) correspondent from Brussels Omer Bilge writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met with the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barrosso, the President of the European Parliament Joseph Borrell and the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn. Mr Talat told them We would not be the appetizer of Turkeys EU process. The paper reports that Talat used the Spanish word tapaz instead of the Turkish one meze.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Rasit Pertev on the Finnish proposal

Rasit Pertev reaffirmed that the Finnish proposal on the Cyprus issue, which is put forward with the aim of preventing a possible crisis during Turkeys EU membership process, has not been presented in a written form yet, and that Finlands main aim is to see whether or not the parties are open for dialogue.

The Turkish Cypriot Side is always open for dialogue and this is the message that President Mehmet Ali Talat will deliver to the EU officials during his contacts in Brussels as well as the Turkish sides views on the Cyprus issue and its flexible stance, he said.

Mr Pertev underlined the fact that the Finnish proposal does not foresee the occupied Famagusta port to be given under the control of the EU but for exports to be controlled by the EU.

Mr Pertev added that the Turkish Cypriot Side has never accepted the EU to hold control of the Turkish Cypriot ports.

Referring to the Greek Cypriot suggestions on the return of occupied fenced city of Varosha and the Famagusta port, he said that Finlands proposal is a similar version of those offers.

The Greek Cypriot Sides aim is to establish hegemony over the Turkish Cypriot People and this is not acceptable, he said.

Mr Pertev stressed that the return of the fenced Varosha and the lifting of the international isolation on the Turkish Cypriots are both constituent parts of a comprehensive settlement, adding that the Turkish Cypriot Side did not offer the return of Maras (occupied fenced city of Varosha) for direct trade.

As for the EU Commissions decision in April 2004 to call for the removal of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, Mr Pertev said that the EU Presidencys efforts have been hampered by the Republic of Cyprus and Greece.

Alleging that the EU changed its stance on the Cyprus issue after May 2004, Mr Pertev said the EU does not - now - favour a solution to the Cyprus problem, but the continuation of the status quo.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (11.10.06) reports that the advisor of Mr Talat, Rasit Pertev said yesterday in statements to illegal Bayrak that the Finnish proposals are referring to supervision and not control of the Famagusta port by the EU. That is, it is referring to passing through the supervision of the EU, while a product is going out of the port during the exports to the EU. Otherwise, we have never accepted the EU to control and administrate any of our ports, he added. He reiterated that the Finnish proposal was not submitted in writing and that their aim is to avoid the train crash in Turkeys EU accession course.

[03] Mr Hasan Ercakica stated that the UN efforts have been undermined because of the EU efforts

The Presidential spokesman Hasan Ercakica has drawn the attention to the fact that the attempts to consider the Cyprus issue within the framework of inter-EU relations and interests, has undermined the UN sponsored efforts aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Speaking at a press conference in Lefkosia this morning, the presidential spokesman accused the Greek Cypriot administration of trying to extract concessions from Turkey by trying to promote its own unilateral solution to the problem.

Drawing the attention to the importance of President Talats visit to Brussels coinciding with the reports that Finland as EU term president is about to unveil a series of proposals on ending the stalemate on the Cyprus issue; Mr Ercakica said that the TRNC President will be telling the EU officials that it is their moral obligation to end the Turkish Cypriot Peoples international isolation; and their legal obligation to put into practice the EU Regulations for North Cyprus.

Stressing the fact that the current problems concerning the Cyprus issue stem from the non-solution of the problem, Mr Ercakica said that attempts to try resolving the problem within the context of the European Union, have dealt a serious blow to the UN sponsored solution efforts.

The spokesman said Mr Talat will be complaining to the EU officials during his contacts in Brussels that the Greek Cypriot administration has been manipulating and exploiting its EU membership against Turkish Cypriots.

Calling for an urgent solution to the Cyprus problem, Mr Ercakica warned that the non-solution of the problem is to blame for the deteriorating relations between the two communities of Cyprus.

[04] Serdar Denktas on the EU proposals

The leader of the Democrat Party Serdar Denktas has told a press conference this morning that it has become clear once again that the Turkish Cypriot People has not been consulted during the preparation of the proposals on the Cyprus issue drawn up by the Finnish presidency of the European Union.

The DP leader convened a press conference this morning in Lefkosia to explain his partys position with regard to the EU proposals and latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue.

Serdar Denktas drew the attention to the coincidence of the political developments here in the TRNC with the news that Finland as the EU term president was in the process of drawing up new proposals designed to break the deadlock over the Cyprus issue.

He said the collapse of the previous coalition government in the TRNC coincided with the news of the existence of a Finnish proposal for Cyprus, and said it was worth noting what he termed - the conflicting statements between the Turkish Foreign Minister Mr Gul and the chief Turkish negotiator with the EU Minister of State Mr Ali Babacan, concerning the EU proposals. It is clear and sad to realize the fact that the Turkish Cypriot People has not been consulted during the drafting or preparation of the Finnish proposals he said, adding that this provides sufficient justification for the Democrat Party to reject the proposals.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SES0 newspaper (11.10.06) writes that Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party (DP), has said that the Finnish proposals must immediately be rejected. Mr Denktas alleged: Even the discussion of the proposals of Finland weakens our argument for political equality. The return of Varosha destroys the approach of using this area for the overall solution.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (11.10.06) reports that Serdar Denktas said that the Finnish proposal must be rejected because of two reasons: Firstly, they have been prepared without taking into consideration and ignoring the views of the Turkish Cypriots and secondly, there is inconsistency in them.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily ORTAM newspaper (11.10.06) writes that Mr Serdar Denktas argued that in case the Finnish proposals are accepted, the solution proposed by President Papadopoulos through osmosis will come true.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHUR0YET newspaper (11.10.06) reports that Mr Serdar Denktas argued that in case the Finnish proposal is accepted a formula will be activated for the Greek Cypriots using sovereignty in the north of the island. The paper publishes Denktas statements under the title This is the time for defending our will and sovereignty.

[05] The leader of Turkeys DSP: The Finnish proposal means the end of Turkish sovereignty over TRNC

In a written statement the DSP leader indicated that Finland's proposal has not been discussed in a detailed manner by the press and public. Sezer warned against Cyprus becoming a victim of the busy agenda this time.

He said: "Finland's proposal is full of tricks: Maras (occupied fenced area of Famagusta) will be handed over to the UN; the port of Magosa (occupied Famagusta) will be opened to international trade under EU supervision; Turkey will open some ports to the Greek Cypriots... This proposal means the end of the Turkish sovereignty over the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) piece by piece, recognizing the Greek Cypriot state and denial of TRNC's existence".

Sezer also mentioned the latest government reshuffle in the occupied part of Cyprus, and said: "Now its aim and meaning is much more obvious to us".

"By the motto 'let TRNC decide', the AKP government is putting TRNC president Talat and the TRNC government under heavy pressure vis-à-vis EU officials. AKP cannot be absolved from responsibility by throwing the ball to TRNC's court," he added.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal occupation regime set up by the Turkish Republic through the force of arms of 40,000 Turkish troops).

[06] German parliamentary delegation is holding contacts in the occupied areas

After their meeting, Mr Avci said that the views of northern Cyprus must be taken into consideration for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Mr Schafer noted that they began visits in order to discuss the Finnish proposal, that they met with government and party officials from both parts of Cyprus and that their aim is to find a middle way.

The delegation met also with the columnist of KIBRIS Hasan Hasturer, who writes that all the members of the delegation have without hesitation accepted that accepting the Republic of Cyprus into the EU before the solution of the Cyprus problem was wrong.

(I/Ts.)

[07] The Turkish lira makes the control of inflation difficult in the occupied by Turkish troops territories of the Republic of Cyprus

The rate of inflation in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has reached 18 percent, exceeding all forecasts for this year.

A statement issued by the TRNC Ministry of Finance said the high rate of inflation is a reflection of the fact that the TRNC has little control over the Turkish Liras circulation.

Early predictions for this years inflation rate stood at 5 to 6 percent.

The Undersecretary for the Finance Ministry Zeren Mungan said in a statement today that the TRNCs massive foreign trade deficit is also, partly, to blame for the high rate of inflation.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (11.10.06) reports that from now on the budget of the TRNC will be planned for three years. The program of the new government provides for a budget for the period 2007-2009. According to Zeren Mungan, Turkey will grant to the occupied areas a financial aid which amounts 1.875 billions new Turkish liras.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime the Turkish Republic has set up and maintains in the territories of the Republic of Cyprus with 40,000 Turkish troops and illegal colonizers from Turkey).

[08] The mens and womens national Teams of Turkey in Handball will play with the TRNC national teams in the occupied areas of Cyprus

The chairman of the so-called Turkish Cypriot handball federation Zafer Can told the paper that the Turkish national teams are having some contacts with hotels in the occupied Famagusta area because they want to stay there and use Kocareis beach. Mr Can said also that there will be matches between the above-mentioned teams with the national teams of the TRNC.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Lipponen and Barroso stress that the Armenian genocide is not a precondition for Turkey

The Party of European Socialists (PES) group co-chairman, Finnish Parliament Speaker Paavo Lipponen said that he would meet the secretary general of the Socialist Party in France to discuss the bill (aims to criminalize denial of so-called Armenian genocide) which would be voted in the French parliament this week.

At a news conference in Ankara, Lipponen noted that they had concerns that if the draft law is approved in the French parliament, it will yield some unfavourable results in both EU and also Turkey.

Indicating that so-called Armenian genocide would not be a criterion or condition for Turkey in its EU accession process, Lipponen underlined that the relations between Turkey and Armenia must be normalized.

Replying to a question, Lipponen said that he would convey concerns regarding the matter to the secretary general of Socialist Party in France.

Stressing that PES supported Turkey's EU accession process, he noted that they did not consider "privileged partnership" for Turkey, but full membership.

"I'm sure that the Turkish government is resolved to keep fulfilling reforms. EU appreciates the progress in Turkey," Lipponen said.

Lipponen noted that the Turkish parliament would make a decision regarding the fate of Article 301 of Turkish Penal Code (TCK), stating that, however, they hoped that something would be made on this article.

In regard to the Cyprus issue, Lipponen noted that this matter could be solved under the UN.

Responding a question, Lipponen stated that Justice & Development Party (AKP) has become "a reform party", stressing that AKP achieved important success in Turkish economy.

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (10.10.06) broadcast that the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barrosso has warned the European Union not to raise new conditions for Turkey in its way to the EU membership.

Mr Barrossos remarks came after his meeting with the French Minister for European Affairs Catherine Colonna.

Touching upon the discussions in France over the Armenian Genocide, Mr Barrosso said it would be wrong to introduce new conditions for Turkey.

Expressing his concern over Turkeys EU membership process, Mr Barosso said he expects Turkey to put the Additional Protocol into practice.

For her part, the French Minister for European Affairs Catherine Colonna said that the Armenian genocide is not a condition for Turkey in its EU membership process, but said Turkey should face up to its past.

[10] Babacan: Turkey's EU membership could redefine the future of Europe

Indicating that Turkey will have mostly political difficulties in the EU accession process, State Minister and Chief Negotiator Ali Babacan said on Tuesday: "We have to be patient, act resolutely and defend Turkey's EU vision in front of difficulties".

Taking the floor at a symposium on "Strategic Prevision: 2003 World and Turkey in 100th Year of Turkish Republic", Babacan assessed Turkey's position as regards EU process.

He stated that it was impossible to regard Turkey's EU vocation separately from economy, domestic and foreign politics. "As a matter of fact, this process paved the way to extremely important developments in economy. Now, all actors in Turkish economy look at the future from a wider perspective" he added.

"Turkey approaches EU with strong dynamics and Turkey's membership must be regarded as a significant event which could redefine the future of Europe", Babacan noted.

Regarding the bill in the French Parliament which aims to criminalize the denial of the so-called Armenian genocide, Babacan said: "These kinds of attempts are extremely harmful in terms of understanding and respect to each other. These attempts take aim tolerance, dialogue and efforts of understanding and can make harm more than expected" .

"Turkey's EU membership will be the most important response to this intolerance that threatens the world. (However) There may be some negative opinions about Turkey, especially in some countries during election period. We have to be prepared to these" he added.

Meanwhile, Babacan had a meeting with The Party of European Socialists (PES) group co-chairman, Finnish Parliament Speaker Paavo Lipponen and an accompanying delegation. Turkey-EU relations were reported to be discussed at the meeting.

[11] Merkel will explain Turkey to Chirac

(DPs)

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