Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-10-12

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat evaluates his contacts in Brussels to NTV.

[02] Ali Babacan hopes for a partial or interim solution to the Cyprus problem.

[03] Namik Tan: No change in Turkeys approach towards the Customs Union Additional Protocol.

[04] EU Ambassadors to Cyprus visited the EU Support office in the occupied by Turkish troops territories of the Republic of Cyprus.

[05] Reply by Namik Tan to George Koumoutsakos´ statement on a possible train crash in Turkeys EU course.

[06] The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry and the Russian chamber of Industry have agreed to promote joint ventures.

[07] Angolemli on the Finnish proposals.

[08] The Illegal universities hope to benefit from the EU in order to solve their problems and be recognized.

[09] German monks and nuns visit Yonluer.

[10] The Democratic Party of Serdar Denktas withdraws its appeal against the new government.

[11] Turkish Grand Prix organizers have appealed against the F1 fine for breaking FIA rules and regulations

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat evaluates his contacts in Brussels to NTV

Evaluating his contacts to Turkish NTV television, Mr Talat said that he expressed their reservations regarding Finlands proposals and demanded the removal of the article regarding the supervision of Famagusta port by the EU and the addition of an article that would give the possibility for direct flights from Ercan airport (Tr. Note: illegal Tymbou airport).

Mr Talat alleged that in spite of all these, he approaches positively the proposal and expressed his belief that even at the last moment the EU will find a formula to prevent the train crash at the negotiations with Turkey. He argued that expecting concessions from the Turkish side in order to lift the isolations on the Turkish Cypriots is not logical.

Mr Talat met yesterday with Javier Solana, High Commissioner Responsible for the Common Foreign Policy and Security, the Deputy Chairman of the European Commission, Gunter Verheugen, representatives of some political groups in the European Parliament (EP) and members of the EP. The paper writes that Mr Talat will leave for Istanbul today.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ali Babacan hopes for a partial or interim solution to the Cyprus problem

"Developments in France have demoralized us. France's attitude will incite anti-European Union stance in Turkey," said Turkish State Minister and EU chief negotiator Ali Babacan on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in the Spanish capital of Madrid, Babacan said: "When we are working for freedom of expression, France has launched an initiative against the Copenhagen criteria. This will raise concerns over the EU."

Babacan underlined the importance of continuation of reforms on the road to EU membership, and stressed that Turkey is an important country to make the EU much stronger and a global force in the future.

Recalling that the screening process will be completed successfully on Friday, Babacan said that then, de facto negotiations will be launched. But, he said that the negotiation process will be challenging since it will require consent of 27 member states (after Bulgaria and Romania become full members as of the beginning of 2007).

"We have strong relations with EU capitals. If the full membership negotiation process was only a technical process, we would complete it within three or four years. However, it is mainly a political process. Therefore, we will work hard. I met chief negotiators of EU member states, and what I have seen is that 80 percent of negotiations will be held in Turkey, 10 percent in Brussels and the rest 10 percent in EU capitals," he pointed out.

On the Cyprus problem, Babacan expressed hope that partial or an interim solution will be found to Cyprus problem.

Babacan said that there should not be any "train crash" between Turkey and the EU just because of Cyprus.

"Putting Cyprus (as a precondition) before Turkey is not fair because the Cyprus process should be independent from our negotiation process," he noted.

Babacan underscored that Turkey is against unilateral settlement in Cyprus.

On the other hand, Babacan said that the IMF delegation, headed by Turkey Mission Chief Lorenzo Giorgianni, is expected to complete its talks in Turkey till the Feast of Ramadan. "But maybe their talks in Turkey will be extended, and continue after the feast," he added.

On the banking sector, Babacan said that state banks will continue to be restructured and privatized. "Halkbank will be the biggest privatization of 2007," he added.

On Mr Babacan´s statements in Madird illegal Bayrak television (11.10.06) broadcast that Mr Ali Babacan has expressed the belief that efforts towards bringing about a solution to the Cyprus problem will gain momentum by Decembers EU Summit.

He said that `a partial or temporary solution` could be brought to the Cyprus problem until a comprehensive and lasting solution is found to the problem.

Speaking to reporters he said that Turkey maintained its basic position towards the Cyprus issue and expressed the hope that a `partial or temporary` solution will be brought to the problem.

Referring to the EU Finnish Presidencys proposals on Cyprus, he said that different ideas were being discussed as part of the Finnish proposals but added that these cannot be called as a full package yet.

Stressing that Turkey should not face a `train crash` in its EU membership process just because of the Cyprus problem, he warned that such a development will harm the project of creating a union within Europe, turning the Block into an exclusive club.

Accusing the European Union of adopting an `unjust` attitude towards the Cyprus issue, he said the Cyprus problem and Turkeys EU membership process should be kept separate.

Expressing the belief that efforts towards bringing about a solution to the Cyprus problem will gain momentum by the EU Summit in December, he said `a partial or temporary solution` could be brought to the Cyprus problem until a comprehensive solution is found .

He said that Turkeys Action Plan on Cyprus which he said could provide a `temporary` solution on the island - could be discussed within the European Union.

Noting that Spain was in support of Turkeys efforts on the Cyprus issue, Mr Babacan expressed Ankaras opposition to a unilateral solution on the island.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (12.10.06) describes Mr Babacans statements as another contradictory statement by Babacan and wonders what the partial and transitional solution is. It argues that these statements continue to cause concerns in the occupied areas of Cyprus and adds that they give the impression that Turkey has abandoned the opinion for reaching a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, which it was supporting until now, and began to focus its energy on the solution in parts.

(I.Ts)

[03] Namik Tan: No change in Turkeys approach towards the Customs Union Additional Protocol

The Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Namik Tan has stressed that there is no change in his countrys approach towards the Customs Union Additional Protocol.

Pointing out that the European Union has obligations toward Turkey, he reiterated that it is out of the question for Ankara to open its sea and airports to the Greek Cypriot Side before the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people is lifted, as earlier promised by the EU.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, the spokesman reminded that it was the European Union which started the work towards getting the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people lifted.

`The Union, itself, had undertaken this responsibility. The lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is fundamental` he said, noting that Ankara will not take any steps towards meeting the EUs expectations before Brussels fulfills its obligations.

Asked to comment on the Greek Foreign Ministry Spokesman George Koumoutsakos´, words that Turkeys EU negotiations process will not derail if Ankara follows the rails, Mr Tan said `I was amazed at the statement as Greece is specialized in the field of air crashes, and not train crashes. So my advise for them would be to pay their attention to this issue`.

Responding to another question, he said that a visit to Greece by Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is in agenda but added that a date is yet to be set for the visit.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (12.10.06) reports that the German of Turkish origin member of the EP, Cem Ozdemir, who met with Talat yesterday, said that the Cyprus problem is a key problem in the relations between Turkey and the EU. He noted that those who want Turkey to join the EU are searching for a solution in the crisis with the ports and that those who want to stop Turkey use the Ankara Protocol.

(I.Ts)

[04] EU Ambassadors to Cyprus visited the EU Support office in the occupied by Turkish troops territories of the Republic of Cyprus

The European Union Program Support Office which has been operating in the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ since the beginning of September, hosted the Ambassadors from EU member countries at a meeting this afternoon.

Ambassadors from the 25 EU member states were present at the meeting which was also attended by the EU Cyprus Representative- Greek Cypriot Themistocleous.

The meeting took place at the EU Support Office in (occupied) Lefkosia.

During the meeting, the Ambassadors were informed on the works of the Office which has been functioning since the beginning of September.

The office will coordinate the financial aid which is to be provided for the Turkish Cypriot people as part of the Financial Assistance Regulation prepared by the European Commission to help improve the Turkish Cypriot economy.

(Tr. Note: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the illegal regime the Turkish Republic has set yup and maintains through the force of arms of 40,000 fully equipped Turkish troops in the northern occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus).

[05] Reply by Namik Tan to George Koumoutsakos´ statement on a possible train crash in Turkeys EU course

"I am amazed by the recent comments made by Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos," Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan said today. [The Greek spokesman said a "train accident" is possible between Turkey and the EU]

In a weekly press briefing, Tan reminded: "Koumoutsakos said that Turkey will not get de-railed if it follows the tracks. Mr Koumoutsakos´ words include ones that require certain expertise."

"I am amazed by Koumoutsakos´s comments. Greece's expertise is on plane accidents. I advise them to be involved with them instead of train accidents," stressed Tan.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's upcoming trip to Athens is still on the agenda, according to Tan. "However, no certain date has been set for Gul's visit yet," Tan said.

[06] The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry and the Russian chamber of Industry have agreed to promote joint ventures

A joint-delegation from the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry and the Union of Tourism and Travel Agencies is having contacts in the Russian capital Moscow.

According to a statement issued by the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry, the delegation attended the meeting of the Russian Chamber of Trade and Industry yesterday and met with the chambers Vice-President Georgi Petrov and the Board of Directors.

At the meeting, the delegations from the two `countries´ have agreed to promote joint ventures and investment, and discussed ways to improve bilateral relations.

[07] Angolemli on the Finnish proposals

Commenting on Mr Talats statement that the Turkish Cypriots will not accept being the appetizer of Turkeys EU accession course, Mr Angolemli wondered what Mr Talat is doing in Brussels if he does not want to be an appetizer. He noted that the Cyprus problem is taken up not from the point of view of the needs of the Turkish Cypriots, but when this is needed within the framework of the relations of Turkey with the EU.

He argued that the contacts are taking place only between Ankara, Athens and the Greek Cypriot leadership and thus the Turkish Cypriots are ignored. He said that the Turkish Cypriots should become a side in the Cyprus problem and suggested the establishment of a council with the participation of all the political parties and civilian organizations, aim at achieving this.

(I/Ts)

[08] The Illegal universities hope to benefit from the EU in order to solve their problems and be recognized

According to Mustafa Ilkan, member of the Planning, Supervising, Accreditation and Coordination Council of Higher Education (YODAK), only 730 students from Turkey preferred the universities of the occupied areas of Cyprus in the first supplementary distribution.

He said that they do not expect many more students in the second distribution and that the solution to their problem is the increase of the quality of the universities. He noted that the universities will be saved in case they are included in the EU education system and that the Bologna process is absolutely necessary for the universities.

He added that coming to a position to be able to benefit from the free credit system in the EU is important. Mr Ilkan pointed out that soon the Eastern Mediterranean University will enter under the supervision of EU delegations and stressed that this is important, noting that the non-recognized TRNC might have recognized universities.

(I/Ts.)

[09] German monks and nuns visit Yonluer

According to a statement by the advisor at the religious affairs department, Ahmet Akbulut, the German monks and nuns visited the occupied areas of Cyprus for tourist purposes and were informed about the religious life in the occupied part of the island.

(I/Ts.)

[10] The Democratic Party of Serdar Denktas withdraws its appeal against the new government

The Democratic Party has announced it is withdrawing the legal case it filed with the `High Administrative Court´ against the `Republic Assembly´ seeking injunction over the way the cabinet list of the new coalition government was presented to the parliament.

The partys attorney Omer Adal told the press that although the case has been withdrawn, the Democrat Party still considers the new coalition government as lacking legality after having violated the constitution.

The deputy prosecutor general Mujgan Irgat who represents the `TRNC´ Parliament said it was already wrong for the case to be brought to the `High Administrative Court´ as it is not an administrative subject.

The case was taken up yesterday morning at the presence of the High Court judge Necmettin Bostanci.

Speaking after the 45 minute discussion, the Democrat Partys attorney said that considering the fact that the new government has already won a vote of confidence, the right timing to do would be to withdraw the case, despite the fact that the DP considers the new government illegal.

He said the party would be filing new cases against the new government in the coming days, to press for injunction orders.

[11] Turkish Grand Prix organizers have appealed against the F1 fine for breaking FIA rules and regulations

Turkish Grand Prix organizers have appealed against a record $5 million fine handed down last month after a podium controversy at the race in August, Formula One´s governing body said.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement on Monday the appeal hearing would be held at its International Court of Appeal in Paris on November 7, with a decision expected the following day.

The furor erupted after `President´ Mehmet Ali Talat presented the winner´s trophy to Ferrari´s Felipe Massa at the race in Istanbul and was introduced to million of viewers around the world as the `President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´.

The FIA´s World Motor Sport Council found the National Sporting Authority of Turkey (TOSFED) and the organizers of the Turkish Grand Prix (MSO) guilty of breaking FIA statutes, the international sporting code and Formula One regulations and imposed the fine jointly.

However, the race remained on next years calendar. Turkey is also hosting a round of the world rally championship this weekend.

/SK

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