Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-12-11

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] More on the conditional Turkish proposal for opening ports to the Greek Cypriot vessels.

[02] SABAH: Port offer was first made on the 1st of December.

[03] Turkeys conditional proposal and reactions by European and Turkish officials as well as by Talat and Soyer.

[04] The Turkish Prime Minister exchanged views with the Russian President Putin and the Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero.

[05] With conditions the Turkish Parliamentarian amendments allowing to Greek Cypriots to fish in the Turkish territorial waters.

[06] AKP Deputy admits that with Turkeys conditional proposal the aim of Ankara is the recognition of the breakaway regime.

[07] Mehmet Ali Talat sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

[08] Mehmet Ali Talat returned to occupied Cyprus after completing his contacts in the Netherlands and in Brussels.

[09] Turkey welcomes the ECHR verdict on the so-called Immovable Property Commission established in the occupied part of Cyprus.

[10] Statements on the ECHR judgment on the Arestis case.

[11] Threats against members of the Committee on the Missing Persons.

[12] The only candidate for the leadership of the UBP supports the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of confederation.

[13] The breakaway regime intents to bring international betting companies in the occupied areas in order to increase its income.

[14] Cultural activities about Kyrgyzstan are organized in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] Talat prefers the Commission not to take a decision.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] More on the conditional Turkish proposal for opening ports to the Greek Cypriot vessels

"It is saddening that our efforts to save future of the Turkish Cypriots and to prevent attempts aiming to disrupt Turkey's 50-year relations with the EU were overshadowed by disputes," the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Sunday.

Releasing a statement, the Ministry said, "we have going through a quite critical process regarding Turkey-the EU relations and the future of Turkish Cypriots. Our Ministry has been struggling with a great feeling of responsibility. In such a period, we regret those disputes in Turkey."

"It is saddening that our efforts to save future of the Turkish Cypriots and to prevent attempts aiming to disrupt Turkey's 50-year relations with the EU were overshadowed by disputes on who was informed and who was not. Protection of our national interests is of vital importance in this process. Such attempts to create a crisis among state institutions do not serve interests of our country," it said.

"Upon directives of the Foreign Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, relevant state institutions were informed on the process in the best way. Our Ministry and the General Staff are two significant institutions which traditionally cooperate with each other in issues concerning Turkey's security and national matters. This cooperation will be maintained on the basis of confidence by not allowing any misunderstandings," the Ministry added.

On the same issue, Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper (11.12.06) reports that the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, commenting on the argument going on between the state organs on the recent conditional Turkish Government proposal to his close circle, said: It will not be to the benefit of any one the atmosphere which is being tried to be created in Turkey that there are difference of views between the state organs. It only weakens our hand during the negotiations. We do not do something that is harmful of Turkeys sensitivities.

Referring to the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (11.12.06) points out that the self-styled minister of foreign affairs, Turgay Avci has made no statement on the issue. This, according to the paper, has been evaluated as great political deficiency by political circles. The paper notes that Turkeys proposal regarding the ports has been of no use in the EU. It points out that the draft decision, which Finland prepared on the issue of the future of Turkeys accession negotiations, is harder against Ankara. The paper reports also that the leader of the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), Deniz Baykal has reiterated that if the Greek Cypriot ships and airplanes enter into Turkey, this means that Ankara recognizes the Greek Cypriot state.

(MHY-I/Ts)

[02] SABAH: Port offer was first made on the 1st of December

Finland's Prime Minister Vanhanen was informed about Turkey's Cyprus move on December 1st and he kept this secret for six days.

On December 1st, Turkey's plan B was explained to EU term president Finland's Prime Minister Vanhanen. Vanhanen suggested to announce this as Finland's proposal. Ankara asked Vanhanen to discuss this plan within his government for 6 days without leaking it to the media and reveal it on December 7 on behalf of the Turkish government. Vanhanen kept this secret for 6 days without leaking it to the press.

In opposition to all claims, Turkey's Cyprus move which confused political and military circles in Ankara began not on December 7 before the COREPER meeting but on December 1st when the Finnish Prime Minister Vanhanen was visiting Ankara. The Prime Minister Erdogan personally informed Vanhanen during a meeting in Ankara that Turkey was ready to open a port and an airport to Greek Cypriots in return of opening Northern Cyprus Ercan (occupied Tymbou) Airport to international traffic. Erdogan then demanded Vanhanen to keep this offer as a secret until right before the COREPER meeting and reveal it on behalf of Turkish government on Thursday morning. On December 7, Finland sent a message to Turkey saying: `Everything is ready. We are ready to take action´. Concurrently, Ankara sent a crypto to London and informed them about the top secret operation. London had long been demanding strong actions from Ankara to defend Turkey in a better way in the EU.

[03] Turkeys conditional proposal and reactions by European and Turkish officials as well as by Talat and Soyer

The representatives of France, Greece, Germany, Holland, and Cyprus said that they do not want to discuss such a sensitive issue without having seen the proposals in writing. The issue is expected to be discussed on Monday during the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU.

The paper notes that the president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barrosso described the Turkish proposal as a step made in the right direction and said that the negotiations with Turkey should continue. The group of the Social Democrats at the European Parliament has also seen positively the proposals. Meanwhile, according to the paper, it is said that some documents which set forth the proposals that Turkey made are circulating under the table.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (09.12.06) reports that the draft decision of the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU has leaked to the press. The draft decision consists of seven paragraphs, adopts the recommendations of the Commission and approves the suspension of eight chapters of the negotiations with Turkey.

The Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ursula Plassnik, who has proposed that a break of at least one year should be given to Turkeys negotiations, put forth the formula of a Turkish European Community in stead of Turkeys full accession to the EU.

Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (09.12.06), under the title The proposal of Turkey has confused Europe, reports that the European countries have been divided into two.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (09.12.06) reports that the Turkish chief negotiator with the EU, Ali Babacan has said that the proposal of Turkey has been submitted to COREPER by Finland and that it is still being discussed. Mr Babacan made this statement responding to a question during a joint press conference in Vilnius with the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petras Vaitoekunas.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (09.12.06) reports that the self-styled Prime Minister Soyer said that the presidency and the government of the breakaway regime were informed about the proposals submitted by Turkey regarding the ports. Soyer noted that they have determined a common policy with Turkey on the issue of the mutual lifting of the restrictions. For months now we are expressing together this policy, he added. Soyer made this statement yesterday during a meeting with a delegation of the Chamber of Trade and Industry of Antalya. He said that officials from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs telephoned him and Mr Talat in order to inform them about every step they would make and exchange views with them.

Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (09.12.06) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat met yesterday in Brussels with Olli Rehn, the European Commissioner responsible for the Enlargement.

Commenting on Turkeys conditional proposal regarding the opening of one sea and one airport to Cyprus, Mr Talat said: Turkey has made the best and the most right proposal in order to be able to overcome the unfair obstacles put before it during its EU accession process. Turkeys proposal includes the lifting of the isolations on the TRNC, at least partly. In case this initiative finds the necessary response, the solution in Cyprus will be facilitated.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (09.12.06) reports that Mr Talat has expressed the position of the Turkish Cypriot side on the issue of the ports during his meeting with Mr Rehn. He said that if only Turkey opened its ports, this would be fatal for the economy of the Turkish Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[04] The Turkish Prime Minister exchanged views with the Russian President Putin and the Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has exchanged views with the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on Turkeys EU membership process during telephone conservations.

According to the Anatolian News Agency, both Mr Putin and Mr Erdogan reiterated the view that the platform for a solution to the Cyprus problem was the United Nations.

Mr Putin is also reported to have called the latest proposal by Ankara as a `good step` and underlined the importance Moscow attaches to Turkeys EU membership process for regional stability.

For his part, the Spanish Premier told Mr Erdogan that his country would continue to support Ankaras EU membership.

[05] With conditions the Turkish Parliamentarian amendments allowing to Greek Cypriots to fish in the Turkish territorial waters

Legislation that foresees amendments to the law currently banning foreigners from fishing or establishing fisheries in Turkish territorial waters has sparked a crisis in the Parliament.

The bill lifts the ban that has so far been applied in territorial waters, namely inland ports, inland waters and gulf waters. The amendments to current legislation, which would allow all foreigners, in particular those from the Greek Cypriot administration, Greece and European Union countries, to fish in Turkish waters, have raised concerns among deputies of both the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The two parties argued that the bill could lead to undesired consequences for Turkey. But representatives from the relevant ministry believe the bill will not bring problems. The final decision will be made in the coming weeks.

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry has drafted a bill that foresees amendments to Law No. 1380 on Fisheries. The bill appeared on the agenda as part of harmonization with legislation during the EU accession process. It also refers to the 2003 Accession Partnership in a section drafted with the EU's technical support.

Fisheries falls within one of the chapters that the European Commission last week recommended the bloc's leaders not to open, in a response to Ankara's failure to open its ports and airports to traffic from member Greek Cyprus.

Article 8 of the bill foresees amendments to Article 21 of Law No. 1380 on Fisheries, which stipulates: "Foreigners are not allowed to go into fish farms or inland waters or own fish farms under Article 8 of Law No. 476 on the Territorial Waters. However, foreigners referred to under paragraph 7 of Article 3 and foreigners engaged in preliminary studies and research in the field of fisheries under Article 14 are exempt from the provision therein with the permission from the Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Ministry."

The bill raised in Parliament foresees amendments to Article 21 on the lifting of the ban as follows: "Foreigners' access to territorial waters specified under Article 1 of Law No. 2674 for commercial fishing purposes or to inland waters specified under Article 4 on condition of the principle of reciprocity is subjected to the approval of the ministry."

Article 1 of Law No. 2674 brings a definition to the territorial waters and foresees amendments to the provision that says Turkish territorial waters belong to Turkey and the width of Turkish territorial waters is measured at six miles. Article 4 of the same law stipulates: "The waters within Turkish territory are Turkish inland waters. Permanent marine facilities are considered part of the territory."

Thus, under the current bill foreigners will be able to fish in inland waters and port waters upon the approval of the relevant ministry.

The bill will be discussed at the Parliament's Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Commission -- a high commission. It is already being discussed at sub-commissions -- namely the justice, environment and EU harmonization commissions. The EU Harmonization Commission was where the bill sparked an outburst from lawmakers. During the debate, commission members from both the AKP and CHP strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it would spell "giving Greek Cyprus the upper hand at a time when opening of Turkish ports to the Greek Cypriot traffic was on agenda." Istanbul AKP deputy Inci Ozdemir said: "Along Turkey's EU membership process, Greek Cyprus is always bringing the ports issue onto the agenda. I don't find these kinds of legislative arrangements right. There is pressure from the EU side over the ports issue. We should not give to the Greek Cyprus the upper hand -- this particular arrangement may be used against Turkey. We can make this arrangement after Turkey eventually enters the EU. We should not leave doors open to Greek Cypriots."

While AKP's Karabuk deputy Mehmet Ceylan expressed concerns over the bill, another AKP legislator, deputy head of the commission Ali Riza Alaboyun said: "Certain things we have done with good intentions have ended up shooting us in the foot. This kind of legislation may lead to troubles for us." CHP Istanbul deputy Algan Hacaloglu questioned the target of the bill: "Does allowing foreigners to fish in Turkish territorial waters aim at improving our fisheries? I can't figure out why there is need for such an arrangement. ... With this, a ban is being lifted provided the necessary permission is taken. However, allowing foreigners to fish in Turkish territorial waters should be arranged within the framework of international agreements."

Deputy Undersecretary of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry Nihat Pakdil, who also attended the commission debate, sounded confident when he said that the ministry was "unconcerned" over the bill's consequences. "The bill is arranged in line with EU acquis communautaire and we don't have any concerns. This issue is being arranged via bilateral agreements between the countries. When we become an EU member, if need is felt, an agreement can be struck with the relevant country," Pakdil noted.

Following the debate at the EU Harmonization Commission, AKP deputies submitted a motion and proposed removing "the principle of reciprocity" from the article lifting the fishing ban, while the CHP's Hacaloglu submitted a motion for completely removing the same article. Nevertheless, deputy commission head Alaboyun said that at least seven commission members should be present in order to approve or disapprove any motions. Thus, no voting took place. The motions will be included in the commission's report and will be taken into consideration when the report is discussed at the Parliament's Agriculture and Rural Affairs Commission, said Alaboyun.

Eventually, the EU Harmonization Commission reflected the commission members' concerns in the report by adding a reservation which said noted that the article lifting the fishing ban might be used against Turkey by Greek Cyprus. The commission also urged the high commission to review the article. "What was most striking for us within the bill on fisheries was Article 8. When this bill goes into effect, individuals from Greek Cyprus or Greek Cypriot-flagged ships may enter Turkish territorial waters requesting fishing rights. Greek Cyprus may use this as a tool to strengthen its position on the ports issue. This is very likely to land us in trouble. That's why we added the reservation in the report we will send to the Parliament's Agriculture and Rural Affairs Commission, the high commission that will eventually make the related arrangement," Alaboyun told ro the Turkish Daily News.

Parliament's Environment Commission, which tackles the bill as a sub-commission has not yet raised a negative opinion over the relevant article. The commission dealt with the parts of the bill that concern the environment but avoided making comments over the other parts that concern the lifting of the ban on fishing. A report drafted by the commission has not referred to the issue. The bill will soon be tackled by another sub-commission -- the Justice Commission.

Vahit Kirisci, head of the agriculture commission, told the TDN that they were awaiting the report drafted by the EU Harmonization Commission. "I cannot say anything concerning the content of the bill before seeing the report. We'll examine the bill and express our views after we get the report," he said.

The commission will very soon discuss the bill and have a final say over the article in question. In addition to the Agriculture Ministry, the Foreign Ministry is also expected to express views on the bill.

[06] AKP Deputy admits that with Turkeys conditional proposal the aim of Ankara is the recognition of the breakaway regime

Addressing a meeting of his party in Giresun, Mr Canikli noted that the EU has some demands on the issue of Turkeys opening its ports to the Greek Cypriot side during Ankaras accession process.

Noting that very important work has been conducted on this issue, he said:

Very well, what are we doing? We shall open the ports to the ships and the airplanes of the Greek Cypriots, which will be tantamount to recognising the South Greek Cypriot sector, but in return for this we will ask for the opening of the `Ercan´ (occupied Tymbou) airport and the Famagusta port, which will be tantamount to recognizing the `TRNC´. This is an extremely rational policy for the recognition of the `TRNC´. At the first glance, our proposal seems an equal give and take. We give 50 % and they give 50 %. That is, they put two and take other two. Actually, the situation is not like this. The South Greek Cypriot Sector is a state recognised by all the states of the world and the EU. Furthermore, it is one of the 25 members of the EU. The `TRNC´, however, is not a state recognised in all the states of the world and the EU. The conditions here are not equal, but they are in our favour. Here we are aiming to take ten while we are proposing twoThis is the meaning of the offensive made here. For this reason the South Greek Cypriot sector is over reacting.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Mehmet Ali Talat sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan

Mehmet Ali Talat has called on the international community to launch a new initiative towards bringing about a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Talats call came in a letter to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan dated the 29th of November, which circulated as a UN document.

In his letter, Mr Talat reiterated the Turkish Cypriot Sides readiness to do its utmost to help bring about a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (11.12.06) under the title Put an end to Tassos vandalism, reports that in the letter, which the Turkish Cypriot leader, sent to the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan on 29 November 2006, Mehmet Ali Talat drew attention to the fact that the situation regarding racism and nationalism deteriorates in the free areas of Cyprus and referred to the worries of the Turkish Cypriots on the issue. In the letter, which has been published as a UN document, Mr Talat points out to the racist movements in the Greek Cypriot side and said that the bad attitude shown towards the Turkish Cypriots who cross over to the free areas of the Republic is causing concern. Mr Talat alleged that the situation is a result of the policy of the Greek Cypriot leadership which wishes to take the island under its sovereignty. He argued that racism, hostility to the foreigners, nationalism and phobia towards Islam increase in the free areas and alleged that the main reason for this is the policy of the government.

(I/Ts)

[08] Mehmet Ali Talat returned to occupied Cyprus after completing his contacts in the Netherlands and in Brussels

Mr Mehmet Ali Talat met with the Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot in the Netherlands and the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn in Brussels.

Speaking at `Ercan´ (occupied Tymbou) Airport this morning, Mr Talat said the meetings which coincided with proposals by Turkey were very useful.

Pointing to the importance of his meeting with Mr Bot, President Talat reminded that Mr Bot wanted to meet with him during his visit to Cyprus but that the meeting was prevented by the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Noting that the meeting in the Netherlands between him and the Dutch Foreign Minister took place with Mr Bots invitation, the President said that it was in a way a response to the Greek Cypriot Sides attitude.

Mr Talat said that the deadlock in Turkeys EU membership process was top of the agenda at the meeting.

Referring to his meeting with the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn, Mr Talat said he briefed Mr Rehn on the process started with the UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambaris visit to Cyprus in July.

He also said he asked Mr Rehn to interfere with the Greek Cypriot Sides efforts aimed at delaying the process.

Noting that he had contacts with the foreign media, Mr Talat said the European Union and the member states are now aware of the reasons behind the Cyprus problem and the ongoing international isolations on the Turkish Cypriot People.

Referring to Turkeys recent proposal on the opening of its ports in return for the partial lifting of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot People, President Talat said if the proposal is welcomed by the EU the Greek Cypriot Side will not have much to do within the bloc.

[09] Turkey welcomes the ECHR verdict on the so-called Immovable Property Commission established in the occupied part of Cyprus

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday that verdict of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) -- that the Immovable Property Commission of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) met the required conditions in the case of Xenides-Arestis -- was important for similar applications.

The verdict constituted an important phase of the process which the ECHR foresaw for the resolution of property claims, according to the written statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement recalled that ECHR in December 2005 had demanded formation of a by-law remedy in line with European standards which would respond to both Arestis' application and to similar applications and suspended all similar applications from the Greek Cypriot party till the creation of international remedy.

The statement said that the TRNC Commission on Immovable Properties (TMK) (adopted by the TRNC Parliament on December 19th, 2005) met the mentioned expectations (the standards demanded by the ECHR) and started to examine and decide for the applications made by the Greek Cypriots.

The statement added that the ECHR decision made on December 7th, 2006 said that the work carried out by the TMK met the expectations and proved it may be a remedy.

The statement said: "this decision of the ECHR is important not only for the Xenides-Arestis application but at the same time for other similar applications and forms an important phase of the process which the ECHR envisages for the solution of property claims."

[10] Statements on the ECHR judgment on the Arestis case

The President of the Turkish Cypriot Human Rights Foundation Emine Erk has called the European Court of Human Rights judgment on the Arestis case as a `very positive development`.

Speaking to the BRT newsroom, Mrs Erk said that the Courts ruling is not a solution to the property issue in itself, but an important step towards progress on the issue.

The President of the Turkish Cypriot Human Rights Foundation Emine Erk talked to the BRT English newsroom today on her return from Brussels where she - together with an accompanying delegation - held a series of contacts with EU officials and representatives of NGOs to draw their attention to the continuation of the unjust international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people is.

Explaining that the delegation explained how unjust the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people is, Mrs Erk said the aim of the trip was to establish contacts and give the right messages to the people directly involved with the Cyprus issue.

Referring to the European Court of Human Rights judgment on the Arestis case as a `very positive development, Mrs Erk said that the ECHRs decision on the case gave credit to the Turkish Cypriot Sides efforts towards setting up a local system for remedy.

She acknowledged the fact that the property issue is a component part of the Cyprus problem and it can only be solved as part of a comprehensive settlement.

But she added that people cannot be prevented from trying legal methods in order to find a remedy to their cases.

Mrs Erk said that individual cases cannot resolve the property issue but shed light on the reality and help finding the right direction towards bringing a solution to the problem.

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television broadcast (08.12.069 that another comment on the ECHRs ruling on the Aristis Case came from the Republican Turkish Party- United Forces (CTP-BG) which said that the Courts judgment proved the rightfulness of the partys policy.

In a written statement issued on Friday, it said that the ECHRs decision to approve the Property Compensation Commission as a `local remedy` for the property claims by Greek Cypriots, is the result of the policies being pursued by the CTP-BG on the property issue.

Stressing that the property issue should be taken as part of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, the statement from the CTP-BG says the Courts decision will help lifting the heavy responsibility on both the Turkish Cypriot Side and Turkey regarding the issue of property and land.

The Party says the verdict gave the message to the Greek Cypriot Side to return to the negotiations table to bring about a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

In its statement, the party expresses the hope that the decision on the Arestis case will help the Greek Cypriot Administration realize the fact that leaving the Cyprus problem unsolved is a loss for both sides on the island. The party reiterates the Turkish Cypriot Sides readiness to restart negotiations aimed at providing a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem.

On the other hand, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (11.12.06) reports that the lecturer at the law faculty of the illegal Eastern Mediterranean University, Dr. Hacer Soycan Adaoglu said that the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on the Greek Cypriot refugee Myra Xenides Aresti case is positive from the point of view that the Property Compensation Commission established by the breakaway regime is accepted as domestic remedy. Dr. Adaoglu noted, though, that it is not clear whether or not the commission is regarded domestic remedy for the return of property. Dr. Adaoglu alleged the following on the issue of the Commission being able to examine all the applications: The Arestis case was not related to the return of property. Arestis demanded not the return of her property, but compensations regarding the violation of the right of not being able to use the property and benefiting from it. The ECHR says that the Commission has in principles established a mechanism which fulfils the requirements provided for by the court. As it is known, however, the return of property has very much been limited and in some cases it has been suspended for the period after the solution, in spite of the fact that the Property Compensation Commission provides for the compensation, exchange and return of property. We do not know yet whether or not the Commission will be recognised as domestic remedy in cases which include the return of property. We shall wait and see.

Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (09.12.06) reports that the leader of the Democratic Party (DP), Serdar Denktas has stated that the recent developments inside and outside the country are not pleasant at all. Those who govern Turkey have made a concession, he argued and alleged that they will not stop only at opening one port and that other steps will follow. Speaking yesterday during a meeting with the Black Sea Cultural Association, Mr Denktas said that some persons in the government of Turkey have made a proposal, that neither the parliament nor the army or even some members of the government were informed about this proposal and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a clear statement on the matter. Mr Denktas said that he was surprised by Mr Talats statement that the Turkish Cypriots support the Turkish proposal. Mr Denktas criticized the fact that Turkey has been sentenced by the European Court of Human Rights to pay compensation to the Greek Cypriot refugee Myra Xenides - Aresti.

Turkish Cypriot daily ORTAM newspaper (09.12.06) comments on the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the Greek Cypriot refugee Myra Xenides - Aresti case under the title How much will be paid to the rest 1400? The paper writes that some circles in the Turkish side try to make the Turkish Cypriot community believe that the decision of the court is a great success for it. While the attention is drawn to the fact that the Property Compensation Commission is regarded as domestic remedy, the sum of the compensation that should be paid to the rest 1400 Greek Cypriots is ignored, reports the paper pointing out that the reality that the above-mentioned properties will continue to belong to the Greek Cypriots even after the compensation is paid is not told to the Turkish Cypriots. KIBRIS reports that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) has issued a statement arguing that the decision of the ECHR on the Arestis case shows that their policy is right and the laws they made are very appropriate. The paper reports also that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the decision and argued that it constitutes an important stage of the procedure of the solution of the property cases by the ECHR.

(I/Ts)

[11] Threats against members of the Committee on the Missing Persons

The night before yesterday a proclamation was distributed in occupied Chatoz village signed by the Turkish Revenge Brigade.

The proclamation, which was thrown under the doors, accuses those who determined the massive grave at Chatoz of being traitors of the country and threatens them with death.

The paper reports that an underground organization named Turkish Revenge Brigade got active in the 1990s, but it is not known whether or not it has any relation with the organization which appeared lately.

Those who are accused for treason are some peasants who helped the Commission to find the grave. It is alleged that the names of those who are mixed up in the crimes have been leaked to the Greek Cypriots.

It is the time for becoming a single fist against those among you who are as few as the fingers of a hand. These traitors will get in line, whatever their name, surname and position are, says the proclamation.

(I/Ts.)

[12] The only candidate for the leadership of the UBP supports the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of confederation

Mr Ertugruloglu criticized the way of the protest by the UBP and the Democratic Party which protested against the government with whistles in the assembly. He noted that the institutions of the state should not be shadowed. We are not in college, we are in the assembly, he said.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, he reiterated his view that the way towards the united Cyprus passes through the acceptance of the TRNC. If we are going to create a new partnership, this must be in the type of confederation, and one international personality which two states will create after coming together, he argued.

He noted that the Annan Plan has never been a basis for solution for him and expressed the opinion that the yes vote of the Turkish Cypriots has now changed. Referring to Mr Talat he said that he is a strange person at that post and said that Mr Talat is president but not a leader.

(I/Ts.)

[13] The breakaway regime intents to bring international betting companies in the occupied areas in order to increase its income

Mine Yucel, director of the company, announced that the income from the night clubs is estimated to be 3,5 trillion liras for six months, whereas the income from the casinos is not definitely known. The average monthly income of the night clubs is estimated to be 200 billion Turkish liras.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (11.12.06) reports that Ontac Duzgun, advisor at the self-styled prime ministers office, has stated that closing up the bet offices would not be sensible and that in case they did this the bets would be played illegally at the clubs, the cafes and the schools. He noted: Last year the state got an income of seven trillion Turkish liras from the bet offices. The income which is expected form the bet offices in 2007 is eleven trillion liras. We have launched a legal work for opening bet centres completely for the foreigners in the TRNC.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (11.12.06) refers to the issue under the title They are bringing international betting companies into the TRNC and reports that there are totally 105 bet offices in the occupied areas of Cyprus and four bet offices are offering gambling through the Internet. The CTP-ORP government, which supports the prostitution, has launched a legal work regarding bringing international gambling companies as well to the TRNC, notes the paper. ORTAM refers to the issue under the title Everything for money!

(I/Ts.)

[14] Cultural activities about Kyrgyzstan are organized in the occupied areas of Cyprus

According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the activities, which will be organized within the framework of a cooperation protocol signed with the Ministry of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic, will begin on Monday and last until 13 December.

(I/Ts.)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[15] Talat prefers the Commission not to take a decision

(I/TS)

/SK

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