Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 06-12-14

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on the recent developments.

[02] Statements by Namik Tan on the Cyprus problem and the recent ECHR verdict during his weekly press conference.

[03] EP member, Cem Ozdemir, on the EU decision regarding Turkey.

[04] The Kyrguz government expresses its readiness to take steps for lifting the Turkish Cypriots isolation.

[05] Kofi Annan suggests in his report to the UN Security Council the removal of the so-called isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots.

[06] Ship under the Dutch flag has brought from Finland equipment for the electricity power plants in the occupied part of Cyprus.

[07] Akinci calls on the opening of the crossing point in Ledra Street area.

[08] Soyer alleges that the Greek Cypriots do not want the opening of more crossing points

[09] Bulutoglulari wants cultural cooperation with Austrian municipalities.

[10] Embargoed launched a petition supporting the direct flights between UK and occupied Cyprus.

[11] Tony Blair to pay a surprise visit to Turkey on 15 December.

[12] Turkish President calls for early elections; the Prime Minister refuses.

[13] Turkey and Israel agreed on transporting oil from Baku to Israel.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on the recent developments

Under the title I am worried, but not pessimistic, KIBRIS notes that Mr Talat argued that the solution became more difficult and added that the non-solution worries him more than anyone, but he is not pessimistic.

Mr Talat said: There is no danger of lack of policy, uncertainty, identity problem and erosion. The allegations on this issue are marginal. This is a period when our stance is very strong and we bear our identity with pride.

Mr Talat argued that the Turkish Cypriots are hopeless because of the delay in reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem and claimed that this hopelessness is due to the fact that they are sentimental.

Referring to the boycott by the opposition at the assembly, Talat said that he feels discomfort about this and the political situation in general. He added that he will undertake an initiative for dialogue.

Mr Talat said that the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas breaking out in open revolt in Turkey is not right. Interfering in Turkeys internal affairs, making strong criticism and saying that Turkey is selling Cyprus out is not appropriate, it is not ethical, he argued.

Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (14.12.06) refers to Talats statements under the title Talat: The EU decision is a punishment and reports that Mr Talat claimed that with this decision the demands of the Greek Cypriots have been turned into a precondition and Turkey is punished.

Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (14.12.06) refers to the same statements noting that Mr Talat argued that the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs have made a reference to the isolations of the Turkish Cypriots in order to halt the anger of the Turkish side.

Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (14.12.06) emphasizes that Mr Talat said that the Turkish Cypriots are the leading actors in the Cyprus problem. In other statements he made to Viener Zeitung newspaper, Mr Talat alleged that no one listens to the Turkish Cypriots in the EU and that they are not represented in the Union.

The paper writes that political observers consider these two statements are incompatible with each other. Mr Talat described as positive the fact that for the first time after Cyprus accession to the Union reference to the direct trade regulation is made in an EU document.

Turkish Cypriot daily OZGUR DUSUNCE newspaper (14.12.06) reports that Mr Talat stated that in the conditions of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem the Turkish Cypriots are turned into a toasted sandwich between Turkey and the Greek Cypriots. Talat said: We are living a period when we bear our identity in the most untroubled manner and with pride. We are respected in Turkey and the world. He said that there has never been a period better than this in the sense that they are governing themselves and taking their own decisions.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (14.12.06) reports that replying to questions in Turkey before addressing a meeting organized by the Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), Mr Talat said that Estonia has not applied for the opening of an office in the occupied areas of Cyprus and added that no other country has submitted such a demand.

Referring to information published in the press in this direction, he said: It seems like speculations. Asked to verify the information that Sweden had submitted a proposal on the issue of the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots during the meetings in the EU, Talat noted that not only Sweden, but other EU countries as well are ashamed of this issue and demand the lifting of the isolation.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Statements by Namik Tan on the Cyprus problem and the recent ECHR verdict during his weekly press conference

The health of a Turkish diplomat, who was injured in a Moscow stabbing last weekend, is in good condition, the Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan told a weekly press conference on Wednesday that Turkey considered the decisions made by EU General Affairs and Foreign Council unjust.

Mr Tan replied to the questions of reporters put to him about the recent developments in Turkey-EU relations.

"As we have explained for several times, it will not be possible for Turkey to make a unilateral step unless blockade on `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)´ is lifted within the framework of the commitments the EU has undertaken in EU Council resolution dated April 26th, 2004. We have explained that Turkey could only open its ports to Greek Cypriot ships (within the framework of the Customs Union) in case this condition is fulfilled. We thought this injustice of the EU members (against Turkey and the `TRNC`), although it was the the Greek Cypriot side which refused the Annan plan and deceived the EU, could only be compensated with the removal of the blockade on `TRNC´."

Tan recalled the January 24th action plan of Ankara to lift all restrictions and `isolation´ of the ports and airports simultaneously, and said that the initiative EU rotating president Finland launched in autumn was in line with this action plan.

Tan added: "However, this initiative of Finland failed to attain a result as Greek Cypriot party tried to connect Maras, (occupied Famagusta) (which is a part of a comprehensive solution), with the implementation of Additional Protocol." Tan reminded that an agreement was reached to launch a new initiative for a solution regarding the issue during the visit of Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen to Turkey on December 1st, however emphasized that no written suggestion was made to the related parties about the initiatives.

"Making unilateral steps have never been on our agenda," Tan said.

Tan noted : "We wish the EU to see the big picture in Turkish-EU relations."

Asked how Turkey-EU relations would progress from now on, Tan said, "we will continue to progress on our path. Relations with the EU will be carried out on an objective and fair basis. We don't accept the pressure and EU's bowing to the pressure, particularly stemming from the Greek Cypriots."

Replying to a question about solution of the Cyprus question, Tan said the problem should be resolved in the U.N., and noted that, "EU is not a right formula for a comprehensive solution."

Tan indicated that Turkey's stance as regards Cyprus problem has not changed and would not change, emphasizing that the problem should certainly be tackled in the U.N.

When reminded the news reports that European countries like Estonia and Sweden would develop relations with the `TRNC´, Tan said many countries took steps to develop relations with the `TRNC´.

Tan said Turkey would do its best to make the EU countries, including Estonia and Sweden, to improve relations with the `TRNC´ both economically and politically.

Asked if the draft direct trade regulations, which is expected to be assessed in January, was sufficient enough for removal of the `blockade´ on the `TRNC´, Tan said: "Postponement of this decision saddened us. If the EU has decided to take a step on this issue, this could be revealed in General Affairs Council decision."

Pointing out to the importance of the decision, Tan said, "if the removal of the blockade on the `TRNC´ is the essence, making such a step will be a positive step.

Although the EU seems firm a reluctance is in question that appeared with the pressures of the Greek Cypriots. We will wait and see. We will maintain our initiatives."

"Verdict of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) showed that the `Compensation Commission of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)´ met the required conditions of the Court regarding the case of Xenides-Arestis," Namik Tan, said on Wednesday.

In his weekly press conference, Tan noted: "The verdict (of ECHR) is very important and positive."

Tan recalled that the ECHR, in December 2005, had demanded that a domestic remedy in line with European standards which would respond to both Arestis's application and to similar applications, must be found; and suspended all similar applications from the Greek Cypriots till the finding of an international remedy.

"`TRNC Commission on Immovable Properties (set up by the TRNC Parliament on December 19th, 2005)´ met the standards demanded by the ECHR and started to examine the applications of the Greek Cypriots," he stated.

Tan underlined that the verdict of the ECHR showed that the `Immovable Property Commission met the required conditions and it could be a remedy.

He indicated that this meant that the verdicts to be made by `TRNC's commission´ from now on would be recognized by ECHR, adding that it was a very important achievement.

[03] EP member, Cem Ozdemir, on the EU decision regarding Turkey

Cem Ozdemir- a member of the European Parliament for the Greens has said that the EU Foreign Ministers decision on Turkey is `reasonable` as the Cyprus problem remains unsolved.

In a written statement, he said that the decision reduced the power of those who had been trying to present the Cyprus issue as an excuse for the suspension of talks with Turkey.

The Greens MP Cem Ozdemir expressed the view that the Councils latest decision also prevented the issue of Ankaras EU membership process to be used as a propaganda tool during next years elections in Turkey and France.

Mr Ozdemir said that the decision is `logical` in the light of the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unsolved and called on all the parties concerned to the Cyprus issue to work towards bringing about a solution to the problem.

He noted that it would be very appreciative for the `Greek Cypriot Administration´ to get ready for the lifting of the international `isolation´ of the `Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ and added that such a move will make it easier for Turkey to open its ports to the use of the `Greek Cypriot Administration´.

[04] The Kyrguz government expresses its readiness to take steps for lifting the Turkish Cypriots isolation

Aidarbek Kerimkulov- the Vice-President of the `TRNC´-Kyrgyzstan Friendship Group and a parliamentary deputy has stressed that his country is ready to take steps towards removing the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot People.

Mr Kerimkulov is in the `TRNC´ within the framework of the Kyrgyz Cultural Week.

As part of his contacts in the Republic, the Kyrgyz deputy paid visits to the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu and the Minister of National Education and Culture Canan Oztoprak.

Welcoming Mr Kerimkulov and his delegation, Mrs Ekenoglu stated that the `TRNC´ has been working on ways of improving relations with the world but complained that all such attempts have been hindered by the international isolation.

She said, although progressing slowly, the `TRNC´ government has been carrying out efforts towards removing all kinds of restrictions in the fields of culture, sports and arts, and expressed the belief that these sanctions will be lifted soon.

The Speaker of the Republics Assembly also expressed the `TRNCs´ willingness to strengthen its bilateral relations with Kyrgyzstan.

On her part, the so-called Minister of National Education and Culture Canan Oztoprak reminded that Kyrgyzstan was the first country with TRNC signed a protocol in the field of culture, apart from Turkey.

She noted that good relations between the `TRNC´ and Kyrgyzstan opened the way of establishing and improving bilateral ties with other countries as well.

The Vice-President of the `TRNC´-Kyrgyzstan Friendship Group and a parliamentary deputy Aidarbek Kerimkulov said on, for his part, that bilateral relations between the two countries have been improving, especially in the fields of arts and sports.

Expressing his governments support to the efforts being made by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus towards getting rid of isolations, he said that the Kyrgyz government is ready to contribute there efforts.

[05] Kofi Annan suggests in his report to the UN Security Council the removal of the so-called isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots

(MHY)

[06] Ship under the Dutch flag has brought from Finland equipment for the electricity power plants in the occupied part of Cyprus

The paper writes that the parts of the machines of the power plant, which had been brought to the occupied areas by the Canship International Transport, Tourism and Foreign Trade Company on a ship under Dutch flag named Rakel Nordicht, were taken to Teknecik power plant with forty TIRs.

Moreover, the Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot port workers company, Mr Altunay Fahri, commenting on the recent Finnish proposal regarding the occupied port of Famagusta, said: Our ports were anyway open to international traffic. He added that the only difficulty was that they could not export agricultural and dairy products to the European countries due to a decision taken by the European Union Court of Justice in 1994. Mr Fahri also said that ships from 33 countries among them - Netherlands, Norway, Greece, Belgium and Finland have docked to the occupied port of Famagusta, noting that the port is open and in operating condition for the international ships. Mr Fahri informed the paper that they had imported from the EU countries amounting to 258 million dollars and that they only exported goods of 17 million dollars. He concluded by saying that they could export from the occupied port of Famagusta to the EU countries in case the EU gives them the phytosanitary health certificate.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Akinci calls on the opening of the crossing point in Ledra Street area

Referring to the issue of the opening of the crossing point in the area of Ledra Street in Nicosia, Mr Akinci said that insisting on the bridge, which the breakaway regime has built, brings benefit to no one.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Soyer alleges that the Greek Cypriots do not want the opening of more crossing points

He argued that they had demolished the two walls at the same time and this surprised everybody. He alleged that the problem of President Papadopoulos is not the bridge in that area and added that the President of the Republic wants the border to return to the point it had been in 1963.

He said that he is tired of trying to prove that the Greek Cypriot side does want more crossing points to open and added that they are ready to discuss the opening of the crossing point in the area of Ledra Street and the demilitarization of Nicosia. He claimed that the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat has submitted this proposal in a very clear manner to the United Nations.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Bulutoglulari wants cultural cooperation with Austrian municipalities

According to a statement issued by the municipality, during the meeting they discussed the projects of the municipality and the possible activities which could be organized with Austria in the fields of culture and art.

The mayor, Cemal Bulutoglulari, said that they would be happy to organize joint activities with Austria or any Austrian municipality. According to the statement, Mrs Haget expressed her satisfaction for the wish for cultural cooperation and said that they will evaluate the proposal of Mr Bulutoglulari.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Embargoed launched a petition supporting the direct flights between UK and occupied Cyprus

The human rights group, Embargoed has launched a petition on the official 10 Downing Street website calling on the British Prime Minister Tony Blair to back the introduction of direct flights between London and `North Cyprus´.

Until now, more than 3-thousand British citizens added their names to the list launched on the 5th of December.

The list- set up by Altay Colak a member of EMBARGOED -is the ninth most popular petition posted on the website.

Mr Colak said the group believes that direct flights between the UK and `North Cyprus´ would contribute the efforts aimed at ending the `isolation´ of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The petition points to the fact that nearly 3 years have passed since the referendum in Cyprus during which the Turkish Cypriot People voted in favor of the UN brokered comprehensive settlement and that `North Cyprus´ remains isolated in spite of the commitments made by the United Nations and the European Union.

The campaign ends in April, 2007.

[11] Tony Blair to pay a surprise visit to Turkey on 15 December

(MHY)

[12] Turkish President calls for early elections; the Prime Minister refuses

(MHY)

[13] Turkey and Israel agreed on transporting oil from Baku to Israel

Turkey and Israel agreed on Wednesday on implementing the "energy corridor" project which will carry Baku´s oil to Israel via Ceyhan. The project also foresees the construction of pipelines to transport water and natural gas and an electricity power line between the two countries.

Turkish Minister of Energy Hilmi Guler met Israeli Minister of Infrastructures Binyamin Ben Eliezer today in Jerusalem.

The two ministers expressed their consensus on the immediate start of the project and they agreed on initiating private companies' preliminary feasibility study for preparation of the project.

Feasibility studies of the project are expected to last about six months. The project foresees the transfer of water, natural gas and crude oil through pipelines and electricity through power lines to Israel.

Oil will be transported to India, China, Japan and other Far East countries from Israel with oil tankers.

Turkey and Israel will later sign an agreement regarding the project.

/SK

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