Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-02-02

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Hurriyet hightlights how Turkey´s gunboat diplomacy in the Mediterranean was leaked to the press by high ranking military in active duty

[02] How the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot press cover the reports about the sending of war ships to the open sea of Cyprus

[03] Soyer announces the de-facto and de-jure population of the occupied areas of Cyprus

[04] Statements by Talat in Turkey

[05] Statements by Pertev on the Direct Trade Regulation

[06] The special session of the assembly on the Cyprus problem is postponed

[07] An International Environment Congress to be held in the occupied areas

[08] UNFICYP officials says the UN is always ready to help for progress on the issue of the opening of Ledra Street area crossing point

[09] Ertugruloglu, says that the results of the recent public opinion polls were not a surprise; Opposition parties continue their protests

[10] Debate in Turkey over whether the murder of Hrank Dink was committed with the knowledge of police

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[11] Columnist is critical of the illegal regime

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Hurriyet hightlights how Turkey´s gunboat diplomacy in the Mediterranean was leaked to the press by high ranking military in active duty

The NTV carried a report which said that there were [Turkish] warships in the Mediterranean at 10:45 [ 0845 GMT].

The report came as a bombshell in Ankara because Greek Cypriots had concluded an oil exploration agreement with Lebanon. Thus, they would be able to explore for oil in Eastern Mediterranean which meant that Greek Cypriots could produce oil on the territorial waters of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus which is a very sensitive area for Turkey.

Turkey issued a strongly-worded diplomatic note and stated that it would not permit exploration for oil in that area.

The report that Turkish warships were sailing in the Mediterranean was perceived as an indication of "winds of war" in light of the present situation.

News channels were in a state of shock for a while. A video was received from Ankara as newscasters and staff at the headquarters of television stations were rushing around. Chief of the General Staff General Yasar Buyukanit was visiting Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul. People became even more anxious as the visit had coincided with the report that there were warships in the Mediterranean and tension heightened.

People at Ankara bureaus of newspapers concluded that it was an important development heralding critical days in the Mediterranean.

The Chief of the General Staff was in front of the main gate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 11.00 A.M. General Buyukanit was welcomed by Gul. Reporters did not miss this opportunity and put him the following question: "General, could you confirm the report that our warships are sailing in the Mediterranean?"

Buyukanit replied: "I would like to thank you for putting this question. We have received many calls. But, there is nothing new. Our ships are conducting routine patrols there."

Subtitle: What did Ugur Sefkat who dispatched the report say?

There was a very important detail hidden in Buyukanit's remarks. The report was broadcast only 10 minutes ago. There was an unusual situation because the General Staff had received many calls and those questions were immediately conveyed to General Buyukanit at the headquarters of the General Staff.

It indicated that General Buyukanit was actually expecting that question. But, what did it actually mean?

Hurriyet.com.tr tried to find an answer to that question.

Ugur Sefkat from the NTV who dispatched the report is an experienced journalist.

Ugur was posted to Ankara for years and worked as a defense correspondent. We, therefore, asked him how he had obtained related information. Ugur responded: "My source is a high-ranking military who is in active duty now. He told me that the warships were sailing in the Mediterranean in order to display their flags. I trust my source."

In light of Ugur's remarks we can decode the hidden message in the statement made by General Buyukanit who did not say that warships had not sailed to the region. Instead, he said: "We already have warships there."

Thus, Turkey refrained from being regarded as a party heightening tension by sending its warships there.

But, it also reminded Greek Cypriots and the whole world that there were Turkish warships in the region by means of that report.

In other words, it literally used "strategic warfare" and a "digital landing."

Turkey was not acting like an aggressor, but informed the world that its forces were present there.

It effectively used its deterrent force without doing anything. This is what has actually happened.

[02] How the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot press cover the reports about the sending of war ships to the open sea of Cyprus

Under the title Oil patrol Turkish daily HURRIYET newspaper, reports in its first page that the news that Turkey sent war ships to the open sea of Cyprus was the reason for creating hours of agony yesterday morning. The paper writes that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Staff, which feel unease because of the attempt of the Greek Cypriot side to search for oil and natural gas in the surrounding of Cyprus, follow closely the developments. From the military point of view it was suggested that a military exercises takes place at the open sea of Cyprus. On its part the Foreign Affairs Ministry did not consider this action to be appropriate.

On this a common formula was found between the two parties and it was decided that the war ships which safeguard the security of the sea energy corridors to slide from their routine patrol course. The ships, by sliding a bit out of their place of duty yesterday morning, sent a determination message to the Greek Cypriots, according to the paper.

The paper writes in its inside pages that the shield conception in the Mediterranean Sea got into force with a decision of the National Security Council in September 2006. Two frigates at the Aksaz Sea Millitary base were given the duties to patrol the area for the safety of the coasts. Uneasiness as regards the initiatives of the Greek Cypriots was expressed at the Naval War Academy on 18th of November 2006, in a speech made by the Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces Yener Karahanoglu.

The paper writes that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul and the Chief of the Turkish Armed Forces General Yasar Buyukanit held a 45 minutes meeting yesterday. After the meeting Mr Gul stated that they discussed various issues like his forthcoming visit to the USA and also exchanged views in other issues.

Furthermore, Turkish daily MILLIYET newspaper reports that in return to the preparations for oil search announced by the Greek Cypriot side, the patrol course of the Turkish war ships in the Mediterranean was widen. If the research starts, a duty for prevention will be given to the ships, notes MILLIYET.

The paper writes that in case the Greek Cypriots get into action on searching or drilling for oil, on the direction of the agreements they signed with Egypt and the Lebanon, Turkey will not stand aside and allow for this to happen. Ankaras attention is focused on the announcement made that the Greek Cypriot side will start searching activities on the 15th of February. In case this happens, Turkey will give a duty for prevention to the Turkish war ships which have the 24 hour- duty to patrol in the Mediterranean.

MILLIYET writes that Gul and Buyukanit met for 45 minutes and notes that Gul will visit the USA on the 4th of February while Buyukanit will also visit the USA on the 11th of the same month.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily SABAH newspaper reports on the war ships sent by Turkey under the title The war ships created agony and quotes the General Yasar Buyukanit who stated that the ships were patrolling in the Mediterranean and that Turkey did not send any new ships in the area.

Furthermore Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper, under the title We are there anyway, reports that the chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Yasar Buyukanit evaluated yesterday the information that Turkish war ships have been sent to Cyprus after the petrol crisis which has allegedly come to surface due to the stance of the Republic of Cyprus and said that there is no new situation and that they assigned no new duty to their ships.

The Turkish Armed Forces are anyway continuing their activities in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. There is no need for a new assignment of duties, he noted.

KIBRIS reports that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Gul has also declared the information regarding Turkeys sending war ships to Eastern Mediterranean to be false and said that these activities in the above-mentioned area are planned and normal activities.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA refers to the issue under the title The war ships are always on the way and reports that Buyukanit said: We have ships which are patrolling. There is no need for us to send new ships.

Finally Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI refers to the issue under the title Hot day in the Mediterranean. The paper reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat stated yesterday that they will launch a legal struggle on the issue of the initiative of the Greek Cypriots for the oil reserves.

(CS/ITs)

[03] Soyer announces the de-facto and de-jure population of the occupied areas of Cyprus

Mr Soyer said the de-facto population increased by 32.2 % since the previous census in 1996 and the de-jure population increased by 36% during the same period. The number of the men in the de-facto population is 143.843 and the women 121.257. The de-jure population consists of 138.568 men and 118.076 women.

Mr Soyer noted that after 10 -12 days the place of birth, age and nationality of the population will be announced. He pointed out that in comparison with the results in 1996 the population in Kerynia area increased by 60.60%, in Nicosia area by 37.4%, in Famagusta area by 21.5%, in Trikomo area by 14.6% and Morfou area by 13.1%.

The population distribution is the following: Nicosia 85.577, Famagusta 64.269, Kerynia 62.158, Morfou 31.116 and Trikomo 21.978.

The distribution of the de-facto population according to the citizenship is the following: TRNC citizens 133.937 (50.5%), number of duel citizenship holders 42.795 (16.1%), citizens of Turkey 77.731 (29.3%) and citizens of Britain 4.458 (1.7%), citizens of Bulgaria 831 (0.3%), citizens of Iran 775 (0.3%), citizens of Moldova 485 (0.2%), citizens of Pakistan 490 (0.2%), citizens of Germany 343 (0.1%) and others 3.255 (1.2%).

The distribution of holders of duel citizenship is the following: TRNC-Turkey 33.870 (12.8%), TRNC-Britain 4.185 (1.6%), and TRNC-other countries 4.740 (1.8%).

The distribution of the de-jure population according to the citizenship is the following: TRNC citizens 135.105 (52.6%), number of duel citizenship holders 42. 295 (16.7%), citizens of Turkey 70.525 (27.5%) citizens Britain 2.729 (1.1 %), citizens of Bulgaria 797 (0.3%), citizens of Iran 759 (0.3%), citizens of Moldova 354 (0.1%), citizens of Pakistan 475 (0.2%), citizens of Germany 181 (0.1%) and others 2.793 (1.1%). The distribution of holders of double citizenship is the following: TRNC-Turkey 34.370 (13.4 %),TRNC-Britain 3.854 (1.5%), and TRNC-other countries 4.740 (1.8%).

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (02.02.07) refers to the issue under the title The Cypriots are 50 %.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (02.02.07) refers to the issue under the title Only the 50% of the population is TRNC citizens.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (02.02.07) refers to the issue under the title Here is the population. In its subtitles the paper notes: We increased by 32 %. We became 265 thousands. Have we remained 50%?

(I/Ts.)

[04] Statements by Talat in Turkey

Mr Talat said that it will not be possible for the Direct Trade with the EU to be conducted because it will be blockaded by the Greek Cypriot veto. He argued, though, that this will bring about the situation of Cyprus in a more urgent manner in the EU, the Greek Cypriots will be isolated and in the end the EU member countries could become more active on the issue of the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

He noted also that they will launch a legal struggle on the issue of the oil and alleged that they have rights registered in the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus.

Referring to the issue of the opening of Ledra Street area (Lokmaci) crossing point, Talat alleged that the Greek Cypriots will be forced to open it due to international pressure.

He said, inter alia, the following on the issue:

We have removed only a footbridge from there. Our police, our army is there. If it starts, an arrangement will be made there. But in the end we have added one more point to our image.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (02.02.07) reports that Mr Talat, in statements at Istanbuls Swissotel during a meeting with foreign news editors of newspapers, alleged that the Greek Cypriot administration does not want the two people on the island to come closer, but the Turkish Cypriots have not abandoned the search for a solution.

Mr Talat claimed that the Greek Cypriots do not want a solution in Cyprus and that the side which is in favour of the solution is the Turkish Cypriots. Referring to the presence of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus, he alleged that this is based on international agreements and it does not seem possible for this situation to be changed at this moment.

Referring to the same statements, Turkish Cypriot daily CUMHURIYET newspaper (02.02.07) reports that Talat said:

There is no legal administration, no legal government in Cyprus. Therefore, an illegal governments discussing the oil issue with neighbouring countries and binding on agreements on its own is not an acceptable situation I had said that this decision might cause tension. The Greek Cypriot side understood this as a threat for war and made a lot of noise. This, however, was not a threat for war, it was only a warning.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Statements by Pertev on the Direct Trade Regulation

In statements to illegal TAK news agency regarding his recent contacts in Brussels, Pertev said yesterday that he met with various officials on the above-mentioned issue. Pertev noted that with the direct trade the Turkish side aims at becoming a part of the EU and Customs Union in a broader manner and added: We want to conduct more free trade with the EU, not only the export of goods which are produced here.

He pointed out that the certificates issued by the TRNC (breakaway regime in the occupied areas of Cyprus) are not recognized by the EU because of the 1994 European Court of Justice (ECJ) decision.

Pertev said, inter alia, the following: The main problem now is not trade. There is trade anyway. We have exports to the EU around 20 million dollars this moment. Our imports from the EU exceed one billion dollars. No problem has been created until today saying that the EU recognized North Cyprus as separate state because of this trade.

(I/Ts.)

[06] The special session of the assembly on the Cyprus problem is postponed

He said that Talat wants to create a common understanding among all the parties. Soyer noted that Talat suggested the session to take place on 16 February, but they consider more appropriate 19 February because on the 16th a delegation of the assembly will be visiting Malaysia. If, in spite of this, the parties which boycott the work of the assembly do not participate, this is their business, he noted.

(I/Ts.)

[07] An International Environment Congress to be held in the occupied areas

According to the paper, 99 countries with 1400 reports will participate in the congress. With the contribution of international advisors and scientists the total number of the participant countries will reach 108. The cost of the congress will reach 1.5 million dollars.

(I/Ts.)

[08] UNFICYP officials says the UN is always ready to help for progress on the issue of the opening of Ledra Street area crossing point

He said that they wish the area to be safe and to secure the entering into the buffer zone in an appropriate manner. The official added that in case of an agreement between the sides, the works in the area could be completed within two months with the aid of the EU.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Ertugruloglu, says that the results of the recent public opinion polls were not a surprise; Opposition parties continue their protests

He argued that in the period after the referendum the people entered into awakening and becoming conscious procedure. He reminded that they have always supported that the 65 % will, that is, the will of those who voted yes to the Annan Plan, does not exist.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (02.02.07) reports that Mr Ertugruloglu held yesterday a joint press conference with Serdar Denktas, leader of the other opposition party and announced that they will continue their protest activities against the government by going around the occupied areas with the so-called Buses of Democracy.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Debate in Turkey over whether the murder of Hrank Dink was committed with the knowledge of police

Meanwhile SABAH newspaper (01.02.07) reports that according to the testimony of gang ringleader Yasin Hayal, who ordered Ogun Samast to kill journalist Hrant Dink, his immediate superior Erhan Tuncel both acted as police informant and also took part in the organization of the assassination.

SABAH also writes that the leader of Republican People´s Party (CHP) leader, Deniz Baykal, said: "The murder has been committed with the knowledge of the police department." He added that his party will submit a motion for investigation against PM Erdogan and Interior Minister Aksu, as this incident cannot be papered over by firing one or two police officers.

In a commentary in SABAH (01.02.07) columnist Asli Aydintasbas writes that the Dink murder has caused a rift inside the police force, adding that with the approaching elections it would be difficult for Prime Minister Erdogan to fire to major culprits, Istanbul police chief Celalettin Cerrah and police intelligence department chief Ramazan Akyurek, as it would disrupt the balances inside the police force between those who have links to religious sects and those who have no such links.

In an article under the title: "I would so much regret It" YENI SAFAK (01.02.07) publishes a commentary by columnist Fehmi Koru who expresses disappointment at Erdogan's "surprising" remark in connection with the Dink assassination that "our law enforcement community will rectify its mistakes if it has made any." Accusing the Government of lacking the will to take action against "the specter of the deep state" exposed by the Dink murder, he asserts that it will not be surprising if the Dink murder is written off as the act of a few thugs driven by base motives.

ZAMAN newspaper (01.02.07) publishes an article entitled "Deep State" by Editor-in-Chief Ekrem Dumanli. Dumanli recalls how previous administrations failed to root out the criminal elements known as the "deep state" and asserts that those urging Prime Minister Erdogan to get to grips with the "deep state" instead of "complaining" about its existence are actually avoiding taking action themselves because "it is vain to expect such illegal structures to be disbanded" as long as politicians do not present a united front.

In an article in ZAMAN entitled "Deep State Means Banditry" columnist Mumtazer Turkone argues that if the prime minister is "complaining" of the "deep state" rather than taking steps to smoke it out, his statements should be read as a warning to the public "probably based on concrete information" that the "deep state" is preparing to "work overtime" in the days to come.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[11] Columnist is critical of the illegal regime

Is this the attitude of a serious ´street hooligan´ who does not care about law and order, or not?

Please do not come to the conclusion that I have branded the RTP officials and our brother Turgay of being ´street hooligans´.

First and foremost, let me take my precautions so that no one will attach this meaning, I am talking about the attitude. Who could be street hooligans?

For example those whose brain functions are weakened under the influence of narcotics and alcohol.

It is easy, you can take alcohol, get drunk and then you could start attacking left and right! Because a person under the influence of alcohol is either a dunkey, or a lion, or a monkey.

How do I know this?

Here, Mr Incirli in a vivid manner narrates a story of how Adam discovered wine and enjoyed it and how the Satan getting jelous of him destroyed his grapevine by urinating on the roots and how the God helped Adam to revitalize his grapevine by irrigating the roots of the grapevine with the blood of donkey, lion and monkey, thus drinking wine alcohol makes a man either a donkey or a lion or a monkey.

He goes on and says:

Yes, who could engage in street hooliganism?

Those who are drunk.

Others?

Those who rely on a big brother!

Here we are

This is the point we want to focus on.

The reason, why Turkey and its quislings in Cyprus, behave like street hooligans in the Cyprus problem is not because they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or they experience psychological imbalance! It is because of relying upon a big brother. Who is the big brother? The big brother is America!

At this moment Amerika backs Turkey and Turkey´s quislings in Cyprus, telling them ´Go ahead men do not be afraid ´. Why?

Because the regional interests necessitate this.

Who could dare to preclude big brother America´s support?

What about our big brother the European Union?

Why does the EU not move?

Of course, not because it does not want to, because it does not have the power to do so!

Why it does not have?

It is for the reasons you know!

Turkey is a partner should not be lost!

Both because of its military power and its geo-strategic position no one says anything to Turkey!

Also, within the framework of the global interests of the capitalists, Turkey is a huge market.

In short, the huge profit opportunities make the EU not to move.

As a result, Turkey is in a position to exhibit every street hooliganism, and our quislings here applaud it.

Well, will not the luck turn to the good?

Yes, it will turn.

A day will come and, the Loizidou case will be put before Turkey and its quislings here.

And they will tell to Turkey, ´please pay´.

Commissions like the compensations commission could be declared ´null and void´.

A day might come and they could ask Turkey and its quislings. What is Turkey´s guarantorship?

They could remind Turkey that it is Cyprus´s Guarantor power.

The big brother, that is America, will not extend support forever, it will not do so.

A day could come and they tell Turkey You have violated the international law and you have changed the demographic structure.

And they will tell this to Turkey. A day might come and we could witness how they are taking away from us our communal rights that existed in the past.

They say that 65% demanded separate state.

Who are these 65%?

Are they those usurpers who plundered the Greek Cypriot property and later on sold them for huge sums to the godfathers of international crime syndicates, who sought refugee in the north Cyprus?

You continue with various excuses, to criticize Mr Papadopoulos and Mr Christofias. Say whatever you want to say; The territory you have stolen will not be yours.

Do not you think that one day will come and they will ask you to account for the land that you have usurped and distributed to the people brought by the occupier here in order to change our demographic structure?

Are you that much sure of your big brother?

Or do you say ´Apres moi Deluge´?

And what about the population

When I had met with Ferdi Sabit Soyer, last time in London, which was three months ago, he had said: We have carried out a census. It is not true that those who came from Turkey are more. When I return we will announce it. The work is at its final stage!

As far as I am concerned Soyer did not tell the ´truth´.

Why didn´t they publish them the results?

Even if they publish will they be honest?

I believe, they will not.

Why not?

Because there is occupation in this country.

Neither Soyer nor Mehmet Ali Talat have the right to speak or move without getting permission from the occupier.

The footbridge at Ledra Street and the news that work has stated to place the police under Military* (*Tr. Note: Most probably the columnist wants to say to place the police under civilian authority it is already under military authority) is nothing but a scenario to demonstrate that Turkish Cypriots are independent.

The free will of the Turkish Cypriots is under occupation as well.

And what a pity, both Talat and Soyer are the quislings of the occupier!

Without further elaborating my writing I would like to tell the CTP quislings and colonialists my dream ´Our martyrs have died at the place they had gone. Their coffins were placed in rows.

Ahmed Said, Ozker Ozgür, Kutlu Adali, Dervis Ali Kavazolu, barber Yahya, Fazil Önder, Ayhan Hikmet and Muzaffer Gürkan, Mehmet Omer, Sadik, Ozer, Ercan& their coffins were draped by red flag and all of a sudden they started to ascent towards the sky. I looked at their faces very carefully, very very carefully.

Their eyes were wet, they were crying. There was no smile on their face!

I was at the Colony Hotel.

Long live the CTP and United Forces.

Long live Partition (Taksim) comrades.

(M/HY)

EG/

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