Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-02-05

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by Gul before leaving for the U.S.

[02] Ertugruloglu: Turkeys main policy in Cyprus is the recognition of the TRNC

[03] The Turkish side started openly to refer to two states on the island

[04] More on the oil and natural gas exploration

[05] Soyer argues that Turkey is a guarantor of the whole island because of the 1960 Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance

[06] Avci is hopeful on the issue of the Direct Trade Regulation because of the friendly relations between Germany and Turkey

[07] Mr Talat concluded his contacts in Istanbul. Statements to AP and Milliyet. The Direct Trade Regulation as important as a major battle

[08] Oman has reportedly expressed its support to the Turkish positions on the Cyprus problem

[09] SABAH: The Cyprus universities were recognised

[10] Energy saving bulbs have been delivered to the TRNC

[11] More than 400 million dollars investments by Turkey in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus in the past four years

[12] A multi-million-pound centre to be built in the occupied Bogazi

[13] CYPRUS TODAY: CMC site placed under quarantine

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[14] Turkeys strategic partnership with US faces test

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Statements by Gul before leaving for the U.S.

Upon a question on Kirkuk and the possibility of a referendum, Gul said that issues of "Iraq within the context of countering terrorism" and "Iraq's territorial integrity and union" should be separated from each other.

Stressing that the subject should be handled within the framework of Iraq's territorial integrity and political union, Gul said, "otherwise, we will be in a wrong expression and things will become inextricable".

Gul also noted that Kirkuk's ethnical structure was modified and a referendum to be held under such conditions would not be healthy.

Furthermore, commenting on the photographs of Hrant Dink assassination's suspect Ogun Samast in front of a Turkish flag, Gul noted: "It is very saddening and shameful. Some people think they are doing something, however they have no idea how they harm Turkey with such images".

In his reply to a question on Hrant Dink's murder and allegations on the so-called genocide, Gul stated that it was a critical period in terms of such allegations and while the truth is trying to be explained to the world's public opinion on this issue, all of a sudden, such incidents constituted a big obstacle before all the efforts.

Pointing to the recent resolution on the so-called genocide introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives, Gul noted that Turkey could not accept the approval of such a resolution.

Gul stated that if the resolution is accepted, this would harm Turkish-American relations.

Upon a question on the Cyprus issue, Gul said that there could be no solution unless the realities of the island were taken into consideration.

Commenting on EU's stance concerning the issue, Gul said that EU's decision on the direct trade regulation was pleasing, but there was still time for its application.

Moreover, Gul said regarding the Greek Cypriot endeavors for oil exploration in the Mediterranean, "Mediterranean belongs to those who have coasts and there is the maritime law about that".

Gul expressed that he did not think such an endeavor would take place unless the final situation in Cyprus came into existence and a comprehensive solution is reached.

"Europeans were afraid of Turkey's speed. They said, 'You will finalize all the negotiation process within 3-4 years if you continue this fast'. They wanted to slow us down," said Gul commenting on the suspension of 8 chapters in Turkey's negotiation process with EU.

Gul also noted that they were expecting the negotiations to be opened on 3 chapters during Germany's EU presidency.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (04.02.07) reported from Ankara that Mr Gul left for the United States on a six-day formal visit as the guest of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Holding a news conference at Ankara's Esenboga Airport prior to his departure, Gul said, "I will hold talks with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley in Washington D.C."

"I will also meet U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos and members of the Turkey-United States Interparliamentary Friendship Group. I will deliver a speech at the German Marshall Fund on Turkey's future. I will meet Turkish-American Council Executive Board President Brent Scowcroft," he told reporters.

"Later, I will proceed to New York on February 8th to meet with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. I will deliver a speech at the Foreign Relations Council on recent developments in Iraq and the Middle East. I will return to Turkey on February 10th," he said.

Gul said that besides the bilateral relations, regional and international issues would be high on the agenda of his scheduled meetings.

Upon a question on whether he would have a message for USA regarding Syria and Iran's will to participate in the process concerning Iraq, Gul said, "our opinion on this issue is known. In order for all the neighbors to play positive roles in this process, meetings should be held with them and their contributions should be accepted".

Replying to a question on whether the "fight against terrorism" would be discussed during his talks in USA, Gul said the issue would be an important branch of the meetings.

In his reply to a question on the recent resolution on the so-called Armenian genocide, introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives and Turkey's endeavors on the issue, Gul noted, "you have to tell the others both your truth and the history's truth on this matter".

Gul, who said "informing, enlightening, telling the truth is our duty", stated that many MPs from the Turkish parliament would contact several U.S. Congress members in order to explain "the true side of this issue" to them.

Commenting on the study of "Joint Historians Commission Proposal", Gul stressed that serious studies continued concerning such suggestion.

Upon a question on the latest developments regarding the "Shared Vision Document", Gul said the document envisaged close cooperation, working together and exchange of opinions on many issues and added that they were carrying out countless joint studies on this issue.

On the other hand, replying to a question on whether Cyprus would be on the agenda of his meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Gul said, "we will desire Ban Ki-moon to endorse the studies conducted on the Cyprus issue previously and especially to support his assistant Gambari's activities and to be attached firmly to the issue".

Moreover, upon a question on whether the images of Ogun Samast, suspect of journalist Hrant Dink's murder, caused any tension between institutions, Gul said, "there should not be any tension. All these institutions are the institutions of Turkey".

[02] Ertugruloglu: Turkeys main policy in Cyprus is the recognition of the TRNC

Turkey is a regional power and a country which has multidimensional relations, said Mr Ertugruloglu in statements to KIBRIS and added that the policies which are presented to the public may be very different than the real policies behind the scenes.

Ertugruoglu noted: There is a statement issued by Turkey on 1 May 2004. Look at the policies it followed since then; look at the policy it followed regarding the oil. It is very obvious that now Turkey puts forth that the Turkish Cypriots have the right of having a state.

He reiterated that the results of the recent public opinion polls that 65 % of the inhabitants of the occupied areas of Cyprus support the two-state solution in Cyprus have not been a surprise for him and noted that as from now the policy which should be followed is the policy of the recognition of the TRNC. He said that the current composition of the assembly does not reflect the will of the people and reiterated the demand for early elections.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily GUNES newspaper (05.02.07), under the title Do not play with fire, reports that in statements during a visit to occupied villages, Mr Ertugruloglu called on the Greek Cypriots to use the resources of the island in a fair manner by saying yes to peace under a confederal roof instead of trying to violate the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The Turkish side started openly to refer to two states on the island

He said:

The Turkish Cypriot side could define itself in the form of an authority which exists in Cyprus without entering into external sovereignty debates and without entering into a debate on the external sovereignty rights of the Republic of Cyprus, which is under the control of the Greek Cypriots, and as an authority which is based on the international law and takes its power from it. At least instead of a TRNC which is not recognized at all and seems as illegal, let us create a model which will normalize the relations of the Turkish Cypriot community with the world, which we will link to the international law and will take its power from it.

Furthermore, YENI DUZEN publishes also a commentary by Hasan Ercakica, spokesman of the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat, who alleges that the Greek Cypriots use the Republic of Cyprus as a weapon for attacking the Turkish Cypriots. He argued that the Greek Cypriots use this weapon in every platform of the EU.

The main problem which we experience as Turkish Cypriots is that we do not have a state recognized in the international arena, he noted and argued: But this problem comes before you as a giant when you as Turkish Cypriots want to express yourself in the international field, to undertake initiatives, to take credits and make cooperation.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia (04.02.07) reported the following:

Deniz Baykal, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said that with the latest endeavours of the Greek Cypriot administration on the oil issue, there were no more possibilities for a solution of a single and united state in Cyprus, and thus, a bistate solution has become inevitable for the island.

In a written statement, Baykal stressed that the real motive behind the Greek Cypriot efforts was "to destroy Turkey's exclusive economic zone in the Mediterranean".

Noting that the Greek Cypriot administration showed a determination to impose its dominance to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) more and more, especially following its full membership to EU, Baykal said Greek Cypriots wanted to build a de facto sovereignty on TRNC.

Baykal said that both Turkish government's passive and appeaser attitude and Turkish Cypriot administration's similar stance, encouraged Greek Cypriots on the issue.

"TRNC should declare its economic zone on the sea with its parallels and meridians, upon such endeavours of the Greek Cypriot administration. Turkey should also behave like that," Baykal stated.

Underscoring that the Greek Cypriot party did not desire a solution based on an associated state, Baykal said, "in this case, there is no hope left for a solution under the roof of a single state. A bistate solution has become inevitable for Cyprus".

[04] More on the oil and natural gas exploration

Lebanese Foreign Minister Fuad Siniora and Turkey's Ambassador to Lebanon Irfan Acar discussed the oil agreement signed between Lebanon and the Greek Cypriot administration in a meeting in Beirut, according to various Lebanese sources.

They noted that Siniora was briefed on the Turkish Foreign Ministry's statement regarding this agreement.

Lebanese authorities told Acar that this agreement should be passed from the Lebanese parliament, and ratified by President Emile Lahud in order to take effect.

In the meeting, Turkish and Lebanese executives decided to work together in coming days to resolve this controversy.

On the same issue, Istanbul Turkish Daily News (02.02.07) reports the following: In a goodwill gesture, Lebanon has assured Turkey that it is committed to their "excellent" relations despite signing an oil exploration deal with Greek Cyprus.

The development came a day after Turkey harshly warned both Lebanon and Egypt not to press ahead with the agreement with Greek Cyprus, saying that Turkey and Turkish Cypriots also had rights in the region.

Hisham Dimashkieh, a senior official at the Lebanese Foreign Ministry, discussed the Turkish warning and other issues with Turkish Ambassador in Beirut Irfan Acar at the Foreign Ministry, according to a statement carried by Lebanon's official National News Agency on Wednesday.

"Dimashkieh stressed to Acar that Lebanon is committed to its excellent relations with Turkey and clarified that Lebanon stands at an equal distance from all friendly countries out of keenness to preserve the rights of all parties," the statement said. Acar said he only made a courtesy call to Dimashkieh.

Meanwhile, there were some sabre-rattling on the sidelines about news reports that Turkish warships were patrolling the eastern Mediterranean amid a growing row over the oil and natural gas exploration deals.

The Turkish military confirmed yesterday the reports but denied they had been sent to waters near Cyprus over the Greek Cypriot administration's agreements with Egypt and Lebanon.

"We already have warships on duty in the eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea ... There is no need to send any new warships," Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency.

Buyukanit's remarks came before a planned meeting with Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul at the ministry. Earlier, NTV television reported that Turkey had sent battleships to the region to show Greek Cyprus it was determined to safeguard its rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

Before departing for Albania for an official two-day visit, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said the patrolling of Turkish warships near Cyprus was nothing unusual but a routine duty.

Lebanon and Greek Cyprus signed an agreement for the delineation of an undersea border on Jan. 17 to facilitate future oil and gas exploration between the two east Mediterranean countries. The 200 kilometer-wide seabed separating Lebanon and Greek Cyprus is believed to hold significant crude oil and natural gas deposits.

Egypt previously signed a similar agreement with Greek Cyprus, allowing for the joint exploitation of potential undersea oil and gas fields between the two countries.

In Istanbul, Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat said yesterday that his state, which is not recognized internationally, would not give up on exploration rights.

"In the same way that we did not give up on Cyprus, we won't give up our rights to its resources," Talat said. "We have equal rights on the island." Talat said it was not unusual for Turkish ships to sail around Cyprus.

Greece and Turkey remain at odds over Cyprus and over boundaries in the Aegean Sea, despite efforts in the past decade to resolve disputes and gain Greek backing for Turkey's bid to join the European Union.

A strategic expert of an Ankara-based think tank, the Center for Eurasian Strategic Studies (ASAM), mentioned a similar incident in 1987 between Turkey and Greece.

The two countries came to the brink of war in early 1987 over a similar oil drilling rights dispute in the Aegean Sea. A clash was averted after Turkey withdrew a seismic exploration ship and agreed not to test in contested waters if Greece did the same.

"This incident with Greek Cyprus can be seen as a continuation of the 1987 row," ASAM researcher Yilmaz Aklar told the Turkish Daily News.

Furthermore, Ankara Anatolia news agency (02.02.07) reports the following:

"TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) should enact a law to fully use its sovereignty rights in its own territorial waters and economic zone," said parliamentarian Onur Oymen, who is also the deputy leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

Holding a press conference at the parliament, Oymen recalled the Greek Cypriot administration's oil exploration initiatives around the island of Cyprus, and indicated that this recent development faded the hopes for reunification of Cyprus.

Referring to the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (03.02.07) reports that the General Secretary of the Turkish Democratic Left Party (DSP), Zeki Sezer, stated that the Turkish troops must be immediately withdrawn from the Lebanon as a result of the Lebanese Government cooperation with the Greek Cypriots.

In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (02.02.07) reports the following from Adana, Tripoli and Ankara:

TPAO (National Oil & Natural Gas Company of Turkey) will drill 12 wells in Adiyaman, Hatay and Isparta in 2007, TPAO Adiyaman Deputy Director Besim Sisman told A.A on Friday.

Sisman said that they are hopeful from Altinozu town of Hatay, adding that they will drill down to 3,650 meters and find oil nearly within 1.5 months.

He noted that they also spotted oil reserves in eastern Karakus field in Adiyaman.

"There will be 8 more drilling in Adiyaman within this year. We will also drill in Antakya and Isparta," he added.

Noting that eastern Mediterranean is very important in the aspect of oil richness, Sisman said, "however, we cannot drill in Cyprus due to several obstacles. But we will start drilling at Iskenderun Gulf next year, and it is very promising."

He added, "we extract nearly 9,500 barrels of oil daily from wells in Adiyaman."

On the other hand, Alaattin Pince, DG of the Libya Office of Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) under TPAO, told A.A that they aim to extract oil from NC 189 bloc in Sirte city of Libya, in June 2007.

Giving information about prospecting activities of TPAO in Libya, Pince said that Libya is one of the leading oil producer countries in the world.

"We are very hopeful about NC 189 bloc. We will continue on detailed prospecting activities. We will also offer bids for production and development tenders in Libya this year" he added.

[05] Soyer argues that Turkey is a guarantor of the whole island because of the 1960 Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance

Addressing a meeting of the Republican Turkish Party at occupied Trikomo village, Soyer argued that an oil crisis was created at a stage when it is said that nothing will happen on the Cyprus problem and added that a significant tension began in relation with this crisis.

Mr Soyer reminded that within this framework Turkey is a guarantor of the whole island because of the 1960 Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance.

Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (05.02.07) refers on its front page to the issue under the title Ferdi Sabit Soyer talked like the commander.

The paper argues that the views which General Ilker Basbug, commander of Turkeys land forces, had set forth during his recent visit to the island have become a book under the pillow of the TRNC officials.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Avci is hopeful on the issue of the Direct Trade Regulation because of the friendly relations between Germany and Turkey

Pointing out that they are hopeful on the issue of the Direct Trade Regulation because of the friendly relations between Germany and Turkey, he noted that they wish that the regulation will be legitimized during the German term presidency of the EU. After this we are expecting the lifting of the isolations in sports, culture and education as well as the starting of direct flights, he added.

Mr Avci noted that while they are waiting for this to happen, they should develop their own institutions and strengthen their infrastructure. He said that many new investments are on the agenda and that soon a new economic package will be signed between Turkey and the TRNC.

We are conducting works especially on the conferences and seminars tourism. We are mainly targeting on the European countries, the Scandinavian and the Arab countries, he added.

Referring to the oil issue, Mr Avci argued that this is a new scenario of the Greek Cypriots who saw that they could not corner enough Turkey on the EU issue and alleged that the main aim of the Greek Cypriots is to force Turkey to come face to face with its neighbours.

They want to bring Turkey face to face with the big oil companies which have a say in the world regarding the oil, he argued. He noted that the necessary political measures have been taken against these initiatives and that different measures could come onto the agenda if things go further.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Mr Talat concluded his contacts in Istanbul. Statements to AP and Milliyet. The Direct Trade Regulation as important as a major battle

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said he wants the oil crisis created with Greek Cypriot Side's signing of international agreements for the oil explorations off Cyprus to be solved through a dialogue.

Speaking to the Associated Press in Istanbul, the President stated that the use of military force should be the last on the list of options to solve the crisis.

Explaining that he wants a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, Mr Talat said Turkish Cypriot Side won't allow its rights to be taken by the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Earlier, speaking to the TRT second channel, President Talat criticized the Greek Cypriot Administration for acting like the sole sovereign authority in Cyprus.

Responding to the statements by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Yorgos Lillikas that 2007 will be a year for preparatory talks and that the comprehensive negotiations can be resumed in 2008, Mr Talat reminded that the Greek Cypriot Administration had earlier welcomed the UN Undersecretary for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari's earlier letter which envisaged the start of comprehensive negotiations in the first quarter of 2007.

'This attitude proves the unwillingness of the Greek Cypriot Administration to a solution` he said, adding that the reason behind this approach was the failure of the EU and the international community to keep their promise to lift the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot People.

He also stressed that further development of the TRNC institutions is needed to be in a stronger position now and after an agreement.

The President reaffirmed that the United Nations basis is the only alternative for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and added that it is the primary strategic goal of the Greek Cypriot Administration to hinder and delay the start of the UN process.

He said that the Greek Cypriot Side has been using Turkey's EU membership process to pressurize Ankara adding that the crisis on the opening of the Turkish ports was a good example of this.

President Mehmet Ali Talat stated that the Greek Cypriot Side has been dreaming of pushing Turkey to abandone the Turkish Cypriot People through EU pressure and it has been trying to block the UN process to gain time to achieve this goal.

He said it is not yet clear when the UN process will be started but added that the Turkish Cypriot people has been in support of the immediate resumption of the UN negotiations process and underlined the need for the Greek Cypriot Side to be encouraged to adopt a similar approach.

Pointing to the current deadlocks in the process of discussions on the Cyprus issue, he said that the Greek Cypriot Administration's approach is a hopeless case.

After the completion of his contacts in Istanbul, President Mehmet Ali Talat has returned to the Republic this morning.

MILLIYET newspaper (03.02.07) reports on a recent conversation with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and other journalists, during which Talat stressed the importance of strengthening the Turkish Cypriot economy. According to Talat, the Greek Cypriots are doing all they can to retain the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot economy, knowing that "faced with a rich south Cyprus, an impoverished KKTC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] will become undone fast." That is why, Talat stresses, the economy must be made stronger, more resilient. He explains, however, that per capita income has been growing in the occupied areas because of increased foreign investments after the Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of the Annan Plan. Akyol concludes his article thus: "The Cyprus issue has many aspects. One of the 'main arteries,' however, is the economy and the national income figures! That is why 'the Direct Trade Regulations' is as important as a major battle."

[08] Oman has reportedly expressed its support to the Turkish positions on the Cyprus problem

(I/Ts.)

[09] SABAH: The Cyprus universities were recognised

(CS)

[10] Energy saving bulbs have been delivered to the TRNC

The first shipment of 300 thousand light bulbs to be distributed to the public as part of the Energy Saving Campaign launched by the ´government´ arrived in the ´Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus´ yesterday.

Only 170 thousand of the total of 300 thousand energy efficient light bulbs could be delivered due to limited capacity of the cargo plane.

The energy saving bulbs imported from China arrived at Ercan (occupied Tymbou) Airport on a cargo plane flying directly from Shangai Airport in China.

It has been announced that the light bulbs will be distributed to the public starting from next week.

Speaking at Ercan Airport, the ´Minister of Finance´ Ahmet Uzun stated that the energy shortage problems faced in the ´Republic´ was expected to end later this year and that the new additional back up generators currently being installed at the Teknecik poweplant will become operational by the 1st of April.

[11] More than 400 million dollars investments by Turkey in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus in the past four years

Mr Cavusoglu went on by saying: Founding the Compensation Committee in Cyprus, we obtained the recognition of a domestic legal remedy. The court is sending now every Greek Cypriot, who applies to the European Court of Human Rights, to the TRNC. It is said: There is a domestic legal remedy there; if you are not satisfied from that, then you would come to the ECHR.

Noting that they did investments of 400 million dollars in four years, Mr Cavusoglu said: We do not include in these investments the 35 million dollars investment for the Ercan airport (occupied airport of Tymbou) and other investments for infrastructure works.

(DPs)

[12] A multi-million-pound centre to be built in the occupied Bogazi

A Multi-million-pound shopping development comprising 1,000 shops and stalls is set to transform the fishing village of Bogaz, (occupied Bogazi), near Gazi Magusa (occupied Famagusta) which the developers see as being like Las Vegas within five years.

An Israel-based company plans to start building a traditional Turkish-style bazaar complex this summer and the project is due to be completed in three years.

An area of 45,000m² located 400 metres from the village on the road towards Bafra (occupied Vokolida) has been earmarked for the ambitious project which is set to become the biggest one-stop shopping centre in ´North Cyprus´.

Various housing developments are currently being built in the area which has a population of about 2,000, rising by another 1,000 in the summer months.

Nine hotels three of which are nearing completion are planned for nearby Bafra (occupied Vokolida).

A spokesman for Big Old Bazaar Developments Ltd said: We believe Bogaz is unique and the future is there.

It´s going to be like Las Vegas in the next five years. We have a vision and we think now is the time to invest as the area will be unrecognizable in a few year´s time.

Bogaz is close to the airport and only about 10 minutes from Bafra. We hope people coming from the airport will stop at the Big Old Bazaar and we will run shuttle buses from the hotels.

[13] CYPRUS TODAY: CMC site placed under quarantine

The government has unveiled its plans for tackling the environmental catastrophe of the long-abandoned CMC copper mines, where the legacy of potentially deadly residues are feared to include toxic heavy metals and cyanide.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister As1m Vehbi told a site meeting of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and journalists from Cyprus Today´s sister newspaper, K1br1s, that the immediate step would be to place the site under quarantine.

After that, various short and medium term strategies are on the agenda, while officials await the findings of a study backed by 900.000 euros of European Union funding before drawing up a roadmap of long-term rehabilitation measures. Mr Vehbi said the first step would be to restrict entry by people and animals to the site, near Lefke, by putting up fences where necessary and signs around the perimeter. Fishing, animal grazing and walking in the area would be prevented, and local authorities would be asked to co-operate in informing the public.

As a new ministry we are trying to determine the country´s environmental problems and CMC tops the list, he declared, CMC has been a bleeding would in the country ever since 1974. So far individual moves have been made by NGOs, universities and the Lefke Environment Association, but no firm or lasting state or government strategies have been put forward.

Mr Vehbi said that, in the wake of the January 20-21 meeting on CMC at which various short-term proposals were thrashed out, we shall do all in our power to take the short-term measures without delay.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[14] Turkeys strategic partnership with US faces test

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül is in the US invited by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and will start talks today. This visit is being made in an atmosphere of Turkish expectations for concrete steps from the US side in connection with the "Iraq" issue and "Armenian genocide" claims, both considered by the Turkish government as the highest ranking items on its agenda for 2007.

Gül's agenda with top ranking figures in the US administration consists of measures to be taken against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and a possible cross-border operation, the "Armenian genocide" resolution to be heard by the US House of Representatives, the referendum in Kirkuk, developments in Iraq, Iran's nuclear activities, Cyprus, Syria and the Middle East.

Gül is expected to clearly state Turkey's expectations from the US administation, saying "concerete steps must be taken against the terrorist organization PKK. Turkey cannot be expected to accept genocide claims, and therefore, the genocide resolution must be blocked. No referendum should be held in Kirkuk without a mutual agreement ensured among the related parties." Ankara wants Washington to maintain its attitude against the "genocide resolution," assuring Turkey that the resolution will be rejected. Gül will request the US administration to throw its weight against the issue, noting that Turkish-American relations will be deeply affected in case the resolution is accepted.

In a statement made at Esenboa Airport in Ankara before his departure, Gül frequently underlined the "joint vision document" pertaining to the status of relations between two countries. "I believe that this visit will help to improve the deeply rooted bilateral relations between Turkey and the US as two close allies in all areas," he said. The joint vision document, issued during Gül's visit to Washington in July 2006, lists actions for further improvements in Turkish-American relations defined as "strategic partnership."

During his visit, the Turkish foreign minister will meet top US officials. In Washington D.C. Gül will meet Vice-President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the President's National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. He will also have working meetings with several members of the US Congress. The Congress has recently been discussing a controversial Armenian Genocide Resolution. Nancy Pelosi, the Democrat House Speaker is not on Gül's meeting list. Pelosi is known to be one of the strongest voices of the pro-Armenian resolution camp. Gül is going to give a speech at the German Marshall Fund in Washington.

The new UN Secretary-General will be reminded of Cyprus

Gül is going to continue his contacts in New York on February where he will meet the new Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-Moon. Gül will ask Ki-Moon to hold on to the report prepared after the Annan Plan. Ankara wants to see the report prepared by Kofi Annan after the 2004 referendum in Cyprus discussed in the UN Security Council. The foreign minister is going to give a speech at the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations about Iraq and the Middle East. Gül will head back to Turkey on the evening of February 9. Upon Gül's return to the country, the Chief-of-Staff, General Yaar Büyükan1t will fly to the US on February 11.

EG/

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