Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-04-20

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The 2nd International Civil Defence Manoeuvre was carried out in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[02] Talat says the TRNC should be the first country to help south Cyprus in case of a disaster

[03] Soyer says that Rauf Denktas offered great services to the Turkish Cypriots

[04] The participants in the 2nd International Civil Defence Manoeuvre held contacts in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[05] Rene van der Linden asks for the reduction of the army in the centre of Nicosia

[06] Avci arrives in Rome; He was led to the VIP room

[07] The head of occupied Louroutjina says the waste disposal plan in the area is far away from their village and does not influence them

[08] The CTP participates in the 4th congress of the Italian Socialist Party

[09] German organizations visit Tilliria area

[10] The vast majority of criminals in the occupied areas are from Turkey

[11] Eighth century-old finger print in the occupied castle of Saint Hilarion

[12] Turkey is afraid from the work of missionaries operating in the country

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[13] Political developments over the election of new President as presented by the Turkish press on 19/04/07

[14] The Turkish press on the beheading of three persons in Turkey

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The 2nd International Civil Defence Manoeuvre was carried out in the occupied areas of Cyprus

According to the paper, delegations from 35 countries participated in or attended the manoeuvre as observers. The Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Mehmet Ali Talat, who was also present at the manoeuvre, described it as impressive and pointed out to the importance of being prepared for the worst scenarios.

Mr Talat argued that during the manoeuvre and an international conference that took place before it, they saw an approach by the Greek Cypriot side which was not friendly and they felt great sorrow and embarrassment about it. He noted that the foreigners who participated in the manoeuvre showed their friendship and added that during the manoeuvre it has been seen that the Turkish Cypriots are not alone in the world. We are looking to the future with hope, said Talat and thanked all the countries which extended their hand of friendship to the Turkish Cypriots.

The paper notes that groups from Brazil, Israel, Slovenia and Turkey actively participated in the manoeuvre, whereas the USA, Afghanistan, Germany, Argentina, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belize, United Arab Emirates, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia, Morocco, Fiji, France, South Africa, Georgia, Holland, Honduras, Britain, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, Cameroon, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Congo, FYROM, Nepal, and Uruguay participated as observers.

In statements during the manoeuvre, the chairman of the self-styled civil defence organization, Zekai Aksakalli said that the international aid and cooperation is an indispensable reality from the point of view of the preparation for natural disasters. He noted that as TRNC they have turned this into their aim and in parallel to developing their own possibilities regarding the education, experience, knowledge, technical equipment and skills, they continue and intensify their efforts for developing the national and international aid, cooperation and coordination.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Talat says the TRNC should be the first country to help south Cyprus in case of a disaster

He noted that only with manoeuvres could they be prepared to face natural disasters and criticized again the stance of the Greek Cypriot side. He noted that in case such a natural disaster happens in south Cyprus, as he described the government controlled area of the island, the TRNC should be the first country to run for help.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Soyer says that Rauf Denktas offered great services to the Turkish Cypriots

Mr Soyer met yesterday with the foreign guests who are visiting the occupied areas within the framework of the 2nd International Civil Defence Manoeuvre and the conference that had been held before it. Mr Soyer briefed the guests on the Cyprus problem and the views of the Turkish Cypriot side. He noted that the Turkish Cypriot side exerts efforts for promoting its pro-solution policy which is bound to the UN solution plan and its parameters, on the basis of the common interests with Turkey. Mr Soyer said that on the one hand they exert efforts for the prosperity of the people and the institutionalization of the state and on the other for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Noting that there are six universities in the occupied areas of Cyprus and that these universities carry out meetings and contribute to science, Mr Soyer criticized the fact that the Greek Cypriots consider these universities to be illegal.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (20.04.07) reports that when asked to comment on the great interest shown by the foreign guests to the former Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas, who participated in the opening of the conference, Mr Soyer pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots respect all the leaders who served them and added that Mr Denktas offered great services to the Turkish Cypriots during the historical process and therefore he is everywhere respected by the people.

(I/Ts.)

[04] The participants in the 2nd International Civil Defence Manoeuvre held contacts in the occupied areas of Cyprus

According to a written statement issued by the Turkish occupation army bound civil defence organization, Professor Dr. Kurt Petersen from Swedens Lund University, Professor Dr. William A. Mitchell from the USAs Baylor University, Professor Dr. William L. Waugh from Georgias State University, Professor Dr. Masato Motosaka from Japans Tohoku University, Magda W. Rooze, director of Hollands Psychological Therapy Centre, Mark Wood from Britains Aid and Correspondence Foundation for Disasters, Meen Bahadur Poudyal Chhetri, General Secretary of Nepals Disaster Preparation Communication Unit, Dr. Andreasta Meliada, from Indonesias Gajah Mada University and Dr. Hendro Wartatmo, leader of the Extraordinary Situations Group thanked the Turkish Cypriots for their hospitality. They said that they felt proud for participating in such a manoeuvre which is carried out at international standards.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Rene van der Linden asks for the reduction of the army in the centre of Nicosia

Mr Linden called on the parliamentarians to attach more importance to the parliamentary diplomacy on the Cyprus issue. Mr Linden described the one hour-meeting as excellent and added that they had the opportunity to evaluate his recent visit to the island. He pointed out to the great duties which the parliamentarians have on the issue of the solution of the Cyprus problem and the development of dialogue between the two communities.

Mr Linden said that during the meeting they discussed the problems which the students from the TRNC are facing and asked the revival of the Bologna process to this end. He said that they also discussed the issue of the existence of the army on the island and added that reduction of the military presence in the centre of the city is important for the two sides so that confidence is ensured between the communities.

He noted that he was annoyed by the rumours which came to the surface yesterday that the Greek parliamentarians would not participate in the meeting and added: My Greek colleague was the first person who told me that she would participate in such meetings. Asked whether or not the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat will be invited to the general assembly of the PACE, Mr Linden replied that the presidential council will decide on the issue in the direction of the report which will be prepared by the reporter for Cyprus. Furthermore, in statements to the Ankara Anatolia (AA) news agency, Mr Cavusoglu said that the meeting was positive and that they wished the continuation of such meetings. Mr Nami told AA that the meeting was carried out in a very positive climate. AFRIKA reports that Mr Linden said that he would invite President Papadopoulos and the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat to PACE.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Avci arrives in Rome; He was led to the VIP room

Mr Hasturer reports that the embassy of the Republic of Cyprus to Rome has done everything it could for Mr Avci not being led to the VIP room and not being given an escort. These efforts gave no result, according to Mr Hasturer, because the Italians want to know what the Turkish Cypriot side thinks. He also argues that the Republic of Cyprus embassy is annoyed from the fact that Mr Avci will address the conference he will be attending with his official title.

(I/Ts.)

[07] The head of occupied Louroutjina says the waste disposal plan in the area is far away from their village and does not influence them

(I/Ts.)

[08] The CTP participates in the 4th congress of the Italian Socialist Party

(I/Ts.)

[09] German organizations visit Tilliria area

It was noted that Mr Kuhlwein, Mr Gunter Appel, chairman of Argap Future Innovations, city planning expert and archaeologist, and representatives of other organizations have expressed their support to the efforts within the framework of the project for the rehabilitation of Tilliria in a manner which is in harmony with the nature. The German delegation met with inhabitants of Pyrgos village and Turkish Cypriots who were forced to leave the area in 1963 and exchanged with them views on the project and their problems.

(I/Ts.)

[10] The vast majority of criminals in the occupied areas are from Turkey

(I/Ts.)

[11] Eighth century-old finger print in the occupied castle of Saint Hilarion

(I/Ts.)

[12] Turkey is afraid from the work of missionaries operating in the country

The paper writes that the number of the missionaries in Turkey is now 50 and notes that the issue of the missionaries in the country has been on the political agenda for the last 10 years, since they are considered being a threat to the internal security. During the last 7 years 338 Muslims in Turkey changed their religion and became Christians. According to RADIKAL the National Security Council did not deny rumours that in 2002 it had prepared a report about the work of the missionaries in Turkey.

(CS)

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[13] Political developments over the election of new President as presented by the Turkish press on 19/04/07

Focusing on the political developments in a column in Istanbul Milliyet, Taha Akyol argues that former Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan has moved to persuade some of the political parties to establish a front against the ruling AKP [Justice and Development Party]. Stressing that he is aware that an initiative for a merger or an election alliance would be unrealistic, Akyol believes that the True Path Party [DYP] has not even found the proposal interesting enough to be considered and describes the initiative as being prompted by Erbakan's failure to accept the success achieved by Prime Minister Erdogan and the AKP. Focusing on the rapprochement between the Motherland Party and the DYP, Akyol asserts, "Such a move might be useful to obstruct polarization in Turkey.

According to Derya Sazak, Prime Minister Erdogan has held talks with the Motherland Party and the DYP to guarantee that 367 deputies participate in the rounds that will be held for the election of the new president. In a column in the same newspaper, he claims that Erdogan is aware that the opposition CHP [Republican People's Party] will appeal to the constitutional court to obstruct his election to the presidential palace and notes: Erdogan fears that if he insists on being elected as president, the AKP will lose the elections. He is worried by the reaction of the people. Sazak suggests: "The only solution is to hold general elections. The only solution in democracies is to go to the polls."

Political editor Erdal Saglam believes that the statement the TUSIAD [Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges] chairman made on the NTV network a few days ago to the effect that Prime Minister Erdogan should not bid for the presidency brought to light the organization's fear that the tension in the community might worsen. In a column in Hurriyet, Saglam argues that the industrialists and the businessmen are worried that the tense atmosphere might disrupt the political and economic stability in the country and asserts: The fear would not have existed if Erdogan and the AKP maintained an approach that embraced everyone, avoided making statements that were taken as a threat to the regime, and refrained from significantly increasing their own cadres in the state establishments.

In a column in the The New Anatolian, Ilnur Cevik views the initiative between the Motherland Party leader Erkan Mumcu and DYP leader Mehmet Agar to link the two center-right parties. He asserts that the initiative seems to be aimed at creating a strong right-wing front to challenge the AKP in the polls. Cevik warns that many politicians who have been left out of the parliament will want to use the merger between the two parties to be re-elected and hope that the AKP will weaken after the presidential elections to create an opportunity for them to do so. However, he argues that the conservative masses will vote for the ruling party as long as it is around.

Under the headline, "We will not allow ourselves to be used by the CHP," Vakit publishes a front-page report which quotes Motherland Party, ANAP, leader Erkan Mumcu as saying, in response to statements by main opposition Republican People's Party, CHP, executives calling on opposition parties to force an early general election by refraining from taking part in the voting for the presidential election, that any solution to the issue of the presidency should be sought within the framework of democracy.

Also front-paged is a report entitled "Maps Debunk Hot Air about Turnout at Rally," which asserts that a study carried out by Vakit writer Serdar Arseven utilizing satellite pictures has indicated that the turnout at the Tandogan rally could not have been higher than 118,854 based on a three people per square meter calculation.

In an article entitled "Which Secularism, Which Religion-State Separation?", Zaman columnist Sahin Alpay refers to the speeches delivered and the slogans shouted at the 14 April rally as "bitter" proof of how far Turkey is yet from attaining the standards of modern civilization. He claims that the rally illustrated that intolerance of different worldviews, lifestyles, and religious convictions is no more widespread in Turkey than it is among those who regard themselves as supporters of the republican regime, secularism, and modernization.

In an article entitled "Will Gul be the candidate?" Today's Zaman columnist Huseyin Gulerce explains why Prime Minister Erdogan is likely to nominate Foreign Minister Gul as a presidential candidate rather than running for president himself.

In an article entitled "Moderate Islam and the New President," Today's Zaman columnist Ibrahim Kalin takes issue with the assumption, held by "secular nationalists" in Turkey, that the Bush administration supports the ruling AKP "as part of its policy of supporting what it calls 'moderate Islam.'"

[14] The Turkish press on the beheading of three persons in Turkey

In a column in Istanbul Milliyet, Melih Asik argues that the murder of the three employees of a publishing house which publishes and distributes books on Christianity is linked with the atmosphere created in Turkey. He recalls the statement made by the German ambassador on the incident yesterday and asks why the prime minister and his government failed to quickly condemn the incident and to inform the people that the necessary measures will be taken.

In a column in the same newspaper Hasan Cemal describes the incident in Malatya as horrifying. He asserts that "words are not enough to condemn such an incident" and recalls the murder of Santoro and Dink, saying that the dark mentality behind the crimes must be brought to light. Cemal argues that the deficiencies in the police organization and the security forces help the criminals to achieve their objectives and notes: "Our country has a difficult problem, one that is very difficult. There is still a lot to be done to remove the existing darkness. May God help Turkey."

Mehmet Y. Yilmaz describes the incident in Malatya, in which three members of a publication house which published and distributed books on Christianity, were killed as a political crime. In a column in his corner in Istanbul Hurriyet, he asserts that the motive behind the incident is still unknown and notes: "Undoubtedly, the result will tarnish our country's image." Yilmaz believes that the elements responsible for the crime in Malatya are those who exaggerate missionary activities to add to their political gains.

Fatih Altayli in Istanbul Sabah also condemns the incident in Malatya. In a column, he argues that the development shows that serious plans are being drawn up on Turkey. Claiming that the country has been divided into various camps he laments the lack of trust among the people and expresses the fear that sectarian differences are being provoked. Altayli notes: An ethnic problem already exists. Now we have another problem. The incident in Malatya is as much damaging as the murder of Armenian journalist Hirant Dink some time ago.

Under the headline, "Sinister Hands, Black Day," Yeni Safak publishes a front-page report which accuses "the same provocateur" (that masterminded the murders of Catholic priest Santaro and Armenian Turkish journalist Hrant Dink?) of being responsible for the attack on a publishing house in Malatya yesterday selling copies of the Bible. According to the report, the attackers killed three people including a German national by cutting their throats.

Under the headline, "Ruthless Provocation in Malatya," Zaman publishes a front-page report which asserts that the identities of the victims of the attack on the publishing house in Malatya could not be disclosed for a long time because the ID cards found on their persons proved to be fake.

In an article entitled "An Act of Provocation That was Bound To Happen", Zaman columnist Ali Bulac argues that although the manner of the killing of the three Bible publishers in Malatya is reminiscent of Hizbullah methods, the possibility of Hizbullah involvement in the attack appears to be very tenuous not only because this group announced its intention quite a while ago not to stage such acts but also because Hizbullah does not normally attack non-Muslims. He also claims that the possibility that the attack is linked to the forthcoming presidential election cannot be disregarded, adding that such "acts of provocation" cannot obstruct the election process.

In an article entitled "Malatya Attack is not the Real Face of Turkey," Today's Zaman Editor-in-Chief Bulent Kenes asserts that certain quarters might have engineered the "abhorrent" attack in Malatya to "strengthen and consolidate ... suspicions that a religious president could divert Turkey from its secular path."

EG/

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