Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-04-25

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot press cover Guls candidacy for the presidential elections

[02] Hasan Ercakica on the referendum for the Annan Plan

[03] CTP and UPB sent different messages to the world on the occasion of the third anniversary of the referendum on the Annan plan

[04] The so-called Property Compensation Commission has taken decisions for 18 applications filed by Greek Cypriots regarding their occupied properties

[05] The occupied areas are expanding their tourism offering thalassotherapy services in a new hotel

[B] COMMENTARIES EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[06] Ugur Ziyal: We have to act with patience. The Cyprus problem has continued for 40 years. His role in the Annan plan

[07] The Turkish press continues to cover the killing of the workers of Malatya publishing house

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot press cover Guls candidacy for the presidential elections

HURRIYET writes in its first page about yesterdays announcement of the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan that the candidate of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) for the forthcoming presidential elections will be the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul. The paper writes that Erdogan, speaking at his Partys parliamentary group, stated, inter alia, that they have still a long way to go and added: We cannot abandon the work we have started.

The paper also writes that a lot of backstage discussion took place, between Erdogan, Gul and the Speaker of the Turkish Assembly Bulent Arinc, before a decision was taken that Gul would be the candidate. Erdogan was thinking that the partys candidate should be a person of a low profile, writes the paper, but Arinc rejected this approach. The candidate must be either you or Gul, he told Erdogan.

In his first statement after his candidacy was announced, Gul said, inter alia, that he would be at peace with the values of the people in Turkey.

HURRIYET writes that the wife of Abdullah Gul, Hayrunnisa, applied to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after she was not allowed to register at the University of Ankara in 1988, because she was covering her head. Mrs Gul later withdrew her application.

The leader of the Republican Peoples Party (CHP), Deniz Baykal, commenting on Abdullah Guls candidacy, stated that the nation did not accept Erdogan for the presidency.

MILLIYET also refers to Guls candidacy in its first page and writes that the balance within the AKP played a very big role regarding the decision taken.

The paper writes that in his first statements Gul referred to his wife and stated that the fact that she covers her head and that she applied to the ECHR against Turkey on this issue, was her individual rights.

Gul has already started having contacts with the parties participating in the Turkish Assembly asking for their support for his candidacy.

MILLIYET also writes that the leader of the main opposition Party (CHP) in Turkey, Deniz Baykal, did not approach warmly Guls candidacy. Baykal stated that Gul must put aside his AKP identity and added that if he insists on keeping it, serious obstacles would come up. He also stated that if 367 deputies are not present at the Assembly during the first round of the voting for the presidential elections, his party will apply to the Constitutional Court.

MILLIYET reports in its inside pages that the business world in Turkey reacted positively to Guls candidacy for the presidency.

MILLIYET writes that following the announcement of Guls candidacy, AKP started discussing who is going to be the next Minister of Foreign Affairs. The paper writes that the Ministers of State Ali Babacan and Besir Atalay and the AKP deputies Saban Disli, Murat Mercan and Egemen Bagis are among the persons under consideration for this position.

SABAH writes in its first page that now is Guls era for the Cankaya (the presidential) Palace. The paper notes that Erdogan, announcing AKPs candidate for the presidential elections said that he is the esteemed, the person with whom we were together until now, our brother Abdullah Gul. Erdogan stated that the 11th President of Turkey will be elected the way the 10th and the previous Presidents of the country were elected.

SABAH writes that Gul has already held contacts with the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) Erkan Mumcu and the leader of the CHP Deniz Baykal. The latter stated that he will not support Gul for the presidency and that his partys deputies will not be present at the voting. In this case, said Baykal, if 367 deputies are not present at the voting, CHP will apply to the constitutional court against the procedure.

RADIKAL under the title Gul is the candidate, the quarrel is at the door, writes that CHP insists that 367 deputies should be present at the first round voting for the presidential elections. A CHP official stated that there is no difference between Gul and Erdogan and that the presence of the 367 deputies is a condition for the voting to be legal. As for Deniz Baykal, he described the non candidacy of Tayyip Erdogan as a victory.

The Turkish Cypriot press (25.04.07) covers the issue as follows:

KIBRIS reports that the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced yesterday that Abdullah Gul, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is the candidate of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) for the presidential elections in Turkey. The paper describes Guls candidacy as a surprise. In statements after the announcement, Mr Gul said that the fact that his wife wears turban is her personal choice and added that everybody should respect this. He reminded the provisions of the constitution regarding the President of the Republic and noted that in case he is elected by the Assembly, no one should doubt that he will act according to the constitution and he will be in harmony with the values of the people.

AFRIKA refers to the issue and notes that a great surprise is experienced in Turkey because of Guls candidacy. The paper reports that the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Germany Mrs Bakoyianni and Mr Steinmeir were among those who congratulated Gul. The self-styled minister of foreign affairs of the breakaway regime, Turgay Avci has also congratulated Gul. According to the paper, it is expected that Ali Babacan, state minister and Turkeys chief negotiator with the EU, will be appointed in Guls place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The first round of the elections will take place on 27 April and the second on 2 May. If a third and fourth rounds are needed they will be conducted on 9 and 15 May respectively.

STAR KIBRIS, under the title Congratulations, reports that Ankara experienced yesterday a historic day. The paper notes that Guls candidacy was seen as a positive development in the occupied areas of Cyprus. The self-styled Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer stated that with Guls efforts Turkey overcame many obstacles which were standing in front of it in the world. The paper adds that the self-styled minister of foreign affairs of the breakaway regime, Turgay Avci said that Guls candidacy shows that Turkey will continue making openings and added that Gul will significantly contribute to making the voice of the TRNC heard in the world. The paper notes that Mr Gul (57) is the youngest candidate for the presidency of the country after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Ismet Inonu.

ORTAM covers the issue under the title Fighter Gul and reports that the duty of taking the turban, symbol of the political Islam, to the highest level of the secular Republic of Turkey has been given to Mr Gul.

(CS/ITs)

[02] Hasan Ercakica on the referendum for the Annan Plan

In statements yesterday, Mr Ercakica argued that reaching a solution in Cyprus will not be possible unless the Greek Cypriot side is forced to back step from the osmosis policy it follows. He alleged that the only way for achieving this is the complete lifting of the isolations applied on north Cyprus.

HALKIN SESI covers Ercakicas statements under the title Ercakica: The developments show the rightness of the yes vote.

(ITs)

[03] CTP and UPB sent different messages to the world on the occasion of the third anniversary of the referendum on the Annan plan

The CTP organized activities under the slogan No to the non-solution and the isolations, Yes to the equality, love and peace. Kadri Fellahoglu, head of CTPs Lefkosia organization, stated that they exerted efforts for the solution until today and that they will continue these efforts, because this is the only way. It will be solved, but when it is solved we want the interests, benefits and rights of the Turkish Cypriot people to be protected at the highest possible level, he noted.

Meanwhile, UBPs head in Lefkosia Hasan Tacoy stated during their protest act yesterday that with their protest they aimed at showing that they were defending the TRNC and protesting the fact that the world did not fulfil its promises to the Turkish Cypriots.

Furthermore, KIBRIS reports also that Omer Kalyoncu, general secretary of the CTP, issued a written statement yesterday noting that they covered a great distance thanks to their yes vote in the referendum. As long as we defend our yes, our aim for being integrated to the world will be materialized step by step, he argued. Mr Kalyoncu called on those who ask what happened now after they said yes, to reply to the question what would happen if they said no. They keep quiet because they know very well the answer to this question, he noted and pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots had been isolated from the world because of the non-solution is the solution policy, which they followed for many years.

(ITs)

[04] The so-called Property Compensation Commission has taken decisions for 18 applications filed by Greek Cypriots regarding their occupied properties

In three of the cases the Commission decided the return of property (two in occupied Akanthou village and one in Angastina village) and that fifteen of the applicants should be compensated. The chairman of the Commission, Mrs Sumer Erkmen told illegal Bayrak television that the filing of applications continues and it is increased every day and added that they have received 146 applications until today. Mrs Erkmen said that they are taking up the applications in secrecy and work intensively to conclude them. She alleged: The Greek Cypriots who come to the Commission do not want their names to be revealed. The Greek Cypriots who file application confronting the oppression of the Greek Cypriot Administration, demand secrecy. She also said that they completed the examination of eighteen applications and noted that they decided the return of property in three of them and pay compensation in the other fifteen.

(ITs)

[05] The occupied areas are expanding their tourism offering thalassotherapy services in a new hotel

RADIKAL also cites the names of the hotels that Merit Hotels have in occupied Cyprus: Merit Crystal Cove, Cyprus Garden and Green Karmy. From these three hotels Green Karmy, which has a capacity of 400 beds, is not operating at the moment, but as the paper writes, it is ready to open its doors to clients as soon as the isolation is lifted. The expectation of Net Group, which is bound to Merit, is that the isolation will be soon lifted and direct flights will start to the island.

(CS)

[B] COMMENTARIES EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[06] Ugur Ziyal: We have to act with patience. The Cyprus problem has continued for 40 years. His role in the Annan plan

Hasturer: As an ambassador who is closely familiar with the Cyprus problem, you were involved in the talks in Burgenstock. Can you explain where we stand in the problem at the present time?

Ziyal: A physical change has taken place in the Cyprus problem. A change has taken place in the way the Turkish Cypriots understand the problem. The Greek Cypriots have joined the EU. They have gained significant advantage. However, they have not been able to achieve what they expected. All that is what happened in Burgenstock. That is due to the outcome of the policy adopted by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side.

Hasturer: What was our position in Burgenstock? Was it one that would help us win or, at least, not lose?

Ziyal: I believe that that was our position. Had a solution been found, then we would have had to proceed in accordance with its provisions. Without a solution, we would have had to proceed in accordance with the realities.

Hasturer: Were we very close to solving the Cyprus problem in Burgenstock?

Ziyal: The solution of the Cyprus problem was very close for the first time in Burgenstock. It was the first time the people would have been informed on the plan for the solution of the problem. That was completely due to the willingness of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.

Hasturer: You are serving as Turkey's ambassador in Rome, an important capital in Europe. You are well informed on Turkey's foreign policy. What the Europeans say behind closed doors conflict with what they say and do outside. Can you comment on that?

Ziyal: As far as I can see, the Europeans are confused. They are not united on what will happen to them or what they should do. Nor are they united on the direction the EU will take and what the organization will become in the future. The globalization process has recently had negative effects. Nevertheless, the European countries will find their own way, regardless of all that. However, I believe that we are doing the right thing. Turkey and the KKTC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] must catch up with the contemporary standards. Turkey's participation in the EU as a member will not be a problem if that is achieved.

Hasturer: Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos policies are not approved. Nevertheless, he is treated as the President of a recognized country. How long will Europe tolerate that state of affairs?

Ziyal: Europe has a problem with Papadopoulos because his approach conflicts with the European values and contemporary requirements. He says amen to futile prayers. That is becoming more and more obvious. I do not know how long Europe will tolerate that. Nevertheless, the right policies we maintain against Papadopoulos' approach, which has made the European officials uneasy, will help us achieve our targets in time.

Hasturer: The Turkish Cypriot side said that the KKTC does not want to be recognized. It said that it does not support separation. But, it seems that time is intensifying separation on the island. Are the western officials worried about separation?

Ziyal: Yes, they are. That is gradually becoming obvious. First of all, the Greek Cypriot media organs express concern over the possibility of separation. Those who are involved in the problem are worried. The fear is gradually spreading among those who are not. That is due to the fact that the problem is gradually becoming more difficult to solve.

Hasturer: Will the Turkish Cypriot side be able to change the difficult situation in its favour? Achieving success no matter what the conditions might be is important in diplomacy.

Ziyal: The objective of the diplomats and the representatives of the community should be aimed at gaining from the present situation. Why should we not be successful if we move in the right direction and appropriately assess the realities? Our approach is right and justified.

Hasturer: Can you explain how Europe views North Cyprus?

Ziyal: The Europeans are not appropriately familiar with the reality of North Cyprus. The KKTC is confronted with problems that are similar to the problems Turkey is dealing with. It is a fact that democracy is well advanced in the two countries. There are functioning institutions on sound foundations. Unfortunately, the Europeans are not fully aware of that state of affairs. That will change as they visit Cyprus and as the Turkish Cypriots visit the European countries. Turkey's image abroad is changing in parallel with the changes that are taking place in the country. I am not fully aware of the effects the changes in North Cyprus have had. However, I believe that the Europeans must try to be better informed on the changes in North Cyprus.

Hasturer: We have to be inside the club's door to be able to draw their attention and explain ourselves. Is it not true that those who wish to be informed on North Cyprus and get to know us should, at least, create an opportunity for us to explain ourselves?

Ziyal: That is necessary. It is their duty to do so. The EU as a whole also has a duty to fulfil towards Turkey. Each one of the EU countries has a duty to fulfil towards Turkey. If they support peace, solution, and coexistence, then they have to reflect that in their policies.

Hasturer: The Cyprus issue seems to be an unsolvable problem. However, the Turkish Cypriots are the side that pays the cost of that state of affairs. Human rights are among the rising values in Europe. So, I do not believe that they are unable to see that the Turkish Cypriots are treated unjustly. If they are aware of that, then why do they not take the necessary steps?

Ziyal: Of course, the question should be put to the European officials. We have done so at every opportunity. We reminded them that they are not complying with the requirements of the values they uphold and asked them why they failed to take the necessary steps. I am afraid I cannot say that we got a satisfactory answer.

Hasturer: As a diplomat who is well aware of the Cyprus problem, what do you expect in the short, medium, and long-term on the island?

Ziyal: That is a very good question. A development will depend on many variables. What I will say is that we must act with self-confidence and support our institutions. If we trust ourselves, support our institutions, and make the necessary sacrifices in the community and the state, then we will be able to solve the problem. We have to act with patience. The Cyprus problem has continued for 40 years. That is not a long period in history. I do not believe that time is working against us. It will continue to work in our favour if the Greek Cypriot side maintains its present policies.

It is noted that Ugur Ziyal was one of the architects of the Annan plan on the part of Turkey. As Foreign Ministry Undersecretary he headed the Turkish delegation in the negotiations with the United States on the benefits Turkey would get in exchange for Turkey´s contribution to the success of the war in Iraq once President Bush announced his decision to depose Saddam Husseyin.

At the time the Turkish press was jubilant that Turkey would solve all its economic problems, secure accession to the EU with U.S. help and solve the Cyprus and the regional problems with neighbours the way Turkey wanted.

Following are experts from a commentary by Mehmet Ali Birand published in Turkish Daily News, Hurriyet and Posta newspapers on 19 February 2004, under the title: Who has played the most vital role in this result?:

A defeat is an orphan, but success has many parents. There are many people who have contributed to reaching this point on the Cyprus issue. However, on one side there are some certain people who played key roles and took huge responsibilities.

..

Ugur Ziyal: Extraordinary diplomat

There are some people who do not want to be named or to show themselves.

Ordinary people may not remember them, but they make huge contributions to historic events silently.

I am talking about Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal.

Ziyal has saved Turkish Foreign Ministry´s prestige. He has not only saved the Ministry´s prestige but also convinced the circles within the Ministry, Denktas and the Presidency who feel concern over the Cyprus developments.

I think the words of a top UN diplomat, who attended the Cyprus talks from the beginning, clearly shows Ziyal´s role: He is beyond the international standards for a diplomat. The fact that he is the Foreign Ministry Undersecretary in such a time is a sign of your luck.

[07] The Turkish press continues to cover the killing of the workers of Malatya publishing house

In a front-page report in YENI SAFAK entitled "Do not worry. You have the State behind you," it is alleged that Emre G, a "key" figure in the murder of the three Bible distributors in Malatya, received his instructions from a "gang". The gang allegedly told him that he would enjoy "every sort of state guarantee" that he would not come to harm for killing "the missionaries."

In an article entitled "Malatya from yesterday to date: What does this carnage symbolize?" YENI SAFAK columnist Ali Bayramoglu holds "a public majority" that "scorns" Christian missionaries and represents them as "dangerous" and "hostile" responsible for the "carnage" in Malatya. He argues that the recent attack on Christian missionaries has illustrated once again that the most serious problem facing Turkey today is the way "violence has turned into a value, become commonplace, and been legitimized amid nationalist cheers."

In an article in VAKIT newspaper entitled "What is being lost is not religion but the preeminence of the Deep State", Editor-in-Chief Hasan Karakaya accuses "neo-nationalist" groups of provoking attacks on Christian missionaries in Turkey by warning of the implications of the EU accession process for Turkey's religious and national integrity. He slams these groups also for resorting to the "disgusting tactic" of representing such assaults carried out at their own instigation as evidence that "reactionism is the number one threat" to Turkey. He claims that these groups only want to be able to retain their power, position, status, and "immunity."

In an article entitled "Turkey should take action against brutal murders", TODAY´S ZAMAN publishes a commentary by columnist Lale Sariibrahimoglu. He calls on Ankara to adopt an urgent "action plan" against the "problem of rising ultranationalism" that is "taking the form of intolerance" and murder of Christian missionaries in Turkey.

Finally, in an article under the title "The AKP and missionary activities", MILLI GAZETE columnist Hasan Unal accuses the AKP's "politburo" of trying to find "legitimate excuses" for missionary activities in Turkey by making references to the existence of Turkish mosques and places of worship in Germany. Unal argues that the equivalent of the Muslim Turks in Germany could only be German nationals in the coast town of Alanya, adding that if the latter want to be provided with Christian places of worship, their wish should be fulfilled but that missionary activities in Turkey are still "a dangerous business that should be banned immediately."

He also claims that the AKP's policy on evangelism is all the more objectionable in light of most Christian missionaries' support for the continuing US occupation of Iraq.

EG/

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