Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-05-31

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat on the decision of the German Parliament: Only the TGNA would write a resolution in this manner; He argues that his mere presence at international meetings is a sign of the existence of the TRNC

[02] The Cyprus EU Association urges the Turkish Cypriot side to support the decision of the German Parliament as a whole and not only the part regarding the lifting of the isolation

[03] Ozan Ceyhun praises the so-called Soyer government for ensuring the de facto lifting of the isolation

[04] Bilman said it is unrealistic to expect Germany to take new initiatives on the Cyprus problem

[05] The Turkish Cypriot press reports that the ECHR rejected Myra Xenides Arestis appeal

[06] Talat and Soyer praised the works of the illegal Universities

[07] The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce is launching an information campaign for foreigners

[08] Serdar Denktas argues that no possibility is left for reaching a political solution in Cyprus

[09] The so-called Billiard Federation of the TRNC is participating in an international cup in the Czech Republic

[10] Erdogan will not be prosecuted for addressing Ocalan, but new case against him

[11] The Turkish Foreign Ministry on the visit of Sarkozy´s advisor Levitte in Turkey

[12] Turkish MFA´s statement on a train container full of weapons

[13] Turkish Military dispatch to Iraqi border is continuing

[14] Retired General Kilinc called for withdrawal from NATO

[15] Wolfowitz, Kissinger to attend the Bilderberg meeting

[16] Calik-Indian Oil Company allowed to set up oil refinery in Ceyhan

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[17] The Turkish press on developments in the internal political front

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat on the decision of the German Parliament: Only the TGNA would write a resolution in this manner; He argues that his mere presence at international meetings is a sign of the existence of the TRNC

Mr Talat alleged that Germany is formulating a new policy on the Cyprus problem and described this as a new and important beginning. He argued that this approach is different than Britains policy of playing hare and hounds.

He described the decision as an unexpected development. Evaluating the Gambari process, he argued that the demand of the Greek Cypriot side for the inclusion of the property issue in the discussions at the technical committees creates a problem and reiterated the view that the property issue is a part of the comprehensive solution.

If there are worries on the property issue, let them come and let us sit and solve the Cyprus problem, he said and alleged that there are no important and positive developments on the Cyprus problem, in spite of the fact that many things are happening.

He related this to the fact that the Greek Cypriot side feels very much at ease. He argued that the continuation of the current policy on the Cyprus problem is necessary from the point of view of the interests of the Turkish Cypriots and added:

Either we will reach an agreement and a United Cyprus or with this policy we will show to the world who does not want an agreement.

He alleged that the world considers as modern and supports the policy which they are following and claimed that with this policy they took away the trump card from the Greek Cypriot side and that with the support of the international public opinion they will change the position which the Greek Cypriots have gained.

Mr Talat said that no one should worry and added: We are not about to give anything until the comprehensive agreement. Commenting on the allegations that he does not defend the TRNC, (breakaway regime in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus), Mr Talat noted:

Is it possible not to defend the TRNC? The allegation that I do not defend the TRNC is an irrational allegation. My mere presence at international meetings is a sign of the existence of the TRNC and that it will continue. We are exerting every kind of effort in order to strengthen and institutionalize the TRNC with its people and all its institutions, both state and civilian organizations.

Mr Talat alleged that defending the TRNC does not contradict the vision for a united Cyprus and argued that the united Cyprus will be created with the transformation of the TRNC.

He expressed the opinion that under the conditions of both the non-solution and the solution, there is a need for the TRNC and noted that the Annan Plan provided for the transformation of the TRNC to a united Cyprus.

He alleged that there is no one in the Turkish Cypriot side who rejects the solution and argued that this is a serious advantage for them. We should force the solution and if we cannot reach it, we must at least ensure the lifting of the isolation, he said and expressed the belief that after some time the tendencies internationally will begin to change further in favour of the Turkish Cypriot side.

Referring to the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (31.05.07) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader said regarding the resolution of the German Parliament: Only the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) would write the resolution in this manner.

(I/Ts.)

[02] The Cyprus EU Association urges the Turkish Cypriot side to support the decision of the German Parliament as a whole and not only the part regarding the lifting of the isolation

In a statement issued by the Association, it is said that the decision is natural, but the support expressed to it from the northern part of Cyprus is not natural. The statement added, inter alia, the following:

We are noting the support given to this decision by the president of the TRNC, the assembly and the government, which stated that they have contributed to the formulation of the decision and supported it. However, we expect them to support the whole decision and its entire scope, not only the part regarding the lifting of the isolation.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozan Ceyhun praises the so-called Soyer government for ensuring the de facto lifting of the isolation

In statements to the paper during his recent visit to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Ceyhun said that the so-called Prime Minister Soyer and his government succeeded in this work and made constructive steps. It ensured the de facto lifting of the isolation, he argued and added:

This issue is an issue of everybody. The Greek Cypriot lobbies are not as active as they used to be before in Europe. Our duty is to inform Europe about the steps which are made.

He stressed the importance of the Turkish Cypriots participating in cultural events abroad and making their name heard. Mr Ceyhun said that he agrees with the policy followed by the AKP government on the Cyprus problem, but expressed his worries on the policies regarding Turkeys interests and the future of its people.

The paper reports that Mr Ceyhun was on Interpols red bulletin regarding the DEV-YOL incidents in the 1970s, that he was tried with the demand for capital punishment and that he could not enter his country for 19 years.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Bilman said it is unrealistic to expect Germany to take new initiatives on the Cyprus problem

The Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Levent Bilman has expressed the view that it would not be realistic to expect the EU term-president Germany to take a new initiative on the Cyprus issue.

In his weekly press conference, Mr Bilman said it would be too optimistic to expect Germany to do this as it will soon be handing over its term-presidency to Portugal.

Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot Administration is using its veto power it gained with the EU membership as a tool against the Turkish Cypriot Side and Turkey, the Spokesperson expressed the view that Germany will not be able to reach a conclusion on its initiatives on the Cyprus issue as long as this situation continues.

[05] The Turkish Cypriot press reports that the ECHR rejected Myra Xenides Arestis appeal

The European Court of Human Rights has announced its final verdict on the Arestis Case.

The case which was brought to the ECHR by Greek Cypriot Myra Xenides Arestis for her property left in the Maras (occupied fenced area of Famagusta) region was concluded in December last year.

ECHR rejected the appeal of Mrs Arestis to its earlier decision which envisaged Turkey to pay 1 million euros of compensation and that Maras was an Evkaf foundation property.

Objecting to ECHRs earlier decision on the case in December last year, Myra Xenides Arestis claimed that the Immovable Property Commission established in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was not legal.

However, the Court rejected the claim.

Evaluating the Courts decision to the BRT, the Chairperson of the Turkish Cypriot Human Rights Foundation Emine Erk said that Greek Cypriots failed in their attempt to challenge against the legality of the Immoveable Property Commission in the TRNC.

Mrs Erk stated that the final verdict of the ECHR showed the fact that its earlier decision on the Arestis Case cannot be appealed.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (31.05.07) reports that the decision taken by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) last December regarding the Greek Cypriot refugee Myra Xenides - Arestis case has been turned into final decision after the rejection of the appeals of the sides by the Court on 23 May.

Referring to the issue Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (31.05.07) reports that Turkey will pay one million euros to Mrs Arestis.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (31.05.07) reports that Mrs Arestis demanded two million euro as compensation, but the court convicted Turkey to pay one million, together with the court expenses. The paper notes that the decision taken in December 2006 is now the final decision on this case and argues that this decision gave the message that the so-called Property Compensation Commission set up by Turkey in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus is accepted as local remedy.

[06] Talat and Soyer praised the works of the illegal Universities

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have an important role in the promotion of the Turkish Cypriot Peoples image within the international community.

The Presidents words came during an opening ceremony of new facilities at the European University of Lefke (occupied Lefka) which was also attended by the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer, Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosa Turkekul Kurttekin, as well as some Ministers and Deputies.

In his speech at the gathering, President Mehmet Ali Talat stated that universities form a special economic, scientific, artistic and cultural sector in the country and have an important role in promoting the international reputation of the Turkish Cypriot People. Complaining that the Greek Cypriot Sides policy, aiming to isolate the Turkish Cypriot People, is affecting education in the country, Mr Talat said that the Turkish Cypriot Side will never take a step back from its efforts aimed at participating in the Bologna process.

Noting that local investments made by universities are an important brand for the region, Mr Talat said these investments will help the international recognition of the Turkish Cypriot Peoples existence and promote the economy, while at the same time they will also help strengthen the Turkish Cypriot Sides hand in bargaining on the Cyprus issue.

The President added that investments in the TRNC is a tough response to those who deny the Turkish Cypriot existence and that the Turkish Cypriot Peoples rights will never be handed over.

Also delivering a speech at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer stated that investments made in the TRNC universities form important footprints in the Turkish Cypriot Peoples future path.

The Prime Minister stressed that it is against the international human rights to make the Turkish Cypriot people suffer under the international isolation, even in the education sector.

Reminding that this fact is also underlined in the UN reports on Cyprus, Mr Soyer said the TRNC universities have made contributions to education in the Republic.

Also emphasizing that the Lefke (occupied Lefka) region has a significant place in the Turkish Cypriot Peoples struggle for existence, Mr Soyer said the opening of new facilities will promote dynamism in the region.

Among those speaking was the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkosa Turkekul Kurttekin who praised the works carried out by the TRNC universities.

The Turkish Ambassador underlined the fact that universities have a big role in contributing to the economic development of the country.

Adding that the investments made in the European University of Lefke (occupied Lefka) is a good example to the cooperation between the TRNC and Turkey, the Ambassador stressed that cooperation will continue between the two countries.

[07] The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce is launching an information campaign for foreigners

The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce launched a new campaign this morning with the aim of informing foreigners on shopping opportunities in the North as well on how much they can take with them while crossing into the South, within the framework of the Green Line Regulation.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the campaign is also aimed at encouraging trade between the North and the South and promoting tourism, thus contributing to the development of the Turkish Cypriot economy.

The campaign kicked off this morning with the unveiling of billboards at the Ledra Palace and Metehan Checkpoints, aimed at informing tourists on their shopping and trade opportunities while crossing at the checkpoints.

The campaign was introduced at a press conference at Ledra Palace which was also attended by the Minister of Economy and Tourism Enver Ozturk.

It is indicated on the information boards that foreigners crossing into the South can carry goods worth up to 135 Euros maximum, for private use only.

The billboards will also be placed at other checkpoints along the TRNC borders at Akyar, Bostanci and Beyarmudu.

[08] Serdar Denktas argues that no possibility is left for reaching a political solution in Cyprus

Mr Denktas said that no possibility is left for reaching a political solution to the Cyprus problem and argued that instead of setting forth solution models that are not feasible in order not to be seen as opponent of the solution, the Turkish Cypriot side should decide what it wants and explain it to the world.

(I/Ts.)

[09] The so-called Billiard Federation of the TRNC is participating in an international cup in the Czech Republic

(I/Ts.)

[10] Erdogan will not be prosecuted for addressing Ocalan, but new case against him

"The Prime Minister's statements that exclude the principles of supremacy of law and incontestably binding characteristic of judicial decree, expose our court as a target," said Tulay Tugcu, the chief judge of the Constitutional Court, on Wednesday.

Tugcu held a press conference at the Constitutional Court building where she said the Court's decision regarding the quorum for presidential election could be criticized scientifically or legally. However she noted that the criticisms could not exceed a constitutional framework.

Upon a question, Tugcu said they will file a complaint against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On Tuesday, Erdogan described Constitutional Court's ruling that 367 deputies must be present in parliament for a presidential election to be valid, as "a disgrace."

Moreover, A.A. reports:

The Chief Prosecutor's Office in Ankara has made a decision not to prosecute against Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Acting Chief Prosecutor Hikmet Onen completed his second investigation into a speech delivered by Prime Minister Erdogan in Australia on January 14th, 2000.

After examining the text of the speech, Onen ruled that the speech did not include any criminal elements.

Earlier, the Chief Prosecutor's Office in Ankara launched an investigation against Prime Minister Erdogan upon denouncements over his remarks in Australia in which he allegedly used an honorific title --which can be translated as "esteemed"-- while speaking about Abdullah Ocalan, head of the terrorist organization PKK.

[11] The Turkish Foreign Ministry on the visit of Sarkozy´s advisor Levitte in Turkey

"The Recent visit by Jean David Levitte, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's advisor for foreign policy, enabled us to review the bilateral relations between Turkey and France," Levent Bilman, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Bilman said, "During his stay in Turkey, Mr. Levitte held talks with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's chief advisor Ali Yakital and Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ertugrul Apakan."

Bilman said that "Turkey is a country pursuing its negotiations with the EU with the sole aim of becoming a full member."

[12] Turkish MFA´s statement on a train container full of weapons

"An investigation is underway about the container which --according to some allegations-- would be full of weapons," Levent Bilman, spokesman for the MFA said on Wednesday.

About news reports claiming that there were weapons sent from Iran to Syria in a container aboard a freight train (which derailed after an explosive planted on the railway near Suveren station in the southeastern city of Bingol by the terrorist organization PKK, went off on May 25th,) Bilman said that it would be erroneous to make any comment without getting results of the ongoing investigation.

Earlier, Iranian Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary-General Ali Larijani said that such acts of disinformation only aimed at tarnishing the existing friendly relations between the two neighboring states.

On the other hand, upon a question on EU-Turkey Troika meeting to be held on Monday, Bilman said that the meeting is a routine one.

"The meeting will be attended by Turkish FM and Deputy PM Abdullah Gul", he noted.

He said Troika meetings usually discuss EU-Turkey relations, how to boost relations and regional and international problems that interest both sides.

Moreover, A.A. reports:

The investigation in the container which was claimed to have been full of weapons was completed.

Cargo in ten cars of the freight train which derailed in an explosion in the south-eastern city of Bingol on May 25th, was checked under surveillance of prosecutor Ismail Sari. Sari said that any weapons or ammunition were not found in the cars.

Earlier, it was claimed that there were weapons sent from Iran to Syria in a container aboard a freight train which derailed after a mine planted on the railway by the terrorist organization PKK, went off on May 25th.

[13] Turkish Military dispatch to Iraqi border is continuing

[14] Retired General Kilinc called for withdrawal from NATO

Retired General Sener Eruygur, Chairman of the Association for Kemalist Ideology (ADD) (and former Chief of the Gendarmery Forces), and retired General Tuncer Kilinc, former secretary general of the National Security Council, made interesting comments in a conference entitled "Upholding Our Republic" which was organized by the British Association for Kemalist Ideology. Pointing out that NATO's role had started to be questioned, Kilinc said: "The United States occasionally uses the United Nations and NATO in order to maintain its global dominance."

Kilinc went on to say: "Although NATO is regarded as a force which could be used against a threat targeting the West amid various uncertainties today, it is obvious that it does not have a structure that could allow it to be used effectively especially during an asymmetrical war. There is a conviction that Turkey could free itself of Western hegemony and colonialism if it leaves NATO one way or another. With a powerful armed force, Turkey would be a powerful country with which both sides would like to establish close ties while it would have the flexibility to be engaged in closer cooperation with other powerful groupings." Kilinc added that Turkey would become a centre of gravity for other major countries, especially Russia.

In his address, Kilinc said that the United States had banked on support that it received from Barzani and Talabani's tribal communities during the invasion of Iraq and thus caused Kurdish nationalism to rise in an arrogant manner. Kilinc noted: "The EU is trying to force us to recognize Armenian genocide; to extend diplomatic recognition to the Greek Cypriot Administration in Cyprus; to open up our ports to Greek Cypriots; to conduct negotiations with the terrorist organizations; and to describe our Kurdish and Alevi citizens as minorities. They intend to destroy our national unity so that we would surrender easily."

[15] Wolfowitz, Kissinger to attend the Bilderberg meeting

The Bilderberg Group, which brings together people of influence from around the world, will begin its 2007 meeting in Turkey today.

Bilderberg is an annual conference of the global elite, the location of which changes every year. Power brokers from industry, oil companies, politics, banking, business, academia, royalty and the media get together to privately discuss the course of the world with no outside press coverage whatsoever. The secrecy of the group has attracted criticism and given rise to much conspiracy theory about possible covert plans of the global elite to rule the world. Many treat the meeting as a significant event during which participants also determine the following years agenda.

However, the group claims it does not set policy.

The elite group will be meeting today at the Klassis Hotel in the town of Silivri, 40 miles from Istanbul.

Sources say the meeting, which will be held from May 31 to June 3, will mainly focus on issues such as a probable operation against Iran, energy policies and Turkeys EU membership process. During last years meeting, Turkey-EU relations were discussed quite intensely by the participants.

Two Bilderberg conferences were previously held in Turkey, the first in 1959 in Istanbul and the other in 1975 in Çesme, near the Aegean city of Izmir.

Economy Minister Ali Babacan, KOÇ Holding CEO Mustafa Koç and Yeni ^afak columnist Fehmi Koru are some of the Turks expected to attend the conference, while former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, former US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld and UN Development Programme (UNDP) chief Kemal Dervi are some of the international personalities expected to attend this year s meeting.

[16] Calik-Indian Oil Company allowed to set up oil refinery in Ceyhan

"We have approved the application of Calik-Indian Oil Company consortium regarding the establishment of an oil refinery (in Ceyhan region)," said Yusuf Gunay, president of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK), on Wednesday.

Delivering a statement prior to the "13th International Energy, Cogeneration & Environmental Technologies Conference" in Istanbul, Gunay said that 3 applications were received regarding this issue and they were assessed by EPDK. Gunay stated that Calik-Indian Oil Company consortium's application was approved while another applicant Turcas-Socar partnership still needed to complete the required documents.

Previously, Petrol Ofisi applied to EPDK to establish an oil refinery with an annual process capacity of 10 million tones of crude oil in Ceyhan region. Right after Petrol Ofisi's application, Calik-Indian Oil Company and Turcas-Azerbaijani Socar consortiums respectively applied to EPDK so as to establish oil refinery of different capacities in the region.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[17] The Turkish press on developments in the internal political front

Under the headline, "Demirel grabs DYP from Agar's hand," YENI SAFAK publishes a front-page report which asserts that a group of former politicians led by former Prime Minister and President Suleyman Demirel have reclaimed the True Path Party, (DYP), by taking advantage of the fact that this party has dissolved itself by merging with the Motherland Party, (ANAP), to form the Democratic Party, (DP).

Under the headline: "Is it a crime to be devout?" VAKIT newspaper publishes a front-page report which accuses "cartel newspapers" of "representing piety as a crime" to counterbalance the effect on the public of what they claim to be propaganda by the ruling AKP to the effect that Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was prevented from being elected as president because of his religious faith.

In an article entitled "Where is Turkey being drawn into?", VAKIT newspaper columnist Serdar Demirel links the recent suicide bomb attack in Ankara's Ulus district to possible efforts by certain global players to draw Turkey into Iraq as well as a possible bid to have the upcoming parliamentary elections postponed and lay the groundwork for martial law in Turkey. Demirel asserts that the recent threats against Turkey by Mustafa Abu-al-Yazid, al-Qa'ida's new Afghanistan representative, could be used as a basis for laying the blame for further bomb attacks in Turkey on Islamic groups.

In his column in HURRIYET Tufan Turenc criticizes Prime Minister Erdogan for "mismanaging" the presidential election process, saying that the AKP could have nominated and elected a president who would be supported both by the opposition and the public had Erdogan refrained from adopting a "stubborn" approach. Turenc accuses the prime minister of creating "polarization" and failing to establish stability and peace in the country. Also criticizing the AKP government's economic policies, he asserts that it has failed to solve the unemployment problem because of insufficient foreign investments.

On his part Orhan Karatas of ORTADOGU newspaper strongly criticizes Democrat Party, DP, Chairman Mehmet Agar for his approach on terrorism. Recalling Agar's remarks that the mechanisms that create terrorists should be eliminated in order to wage a successful struggle against terrorism, the columnist argues that the DP leader means that terrorism can be obstructed by accepting the demands of those who are inclined to be involved in terrorist acts. He draws attention to the similarity between the policies of Erdogan and Agar and asserts that terrorist attacks have increased in the country because the AKP administration drew up its policies in accordance with the "instructions" of the EU and "encouraged" separatists in the name of democracy. He concludes by saying that there is no doubt that the supporters of "submissive" policies will be defeated in the 22 July elections.

EG/

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