Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-06-06

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] More information on the applications to the so-called Property Compensation Commission was leaked to the press

[02] A Greek Cypriot enclaved woman is threatened by a Turk who wants to seize her house in occupied Rizokarpasso village

[03] The Turkish Cypriot press stresses the reference to the isolations in the report of the UN Secretary - General

[04] Ozturk turned over his duties yesterday to Erdogan Sanlidag

[05] Is the TRNC a bridge in fraudulent trade?

[06] Talats spokesman Ercakica alleged that the Greek Cypriot side rejects the co-operation with the Turkish Cypriots. He invokes Greek Cypriot press reports to support his allegation.

[07] ORTAM newspaper suspended its publication temporarily as of yesterday

[08] The so-called Development Bank has participated in international meetings

[09] Olli Rehn referred to the Cyprus issue in Statements in Hurriyet

[10] Statements by Ali Babacan and Olli Rehn during a conference on European Energy Policy which took place in Istanbul

[11] CHP takes constitutional amendment to the Constitutional Court

[12] Former U.S. Ambassador and the Armenian patriarch lend support to AKP

[13] The leader of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party is facing charges for referring to Abdullah Öcalan, as Say1n Öcalan

[14] The Turkish Assembly goes on holiday

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[15] Turkey s threat to invade Iraq and relations with the U.S.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] More information on the applications to the so-called Property Compensation Commission was leaked to the press

In three cases the Commission decided the restitution of the property to its Greek Cypriot legal owner, whereas in two cases the exchange of property was decided. In the rest compensation to be given to the applicants. According to the paper, those Greek Cypriots who have taken compensation will lose their proprietorship right.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily HALKIN SESI newspaper (06.06.07) refers to the issue under the banner front page title Will the exchange formula constitute a precedent? and reports that for the first time a Greek Cypriot who had filed a lawsuit in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has applied to the Commission, which in this case decided the exchange of property.

According to the paper, the completion of the above-mentioned case with exchange of property is expected to strengthen the procedure regarding the Commissions being accepted as local remedy and constitute a precedent for the other cases which are on the agenda of the ECHR.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (06.06.07) reports that the two properties which were returned to their Greek Cypriot owners are in Ankanthou village and the other one in Leonarisso. According to the paper, the Commission paid about 20 million dollars as compensation to 17 Greek Cypriots.

The paper reports that there are approximately 50 Greek Cypriot cases at the ECHR about which no decision is taken in spite of the fact that a violation of rights has been established. There are another 1400 Greek Cypriot cases which are not examined at the Court, it adds.

VOLKAN refers also to a statement by Taner Dervis, former director of the EVKAF religious foundation, who alleged that the acceptance of the ECHRs decision on the Greek Cypriot refugee Myra Xenides - Arestis case by the government, is equal to the elimination of EVKAFs proprietorship rights.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (06.06.07) refers to the property issue under the title The property policy of the Greek Cypriots is collapsing.

(I/Ts.)

[02] A Greek Cypriot enclaved woman is threatened by a Turk who wants to seize her house in occupied Rizokarpasso village

Mrs Varnava began the construction of the house in 1974, but she was forced to stop because of the Turkish invasion, notes the paper and adds that the Greek Cypriot family hesitated a lot and did not want to talk to anyone and especially to journalists about the issue, because it was afraid that the situation would become worse.

Because of this fear it has not even asked for help from the Greek Cypriot officials in the south, reports AFRIKA and adds:

Mrs Kyriakou Nikola Varnava has a half-finished building in Rizokarpasso. A house which is not finished. No doors and windows were installed. They began this construction before the eruption of the bloody events of 1974.

However, when the events occurred they were not able to finish it, and it was left like that. It remained like that and brought trouble to them. A person named Omer Erkan, inhabitant of the area, has set his eye on this house. He wants to take it at all costs.

He will force Mrs Kyriakou to leave it to him at all costs. The other day he took the bulldozer and went there. Either you give it to me or I will demolish it, he threatened. In any case the army command demolishes the Greek Cypriot houses, he said claptrap. They tried to explain to him. They told him that the army command does not demolish the sound houses and that it demolishes only the ruined houses. He paid no attention. He filled up the house with barley.

Mrs Kyriakou informed the police. We can do nothing, said the police. The family is considering whether or not to inform the UNFICYP. We hope that everything that we wrote will be of some use. That it will be taken into consideration. And that what is necessary will be done. Many attacks have been made until today against a small Greek Cypriot minority which did not abandon its land and accepted to live among us quietly since 1974.

Sometimes stones have been thrown to their windows. Sometimes their houses have been robbed. Certainly this is not the Turkish justice about which we praise ourselves! Is it appropriate for you to abandon the helpless people to the mercy of those who think that they are someone important?

(I/Ts.)

[03] The Turkish Cypriot press stresses the reference to the isolations in the report of the UN Secretary - General

According to the paper, Mr Moon referred to the financial aid of the EU to the Turkish Cypriots and noted that the aim of this aid is to contribute to the reduction of the socioeconomic differences between the two communities of the island and that it should be evaluated as a positive step towards the lifting of the isolations of the Turkish Cypriots, about which Mr Kofi Annan had made a call in his report of 28 April 2004.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Ozturk turned over his duties yesterday to Erdogan Sanlidag

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily SOZCU newspaper (06.06.07) refers to the issue and reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat suggested to the government that the new minister should be from Turkey, because Mr Ozturk comes form Turkeys Gaziantep region. The paper argues that Mr Talat hesitated in the beginning to sign the appointment of Mr Sanlidag to the post of the minister of economy and tourism.

The paper also reports that Mr Ozturk is expected to resign from ORP and most probably join the Democratic Party (DP).

(I/Ts.)

[05] Is the TRNC a bridge in fraudulent trade?

According to the paper, circles dealing with maritime business in the occupied areas of Cyprus complain that the occupied ports of the island are continuously used for this kind of events.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Talats spokesman Ercakica alleged that the Greek Cypriot side rejects the co-operation with the Turkish Cypriots. He invokes Greek Cypriot press reports to support his allegation.

The Presidential Spokesperson Hasan Ercakica has confirmed that the Greek Cypriot Side has rejected the setting up of a working group on establishing cooperation between the two sides in Cyprus.

He said the establishment of the working group was proposed by the Turkish Cypriot Side at the talks going on between the Presidential Undersecretary Rasit Pertev and the Chief of the Diplomatic Office of the Greek Cypriot Leader - Tasos Tzionis.

Speaking during his weekly press briefing today, Mr Ercakica said that earlier statements by the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Yorgos Lillikas made the Greek Cypriot Administrations approach towards the 8-July process clear.

Criticizing the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister for trying to present the Cyprus issue as a problem created by the existence of Turkish forces on the island, he said that Mr Lillikas statements proved the Greek Cypriot Administrations belief that it could change the existing parameters on the Cyprus issue in its favour. Referring to Greek Cypriot press reports that the Greek Cypriot Side had rejected a proposal for the setting up of a working committee, he said `it was the Greek Cypriot newspapers which reported that the Greek Cypriots do not endure to see even the word `cooperation` on papers discussed`.

He said the Turkish Cypriot Side has always been in support of cooperation between the two sides and has been bringing new proposals with the aim of realizing this objective.

Stressing that the Turkish Cypriot Side has intensified its efforts towards bringing about a solution acceptable for both sides, he said it has also been working for the lifting of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people, as it believes that such a move will motivate the Greek Cypriot Administration towards a solution.

`This is a view also expressed by the United Nations Secretary-General and the European Union`, he noted.

The spokesperson complained that the Greek Cypriot Side has been using the EU as an instrument to put pressure on the Turkish Cypriot People with the aim of imposing a pro-Greek Cypriot solution on it.

Accusing the Greek Cypriot Side of trying to assimilate the Turkish Cypriots into the Greek Cypriot Administration, he made it clear that any solution which will not gain the support of the Turkish Cypriot people will not be valid.

On the Arestis Case, he said the Greek Cypriot Side whose appeal against the European Court of Human Rights ruling on the case was rejected by the Grand Jury- has been trying to present this as a success. He said the Grand Jurys decision increased the TRNC Immoveable Property Commissions international validity as a local remedy to property claims by Greek Cypriots.

[07] ORTAM newspaper suspended its publication temporarily as of yesterday

(I/Ts.)

[08] The so-called Development Bank has participated in international meetings

(I/Ts.)

[09] Olli Rehn referred to the Cyprus issue in statements to Hurriyet

Replying to a question, When the isolations will be lifted from the TRNC? During the time when a deadlock existed due to Cyprus did you say If only we havent accepted the Greek Cypriots before the solution?, Mr Rehn said: No, I have not said such a thing. There is one reality. Cyprus is a member of the EU. We were also the ones who supported the Finnish plan for a comprehensive solution, which also included a proposal on the matter of the lifting of the isolations. I believe that a comprehensive solution will be realized in the near future.

(DPs)

[10] Statements by Ali Babacan and Olli Rehn during a conference on European Energy Policy which took place in Istanbul

"Turkey maintains the technical and legal (negotiation) process with the same determination, especially with an accelerating momentum during Germany's rotating EU presidency," Turkish State Minister Ali Babacan, who also serves as the chief negotiator for the EU talks, said on Tuesday.

"We think that Turkey will make great contributions to the EU in regard to security, stability, long-term development perspective and competitive power, and we see this process as a win-win relationship," Babacan stated during a high-level conference on "Turkey and the EU: Together for a European Energy Policy" in Istanbul.

Noting that the EU will be different when Turkey is admitted, Babacan said, "The EU will be a union where differences co-exist and ideals and values are universal." "Improvement of democracy in Turkey, steps regarding human rights and freedoms, and full implementation of rule of law will not only be beneficial to Turkish people but also bring Turkey closer to the EU," Babacan emphasized.

Babacan said that Turkey-EU relations went the through difficult days, especially at the end of 2006 due to discussions on the Cyprus problem, and noted that Cyprus was used as a pretext, and the pace of Turkey's negotiations was tried to be slowed down.

Babacan recalled the gathering that Turkey-EU relations on eight chapters cannot be formally opened unless the Cyprus problem is resolved. "Turkey will not solely be the 28th or 29th country that will join the EU, it is the sixth biggest economy of the EU in regard to purchasing power parity. And it is the second country behind Germany in regard to population. But it may become the number-one country (in the union) some time later," Babacan stressed.

On the other hand, Babacan said that energy is one of the 33 negotiation chapters, and recalled that the European Council is actually discussing whether or not to invite Turkey to hold negotiations on this chapter.

"We hope that formal negotiations on this chapter will be opened soon directly and without any opening criteria," he stated.

"We closely monitor EU's initiatives to create a new energy policy, and at the same time we are seeking ways to make use of it," Babacan noted. Babacan pointed out that Turkey has key importance in supplying the energy needs of not only itself but also the EU, and ensuring energy security.

"Naval traffic at the straits (Istanbul & Canakkale straits) is troublesome. 10,153 tankers passed through the Istanbul Strait in 2006 and they carried 145 million tons of hazardous materials. Three or four percent of world oil production passes through Istanbul Strait. Therefore, we attach particular importance to Samsun-Ceyhan project, which we call as bypass project," Babacan added.

EU Commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn indicated only Turkey could set the rhythm of the reforms and said, "This can be a fast samba or a slow valse but the orchestra and the music should never stop."

Olli Rehn took the floor at the high-level conference on "Turkey and the EU: Together for a European Energy Policy" in Istanbul.

Rehn said as a result of their past experiences on expansion they believed that the accession to the EU requires a wide political and national consensus with the participation of all political parties and social segments.

Rehn emphasized that Turkey as a democratic country --with its predominantly muslim population-- set an unequalled example and made use of this to establish a dialogue between civilizations.

The EU Commissioner also stressed that energy was a highly important matter, and said a collaboration in energy sector between Turkey and the EU would be in the best interest of both sides.

Rehn underlined the importance of sustainable energy supply for the EU and said Turkey had an important role to play in this area.

Noting that the EU member states were as sessing the screening report on energy Rehn said the negotiations on this chapter would also be opened officially.

"Also in addition to this there is the Energy Community treaty. This forms the framework for a deeper regional cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my invitation to Turkey to join this community. We know that Turkey began participating at the Energy Community with observer status in November. I hope that soon it will join the community with full member status," added Rehn.

[11] CHP takes constitutional amendment to the Constitutional Court

The Republican People's Party (CHP) appealed Tuesday to the Constitutional Court asking for the invalidation of the constitutional amendment package that re-arranges the process for presidential and parliamentary elections.

In a petition signed by CHP chairman Deniz Baykal, Secretary-General Onder Sav and 129 MPs, the CHP said, "Although the necessary quorum of two-thirds of total number of MPs could not be reached during the voting on the first article of the package, the whole package was adopted with votes of 370 MPs. An article, which is not properly approved, cannot come into force. On the other hand, it is meaningless to approve the whole package after one of its articles is rejected."

"Therefore, we request the Constitutional Court to invalidate the constitutional amendment package," it added.

[12] Former U.S. Ambassador and the Armenian patriarch lend support to AKP

[13] The leader of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party is facing charges for referring to Abdullah Öcalan, as Say1n Öcalan

The DTP leader Ahmet Turk is accused of praising crime and a criminal through this form of reference, made in early March at a coming of spring festival.

Turk is running for Parliament from the province of Mardin in the general elections on July 22. He is running as an independent candidate, as are all other DTP candidates. Turk had previously been found guilty twice by the same count, receiving a six-month and a one-and-a-half year sentence as a result. Both sentences have been appealed. If elected, Turk will enjoy parliamentary immunity from prosecution.

[14] The Turkish Assembly goes on holiday

Parliament on Sunday went off duty after completing last minute constitutional amendments and approval of laws that will pave the way to elect the president by popular vote. However, lawmakers may have to cut short their holidays and be back in Parliament if President Ahmet Necdet Sezer vetoes a law on regulating the referendum.

This Parliament set a record by completing a full five-year legislative term. Lawmakers from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) felt very sentimental during the modest closing ceremony of the Parliament. Nearly a week ago the AKP and CHP deputies were fighting, kicking and punching each other. Sometimes we broke each other, we made harsh criticisms but we have completed the mission given to us by the people, said 0smail Alptekin, deputy speaker of Parliament.

Irfan Gunduz, AKP's deputy parliamentary group leader, said Parliament approved 1,193 laws. Ali Topuz, CHP's deputy parliamentary group leader, commented. We have worked a lot but we also made the President and the Constitutional Court work a lot.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[15] Turkeys threat to invade Iraq and relations with the U.S.

Summing up Washington's perspective on Northern Iraq in an article in MILLIYET, Can Dundar writes that the US administration does not want trouble in the north, which it believes is the only stable region in that country, and that it is categorically opposed to a cross-border operation on the part of Turkey. The United Sates is concerned that such an operation will lead the way to terrorist activities in Arbil and Kirkuk, Dundar adds. The United States is also aware that Turkey's patience is running out and that a warning to Barzani to hinder the PKK will not save the day. According to Dundar, a solution that will appease the Turks without antagonizing the Kurds is a diplomacy that Kissinger, who attended the Bilderberg conference in Istanbul, can tackle. The reasons why Turkey was at the top of the list of countries that most hate the United States were among the many issued discussed at the Bilderberg conference, the writer says, adding that at the conference the US defense was that it does not support an independent Kurdish state. According to Dundar, an advice the United States gave to Turkey was to try to win the Kurds in northern Iraq.

Assessing the harassment of civilian members of the Turkish Armed Forces in Al-Sulaymaniyah in an article in REFERANS, Cengiz Candar argues that every commonsensical citizen in Turkey is suspicious that this incident is a "manoeuvre" directed toward "domestic politics." The writer then goes on to cite the adverse affects of a possible cross-border operation and urges the government to initiate a dialogue with the Iraqi Kurdish leaders.

In an article entitled "The option of intervention in Northern Iraq", VAKIT columnist Siddik Arslan argues that Turkey should not resort to military action in northern Iraq without using all the other available means of defending its interests. He objects to a cross-border operation at this time on the following grounds: "1. The chances of success are very low. 2. Military intervention is likely to land Turkey in a "terrible quagmire" in the region. 3. We should try to make use of our soft power and our geopolitical and strategic significance. 4. We should retain our means of conducting covert operations. 5. We should not throw away the economic gains we have made. 6. We should use our close ties with the United States to good purpose instead of sending them down the tubes. 7. We should not make the mistake of allowing anybody to try us out."

In an article entitled "This is Turkey. Anything is possible in Turkey", VAKIT Editor-in-Chief Hasan Karakaya cites the General Staff's invitation of an "arch-Zionist" like Michael Rubin to make a speech at the recent security symposium at the War Academy as a development indicating that "you should never say never" in this country. He also warns of a possible neo-con "plot" against Turkey on the basis of Michael Rubin's remarks last March announcing that while Washington would not endorse a Turkish cross-border operation against the PKK camps in northern Iraq, it would treat it with understanding. Karakaya claims that former US Ambassador to Iraq April Glaspie encouraged Saddam Husayn to invade Kuwait by issuing a similar message.

In the second of a number of instalments of a special feature entitled "Cross-border operation: Is Turkey falling into a trap?", Associate Professor Melih Can argues that a new US strategy employed as part of the Broader Middle East Project might make a Turkish military operation into northern Iraq inevitable. Mr Can explains that Washington wants to use this operation as an opportunity to set off a Turkish-Kurdish conflict which would enable it to make "new political and territorial arrangements" in Iraq.

EG/

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