Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-06-25

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The ruling AKP announced its election platform. Extract on Cyprus

[02] Gul stated that Turkey did not make any concession on Cyprus

[03] Soyer says that FIFA has sent a letter to the TRNC noting that it is ready to negotiate the issue of the isolations

[04] KTOS signs a protocol with the Polish Solidarity Trade Union

[05] Avci replies to the accusations against his party

[06] Apostolos Andreas Monastery is collapsing

[07] Ahmet Yonluer replied to Archbishop Chrysostomos on the restoration of the occupied religious sites

[08] Statements by Ekenoglu before leaving London

[09] Statements by Talat during the Orange Festival in occupied Morf¿u

[10] Developments on the property issue

[11] Soyer: Within three years the surplus in bank deposits exceeded three billion dollars

[12] Blair said farewell to the Turkish people through an article in MILLIYET

[13] Turkey continues to gather support for U.N. Security Council membership

[14] Turkey opposes BSEC observer status for Cyprus. Summit to be held in Istanbul today

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[15] Columnist in Todays Zaman on the legality of Ankaras subordinate regime in the territories of the Republic of Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The ruling AKP announced its election platform. Extract on Cyprus

"We will not allow any neighboring country to be used as a base for terrorist activities against Turkey," Justice and Development (AK) Party's election declaration underlined.

The declaration noted that AK Party would not make any concession on any kind of formation against national security, indivisible integrity of the country and unitary state.

"We (AK Party) implemented effective and comprehensive policies to eradicate sources of terrorism," it underlined.

It stated the war in Iraq did not make a negative impact on Turkey thanks to new policies and measures by AK Party.

The declaration said, "we also focused on four main objectives which are: -Boosting relations with neighboring countries in a way of strengthening Turkey's regional position, -Bringing up Turkey's potential of being a global actor to the international agenda, -Putting a proactive diplomacy process on the Cyprus issue into action, -Starting accession negotiation process with the EU."

In regard to Iraq, the declaration indicated, "Iraq's security and stability is of great importance for Turkey, as a neighbor country, as well as its security. That's why Turkey is one of the countries which exerted the most efforts for security and stability of Iraq."

Stating that they attached a special importance to the north of Iraq, the declaration noted that AK Party worked to boost economic relations with this region.

"On the other hand, terrorists' using the north of Iraq as a shelter prevented improvement of relations. We will take every kind of measure against terror threat stemming from instability in Iraq. We will not allow any neighboring country to be used as a base for terrorist activities against Turkey," it underscored.

In regard to Cyprus issue, the declaration stated, "we will keep implementing the strategy that aims to protect interests (of Turkey) in East Mediterranean and the rights of TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) on a stronger ground."

The declaration which also touched on the relations with the United States said, "the relations between Turkey and the United States are very important in regard to global and regional peace. These relations should be enriched in the areas of economy, technology and culture."

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRIS newspaper (25.06.07) reports that Prime Minister Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP) has published its election manifesto, in which it referred also to the Cyprus problem.

According to the paper, AKP argues the following in its manifesto: Turkey, which had been distressed under international pressure on the Cyprus issue since 2002, was saved from this pressure as a result of the active policy we followed and without making the slightest concession on the issue of our national interests and gained a great ability to manoeuvre in the international field. While coming to this point, not a single soldier was withdrawn, not a square meter of land was given in Cyprus.

It was also noted that they will continue to apply on a more sound ground the strategy based on the protection of Turkeys interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and the TRNCs rights.

[02] Gul stated that Turkey did not make any concession on Cyprus

Mr Gul stated that the words addressed against the AKP as regards the Cyprus problem are shameful and added that a foreign policy cannot be made by using bullying phrases. Did we withdraw an element of the army in Cyprus? Did we give back a square metre of land? Did we darken Cyprus future? asked Mr Gul. He also said that before the AKP came into power, the per capita income in (occupied) Cyprus was 4,800 dollars and now it is 11,200 dollars and noted that there was an increase of more than 50% in the last 4,5 years. Has Cyprus become weaker or has it become even stronger? he said.

In addition Mr Gul stated that in the past the contacts of the Turkish Cypriot side were limited to the United Nations in New York but after the AKP came into power the president of the TRNC has received invitation from Pakistans President Pervez Muserref and after that he received official invitations from the Foreign Ministries of USA, France, Russia, England, Germany and Finland. He also stated that Mr Talat held official contacts with the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and the TRNC had for the first time opened up representation offices in 10 countries.

(CS)

[03] Soyer says that FIFA has sent a letter to the TRNC noting that it is ready to negotiate the issue of the isolations

Mr Talat alleged that the representatives of Cetinkaya Football Club had conveyed a meaningful message to the officials from FIFA and UEFA by returning them the plaque they gave to the Turkish Cypriot club. Mr Talat alleged that the Turkish Cypriot athletes who are giving to the world the message of peace, could undertake a leading role in putting an end to the isolations in the field of sports.

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (23.06.07) broadcast that the so-called Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer during a speech at the illegal Near East Universitys graduation ceremony, which took place on June 22, announced that FIFA- the International Football Federation Association- has sent a letter to the TRNC Football Federation in which it said it is ready to negotiate the issue of international isolations concerning the football activities with the TRNC Football Federation.

[04] KTOS signs a protocol with the Polish Solidarity Trade Union

The paper notes that KTOS continues to proceed with determined steps on the issue of upgrading its representation in the international institutions to the highest level because it is registered in the Republic of Cyprus.

According to a statement issued by Mustafa Ozhur, KTOS secretary responsible for the education, the protocol was signed in the Polish city of Wraclaw between Sener Elcil, KTOS general secretary and Stefon Kubowitcz, Solidaritys chairman.

The Polish Minister of Education, Roman Giertych attended the ceremony. The agreement provides for exchange of teachers and exchange of information about the educational system, the history books and the publications of the trade unions.

Mr Ozhur noted that officials from Solidarity will officially visit the occupied areas of Cyprus within the following months. He added that their efforts for developing their relations with the teachers trade unions of Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Germany and Portugal continue.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Avci replies to the accusations against his party

Referring to the statements by Mr Avci, Turkish Cypriot daily AFRIKA newspaper (25.06.07) notes that he tried to reply to all the accusations and allegations against them, but no light is shed on the secret of the two million-dollar bribery.

The paper reports that Avci said that the allegations against them are slander and lies and therefore they have filed charges to the police. The paper notes that Mr Avci did not ask himself why the police have not arrested the official of Variant Company, who alleged that he gave two million dollars as bribe (to Asim Vehbi).

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily KIBRISLI newspaper (25.06.07) publishes a dialogue between, Dogan Harman, the papers editor-in-chief, and an official of ORP, without revealing the latters name. The paper notes that the official revealed the ugly events which are taking place within the ORP and pointed out that the main responsible for the situation was not Enver Oztur, who had been removed from his duties as minister of tourism and economy, but Asim Vehbi, so-called minister of environment and natural resources.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily VOLKAN newspaper (25.06.07) argues that during the press conference, Avci verified the accusations against his party by saying that ORP gave Vakkas Altinbas lottery tickets the value of which was 100 thousand dollars. Vakkas, who is the head of the administrative council of one of the most respectful companies of the country, promised to sell the tickets in his companies for the financial benefit of the ORP. He noted that some tickets were not sold until the day of the draw and requested of Vakkas Altinbas to return them.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Apostolos Andreas Monastery is collapsing

In statements to the paper, Mr Demirci said that they do not know who these persons who live in the rooms are. He noted that they asked from the EFKAV religious foundation to rent the rooms to them, but their demand was not accepted. He alleged that the area at Apostolos Andreas cape is an uncontrolled area. The paper notes that the Monastery and the area around it are collapsing.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Ahmet Yonluer replied to Archbishop Chrysostomos on the restoration of the occupied religious sites

The Head of the Religious Affairs Ahmet Yonluer has called on the Greek Cypriot Archbishop Chrysostomos to refrain from making hostile and provocate statements which may incite hatred and enmity among the two peoples on the island.

Mr Yonluer was replying to the Greek Cypriot Archbishops letter dated back to 9th of May concerning the restoration of religious sites both in North and South Cyprus.

In his letter to the Greek Cypriot Archbishop Chrysostomos, the Head of the Religious Affairs Ahmet Yonluer said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a secular state which does not have a religious leader that has the authority to govern the country.

Mr Yonluer reminded Mr Chrysostomos that as the head of the Greek Cypriot Communitys religious affairs, he does not have the authority to decide on the restoration of the Greek Cypriot Orthodox religious sites.

Commenting on Mr Chrysostomos recommendation to appoint imams and clergymen to religious sites in certain areas on the island, Mr Yonluer said it will be logical to take up the issue according to the number of pious people in these areas.

He expressed the view that he and Mr Chrysostomos share the common view that the religious persons are in charge of encouraging peace between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriots as well as dialogue between the two religions.

Mr Yonluer said that the hostile words used by Chryostomos in many occasions create disappointments and doubts over the sincerity of the Greek Cypriot Orthodox church.

[08] Statements by Ekenoglu before leaving London

The Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu has said that the British MPs have promised to take initiative for the removal of the international isolations of the Turkish Cypriot People.

The TRNC parliamentary delegation headed by the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu which has been holding a week long of contacts in London is returning to the Republic this evening.

Speaking earlier to the BRT newsroom following a meeting with British Labor MPs, Mrs Ekenolgu said that the Labor Party MPs were informed on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue and were asked to put pressure on the Papadopulos administration which does not want a solution to start the negotiations process.

Stating that the delegation has expressed the importance of the Direct Trade Regulation, Mrs Ekenolgu expressed the belief that the Greek Cypriot Leader Tasos Papadopulos will come to the negotiations table in case of the removal of the international isolations and start of direct flights.

Noting that the Greek Cypriot Sides unilateral membership to the European Union has made the efforts towards a solution to the Cyprus problem more difficult, the Speaker of the Republics Assembly said British MPs have promised to make efforts towards the implementation of the Direct Trade Regulation.

She also stressed that the MPs will make contacts with European socialist groupings and put the issue into the British Parliaments agenda to help overcome the preventions on Direct Trade, foreign contacts, sports and education.

[09] Statements by Talat during the Orange Festival in occupied Morf¿u

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the world has understood the Turkish Cypriot People and moving ahead to establish closer relations with it.

Mr Talat was speaking during an opening ceremony of the 30th Guzleyurt (occupied Morfou) Orange Festival last night.

The ceremony was attended by President Mehmet Ali Talat, Interior Minister Ozkan Murat, the Minister of National Education and Culture Canan Oztoprak, MPs and many guests.

In his opening speech the Mayor of Guzelyurt Mahmut Ozcinar expressed his distress over the opening of a fake Orange Festival by the so called Guzelyurt Municipality in south Cyprus and said that the Turkish Cypriots will keep their existence in Guzelyurt.

He also added that the festival will continue to be held vigorously in the following years.

Also addressing the ceremony, President Mehmet Ali Talat said from now on the Greek Cypriot Side is following the Turkish Cypriot Side and if they want they will benefit from our friendship.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot People is looking to the future with confidence, Mr Talat said that the world has understood the Turkish Cypriot People and is moving ahead to establish closer relations with it.

Underlining that people will work together to overcome the interior problems, the President stated that the Turkish Cypriot People is determined to protect and defend its rights and interests in unity.

The annual festival which has been organized by the Guzelyurt Municipality since 1977- will feature social, cultural and sports activities.

The two week long festivals program also includes a number of concerts and competitions as well as a beauty contest.

[10] Developments on the property issue

Under the title Green light to the exchange of property by the ECHR, the paper publishes statements by an official of the Turkish Cypriot Human Rights Foundation who said that the approval of the decision by the ECHR is an expected development. The official argued that this decision has two important points. He alleged that with the acceptance of the exchange formula it was set forward that there is a violation regarding the immovable property and that the return of property is not the only way to overcome this violation.

The same official said that with the examination of this case there would be no need for a new pilot case for the supervision of the Property Compensation Commission as a local remedy and added that on the basis of this precedent it could be examined whether or not the Commission is an effective local remedy.

(I/Ts.)

[11] Soyer: Within three years the surplus in bank deposits exceeded three billion dollars

Mr Soyer also stated that in the last three years the surplus in bank deposits in occupied Cyprus exceeded three billion dollars.

(ML)

[12] Blair said farewell to the Turkish people through an article in MILLIYET

The Turks must continue their determination and insistence on the issue of the EU and must also continue the economic and social reforms, strengthening the democratic institutions.

Turkey has special relations in the Middle East and plays a key role in the region.

Being modern does not mean being less Muslim. It does not mean that if the Turks want democracy, equality and freedom they must reject religion or that they must increase the distance between them and Islam in order to approach the European Union.

An operation at the borders against Northern Iraq will be a disaster.

Turkey will be one of the ten biggest economies of the world in the year 2050.

Turkey is Europes energy corridor.

The country must not make backward steps as regards democracy.

(CS)

[13] Turkey continues to gather support for U.N. Security Council membership

Turkey has secured the support of two-thirds of UN countries for its bid to stand as a temporary member in the Security Council and Ankara believed that it would get enough votes for the title, diplomatic sources said.

Sources however indicate that competition between the countries for temporary membership continued up until the very last minute and that developments might take a different course.

Since 2003 Turkey has been exerting efforts to receive support for membership and top Turkish diplomats in foreign missions conveyed letters by the president and the prime minister to their counterparts on the issue.

Turkey needs 128 votes to get elected as member.

[14] Turkey opposes BSEC observer status for Cyprus. Summit to be held in Istanbul today

Istanbul is set to host a summit of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) on its 15th anniversary with the participation of member countries' heads of state and government as well as representatives from observer countries.

The summit, which will be held under the banner, "Setting Sails for New Horizons," is believed to give BSEC a new direction and momentum under Turkey's rotating chairmanship.

The summit will gather 12 member countries and 13 observer countries in addition to representatives from international organizations such as the United Nations, European Union, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OECD, World Bank, World Trade Organization.

EU Commission Vice President Gunter Verheugen is also expected to attend the summit.

The summit will begin at Istanbul's Ciragan Palace and will be chaired by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.

A final declaration will be released at the end of the summit which is expected to outline political directives that will shape the future of BSEC and constitute a milestone in its history.

The number of countries that are interested in the activities of the Organization of the Black sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) increase as the interest in the region ascends in the international arena.

The human resources in Black Sea as well as its strategic position on the energy and transportation corridors are the reason for international interest in Black Sea, say the diplomatic sources.

Recently the European Commission applied for receiving an observer status in BSEC.

Diplomatic sources state that EU interest in BSEC is gaining pace after Bulgaria and Romania became EU members. However, a cooperation declaration that was expected to be released in the 15th year summit of BSEC was postponed due to time concerns, especially on the side of EU.

In addition to European Commission, Britain, Kazakhstan, Iran, Hungary, and Greek Cypriot administration applied for an observatory status at the BSEC.

Turkey opposes to Greek Cypriot administration's application because it does not recognize the administration. On the other hand, Greece vetoes the other applications. However, sources do not expect Greece to hold this position for a long time.

Turkey, which has taken over BSEC's term presidency from Serbia for a period of 6 months as of May 1st,2007, has decided to give priority to several issues such as environment, transportation, energy, telecommunication and suppression of crime during its presidency.

According to diplomatic sources, concrete steps regarding the implementation of the "Black Sea Ring Highway" project, will be taken during this term.

Moreover, activities concerning the "Sea Highways" will also be initiated within this period, sources say. Sea highway is a concept developed by BSEC in order to benefit from sea transportation to a greater extent. A document of understanding was signed during the meeting in Belgrade in order develop Sea Highways in the BSEC region.

Turkey made a suggestion to BSEC for jointly carrying out the exploration of hydrocarbon resources and form an "ad hoc working group" in this respect. This suggestion was accepted by the member countries.

First meeting of this working group will be held under Turkey's presidency to the organization.

On June 25th, 1992, the heads of state and governments of 11 countries signed the Summit Declaration and the Bosphorus Statement in Istanbul, giving birth to BSEC.

It came into existence as a unique and promising model of multilateral political and economic initiative aimed at fostering interaction and harmony among the Member States, as well as to ensure peace, stability and prosperity encouraging friendly and good-neighborly relations in the Black Sea region.

Turkey hosts the Permanent International Secretariat of the organization.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[15] Columnist in Todays Zaman on the legality of Ankaras subordinate regime in the territories of the Republic of Cyprus

Is KKTC a pseudostate Definitely not.

The rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) as an independent sovereign state are well defined in Articles 3 and 4 of the Montevideo Convention. Articles 3 and 4 of this convention, dated 1933, are exactly as below:

Article 3:

The political existence of a state is independent of recognition by other states. Even before recognition the state has the right to defend its integrity and independence, to provide for its conservation and prosperity, and consequently to organize itself as it sees fit, to legislate upon its interests, administer its services, and to define the jurisdiction and competence of its courts. The exercise of these rights has no other limitation than the exercise of the rights of other states according to International Law.

Article 4:

States are juridically equal, enjoy the same rights, and have equal capacity in their exercise. The rights of each one do not depend upon the power which it possesses to assure its exercise, but upon the simple fact of its existence as a person under international law.

When and where was this Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States held and who signed it?

It was signed in Montevideo, Uruguay, on December 26, 1933 and entered into force on December 26, 1934. Article 8 was reaffirmed by an additional protocol on December 23, 1936.

Bolivia alone amongst the states represented at the Seventh International Conference of American States did not sign the convention. The US, Peru and Brazil ratified the convention with reservations directly attached to the document.

After Turkish Cypriots declared the KKTC --an independent state in the northern territories of Cyprus-- on November 15, 1983, UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar immediately called the UN Security Council for an urgent and special meeting.

Having heard the statement of the foreign minister of the Greek Cypriot administration, the UN Security Council, at its 2,500th meeting, adopted the infamous resolution filed as UN Resolution 541 (1983) on November 18, 1983.

International law is above any organization such as the UN and the EU. Neither of these organizations has the right to determine the legitimacy of an independent sovereign state. International law defines and sets out the factual existence of states and is able to determine the legal and legitimate rights of states and their relations with each other.

The EU and its member state, The (Greek) Republic of Cyprus cannot claim jurisdiction over the territories of the independent sovereign KKTC state. Therefore the South can never be the legal and legitimate ruler of the whole of Cyprus as stated in the Green Line Regulation, direct trade regulation and financial aid regulation of the EU.

Is the KKTC a pseudo state?

No, it is a real state and it exists.

The UN resolutions like 541 or 550 and EU regulations mentioning the (Greek) Republic of Cyprus as the legal and legitimate ruler of the whole of Cyprus, will only contribute to the delaying of the solution of the Cyprus problem.

International laws of recognition may serve a purpose by providing a framework for a solution to the Cyprus problem. International law says that to overcome the Cyprus problem, a comprehensive formula crafted to meet the unique conditions on the island must be found.

Each party to the dialogue must recognize the legitimacy of the other. Without such reciprocity, productive negotiations will not take place. Immediately prior to a solution each government must extend recognition to its negotiating partner. The advantage of reciprocal recognition followed by a solution is the resolution of the myriad legal problems that would arise if the lawfulness of the statutes or treaties of one of the governments was subsequently called into question.

Prior recognition as a pre-condition before a permanent solution resolves the issue and enhances the chances of success. The doctrine of recognition becomes a means of restoring good relations between the two states of the island of Cyprus.

EG/

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