Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-10-09

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Closed Workshop on the Cyprus Property issue was held in Istanbul under the auspices of the Swedish Research Institute

[02] The so-called assembly approves setting up of Ad-hoc committees

[03] UBP Leader to visit Turkey and other countries for talks on the Cyprus problem

[04] Statements by Oguz Ceyda on the real objectives of the establishment of the ad-hoc committees

[05] The economy in the occupied areas of the Republic has scored serious growth

[06] Soyer to visit Germany for holding political contacts

[07] BKP deputy: People are being transferred in an uncontrolled manner to the north Cyprus from Turkey

[08] Statements by Mehmet Ali Talat on the Cyprus problem

[09] Turkish state minister in charge of the economy also a British citizen

[10] Leaders of Middle Eastern countries to visit Turkey

[11] General Buyukanit held contacts with his Korean Counterpart on military cooperation

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[12] US in search of cooperation with Turkey in Central Asia

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Closed Workshop on the Cyprus Property issue was held in Istanbul under the auspices of the Swedish Research Institute

On September 14th Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)'s Foreign Policy Program organized a closed workshop on the Property Issue in Cyprus under the auspices of the Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul, Turkey. With the participation of experts on the subject from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Europe and Turkey the property issue were discussed with regards to historical background of the problem, recent developments and future prospects. The aim of the meeting was to contribute to the overall settlement of the problem through the resolution of the one of the most important aspects of the conflict. It was strongly suggested throughout the meeting that resolution of the property problem is necessary for the settlement of the Cyprus conflict in general.

After outlining the historical background of the problem, the current situation on the island was discussed including the discussion of the newly formed Property Commission and the progress attained with this establishment. It was questioned whether the Property Commission is likely to have successful contribution to the issue before a comprehensive settlement is obtained on the island. It was strongly suggested that credible mechanisms should be formed to achieve restitution and compensation. It was also emphasized that although the Commission cannot be a full remedy, it could decrease the number of problematic cases especially pertaining to the awaiting cases of the Greek Cypriots on ECHR. Finally the remedies for the properties of the Turkish Cypriots in the South and how to restitute those properties were discussed during the meeting.

Similar cases in Bosnia and Kosovo were also discussed in order to compare the mechanisms used to remedy the problem. However, it was commonly agreed that although on the surface all cases represented property problems, Cyprus case was a unique case since it also required a comprehensive settlement of the bi-zonality dispute on the island. Methods in dealing with settlements in Czech Republic, Germany and Poland, as well as the Council of Europe decisions. Finally the prospects for a settlement were discussed and the cooperation of all parties involved was found necessary.

[02] The so-called assembly approves setting up of Ad-hoc committees

The Republics Assembly has unanimously approved the setting up of ad-hoc committees which will discuss amendments to the Constitutional, Election and Referendum Law, Parliamentary Regulation and the prospects of establishing a Presidential System in the country.

The establishment of ad-hoc committees was backed by all political parties with seats in parliament including the National Unity Party and Democrat Party which returned to the parliament this morning ending their year long boycott.

In an address to the Parliament, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer said that his party will continue to support the implementation of the deal reached among the three parties at the week-end.

The main opposition National Unity Party (UBP) and Democrat Party (DP) deputies who have been boycotting the Assembly took their seats in Parliament this morning with the aim of establishing ad-hoc committees for amendments to the Constitutional and Election, Referendum Law and Parliamentary Regulations.

During todays session, the Republic Assembly unanimously approved the setting up of 3 different ad-hoc committees, which are to discuss amendments to the Constitutional, Election and Referendum Law, Parliamentary Regulations and the prospects of establishing a Presidential System in the country.

Each of the three ad-hoc committees will be made up of 6 members; 3 from the Republican Turkish Party, 2 from the National Unity Party and 1 from the Democrat Party.

One of the three committees will discuss amendments to the TRNC Constitution, and another Electoral and Referendum Law and Parliamentary Regulations.

The third committee will discuss the establishment of Presidential System and the drawing up of a new Constitution.

The three committees will continue their work until the 20th of December.

The three parties will then make an evaluation of the work carried out by ad-hoc committees and a date will be set for early elections and a referendum if all parties reach a deal.

[03] UBP Leader to visit Turkey and other countries for talks on the Cyprus problem

The Leader of the main opposition National Unity Party Tahsin Ertugruloglu will leave the Republic for Ankara tomorrow for a meeting with the Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Yasar Buyukanit.

According to a statement issued by the UBP press office, Mr Ertugruloglu will meet with General Buyukanit on Wednesday.

The statement also noted that the UBP Leader is planning to pay visits to other foreign countries for talks on the Cyprus issue.

[04] Statements by Oguz Ceyda on the real objectives of the establishment of the ad-hoc committees

(MHY)

[05] The economy in the occupied areas of the Republic has scored serious growth

We will realize this change. Change is necessary. And the only power that will realize this is the Turkish Cypriot people itself. The Turkish Cypriot people have the energy and the qualities to realize this, Soyer declared.

Soyer went on and said that in the economy they have scored serious growth and gave figures regarding this growth. He also said that income locally has increased to a level that it could meet 80% of the budget needs of the pseudo state. As a result of this the aid given by Turkey to our budget scored 21% drop, Soyer noted.

(MHY)

[06] Soyer to visit Germany for holding political contacts

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (09.10.07) reports that names of Soyers contacts in Germany are being kept secret. However, it reports that Soyer will meet the Greens co-chairman Claudia Roth.

(MHY)

[07] BKP deputy: People are being transferred in an uncontrolled manner to the north Cyprus from Turkey

The Turkish Cypriots have become second class citizens in their country, Mr. Korkmazhan declared.

(MHY)

[08] Statements by Mehmet Ali Talat on the Cyprus problem

President Mehmet Ali Talat has said that the isolation on the Turkish Cypriot people has been deepening.

The President complained that the Greek Cypriot Administration has been creating barriers in the way of all the initiatives undertaken by the Turkish Cypriot people towards ending its international isolation.

In his opening address to the 5th International Gazimagusa (occupied Famagusta) Symposium, the President referred to the Cyprus problem and said that the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people has been deepening as a result of Greek Cypriot attempts.

`The Greek Cypriot Administration has immediately been taking action against every single initiative launched by the Turkish Cypriot people towards ending its isolation`, he said.

The President complained that the Greek Cypriot Side which declared war against all initiates by the Turkish Cypriot people has been trying to downgrade the importance of all those initiatives by calling the isolation as `unreal` but pointed out that only the Greek Cypriot Administration and Greece are calling the isolation `as unreal`.

The President noted that the lifting of the isolation could take long time but he said: `we should continue our struggle with determination as there are positive developments on the issue`.

He also underlined the need for the Turkish Cypriot Ppeople to explain the difficulties it has been facing to the international community and to formulate contemporary ideas for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[09] Turkish state minister in charge of the economy also a British citizen

[10] Leaders of Middle Eastern countries to visit Turkey

Leaders of several Middle Eastern countries such as Israel, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon will visit Turkey in coming weeks, President's Press Office said in a statement on Monday.

The statement said these highest-level visits will be a chance for leaders of Middle Eastern countries to discuss the Middle East Peace Process and congratulate President Abdullah Gul on his election.

[11] General Buyukanit held contacts with his Korean Counterpart on military cooperation

Chief of Turkish General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit honored Chief of Korean General Staff Gen. Kwan-Jin Kim with a medal of merit on Monday.

"Despite thousands of kilometers distance between our countries, we have close relations, as if we were neighboring countries," Buyukanit said during the ceremony at the General Staff HQ.

Gen. Buyukanit added that common values of Turkish and Korean people and military, political and economic relations bring the two countries closer to each other. On the other hand, Gen. Kwan-Jin Kim said that Turkey and Korea will boost their relations through military cooperation, particularly cooperation in defense industry. Buyukanit earlier welcomed Kwan-Jin Kim with a military ceremony, and the two chiefs of staff had a meeting behind closed doors.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[12] US in search of cooperation with Turkey in Central Asia

The United States is in preparation for a new breakthrough in the Central Asia. The precursor of this breakthrough is Evan A. Feigenbaum, the deputy assistant secretary of state for south and central Asian affairs.

The US wishes to open a new page in its relations with the countries in the Central Asia and is getting ready to develop a fresh cooperation with Turkey in the region. What could Turkey and the US achieve in Central Asia in terms of security, economy and energy?

The US has endeavored to assist the countries in the Central Asia to strengthen their independence for the last 15 years. It will struggle to create a more active and dynamic Central Asia in the coming 15 years. The relationship between the US and Kazakhstan is on an extremely good track, and several issues feature on the agenda of these two countries. Kyrgyzstan is a country where nongovernmental organizations and democratic institutions are urged toward more active participation in the countrys government. For these reasons the US attaches great importance to Central Asia. US relations with Turkmenistan are relatively poor. But the US is ready to be patient in the development of mutual relations and enhance more active links with this country. Relations with Uzbekistan have been problematic from the very beginning. There is a reciprocal misunderstanding. The US wishes to devise wise and long-term plans for the normalization of relations with Uzbekistan. Tajikistan has become an important partner of the US in recent years. It not only provides equipment for border and security teams of Tajikistan but also trains them. The US will help Central Asia to export its hydroelectric potential, in particular that of Tajikistan. The hydroelectric potential of Central Asia will be transported to southeastern Asia countries via Afghanistan. The Central Asian electricity will even be transmitted to Pakistan and India, thanks to the project financed by the Asian Development Bank. Turkish businessmen are also expected to play a role in this project.

What could Turkey and the US achieve together in the Central Asia at a time when the relationship between the two countries has suffered deep blows and an anti-Americanism movement is on the rise in Turkey? What does the US wish to do in the region with Turkey? Will the US allocate funds for the projects in Central Asia? There is no definite response to these questions at the moment.

The approach of the United States is met with suspicion both in Turkey and Central Asia. These suspicions anger administrations in Central Asia. Last year a US bureaucrat said: The US acts like a giant elephant. First of all it analyzes the region it plans to enter. This analysis is an austere process. But once the decision is taken, it enters and builds up a new place for itself. The US is at the moment at the analysis stage for Central Asia. It does not favor the idea of entering Central Asia and causing destruction as it did in Iraq, but it desires to have a role in the region. For this reason it is in search of a new partner. Washington thinks that Turkey, which knows the region well, could be a good partner for the US. In conclusion Turkey is dancing with several countries at once and trying not to get its toes trampled on.

EG/

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