Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-10-15

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat left for New York. Statements before leaving occupied Cyprus and in Istanbul

[02] Soyer back from Germany

[03] Salih Usar continues his contacts in Germany

[04] 29 illegal immigrants were arrested in occupied Karpas

[05] Diplomats on EU-NATO relations

[06] The case of imprisoned Turk objector to military service

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[07] Column in Afrika comments on the occupied Famagusta-Latakia ferry services and the effect on the Turkish Cypriot life from the influx of Turks

[08] From the Turkish Press of 13 and 14 October 2007

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat left for New York. Statements before leaving occupied Cyprus and in Istanbul

The President said that the Turkish Cypriot People will look to the future in confidence unless it has the responsibility for the non-solution.

In an exclusive interview with the illegal BRT, Mr. Talat said he will ask the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to take an initiative for re-start of the negotiations process which will lead to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Talat also said he will ask Mr. Ban Ki-moon to be more active in taking up the former UN Chief Kofi Annans report which is still waiting to be discussed at the UN Security Council.

Noting that the most important altruism by the Turkish Cypriot side was smoothing the insistence on the Annan plan it has approved, Mr. Talat said that the Annan plan which was seen as a diabolical plan by the Greek Cypriot side has not been turned into a matter of dispute adding that in any case, it is known that the solution to the Cyprus problem will be reached within the UN parameters.

He went on to say that during his meeting with the UN Chief he will present some proposals for the improvement of relations between the two communities on the island.

The two sides should cooperate for humanitarian and emergency issues. We will share this view with Mr. Ban and express our readiness for this cooperation. If relations between the two communities get worsened this will harm both the North and the South of Cyprus, Mr. Talat said.

On his way to New York where he will meet with the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat evaluated the approval of the U.S. House committee resolution on the Armenian genocide at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.

He stated that the approval of the resolution was a bad development for the relationship between Turkey and the United States and that the issue should be approached with common sense.

Mr. Talat also evaluated the proposal made by the Greek Cypriot Euro-MP Marios Matsakis to give the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos to the United States in case of the closure of the Incirlik Base in Turkey.

What kind of strategic advantage can it provide, what sort of effects would it make to a country and its relations. If we evaluate all these, it is not a functional proposal, he alleged.

Reminding that Turkish Cypriots were one of the founding partners of the Cyprus Republic, he repeated that the UN is the only platform finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

On her part Mrs. Talat will meet with the Deputy Chief of the UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations Michelle Federoff and will attend a tea party organized in her honor.

On Mr. Talat´s visit to New York Kibris newspaper (15.10.07) reports that speaking to reporters at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul prior to his departure to New York, Talat said that he is not going with new proposals, but, new views. When asked whether he is taking with him new proposals to New York Talat replied: Rather than new proposals we will convey to Esteemed Secretary-General certain thoughts to which we will bring some clarifications. Of course in the course of the discussion we could put forward some new views. However, it is not possible to comment on this without a meeting taking place.

When asked to comment on the so-called isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots Talat said: In fact this is the manifestation of the treatment they deem proper to the Turkish Cypriots. As though they will imprison the Turkish Cypriots within the island. Shame on them, we are one of the founding peoples of the Republic of Cyprus. Therefore, whatever they do it is impossible that we will back down an inch from this position. Removal of the isolations continue to be our objective, however, finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem continues to remain our main objective.

When asked how he evaluates European Parliament deputy Marios Matsakiss proposal that in case Turkey closes down the Incirlik Airbase to USA, Cyprus should open its Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos to the USA use, Talat said that only Mr. Matsakis could have such views. It is unique for Mr. Matsakis, who wants not only the Turkish troops, but the British bases to leave the island, Kibris newspaper quotes Talat to have said.

[02] Soyer back from Germany

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has pointed out that the German public has started realizing the absurdity of the international isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot People.

He said the Turkish Cypriot People is the rightful side which is committed to the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of political equality. The Premier, who returned to the Republic last night after completing his contacts in Germany, held a press conference at the Ercan (occupied Tymvou) Airport.

Evaluating his contacts in Germany, Mr. Soyer stressed that these contacts had been very useful. He stated that the German officials he met with underlined the view that the current situation on the island which arose as a result of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is unacceptable.

He said the German officials are in full support of the start of negotiations under the UN parameters and of efforts aimed at reaching a lasting and comprehensive settlement in Cyprus.

Informing that the former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, whom he had a meeting with, will be paying a visit to the TRNC in the beginning of the new year, the Premier said the Co-Chairperson of the German Green Party Claudia Roth will also be in the TRNC at a similar time to hold contacts.

[03] Salih Usar continues his contacts in Germany

The Minister of Public Works and Communications Salih Usar continues hic contacts in the German city of Frankfurt.

Yesterday, Mr. Usar held a series of meetings with some German MPs and today the Minister will be visiting a world-famous book fair where the TRNC owns a stand for the first time.

The Minister will complete his contacts today and leave the country for the TRNC tonight.

[04] 29 illegal immigrants were arrested in occupied Karpas

Some 29 illegal immigrants from Syria were arrested on a beach near Karpas village of Kaleburnu (occupied Galinoporni) last Friday. The men, who were aged between 19 and 45, were discovered wet and asleep after apparently sailing to the island. Elsewhere, police also arrested two Turks and a TRNC citizen in Taslica (occupied Neta) on suspicion of human trafficking last weekend.

[05] Diplomats on EU-NATO relations

France wants the European Union to keep Turkey better informed about its military plans in a bid to end a dispute blocking cooperation between the EU and NATO, diplomats have said.

NATO member Turkey is holding up efforts by the two institutions to coordinate separate security missions in the breakaway Serbian province of Kosovo in protest at what it says is the EU's failure to consult it properly on defense matters.

The French proposal would provide Ankara with greater information about EU defence planning without giving it a say in decision-making, diplomats familiar with the initiative said on Friday. Anything that helps unblock the current situation should be welcome, said one diplomat who requested anonymity because the French proposal, which has been informally circulated in Brussels, has not yet been launched officially.

Reactions to any proposal are unclear given Ankara's declaration that it is preparing to make military incursions into northern Iraq. The US has urged Ankara not to take unilateral action. The EU, which Turkey wants to join, has also cautioned against such moves. Turkey says the EU is not living up to a promise made at an October 2002 summit to have permanent and continuing consultations with the non-EU European allies, covering the full range of security, defence and crisis management issues.

It also accuses non-NATO EU member Greek Cyprus of vetoing its bid to become an associate member of the European Defence Agency, the body coordinating reforms of the EU's defence sectors. That issue is not explicitly addressed by the French initiative. Diplomats said France could officially present its proposals to EU partners as early as this week. Ankara is cautiously welcoming the move while stressing it wants to see results.

It should not be just on paper but should mean concrete steps. But that doesn't mean this is not a positive development, coming from a major EU state, said one Turkish source. We want to become more involved in European security and development policy and so we think there should be better modalities (for us to do so). French President Nicolas Sarkozy has made it clear he opposes Turkey's bid for membership of the 27-member EU.

[06] The case of imprisoned Turk objector to military service

The Council of Europe is scheduled today to reconsider Osman Murat Ulke's case against Turkey for the country's persistent persecution of conscientious objectors.

Also today, a petition signed by a group of several anti-militarist non-governmental organizations from around the world in support of Ulke will be submitted to both Turkish officials and the Council of Europe.

Ulke is a Turkish citizen who was the first conscientious objector in the country to openly declare his refusal to perform compulsory military service and still faces imprisonment for earlier convictions, which were actually the subject of a European Court of Human Rights' ruling, dated January 24, 2006.

On July 9 of this year Ulke learnt of a communication sent to his father's residence from the military prosecutor's office in Eskisehir which informed him that he was expected within 10 days of the issuance of that notice to present himself to the prosecutor in order to serve a sentence of 17 months and 15 days regarding earlier convictions stemming from a refusal to undertake military service. Failure to do so would result in a warrant being issued for his arrest, according to the document, dated June 14.

Late in July, Ulke's lawyer, Hulya Ucpinar, applied to the Eskisehir Military Court for a stay of execution; however, her plea was rejected. In August, she also appealed the rejection. Ulke, at the time, described the June14 communication as a document proving the state's determination to overrule the European court's decision, which charged Turkey with forcing Ulke to live a clandestine life amounting almost to 'civil death."

With the January 2006 ruling, the Strasbourg-based court found that Turkey had violated Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights concerning the prohibition of inhumane or degrading treatment and ruled that Turkey pay 11,000 euros in compensation to the complainant.

Ulke's case will today be discussed at a human rights meeting of the ministers' deputies at the Council of Europe. The petition in support of Ulke, co-sponsored by six organizations from Europe and the United States, was circulated in English, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish and Turkish. It has been signed by over 1,300 people from around the world. They include refuseniks, anti-war activists, trade unionists, lawyers, academics and a member of the European Parliament.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[07] Column in Afrika comments on the occupied Famagusta-Latakia ferry services and the effect on the Turkish Cypriot life from the influx of Turks

In the last 5 years 874 immigrants came to North Cyprus...

Among them illegal...

760 of those are Syrian...

That is, from the state with which we started direct trips now...

What kind of action is this?

Is it because Syrians cannot leave their country freely, and by putting their lives into danger, the immigrants risk paying big amount to the merchants?

If Syrians cannot exit their country easily, how will they come to Magusa (occupied Famagusta) with ferryboat?

Or these trips are not for Syria, but only for the TRNC?

Shall we only be going to them?

Will they not be coming?

At least let us begin these trips in an orderly manner...

Let us see, will Syrian illegal immigrants reach our shores again?

If they come how will you explain this to the community?

Can this be both ferryboat trips and illegal immigrants?

Praying in the street

Now we see scenes that we did not see in our streets so far...

On the Bayram holiday all the mosques were full of people...

And the prayers were extended to the road...

In Girne (occupied Keryneia), hundreds of people were praying in the street...

If it were a dream you would not believe it...

Looking at these scenes you can understand the situation in North Cyprus...

The population now is not the old Cypriot population...

According to the expression of the leftists of the Annan Plan this population is the population of the New Cypriots...

First we were turkified

And now we are being Islamized

Take a good look at them

From now on these (people) will determine the destiny of North Cyprus

Let as many referendums take place...

Let whatever be asked in these referendums...

They also have the last word regarding the will...

As if our poor politicians are not aware yet of the change of this demographic structure...

They are saying Cyprus Turkish Community...

Yet the right saying should be...

Cyprus Turkey Community...

(E/A)

[08] From the Turkish Press of 13 and 14 October 2007

Possible Turkish invasion in Iraq, U.S. House Resolution on Armenian genocide:

A report entitled "We are Ready to pay any Price" in Hurriyet (13.10.07) quotes Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying that military, political, and diplomatic aspects of a cross-border operation will be analyzed in depth before making a decision. He says: "This is what we are going to do. It has many minuses and pluses. But, national interests will be the main criterion while making this decision. But, we have no hidden agenda about Iraq's political unity and coherence and the central government of Iraq based on Iraq's territorial integrity."

A report entitled "Your Grief is my Family's Grief" in Hurriyet (13.10.07) says that Republican People's Party, CHP, leader visited a battalion in Sirnak and Besagac village in Beytussebap where 12 soldiers were killed by PKK guerillas amid tight security. The report quotes Baykal as saying to villagers that a plan designed to set the stage for ethnic strife should be foiled while promising to contribute to efforts to resolve problems faced by local people and village guards. Another report entitled "Incirlik Should be Closed Down so That we do not Become a Laughing Stock" in Hurriyet quotes Baykal as saying that effective actions should be taken against the United States such as closing down Incirlik air base at least temporarily in response to the passage of a resolution supporting Armenian allegations of genocide by the US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.

In an article entitled "We Would be the 39th Country," in Hurriyet (13.10.07) columnist Enis Berberoglu says that an authorization bill aimed at permitting the Turkish Government to send troops to northern Iraq which the government intends to table in Parliament on Monday will not necessarily mean that a cross-border operation is imminent. Pointing out that Erdogan will first discuss the matter with US President George W. Bush and use the authorization bill for showing that he is serious, Berberoglu also quotes a Turkish minister who speaks on condition of anonymity that Turkish soldiers should protect civilians in northern Iraq during a possible military operation while Iraqi Kurdish leaders should sever their ties with the PKK.

In an article entitled "Armenian Nationalism in the United States," in Milliyet (13.10.07) columnist Taha Akyol says that pain and anguish suffered by the Armenian community in the 1910s should not be used as a political tool by a nationalist movement seeking revenge and argues that resolutions supporting Armenian allegations of genocide encourage Armenian nationalists to pursue more aggressive strategy. Akyol comments: "Americans who share the same mentality as Mrs. Pelosi fuel hatred in the strategic Caucasian region as a result of 'genocide' provocations. It will cause great harm to the United States. Stupidity will certainly entail a price to be paid."

Under the title "US Concerns About Incirlik," Milliyet (13.10.07) publishes a commentary by columnist Semih Idiz says that the US Government is seriously concerned about the possibility that Turkey could close down Incirlik air base which is of vital importance to the United States because it is the most meaningful tool it can use in retaliation for the resolution on Armenian genocide. Idiz quotes a retired US diplomat as saying a military operation which could be launched by the Turkish army against Iraqi Kurdish leader Mas'ud Barzani may be regarded as a war declared on the United States. Idiz adds that the prevailing opinion in Washington is that immoderate steps which may be taken by Turkey in retaliation for the resolution could backfire and also hurt Turkish interests.

In an article entitled "Why is the United States Losing Turkey?" in Milliyet (13.10.07) columnist Sami Kohen cautions that Turkey will have no option other than demonstrating its strategic power if the House of Representatives approves the resolution on Armenian genocide. He says: "Every retaliatory step that could be taken would not only deliver severe blows to military and cooperation, but also totally destroy Turkey's confidence in the United States and its willingness to cooperate." Kohen concludes by saying that the United States could alienate Turkey unless it changes its policy vis-ŕ-vis the PKK and take concrete steps in order to show that it is siding with Turkey during this critical period.

A report entitled "Sensoy Will Return Next Week" in Sabah (13.10.07) says that Nabi Sensoy, Turkish ambassador to the United States, who has been recalled to Ankara for consultations about the House resolution on Armenian genocide will return to Washington next week. According to the report, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will attend a broadened meeting of countries neighbouring Iraq to be held in Istanbul on 2-3 and Erdogan's upcoming visit to the United States has not been canceled.

Under the banner headline, "We will not lose time," Yeni Safak (13.10.07) publishes a front-page report which quotes Prime Minister Erdogan as having said the following in a statement yesterday in which he "lashed out" at the United States: "Did they feel the need to consult with anybody in interfering in Iraq from 10,000 km away? We do not need anybody's advice. If we make a decision to carry out a cross-border operation, we will not lose time in implementing it and we will be prepared to pay the price."

In an article entitled "A wrong equation: Genocide or Incirlik?", Zaman (13.10.07) columnist Abdulhamit Bilici argues that trying to dissuade the US Congress from passing the Armenian resolution by reminding those who support the bill of the measures Turkey could take to hamper US operations in Iraq, as the Bush administration and the ruling AKP are doing, is only serving to create the impression that Turkey has no better arguments vis-ŕ-vis the Armenian allegations of genocide than a threat to close down Incirlik Air Base. He claims that "if it is really that important to find out the meaning of the events of 1915, it should be acknowledged that this is a job that could be carried out only by a team of arbitrators on whose objectivity both sides [Turkey and Armenia] could depend."

A commentary entitled "Would a Cross-Border Operation Root out Terrorism?" in Zaman (13.10.07), Davut Sahiner, an international security expert, argues that Turkish military presence in northern Iraq could further Mas'ud Barzani's efforts to establish a Kurdish state in the region because "in killing terrorists, Turkey could inadvertently establish the legitimacy basis of a nation state. This is probably the greatest risk."

Milliyet (14.10.07) reports from Ankara on an exclusive statement by General Yasar Buyukanit. It quotes him reacting to the US Foreign Relations Committee decision to pass the bill on the Armenian genocide claims by saying "The United States has shot itself in its leg." According to the report, Buyukanit believes that US-Turkey military relations will never be the same if the US House passes the bill. He believes that the United States cannot behave in that way as an ally of Turkey and describes the disclosures made by the US officials as far from being convincing.

In a column in Hurriyet (14.10.07), Ferai Tinc believes that the priority given to domestic interests in the United States has left US interests in the world in turbulence. She wonders whether Washington is aware of how the Armenian bill will affect the US interests in the Caucasus and asserts: Azerbaijan was among some of the foreign countries that criticized the adoption of the Armenian bill. The United States is not only losing Turkey but also creating a dangerous situation for its alliances in the Caucasus.

In a column in Istanbul Hurriyet, (14.10.07) Enis Berberoglu examines the possibility of a cross-border operation; he warns that the Turkish military units might find themselves confronting not only the Kurds in northern Iraq but also the Sunni and Shiite groups in that country. Focusing on the bill on the Armenian genocide claims, he asserts that the view that the United States is worried that Turkey might close down the Incirlik Air Base is wrong. He notes: What the United States fears is the hatred of the Turkish people. Stressing that the United States must take concrete steps to satisfy Turkey on the PKK problem, Berberoglu says: For example, arresting and handing over to Turkey some of the high-ranking PKK members, who are Mas'ud Barzani's guests, will be a good start. The delivery of such a package might change what the Turkish people feel.

Writing in Milliyet (14.10.07), Hasan Cemal argues that the forces which encourage a cross-border intervention in northern Iraq want to weaken Turkey's ties with the Western world, dynamite Turkey's effort to join the EU, and undermine stability. In a column, he asserts: They are all rejoicing now. But do they not realize that they are preparing to watch Turkey struggle against the entire world?

Kadri Gursel writes in Milliyet (14.10.07: An operation might create an opportunity for the military forces to take the initiative on the Kurdish problem. Furthermore, the AKP might be forced to face the political consequences of a military thrust into northern Iraq. Gursel asserts: As far as the AKP is concerned, Turkey refraining from a cross-border operation will be the most appropriate approach.

A report by Behcet Dalmaz and Serdar Kara in Hurriyet (14.10.07) says that military units have been transferred to the border with Iraq in Hakkari and Cukurca Districts and that the increasing military activity in the area has drawn attention. The report also says that the security forces on the Gabar Mountain in Sirnak are preparing for a cross-border operation while maintaining their search for the PKK militants who martyred 13 soldiers a few days ago.

Under the banner headline "Deep United States Arrived Before Sensoy," Yeni Safak reports that Eric Edelman, US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, and Dan Fried, Assistant Secretary of State, yesterday arrived in Ankara for a surprise visit after Turkey had recalled Nabi Sensoy, Turkish Ambassador in Washington, for consultations. The report says that Edelman and Friedman stressed during their talks with Turkish officials that delivery of military equipment and materials to US forces in Iraq via Incirlik air base should not be prevented and that Turkey should drop its plan to launch a cross-border operation. Yeni Safak says that the visit will not be sufficient to soften the Turkish Government's determination to seek authorization from Parliament for a military operation in northern Iraq and to ensure that angry reactions to a House resolution supporting Armenian allegations of genocide subside.

In an article entitled "The PKK, Armenians, Cross-Border Operation... They all Sound Wrong", in Vakit (14.10.07) columnist Hasan Karakaya argues that recent attacks launched by the PKK against the Turkish army are actually a part of an insidious plan aimed at luring Turkish armed forces in the quagmire in Iraq. He comments: "This strategy is aimed at allowing US troops to withdraw from Iraq and replacing them with Turkish soldiers."

Under the headline "US Officials Pay Visit To Ease Tension," Zaman (14.10.07) carries a front-page report which highlights the surprising visit paid by Edelman and Fried and says that Turkish officials clearly demonstrated their determination to fight against the PKK by using all methods while the visiting US officials emphasized that the Iraqi Government had responsibilities about ensuring border security and promised to give a strong message to the Iraqi Government stating that it should prevent infiltration of PKK guerillas into Turkey.

In an article entitled "Paying a Price" in Zaman (14.10.07) columnist Mumtazer Turkone describes a recent statement made by Prime Minister Erdogan about the possibility of launching a cross-border operation as a clear challenge to the United States. He says: "Even a bird cannot fly in this region if we do not permit it to do so. Even a leaf would not move without us knowing. We would maintain those characteristics and superiority by paying any price when we are unable to cope with a problem. If an American tank runs over us, we would stand up and pay a specific amount to compensate for damage it has suffered. We both make calculations and pay a price. Everybody knows that we make calculations and we would eliminate our shortcomings courageously at any cost if our calculations prove to be wrong. This is the way we exist on this territory."

In an article entitled ""Divide and rule: a shift in US policy?", in Sunday's Zaman (14.10.07) columnist Dogu Ergil criticizes some US Congressmen for advocating the idea that Iraq could be divided into three parts. He comments: "On what moral grounds can men like Senator Biden decide on the fate and lives of other peoples and justify their action with human values and democracy?"

Al-Asad's visit: A report entitled "Asma al-Asad will be Hayrunnisa Gul's First Guest" in Milliyet (13.10.07) writes that Syrian President Bashar al-Asad and his wife will arrive in Turkey on 16 October for an official visit. According to the report, an official ceremony to be held in the honor of the visiting Syrian President on 17 October will be the first official ceremony to be attended by Hayrunnisa Gul, Turkish President Gul's wife.

EG/

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