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Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-12-03Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>TURKISH PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA No.233/07 01-03.12.07[A] NEWS ITEMS
[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis
[A] NEWS ITEMS[01] Avci stated that the occupation regime will open new representations abroadUnder the title The opposition has no heart, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (03.12.07) reports that the self-styled minister of foreign affairs and chairman of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP) Turgay Avci replied to those who criticize his party and stated: We have started as an alternative to the existing political parties. Our aim is to serve the people and that is why they cannot put up with us.Mr Avci was speaking at the Kanal T television, participating in the Son Nokta Program. Mr Avci criticized the chairman of the Democratic Party Serdar Denktas who made some hard statements against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey and its involvement in the internal politics in occupied Cyprus and said that Mr Denktas statements were unfortunate. He said: The attacks against the Government of the Republic of Turkey are not acceptable.Mr Avci said that there is no problem in the coalition government consisting of his Party and the Republican Turkish Party (CTP). He said that the government will continue in harmony and added that there are no tensions in the cooperation between the two parties. He also said that there is no issue for his party not passing the election threshold. Mr Avci said that after he became foreign minister big openings took place as regards the foreign policy. In a period of 6-7 months three representations were opened. In the coming period of six months new representative offices will be opened, he stated and added that steps will also take place in the area of tourism and trade. He added that the occupation regime will host meetings of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. (CS) [02] The Ambassador of Sweden to Ankara stated that he finds unfair the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. Ozdil Nami is going to BrusselsUnder the title Mobilization for the Direct Trade, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (03.12.07) reports in its first page that the Ambassador of Sweden to Ankara, Christer Asp, announced that he finds unfair the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, despite the EU decisions. Mr Asp stated that the EU gave promises for the lifting of the isolation in the TRNC but this political decision was not materialized. He went on and said that he feels sorry for this and added that the EU took some steps but it must take more. As he said, the EU must fulfil its obligations towards Cyprus.The paper writes that the special envoy of Mehmet Ali Talat Ozdil Nami will go to Brussels on the 9th of December. In the framework of his visit Mr Nami will discuss not only the Regulation for the Direct Trade, but also the improving of the Green Line Regulation, the difficulties on the Financial Aid Regulation and he will also evaluate the term of the EU Portuguese presidency. (CS) [03] 30% on goods purchased from the free areas over 135 eurosIllegal Bayrak television (01.12.07) broadcast the following:Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has announced that goods to be purchased from South Cyprus, worth of which exceed the 135 Euros would be taxed at a rate of 30%. In an address to the nation, the Prime Minister reminded that a ban was still in force on meat and dairy products produced in South Cyprus but he added that there was no ban on those being produced in other foreign countries. The Premier said that the protection of the economy is necessary in order to bring about a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of political equality of the two sides which he said, is an objective of the Turkish Cypriot people. He stressed that the implementation of the measures taken at border crossings between the two sides was necessary to prevent the exploitation of the Green Line Regulation. Rejecting criticisms being voiced by some political parties against the measures taken, Mr Soyer said people are allowed to buy goods worth of which do not exceed 135 euros, as required by the Green Line Regulation. But, he said goods, worth of which do exceed this limit, will be taxed at a rate of 30%. On measures taken against foot-and-mouth disease, which was seen in South Cyprus, the Prime Minister said a ban was still in force on meat and dairy products produced in the South, but added that there was no ban on those being produced in other foreign countries. On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (01.12.07) broadcast the following: The Minister of Finance Ahmet Uzun has meanwhile repeated the Prime Ministers earlier announcement that goods to be purchased from South Cyprus, worth of which exceed the 135 Euros would be taxed at a rate of 30%. In a written statement issued yesterday, the Minister of Finance said that a fixed 30% customs tax will be applied on all electronics, electrical appliances and car parts purchased in South Cyprus unless an import permit was presented. The Minister of Finance repeated that the ban on all Dairy and Meat products produced in South Cyprus was still in force. Touching upon the rumours that a chocolate bar eaten by a child was forcefully confiscated by customs officers at a crossing point, Mr. Uzun said that a disciplinary investigation launched into the incident had revealed that the claims were not true. We are strongly against such actions and do not approve of such practices he added. [04] Legal Fight: Orams case submissions to European CourtUnder the above title and subtitle: Crucial time lies ahead for landmark property lawsuit Turkish Cypriot Cyprus Today weekly (01-07.12.07) reports the following:The landmark Orams case will enter a crucial phase after Christmas when written submissions by both sides have to be delivered to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg. Linda and David Orams are fighting a long-running legal battle over a Greek Cypriot claim on the land where their Lapta [occupied Lapithos] villa is built which could have far-reaching effects on other North Cyprus property owners. Their case was registered at the ECJ on September 29 after being referred there by the London Appeal Court, which said fundamental questions relating to EU law had to be answered before a judgement could be delivered. Our lawyers have until December 29 to finalise and submit the paperwork, said Mrs Orams. An extension of 10 days is allowed if necessary and because of the Christmas period we will probably take advantage of this. Our case will then go into the queue to be heard with a minimum wait of 12 months, so it should be heard at the end of next year or the beginning of 2009. Written submissions on behalf of the Orams will consist of a set of questions to the ECJ and the answers their lawyers hope to have confirmed as correct. The legal team representing their opponent, Greek Cypriot Meletios Apostolides, will be submitting the answers they would prefer the judges to endorse. The questions were drawn up by the Lord Chief Justice after the Appeal Court hearing in London in June. The Oramses are expected to be represented at the ECJ hearing by Nicholas Green QC who has had experience of 60 other cases in the court. Organisers of a petition supporting the Oramses and North Cyprus property rights in general aim to gather at least 10,000 signatures before it is delivered to Euro MPs and others who could influence deliberations by the 27 EU judges when they consider the Orams case and how they will answer complex questions on EU law. Legal experts have told Mr and Mrs Orams that the judges are likely have reached a decision before the actual hearing in Luxembourg, based on written submissions received from both sides and on opinions offered in advance by influential figures such as Euro MPs. The petition is receiving a good response and we are grateful to everyone who has taken the trouble to sign it, said Mrs Orams this week. It would be wonderful if every British and other foreign national in the north could sign it as that would provide around 12,000 signatures. We will soon be returning to England to campaign for support there after Christmas. We have meetings to arrange and attend in the New Year and will be liaising with our legal team in London. David and I remain confident that we will win our case in the ECJ and that justice and common sense will prevail. Our fight is not against Greek Cypriot people and we wish for a fair settlement for all one day. We feel sad for Mr Apostolides, who has brought this case against us because we are convinced he is being used in a political campaign against the North. [05] Leaflet under the title EASY GAME was sent to government leaders and decision-makers by the occupation regimeUnder the title Political fight: Easy game! Leaflet distributed and subtitle New leaflet takes up the cross-border war of words, Turkish Cypriot Cyprus Today weekly (01-07.12.07) reports, inter alia, that the TRNC government leaflet calling for an end to the isolation of North Cyprus has been mailed to government leaders and decision-makers around the world.The leaflet under the title EASY GAME quotes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN in 1984, which, it says, is the basis of many national and international laws. Easy Game! Highlights specific areas where the basic human rights of Turkish Cypriots are being contravened: Education and training: Universities in the North are excluded from the Bologna Process, through which students and academics can take part in exchanges to broaden their education and experience. Sport and culture. Turkish Cypriots are prevented from participating in international events ranging from friendly football games to folk dance performances at many international festivals. In a reference to the failed Annan Plan and the EU, it says: The Turkish Cypriot vote has undone any rationale for pressuring and isolating them. I would hope that the members of the council can give a strong lead to all states to co-operation both bilaterally and in international bodies, to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development. Although the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan demanded the restitution of basic human rights of the Turkish Cypriots in his May 28, 2004 report to the Security Council, this report is yet to be taken up at the Security Council, despite the established practice. [06] Mehmet Cakici accused the AKP of creating a new political opportunists elite in occupied CyprusKibrisli (03.12.07) reports in its first page that Mehmet Cakici, the chairman of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP), described as rottenness the situation exist in the Turkish Cypriot community. As he stated either the ideologist or the sold out will win in occupied Cyprus. Mr Cakici referring to the intervention of the AKP in occupied Cyprus stated that a new political opportunist elite was created which markets the will of the Turkish Cypriot people. As he stated these circles are putting the country in great danger. Mr Cakici went on and stated that in this period a settling of accounts is taking place in occupied Cyprus between the idealists and the honest and the sold out and the opportunists. As he stated, if the opportunists win, nobody knows what the outcome will be.(CS) [07] UN report on Cyprus to be presented to the Security CouncilIllegal Bayrak television (02.12.07) broadcast the following:Its been announced that the draft report on Cyprus which was prepared by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and is expected to be presented to the UN Security Council tomorrow has included views on removal of the unjust international isolations on the Turkish Cypriot people. The Presidential Spokesman Hasan Ercakica, meanwhile, announced that the TRNC officials have been seriously following the consequences of the report and launched necessary initiatives on the issue. In his statement to the BRT, the Presidential Spokesman Hasan Ercakica referred to the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehns statements in which he said that the non-solution of the Cyprus problem is preventing Turkey to take initiative over the solution of the issue of Kosovo and said that Mr Rehns statement was instructive. Stressing the need for everybody to become aware that the Cyprus problem has been creating obstacles in efforts to solve the global problems, he said, therefore, President Talats proposal over solving the Cyprus problem before the end of 2008 should be attached importance. [08] Cyprus not on the agenda of Karamanlis Babacan meetingTurkish daily newspaper Milliyet (03.12.07) reports under the title: Reciprocal steps as regards the Foundations, The Minister goes to the neighbor for two days visit, and writes: Warm winds blow between Ankara and Athens. Tomorrow the Foreign Minister Ali Babacan is going to Athens, the capital of Greece. In this important visit where the Cyprus problem will not be taken up, it is expected that the date of the Greek Prime Minister Constantinos Karamanliss Ankara visit will be fixed. The Greek press wrote that the visit will take place on 18-19, December.Subtitle: It will be the first visit after 50 years If the visit takes place, Mr. Karamanlis will be the first Greek Prime Minister, after his uncle Constantine Karamanlis (1956), who will officially visit the capital Ankara. Minister Babacan will have contacts with the Greek politicians headed by the Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and the Prime Minister Karamanlis. Government Sources report that during both visits not the Cyprus problem but reciprocal gestures regarding the Foundations will be taken up. Subtitle: Turkish University will be opened Within this framework, the Greek Government will submit to the approval of the parliament a bill securing the return of the administration of the Foundations belonging to the Western Thrace Muslim Turks minority. Also it will allow, after the approval of the relevant law, the opening of private universities in Greece, the opening of a Turkish University in the Western Thrace. Meanwhile it is announced that license is given to the Agricultural Bank of Turkey, Ziraat Bankasi to open a branch in the Western Thrace. Behind the stage they discuss that prior to Karamanliss visit to Ankara the Turkish Government expects that the reopening of the Heybeliada (Halki) School of Theology which is closed since 1972 will be realized, and the bill as regards the Foundations will be passed. (MHY) [09] The self-styled Lefkosia Turkish Municipality became member of the EurocitiesTurkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (03.12.07) reports that the Lefkosia Turkish Municipality became member of the Eurocities, a network of major European cities. The self-styled municipality became member of Eurocities at the General Assembly of the Organization, which took place in Gdansk, Poland. The network, which was established in 1986 and has Brussels as it centre, consists of Europes capitals and big cities. The aim of the network is the cooperation between the cities-members in the area of culture, economy and social life.(CS)[10] The exhibition `400 Years of Heritage: Evkaf Records in Cyprus` to be transferred in BrusselsTurkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (03.12.07) writes that the exhibition `400 Years of Heritage: Evkaf Records in Cyprus`, which took place at the Istanbul Modern Arts Gallery in early November, will be transferred to Brussels and the UK.(CS) [11] Turkey revisits African policyTurkish Daily News newspaper (01.12.07) reports the following:Turkey put its African policy under scrutiny Friday during consultations at the Foreign Ministry with Turkish ambassadors to African countries. There has been an opening out to African countries since early 2000 from political, economic and cultural aspects, which gained impetus in 2005 when Turkey declared Africa Year. This expansion will continue until 2010, said a senior Turkish diplomat. Turkey sees the African countries as equal partners rather than adopting a colonial approach and places priority on closer cooperation at all levels, a policy that runs parallel to the Turkish quest to secure indirect support from those nations for its bid to have a temporary seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2009-2010. There are around 50 countries in Africa, which means support for Turkey's U.N. bid, said the diplomat. There are 51 African states among the 192 U.N. member states. Turkey has not been a member of the Security Council for almost half a century and uses every international platform to pick up support for its candidacy. The last time Turkey took part in the Security Council was in 1961. The meeting with the Turkish ambassadors to African countries provided decision-makers with fresh perspectives about the continent, which will help shape the government's Africa policy. The ambassadors also held talks with President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. One of the driving forces behind Turkey's interest in the region is to boost its role by resolving major problems in Africa. Turkey, as an influential country, is closely monitoring all the political problems in the continent from the Eritrea, Somali crisis to Darfur, said the Turkish diplomat. But achieving political objectives is not the only reason why Turkey is interested especially in sub-Saharan countries. From humanitarian aspects, Turkey is one of the major donors of Africa that often comes to the forefront of the international community's agenda with increasing poverty and hunger, the spread of lethal diseases and civil wars. Subtitle: Erdogan to attend EU-Africa summit Prime Minister Erdogan will participate in the Europe-Africa summit on Dec. 8-9 in the Portuguese capital Lisbon. Portugal, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, wants the summit of the 27-nation bloc and the 53-member African Union to usher in closer cooperation between the continents and counter the influence of China, which has invested billions of euros in Africa in recent years. The EU, the United States, China, Japan and India are main rivals in Africa, something that prompts Turkey not to stay away from any developments there. Turkey wants to improve trade ties with African countries and stands ready to invest in construction and engineering projects. [B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis[12] Column in Afrika comments on the human trafficking acting in CyprusTurkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (02.11.07) in its column Afrikadan mektup (Letter from Afrika) and under the title Who will take this cream?, writes the following commentary:Cyprus, after its full membership to the EU in 2004, became an attractive country for the refugees... But is not the northern one [part]... The southern one... Although we are EU citizens as well, the one who gives the passports is the Greek Cypriot side... They are the ones who even give passports to us... In Cyprus every period has created its own blind corrupt persons... The conditions that were created were always benefiting the smugglers... Especially, after the division of the island into two like a melon in 1974... A variety of smugglers is operating here... As a matter of fact, as if every ground on this island was created for these jobs... Narcotics... Black money... Woman trafficking... Cigarettes and meat smuggling... And at last human trafficking... * Before the commencement of the Famagusta-Lattakia trips this kind of smuggling was being carried out in different ways... The illegal immigrants who were brought in an illegal manner to the north of Cyprus were smuggled to the south from different areas of the island... Can Iraqi or Palestinian know which part [of Cyprus] is the south or the north? Of course they do not... If the ones who make this trafficking did not take them by the hand and carry them to the borders, would they be able to pass to the Greek Cypriot side? This job became even easier after the launching of the Famagusta-Latakia boat trips... Now the refugees do not have the trouble to come to our coasts with illegal boats... The ferryboats are in the service for everyone... It is a normal trip with passport from Lattakia to Famagusta... And then lets go to South Cyprus... * From the day these trips began 83 persons came to the island through this way... And passed to the south... They asked for asylum from the Greek Cypriot authorities... In the last 24 hours 48 persons were arrested in the Greek Cypriot side... In their testimony given to the police they said that they came with the Famagusta-Lattakia boat trips and then passed to the south through Pyla-Pergamos. However, there is another important thing that they said... They paid between 500-3500 dollars per head to those who helped them to pass them to cross to the south... There is no statement as regards these persons... Or even if there is, the Greek Cypriot police keeps it secret... Think... Calculate... 3500 times 83... In whose pocket did this money go? * The Greek Cypriot side is in panic... Tassos Papadopoulos says: The danger is great... Of course it is great... Because the asylum issue is a sensitive issue... There is no other remedy for the Greek Cypriot side but to grant refugee rights that match to these qualities... This side of the coin may not interest you... But it will not be bad if you get interested in the other side as well... To reveal the smugglers is tantamount to at least solving half of the Cyprus problem. (EA) EG/ Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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