Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-12-20

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Soyer: If the EU recognizes the TRNC and makes it its member, we have no objection

[02] Talat reiterates the Turkish accusations against the Greek Cypriot side. He visited the martyrs and fighters who started the struggle to destroy the Republic of Cyprus

[03] The Italian Embassy to Nicosia stresses that Italy recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus

[04] The breakaway regime continues the distribution of plots of land in occupied Morfou area

[05] Izcan: Relating the solution of the Cyprus problem to the accession of Turkey to the EU and using delaying tactics by keeping Cyprus as trump card is a serious danger

[06] A huge congress centre of 14 thousand square meters by Acapulco Holiday village

[07] Turkish Foreign Minister Babacan will pay a visit to Kosovo on the 26th-27th December 2007

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[08] Hurriyet on the Malaysian brotherhood in todays Turkish politics

[09] From the Turkish Press of 19 December 2007

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Soyer: If the EU recognizes the TRNC and makes it its member, we have no objection

The paper goes on and writes: Soyer stressed, however, that they will have no objection, if the EU does not achieve this and makes the TRNC its separate member by recognizing it, that they do not say this, but if the EU does it, they will not object. The Prime Minister noted that Cyprus is a small island and that the division could bring problems, that they are against every kind of separatism and nationalism, but at the same time they are opposing to one nation taking the other under its hegemony. Soyer said: We are opposing to the separation, but if the only way left for us in Cyprus is to enter under the Greek hegemony, we are definitely against this, we do not accept the Greek hegemony.

Kibris reports also that Mr Soyer argued that the Greek Cypriots do whatever they can to prevent the Turkish Cypriots from meeting with EU officials and reiterated the Turkish view that two out of the six seats of the Republic of Cyprus at the European Parliament (EP) belong to the Turkish Cypriots. He noted that the Turkish Cypriots are a secular and democratic Islamic community and that if they reach an agreement and live in peace with the orthodox Greek Cypriot community, this will constitute an example for the Middle East. The paper adds, inter alia, the following:

Stressing that they came to Brussels upon an invitation they received by the EU officials in Cyprus, Soyer said that they have held a positive meeting with the team of Olli Rehn, Commissioner for the Enlargement of the EU, that during the meeting they received the proposal for discussing the issue of the harmonization with the acquis communautaire under 12 chapters and that they conveyed their positive opinion regarding this. Soyer said that, however, with a message which came at the end of the meeting they were informed that the meeting they would hold with Rehn would not be possible to take place because of an urgent situation on the issue of Kosovo. Explaining that they suggested to him to meet with the Director of the Desk for the Enlargement of the EU, Michael Leigh, Soyer noted that he did not accept this, but still Ozdil Nami went to the meeting so that the relations with the EU are not cut off.

Referring to the information according to which his meeting with Mr Rehn has been postponed because the Greek Cypriots threatened that they would veto the opening of the two chapters in Turkeys negotiations with the EU, Mr Soyer said joking: If every time we come, the opening of two chapters for Turkey is achieved, let us come again.

He noted that if the EU has decided to implement the Direct Trade Regulation and lift the embargoes, it should have informed the Turkish Cypriots about it. He also added that Mr Rehn and his team made very positive steps on many issues in the recent past, but he alleged that the steps which will be made must be more determined.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (20.12.07) refers to the same issue under the title Recognize the TRNC and reports that Soyer has ashamedly spilled the beans. The paper notes: Soyer, who a day before got angry with Rehn and said let the EU not think that we have no alternatives, a day after demanded from the EU to recognize the TRNC.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Talat reiterates the Turkish accusations against the Greek Cypriot side. He visited the martyrs and fighters who started the struggle to destroy the Republic of Cyprus

In his statements Mr Talat alleged that the Greek Cypriots use the advantage of their accession to the EU in an effort to spread their sovereignty to the whole Cyprus without recognizing any right to the Turkish Cypriots. Mr Talat argued that the EU permits the Greek Cypriots to use it and succumbs to the threats of the Greek Cypriots and takes decisions and actions which the Turkish Cypriots could not accept. This angers the Turkish Cypriots, he noted. Talat alleged that the basic target of the Greek Cypriots is osmosis.

The paper writes, inter alia, the following: Stating that the years of the national struggle and the 1974 Blessed Peace Operation have been politically distorted by the Greek Cypriots, Talat noted that in an effort to make the coup in 1974, enosis and the Greek Republic of Cyprus to be forgotten, the Greek Cypriots say that Turkey invaded [the island] and that you have rebelled and abandoned [the Republic] in 1963, but they could not distort the 2004 referendum.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (20.12.07) refers to the same issue and reports that Mr Talat argued that the Greek Cypriots are making rehearsals on how they will get hold of the north. He said that the Greek Cypriot side continues its armament, in spite of its accession to the EU and is ranked first as regards the armaments per person. We have not attacked in 1963, we wanted peace, but this did not happen, he alleged.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The Italian Embassy to Nicosia stresses that Italy recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus

The Embassy noted that this office has no authority to represent the TRNC. The Embassy stressed that Italy, like the other EU member states, recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[04] The breakaway regime continues the distribution of plots of land in occupied Morfou area

In a written statement, Mr Findik noted that 934 persons applied for a rural plot of land in occupied Morfou area, that 530 of the applications were not examined at the first stage because the applicants were not married, that the applications of 404 persons who are married and have a family are being considered, that 110 families have been determined as holders of right for acquiring rural plot of land and that the documents will be given to these families after the Feast of Sacrifices.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Izcan: Relating the solution of the Cyprus problem to the accession of Turkey to the EU and using delaying tactics by keeping Cyprus as trump card is a serious danger

Unfortunately, the stalemate, which continues in the solution of the Cyprus problem, prevents our people from looking to the future with hope. Relating the solution of the Cyprus problem to the accession of Turkey to the EU and using delaying tactics by keeping Cyprus as trump card is a serious danger.

(I/Ts.)

[06] A huge congress centre of 14 thousand square meters by Acapulco Holiday village

The chairman of the administrative council of Acapulco Hotel, Unal Caginer reminded that recently they have hosted a congress with the participation of 2.000 persons and added that with the completion of the centre they will contribute to all the hotels of the area. He noted that because the rooms for congresses are expensive in Turkey, congresses, seminars and other meetings could be carried out in the occupied areas of Cyprus if the appropriate rooms existed. He argued that the situation of the hotels in the occupied areas of Cyprus is not very encouraging.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Turkish Foreign Minister Babacan will pay a visit to Kosovo on the 26th-27th December 2007

According to sources, a delegation of businessmen and reporters will accompany Babacan during the visit that will take place on December 26th and 27th.

Babacan is expected to meet Commander of Kosovo Force Gen. Xavier de Marnhac, and Fatmir Sejdiu, President of Kosovo and Agim Ceku, the PM of Kosovo and other officials.

Babacan will travel to the city of Prizren and will visit Mahir Yagcilar, Chairman of the Kosovo Democratic Turkish Party and the Turkish Task Force Command and the Mamusa municipality.

The demands of Kosovo Albanians for independence was discussed today in the Security Council. While the US and many European countries support Kosovo's independence, Serbia and countries that support it, namely Russia, is opposing it.

Ankara who hosted Serbian President Boris Tadic in November is watching the developments regarding Kosovo's final status with close scrutiny. Turkey supports the efforts of Martti Ahtisaari, UN Special Envoy at the Kosovo status process.

While Ankara maintains its view that a sustainable solution that would not cause further strife and tension in the region ought to be found to the Kosovo issue, it believes that stability in Kosovo can only be established through a new UN Security Council resolution that would replace UN resolution 1244.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[08] Hurriyet on the Malaysian brotherhood in todays Turkish politics

Malaysia which has been the topic of many debates lately has reportedly received many Turkish academics with open arms via the International Islamic University [IIU]. Most of the Turkish academics who have passed through this university are very good friends and similar to YOK [Higher Education Council] Chairman Prof Ozcan and Prof Davutoglu, Prime Minister Erdogan's adviser, they are candidates for critical posts in Turkey.

Given that the first statement issued by Prof Dr Yusuf Ziya Ozcan after being appointed YOK chairman focused on the bans in the universities, including the ban on the Islamic headdress, former YOK Chairman Kemal Guruz said: "Let him go to Malaysia." The debates on whether or not Turkey will resemble Malaysia which is ruled with an Islamic regime had been flared with Prof Dr Serif Mardin's statement that had been published on Hurriyet and had fully occupied the agenda last September. However the fact that Guruz mentioned Malaysia did not merely point to the process of conservatism that Mardin had underlined. Guruz also referred to Ozcan's past. After all, from 1992 to 1994 Ozcan had taught at the International Islamic University which is viewed as the most important ideological supporter of the Islamization process in Malaysia.

There Are Also Jurists

This university which gave Ozcan, who adopts liberal views, the chance to get further acquainted with the Islamic order has also employed other Turkish academics. These Turks, among them theology, diplomacy, history, and law specialists, continued to be in contact after returning from Malaysia. Some became YOK chairmen and some became the prime minister's adviser. Efforts were made to appoint some of these academics president of Religious Affairs, but these efforts were rejected by the Cankaya Presidential Mansion. Some of them were forced to resign from their desks and to go abroad. Nonetheless their roads have always intersected. In fact, a sort of "Malaysia brotherhood" was formed among them. The Malaysian academics movement led by Prof Dr Ahmet Davutoglu has currently turned into a school whose members are candidates for critical posts in the state.

The Connection Between Divan and Ensar

Only the connections formed around new YOK Chairman Ozcan are enough to confirm the existence of this school. The important actors and the connection between them are as follows:

Professor Dr Ahmet Davutoglu: He is the key name of the Malaysian brotherhood. After completing his doctorate studies at the International Relations Department of the Bosphorus University he worked as lecturer and administrator at the International Islamic University in Malaysia between 1990 and 1995. Currently he is Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's adviser in charge of foreign policy. Given his position, he is the most important reference source for the Turkish academics that have passed through Malaysia. His relations with Yusuf Ziya Ozcan have further been strengthened after his stay in Malaysia, where they worked during the same period. Ozcan is in the Advisory Council of "Divan," the media organ of the Science and Arts Foundation (BISAV) established by Davutoglu. Davutoglu has recruited not only Ozcan but additional academics that have passed through Malaysia.

Professor Dr Ibrahim Kafi Donmez: He is one of the academics that have returned from Malaysia most recently. He is the former dean of the Marmara University Theology Faculty. Prime Minister Erdogan had wanted to appoint him president of Religious Affairs in 2003, but 10th President Ahmet Necdet Sezer had vetoed the decree twice. In 2005 Erdogan had wanted to appoint him YOK member, but the decree had once again been vetoed by Cankaya. As with Yusuf Ziya Ozcan, he is also a member of the Advisory Council of "Divan" published by Ahmet Davutoglu. He is one of the founders of the Ensar Foundation. Ensar which was established in 1979 and which provides scholarship and dorms to Imam Hatip students, who constitute the spine of the AKP [Justice and Development Party], is also the institution that sends the highest number of students to Malaysia.

And the Gulen Connection

Professor Dr Ali Safak: He had worked at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) in 1997-1998. He is from Kayseri. He has been teaching law at the Police Academy in Ankara since 1986. He is familiar with Ozcan from the articles that the latter writes on the training of policemen and from the lectures he gives at the Police Academy. Similar to Safak, Prof Dr Zuhtu Arslan who had prepared the draft of the AKP's constitution is also from the Police Academy.

Professor Dr Alparslan Acikgenc: He had taught in ISTAC in 1995-1999. Together with Ozcan, he is the member of the Advisory Council of the Divan Magazine published by Ahmet Davutoglu. He had received the degree of associate professor in the field of philosophy from the Middle East Technical University, Ozcan's school. He teaches in the Fatih University which is affiliated with Fetullah Gulen.

Professor Dr Sabri Orman: He had taught in the Economy Department of the International Islamic University in 1992-1995 and in ISTAC in 1995-1997. He is one of the writers in Divan, in whose Advisory Council Ozcan is a member. Currently he teaches at the Economy Department of the Marmara University.

Professor Dr Teoman Durali: He had been a lecturer at ISTAC in 1992-1993. He had given summer courses at the same school for three terms in 1995, 1997, and 1999. He is an expert in history of science and philosophy. In 2004, together with Yusuf Ziya Ozcan, he had been one of the four Turkish members of Fulbright Scholarships Program which provided the necessary means for those who want to study in the United States. He hosted programs on Mehtap TV, which is affiliated with Fetullah Gulen. He hosts a philosophy program on TRT-2 on Monday nights. He has a page on Facebook. His students have prepared this page. He is the most liberal of all these professors.

Professor Dr Bilal Kuspinar: He had worked as a lecturer in the International Institute of Islamic Thought in 1996-1999. He had conducted studies on Said Nursi. When teaching at the Theology Faculty of the Selcuk University, he had resigned from the university and he had left the country during the 28 February process. He is a faculty member at the Islamic Sciences Department in the McGill and Concordia Universities in Canada. Yusuf Ziya Ozcan has also conducted a study entitled "Muslims in Canada." An investigation has recently been launched by the Dean's Office of the Theology Faculty into Associate Prof Dr Sahin Filiz from the Selcuk University who had allegedly been effective in Kuspinar's resignation from the university in question and who had noted that "the Islamic headdress is the source of micro-fascism." Religious websites published "revenge" articles.

Professor Dr Faruk Beser: He had taught Islamic law for two terms at the IIU in 1993-1994. He hosts a program on Islamic jurisprudence on Kanal-7 and he answers the people's questions on religion. He writes a column in the Star newspaper. He has conducted comprehensive Islamic jurisprudence studies on the Fetullah Gulen Movement. He is the chairman of Islamic Law Main Science Department at the Theology Faculty of the Sakarya University.

Prof Dr Mehmet Ipsirli; Prof Dr Cemil Akdogan; Prof Dr Ahmet Turan Aslan; Prof Dr Bedrettin Cetiner; Prof Dr Yunus Vehbi; Prof Dr Hulusi Yavuz; Prof Dr Mehmet Maksudoglu; Prof Dr Cengiz Kallek; and Assistant Associate Prof Cuneyt Eren are among the leading academics that have also taught at the IIU in Malaysia.

[09] From the Turkish Press of 19 December 2007

a) Military operation in Northern Iraq:

Commenting on the air operation against the PKK targets in northern Iraq, Taha Akyol in Istanbul Milliyet recalls incidents between the Turkish and US troops in the area in the past and points to the progress made in solving the problems between the two sides. Stressing in his column that Turkey and the United States have common interests regardless of disagreeing on various problems, he recalls the question as to whether or not the United States is a friendly country or an enemy and asserts: The American people were upset with Turkey when we rejected the motion on 1 March, which would allow US military forces to land in Turkey during the war in Iraq. But Washington continued to attach importance to our common interests. Therefore, he notes, resisting the wave of anger and considering long-term interests at such times will be logical. Akyol concludes: The technological and political success of the latest operation is a good lesson to be learned.

Warning that the foreign media organs might change their approach on Turkey's air operation against the PKK targets in northern Iraq in time, Sami Kohen, in a commentary in Istanbul Milliyet, lauds the support the United States has given to the military action and notes: Undoubtedly, the decision the United States made to support Turkey is mostly due to its strategic interests. Washington does not want to lose Turkey because of the problem. Nevertheless, Kohen asserts that the United States does not want a problem in northern Iraq that would turn the local administration and people against it. He notes: In view of that, Washington expects Turkey to carry out limited operations and see to it that they do not create a problem with the local Kurds. Focusing on Mas'ud Barzani's situation, Kohen believes that he has adopted a negative approach. He asks: When will Barzani realize that having favorable relations with Turkey will serve his interests?

In a column in Istanbul Hurriyet, Cengiz Candar describes the incursion of 700 troops into northern Iraq as a limited ground operation. Recalling President Bush's statement when he held talks with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that "the PKK is the common enemy of the United States and Turkey, he asserts that the Kurds should heed the statement and act accordingly, believing that the PKK will not be able to exist for a long time and that it has been isolated by the international community. Referring to Mas'ud Barzani's anti-American statements, Candar argues that he is trying to create an opportunity for talks with Washington after realizing that the US compass began to point toward Turkey. Stressing that he expects intensive diplomatic maneuvers between Turkey, United States, Iraqi Kurds, and Baghdad during the next six months, he asserts: A logical agreement between the United States and the Iraqi Kurds might pave the way for the resumption of contacts between Ankara and Irbil. Importance must be attached to "diplomatic activity" in various capitals as much as the importance that is attached to the cross-border military activities.

I have the right to be skeptical about the approach that is maintained by those who limited an operation against the PKK targets in northern Iraq to air attacks, says Hikmet Bila in a column in Istanbul Cumhuriyet. Praising the effort the military forces made to prepare for an operation, determine targets, and launch attacks, he asserts: The Turkish army has proved that it is a magnificent force in its region.

In his column in Cumhuriyet Deniz Som compares the operation in Northern Iraq with the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and says that the success the Turkish air force units achieved then was more important because they did not have US support at the time. Claiming that not even a single terrorist was killed during the operation in northern Iraq, Som argues that the huts and other buildings that were destroyed can be rebuilt and wonders how successful an operation can be with the support of foreign forces.

Muharrem Sarikaya believes that Turkey must not lose the second opportunity it had after 1999 to solve the problem of terrorism. Believing in a column in Istanbul Sabah that the favorable approach maintained by the Western countries on the air attack on targets in northern Iraq was mostly due to democratization in the country, he asserts: The government has a very difficult task to fulfill. It has to create a basis for agreement in the parliament on the solution of the Kurdish problem.

In a column in Istanbul Vatan, Necati Dogru argues that the air operation against the PKK could have taken place a long time ago and asks: Why has it been delayed for three years? Recalling Western press reports that the United States and Turkey kissed each other and settled their differences, he reacts: The United States, which is our friend and ally, waited for the conditions that would allow the two countries to embrace and kiss each other to settle their differences. Those conditions matured in three years. Wondering whether Washington agreed to the air operation because PKK members infiltrated the Kurdish administration in northern Iraq, he recalls the US support and asks: Separatist Kurds and those who support the give and get rid policy, are you aware that the United States has betrayed you?

Bilal Cetin asks whether the DTP [Democratic Society Party] is a means used for tactical maneuvers behind the frontline in Turkey. Stressing in a column in the same newspaper that the DTP duties are no different from those of the other political parties in the parliament, he draws attention to the importance of the party in the effort made to solve the Kurdish problem and criticizes the election of young Nurettin Demirtas instead of Ahmet Turk as its leader. Recalling the arrest of Demirtas for forging documents to avoid compulsory military service, Cetin asks: Why was he elected party leader? He notes, It might be that the PKK wants to use the party under him in a tactical war it plans to carry out in the lowlands.

Some 35 US military officials are in Turkey to fulfill the duties assigned to them within the framework of ODC in connection with the decision the United States and Turkey made to share information on the PKK, according to a report in Istanbul Hurriyet. Strict measures have been taken for their security.

Yeni Safak publishes a report entitled "Siege in Galires" which says that around 300 Turkish commandoes crossed into Iraq early yesterday and killed a group of Kurdish insurgents in an area five kilometers away from the Turkish border before returning to their base in Turkey.

In an article entitled "The most painful moment of the Kurdish question", Yeni Safak columnist Ali Bayramoglu points out that paradoxical and intertwined developments related to the Kurdish question, including military operations and the government's seemingly fair and sincere efforts to convince Kurdish insurgents to lay down their arms and the detention of the leader of the Democratic Society Party, DTP, and the timid acceptance of the DTP's presence in Parliament by the ruling party and the military indicate that Turkey has entered a new era which could be conducive to the settlement of the problem. Noting that a new rehabilitation law could play a very crucial role in this process, Bayramoglu says: "The only thing that should be taken into consideration is that the law should not lead to a humiliating treatment of those who will return to their homes or used as a tool for disregarding the Kurdish problem."

In an article entitled "No power could play this game without Turkey", Yeni Safak columnist Ibrahim Karagul says that Turkey has assumed a leading role in her region and the rest of the world while making it clear that no country, including the United States and Israel could do anything in the region unless they cooperate with Turkey. Emphasizing that Turkey could become even more influential if it eventually settles the Kurdish question, he goes on to say: "There is a suitable situation both at home and abroad for liquidating the terrorist organization as part of the fight against terrorism. But, there is still much that needs to be done about the Kurdish question in a broader context. There are many other steps to be taken in order to revive a 1000-year-old tradition, including radical and painful decisions which would require sacrifices."

In an article entitled "Thanks, BBB (Big Brother Bush", Vakit columnist Selahaddin Cakirgil argues that the United States provides information and intelligence about PKK camps and guerillas in northern Iraq to the extent they do not conflict with its own interests. He says: "The United States has given permission and provided information and intelligence. Thus, 'Thanks, BBB (Big Brother Bush)!' In other words, Turkey has eaten soup by using a spoon provided by others. Those who think that they should take pride in it are free to do so."

In an article entitled "As the Kurdish cards are being reshuffled," Vakit columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak predicts that the last military operation against the PKK will be followed by the apprehension of some PKK guerillas and an amnesty. He says: "Some arrangements will subsequently be made in the name of democratization. The political process will be revived. But, the DTP will face a resounding defeat in the upcoming local election. A moderate Islamist policy intrinsic to the Kurdish region will be formulated." Dilipak also comments that Kurds and Turkey need each other and adds: "There is no victory which we could win against each other. There is only one victory which we will win together. We should not support any solution not serving the welfare and happiness of Turks, Kurds, and other people in the region."

In an article entitled "The beginning of the end", Zaman columnist Mustafa Unal writes about the air strike targeting PKK camps in northern Iraq and says that military operations against the PKK should be complemented by a law aimed at convincing Kurdish insurgents to lay down their arms. He notes: "There is such a tendency within the government. The members of the terrorist organization who have not been involved in any crime could be permitted to return to their homes. It would deliver yet another blow to the PKK. The process of liquidating the PKK has begun and the task should be finished."

In an article entitled " Turkey should be hawk on the mountain, dove on the plain," Today's Zaman columnist Bulent Kenes views Turkey's new strategy against the PKK and says: "While making the mountains as unlivable as possible for terrorists, the government should build "large roads" for those who want to descend from the mountains and also build impregnable blockades on the road to the mountains by taking social, political, economic and cultural measures."

In an article entitled "What will it cost to us?", Milli Gazete columnist Zeki Ceyhan asks whether or not the United States has helped Turkey hit PKK camps by providing intelligence in return for a concession to be made by Turkey. He comments: "Nobody should talk about friendship, strategic partnership, and alliance because we are fed up with crap. They should only read the amount written on the bill. We fear that this bill will eventually set the stage for a more serious problem than the one which is causing concerns in our country."

b) Murder of Christians in Malatya:

Under the banner headline "'Bag' scandal in Malatya," Yeni Safak carries a front-page report which says that the assassins of three Christian missionaries in Malatya cannot be identified because the clothes of five suspects stained with the blood of their victims were put in the same bag and blood were transferred between their clothes.

c) Hand grenade against bookstore in Semdinli:

In an article entitled "A release and a detention," Bugun columnist Gulay Gokturk says that two non-commissioned officers who are accused of throwing a hand grenade to a bookstore owned by a Kurdish businessman in Semdinli have been released by a military court pending their trial while DTP leader Nurettin Demirtas was detained due to allegations that the had dodged the draft by using a false medical report despite the fact that there was not a convincing legal justification for remanding him in custody. Noting that the two decisions will cause disappointment among Kurds, she comments: "Gentlemen, this is what the Kurdish problem is about. It is the feeling of unfairness, discrimination, alienation, and insecurity."

EG/

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