Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-03-21

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers todays meeting between President Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat

[02] Ercakica on Christofias Talat meeting on March 21st

[03] The Turkish Cypriot political parties on todays meeting between Christofias and Talat

[04] Soyer reiterates that a solution might be found in 2008

[05] The Cyprus Peace Platform sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General

[06] US has no intention of launching a new initiative in Cyprus

[07] The co-chairperson of the German Greens Claudia Roth said that the solution of the Cyprus problem and the lifting of the isolation are not only a problem of Cyprus but a problem of EUs reliability.

[08] Ankara Days held in Nicosia

[09] The chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Yasar Buyukanit, will visit occupied Cyprus between the 26-29th of March.

[10] Russians showed great interest for the TRNC during the 15th Moscow 2008 International Travel and Tourism Fair

[11] Cyprus among the issues to be discussed by Vice President Cheney in Ankara

[12] British prime minister meets Labor Party Friends of Turkey Group members

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[13] A new hope in Cyprus?

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers todays meeting between President Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat

Under the title They are meeting today, Kibris reports in its first page that President Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat are meeting today at the residence of the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Cyprus, Mr. Michael Moller. The paper notes that the meeting is very important because it is evaluated as a beginning for a new initiative in the framework of the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Under the title Start and finish for peace, Yeni Duzen reports about todays meeting between Christofias and Talat, publishing a big picture of the two leaders in its first page.

Under the title Kalimerhaba (Good morning in both Turkish and Greek), AFRIKA also reports in its first page that the meeting, which is expected with impatience and hope, will take place today between Christofias and Talat at 10 in the morning. The paper writes that those who said at a time that they will solve the Cyprus problem if they come to power, now they are at the political stage. The two leaders, who until today signed many common announcements, they are meeting for the first time, at an official level, looking for solution.

The paper also writes that some organizations are gathering today at 10 in the morning at the Lokmaci (Ledra Street) barricade, in order to rally in favor of solution. The Tradesmens Chamber and the Architects and Engineers Chambers call on people to participate in the meeting at Ledra Street. In addition the New Cyprus Party (YKP) also calls on people to get to the streets. We must not remain viewers of the events, the party notes.

Kibrisli refers to todays meeting under the title New game and writes, inter alia, that it is not possible for a result to come out of the meeting today between Christofias and Talat since the first supports the view of one people and the latter supports the view of two people.

(CS)

[02] Ercakica on Christofias Talat meeting on March 21st

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Presidency spokesman Hasan Ercakica said on Thursday regarding the meeting which will take place between TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias that Turkish party will try to understand whether the change of leadership in Greek Cypriot administration means a change of policy or not.

Ercakica told A.A that if Christofias turns July 8th agreement into a delay process --like former Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos did--, then there will be problem.

Ercakica said that Talat will explain the stance of Turkish Cypriots during the meeting. He added that the stance of TRNC is starting negotiations for solution as soon as possible and reaching a comprehensive solution rapidly. Ercakica noted that Lokmaci Gate will also be discussed in the meeting, adding that they are expecting the leaders to announce (after the meeting) that Lokmaci Gate will be opened.

On July 8th, 2006, Talat and former Greek Cypriot leader Papadopoulos signed an agreement of "decisions" and "principles" during a meeting which took place at buffer zone in Lefkosia and was chaired by UN former undersecretary Ibrahim Gambari.

The agreement --which is known as July 8th Agreement or "Gambari Process"-- envisioned to set up technical committees to solve daily problems between the two sides as well as to establish working groups to discuss issues on essence of Cyprus problem.

July 8th agreement was not put into effect due to Papadopoulos' tactic to extend solution of Cyprus problem in time.

Talat and Christofias will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the residence of UN Secretary-General's special envoy to Cyprus, Mr. Michael Moller in buffer zone in Lefkosia.

[03] The Turkish Cypriot political parties on todays meeting between Christofias and Talat

The chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), Serdar Denktas, stated that the DP does not have great expectation from the meeting and said that he believes that Christofias will take a step back on the issue of the opening of Ledra Street. The General Secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Omer Kalyoncu stated that they are optimistic for the meeting and that at least the issue of the opening of Ledra Street will be undertaken in the meeting. The leader of the Social Democracy Party, Mehmet Cakici, stated that the views of the two sides are far from each other and added that the strategy of the Turkish Cypriot side is determined by Turkey. The chairman of the Peoples Party, Rasit Pertev, stated that the most possible development to take place from the meeting will be the opening of the Ledra Street. On his part, the chairman of the Politics for the People, Ahmet Yonluer, said that they are not very optimistic and added that the opening of the Ledra Street barricade does not prove that the Greek Cypriots are in favor of a peaceful solution.

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (21.03.08) reports that the chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP), Tahsin Ertugruloglu, announced the view that the UBP presented to Mehmet Ali Talat at the meeting they held, regarding the latest developments in the Cyprus problem. Referring to todays meeting between Talat and Christofias, Mr. Ertugruloglu stated, inter alia, that this process must be transparent and added that nothing must be kept secret from the people.

Under the title Warning to Talat, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (21.03.08) refers to the same issue and writes that UBP handed to Mr. Talat the partys views prior to his meeting with Christofias today. The paper writes that the red lines of UBP are the political equality of two people and two states, the two sectors, the two founding states and not two constituent states, as it was mentioned in the Annan Plan, a structure of confederation, and the continuation of the active and de facto guarantorship of Turkey. In a possible agreement, the creation of the Turkish Cypriot wing of the structure with the name, the capacity and all symbols of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. In addition the party notes that it is against arbitration which it describes as dangerous.

(CS)

[04] Soyer reiterates that a solution might be found in 2008

Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer has said that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to discuss all the proposals put forward to solve the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Soyer was speaking at the opening of a symposium titled Understanding Cyprus held in Istanbul.

In his speech, Mr. Soyer reminded that the Greek Cypriot side has become a full member of the European Union before a solution was found to the Cyprus problem.

The Premier said Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people will have a reclusive structure away from international developments if they will be excluded from Europe.

Touching upon tomorrows meeting between President Mehmet Ali Talat and the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris Christofias, Mr. Soyer expressed the hope that the meeting will pave the way for a negotiations process based on the UN parameters.

Pointing out that intransigent understanding of running away from the negotiations process and rejecting the intercommunal talks by using the advantage of EU membership has changed on the Greek Cypriot side, Mr. Soyer noted that the Greek Cypriot Leader has gave a message during his election campaign that the peace negotiations would be started within the UN parameters.

Stating that the main aim of sitting at the negotiations table is to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem in 2008, the Prime Minister expressed the need for an immediate restart of the negotiations process.

Mr. Soyer who completed his contacts in Istanbul is expected to return to the Republic tonight.

[05] The Cyprus Peace Platform sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General

The letter was handed to a UN official at the Ledra Palace Checkpoint yesterday by a group of representatives from the platform. The letter was read in English by the Co-president of the Cyprus EU Association Mustafa Damdelen and in Turkish by the platforms spokesman and the President of the Cyprus Turkish Secondary School Teachers Union (KTOEOS) Adnan Eraslan.

In the letter the platform notes, inter alia, that the two communities in Cyprus suffer because of the non-solution of the Cyprus problem. It also notes that because of the economic, political and social pressures in the north of Cyprus the Turkish Cypriots abandon the island and that with the policy of population transfer of Turkey, the Turkish Cypriot community will rapidly stop to exist because of the cultural, social and economic assimilation. In the letter the platform also writes that it supports the efforts for finding a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution to the Cyprus Problem on the basis of political equality and the parameters of the UN.

(CS)

[06] US has no intention of launching a new initiative in Cyprus

The U.S. Department of State said Wednesday it hopes that the meeting of two leaders in Cyprus will ultimately help produce the kind of dialogue that will lead to the solution of the Cyprus issue.

Well, we certainly hope that there can and will be a resolution to the longstanding problem of Cyprus, Tom Casey, the Deputy spokesman of the department, told a daily press briefing.

Casey said that Washington has supported over time all UN efforts to try and help bring about a political settlement in Cyprus.

And certainly, the U.S. will support any efforts taken by the parties themselves as well as the UN's efforts to come to a resolution of this issue, he said.

Responding to a question, the US State Department Spokesman said that Washington has no intention of launching a new initiative in Cyprus and would continue to support the UN sponsored process.

[07] The co-chairperson of the German Greens Claudia Roth said that the solution of the Cyprus problem and the lifting of the isolation are not only a problem of Cyprus but a problem of EUs reliability.

Mrs Roth said that spring came to Cyprus and she hopes this good weather will be reflected in politics as well and added that all the eyes of Europe will be turned to Cyprus today. She went on and said that the solution of the Cyprus problem and the lifting of the isolation are not only a problem of Cyprus but a problem of EUs reliability.

Asked what she is planning to do, in the framework of the cooperation with other European MPs, as regards the promises given on the issue of the lifting of the isolation, she said that this issue will be looked up after the results to come out of the meeting today between Talat and Christofias. Mrs Roth said that she does not support the partition and the isolation.

(CS)

[08] Ankara Days held in Nicosia

Ankara Days activities begin in Nicosia today. Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek is expected to travel to Nicosia with a delegation of 200 people today. Caglayan Park, which has been restored by the two municipalities, will be opened during the event. The delegation will meet northern Cyprus President Mehmet Ali Talat and Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer today.

[09] The chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Yasar Buyukanit, will visit occupied Cyprus between the 26-29th of March.

(CS)

[10] Russians showed great interest for the TRNC during the 15th Moscow 2008 International Travel and Tourism Fair

(CS)

[11] Cyprus among the issues to be discussed by Vice President Cheney in Ankara

A full agenda awaits U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney in Ankara, where he will hold talks with high-level Turkish officials Monday.

Cheney is the second-highest ranking American official. Therefore a lot of bilateral and international issues will be on our agenda, diplomatic sources told the Turkish Daily News yesterday.

Cheney will arrive in Ankara on the last stop of a grand tour of the Middle East and Afghanistan and will meet with President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit.

Among the topics to be discussed during Cheney's trip to Ankara are Turkey's fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Iraqi territory, the cooperation on actionable intelligence, Iran's nuclear program, contributions to NATO's Afghanistan mission, Israeli-Palestinian talks and Cyprus.

Ankara plans to express its unease at the remarks of some high-level Pentagon officials who advised Turkey to negotiate with the PKK to find a lasting solution to the problem. Though the White House said such remarks did not reflect the administration's official stance, Ankara will once again bring the issue to Cheney's attention.

The two countries' cooperation on intelligence sharing will be discussed during the meeting with Buyukanit. An atmosphere of confidence was built between the two allies, said Buyukanit in a press conference after a cross-border operation by Turkey.

On Afghanistan, Cheney is expected to ask for more contributions from Turkey, which has NATO's second-largest army. Buyukanit openly said he was against dispatching combat troops to Afghanistan, but Foreign Minister Ali Babacan signaled the government has a different position on the matter. The government is considering pledging one helicopter and a few hundred soldiers, sources said, but only for deployment to Kabul, where Turkey already has 750 troops.

For his part, Cheney is expected to push Turkey for a tougher stance against Iran over its controversial nuclear program. Turkey's recent energy deals with Iran were a matter of concern for Washington. Turkish officials are expected to make clear to Cheney that Turkey's sole purpose is to secure its natural gas and oil supply and reduce its dependence on Russia.

Turkey's involvement in the U.S.-led long and short-range missile shield program, a $4 billion project, is also a crucial point. Turkey favors joining the project under the NATO umbrella but has not made its final decision yet, sources said.

[12] British prime minister meets Labor Party Friends of Turkey Group members

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown attended a gala dinner hosted by Labor Party Friends of Turkey Group in London Tuesday. The Group, which was founded last year, undertakes lobby activities on issues like Turkey's bid for European Union membership and Cyprus. British parliamentarians Jack Straw, Harriet Harman and Liam Byrne also attended the dinner.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[13] A new hope in Cyprus?

Sami Kohen writes, inter alia, the following in his column:

Can we expect a result from todays meeting of the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias with the TRNC leader Mehmet Ali Talat?

This summit, which will take place in Lefkosia, is one of the numerous meetings which for years are taking place. Until today and before every meeting this question is asked and the reply given by the same officials is the stereotyped cautious optimism And for years, the result is for our hopes go in vain!

Can it be different this time?

In this summit there is a peculiarity, the actors are different. This time the new elected president Christofias will have Talat as his interlocutor. Between the two leaders there is an ideological closeness and friendship that goes back in time. Yet these are not of course a guarantee for the success of the summit.

The Turkish and the Greek Cypriot positions seem very different.

The Turkish side wants political equality between the two peoples, a loose federation of the two sectors. Also because of this, it persists on the acceptance of the Annan Plan as a basis for the negotiations.

In other words, basically what the Turks want is the establishment of a new political structure in the island as a starting point. What the Greek Cypriots want is to repair the existing structure.

Now Christofias, as many Greek Cypriots, sees that without a solution the division is becoming stronger and because of that he worries. Maybe this can force him into a reconciliation. In other words this can be an incentive (Tr. Note: word as used by the columnist) factor

Today Turks can agree only to a unification which safeguards the equality and security.

The whole issue is whether an agreement formula can be found, which will tackle the demands or the worries of the sides which seem to be opposite

(ML)

EG/

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