Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-03-27

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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 the illegal visit of the Chief of the Turkish General Staff Yasar Buyukanit to occupied Cyprus

[02] How the Turkish press covered Gen. Buyukanits illegal visit in occupied Cyprus

[03] Soyer stated that the aim is a solution to be found for the Cyprus problem by the end of 2008

[04] Talat stated that he got the impression that Demetris Christofias wants solution

[05] Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot envoys agreed on setting up working groups

[06] AKEL and CTP held a meeting and stated that they will exert every effort for the solution of the Cyprus problem

[07] Babacan stated negotiation will start again if the new Greek Cypriot administration, is ready to show efforts for the solution

[08] Reactions continue for the changing of the of the name of the Lefkosia Caglayan Park to Ankara Caglayan Park

[09] The Chambers of Commerce of Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and of the Turkish Cypriots, are meeting on the 23rd of May

[10] Cyprus court rejects KTOS case

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[11] Turkish Cypriot columnist says that the internal danger for the Turkish Cypriots is as big as the external danger

[12] From the Turkish Press of 26 March 2008

[13] Columnist: Turkey does not want a solution in Cyprus

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the illegal visit of the Chief of the Turkish General Staff Yasar Buyukanit to occupied Cyprus

Under the long title The Chief of the Turkish General Staff Yasar Buyukanit who arrived to the TRNC upon an official invitation of President Mehmet Ali Talat: The Turkish security forces are in Cyprus for peace, Kibris reports in its first page about the visit of the Turkish General to occupied Cyprus yesterday. The paper writes that General Buyukanit stated that the Turkish army is in Cyprus for peace and noted that the Turkish Security Forces will continue this duty until a just and lasting solution is secured in Cyprus. The paper goes on: Stressing that the content of the just and lasting peace desired by everyone should be filled in well in order to be lasting and just, Buyukanit noted that these notions should be explained and clarified well, to the public both in Cyprus and in Turkey.

Kibris also writes that Yasar Buyukanit met with various Turkish Cypriot officials, among them the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat, the prime minister, Ferdi Soyer and Rauf Denktas.

Afrika also reports on the same issue under the title Yasar Buyukanit is in the TRNC: The hawkish words were avoided and writes that the Turkish General, who visited TRNC upon an official invitation of Talat confined himself only to say that he is in favor of a lasting and just solution.

Under the title Isolation is cruel, Halkin Sesi reports on its first page about the visit of General Buyukanit in occupied Cyprus and writes that the Chief of the Turkish General Staff stated, inter alia, that the isolation policy in which the TRNC is exposed to is cruel and added that he considers it as a cruelty to the persons who live in occupied Cyprus. He went on and stated that those who have been talking about human rights are committing the biggest unjust act by imposing isolation on Turkish Cypriots. As he said he hopes that the isolation will be lifted soon and that the Turkish Cypriot people will get the things it deserves.

Halkin Sesi also writes that many persons gathered at the Ercan (illegal Tymvou) airport during the Generals arrival in order to welcome him in occupied Cyprus. The paper writes the Turkish General showed his love and respect to the Turkish Cypriot people.

Yeni Duzen reports on the same issue under the title Buyukanit: We will continue our duty until peace is secured.

Sozcu reports on the same issue under the title We are here for the peace.

Vatan reports that the Chief of the Turkish General Staff, Yasar Buyukanit, underlined a very important truth that The Turkish army will be here until a just and lasting peace is secured.

Star Kibris reports on the same issue under the title The isolation is cruel and writes that General Buyukanit stated to the world from the island, that everyone is talking about a just and lasting peace but no one talks about what this peace will be like. He also noted that the isolation is cruel.

Bakis reports on the Turkish Generals visit under the title Buyukanit: Denktas reflects the truth.

Yeni Volkan reports on Buyukanits visit under the title The Turkish army will continue to safeguard the security of the Turkish Cypriots.

Gunes reports on the same issue under the title Emphasis with many meanings.

(CS)

[02] How the Turkish press covered Gen. Buyukanits illegal visit in occupied Cyprus

Hurriyet reports on the issue under the title We are here until permanent peace and writes that Gen. Buyukanit was welcomed in the TRNC with great excitement and slogans.

Gen. Buyukanit who visited the TRNCs President Talat said that the Turkish army is in Cyprus for the peace. It will continue this holy duty until a just and lasting peace is achieved, writes the paper in its front page.

The paper continues to report on Gen. Buyukanits illegal visit in page 18 under the title Secular excitement in the daughter land and writes that this is the first time General Buyukanit is paying an official visit in occupied Cyprus after taking office. The approximately 100-people who gathered in occupied Tymvou airport for welcoming Gen. Buyukanit were holding placards with slogans We are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal, We are Turks, we are powerful, we are Ataturks, Youth-army hand in hand, Turkey is completely independent, while the Turkish General thanked the crowd with a military salute.

Gen. Buyukanit was welcomed at occupied Tymvou airport by Lieutenant General Hayri Kivrikoglu, commander of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus, Ferdi Sabit Soyer, Turgay Avci and the so-called Turkish ambassador in occupied Cyprus, Turkekul Kurttekin. He was then received by the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat.

During his meeting with Talat, Gen. Buyukanit said: We want the growth of the TRNC under secure steps. Always a just and lasting peace is discussed. The TRNC administrators and the officials in Turkey are certain how a just and lasting peace can be; on this we have no doubt. But this must be assured. This must be really understood by the south sector in Cyprus. The Turkish army is in Cyprus for the peace. It will continue this holly duty until a just and lasting peace is achieved, Buyukanit concluded.

On his part, Mehmet Ali Talat stated: The Turkish Armed Forces, by supporting the TRNC, perform this duty with the strength and the support which are based on international treaties. We feel great happiness seeing you among us. Your visit came a little late, but better late than never.

Hurriyet writes that Talat-Buyukanits meeting came after a tense period between the Turkish Cypriot leadership and the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) over Cyprus policies and notes that the Turkish President, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, the Prime Minister and the Chief of the General Staff is customary to pay their first visit outside Turkey to occupied Cyprus soon after they receive duty. However, General Buyukanit did not comply with this decision.

The paper, moreover, writes that Gen. Buyukanit met yesterday with the self-styled prime-minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer, the so-called speaker of the assembly, Fatma Ekenoglu, the illegal Turkish ambassador in occupied Cyprus, Turkekul Kurttekin and the former Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash.

As the paper notes, Gen. Buyukanit showed a great interest in his meeting with Rauf Denktash, while he thanked the Turkish Cypriots for their love shown to the army.

On his part, Rauf Denktash said: The new Greek Cypriot leader said that he feels a great sorrow for Gen. Buyukanits visit. Let Mr. Christofias to be sad.

Referring to the Ledra Street, Mr. Denktash evaluated the opening of the crossing-point as a great game by President Christofias in order to show that he is a peacemaker.

During his illegal visit in occupied Cyprus, Gen. Buyukanit is accompanied by his wife, Filiz Buyukanit.

Barkin Sik and Sefa Karahasan report for Milliyet on Gen. Buyukanits visit in occupied Cyprus under the front page title It came a little late approach from Talat and write that the Turkish Cypriot leader welcomed Gen. Buyukanit with a sarcastic message, noting that the Generals visit came a little late.

In page 12, Milliyet gives further details on the meeting and reports on the preparations made for the opening of Ledra Street. As Sefa Karahasan writes, the works will start tomorrow at 11:00 by UN experts.

Sabah reports on the issue in page 19 under the title Buyukanit: Talat knows the just solution.

The preparations of the Ledra Street opening were also reported in the paper under the title Mines are being destroyed.

(ML)

[03] Soyer stated that the aim is a solution to be found for the Cyprus problem by the end of 2008

Mr Soyer said that until today there was not a single Greek Cypriot leader to tell to the refugees that all of them will not return to their houses. However, Demetris Christofias stated that the Greek Cypriots can live in Keryneia under Turkish Cypriot administration. This is a very important step, he noted.

Referring to the declaration of Kosovos independence, he said that he welcomes this development, but, as he said, he considers as meaningless the correlation of Kosovo and the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the opening of Ledra Street, he stated that the demolition of the wall at the barricade will lead to the demolition of the wall in the minds of Greek Cypriots.

In addition, Kibris also writes that the self-styled prime minister Ferdi Soyer stated that saving water must be the first issue on the agenda. He went on and stated that the Turkish Cypriots are ready for cooperation with the Greek Cypriots on this issue. We live in the same island and we face the same disasters, he stated.

(CS)

[04] Talat stated that he got the impression that Demetris Christofias wants solution

Mr Talat went on and stated that they decided with Mr Christofias to proceed with the negotiations and to put the negotiations on the right track. Referring to the opening of Ledra Street barricade, Mr Talat stated that Mr Moller scheduled the opening of the Ledra Street to take place on the 2nd of April. He also said that the opening of this barricade is a symbolic move and that what is important is the solution of the Cyprus problem. Replying to a question he said that he invited Mr Christofias to his house for dinner. We will see, was Mr Christofias reply.

Reporting on the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (26.03.08) reports that responding to a question whether the Greek Cypriot administration made a policy shift, Talat said: There is a change but it is not a policy shift. We need to move further ahead to qualify it as a 'shift'. "We need to guarantee our political equality," Talat said.

(CS)

[05] Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot envoys agreed on setting up working groups

Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot envoys agreed to set up a number of working groups and committees in an initial attempt to lead the way for substantial talks to reunify the divided island of Cyprus after their leaders agreed earlier this week to restart peace negotiations.

Turkish Cypriot representative for EU and UN talks Ozdil Nami and Greek Cypriot envoy George Iacovou met Wednesday at the buffer zone and reached an accord to set up six working groups and seven technical committees in the shortest possible time.

Additional groups could be set up if such a need rose, Nami and Iacovou said at a joint appearance after their meeting. The two envoys are scheduled to meet again on Friday.

A list of the working groups and committees is as follows:

WORKING GROUPS ON SUBSTANTIAL ISSUES RELATING TO PEACE TALKS: 1-Administration and share of power. 2-Issues related to the European Union. 3- Security and guarantees. 4- Territory. 5- Properties. 6- Economic issues.

TECHNICAL COMMITTEES RELATIONG TO DAILY LIFE ISSUES: 1-Issues related to crime. 2- Economic and commercial issues. 3- Cultural heritage. 4- Crisis management. 5- Humanitarian issues. 6- Health. 7-Environment.

[06] AKEL and CTP held a meeting and stated that they will exert every effort for the solution of the Cyprus problem

(CS)

[07] Babacan stated negotiation will start again if the new Greek Cypriot administration, is ready to show efforts for the solution

(CS)

[08] Reactions continue for the changing of the of the name of the Lefkosia Caglayan Park to Ankara Caglayan Park

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Volkan newspaper (27.03.08) reports that the self-styled mayor of occupied Lefkosia, Cemal Bulutoglulari, replied to the ugly attacks, as regards the change of the name of the Lefkosia Caglayan Park to Ankara Caglayan Park. According to the mayor, the decision to change the name was a suggestion of the CTP municipal council member, Pembe Avsaroglu and the decision was taken upon a voting of the members of the municipal council. Mr Bulutoglulari stated that he felt sad because he became a target for this issue and noted that he is a child of Nicosia and he is connected to the end with its tradition and its culture.

(CS)

[09] The Chambers of Commerce of Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and of the Turkish Cypriots, are meeting on the 23rd of May

(CS)

[10] Cyprus court rejects KTOS case

The Greek Cypriot court looking into the case filed by the Cyprus Turkish Teachers Union KTOS against the Greek Cypriot Council of Ministers and Ministry of Education was finalized today.

The Greek Cypriot court looking into the case filed by the Cyprus Turkish Teachers Union KTOS against the Greek Cypriot Council of Ministers and Ministry of Education was finalized today.

The high administrative court rejected the KTOS case on the grounds that the case did not directly influence the interests of the plaintiff.

The Union had filed the case against the Greek Cypriot Administration to push forward for the right of Turkish Cypriot children living in Limassol to receive their education in their own native language.

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[11] Turkish Cypriot columnist says that the internal danger for the Turkish Cypriots is as big as the external danger

Under the title Just and lasting peace? Mr Akar says that the statement that unites the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat and General Buyukanit is that the Turkish Armed forces will continue their duty until a just and lasting peace is secured.

Mr Akar notes, inter alia, the following: Very well. What is the statement that divides Mr Buyukanit and Mr Talat? The meaning of the just and lasting peace!!! The following words of General Buyukanit are drawing the attention: Reference is always made to just and lasting peace, but we should know well how peace will be just and lasting. Undoubtedly those who administer the TRNC, including the President, know how peace will be just and lasting. The officials of the Republic of Turkey know it as well, but this should be secured. The interlocutors, that is, the South Sector of Cyprus should understand it well also.

Here the message given to Mr Talat is the following: We will withdraw if a peace which satisfies us in the way we understand it comes about. If there was no difference of opinions, would Mr Buyukanit talk like this?

What is the meaning of just and lasting peace? Or what is the content of the just and lasting peace which the Turkish Armed Forces want? This word could be dragged to so many places that you are not obliged to find sufficient any solution plan brought in front of you, no matter how good it is. You can get out of the issue by saying that this is not how we understand the just solution.

Therefore, the content of this word should be filled in without any delay and be brought in front of the Turkish Cypriots. It should be said that we will accept an agreement only if it is in this way. Otherwise those who will sit at the table during the coming negotiating process will make nothing else but being engaged in useless activities.

I want to underline another important point here. Is the just and lasting solution valid for the Turkish Cypriots only from the point of view of the relations with the Greek Cypriots? Or does it include the internal dangers as well? Today the danger which is continuously developing domestically is as big as the external danger from the point of view of the Turkish Cypriots. It is even bigger. Can a reference to just and lasting peace be made for an area which takes over the Susurluk gangs, the leaders of the mafia, the sympathizers of illegal organizations and even the members [of these organizations]?

We do not know what Mr Talat discussed with General Buyukanit behind the closed doors. However, we wish that he brought to the agenda the issue of internal peace. If he did not do this and did not demand for urgent help, it is not considered that he carried out his duty towards his own community. Yes, we want just and lasting peace in Cyprus. However, we want it both for the internal and external danger. We need the measures, which will protect peace domestically more than we need them for externally. If this is not taken seriously into consideration, it will be a historic mistake. It will cause a lot of headaches in the future!!!

[12] From the Turkish Press of 26 March 2008

Discussion on Islamization:

In an article entitled "'Moderate Islam,'" Milliyet columnist Taha Akyol criticizes Cumhuriyet columnist Ilhan Selcuk for saying that the ruling Justice and Development Party, AKP, should reach a compromise with the opposition parties in order to thwart an American plan aimed at restructuring the Turkish military and preparing the ground for the establishment of a state guided by moderate Islam. Pointing out that the paranoia about moderate Islam actually stems from a reference made by former US Secretary of Defense Colin Powell to Turkey and Pakistan as "moderate Islamic republics," Akyol cautions that such paranoia would prevent formulating a rational foreign policy and analyzing social dynamics.

In an article entitled "We do not have to choose either," Hurriyet columnist Mehmet Yilmaz points out that people are coming under pressure to join the Islamist or neo-nationalist camps in Turkey. Stressing that he is in favor of secular democracy, Yilmaz says: "I am against those who attempt to isolate Turkey from the civilized world by establishing a regime similar to that formed by Ba'th party and others who are looking for an opportunity to turn Turkey into an Islamic republic."

In an editorial entitled "Social trauma," Turkish Daily News columnist Yusuf Kanli describes AKP leadership's plan to amend the Constitution in a bid to prevent the Constitutional Court as "premeditated self-slaughter." Pointing out that the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association emphasized in its recent statement that there is still hope of overcoming the current political crisis, Kanli says: " The AKP must find a way to take itself out of this obsessive exploitation of religion and replace itself on its former dynamic and reformist track."

In an article entitled "Gul could put an end to this," Turkish Daily News columnist Mehmet Ali Birand says that Turkey is divided into two camps which he describes as "pious and the zealots" who wish to impose their Islamic way of life or habits on society and "nationalists who have sworn to save Turkey from the Islamists." He stresses that President Gul can alleviate the crisis and says: "That's why we should help Gul and not hinder him. Let's clear his way. Let's support him."

In an article entitled "Fear of moderate Islam", Zaman columnist Ali Bulac criticizes the Radikal daily, which is "regressing to a radical form of secularism," for representing a "socio-economic development" model used by the people of Denizli province as a dangerous manifestation of how "moderate Islam" is gaining ground in Turkey.

[13] Columnist : Turkey does not want a solution in Cyprus

In his article in today´s Afrika (26.03.08) under the title The proof of occupation and of opposing to solution Serhat Incili says that General Buyukanit´s visit is the clear and open indicator of who does not or do not want solution in Cyprus. And he accuses the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and the ruling party, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), of not raising their voices against this visit. He considers General Buyukanit´s visit a threat not only against those who want peace but against those who want tranquility and stability in the region.

Incirli goes on and says that Mr Talat is not in a position to ask for postponement of the visit which is the stark reality in demonstrating to whom the sovereignty belongs in North Cyprus.

One should know that it is Turkey which does not want solution in Cyprus, because in case of a solution Turkey´s maintaining an army and housing the settlers will be left to the mercy of the Greek Cypriots, the UN and the EU. And Turkey is not in a position to digest this. First it can not digest it from the moral point of view because Turkey thinks that half of Cyprus is its own property and it seriously believes in this. Go to Turkey and ask people of all walks of life and you will see that they believe that North Cyprus is Turkey´s property with a title deed.

Therefore, an administration which says let us leave Cyprus, should at least consider that it will be out of government.

The second reason is Turkey´s expansionist behavior that comes from the claim that it thinks that it is an important power in the region and an imperialist boss, thus by introducing strategic importance it wants to make the occupation permanent.

In conclusion both from the moral and strategic point of view, Turkey can not digest the withdrawal and defeat in Cyprus, Incirli concludes.

(MHY)

EG/

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