Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-07-21

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] The Turkish President sends message to Talat and backs efforts for the establishment of a new partnership state in Cyprus

[02] The Turkish Prime Ministers wants a new partnership in harmony with the virgin birth in Cyprus

[03] Joint Statement by the Turkish Prime Minister and the Turkish Cypriot leader after the meeting of their delegations in the occupied areas of Cyprus

[04] Address by the Turkish Prime Minister and the Turkish Cypriot leader during the celebrations for the 34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

[05] Erdogan: A Turkish Cypriot state will definitely be founded in the end

[06] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press covered the celebrations for the 34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

[07] Koksal Toptan sends messages to Talat and Ekenoglu

[08] Turkish and foreign officials attended the celebrations for the anniversary of the 20 July 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation

[09] Turkish Cypriot political parties issued messages to mark the anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation in Cyprus

[10] Erdogan met with Turkish Cypriot political party leaders; Ertugruloglu satisfied for the statements of Talat yesterday regarding the sovereignty

[11] The BKP reiterates its commitment to the UN Security Council resolutions

[12] Huge flags by the breakaway regime at occupied Galatia village

[13] The tender for the Lefkonoiko airport to be postponed

[14] Two statues of the Roman period were brought to light at the excavations in Ancient Salamis

[15] Two non-commissioned officers of the Turkish occupation army were found dead yesterday in occupied Keryneia

[16] Babacan to New York to lobby for Turkeys candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UNSC

[17] Fahri Kasirga was appointed as Erdogans new Chief Adviser

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The Turkish President sends message to Talat and backs efforts for the establishment of a new partnership state in Cyprus

Turkey's president sent on Sunday a message to his Turkish Cypriot counterpart to celebrate his Peace and Freedom Day.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul sent the message to President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on the 34th anniversary of the Peace and Freedom Day, his office said.

There are two politically-equal nations, democracies and states in Cyprus, Gul said in his message.

Gul said that peace and tranquility could be secured in Cyprus only by a solution based on facts in the island.

Turkey, as a guarantor state, backs the target to establish a new partnership in Cyprus, Gul also said.

Gul reaffirmed Turkey's determination to support development of TRNC.

[02] The Turkish Prime Ministers wants a new partnership in harmony with the virgin birth in Cyprus

Under the title Erdogan: The solution is possible this year, the paper writes that the Turkish Prime Minister who arrived in the occupied areas together with eight of his ministers to reiterate Turkeys support to the Turkish Cypriots, argued that the elements of the solution have been discussed during the negotiations procedures all these years and expressed the opinion that it is possible to use the acquis of the UN and reach a solution quickly.

He alleged that the basic condition is the conduction of negotiations with good will, the existence of political will and the acceptance of a solution model within the UN parameters based on the sharing of power. Mr Erdogan called on Greece to support the process and encourage the Greek Cypriots for a solution.

Asked to comment on the meetings between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat, Mr Erdogan said: Turkey will continue to support the constructive stance followed by the TRNC President esteemed Talat in the process which started on 21 March between the two leaders on the Island. Our expectation is for the comprehensive negotiations to proceed speedily and reach the target of a new partnership in harmony with the principle of virgin birth between two equal peoples.

On Erdogans illegal visit Ankara Anatolia news agency (18.07.08) reported from occupied Lefkosia that the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in occupied Cyprus on Friday accompanied by state ministers Cemil Cicek, Murat Basesgioglu and Mehmet Simsek, Interior Minister Besir Atalay, National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Mehdi Eker, Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim and Environment Forestry Minister Veysel Eroglu.

(I/Ts)

[03] Joint statement by the Turkish Prime Minister and the Turkish Cypriot leader after the meeting of their delegations in the occupied areas of Cyprus

Noting that Erdogan knows the TRNC problems, Mr Talat said that they conveyed to the Turkish delegation the developments regarding the Cyprus problem. We have made an in depth evaluation of our problems, including our economic problems, he said.

Turkey is unconditionally by our side. We know that the support of Turkey will be always by our side, added describing this as very important for them.

He argued that the presence of Mr Erdogan and his delegation is the best sign of the support of Turkey. Mr Talat said also that the ministers have evaluated the possibilities for continuous cooperation and the methods for strengthening the cooperation.

Mr Talat alleged that the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey support a lasting solution as soon as possible within the parameters of the UN. He reiterated the Turkish views regarding the political equality, bi-zonality and two founding states. Mr Talat said that they are exerting every effort for this and argued that in the three meetings with President Christofias they indicated their wish towards this direction.

I hope on 25 July we will announce the resumption of the full fledged negotiations. Thus, we will start the process for the solution of the Cyprus problem. It is a very big guarantee for us to know that Turkey is by our side during this process, he concluded.

In his statements Mr Erdogan thanked Mr Talat and the Turkish Cypriots for their warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. We had a very beneficial exchange of thoughts with the delegations, he said.

Mr Erdogan argued that they are exerting efforts for a just and lasting solution in Cyprus and added: We are pleased with the efforts of the two leaders. We expect the leaders to agree on the commencement of the comprehensive negotiations under the roof of the UN, based on the realities existing on the island and within the framework of the good will mission of the UN Secretary - General.

Mr Erdogan stated that the solution must be based on equality, two founding states and a new partnership relation. He especially underlined that the solution will be reached between two equal peoples.

We fully trust president Talat and his team, he said adding that the Turkish government will continue to support the Turkish Cypriots irrespective of who will be in power in Ankara.

Furthermore, Mr Erdogan referred to the economic aid of Turkey to the breakaway regime and the increase of the prosperity in the occupied areas since the AKP came to power in Turkey. He especially emphasized the importance they attach to tourism and higher education.

Our economic support and the efforts for ending the isolations will continue with the same determination from now on as well, he noted. Mr Erdogan reiterated that Turkey will continue to be by the side of the Turkish Cypriots and support them.

Asked to comment on the criticism raised by President Christofias about his illegal visit to the occupied areas on a mourning day for the Greek Cypriots, Mr Erdogan alleged that the 20 July 1974 invasion is the result of the freedom and peace struggle of the Turks and added:

The government of the Republic of Turkey takes no ones permission as to where, when, why and how it will go. It is itself that decides for this program. Furthermore, we have always been on the side of freedom and peace struggle and we will continue to be. This is the place we are on this issue. Exhibiting such an approach is actually an expression of how far they are away from peace. They should not expect from us a different expression.

Responding to another question, Mr Erdogan expressed the opinion that it is possible for achieving a quick result in the negotiations if there is a preliminary understanding and acceptance for the solution.

Asked to comment on the view that the key of the solution of the Cyprus problem is in Turkeys hands and what the red lines of the Turkish side are, Mr Erdogan said that the solution can never be one sided.

A result is achieved if both sides have a positive approach, he added and alleged that President Christofias should approach the problem positively like Talat in order for a result to be achieved.

He reiterated the main criteria for the solution according to the Turkish side and said that these are a just, comprehensive and lasting solution of two peoples with political equality and two founding states. If there is consensus on these, the rest is detail and it would be easy to reach a solution, he claimed and added that otherwise reaching a solution will be difficult.

Responding to another question on virgin birth and sovereignty, Mr Erdogan did not give a direct answer and preferred to repeat his known views and pointed out to the importance they attach to 25 July, noting that the negotiations have not started yet.

[04] Address by the Turkish Prime Minister and the Turkish Cypriot leader during the celebrations for the 34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

In his address Mr Erdogan said that he brought the greetings of the people of the motherland who share the joy and happiness of the Turkish Cypriots, and added: Do not forget. The eyes, ears and hearts of 70 million brothers in the motherland are always in Cyprus.

Mr Erdogan alleged once more that the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus on 20 July 1974 prevented the genocide of the Turkish Cypriots. He claimed that the invasion changed the fate of the Turkish Cypriots, showed to the world the determination of the motherland to protect the Turks of Cyprus forever. It is the guarantee that we will not permit the days of sorrow which existed before 1974 to be repeated again, he added and described the invasion as humanitarian peace operation which had no other aim than bringing peace to the island. He alleged that the invasion was realized with the rights stipulated to Turkey by the international agreements and brought peace, prosperity and security for the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the 24 April 2004 referendum, Mr Erdogan alleged that this was the sign for the Turkish sides support to reconciliation. He claimed that Turkey and the breakaway regime changed the known biased views and showed who is in favor of reconciliation in Cyprus and who is intransigent.

He argued: The comprehensive solution could be found within the framework of the realities existing on the island. I want to underline that no one, but absolutely no one should expect that the Turkish Cypriot people will give up the equal status and equal partnership under their own administration and will accept to live as minority. No one should engage in efforts to change these parameters. The comprehensive solution will be possible with a new partnership where the Turkish Cypriots and the TRNC will participate as founder and equal. This new partnership will be established on indispensable principles such as bi-zonality, political equality and the effective guarantees of Turkey. We consider as positive step the meeting between the two leaders in Cyprus and the fact that they have reached an understanding. ...The other side has to accept that the solution will be reached by establishing a new partnership between two equal peoples and to give up trying to find new interlocutors and divert attention. ...We do not and will not accept the continuation of the isolations towards the Turkish Cypriots. It is unfair and contradicting to impose restrictions on the side that wants peace and agreement.... Everybody should now understand that the efforts of south Cyprus to take the Turkish Cypriot people under their domination and to expand its sovereignty over the north of the island is in vain.... It is unacceptable to relate the Cyprus problem with Turkeys EU accession course. It is not possible to impose a solution that will not be acceptable for the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey. It will never be possible. Everybody should understand this as soon as possible. The solution in Cyprus will diminish the hurdles on the road to peace in the Middle East. My dear Turkish Cypriot brothers, whatever the conditions are, Turkey will always be by your side. We overcome the problems together in cooperation, just as we have been doing until now. We have to decisively maintain our unity and integrity in the Cyprus problem which is our national cause. We should not turn the 20 of July into a political instrument. There is no room for politics here. There should be unity and integrity. ...It is out of the question for us to go back from the point where we are today.

Meanwhile, in his address Mr Talat said that it was a great privilege and happiness for him to welcome Erdogan and the other guests in the occupied areas.

He argued that the invasion of 20 July is the sign for peace and freedom for the Turkish Cypriots. If today under this burning sun we are celebrating an honorable feast, we owe this to the peace operation of 20 July, he said.

Mr Talat said that after 20 July 1974, the Turkish Cypriots acquired possibilities, took important steps towards their economic development which could not be compared with the past and created the infrastructure for administrating themselves.

He argued: As Turkish Cypriot people, we want to keep what we have gained through 20 July and integrate with the world. We want to protect these and take our place among the respected peoples of the world and develop our communication and relations with them at different levels. That is why we want to sign an honorable and respected agreement with the Greek Cypriot people, with whom we are forced to share the island and we work for this. My dear citizens, the Turkish Cypriot people are of course a sovereign people. The Turkish Cypriot people have proved on several occasions that they are sovereign.

Mr Talat alleged that the treaties for the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960, the Turkish Federated State established by the Turkish Cypriots after the invasion and especially the referendum on 24 April 2004 were the confirmation of the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Mr Talat alleged: Disputing the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots and presenting it as if it is disputable will unfortunately never help the future of the Turkish Cypriots. To speak about being a minority and thinking that such a possibility exists is extremely wrong. The Turkish Cypriots have never been a minority in Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriots have always been equal, and proved their equality. While the whole world respects this fact, we debate whether the Turkish Cypriots are minority or not. We want a solution because we know that the continuation of the present situation gives the feeling to everybody that a cease fire atmosphere exists in Cyprus and this is mortgaging our future in every sense. When we say these, we do not think only of the interest of the Turkish Cypriots, but of the interest of the Greek Cypriots as well. ... In the centre of the policy we developed under the guidance of our people, lies the protection of our rights in the whole of Cyprus in a humane and fair manner. In spite of all these, there are still people who want to consider us responsible for the non-solution of the Cyprus problem. As a result of the wrong understanding, they are trying to make the Turkish Cypriot people to pay the price of the non-solution. While they are imposing the merciless isolation they are using the non-solution as a pretext. This is an unfair stance and does not serve the efforts towards searching a solution. ....

Mr Talat alleged that on 24 April the Turkish Cypriots proved with their own votes that they want a solution and that they do not need again to prove it.

Referring to their vision for a solution, he said: The establishment of a new partnership by two founding states with equal status and political equality of the two peoples on the basis of bi-zonality with the continuation of the guarantee of Turkey. The Turkish Cypriot people, using their fundamental rights, aim at a solution which will be confirming their equal partnership in sovereignty. It is out of the question for us to be patched up to the Greek Cypriot sovereignty or to leave the sovereignty to the Greek Cypriots....

Mr Talat said that he met three times with President Christofias and agreed on a common language which was necessary for starting full fledged negotiations. He alleged: Despite the fact that there is no reason to justify the Greek Cypriot side under the leadership of Christofias to evade from the negotiations, we were unable until today to announce the starting date of the full fledged negotiations. The Greek Cypriot side has always run away from this. ... The Greek Cypriot side should give up using the Cyprus problem as blackmail for Turkeys EU accession course. ...Now is the time for a solution in Cyprus to be found; A Just and permanent solution within the framework of the UN parameters. ...I want to underline another element here: The Turkish Cypriot people understood the need for a mutually acceptable solution in order to reach better days than today. ...

He further said that the fact that the desire of the Turkish Cypriots for a solution is misunderstood as a weakness and it is alleged that they will agree for any solution because of the domestic problems they are facing is totally wrong.

He went on: We do not consider the statements of the Greek Cypriot leadership that the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from the island will help the solution of the problem to be compatible with good will. ...The existence of the Turkish army on the island is not the reason of the problem, but it is the result of it. It is out of the question to remove the result before removing the reason. ...What we expect from the Greek Cypriots is to stop seeing Cyprus as an island belonging only to the Greeks and share equally the wealth of this beautiful island with us and share equally the power. ....

Mr Talat concluded by thanking the foreign guests who came from various countries of the world to support them and celebrate with them the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. He said that he thanked from now for the fact that they will contribute for the understanding of the realities of Cyprus when they will return to their countries.

[05] Erdogan: A Turkish Cypriot state will definitely be founded in the end

The Turkish prime minister attended some inaugural ceremonies in the Turkish Cypriot state on Saturday.

Turkey's Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated in the inaugural ceremonies of a water transmission line, a highway, techno-park at a university and a TV station in Guzelyurt (occupied Morphou) and Girne (occupied Keryneia) cities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). During the ceremonies, Erdogan said that Turkish Cypriots were being punished right now. However, I believe that Turkish Cypriot State will definitely be founded in the end, Erdogan also said.

Erdogan said there would be political equality in the island, and it would be a fair, comprehensive and permanent solution.

Turkey was always standing by TRNC, and maintain its sensitivities regarding TRNC's development, Erdogan said.

Erdogan also said that Turkey could bring water to TRNC by pipelines laid beneath the Mediterranean Sea within two or three years.

Premier Erdogan also visited the headquarters of Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Command in Girne (occupied Keryneia), and attended a reception hosted in his honor by TRNC Parliament Speaker Fatma Ekenoglu.

Erdogan is currently in TRNC to attend July 20th Peace and Freedom Day celebrations.

[06] How the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish press covered the celebrations for the 34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Under the banner front-page title 20 July enthusiasm, Kibris publishes pictures of the military parade and the jets of the Turkish air force which violated the airspace of Cyprus. The paper reports that some groups which oppose the solution in Cyprus created tension during the celebrations at Dr. Kucuk Boulevard. The protesters shouted slogans against the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat and opened a placard addressed to Mr Erdogan saying: My Turkey is on the road of the EU. Is the TRNC your offering?

Kibris reports also that the Turkish Prime Minister opened the amphitheatre in occupied Keryneia and the Medical Faculty of the illegal Near East University (YDU). In his statements during the opening of the amphitheatre, the foundation of which was laid in 1995, Mr Erdogan expressed his regret for the delay and wished for such investments not to last for 13 years.

Afrika reports that Serdar Denktas, chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), drove along the road in front of the building of the so-called Turkish embassy to occupied Nicosia which was closed yesterday because of Mr Erdogans visit. Mr Denktas protested against the Turkish Prime Minister by blowing the horn of his vehicle.

Halkin Sesi refers to the celebrations under the title Freedom and Peace Enthusiasm and reports that a great interest was shown for the ceremony organized at Dr. Fazil Kucuk Boulevard. The paper writes that a placard and slogans referring to sovereignty were at the epicentre of the ceremony. According to Halkin Sesi, the biggest enthusiasm was experienced during the jumping of the parachutists to the area of the ceremony and when the Turkish Stars jets of the Turkish air force appeared. The paper refers to the statements of Mr Talat and notes that expressing his vision for the solution of the Cyprus problem, he said: Our vision is a bi-zonal new partnership state based on the political equality of the two peoples. Mr Erdogan argued that the comprehensive solution could be reached only on the basis of the realities on the island.

Yeni Duzen refers to the celebrations under the title Now is the time for a solution and publishes the statements of the Turkish Cypriot leader at the ceremony. The paper notes that Mr Talat reiterated his vision of a bi-zonal new partnership based on the political equality of the two peoples and equal status of the two founding states. Talat stressed that they will never give concessions both from their political equality and the equal status of the states and they could not abandon the guarantees of Turkey, adds the paper. On its front page, Yeni Duzen refers also to the statements of Mr Erdogan, who inter alia, said: Completing its economic development, the TRNC will be the guarantee of peace and solution.

Star Kibris, under the title A strong economy is the guarantee of peace, reports that Mr Erdogan sent the message that they will continue to support projects which will raise the standard of living of the Turkish Cypriots. The paper notes that Mr Erdogan reiterated the Turkish view that they have never accepted the isolations of the Turkish Cypriots and alleged that no one should expect the Turkish Cypriots to abandon their equal status and partnership and live as minority. Under the title The Turkish army will remain until the solution, the paper writes also that Mr Talat spoke with determination. The existence of the Turkish army is not the cause of the problem, it is its result, alleged Mr Talat referring to the existence of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus.

Star Kibris reports also that the Turkish Prime Minister opened the Ada TV television and Ada FM radio which are bound to the STAR KIBRIS MEDIA GROUP.

Vatan refers to the celebrations of the Turkish invasion under the title The 20 July Peace and Freedom feast was celebrated with enthusiasm. The paper writes that Mr Talat argued that the 20 of July is really the symbol of freedom and peace for the Turkish Cypriot people.

Kibrisli refers to the celebrations and the statements issued on the occasion of the anniversary of the Turkish invasion under the title The solution on the basis of the concepts of two peoples, two states, sovereignty and political equality left its mark on the celebrations of the 34th year of 20 July.

Yeni Volkan refers to the issue under the title The Turkish Cypriot people got excited again on the 34th anniversary of the 20 July peace operation; The TRNC cannot be abandoned. The paper reports that among the slogans written on the placards at the celebrations were also the following: We will never abandon our sovereignty, Equality-Justice-Freedom; The basis of all is sovereignty and The TRNC is the symbol of our existence and sovereignty. The paper reports also that around five thousand vehicles participated in the so-called peace and freedom convoy organized by the Turkish Cypriot Farmers Union yesterday. The chairman of the union, Mr Kabakci said that they will do everything they can to continue the existence of the TRNC.

Gunes refers to the celebrations under the title 20 July was celebrated with ceremonies. It writes that Erdogan asked for equal status. The paper publishes also a statement issued by Mr Gul under the title President Abdullah Gul asked a solution in harmony with the existing realities in Cyprus. Two peoples, two states!

Sozcu refers to the issue under the title New opportunities.

Ortam reports that 20 July was celebrated and refers to Mr Erdogans statement that the guarantees of Turkey are not negotiable.

All the Turkish mainland newspapers also report about the illegal visit of the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Turkish occupied part in the Republic of Cyprus, on the occasion of the celebrations of the 34th anniversary of the 20 July under following titles:

Milliyet: Warning to the Greek Cypriots and the EU. On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation the Prime Minister called on the EU: Keep your promise that you have given to the TRNC and on the Greek Cypriots: Do not expect that the Turkish Cypriot people will live as minority, do not harbour empty illusions.

The paper also reports that during the official celebrations yesterday there were groups of people who protested the Cyprus policy of the Turkish government. They shouted slogans and displayed banners protesting this policy. Some of the protest banners read: Is the TRNC your offering on Turkeys EU Accession Path?- Does Turkey, our sole hope and guarantee, want to sell us out? - The TRNC is not for sale.- We are tired of being one step forward. They also shouted slogans like: Sovereignty is our right. We will defend our sovereignty rights. Without sovereignty one is minority. We are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal. We neither trust the Greek Cypriots nor to the EU. Mehmetcik those who do not love you let them die.

Hurriyet reports under banner headline The peace operation stopped the genocide and says that the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said that the Cyprus peace operation had prevented the genocide of the Turkish Cypriots and showed to the world the determination of the motherland to protect the Turks of Cyprus forever.

Bugun reports under the title The TRNC will develop with tourism and providing education and says that the Prime Minister Erdogan has declared that no one should expect that the Turks will become minority.

The title in Radikal is as follows: Again old positions regarding Cyprus and adds: Mr. Erdogan who attended the Cyprus Peace Operation celebrations in the TRNC said: One cannot give up the equal partnership, equal status and self-governance of the Turks. And Greece reiterated its thesis, criticized the celebrations and said single state, single citizenship.

Sabah reports under the title: From Erdogan to the EU: Keep you promise.

(I/Ts.-MHY)

[07] Koksal Toptan sends messages to Talat and Ekenoglu

The Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Koksal Toptan has sent messages to President Mehmet Ali Talat and the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Peace Operation in Cyprus.

In his message to President Talat, Mr. Toptan said he is very honored to celebrate the 20th of Peace and Freedom Day of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Noting that peace and confidence have been established on the island as a result of the peace operation put up by Turkey which was based on, historical, lawful and humanitarian commitments, Koksal Toptan said that the Turkish Grand National Assembly will continue its effective contributions for efforts aimed at finding a comprehensive and just solution which will secure the political equality of the TRNC and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people.

In a separate message to the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu, Mr Toptan said it is clear that the meaning of this important day in which the Turkish Cypriot people put forward its will towards sovereignty and acted in the direction of their ideals for peace and stability is getting strength from day to day.

The Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Koksal Toptan expressed his wish for success and health for the members of the TRNC Parliament.

[08] Turkish and foreign officials attended the celebrations for the anniversary of the 20 July 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation

Many high ranking officials and delegations from Turkey and other countries who are in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for 20th of July Peace and Freedom Day celebration are paying visits to the TRNC officials.

Mustafa Isen, who is representing Turkish President Abdullah Gul in 20th July celebrations in the TRNC, was received by President Mehmet Ali Talat, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer, the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu and the former TRNC President Rauf Denktas.

Also, a group of representatives from foreign women organizations has been received by the Speaker of the Republics Assembly, Fatma Ekenoglu.

The group which includes representatives from FYROM, Italy, Pakistan and Azerbaijan is in the TRNC to attend the 20th July celebrations as guest of First Lady Oya Talat.

Yesterday, the Commander of the Third Army- General Saldiray Berk, who is to represent the Turkish Armed Forces during the celebrations, was received by President Mehmet Ali Talat, the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu and Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer respectively.

General Berk was accompanied by the Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus Lieutenant General Hayri Kivrikoglu, Commodore Semih Cetin and Staff Colonel Sedat Gulan during the visits.

A delegation of Turkish origin-foreign parliamentarians was also received by the Speaker of the Republics Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer and Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Turgay Avci respectively.

The delegation, which is in the TRNC upon the invitation of Mrs. Ekenoglu, was also received by President Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday afternoon. The delegation is made up of parliamentarians from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Germany, Russia, FYROM, and Sweden.

Briefing the visiting parliamentarians on the history and latest developments on the Cyprus Problem, the Speaker of the Republics Assembly pointed out that the international community had made series of mistakes on the Cyprus Issue.

Ekenoglu who also briefed the delegation on the process leading to the referendum on the Annan Plan and developments which followed, underlined the need for direct flights to start in order for the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The delegation was later received by Prime Minister Soyer. Receiving the delegation, the Prime Minister reiterated the Turkish Cypriot peoples commitment to continuing its communal existence on the basis of democratic values and political equality.

He also said that the Turkish Cypriot people continue to strive for a solution based on the political equality of the two sides and to achieve a just and human existence on the island.

Drawing attention to the fact that north Cyprus continued to suffer under the unjust international isolations, he said that Turkish Cypriots were nevertheless working hard to develop and improve their economy.

Following the visit to the Prime Minister, the group moved on to the Foreign Ministry where they were received by Foreign Minister Turgay Avci.

Speaking during the visit, the Foreign Minister Avci said that the Turkish Cypriot people had understood the true meaning of freedom, independence and life following the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot people desired a solution in Cyprus and continued to pursue a stance of good will, the Foreign Minister said that the non-solution of the Cyprus Problem could not go on for another 40 years. We do not want future generations to have to live with the Cyprus Problem, he added.

During the meeting with the President, parliamentarians were informed about that latest on the Cyprus issue.

[09] Turkish Cypriot political parties issued messages to mark the anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation in Cyprus

Messages have been issued by representatives of political parties and state officials highlighting the significance of the 20th of July celebrations.

In his message issued on the day, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer said that the idea of creating a new Cyprus and a peaceful future for the island was what laid at the basis of the 20th of July Turkish Peace Operation.

He said that the Turkish Cypriot people will continue to work decisively towards finding a solution, adding that a lasting settlement on the island could be reached with the support of Turkey and other countries.

Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Turgay Avci in his message said that the Turkish Cypriot people has done all it could for a solution over the past 34 years since the peace operation, openly and repeatedly displaying its free will towards a lasting settlement on the island.

He said that the Greek Cypriot Side, gaining strength from its unjust and one-sided EU membership, was continuing its efforts to prevent a solution to the Cyprus Problem and the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The leader of the main opposition National Unity Party Tahsin Ertugruloglu said that if it had not been for the 20th of July Peace Operation, it would not have been possible to speak of a Turkish state and a free and sovereign Turkish Cypriot people on the island of Cyprus.

Also issuing a message, the leader of the opposition Democrat Party Serdar Denktas said that the path to peace in Cyprus is clear and is the international recognition of two equal entities which will respect each others rights.

The leader of the Communal Democracy Party Mehmet Cakici said that the ongoing non-solution on the island did not serve the interest of both sides on the island. He said that the time lost in the negotiations process was working against the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people, resulting in an erosion of their rights.

Also issuing a message, the leader of the main Republican Peoples Party in Turkey Deniz Baykal expressed his belief that the principle of political equality will be safeguarded in any step taken towards finding a solution.

[10] Erdogan met with Turkish Cypriot political party leaders; Ertugruloglu satisfied for the statements of Talat yesterday regarding the sovereignty

The chairman of the Freedom and Reform Party (ORP), Turgay Avci said that the foreign policy of Turkey and his party coincide. The leader of the Social Democrat Party (TDP), Mehmet Cakici said that the people from Anatolia send here some things earned by their hard work and the government of the breakaway regime squanders them.

The paper writes that Mr Ertugruloglu said that Mr Talats statements were different yesterday and added: I welcome with joy the fact that from the point of the single sovereignty and single citizenship he came to the point that the Turkish Cypriots are sovereign of course. I wish there was not such a mistake from the beginning. The general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Omer Kalyoncu said that they discussed with Mr Erdogan everything, from the economy to political issues and the draught.

(I/Ts.)

[11] The BKP reiterates its commitment to the UN Security Council resolutions

(I/Ts.)

[12] Huge flags by the breakaway regime at occupied Galatia village

(I/Ts.)

[13] The tender for the Lefkonoiko airport to be postponed

Usar said that today they are going to inform the firm involved about their decision to postpone the tender. He also added that they will continue their efforts so that the Lefkonoiko airport finally is in a position to contribute to the improvement of the economy.

(A.K).

[14] Two statues of the Roman period were brought to light at the excavations in Ancient Salamis

According of the paper two statues of Hermes (monument statues who are placed in holy areas, which belong to the Roman period and are dated on the 2nd century A.D were brought to light during the excavations.

The paper writes that statues of this kind were placed in holy areas and the fact that they were brought into light in Ancient Salamis shows that the area was a holy one.

The paper also reports that the excavations in Salamis, will be continued until the 31st of July.

(CS)

[15] Two non-commissioned officers of the Turkish occupation army were found dead yesterday in occupied Keryneia

The two military officers received diving courses at Atlantis diving school and died after being affected by the divers decompression illness. According to the paper, their instructor army major, Turkel Okan unsuccessfully tried to save the two officers and now he is receiving treatment at a hospital. According to information from sources, one of the non-commissioned officers has worked as an administrator in a military hospital, while the other took office in occupied Cyprus three days ago.

(ML)

[16] Babacan to New York to lobby for Turkeys candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UNSC

Turkey's foreign minister will travel to New York on Monday to lobby for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan will spend three days in New York and ask for support for Turkey's membership for a non-permanent seat at the Security Council for 2009-2010 period.

The election will take place in September. Three candidates, including Turkey, are competing for two non-permanent seats to be vacant in September, sources said.

Babacan is expected to meet Srgjan Kerim, the president of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and several geographical groups represented at the UN.

The foreign minister will host a reception at the Turkish House in New York for the permanent representatives at the UN, and depart for Turkey on July 24th.

If it becomes a non-permanent member, Turkey plans to support UN reform process; exert efforts to make the organization more active in international arena; diminish poverty in the world till 2015; prevent international political crisis before they occur; try to solve problems through peaceful means; counter xenophobia, racism, discrimination, intolerance, extremism and violence; exert efforts to open new channels of dialogue among different cultures and religions; and spread environmental protection consciousness.

The UN Security Council is composed of five permanent members - China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, and ten non-permanent members.

Ten non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms and are not eligible for immediate re-election.

[17] Fahri Kasirga was appointed as Erdogan's new Chief Adviser

Fahri Kasirga was born in Cayeli in 20 January 1953. He graduated from the Law School of the Istanbul University in 1977 and in 1978 he started practicing law as a judge in Rize district, Turkey. On the 3rd October 2003, Mr. Kasirga was appointed as a permanent undersecretary in the Ministry of Justice.

(ML)

EG/

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