Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-08-04

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] Talat: If a solution is to be found it will be an early one

[02] Cumhuriyet daily reports that Ankara is preparing proposals for the solution of the Cyprus problem. The proposal to be presented to the table of negotiations of September 3rd

[03] Contradictory information regarding the meeting of the self-styled football federation with FIFA

[04] Alpay Durduran stated that the Turkish Cypriots have no political will, because they are not free

[05] Turkish Cypriot organizations issue joint statement on Cyprus problem

[06] Turkish Foreign Ministry reiterates its stance on Cyprus

[07] Russia appoints permanent representative in the OIC. OIC to open office in Brussels

[08] AKP Assembly seats decreased to 339

[09] A suspect for Guzelyurtlu family murder in 2005 was found dead

[10] Gul: The right thing to do is to take initiatives for a settlement just as in 2004

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press of 01, 02 and 03 August 2008

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Talat: If a solution is to be found it will be an early one

In statements to illegal TAK news agency, Mr Talat reiterated that he is expecting a result by the end of the year from the negotiations which will begin on 3 September. He noted: There is sufficient accumulated work. I am expecting progress by the end of the year and solution in the beginning of 2009. In any case, if a solution is to be found, it will be an early one.

Mr Talat said that at the starting stage of the negotiations they discussed all matters, including the core issues, with President Christofias and noted that they established there is convergence in some issues and great differences in some others. However, what is being done at this stage is putting forward the positions. The bargaining and the details will take place in the negotiations, he added.

Mr Talat noted that the issue on which the sides have the greatest distance from each other is the property issue, adding that this is the matter which worries him the most because of the accumulated experience of 45 years and the fact that it closely concerns all individuals. Mr Talat said that the territorial adjustments which will determine the borders of the constituent states are also included in the difficult issues. He noted that the map could be discussed only if there is progress for an agreement, because this creates difficulties in the every-day life and influences the economic life.

Giving an example on the agreements and the disagreements between the two sides, Mr Talat said: There is an agreement that there will be two assemblies, but there is a difference on the issue of how the election to these assemblies will be taking place. Or there is an agreement on the issue of the political equality, but there is no full agreement on how this will be implemented.

Referring to the issue of the guarantees and security, Mr Talat stated: During the Annan Plan period this was almost the only issue on which the sides agreed. The Greek Cypriots did not even bring this issue onto the agenda then. However, in the period after the plan they tried to present it as if it is the number one problem. Former President Papadopoulos started to put it forward as an important point of disagreement because he knew that changing the guarantees is difficult. This stance continued after that as well. That is, this is an artificial problem.

On the issue of the rotating presidency Mr Talat said that there is no agreement, but President Christofias stated he accepts in principle that there will be rotating presidency and put forward the positions of the sides on the issue of the terms. Responding to a question, Mr Talat said he did not confirm the information published in the Greek Cypriot press on this issue.

He then reiterated his warnings regarding the manipulative information published in the Greek Cypriot press and claimed that the Turkish Cypriot press should be careful especially during the negotiating process.

Mr Talat argued also that during the past few years disintegration, alienation and a problem of identity exists in the Turkish Cypriot community and expressed his concern over the fact that this situation may cause a weakness during the solution process.

Giving examples on this issue, Mr Talat referred to the fact that the Turkish Cypriots are taking passports of the Republic of Cyprus and have come to the situation of challenging Turkey by saying I will enter [Turkey] with identity card and exit with a passport of the Republic of Cyprus.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriots are questioning even the practices and the laws in Turkey on this issue and that a Turkish Cypriot party leader said that you are doing this so that our people issue a TRNC passport, Mr Talat added: Of course I am not against taking passports, but saying that I am forced to do it and I am taking it because of the isolations is something else than making this a source of pride. Is it not known that this and similar issues are used against us in our struggle for lifting the isolations?

Giving further examples about this communal disintegration, Mr Talat said that some Turkish Cypriot newspapers publish announcements by Greek Cypriot firms and even by some ministries of the Republic of Cyprus. Describing this as very serious identity problem, Mr Talat claimed: You understand this only from the telephone numbers underneath. When that newspaper of ours publishes this, it does not face any problem of identity, will and belief. Or a trade union leader complains about the TRNC to the Greek Cypriot administrators. And this is regarded to be normal. The newspapers are making news out of this without questioning it. Even his association does not question this trade union leader. If these approaches are correct, it means that there is no separate administration, will and people in the North. There is also no need for a referendum on the solution and not even need for a solution. And if these stances are correct, what are we striving for? We should say to the Greek Cypriot side come and you administrate us.

The Turkish Cypriot leader said that they agreed with President Christofias to meet on 11 September after their meeting on the 3rd of the same month, but they have not established whether their meetings will be taking place once a week or if they will be meeting more frequently. Mr Talat said that the technical committees and the working groups will continue their work during the negotiating process and they could discuss every issue after demand by the leaders.

Asked whether he believes that there could be a result from the talks and if there is the necessary environment for a solution, Mr Talat replied: The ground, the material is ready. The negotiations regarding the Annan Plan lasted 1.5 months, because the material was ready. Now it is more ready. The Annan Plan may not be on the table, but it is in the bag. There is also the Ghali Set of Ideas etc. There is a lot of material. I believe that we will achieve important progress by the end of the year and that a solution will be reached the latest in the beginning of 2009. Do not say that this period is short. If a solution is to be found, this will be an early one. If it is protracted to a long period of time, the possibility of breaking down and collapsing increases.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (04.08.08) refers to the statements of Mr Talat under the title The most difficult is the property.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (04.08.08) refers to the issue under the title Property and territory thorn.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (04.08.08) publishes Talats statements under the title He is spinning a yarn.

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (04.08.08) writes that Talat is worried.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Sozcu newspaper (04.08.08) covers the issue under the title Communal disintegration.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Cumhuriyet daily reports that Ankara is preparing proposals for the solution of the Cyprus problem. The proposal to be presented to the table of negotiations of September 3rd

Following the finalization of the comprehensive negotiations in Cyprus, Ankara and the TRNC have started plans studies on the issue of the administrative form of the new federal state to be established. The 3 to 1 system was the model which came into prominence, as this was foreseen by the Zurich London Agreements. According to this, Ankara and the administration of the TRNC will attempt to convince the Greek Cypriot side to accept the 3 years Greek Cypriot and 1 year Turkish Cypriot presidential model in the direction of the federal presidential system. During the time when the one side will hold its term presidency, the other side will hold the vice presidency.

After the date of September 3rd for the comprehensive negotiations in Cyprus was set, the Turkish side has started its preparations to present at the table during the meetings concrete studies on the issue. It was noted, that the studies are having as a basis the Zurich London Agreements on the form of the administration, yet, a great part of these are based on the Annan Plan.

According to this, the presidency of the Federal State of the Republic of Cyprus will be held for three years by a Greek Cypriot president and for one year by a Turkish Cypriot president, following the presidential elections which will be held by the founding provinces of the state. At the time when the President will be Turk, a Greek Cypriot will be the Vice-president and vise versa.

In the Annan Plan it was foreseen that a presidential council be formed to head the federal state. The presidential council would have been composed of six Greek Cypriots and three Turkish Cypriots in a ten-month rotating presidency. At the time when the one founding province would hold the presidency, the other founding province would hold the vice-presidency. There would be no veto right in the Council. Therefore and due to the majority of the Greek Cypriot members, the Turkish side would have had a difficulty to pass its demands.

Subtitle: The Greek Cypriots want the opposite

Yet, the Greek Cypriot Administration does not want to accept this stance. According to information acquired from EU sources, the presidency of a Turk is not provided for in the studies of the Greek Cypriot side. The Demetris Christofias administration is going to use the population ratio of 80:20 percent in favor of the Greek Cypriots and to leave to the Turkish side the vice-presidency only. That is why it is stressed that a great difficulty will be created during the time of the negotiations.

One other disagreement which arose in the agenda of Mehmet Ali Talat Christofias meeting on July 25th was the founding structure of a new state. The Turkish side foresees the formation of the Federal State of the Republic of Cyprus by the two founding states. The Greek Cypriot sector is defending that it is sufficient enough to make an amendment to its own Constitution for passing to the new system.

(ML)

[03] Contradictory information regarding the meeting of the self-styled football federation with FIFA

The paper writes that the International Football Federation (FIFA) has taken a decision which will give the possibility to the TRNC National Team and the teams in the TRNC Football League to play friendly football matches with teams from foreign countries. The chairman of the self-styled Turkish Cypriot football federation Omer Adal confirmed this news, reports Star Kibris and adds, inter alia, the following:

The delegation headed by the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation, Omer Adal has completed its contacts in Zurich. The International Football Federation (FIFA) has taken a decision which will give the possibility to the TRNC National Team and the teams in the TRNC Football League to play friendly football matches with teams from foreign countries. The decision was officially announced the day before yesterday to the TRNC Football Federation. Adal, who confirmed the news with a statement made to Star Kibris, noted that after he returns to the island he will convey the issue to the necessary political officials and that they should reply to FIFAs proposal until 15 September.

Subtitle: Omer Adal: We will convey it to political officials

In a statement to Star Kibris the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Football Federation, Omer Adal said: FIFA is very moderate and very tolerant. They also want to solve this problem. Adal confirmed the news that the possibility for us to play friendly matches is given among the proposals of FIFA and said the following: We discussed the issue and its details. Until 15 September we will inform them about our views regarding the submitted proposal. After returning to the Island we will convey the proposals to the necessary political officials and the clubs.

Subtitle: Greek Cypriot obstacle to Cetinkaya

With this decision of FIFA and UEFA the TRNC teams will be given the possibility of playing matches with the national and local teams of the countries of the world. The decision will at the same time be tantamount to implicit recognition of the TRNC by FIFA and UEFA. .

Meanwhile referring to the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (04.08.08) reports that Omer Adal, chairman of the self-styled Turkish Cypriot Football Federation, who has recently met with FIFA officials and returned to the island the day before yesterday, is meeting today with Ontac Duzgun and Hasan Ercakica, responsible of the self-styled prime ministry for sports and the advisor of Mr Talat respectively. Under the title Adal is meeting with the advisors, the paper writes, inter alia, the following: Omer Adal who stated that he would meet with politicians and discuss the proposals of FIFA, said that the issue of playing even one friendly match was not included in the proposals submitted by FIFA, but he could not make any further statement on the issue.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Alpay Durduran stated that the Turkish Cypriots have no political will, because they are not free

In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Durduran said, inter alia, the following: Those, who say that because permission was given to vote on the Annan Plan we have gained the right of referendum, because they accepted that we are a people who have the right of self-determination, wanted to be accepted as a separate state. They were wrong and no one indulged them. The structure of the population has changed so much that it cannot be accepted any more as the will of the Cypriots. Those who say that 20.000 or 50.000 persons will soon be given the citizenship are informing us about what will happen to us. Describing a voting as an expression of will, cannot be compatible with the good will. If there is someone who believes this, he is either a fool or he has bad intentions. A population has been created who should abandon the country if an agreement is reached and it will be told to vote and accept its destiny. There is a great difference between the voting on the Annan Plan and today.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkish Cypriot organizations issue joint statement on Cyprus problem

A group of 16 non-governmental organizations, trade unions and civil society organizations have expressed their continued support to any steps to be taken towards a settlement and the reunification of the island.

The group of 16 which includes several trade unions and chambers issued a joint statement today expressing their contentment with the agreement reached by the two leaders on a federal basis for a solution.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ahmet Kaptan, President of the Cyprus Turkish Civil Servants Union reminded that a United Federal Cyprus was the solution formula envisaged by the Annan Plan which had received the approval of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Kaptan called on all those who wanted a solution to take steps in support of comprehensive negotiations set to begin on the 3rd of September and the agreement of principle agreed by the two leaders.

Explaining that both sides had to stop trying to blame each other for the Cyprus Conflict, the KTAMS President said that 30 years had already been wasted in doing that.

He said neither Turkish Cypriots nor Greek Cypriots had the luxury of wasting another 30 years deciding as to which side was wrong or right in the conflict.

Also touching upon recent developments on the domestic front, Kaptan said the recent price hikes proved that a stable economy in North Cyprus cannot be achieved in the absence of a political settlement to the Cyprus Problem.

A great number of problems are being experienced in education, health, the economy and other aspects of social life.all as a result of the ongoing non-solution of the Cyprus Problem, he said.

The only way to rid workers of their problems is through peace and solution he added.

[06] Turkish Foreign Ministry reiterates its stance on Cyprus

A spokesman with the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Friday that Turkey retained its supportive position for peace negotiations on Cyprus, which are expected to bring Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders to table early September.

There is no change in our position and we are supporting the September 3rd process. We have always said the problem could be solved on the basis of a new partnership which would be based on political equality of the two communities, the principle of a bi-zonal state and equal status of the two founder states, Burak Ozugergin told a weekly press briefing.

The spokesman also said the Foreign Ministry and the Turkish General Staff worked closely and in cooperation on the Cyprus issue.

[07] Russia appoints permanent representative in the OIC. OIC to open office in Brussels

Kamil Iskhakov, the incoming permanent representative for Russia in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), has expressed the desire to present Islam as a religion that has nothing to do with terror.

Speaking to reporters after presenting his credentials to OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in Istanbul on Saturday, Iskhakov explained that terror has no religion. There is no provision for terror in the Quran or in any other holy book.

Ihsanoglu welcomed the appointment and said, This shows the importance of the OIC as a global player. Both Russia and the US have permanent representatives with the OIC. Ihsanoglu noted that the organization will open offices in Brussels in the coming days and brought to mind that they had appointed an envoy to their new office in Baghdad several weeks ago. The head of the OIC office in Baghdad, Ambassador Hamid Eltinay, will be in country next week to launch the operation and assume his duties.

Iskhakov served as mayor of Kazan for 15 years and then was appointed in 2005 as the presidential envoy of former Russian President Vladimir Putin to the far eastern district. Iskhakov was responsible for development of Russia's far eastern regions and Transbaikalia. Iskhakov has now been named by President Dmitry Medvedev to oversee the development of relations between Russia and the 57-member OIC.

[08] AKP Assembly seats decreased to 339

Justice and Development (AK) Party Istanbul parliamentarian Osman Yagmurdereli passed away early on Saturday.

Yagmurdereli had been under treatment at Kadikoy Acibadem Hospital for a while due to bowel cancer.

Yagmurdereli was born in northern province of Trabzon on February 6th, 1953. He was graduated from Music Department of Gazi University. He was also a film producer.

After death of Yagmurdereli, the distribution of seats at Parliament changed as follows;

AKP : 339

CHP : 98

MHP : 70

DTP : 21

DSP : 13

ODP : 1

BBP : 1

Ind. : 4

Vacant : 3

Total : 550

(CHP-Republican People's Party, MHP-Nationalist Movement Party, DTP-Democratic Society Party, DSP-Democratic Left Party, ODP-Freedom and Solidarity Party, BBP-Grand Unity Party, Ind-Independent)

[09] A suspect for Guzelyurtlu family murder in 2005 was found dead

(I/Ts.)

[10] Gul: The right thing to do is to take initiatives for a settlement just as in 2004

President Abdullah Gul urged the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, to revive the reform process aimed at aligning the country with the democratic norms of the European Union, days after the party narrowly escaped closure by the top court.

Integration with the EU is state policy and a strategic decision. But it cannot run at an idle speed. [The process] should be hastened, Gul said in an interview with Hasan Cemal, a columnist from daily Milliyet, over the weekend.

Turkey wasted nearly two years with domestic political turmoil, which caused a dramatic slowdown in full membership negotiations with the EU.

We should take on the EU target with determination. The reform process cannot be in tatters. There is a need to focus Turkey on the EU target and put it in a comprehensive reform process. A reform campaign should be launched, Gul told Milliyet.

A former AKP foreign minister, Gul underlined the need for the contribution of all political parties, nongovernmental organizations and other important actors of society. Everybody mentions the same things, like democracy, the rule of law and freedoms. But when it comes to meeting the EU criteria and their implementation, some of them wriggle out That's why a whole reform campaign is a must, he explained.

On the subject of the Cyprus talks, Gul was clear that the government should continue to take the lead in encouraging Turkish and Greek Cypriots to reach a compromise for a lasting and fair solution. We should avoid accumulating problems. We will surely not sacrifice our interests, but instead of defending the status quo, the right thing to do is to take initiatives for a settlement just as in 2004, he said.

Cyprus is one of the most important problems Turkey faces on its way to the EU. Eight negotiation chapters out of 35 were suspended by the EU Commission in 2006 when Turkey refused to open its ports and airports to Greek Cypriot ships and aircraft.

A new peace process was launched between the parties in late July, and direct talks will be resumed Sept. 5.

Speaking on another foreign policy dossier, which includes a potential landmark visit by the president to Yerevan for a national football match between Turkey and Armenia, Gul did not disclose his decision whether to go to the neighbouring country.

We are evaluating this, Gul said, in a separate interview with daily Sabah over the weekend. We have no feelings of hostility toward Armenia ... but the problems cannot be settled just by Turkey's efforts. They also have responsibilities, Gul said.

According to the president, a peaceful solution to the problem requires an overall recognition of the territorial integrity of each country in the region, alluding to Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijan's territories since the mid-90s.

In his interview with daily Milliyet, the president also touched on the recent ruling of the top court on the closure case and gave recommendations to all political actors.

Everybody, all of us, needs to engage in self-criticism and show empathy to others ... The country is tired, Gul underlined. But while cooling down, we must not forget that there are fences to be mended, he added. Gul, a former AKP member who is now neutral by law, said Turkey's secular democratic system was deep-rooted but called for more efforts to heal political divisions. No one must interfere in the lifestyle of others ... We can eradicate the existing concerns together, he said.

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[11] From the Turkish Press of 01, 02 and 03 August 2008

Reaction to Court Ruling on AKP:

In Taraf (01.08.08) columnist Yasemin Congar makes an analysis of the Constitutional Court's decision not to close down the Justice and Development Party, (AKP), saying that "an attempt to cancel the results of the general election that was held on 22 July 2007 through a judicial coup has been prevented at the last moment." Noting that the court ruling has created an "opportunity for the AKP to make a new start," Congar says in her article that the party has to show its strong political will for the solution of the Ergenekon case to be able to strengthen its position in the country. She warns the ruling party against the opposition's call for compromise, saying that that will prevent the government from taking the steps that will improve the democracy in the country. She also advises the AKP to pursue an EU policy similar to the one it implemented from 2003 to 2005. The writer goes on to stress that the AKP will be able to "extend its political life" if it manages to change Turkeys' official policies on Cyprus and Armenia and adopt a civilian constitution.

In Hurriyet (01.08.08) Ferai Tinc asserts that "the Constitutional Court's decision shows that Turkey is capable of solving its political crisis through democratic means." However, she says that the speech the prime minister delivered after the announcement of the ruling showed that he is inclined to ignore the serious warning made by the Court. Erdogan should have talked in a "more modest tone" while commenting on the ruling, she adds. Noting that foreign circles are trying to understand the strategy to be pursued by the AKP from now on, she says that it is difficult to estimate whether the party will maintain the EU process and adopt the necessary reforms or prefer to implement populist policies to increase its votes on the eve of the local elections.

A column by Hasan Cemal in Milliyet (01.08.08) lauds the court ruling, saying that it obstructed a "judicial coup attempt" by deciding not to close down the AKP. He asserts that "it is now Erdogan's responsibility to open a new era of stability and compromise." He urges the prime minister to correctly interpret the ruling and take certain steps to remove the concerns of secular circles. Stressing that the government has to focus on Turkey's "real agenda" now, Cemal urges the AKP to adopt the necessary legal reforms, to step up the EU process, to implement "courageous" policies on Cyprus and Armenia, and launch a new initiative for the solution of the Kurdish issue.

In an article entitled "It is not easy to be a model country", in Yeni Safak (01.08.08) columnist Fehmi Koru asserts that thanks to the Constitutional Court's ruling not to shut down the AKP, Turkey retains its character as a "model country" that demonstrates that religion and democracy can coexist.

Questioning whether the prime minister will learn the necessary lessons from the court verdict in an article in Hurriyet (02.08.08), Tufan Turenc believes that he will not. Referring to the speech Erdogan made two days ago to the effect that his party is not the focal point of any anti-secular activities and that the government will continue on its path, Turenc writes: "One can see that the prime minister does not intend to change, or to draw lessons from the court ruling." Warning those who expect everything to return to normal in the country in the aftermath of the court ruling, the writer forecasts further tension and crises in Turkey. Arguing that the AKP's forthcoming project is to seize the universities, Turenc predicts that with this project the religious orders will be sovereign in universities and that peace and tranquillity in these institutions will come to an end.

EG/

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