Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 08-08-18

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

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Nami said the biggest part of the 3 September meeting will be ceremonial

[02] Thirty thousand properties illegally sold in the occupied areas since 2004

[03] Soyer said YAGA will organize a seminar in Britain regarding the British business world

[04] The ferryboat line between the occupied port of Famagusta and the Syrian port of Latakia is continuing

[05] More illegal immigrants from Syria were arrested in the occupied areas

[06] The foundation of the 3rd phase of the occupied Lefkosia -Morphou main road was laid

[07] Suspected criminal on the Interpol wanted list prepares to reenter into politics in the occupied area

[08] Yonluers eyes on the UBP

[09] Historical monuments in the occupied Famagusta lack of good upkeep

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in Sabah draws a parallel between South Ossetia and the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus

[11] From the Turkish Press of 15, 16 and 17 August 2008

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Nami said the biggest part of the 3 September meeting will be ceremonial

Asked to comment on information published in the Greek Cypriot press that the issue of the governance will be discussed during the first meeting between the two leaders, Mr Nami said that this was a proposal of the Turkish side and expressed his satisfaction about the fact that this was generally accepted.

When he was reminded of the statement reportedly made by President Christofias that it is a precondition for occupied Morfou to be returned under Greek Cypriot administration, Mr Nami replied that the Greek Cypriots may have such a demand. He added that these issues will be discussed during the substantial negotiations and that the Turkish side will put its positions onto the table then.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Thirty thousand properties illegally sold in the occupied areas since 2004

Since the birth of the Annan Plan in 2004, no less than 30,000 foreigners have bought properties in the TRNC, mostly by English citizens.

The new centre of attraction for investment by foreigners is Cyprus. It has been revealed that almost 30,000 foreigners bought a property in Cyprus after the Annan Plan was discussed in 2004. The owner of Cyprus Beylerbeyi Estate Ltd., head of the Union of the Real-Estate Agents, Hasan Sungur stated that the foreigners purchased 30,000 properties, and added:

They are mostly from England, Germany, Netherlands, Iceland and Iran. The Russians are preparing to enter the market as well. There are not so many buyers from Turkey.

Though there were intense sales of land and houses between 2003 and 2008 in Cyprus, there has been a decrease recently, said Sungur.

Subtitle: The Israelis are also investing

Whilst noting that it is possible to ascertain the amount of foreigner property buyers by checking the subscribed electricity counters, Sungur emphasized: The residents of Cyprus are not usually buying properties.

They prefer to buy houses in Lefkosia or Famagusta. According to the subscribed electricity counters, approximately 30,000 foreigners bought properties in TRNC in the last 4 years.

He emphasized that the Israelis are mostly interested in investment business.

Subtitle: The Turks seek cheap land

Sungur explained that the Turkish buyers prefer tourism towns in Southern Turkey instead of Cyprus. Sungur said: The number of buyers from Turkey is less than 2,500. We need to attract customers from Turkey.

Subtitle: Prices will increase 5 times when the dispute is solved

Hasan Sungur said that the cheapest land in the Mediterranean area is sold in TRNC, while the prices are too high in South Cyprus since there is a shortage of land.

Highlighting that the value of land in the TRNC will significantly increase after the Cyprus Dispute is solved, Sungur said that the prices may increase 4 or 5 times.

[03] Soyer said YAGA will organize a seminar in Britain regarding the British business world

Replying to the accusations of the National Unity Party (UBP) against his government, Mr Soyer argued that thanks to the policy of openings followed by the CTP, the Turkish Cypriots have come to the point of meeting with the world. He added: If we want to play a role in the future of the island, we should produce policies regarding the future. The policies which are aimed at saving the day always put the Turkish Cypriot people into a difficult situation. This government has never followed a policy in order to save the day and it will never do this.

Mr Soyer argued that since the year 2003, serious developments have been experienced in the relations between the Turkish Cypriot people and Germany, but alleged that this is not enough. He said that especially the left parties in Germany are providing serious support to the Turkish Cypriots. (I/Ts.)

[04] The ferryboat line between the occupied port of Famagusta and the Syrian port of Latakia is continuing

According to the ministry, within this framework 204 tourists from Syria arrived at the occupied areas of Cyprus last Thursday. The ministry said that within the framework of agreements made by travel agents, many more Syrians will visit the occupied areas of Cyprus. It also noted that the citizens of the breakaway regime can visit Syria for vacations without acquiring a visa. The ministry argued that the ferryboat line is very important both from the point of view of the promotion of the occupied areas of Cyprus and the development of the economic, cultural and social relations between the breakaway regime and Syria.

(I/Ts.)

[05] More illegal immigrants from Syria were arrested in the occupied areas

Meanwhile the paper writes that the dead body of an 18 year-old Syrian, named Jumaa Aljumaa, was found on 14 August at the shore of occupied Trikomo village. Aljumaa was drowned in his effort to enter illegally the occupied areas of Cyprus, notes Halkin Sesi.

(I/Ts.)

[06] The foundation of the 3rd phase of the occupied Lefkosia -Morphou main road was laid

The foundation of the 3rd phase of the Lefkosia -Morphou main road was laid with a ceremony yesterday.

Turkish Minister of Transport Binali Yildirim attended the foundation laying ceremony together with Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer.

Speaking there, the Turkish Minister said that roads are important infrastructures for the development and prosperity of a country, promising that Turkey will do all it can to complete the construction of the road before 2010.

Pointing to the ongoing cooperation between Turkey and the TRNC on transportation and communication, Binali Yildirim said his countrys policy is to carry out the same standard of work in the Republic as it does in Turkey.

For his part, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer pointed to the important economic, political and democratic developments in Turkey and said all these developments enable Turkey to provide stability against events around her.

He also added that economic development of the TRNC will be the main point that would provide equality between the two sides in Cyprus.

Meanwhile the Turkish Minister also visited the Girne [occupied Keryneia] ring-road, the Bafra region [occupied Vokolida] and Dipkarpaz [occupied Rizokarpaso].

Mr. Yildirim left the Republic today upon the completion of his contacts.

[07] Suspected criminal on the Interpol wanted list prepares to reenter into politics in the occupied area

Star Kibris adds that people think that Kenan Akin could be able to enter into the self-styled assembly, during the next so-called elections.

(MHY)

[08] Yonluers eyes on the UBP

(AK)

[09] Historical monuments in the occupied Famagusta lack of good upkeep

According to the paper, historical places in Famagusta, like Hendek (Ditch), the Bugday Cami, the 28 Mehmet Celebi´s Tomb, and St. Francis Church are in a very bad condition since they are full of rubbish, collapsed stones and grazes. The paper writes that the distressing situation of the historical monuments is a bad propaganda for tourism in the occupied areas.

(AK)

[B] COMMENTARIES, EDITORIALS AND ANALYSIS

[10] Columnist in Sabah draws a parallel between South Ossetia and the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus

Referring to reports published in the Russian press which have described South Ossetia as identical to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Erdal Safak notes that the war in South Ossetia has opened a new era for the unrecognized states in the world. In order to support his parallelism and allegations, Erdal Safak gives emphasis on three reasons:

1 - The Georgian President Saakasvili, who came into power after the Revolution of Roses, has attacked to South Ossetia in order to abolish its administration, as in 1974 Nikos Sampson came into power after the coup against President Makarios.

2 Russia has intervened in South Ossetia in order to abolish the danger of massacres against the Russian citizens. In 1974, the then Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said We are carrying out a landing operation in Cyprus in order to save the people from our race.

3 The legitimacy of the Russian intervention was based on the Peace keeping force mission given by the United Nations Security Council. The intervention in the island was based on the right of Turkeys guarantorship, alleged Mr Safak.

As a conclusion, Erdal Safak predicts that the developments in the Caucasus will have an effect on the Cyprus problem and writes that these developments will force the Greek Cypriots to be in favour of a compromise in the Cyprus talks to begin next month. Besides, the war in South Ossetia has opened a new era for unrecognized states in the world", Safak concludes.

(ML)

[11] From the Turkish Press of 15, 16 and 17 August 2008

a) Iranian President's visit to Turkey and Turkish-Iranian Gas Deal

Vatan correspondent Ozer Ozbayraktar (15.08.08), reports on the failure to sign a natural gas agreement under the headline "The US Wish Came True, Gas Agreement Postponed." According to his report, no statement was issued as to the reason why the talks lasted so long, information was received that there were some hitches with regards to the gas agreement, the report adds. On the issue, a report in Hurriyet (16.08.08), argues that the US intervention torpedoed a gas agreement that was to be signed during Iranian President Ahmadinezhad's visit to Istanbul. A Western diplomat is quoted as having said that Turkey pledged not to sign any major energy deals with Iran in exchange for Washington's blessing for Ahmadinezhad's visit.

Assessing Prime Minister Erdogan's surprise visit to Moscow and Ahmadhinezhad's visit to Istanbul from an economic point of view in an article in Milliyet (15.08.08), Gungor Uras believes these "renewed relations" will facilitate Turkeys natural gas trade with Russia, as well as Turkeys exports to that country. Focusing on Iranian President Ahmadinezhad's visit to Istanbul, Uras says: "Irrespective of its regime, and its relations with the United States and Israel, we cannot sever our relations with Iran. Iran is on the historic trade path of Anatolia." We should bear in mind that the economic relations we might establish with Iran might not be bear fruit, the writer argues, reminding the reader that despite the 10 billion cubic meter gas agreement signed with Iran, Turkey was hardly able to purchase only 6 billion. Enumerating the various projects being planned with Iran, Uras sums up Turkey's expectations from Iran as follows: "A 'promise' to be obtained from the Iranian president in his current visit that the 10 billion cubic meter gas agreement will be implemented without hitches and that the development of trade relations will receive support are important. Any other development in the economic field seems impossible for the time being."

In her column in Hurriyet (15.08.08), Ferai Tinc assesses Iranian President Ahmadinezhad's visit to Istanbul, pointing out that the expectations of Iran and Turkey from this visit are different. Iran wants to show to the world that it has good relations with its strong neighbour, Turkey, at a time when the walls of isolation are being raised higher. As for Turkey, it is expected to convey to Iran the seriousness of Western intentions and to ask that Iran exert efforts toward conciliation.

Commenting on Iranian President Ahmadinezhad's visit to Istanbul in his column in Vatan (15.08.08), Gungor Mengi maintains that Iran is well aware that Turkey needs Iran to conduct its relations with the Caspian basin, to safeguard its links to Central Asia, and to play its role as the energy corridor. Taking advantage of this need, Iran is trying to show to the world through this Istanbul visit that it is strong enough to overcome the isolation being imposed upon it, Mengi notes, adding that, however, Turkey's friendship should not be taken for granted. Iran should clearly be told that Turkey will not support its "nuclear defiance," Mengi writes, adding that "Ahmadinezhad should go home today certain that Turkey cannot be persuaded to an Iran with nuclear weapons."

In an article in Radikal (15.08.08), Turker Alkan views Ahmadinezhad's visit to Istanbul as part of the efforts aimed at taking measures against a possible US-Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Speculating that such an attack might further increase the militant anti-West inclinations in Iran, Alkan declares that one must expect these anti-Western circles in Iran to blame Turkey for such an attack arguing that Turkey is a NATO member, that it is conducting accession talks with the EU, and that it has close relations with both the United States and Israel. Pointing out that Iran's nuclear capability will render Turkey restless in the long run, Alkan calls on Turkey to develop its air defence systems and, if this measure is deemed insufficient, to manufacture its own nuclear weapons. In conclusion, Alkan calls on Ahmadinezhad to abandon its dreams of wiping Israel off the map and manufacturing nuclear weapons.

According to a report by Ugur Ergan in Hurriyet (16.08.08), President Gul has warned Iranian President Ahmadinezhad that the United States might launch an attack against his country and has called on his counterpart to accept the package put forth by Germany.

Assessing the results of Ahmadinezhad's two-day visit to Istanbul in an article in Milliyet (16.08.08), Sami Kohen says that from the Iranian point of view Ahmadinezhad has shown that he can puncture the isolation the West is trying to impose on his country by visiting a NATO member. Furthermore, this visit has given him the opportunity to gain time with regards to the nuclear program. As for Turkey, by hosting Ahmadinezhad despite the opposition of the West the government has shown to the world that it can act independently if required when it comes to its interests. Pointing out that Turkish and Iranian interests call for the development of bilateral relations, Kohen stresses the need for Turkey to fine tune its diplomacy in order to develop its relations with Iran while maintaining its crucial relations with all the countries Iran is busy defying.

In an article in Sabah (16.08.08), Meliha Okur argues that the US refusal to include Iran in the Nabucco project led to the failure of a Turkish-Iran gas deal. Noting that the United States was the party that benefited from the Ahmadinezhad visit, Okur stresses that the partial embargo being imposed on Iran is continuing and that Turkey will have to postpone its plans to open up to Eurasia via Iran because of this embargo.

In an article entitled "Problems with Iran remain under the carpet," Milliyet columnist Serpil Yilmaz (17.08.08) highlights commercial and economic problems which the visiting Iranian President discussed with Turkish businessmen and says that existing problems could not be resolved during the visit.

b) Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform / Erdogan's Visit to Moscow

Assessing the Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform brought up by Prime Minister Erdogan during his visits to Russia and Georgia in an article in Milliyet (15.08.08), Sami Kohen argues that it might seem a bit "premature" to raise such a project when the current priority should be to enforce the cease-fire and to prevent the Caucasus crisis from escalating. Pointing out that the project of a Caucasian Stability Pact was first brought up by former President Suleyman Demirel in 1999, the writer recalls that this project was then shelved when Demirel was no longer in office and Turkey missed the chance to play a significant role in the Caucasus because "continuity could not be secured in state policies." Noting that Armenia and Azerbaijan and Russia and Georgia have to cast aside their current enmities to be able to take part in this project, Kohen concludes by saying that "this proposal seems like an illusion given the current murky atmosphere."

Taraf columnist Yasemin Congar (15.08.08), on the other hand, assesses Erdogan's Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Project as a "platform that will open the path to rendering peace sovereign in the region" as explained by the prime minister himself. In an article, Congar expresses the belief that even Saakashvili and Putin cannot object to such a move. Welcoming the project although it is not yet fleshed out, Congar argues that for this plan to work, steps should be taken toward normalizing relations between Turkey and Armenia, adding that the timing and the atmosphere are conducive to taking such steps. Recalling the invitation Armenia extended to President Gul to watch the Turkish-Armenian soccer match in Yerevan, Congar interprets Armenia's gesture not to impose a visa requirement on Turkish citizens who will come to Yerevan for the match as a move aimed at facilitating Gul's decision to visit Yerevan. Congar believes that during his visit to Baku next week, Erdogan will not only explain the Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Project to Aliyev but will also stress the importance of initiating a new and regional dialogue for the solution of the Karabakh problem.

Radikal columnist Ismet Berkan, in an article on 15 August 2008, views the consequences of the war initiated by Georgian President Saakashvili and writes that a new situation has arisen in the region whereby Russia carries more weight. Arguing that this new situation might prompt Armenia to reconsider its relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, Berkan says that Armenia might want to establish closer ties with Russia. Pointing out that Azerbaijan might also be forced to review its relations with Russia, Berkan cautions that as a result Turkey might be farther away from the Central Asian gas and oil projects. Calling on Ankara to accept these new realities and to formulate its policies accordingly, Berkan argues that the Caucasus Pact no longer has any meaning because it was originally put forth in a bid to curb Russia's influence, adding that it is too late for that.

Assessing the shifting balances as a result of the Caucasus war in an article in Ortadogu (15.08.08), Ali Oncu views both the positive and negative effects of these developments on Turkey. On the one hand the end of a single-pole world strengthens Turkey's strategic position, while on the other, this shift might affect Turkey's oil and natural gas interests in the region, Oncu writes. Predicting that the Turkish monetary markets will not be affected by the Caucasus developments, Oncu views a possible US-Russian confrontation in the region as highly unlikely. He concludes by speculating on the consequences of a possible Turkish arms support for Georgia, saying that such a move might prompt Russia to support the PKK via Armenia in the future.

Stressing the need for a new plan to enable Turkey to become an energy corridor in the aftermath of the Georgian-Russian clash in the Caucasus, Referans columnist Erdal Saglam (15.08.08) urges Turkey to well assess the balances in the region from the viewpoint of its long-term interests and to take initiatives in shaping the new balances. Underlining that Russia has taken a significant step in acquiring a large share of the Caucasian energy sources and their distribution channels, Saglam believes that Western countries and Turkey might be required to take new steps to create alternative energy sources for themselves. Emphasizing the gaining importance of Iranian and Iraqi energy sources, the writer calls on Turkey to well play its cards.

Describing Prime Minister Erdogan's Moscow-Tbilisi tour and his Caucasus Stability Pact initiative as a "fiasco", Tufan Turenc argues in Hurriyet (16.08.08), that the prime minister bit more than he could chew.

Drawing a parallel between the Russian occupation of Georgia and the US occupation of Iraq in an article in Vatan, Okay Gonensin argues that Turkey's interest in the Caucasus developments should not be only "theoretical," and continues: "Some of those who can now say 'forget about the territorial integrity of Serbia, Iraq, Georgia' can tomorrow say 'forget about Turkey's territorial integrity.'" The common characteristic of countries whose territorial integrities have been violated is their incapacity to resolve ethnic problems through democratic processes, Gonensin argues, adding that one cannot observe the Balkans, Iraq, and Georgia without considering the lack of progress in the Kurdish issue in Turkey.

In an article entitled "Are we talking on our behalf?" Milli Gazete columnist Abdulkadir Ozkan (16.08.08) analyzes the conflict in the Caucasus and Turkey's diplomatic efforts. He also accuses the United States of interfering in Turkish-Iranian relations and trying to create disputes between the two countries. Drawing attention to press reports claiming that the United States advised Turkey not to sign a new agreement with Iran about natural gas, Ozkan says: "If the new natural gas deal which is expected to be signed with Iran has been postponed due to the United States' advice, then it would not be appropriate to describe the United States as an ally."

EG/

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